2018 High School Football Season Preview

NorthFulton.com | Milton Herald | May 17, 2018 | 1

2018 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

August 16, 2018 | Nor thFulton.com An Appen Media Group Publication

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ON THE COVER: Ridge Polk, Cambridge, Wide Receiver, Senior Photo by Beja Barnett

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Three new coaches to lead local teams

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON/FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — There are far fewer new head coaches in North Fulton and Forsyth County for the 2018 season compared to last year, when seven coaches took over programs. But new faces will be on the sidelines for three area schools.

None of the new program leaders are new to head coach positions, and one is not new to his program. Jeff Pickren returns to lead King’s Ridge after leading the Tigers from 2008-2015. After stepping down following the 2015 season, he soon returned to fill a void left at offensive line coach. He replaces Jimmy Chupp who went 6-14 in his two years at the helm.

In Pickren’s first tenure the Tigers went 23-43. Pickren also began the Mount Pisgah program.

One of the state’s most experienced coaches, Frank Barden, has taken over at St. Francis.

Barden has held a head coach position in the state since 1994 and has led his teams to 189 combined wins, seven region championships and a state title.

After leading Pickens for two seasons,

Tenures for head coaches at current schools for 2018 season Coach School No. of seasons Jeff Pickren King’s Ridge 9 seasons (2008 – 2015, 2018) Jeff Arnette South Forsyth 9th season Tim McFarlin Blessed Trinity 8th season Craig Bennett Cambridge 7th season Al Morrell Fellowship Christian 6th season Mike Forrester Mount Pisgah 6th season Jacob Nichols Alpharetta 5th season Vince Strine Chattahoochee 5th season Louis Daniel Lambert 5th season Frank Hepler Forsyth Central 3rd season Robert Craft North Forsyth 3rd season Terence Mathis Pinecrest Academy 2nd season Michael Perry Centennial 2nd season Matt Helmerich Johns Creek 2nd season James Thomson Northview 2nd season Adam Clack Milton 2nd season Matt Kemper Roswell 2nd season Shawn Cahill West Forsyth 2nd season Terry Crowder Denmark 1st season Frank Barden St. Francis 1st season Barden took the head coach position at Cartersville and spent the next 18 seasons leading the Canes. Cartersville captured seven region titles and the 1999 state championship under Barden

and made the playoffs 11 times.

In 2014 Barden left the Canes to lead Stephens County to a 29-15 overall record and three playoff appearances in four seasons.

Denmark High will be under the guidance of Terry Crowder in its inaugural season.

Crowder led the Chattahoochee program for nine seasons beginning in 2004. Under his direction, the Cougars compiled a 60-40 record, captured two region championships and went 15-0 in 2010 and won the program’s only state championship.

In 2013, Crowder was named the head coach at Creekview. In his five years at the helm, the Grizzlies went 31-22 and earned three trips to the state playoffs.

Several new coaches from 2017 have settled in for their second year.

Milton head coach Adam Clack, Centennial’s Michael Perry and Shawn Cahill of West Forsyth all led their programs to winning seasons last year.

Matt Helmerich of Johns Creek, Northview’s James Thomson, Roswell’s Matt Kemper and Pinecrest Academy’s Terence Mathis will look to build off their initial seasons with their respective programs.

Robert Craft and Frank Hepler, with North Forsyth and Foryth Central, will be in the third year of their tenures this year.

Two local region schedules altered for 2018 season

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON/FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Region 7-AAAA and Region 7-AAAAAA teams will face updated schedules this year after playing the same string of region opponents the past two years.

Two new teams will square off against Blessed Trinity in Region 7-AAAA, including Forsyth County’s Denmark High in its inaugural season.

Also added to the fray is Flowery Branch which joins after playing in Class 5A for the past six seasons and is coming off a 9-3 mark in 2017.

Blessed Trinity and Denmark will meet for the first time on Oct. 15. BT will start its region slate of games against West Hall. In 2016 and 2017, the two teams met in the regular season finale.

Two new teams will square off against Blessed Trinity in Region 7-AAAA, including Forsyth County’s Denmark High in its inaugural season.

No new teams have been added to Region 7-AAAAAA, but when each meets is different from the past two seasons.

Alpharetta and Centennial, who placed first and second in the region last season, will face off in the midseason, a departure from the past two years when they opened against each other in region play.

It’s the same story for Cambridge and Chattahoochee who will now face off in late September. Hooch begins its region schedule against its two crosstown rivals, Northview and Johns Creek.

Northview and Centennial will close out their regular seasons against each other after having squared off in the midseason for the past two years. They faced off in the final week of play in 2014 and 2015.

In Region 4-AAAAAAA, Roswell faces a minor alteration to its schedule and now opens region play against Cherokee. The two teams have met in the latter part of the season for the past seven sea-

sons, including the regular season finale from 2016-17.

Only minor changes were in store for Region 6-A teams and no changes were made to the 5-AAAAAAA slate.

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Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 3

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Football Preview 2018

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Alpharetta’s youth leaves questions for team’s outlook

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta is coming off perhaps its best season in program history, but with the graduation of almost 30 seniors, the Raiders will look to ride the momentum of last season with a host of new faces on the sidelines.

It’s a situation not unfamiliar to the Raiders.

The 2014 and 2017 seasons share an uncanny amount of similarities. In both campaigns, the Raiders were seniorladen.

The regular season began with a loss to Milton but included an undefeated region record and championship. Also in both seasons, the Raiders reached the second round of the playoffs. The major difference between the seasons is the Raiders bested that playoff mark with the program’s first trip to the quarterfinals last year.

But with the graduation of the 2014 senior class, Alpharetta was forced to start a number of underclassmen the following year, resulting in a disappointing 5-5 season, a record the Raiders hope to avoid this year.

“It was not a great season but we were highly competitive and we were in every game,” head coach Jacob Nichols said. “A few bad plays and circumstances cost us to go 5-5 instead of 7-3 or 8-2. But we’ve been here before, and our seniors were freshman at the time.”

Many of those seniors will focus on maintaining Alpharetta’s defensive success of last year where the Raiders allowed an average of just 16 points per game.

Returning in the trenches are senior defensive ends Jack Stanton and Jackson Michaels. Stanton compiled 48 total tackles last season and was second on the team in tackles for loss (14.5) and sacks (8.5) while Michaels had 41 tackles with five sacks.

“I feel like we have the best tandem of defensive ends in this area,” Nichols said. “Both guys are trustworthy and three-year starters. I think our pass rush and our edge should be about as strong as it can be.”

Another three-year starter, Reid Schulz, will lead the Raiders’ linebacker core. Schulz was third on the team in total tackles last season.

PHOTO BY Keith Major/ SportsShooters

Wide receiver Robbie Ruppel will complete his senior season with the Raiders this year. He made 17 receptions for 198 yards with two touchdowns last season.

While Schulz should be a mainstay at linebacker, Nichols said the Raiders have been rotating in multiple players to find their starters but said he is “excited” about his linebacker prospects.

“I think we have the most athleticism at that position as we’ve ever had,” he said. “We are also going to have them be more active than the past and more versatile.”

Senior Division 1 prospect Dane Motley could also make an impact for the Raiders at linebacker, but Nichols said Motley can play just about anywhere on the defense.

“He is one of the more versatile players I’ve seen in high school football in a long time,” Nichols said. “He can play in the box, he can get out of the box and cover space in the flat and he can drop back and play safety. He is a critical piece on defense.”

Some of Alpharetta’s offensive fire-

power returns this year, but the Raiders will still look to first-year starters to make an impact.

With the graduation of three-year starting quarterback Matthew Downing, offseason competition between senior Bailey Stahl and junior Will Gerdes will decide who leads the Raiders offense.

“Both are pocket passers and bring great leadership,” Nichols said. “Gerdes has a little more of an ideal frame at 6-foot-3, and Bailey is new to the game having just started high school football last year. But the distance he has come from last summer to now is remarkable. The stakes are definitely high but the competition is good and keeps them on edge.”

Much of the offensive line will also be fresh faces, with center William Wagner serving as the only returning starter.

However, Nichols said the rest of the line has played a “considerable amount of time” and has made huge strides in the offseason. He also said the line has perhaps the most size the program has seen.

The line will open gaps for returning running back Kevin Watkins who had a strong showing in 2017 while sharing carries with graduated senior Nolan Edmonds.

“He’s a substantial part of our offense,” Nichols said. “He’s a strong runner, a great receiver out of the backfield and makes an impact with his blocking.”

Alpharetta lost its four top receivers to graduation, but senior Robbie Ruppel returns after making key receptions for the Raiders last year. “[Ruppel] is an explosive player and we expect big things from him this year,” Nichols said.

Senior Josh Grant, whom Nichols said is one of the most athletic players on the team, should also serve as a go-to receiver.

With a host of emerging talent, Alpharetta will sport some new schemes in 2018, including an emphasis on players competing on both sides of the ball, more personnel changes throughout the game on offense and a more pressureoriented defense.

As it is every season, the goal is another region title and trip to the playoffs, Nichols said.

“The outlook is unsure because we are so young, and we really don’t know a lot about our region opponents, but I expect us to go out and compete every game and stay right where we are as far as on top of the region and in the playoffs,” Nichols said.

“It is going to take hard work every week, but I think we are capable.”

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Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 5

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Football Preview 2018

New head coach looks to build St. Francis program

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — St. Francis’ football will look to new leadership in 2018 after hiring one of the state’s most experienced coaches to build the still fledgling program.

Frank Barden was named the Knights’ new head coach earlier this year, bringing with him decades of coaching experience. Barden has held a head coach position in the state since 1994 and has led his teams to 189 combined wins, seven region championships and the 1999 state championship.

While St. Francis’ athletics programs have found success in other sports, including multiple boys and girls basketball state titles, the football team has won just nine games in the last three seasons and has yet to earn a berth in the state playoffs.

It is Barden’s goal to build the Knights into a winning program.

“We would love to be good this year and next year, but we really are trying to build a program that has a strong foundation,” Barden said. “We have great kids, great parents, a great school and administration, we are hoping to feed off

PHOTO BY Bill Brown/whitelakestudio.com

St. Francis will be under new leadership in 2018 with experienced head coach Frank Barden tapped to lead to Knights. that and build this program.”

In order to do so, Barden said a key will be increasing participation. The Knights will field just 25 players this year. Barden said conditioning has been a top priority in the offense with most of his team playing both ways.

One player lost from last year’s squad is 2017 starting quarterback, Sam Hines, who is focusing on his basketball career.

Josh Harps-Zhu will lead the Knights’ two-back offense. Barden said the senior has done well in the offseason and has strong leadership abilities.

Sean Paradise will return to the backfield after rushing for 1,533 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

“He has a lot of God-given talent and he is maturing and learning how to take that to the next level,” Barden said.

Harps-Zhu will look to go-to receivers

in junior Zay Wadsworth, Jai Smith and Hunter Jones.

Leading the offensive push is a more experienced unit this year that includes two of the Knights’ five seniors, center Kevin Harper and tackle Cole Reynolds.

“I’m very pleased with how the offensive line is shaping up,” Barden said.

“They were young last year and had to learn by going through the fire, but they have that experience coming back.”

Many of the offensive lineman will also start on the defensive front, including Troy Beasley, Darron Willis and Jakwan Everson. Josh Gil and Ayden Prigoff will lead the linebackers with Harps-Zhu, Smith and Wadsworth in the secondary.

Though he has yet to see much of the Knights’ region competition in action, Barden said he knows the strength of teams in Region 6-A, and it is his goal to put St. Francis in the talks of the region’s top teams.

“It’s going to be a huge challenge to step up to the level those teams are,” he said. “But we want to put a good product on the field, control us, let the season play out and we’ll see what happens.

We’ll give a great effort and see if we can attain some of our goals.”

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Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 7

Pinecrest has ‘nowhere to go but up’ Paladins hungry after winless 2017 campaign

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. — Second-year Pinecrest head coach Terence Mathis said there is nowhere to go but up for the Paladins after their winless 2017 season.

With just five seniors on last season’s roster, a new head coach and completely new offensive and defensive schemes, the Paladins struggled through their first eight games, dropping each of the first five by over 21 points (South Forsyth’s 56-10 win was later deemed a forfeit due to an ineligible player).

“We knew we had to very patient and know that we were going to grow,” Mathis said. “In the final two games of the year we lost in the last two minutes.

We are going to build on that, we are not satisfied with moral victories. These guys are hungry. We have to find a way to get that winning feeling.”

Mathis saw this summer the Paladins are ready to put the last campaign behind them.

“We’ve had a really good off-season, and the guys are flying around and having fun,” the head coach said. “You can kind of tell when we are all on the

same page when guys are excited to go to practice.”

He said there were also those who were skeptical of the changes last season, but this squad is “all in.”

Senior quarterback Ryan DiFazio will continue to lead Pinecrest’s pro-style offense after starting the final two games of last season.

“He has started right back where he left off last year,” Mathis said. “His football IQ is amazing and he is going to be careful with the ball.”

Senior Patrick Sutherland will lead the rushing attack behind an experienced offensive line which replaces just one starter. Sutherland also lines up defensively at inside linebacker.

Much of last year’s talent returns defensively, including 6-foot-2, 230 lb. defensive end Stone Brown.

“He is one of those guys that causes havoc in the backfield,” Mathis said.

The defensive unit will be led by a new coordinator and Mathis said his players are “playing without thinking.”

“That’s what you want,” he said. “You see a defense that is sure of themselves, they fly around the field and are physical. Hopefully we can create some turn-

PHOTO BY Bill Brown/whitelakestudio.com

David Stubbs returns to the Paladins for his senior season. overs with it this year.”

The Paladins will be tested early while seeking their first on-field win since November of 2016. The season opens with a region game against Region 6-A foe Fellowship Christian and a nonregion contest against Mount de Sales.

Both programs reached the playoffs last season.

“We won’t be taking those first two games as a guide,” Mathis said. “We have to come out of the gate fast. The

first impression is lasting.”

Pinecrest will also focus on reaching the top of the 6-A standings and a return to the postseason. Mathis believes his seniors can lead the team to those goals.

“This group has bought in from day one,” he said. “We have strong leadership in our seniors, they have been playing together for a long time, and I think that will play out well for us because they know and trust each other.”

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Football Preview 2018

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Defensive tackle Mark Mason compiled 45 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and two sacks in his junior season with the Knights.

Centennial looks to build off of historic season Offensive firepower returns with QB Max Brosmer

By CONNER EVANS interns@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Second-year coach Michael Perry looks to improve every day after Centennial High School had one of its most successful seasons in program history and won their first playoff game in 15 years.

Centennial started slow last season, dropping their first three games, but won seven straight heading into the playoffs. After their first postseason win since 2002, the Knights fell in the to Mays in a 48-41 shootout.

A big part of Centennial’s success last season was a potent passing offense headlined by returning senior Max Brosmer, who has offers from Ivy League schools going into the fall. “(Brosmer) made mistakes early on but got better and better as the season progressed,” Perry said. “We had to get on him all the time at first, but now he could teach the offense to someone off the street.”

Brosmer was top five in the state in passing yards last fall and will look to continue that success with a receiving core starring sophomore Julian Nixon, who already has D1 offers. They will lean heavily on him and Cal Dickie to make plays in wide receiver Blane Mason’s absence this season, Perry said.

On the other side of the ball, Jack Barton and Max Able return to help lead a defense that was leaky early last year. Able led the team in tackles as a freshman, and now in his junior year, Perry says, he is a leader by example on and off the field.

“Barton led the team in sacks last

season, and I expect him to do the same this year,” Perry said. “I’m looking forward to seeing him do great things.”

The football team has also seen success in bringing on two-sport athletes in the past few seasons, particularly from the school’s talent-rich lacrosse team, which reached the state semi-finals in each of the past two seasons. Nicky Solomon, who will play lacrosse and football at the University of North Carolina, gave the team a spark as one of the best kickers in the state last year, a position Perry said the team still needs to fill.

“I miss the heck out of Nicky Solomon,” he said. “Awesome in every way, and I’ve never seen the kid without a smile on his face.”

This season, lacrosse attackman Ryan Siracusa, will try varsity football for the first time as a slot receiver.

The team returns most of its offensive linemen, including Will Edwards, Matt Willbanks and Brandon McGinnis, whom Perry said will improve on their success last season.

Centennial has a tough schedule early on opening against Northside Warner Robins, then traveling to rival Roswell High School. There are “no cupcakes” this year, Perry said, and that should prepare them for region play.

In his second year as a head coach, Perry is more at ease, and not as much surprises him now, he said.

“The expectation is to be in the present and asking ‘what are we doing right now to get better,’” he said.

After last season, expectations for Centennial football will be higher than ever.

Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 9

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Football Preview 2018

Longhorns look for turnaround season After a rare losing year, Lambert is hungry for more

By CONNER EVANS interns@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Lambert’s region has changed in the last few years and a long stretch of successful seasons ended in 2017, but Coach Louis Daniel sees reason for hope again this year.

Last season ended with a 3-7 campaign, without a home win and with a midseason quarterback change, but with some greater stability under center the Longhorns have a chance to bounce back.

Bobby Gabriel, last season’s starting quarterback, graduated, paving the way for Peyton Rich, who replaced Gabriel late in the year.

“As a sophomore coming in with a senior quarterback that you’re replacing, that’s intimidating,” Daniel said. “He’s handled it a lot better now being slotted in as the number one than he did last year.”

Rich isn’t the dual running-andpassing threat that Gabriel was, but going into his junior season, he has more respect from his teammates and confidence, Daniel said.

The offense will mostly remain the

same, though, with minor adjustments for the offensive line and running game.

Senior running back Jake Rising will be their premier back after losing Marcus Chatelain to graduation. He’ll pair with Zach Ogbogu to put some life back into an offense that got shutout for the first time since 2011 against crosstown rivals South Forsyth.

“Jake and Zach have hardly missed three or four workouts between them this offseason,” Daniel said.

On the other side of the ball, veteran linebackers Chris Taylor and Nathan Smith will be key for their leadership and playmaking abilities. Daniel also pointed out Gallil Guillaume as a difference maker for the Longhorns at defensive end.

Blake Nichols at wide receiver and John Thompson could be X-factors receiving this year, Daniel said. Drew Dockter also returns as an all-purpose threat kicking, punting and running the football.

“We expect big things out of Drew,” Daniel said. “He’s a real leader for us.”

With recent changes in Class AAAAAAA Region 5, he said there are no

PHOTO BY Kevin O’Brien/Split Second Images

Rising senior receiver Blake Nichols had eight receptions for 83 yards with 75 all-purpose yards in 2017. Defensively, he compiled 17 total tackles and an interception. more “gimmies” on the schedule.

“A few years ago our first five games were real tough,” he said. “But as times have changed, I’m not sure the second five aren’t as tough as the first five.”

The region has only gotten stronger as more athletes file into southern Forsyth high schools. With more equal

opponents, Daniel stresses that the season can come down to just a few moments.

“It doesn’t take but a couple of plays here or there to decide a game,” he said.

“You can go from 3-7 to 8-2 with really, realistically, a handful of plays. Let’s compete and see what happens.”

Pickren to lead King’s Ridge in return stint

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — King’s Ridge will have a familiar face leading the program this season with Jeff Pickren back at the helm. Pickren has served on the Tigers’ coaching staff since the program began and was named the first head coach. After leading King’s Ridge from 2008-2015, Pickren stepped down but soon rejoined the team as offensive line coach. He is looking forward to his second tenure as head coach this season.

“It’s been a seamless transition, and right now I’m enjoying coaching football as I ever have,” Pickren said.

The Tigers are still searching for their first winning season and first playoff appearance in their ninth full season.

Pickren said his seniors are hungry and motivated to succeed.

“Our seniors have been through a lot,” he said. “They were 1-9, 4-6 and then 2-8. They really want to have some success.”

The goal this season is to erase the team’s streak of losing seasons and finally take the next step into the postseason.

“I feel like we have a great group of

PHOTO From King’s Ridge

Linebacker and running back Kaleb Harris returns to the Tigers for his senior season after having an impressive showing on both sides of the ball in 2017. kids, and I think that is a legitimate goal for this season,” Pickren said.

In order to reach those marks, the Tigers’ offense will again run the triple option after implementing the scheme ahead of the 2017 season.

Pickren said there were some growing pains with the new system, but with

a year of experience under their belts, the Tigers should be more efficient this season.

“It’s one thing to tell the kids how to do something but it’s another to do it and see it firsthand,” Pickren said.

“And because not a lot of teams we play see the triple option, last year we didn’t quite know what to expect from other teams in how they were going to try and stop it. Now we have a year behind us and we have a feel for how other teams will try and stop us.”

Leading the offense at quarterback is Braxton Chadwick who split starting reps at the position last year.

His father, Hunter, is the offensive coordinator and has implemented the triple option at other schools, giving Braxton a bevy of knowledge of the scheme.

“He’s well-disciplined and is like a coach on the field,” Pickren said.

Multiple rushers will get carries this season, and Pickren is looking to Julian Joseph, Evan Dyer and junior Nick Smith to lead the ground attack.

Opening the running game will be an offensive line with “decent size,” Pickren said.

“One of the biggest things about the

triple option is we don’t have to be the biggest or strongest up front, but we need five guys willing to play under a card table,” he said. “We want them that low.”

The Tigers defense return multiple starters from the 2017 campaign, including 6-foot-2, 195 lb. senior defensive end Kaleb Harris.

“He a big kid, very fast and an excellent tackler,” Pickren said. “He is one of those special athletes that you don’t really have to coach tons.”

Jack Harrell also returns to the defensive front with seniors Christian Smith and William Kurtz at linebacker.

Dyer will play both ways and anchor the secondary at free safety.

“We will base out of a four-man front but you will see multiple looks,” Pickren said. “We are going to see a lot of teams who like to spread it out, and we have to have the ability to get in and out of multiple fronts and coverages.”

The objective to begin the King’s Ridge turnaround will include formidable Region 6-A slate of games.

“We’ve got to compete and do our best,” Pickren said. “I feel like we have a great group of kids and I’m excited to see how they match up.”

Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 11

Gladiators bulk up on experience for 2018 campaign Johns Creek returns 20 starters

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Expectations were high for Johns Creek ahead of its 2017 campaign. The team had just captured its first region title, earned a playoff berth for the first time in five years, and was looking to a new coach with winning pedigree to lead the Gladiators rise to the forefront of 6A football.

But those high expectations were quelled by a disappointing 3-7 season.

And head coach Matt Helmerich said youth was a decisive factor in the unsatisfactory 2017 campaign.

The Gladiators fielded just nine seniors, four of whom had never played football.

“We had a lot of young kids last year, and I hate to say it, but we looked like a JV team out there at times,” Helmerich said. “We made a lot of errors that were caused just by not knowing, and youth really cost us during the season.”

But with 20 returning starters who are bigger, faster, stronger and more experienced this season, Helmerich is confident in his 2018 squad.

Quarterback Zach Gibson will lead the Gladiators offense for his fourth season after throwing for just under 2,000 yards and 13 touchdowns last year.

“This is the first time in 17 years of coaching I’ll have a fourth-year starting quarterback,” Helmerich said. “He can draw our offense up forwards and backwards. He really does have the QB type of mind.”

Another veteran in the backfield is senior running back and Dartmouth commit Nate Hope.

“He’s shifty and strong, brings leadership and toughness and lets his play do the talking,” Helmerich said.

Opening gaps for Hope will be a seasoned offensive line that returns six of its top-seven players from last year, including guard Evan Quinn who was named all-region in his junior campaign.

“We have some experience [on the offensive line],” Helmerich said. “They got a lot of reps last year even though they were undersized and not as experienced as some of the guys they were going up against.”

Though the Gladiators receiving core, which includes Matt Casey, Giovanni Dyer and Yong Ming Lee, all come in under six feet tall, Helmerich said they have speed and great hands.

Johns Creek will continue to run its run-pass option scheme, but Helmerich said some of the concepts have been

PHOTO BY Keith Major/ SportsShooters

Wide receiver Yong Min Lee had 27 receptions for 275 yards with a touchdown last year. He returns to the Gladiators for his junior campaign this season. simplified, and the coaching staff and players are more comfortable with the new focuses.

The defense will employ a new 3-4 scheme this season, which Helmerich said he has run since his days coaching Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas.

“We’ve put in some fun blitz packages and the kids are coming from everywhere,” he said.

Perhaps the strength of the team resides in its front-seven, Helmerich said. That core includes senior defensive tackle and Eastern Michigan commit Aaron Hamilton and middle linebacker John Ross Maye, who Helmerich said has grown extensively in the offseason.

In the secondary, touted Division 1 prospect Neil Ilenrey returns at safety and all-region corner Patrick Taylor is back for his senior campaign.

The Gladiators will learn quickly if their added experience has provided a boon. Their two non-region games will both be played out of state against South Carolina’s Fairfield Central and St. John’s Prep (DC), one of the highestranked teams in national polls. Helmerich said he hopes those games will prepare the Gladiators for the eightgame gauntlet of Region 7-AAAAAA. “It may be a cliché, but it’s truly one game at a time in this region,” Helmerich said. “You can’t take anyone for granted.

If you take your foot off the pedal you are going to slip up in this region.”

With the frustrating 2017 campaign behind them, Helmerich said there are lofty goals for the Gladiators this year.

“We want to win the region championship and host some playoff games,” he said. “And every year our goal is the state championship. Last year we had that in the back of our minds but we knew we were probably a year or two away based on our youth. This year, our goal is to realistically win a state championship and that’s what we’re shooting for. Winning is a habit, but so is losing.

We have to get some wins under our belt before we can take that next step.”

12 | August 16, 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

Football Preview 2018

Foundation set for Titans to improve in 2018 Northview looks to build in Thomson’s second year

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Northview head coach James Thomson said the foundation for the Titans under the current coaching staff was set last year, his first at the helm. Now it’s time to build off that groundwork.

Despite a 2-8 record, the head coach said the 2017 campaign was a good year.

“In high school football you can’t judge a season on wins and losses,” Thomson said. “We laid the foundation and we’re looking to build on that.”

That starts in the summer, and now that his players know the coaching staff, it has been far easier to prepare for the regular season, Thomson said.

“It’s been night and day compared to last year,” he said. “Your second year is always so much smoother. We are moving faster, we are doing more and the expectations have been set. We have had a lot of commitment from the guys, and I think this is one of the best off-seasons I’ve had as a coach.”

The Titans will continue to run their

PHOTO BY Keith Major/ SportsShooters

Will Caylor returns to the Titans for his senior season after leading Northview in rushing yards last year. pro-style offense this year, and with multiple shifts and motions, Thomson said it is vital to have a quarterback who can understand the complicated system.

He has found that in junior Beau Lark.

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While Lark will lead the offense in his first as a starter, running back Will Caylor returns to lead the rushing attack.

Caylor could also share carries with

freshman Marcus Godbey.

Providing holes for the two rushers will be an offensive line mixed with returners and new starters. Thomson said the line still needs work but is coming along.

Senior Mac Bolton returns at receiver after leading the Titans in receptions and receiving yards last year. Junior Travis Buchanan will also be a go-to target, Thomson said.

On the defense, the Titans will be led by defensive back Christian Watson, linebacker Zach Billings, safety Collin Ferguson and defensive lineman Davon Benjamin.

With a mix of new starters and returning players, Thomson has been impressed with the family-like atmosphere of his team.

“We hear that from a lot of teams at camps and things like that, but ours is real,” Thomson said. “They really care about each other.”

The offseason has been spent with an added emphasis on fundamentals.

Thomson said there is no specific outlook for the Titans this year, the focus instead is on constantly refining their play throughout the season.

“Our focus is just getting better each week,” he said. “We’re just going to be working on us.”

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Football Preview 2018

Cambridge to reestablish culture after disappointing season Bears somewhat inexperienced but ‘tough,’ coach says

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — Cambridge head coach Craig Bennett said a strong culture had been established for the Bears program prior to last year. But that waned in the 2017 campaign with the Bears dropping their first five games and ending the season with a 4-6 record.

“I hang a lot of what happened last season on my shoulders,” Bennett said.

“We had a good culture, and I just kind of assumed we’d have that coming back.”

With that lesson learned, the Bears look to rebound this season with a relatively inexperienced roster.

“We are going to look for improvement and look to gain experience,” Bennett said. “We are still going to be a little young, but that’s okay.”

The Bears will have a new starting quarterback under center with graduation of Hogan Dykes. Bennett said the spot has been up for competition in the summer with Statton Tripp earning the nod.

“We’re hoping he can do some really big things, for us,” Bennett said. “He’s an accurate quarterback, and he can do some things with his feet, too.”

New starters will join Tripp in the backfield, with Phillip Michael Collins and Mike Hudson leading the rushing attack. Bennett said Collins is reminiscent of Kaelin Byrd, a 2016 graduate who was a force for the Bears’ running game.

While the offensive line has a good foundation, Bennett said the front five unit is somewhat inexperienced.

“You can’t coach experience,” he said.

“But I’m excited about the group gelling again.”

PHOTO BY JOE PARKER

Cambridge will remain under the direction of head coach Craig Bennett this season. Bennett has led the Bears since their program started in 2012.

The line will have experience in Kasra Bojnordi, a four-year starter. He will also line up on the defensive front.

“We’re building a good offensive and defensive line group,” Bojnordi said.

“Our region has a good amount of pretty stellar D-lineman, so it’s good to have a gelled unit up front.”

A key for the Bears’ offensive success returns with receiver Ridge Polk. The senior had over 970 yards receiving, over 900 kick and punt return yards and anchored the defensive backs unit.

“He does about as much for the team as you possibly can,” Bennett said.

“There were a lot of games last year where he played every snap offensive and defense and returned every kick.

We’re trying to squeeze out all we can get from him.”

Bennett said while his defense does return some talent, their experience is still limited.

Josh Bodunrin will start at inside linebacker after getting reps since his

freshman season. He will be joined by fellow junior linebacker TJ Mowery and senior Andrew Longo. Three-year starter Daniel Graham returns to the defensive front.

“We’re going to try and grow through our scrimmages and those non-region games and see if we can get better,” the head coach said.

Those non-region games include Creekview and Woodstock. Creekview downed the Bears 41-28 in last year’s season opener and Woodstock is coming off a trip to the second round of the 7A playoffs.

“When you cross those lines, of course you want to win those games,” Bennett said. “But you also want to compete and build confidence against really good football teams. We are going to prepare to do what we can against them and determine where we stand.”

Despite winning four of their last five Region 7-AAAAAA games in 2017, the

Bears were shut out of the playoffs after losing the head to head tiebreaker with Pope.

It is a region that has been hotly contested and Bennett expects no less this season.

“There’s not a week you can take off,” he said. “I think there are a lot of teams right in the pack together and that’s when you get good football. I don’t think there’s anyone that will really run away with it.”

As the culture is reestablished for the Bears, Bennett said this year’s squad can be summed up succinctly — they are tough.

“A lot of coaches say that and it’s kind of a buzzword, but we put our kids through a lot, and we demand they are tough,” he said. “That’s what you’re going to get when you play us. We’re going to play hard, be tough-minded and let the chips fall where they may.”

Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 15

16 | August 16, 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

Football Preview 2018

Hooch pins hopes on brotherhood, team play after successful 2017 campaign

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Chattahoochee head coach Vince Strine said the 2018 Cougars will not rely on the big plays that have been so impactful for Hooch recently. Instead, this year’s squad will be a “hard hat and lunch pail” kind of team.

“In the past few years we have been blessed with big play guys,” he said. “We have that big play capability this year, but we are not going to rely on that. We are going to play old-fashioned football.

We’re going to run the ball, control with the offense and be fundamentally sound on defense.”

Though the Cougars will have to fill gaps in many of its skilled positions, Strine said Hooch has been fortunate to return its entire offensive line.

“The hardest group to bring up is the offensive line,” Strine said. “A young line can impact a lot of things, but fortunately for us, our offensive line is the most veteran group on our team.”

The offensive front will be led by tackle/guard Jake Green, Billy Waters and Jax Henderson.

The front five will protect junior quarterback Damon Stewart who started for the Cougars in their final five games

of 2017 after Jack Corrigan went down with a gruesome leg injury. With speed and agility, he brings both rushing and passing threats to the Hooch offense.

“He’s about as quick and elusive as you can imagine, and he has a rocket of an arm,” Strine said. “I saw the light bulb go on for him in the summer, and he is stepping up into a leadership role more and more. I think that was helped by having Corrigan in front of him who was just about as good of a leader as you can have.”

In addition to Stewart’s rushing ability, the Cougars will look to standout senior Max Webb at running back. Webb averaged 6.1 yards per rush and set the program’s single-season rushing record with over 1,300 yards last year.

Asked about his expectations for Webb this season, Strine said Webb “just needs to be Max.” “He doesn’t need a huge hole, he’s very shifty,” Strine said. “And he has probably gotten even faster.”

Hooch lost multiple receivers Strine called “home-run hitters” in Isiah Bivens and Andrew Thomas who graduated, as well as T Lee who transferred to Buford.

But Strine is confident his new receiving core can be elite.

Stepping up to make receptions will be seniors Jordan Coleman and Spencer

PHOTO BY Keith Major/ SportsShooters

Marcus Stephen and the Cougars earned Chattahoochee’s first winning season and first playoff berth since 2012 last year.

Anderson, 6-foot-3 sophomore Jordan Palmer and fellow sophomore Jahmal Smith.

Strine said the true blue collar aspects of the 2018 squad resides in what he called a “no name defense” which will rely on strong team play instead of a few standouts.

“They are going to have to work together as a unit, and they have accepted

that,” Strine said. “They’re okay with not having to rely on one or two players.”

The Cougars’ defense returns Ahmad Stephens and Blake Levy on the line with Ben Lawrence, Chris White and Chris Williams at linebacker.

Hooch will put on their hard hats and look to continue the program’s ascent over the past few campaigns.

After winning just one game in 2015, the Cougars then went 5-5 ahead of their 7-4 record last season and first trip to the playoffs in five years.

Strine said the key has been a fantastic core of coaches and, among the players, a true sense of comradeship, further cemented during the offseason when the team ran Currahee Mountain in Toccoa.

“That experience has really been a bonding point for our team and what has really made us click,” Strine said. “I think we are finally at the point this year where the team has a true brotherhood.”

That close-knit unit will face the pressure of improving their prospects this year.

“I feel like last year was a step for our program, and we want to take that further this year,” Strine said. “What you got to see over the last couple of years is our team has embraced winning and has seen what that is supposed to look like and what it takes to get there.”

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Football Preview 2018

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Football Preview 2018

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Danes set lofty goals in program’s first year

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Just two weeks after Forsyth’s newest traditional high school opened its doors, Denmark’s football program will hold its inaugural game.

There are certainly growing pains associated with fielding a new program, including a team void of seniors due to redistricting mandates, inexperience throughout the roster, an entirely new coaching staff and players who donned West and South Forsyth uniforms this time last year.

But leading the program in its infancy is a seasoned head coach who said seeing the Danes build from the ground up has been a pleasure to watch.

Terry Crowder has been tapped to lead Denmark in its inaugural season, bringing with him 14 years of head coaching experience at Chattahoochee and Creekview with 91 wins and a state championship on his resume.

Crowder said he was not sure that building a program from scratch was something he wanted to tackle at this point in his career, but between the school’s principal, athletic staff and community around the team, he is happy he accepted the challenge.

“Now that we’re here building the program from the ground up, I couldn’t be happier,” Crowder said.

Despite his players coming from other schools, he said the transition has been “kind of seamless.”

“All those kids are friends and have been playing together a long time,” Crowder said. “I think we are starting to build the culture and traditions for Denmark. The juniors are taking leadership roles, and the sophomores know it’ll be their turn in a few years.”

The big question for Crowder is what to expect from his squad.

“I just really have no idea,” Crowder said. “We have five to seven guys who are just as good as anybody, but at the same time we have a whole bunch of guys who have never played on Friday night.”

He is hoping that his players will take quickly to his aggressive, high-tempo schemes.

The offense will work out of the spread, led by sophomore quarterback Ben Whitlock.

“He has been a pleasant surprise,” Crowder said. “He can throw the ball really well and is serious on the practice field.”

Whitlock will have a go-to target in Ze’Vian Capers, who compiled 600 yards

PHOTO BY Paul ward

Ze’Vian Capers will be a player to watch for Denmark this season after being redistricted from South Forsyth. and four touchdowns as a sophomore with South Forsyth last season and is garnering Division 1 offers.

“If I’m a quarterback, I’d love to have a guy like (Capers) out there,” Crowder said. “He’s a fast, physical kid. Whitlock utilizes that and knows where to put the ball.”

Leading the Danes rushing attack will be 5-foot-11, 200 lb. freshman Devon duCille.

“He has really good speed,” Crowder said. “He is going to be one of the best backs I’ve coached.”

Leading the Danes in the trenches is 6-foot-4, 285 lb. lineman Noah Mallard whom Crowder said will lead the inexperienced offensive line.

Defensively, Crowder said his linebacker core, which includes Zach Burchfield, Nick Carozza and Justin Hunter, is very physical and should be the defense’s strong suit.

Though his team will not be gametested entering the season, Crowder has the lofty goal of reaching the playoffs in the program’s inaugural season. In order to do so, the Danes will compete for the four spots in a challenging Region 7-AAAA that includes defending state champs Blessed Trinity, 2017 state runner up Marist and another newcomer to the region, Flowery Branch.

“The goal is to also stand up to them and show them that Denmark is here,” Crowder said. “This year is a building block but we really want to step things up for the future and I am excited to see where we can take this program over the coming years.”

Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 19

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Football Preview 2018

Raiders aim to continue climb in year three under Craft North Forsyth eyes return to state playoffs

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Since Robert Craft took over the North Forsyth program ahead of the 2016 season, the head coach and his staff have worked to build the program and create a winning pedigree. Coming off their first state playoff appearance in four years, Craft said he’s confident the foundation has been set for the Raiders to continue their ascent in Class 7A this year.

“We feel like now we have the pieces in place, the guys know what to expect and they are familiar with what we are trying to do,” Craft said.

Entering their third season under Craft, the Raiders will be a mix of new and experienced talent.

Perhaps the most significant hole to fill on the offense will be at quarterback with the graduation of standout Ben Bales who threw for over 3,000 yards last season with 24 touchdowns.

Craft said Bales left large shoes to fill, but he is confident senior Carter Mullikin, who is transitioning from the defense, can fill the role. Playing in the secondary, Mullikin was second on the

team in tackles last year.

The senior brings a strong arm behind center and is could provide a dual-threat with his rushing ability, Craft said.

Joining Mullikin in the backfield is senior Bryson Trigg who rushed for 948 yards with 12 touchdowns.

Craft is expecting big things from senior receiver Charlie Aiken, who he said has speed, agility and runs routes well. As a junior, Aiken was second on the team in receiving yards (721) with five touchdowns.

While North has standouts in its skilled positions, Craft said North will hang its hat on the offensive line this season.

“I think we are about as big and talented across the offensive line than we have ever been,” the head coach said.

The Raiders gave up an average of 31 points per game last season, and while Craft said some seasoned starters return, North’s defense will be relatively young in 2018.

Honus Wagner returns to the secondary after leading the Raiders in total tackles as a junior last season. Also returning is senior cornerback Jordan

Fleming, but with Mullikan making the transition to quarterback, North will look for new defensive talent to emerge.

North’s new defense will be tested in its non-region schedule which includes Gainesville and Northview from Class 6A and Woodstock who earned a trip to the second round of the playoffs last year.

Those games will serve as proving grounds ahead of North’s third year in Region 5-AAAAAAA. “Every game in this region has a unique rivalry and the competition is fantastic,” Craft said. “I know Milton and coach [Adam] Clack are going to have a strong team, Lambert will be hungry for another region championship, and we’ll be chasing West Forsyth and South Forsyth. Those programs are where we want out program to be. And Forsyth Central is always a great rivalry.”

Craft said North’s 2017 campaign and berth in the state playoffs was a positive stepping stone for the program, and his team will look to further their success this year.

“Making the playoffs was big for us and we have the same goal this season,” Craft said. “We are conditioning every year to push the program forward and the Coal Mountain community is really behind us.”

PHOTO BY Lily McGregor/special

Senior receiver Charlie Aiken had 40 receptions for 721 yards with five touchdowns in 2017.

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Football Preview 2018

Central unconcerned with 2017 record For the Bulldogs improvement now means winning games

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By CONNER EVANS interns@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Since joining Class 7A, Forsyth Central has failed to win a region game and are 3-16 overall under coach Frank Hepler. But with new coaches and more experience, the Bulldogs hope to turn it around this fall.

Last year’s 0-10 record wasn’t quite as noncompetitive as it appears. In their first five outings last season, the Bulldogs lost two games where they held their opponent to under 10 points, lost a game by a field goal and lost two overtime thrillers. If a few breaks go the other way, their record might have displayed the improvement that Hepler saw in his second season.

“It’s a shame people base kids’ performances on the record,” Hepler said.

“Nine out of the 10 games, we were right there last season.”

Central has athletes coming this fall with multiple players who have gotten to play regional all-star games or received D1 camp invites or scholarship offers.

Quarterback Hunter Cagle placed seventh in the state last spring in pole vaulting and was one of Central’s leaders in all-purpose yards returning kicks and punts. With Cagle at the helm, Hepler will implement an offense featuring more option reads to utilize his quarterback’s running ability and vision.

Also in the backfield, the Bulldogs’ leading scorer and running back Devran Orsan will return, along with most of last season’s starting offensive line. Hepler said the linemen are hungry for the more run-based offense.

“Those offensive linemen love running the ball,” he said. “Because that means they can go out and get a guy.”

Jackson Leak and Mitch Weber return at outside linebacker. Leak has received Ivy League offers and is expected to be a leader for the defense. Defensive end Alex Szakacs looks to shine in his junior campaign.

Hepler hopes veterans and young guns will help a defense that struggled late in 2017. Anthony Persichetti returns as one of the team’s top tacklers, Tristen Rose looks to be a strong safety option this year, and sophomore Nick Cribbs will start as a lineman, Hepler said.

Forsyth Central will also have a more complete coaching staff than in the past two years. David Rooney from West

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Dalton Edmunds returns for his senior season this year with the Bulldogs. He made 36 receptions for 248 yards and a touchdown in 2017.

Forsyth will help run the defense, Bill Hobbs will come over from Pope to coach special teams and running backs, and North Atlanta’s Shane Owen will add to the mix.

Hepler has worked with Rooney and Hobbs before in his time coaching in Florida.

“We feel good about things that are getting done because of the experience and bodies that are getting here,” Hepler said.

Central returns a larger senior class that has been through a lot in their three years. The transition to their new classification has been difficult, but Hepler hopes to win for the seniors.

“Those guys have been through a rough three years,” he said. “They believe we’re headed in the right direction, and they’re doing everything they can to lead and bring in those younger guys.”

Hepler stresses improvement with his team, and competing at as high a level as possible.

“Compete against each other, compete against the weights and compete against your future opponents.”

Hepler said that despite the record, Central showed positive signs last season and improved in their strength, depth and level of competition in each game. Hopefully, he said, for the Bulldogs this year, improvement means wins and victories in 5-AAAAAAA.

22 | August 16, 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

Football Preview 2018

West Forsyth sports new look Personnel adjustments implemented ahead of 2018 campaign

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — With the graduation of multiple standouts and the addition of a new defensive coordinator, West Forsyth has retooled its roster with multiple players taking on different roles for the 2018 season.

Senior Stephan Bland will now lead West’s rushing attack after getting most of offensive reps as a receiver last year.

Senior Mikhari Sibblis will bring his 6-foot-3, 220 lb. frame to West’s linebacker core after playing as a defensive end last season. Offensive guard Derek Hughes also moves to the defensive line and could see offensive reps as the fullback.

With the graduation of quarterback Zach Burns, who threw for over 1,200 yards last season, there has been offseason competition between juniors Casey Cowart and Blake Whitfield, with the starter still to be determined.

The new starter will also have new

receiving targets after standout tight end Ben Bresnahan graduated. Senior Garrett Woodall will fill the tight end gap and King’s Ridge transfer Casey Flanagan will be out wide with Bland, sizeable freshman Oscar Delp as the go-to receivers.

New defensive coordinator Bill Ballard has implemented an aggressive style of play, head coach Shawn Cahill said. The scheme puts an emphasis on speed over size.

West’s new look will be tested early against the Wolverine’s non-region opponents. They will also certainly rack up travel miles.

The Wolverines open their regular season on the road against Camden County and will travel to Tennessee to play the McCallie School. Their nonregion slate also includes hosting Alabama’s Hewitt-Trussville and Roswell.

West will look to improve its fortunes in region play after going 3-2 placing third in the region standing the past two seasons.

The team will also look to get over their playoff hump.

Despite earning a playoff bid in four of the past five seasons, the Wolverines have been booted from the playoffs in each appearance.

PHOTO BY @WFHS_HS/Twtitter

West Forsyth compiled a 7-4 record in 2017 under first year head coach Shawn Cahill.

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Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 23

Blessed Trinity captured its first football state championship in 2017, defeating region rivals Marist 16-7 in the finals.

PHOTO BY JOE PARKER

Blessed Trinity poised for another state title run Titans return standouts from last year’s roster

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — A wall within Blessed Trinity’s gym is almost completely covered with state championship banners from baseball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. This year, there will be less open space on the wall thanks to Blessed Trinity’s first football state championship in 2017.

The championship came after an incredible playoff run that saw the Titans down the top-three teams in the state in Class 4A before sealing the title with a win over region rivals and previously undefeated Marist.

While a popular sports adage says it is often harder to repeat a title than to win the first, BT will be loaded with much of the same talent that led them to the top last year.

The offense returns almost all skilled positions, and the defense, instrumental to the Titans’ state title last year, will also feature multiple returning standouts.

Three-year starting quarterback Jake Smith returns to lead the offense after passing for over 2,100 yards last season with 18 touchdowns. While he puts up big numbers offensively, head coach Tim McFarlin said the senior perhaps makes even more of an impact on defense.

“He has been an excellent football player and an outstanding QB, but he’s

probably an even better safety,” McFarlin said. “One of the really incredible occurrences of last season was when we got to the playoff and had to play the top-three ranked teams in the state and, between playing safety and quarterback, he never came off the field. He was a real difference maker and one of the key reasons we were able to win the Cartersville game.”

The offense also returns perhaps the state’s best running back tandem in senior Steele Chambers and junior Elijah Green.

Both racked up over 1,300 yards last season and combined for 33 rushing scores.

“We’re extremely fortunate to have two guys like that for us,” McFarlin said.

“They really embrace [sharing carries].”

McFarlin said utilizing two running backs is also beneficial for the defense with Chambers starting at linebacker.

He was third on the team in tackles last season.

Another two-way player, Ryan Davis, returns for his senior campaign after being the go-to receiver last season and compiling four interceptions and 32 tackles in BT’s secondary.

While Davis had the lion’s share of receptions last year, junior Quinton Reese could provide more balance in BT’s passing game, McFarlin said.

“Reese has really developed nicely, and his top-end speed allows us to stretch the field,” McFarlin said. “That will take a little pressure off [Davis] by having another good receiver.”

The defense will continue to be under the purview of coordinator John Thompson who brought his three decades of collegiate coaching experience to the

Titans last year.

“He brings a level of knowledge and intensity that is a little beyond what you see on most high school staffs and we’re very grateful to have him,” McFarlin said.

The head coach is pleased with how his defense is shaping up in the offseason.

“The fact is, the defense set the pace for our football program,” McFarlin said.

“They were outstanding in our playoff run, and we look forward to more of that this year.”

The defense’s strong suit should be the linebacker core and secondary, McFarlin said, led by UGA commit JD Bertrand at inside linebacker along with Chambers.

Defensive end JR Bivens also returns after leading the team in tackles (89) and sacks (10) in his junior season. Jake Lyons joins him on the defensive line.

One area where the Titans will be untested is the offensive line where just two starters return. That’s nothing new for the Titans who fielded an entirely new starting five last season.

Center Jack Filipowicz and right guard Jack Jacobs return to anchor the offense with Dom Maroccio and Tad Furnish stepping in at tackle. McFalin said the starting left guard position is still open to competition.

Despite dropping just one contest in their challenging non-region schedule last year (that was later deemed a Marietta forfeit due to ineligible players), McFarlin said his state title team didn’t truly begin to click until later in the season, and their tough opponents

highlighted the team’s weaknesses.

The Titans will again use their non-region slate of games as a proving ground as they face four teams who had a combined record of 40-11 last season.

“We’re not going to get caught up on winning or losing those games,” McFarlin said. “No one likes to lose, but we learned a lot from our two losses last year and those really paid dividends for us.”

BT then faces off in a reworked Region 7-AAAA that now includes Denmark, which will field former West Forsyth and South Forsyth players, and Flowery Branch who went 9-3 last year.

Of course there is also the challenge of Marist who denied BT last year’s region title before the Titans won a rematch in the state championship game.

“We like the expansion,” McFarlin said. “It’s definitely growing our region in talent.”

If the Titans can stay healthy and continue their strong play of last season, they could be poised for another title run. While McFarlin said last year’s state title raised expectations for this year’s squad, he and his staff will work to ensure the team is grounded and understands the effort it took to win the 2017 state trophy.

McFarlin added there are too many variables to say whether or not BT can repeat last year’s success.

“We’re not going to get ahead of ourselves,” he said. “In our way of thinking, we only have one game, and that is the next game. Our goal at the end of this season is to be able to look back and say we went as far as we could with what we had.”

24 | August 16, 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

Football Preview 2018

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ROSWELL, Ga. — Roswell Coach Matt Kemper returns for his second season after a disappointing 3-8 campaign, where everything that could go wrong, did.

Last season saw the implementation of 10 new coaches, only four returning varsity starters, a slew of injuries to key players and one of the toughest schedules in the state. A 3-8 record with a first-round playoff exit is never satisfying, but there were many factors at play in their struggles.

Kemper says the progress begins with a change in culture that he’s already seen in the offseason.

“At the end of last season the guys locked arms,” he said. “New leaders emerged from day one of the offseason.

It was very, very tough.”

His players have bought into offseason workouts more than last year, he said, as Roswell focuses on injury prevention and becoming a stronger, tougher team. Last season only 11 players could power clean 225 pounds. This year Kemper expects that number to rise to more than 40 players capable of that threshold.

“We have a greater system of accountability,” he said. “They’re doing more than what’s asked, not just the minimum.”

Tripp Cooper returns from an ACL injury this year to help fill out the wide receiver core that also features Jeremy Slaughter and returning senior Ryan Pike. Kemper hopes to run a balanced offense this season, keeping the spread look and implementing more option reads, especially in the red zone.

It’s still unknown who will come out on top in the quarterback race between juniors Riley Easterly and Ethan Roberts. The last three seasons, Roswell had a senior transfer starting at quarterback, but Kemper says those days are over.

He is looking forward to setting a new culture and getting key players back from injury.

“Easterly had just a horrible, horrible injury last year,” Kemper said. “He’s worked his way back and in some ways is even stronger than before, which is a testament to what kind of kid he is.”

In the backfield, Kamonty Jett looks to be a big part of Roswell’s running game going forward as well as Sam Antona, who emerged as a leader in the offseason.

Roswell brings back an offensive line with more experience, including Alek Nikolich at center. Hitting the weight room will be a top priority, Kemper said.

“We never had a game last year where the offensive line said they were stronger than the other guys,” he said.

Roswell’s defense still has a few gaps to fill with linebacker depth and quality cornerbacks set as top priorities going into the season. Roswell will stick with the 3-4 front, which was part of Kemper’s defensive change last year.

Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 25

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26 | August 16, 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

Football Preview 2018

Fellowship keys on developing new talent

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Fellowship Christian will rely on emerging talent this season after the graduation of multiple standouts from its 2017 campaign.

With youth throughout its ranks, Fellowship head coach Al Morrell said the focus for the offseason has been on improving each day.

“We have been focusing on ourselves and getting better at the fundamentals,” Morrell said. “I have been pleased with their commitment level.”

Many of the Paladins’ new starters will reside in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The entire four-man defensive front will be first-year starters, and only one starting offensive lineman returns — guard Charlie Albee.

Joining Albee will be four sophomores, including 6-foot-5 left tackle Charlie Patterson, left guard Charlie Patterson, right guard Nathan Nardone and Reed Robinson.

“We lost three guys that were threeyear starters and big, thick kids,” Morrell said. “The new guys aren’t as big, but they are very coachable. We might just have a bit of a different style and focus running the same offense. Though

they aren’t game-tested yet, I’m confident they are going to do well for us.”

The 2017 senior class also left gaps to fill on the defensive line, including replacing Billy McCurry who compiled 15 sacks and 25 tackles for loss last season.

Backing up the line will be two sophomore inside linebackers, Caleb McClung and Nardone, who Morrell said have been “very steady” in the offseason.

Though the defense will be young, Fellowship’s secondary will feature two standout returners. Senior Cameron Cochran has made the switch from outside linebacker to cornerback. Fellow senior Cameron Gill also returns as free safety after making 82 total tackles with an interception last season.

“Gill is probably the best athlete on the team,” Morrell said. “He has good size and speed and really anchors our secondary.”

The Paladins offense also features a standout returner in quarterback Brooks Bryant who threw for over 1,800 yards with 22 total touchdowns (18 passing, 4 rushing) in 2017.

At 6-foot-3 and 160 lbs., Morrell said Bryant is not the biggest quarterback, but has surprising velocity on his throws, makes good decisions for the

PHOTO BY JOE PARKER

Fellowship quarterback Brooks Bryant will lead the Paladins’ offense this season. In his junior year, he threw for 1,826 yards and rushed for 210 yards with 22 total touchdowns.

offense and is a natural leader.

Handling much of the rushing duties for the Paladins’ Wing-T offense will be Lawson Haigler, younger brother of Merrick, who led Fellowship in rushing yards last season. As a freshman, Lawson rushed for 735 yards and six touchdowns in 2017.

“He’s one of the guys we definitely need to come through,” Morrell said.

Haigler will share rushing duties with fellow sophomore Murphy Reed and wingbacks Cameron Gill and Cameron Cochran.

With their base offensive scheme, the Paladins field just one wide receiver, and Morrell is looking to sophomore Jordan Brewer to be the go-to target for Bryant.

“He was a total JV player last year and he has done a fantastic job of coming on for us,” the head coach said.

With eight sophomore starters on offense, just five returners on defense and no clear kicker emerging, Fellowship will not have much time to gain experience before being tested.

The Paladins’ non-region schedule begins with Class 5A’s North Springs and includes Stratford Academy, which eliminated Fellowship in the second round of the playoffs last season.

Of course, there is also the challenge of Region 6-A that includes Mount Paran, who reached the state semifinals in 2017, Mount Pisgah and a number of other talented programs.

“It’s a tough region to compete in year in and year out,” Morrell said. “Our goal, being as young as we are, is to be competitive and improve each week.”

Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 27

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28 | August 16, 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

Football Preview 2018

Drew Morris (14) will take over as South’s starting quarterback this season after his brother, Cal, graduated following last season.

PHOTO BY PAUL WARD/Special

South Forsyth faces ‘proving ground’ season War Eagles field new look after graduation, redistricting

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Long-time South Forsyth head coach Jeff Arnette used one word to describe the 2018 War Eagles — inspired.

“They’re inspired to prove they can still be competitive with everything that has gone on here,” Arnette said.

Those happenings include the loss of a significant portion of the program’s underclassmen who were redistricted into the newly opened Denmark High and the graduation of multiple standouts. And after an undefeated regular season, the 2017 campaign ended with a disappointing first-round exit from the state playoffs.

Arnette said he has seen his team’s stirred attitude in the off-season where his players have “worked their butts off” and come together in a tight-knit environment.

It is a motivated squad that will include standout returners but also a host of new starters on both sides of the ball.

Leading the offensive charge will be a new team captain in senior quarterback Drew Morris, set to replace his brother, Cal, following his graduation.

“Drew loves to run the football, is a physical runner and has a great arm on top of it,” Arnette said. “He’s the total package.”

While the War Eagles will be without speedy and physical Jared Honey at running back, Arnette has lofty expectations for Jordan Brunson.

“I think he is going to shock the state this year,” he said.

Leading the rushing charge will be an entirely new offensive line, and though they are young and inexperienced, Arnette said his front five had a great summer and are forming a cohesive unit.

South will be without last year’s top receiver, Ze’Vian Capers, who was redistricted to Denmark, and graduate Ryan Pontrelli, The duo combined for over 900 yards receiving in 2017.

“Those are definitely two big losses, but we have a lot of kids to fill those spots and are showing potential,” Arnette said.

While South will continue to run out of the pistol, Arnette said there could be tweaks to the offensive scheme based on this year’s personnel.

Defensively the War Eagles will replace graduates in safety Jake Wilson, defensive end and Region 7-6A’s defensive player of the year Ryan LaFlamme and Nick Carozza, who was redistricted. However, South will return a number of key starters including last year’s top tackler Landon Sims, three-year starting linebacker Jack Pherson and returning lineman Luis Gonzalez and Jamal Camp, a Georgia Tech commit.

“The first thing that stands out about this defense is how they run to the ball,” Arnette said. “I couldn’t be happier in that area.”

South’s defense will be tested early as they take

on four teams that made the playoffs last year in their non-region slate of games, including 4A state champs Blessed Trinity and Hillgrove, who reached the second round in the 7A bracket.

“There are some great opponents in there, but we are not looking any farther than Sprayberry (South’s first opponent),” Arnette said. “But those games will definitely give us an idea of what we’re made of heading into region play.”

In region play, South will look to continue its winning ways after running the table last season and earning the program’s second region title in three years.

But Arnette knows repeating success is no easy task.

“We will have our work cut out for us, but that’s what it’s supposed to be like,” the coach said.

The region race will determine whether South can earn its fifth straight postseason appearance. Even with the streak of playoff appearances, the War Eagles have won just two playoff games in that stretch, both coming in their run to the quarterfinals in 2015.

“We just have to find a way to win in the playoffs,” Arnette said.

The pressure of repeating as region champs, earning a playoff win and showing they can still be competitive despite a fairly new squad on the sidelines will weigh on South’s shoulders this season, but Arnette said his team is ready for the task.

“We always go into every game thinking we can win,” he said. “It’s not easy and we certainly have a challenging schedule, but the kids are confident and ready to step up to that challenge.”

Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 29

Mount Pisgah looks to fill offensive void Norwood to lead Patriots’ new attack

By CONNER EVANS interns@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — After graduating star quarterback Jacob Cendoya, Mount Pisgah will have some big shoes to fill following an impressive 2017 campaign.

Coach Mike Forester is confident his team will still put points on the board, even after losing one of his division’s most prolific offensive players. Cendoya’s favorite targets, Kai Williams and Trey Murphy, also graduated in 2018.

Mount Pisgah lost one region game last year and made it to the second round of the playoffs before getting stymied by Savannah Country Day. The offense will have to move on without Cendoya, and Forester says the game plan will have to shift without such a great playmaker in the backfield. Pisgah will transition to a more conservative, deliberate attack, with fewer empty backfield sets like they ran last year. Forester is looking to Connor Norwood to step up under center, even though he’s spent his time as a starting safety the past three seasons.

PHOTO BY Bill Brown/whitelakestudio.com

Mount Pisgah Head Coach Mike Forester is confident his team will find success again this season, after making it to the second round of the playoffs last year.

“It’s tough because we lost some good players,” Forester said. “Our focus is to fit the talent we have. Connor (Norwood) doesn’t have to be Jacob (Cendoya).”

He also noted that the team no longer has the deep threat wide receiver they had last year in Williams. Instead the offense will focus more on its running game, screens and short passing, while leaning more on its seasoned defense.

Forester expects wide receivers Chase Grande and Will Pascucci will provide some offensive firepower along-

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side Norwood.

Pisgah returns many of its key defenders from last season, including senior corner Jakob Wooten, whom Forester says will be used as their lockdown man against other teams’ top receiving threats.

Three defensive lineman return and two linebackers return, which will help Pisgah shift into a true 4-3 going forward.

“We’re going to try to be an attack front and not get beat deep,” he said.

“We’ll be alright if we don’t give up the big play.”

Even the younger defenders might provide a spark, like sophomore lineman Nick Jackson, who Forester expects to be a leader even as an underclassman.

In the past, Pisgah has struggled with a tough late season schedule, leading to some heartbreakers going into the playoffs. This season, Forester thinks the region has gotten even better and their bruises may come early in the fall against out-of-region opponents, which include Holy Innocents’ and Mount Vernon Presbyterian.

“I’m worried we may have bitten off a little more than we can chew out of conference,” he said.

“And it’s always going to be a war with Mount Paran and Fellowship (Christian Academy).”

Forester’s goal is to have a bye going into the first round of playoffs again, something he said was a big advantage for them, even if it didn’t result in a second-round victory.

There will be some extra motivation with so many key spots open this season, and Forester says he’s already seen hard work in the weight room. With Cendoya and Williams gone, repeating on last season’s success will take improvement in other areas and an offensive overhaul.

30 | August 16, 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

Football Preview 2018

Milton raises expectations after 2017 campaign Eagles hope to build on last year’s success

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — While Milton enters the season on the back of one its most successful runs in program history, secondyear head coach Adam Clack said this season will serve as indication as to whether the program is headed in the right direction.

“The measure of success for last season is how we do this year,” Clack said. “It will show if we established the culture of the program that these guys can pick up and run with. We’re challenging the guys more and more each day to improve on what they’ve shown us they can do.”

Clack said the team’s transition under his leadership, and multiple assistant coaches, led to a somewhat slow start last year though the Eagles won five of their first six games. But near the end of the regular season, Clack said the team began to click, and he hopes to see that momentum will continue in year two.

Along with the hype surrounding one of the best season’s in Milton’s 68-year history comes a host of opportunities.

For the Eagles, that includes opening the season against Archer in the Corky Kell Classic and hosting Cardinal Gibbons (Fla.) and the Freedom Bowl, which will bring together 12 top-tier programs from around the country.

Their non-region schedule also includes rivalry contests with Roswell and Alpharetta and a trip to Parkview.

“No game should be bigger than the next, but we want to use those nonregion games to test our guys and put them in different environments with more exposure to big games and big rivalries,” Clack said. “No matter what the win/loss column says, we will use those games to motivate us and it should make us better prepared for region games.”

Milton placed second to South Forsyth in last year’s Region 5-AAAAAAA race in what Clack called one the most talented and best-coached regions in the state.

“We’ll never take our region opponents for granted,” Clack said. “South Forsyth has shown they can go toe-totoe with anybody. West and Lambert have a long history of good programs, and I think North Forsyth and Central are on the rise. I think this region is getting better and better and you never know who is going to take that next step.”

The next step for the Eagles is to

Photo by Joe Parker/Herald

Wide receiver and cornerback Syaire Waters returns for his senior campaign with the Eagles this year. As a junior, he had 20 receptions for 348 yards with four touchdowns and rushed for 74 yards with a touchdown. He also had 19 total tackles and an interception. continue to build off the 2017 campaign, Clack said.

“This group’s task is going to be to pick up where they left off, not just to get to that line but to improve on it,” he said. “We have extremely high expectations for this squad.”

Hoping to continue his standout career is returning quarterback Jordan Yates, who recently committed to Georgia Tech. The three-year starter passed for over 2,000 yards last season and rushed for 893 with 29 total touchdowns.

“He can threaten defenses with the run and pass, and his numbers show he is a dynamic player,” Clack said. “But his biggest attribute is his leadership and work ethic. He is constantly pushing himself and his teammates to get better.”

While Yates will be a familiar face behind center, Milton will look for new talent to emerge for the rushing attack with the graduation of last year’s leading rusher, Solomon Vanhorse.

“Right now we are trying a bunch of guys out there,” Clack said. “Josh Edwards has really stepped up and shown promise this summer. Ahmad Echols is a guy we can depend on, and we may have some guys from the defense like Jordan Davis or Joseph Charleston in.

We may not have that one guy that gets a lot of the carries, but we are developing a lot of guys for our offense.”

Milton’s top 2017 receiver also graduated, leaving more opportunities for Holden Shaw, Jordan Cox and Dylan Leonard.

The offensive line will return just one starter from last year’s squad, but 6-foot-5, 330 lb. junior guard Paul Tchio is already fielding multiple Division 1 offers after a stellar sophomore campaign.

Clack said Tchio will be a leader for the entire team and his humility and enthusiasm to play is not typical of a Power 5 recruit.

Another highly touted recruit will line up defensively for the Eagles at safety,

Clemson commit Joseph Charleston. The senior is recovering from a torn labrum that kept him on the sidelines most of the offseason, but Clack said the safety gives the defense a “spark.”

Offseason competition is still filling the rest of the secondary, Clack said.

At linebacker, Jordan Davis returns after averaging nearly eight tackles a game last season.

Milton’s front four will sport a mostly new look and also a new strategy making more substitutions on the defensive line to keep fresh bodies on the field. Clack said juniors Zander Barnett and Marcus Rangel have stood out in the offseason, but many more players will see time in the trenches.

With a new season on the horizon to measure the program’s true successes, Clack said the Eagles enter 2018 with high expectations and confidence.

“With that, we also know to get where we want to be we really have to bear down,” he said.

Football Preview 2018

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 31

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Listen at NorthFulton.com/podcasts

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

JOHNS CREEK

8-17 Riverwood 8-24 @Lambert 9-7 Northview* 9-14 @Johns Creek* 9-21 Pope* 9-28 @Cambridge* 10-5 Centennial* 10-12 @Alpharetta* 10-26 @Dunwoody* 11-3 North Atlanta*

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

CHATTAHOOCHEE

8-24 Milton 8-31 @Lanier 9-14 @Pope* 9-21 @Dunwoody* 9-28 Centennial* 10-5 @North Atlanta* 10-12 Chattahoochee* 10-19 @Northview* 10-26 Johns Creek* 11-2 Cambridge*

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

ALPHARETTA

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B)

KING’S RIDGE

8-24 Cherokee Bluff 8-31 @North Springs 9-7 @Forsyth Central 9-14 Dawson County 9-21 @Chestatee* 9-28 West Hall* 10-5 Blessed Trinity* 10-12 @Marist* 10-19 White County* 11-2 @Flowery Branch*

(Reg. 7-AAAA)

Denmark

8-17 @St. Pius X 8-24 South Forsyth 8-31 @Woodward Academy 9-7 Benedictine 9-21 West Hall* 10-5 @Denmark* 10-12 @Flowery Branch* 10-19 @Chestatee 10-26 Marist* 11-2 White County*

(Reg. 7-AAAA)

BLESSED TRINITY

LAMBERT

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

8-17 @North Springs 8-24 @Pinecrest Academy* 9-7 Walker* 9-14 Stratford Academy 9-21 @Mount Paran* 10-5 St. Francis* 10-12 King’s Ridge* 10-19 Mount Pisgah* 10-26 @Whitefield Academy* 11-2 TBD (Region 6-A crossover)

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B)

FELLOWSHIP CHRISTIAN

8-17 @Creekview 8-31 Woodstock 9-7 @Dunwoody* 9-14 Centennial* 9-21 @North Atlanta* 9-28 Chattahoochee* 10-5 @Northview* 10-12 Johns Creek* 10-19 Pope* 11-2 @Alpharetta*

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

CAMBRIDGE

MILTON

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

8-17 Chamblee 8-31 Cass 9-7 Denmark 9-14 @Lakeside, Atlanta 9-21 @Clarkston 10-5 @North Forsyth* 10-12 West Forsyth* 10-19 @Milton* 10-26 South Forsyth* 11-2 @Lambert*

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

FORSYTH CENTRAL

8-17 Northside, Warner Robins 8-31 @Roswell 9-7 Pope* 9-14 @Cambridge* 9-28 @Alpharetta* 10-5 @Chattahoochee* 10-12 Dunwoody* 10-19 @Johns Creek* 10-26 North Atlanta* 11-2 Northview*

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

CENTENNIAL

32 | August 16, 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

Football Preview 2018

(Reg. 4-AAAAAAA) 8-24 Campbell 8-31 Centennial 9-7 @West Forsyth 9-14 @Milton 9-21 @Wheeler 10-5 Cherokee* 10-12 Lassiter* 10-19 @Walton 10-26 Woodstock* 11-2 @Etowah

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

8-17 @Sprayberry 8-24 @Blessed Trinity 8-31 Etowah 9-7 South Gwinnett 9-21 @Hillgrove 10-5 @Lambert* 10-12 Milton* 10-19 North Forsyth* 10-26 @Forsyth Central* 11-2 West Forsyth*

SOUTH FORSYTH

8-17 Cherokee 8-24 @Gainesville 8-31 Northview 9-14 @Kennesaw Mountain 9-21 @Woodstock 10-5 Forsyth Central* 10-12 Lambert* 10-19 @South Forsyth* 10-26 @West Forsyth* 11-2 Milton*

NORTH FORSYTH

8-17 @Riverside Military Academy 8-24 Providence Christian 9-14 Mount Paran* 9-21 @Mount Pisgah* 9-28 Whitefield Academy* 10-5 @Walker* 10-12 @Fellowship Christian* 10-19 Pinecrest Academy* 10-26 @St. Francis* 11-2 TBD (Region crossover game)

(Reg. 7-AAAAAA)

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B) 8-24 North Cobb Christian 8-31 Mount Pisgah* 9-7 @Lakeview Academy 9-21 @Whitefield Academy* 9-28 Walker* 10-5 @Fellowship Christian* 10-12 @Pinecrest Academy* 10-19 @Mount Paran* 10-26 King’s Ridge* 11-2 TBD (Region crossover game)

St. Francis

8-24 Lakeside, Atlanta 8-31 @North Forsyth 9-7 @Chattahoochee* 9-14 Dunwoody* 9-21 @Johns Creek* 9-28 North Atlanta* 10-5 Cambridge* 10-19 Alpharetta* 10-26 @Pope* 11-2 @Centennial*

NORTHVIEW

8-17 Wheeler 8-24 Chattahoochee 8-31 @Gainesville 9-7 @Peachtree Ridge 9-21 Lanier 10-5 South Forsyth* 10-12 @North Forsyth* 10-19 @West Forsyth* 10-26 @Milton* 11-2 Forsyth Central*

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B)

(Reg. 5-AAAAAAA)

8-17 @Camden County 8-31 Hewitt-Trussville (AL) 9-7 Roswell 9-14 @Peachtree Ridge 9-21 @McCallie (TN) 10-5 @Milton* 10-12 @Forsyth Central* 10-19 Lambert* 10-26 North Forsyth* 11-2 @South Forsyth

WEST FORSYTH

8-24 Fellowship Christian* 8-31 Mount de Sales 9-7 @Athens Christian 9-14 @Whitefield Academy* 9-21 @Walker* 10-5 Mount Pisgah* 10-12 St. Francis* 10-19 @King’s Ridge* 10-26 Mount Paran* 11-2 TBD (Region crossover game)

Pinecrest Academy

8-17 Archer (Corky Kell Classic) 8-24 @Alpharetta 8-31 Cardinal Gibbons (FL) (Freedom Bowl) 9-14 Roswell 9-21 @Parkview 10-5 West Forsyth* 10-12 @South Forsyth* 10-19 Forsyth Central* 10-26 Lambert* 11-2 @North Forsyth*

Football Preview 2018

ROSWELL

8-17 Holy Innocents’ 8-24 @Mount Vernon Presbyterian 8-31 @St. Francis* 9-7 Whitefield Academy* 9-21 King’s Ridge* 9-28 @Mount Paran* 10-5 @Pinecrest Academy* 10-19 @Fellowship Christian* 10-26 Walker* 11-2 TBD (Region crossover game)

(Reg. 6-A Subregion B)

Mt. Pisgah Christian

8-17 Fairfield Central (SC) 8-25 @St. Johns Prep (DC) 9-7 @North Atlanta* 9-14 Chattahoochee* 9-21 Northview* 10-5 Pope* 10-12 @Cambridge* 10-19 Centennial* 10-26 @Alpharetta* 11-3 @Dunwoody*

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34 | August 16, 2018 | NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com

Football Preview 2018

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