2019 High School Football Season Preview

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August 22, 2019 | Nor thFulton.com | An Appen Media Group Publication

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Out-of-state games highlight limited schedule changes for local teams

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON/FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Most local teams will face all the same opponents as last season under the two-year scheduling cycle, but Johns Creek, West Forsyth and Milton will take trips outside the state to compete.

Perhaps the most significant for Georgia high school football is Milton’s game against JSerra Catholic in Bellflower, Calif. Though the game will not be the first matchup of a Georgia and California team — Colquitt County and Hillgrove have faced California schools — Milton will be the first program to play in the Golden State.

The defending Class 7A state champions will face JSerra at St. John Bosco High School in the Trinity League vs. the USA showcase, which includes three games featuring some of the nation’s top high school teams.

The contest is one of three prestigious games for the Eagles to open their season. Milton faces Buford Aug. 23 in the Corky Kell Classic at Coolray Field and will host rivals Alpharetta in the Freedom Bowl on Aug. 29 before traveling to California.

Milton’s Region 5-AAAAAAA foe West Forsyth will also make a trip beyond Georgia’s border, but not quite as far as the West Coast.

The Wolverines will finish their homeand-home series against Alabama’s Hewitt-Trussville High School on Aug. 30. The Huskies are the No. 4 ranked team in Alabama according to MaxPreps.

West fell short of taking down the Huskies last season at home, falling 38-30.

Three weeks after their matchup with Hewitt-Trussville, West will take on McCallie School of Chattanooga, Tenn., in the second game of a home-and-home series. West fell in last year’s contest, 31-14, in Chattanooga.

Johns Creek has two out-of-state opponents on its schedule again this season after hosting a South Carolina team and traveling to Washington, D.C. last year.

The Gladiators will travel to close out their home-and-home series with Fairfield Central of Winnsboro, S.C., on Aug. 23. Johns Creek took down Fairfield, 48-21, to open its 2018 season.

A week later, the Gladiators go on the road to Orlando, Fla., to face Jones High School.

No other local school has changes in opponents this year. However, all games have been pushed back a week due to the GHSA football season starting a week earlier than last season.

Football Preview 2019

Two new coaches to lead North Fulton programs Centennial and Chattahoochee begin year under new direction

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. — The coaching carousel has been commonplace in North Fulton in recent years, and the 2019 season will be no different with two new head coaches joining the fray.

Shane Sams will lead Centennial in 2019, and Chattahoochee will be under the direction of Mike Malone. This is the first head coach position for both men.

Sams replaces Michael Perry, who stepped down last year after leading Centennial for two seasons. Sams’ background includes tenures as an offensive coordinator at three Georgia schools. He most recently served as the offensive coordinator at Warner Robins High School. The Demons captured two region championships and made two appearances in the Class 5A state finals under Sams.

Prior to Warner Robins, he was the offensive coordinator at Chapel Hill and New Manchester.

The Cougars will be under Malone’s direction after Vince Strine stepped down following the 2018 season to become the athletic director at North Springs High School. Malone joined Hooch last season and served as special teams coordinator, running backs coach and assistant coach.

Malone previously coached at Gainesville and Central Gwinnett. He served under legendary Gainesville coach Bruce Miller and Central Gwinnett’s Todd Wofford, and has been mentored by Georgia Tech head coach Geoff Collins.

While Malone and Sams enter their inaugural season with their new programs, the remaining teams in North Fulton and Forsyth County will be under familiar direction, none more so than South Forsyth and King’s Ridge.

South head coach Jeff Arnette will lead the War Eagles for his 10th season this year, making him one of the longest-tenured coaches in Class 7A. Jeff Pickren served as the first head coach for King’s Ridge when the program began in 2008. He stepped down in 2015 but took over the program again last season.

Blessed Trinity’s Tim McFarlin has extensive head coaching experience in North Fulton, and the former Roswell coach will enter his ninth season leading the Titans this year.

Area football head coach tenures Coach School Seasons Jeff Pickren King’s Ridge 10 (2008-15, 2018-now) Jeff Arnette South Forsyth 10 Tim McFarlin Blessed Trinity 9 Craig Bennett Cambridge 8 Al Morrell Fellowship Christian 7 Mike Forrester Mount Pisgah 7 Jacob Nichols Alpharetta 6 Louis Daniel Lambert 6 Frank Hepler Forsyth Central 4 Robert Craft North Forsyth 4 Terence Mathis Pinecrest Academy 3 Matt Helmerich Johns Creek 3 James Thompson Northview 3 Adam Clack Milton 3 Matt Kemper Roswell 3 Shawn Cahill West Forsyth 3 Terry Crowder Denmark 2 Frank Barden St. Francis 2 Mike Malone Chattahoochee First year Shane Sams Centennial First year

The coaching carousel has been commonplace in North Fulton in recent years, and the 2019 season will be no different Craig Bennett will stay at the helm of Cambridge in 2019. Bennett has been the only head coach in the program’s seven-year history.

Two North Fulton private school programs’ coaches, Fellowship Christian’s Al Morell and Mike Forrester of Mount Pisgah, enter their seventh season as head coach in 2019.

Alpharetta’s Jacob Nichols and Lambert’s Louis Daniel have led their programs for five seasons.

For more coverage For the full football preview section of all North Fulton and Forsyth County teams, visit northfulton.com

On the cover Northview quarterback Beau Lark will lead the Titans offense again this season after compiling over 1,800 yards passing with 25 total touchdowns last year.

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Football Preview 2019

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Football Preview 2019

Centennial enters new era under Sams’ leadership

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Centennial is under the direction of a new head coach for the third time in five seasons with Shane Sams tapped to lead the Knights. While Sams has an extensive offensive background, including as offensive coordinator at several schools, the Knights’ new leader said the offseason focus has been on Centennial’s defense.

“I do come from an offensive background, but I still understand that defense wins championships,” Sams said.

“A definite priority for us has been teaching the defense in the offseason, especially the fundamentals, and there has been a lot of teaching and growing.”

That instruction is due in part to the Knights losing several key defensive players from its 2018 squad, including the team’s top nine tacklers. Centennial’s linebacker core and secondary will be awash with new talent, and Sams is counting on his defensive line to be the difference.

Senior Tino Bradley returns to the defensive front after compiling 27 tackles and four tackles-for-loss in 2018.

He will be joined by sophomore Joshua Wolfook and juniors Jordan Marks and

Evan Walker.

Sams’ background as an offensive leader could benefit the Knights in continuing their offensive success. Centennial has scored an average of 35 points per game or more the last three seasons.

Leading the charge will be a new man behind center in senior quarterback Parker Sperier, who replaces 2018 standout graduate Max Brosmer.

“He can throw the ball around well, and he is a smart kid who has molded to the offensive really well,” Sams said.

“And there are not many people that can outwork him.”

Sperier will have a go-to receiver in standout junior Julian Nixon, who was primed for a breakout season before an injury early last year sidelined him for the year.

“He definitely stands out,” Sams said.

“There is no doubt given his caliber and what he does, he will be the top receiver for us. The good thing is there is about another four to five other receivers who can be very effective. Everyone will game plan for [Nixon], but he has a good supporting cast around him.”

Several running backs will mount rushing yards for the Knights this season. Sams, who most recently led Warner Robins to two state finals as offensive coordinator, said he has imple-

mented a rotation of rushers in the backfield.

The offensive line is still a question mark, Sams said.

“They are shaping up really well, but it is one position that takes a long time to develop,” he said. “So, we have to continue to prepare and see where we are at.”

In addition to implementing a few new schemes, Sams has strived to change the culture at Centennial, emphasizing a family atmosphere to the program.

“We stress that we are always there for the kids, in football and outside of it,” Sams said. “We are in it together, and that can benefit the team because they know we are all here for each other.”

No matter new talent or a new head coach, the expectations are certainly high for Centennial this season given their recent success and a 23-11 record the past three seasons.

“The last two coaches, Lenny Gregory and Michael Perry, have done a great job of winning games, and our plan it to continue to feed off that,” Sams said.

Despite their winning ways in recent years, the Knights have fallen short of one goal the past three seasons — a region title. Centennial has finished second in the Region 7-AAAAAA standings

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Freddie Fairley (2) celebrates a touchdown reception last season. He compiled 472 yards receiving with four touchdowns in 2018.

the past three seasons with a single loss to the eventual region champs.

“There are lots of good teams and head coaches in this region, and I know all those teams will be ready to play,” Sams said. “I would say our goal is to be competing and winning region titles year in and year out.”

And Sams believes his squad is ready to rise to the occasion.

“We have a team that is hungry,” he said. “They are ready to go, show what they have and prove what they can do.”

Football Preview 2019

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Chattahoochee looks to rebound under new leadership Mike Malone takes over program after Cougars go 0-10 last season

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — No team ever wants to face the disappointment, frustration and embarrassment of a winless season, but an 0-10 campaign can serve as motivation.

At a preseason practice, first-year Chattahoochee head coach Mike Malone donned a shirt bearing “0-10” — the Cougar’s 2018 record — and told his players if they want to be respected as a football program, now is the time to earn it.

“I told them no one respects you right now, everyone is thinking it’s just the same old Chattahoochee,” Malone said.

“And if they want respect around the region, that has to be earned. But I also tell them they have the opportunity to leave a legacy and lay the foundation for what’s to come.”

The future of Hooch football, Malone said, is the process of getting the Cougars back to a championship-caliber team.

Malone, who joined Chattahoochee as running backs coach, special teams

The future of Hooch football, Malone said, is the process of getting the Cougars back to a championshipcaliber team. coordinator and assistant coach in 2018, has instilled a motto of “chasing greatness,” and he wants to bring the excitement back to Cougars football.

“I think everyone has taken the attitude that we are looking to be champions,” he said. “But we are not talking about making the playoffs or region championships, we are talking about what it takes to get there. That includes getting better every day and attention to detail. We want our best to be the standard.”

To begin the turnaround, Malone and

the Cougars will look to a mix of returning standouts and new starters.

Junior Jaylen Smith will line up as quarterback after 2018 starter Damon Stewart transferred out of state. Smith compiled over 420 yards of total offense in Hooch’s spring game against Meadowcreek.

“I think he is going to surprise a lot of people,” Malone said.

Smith will have a go-to receiver in junior Jordan Palmer, who led Hooch in receiving yards last season and compiled five touchdowns.

“We also have some more guys coming out of the woodwork, so we are really excited to get back on the field,” Malone said.

Malone said Hooch’s offense will be young and the O-line will be outsized, but the Cougars will be able to do “some special things” with quick plays highlighting their speed.

The head coach has high hopes for Hooch’s defense, which returns D1 prospects Gianluca Jones and Parker Jenkins. Jones, a safety, compiled 70 tackles last season with seven pass break-ups. Jenkins will lead the Cou-

gars’ linebacker core coming off a 2018 campaign that included 91 tackles, including 10 tackles-for-loss.

If Hooch is to flip its fortunes from last year, it starts with the defensive side, which will be under the direction of three new coaches and a 4-2-5 scheme.

“We gave up way too many points and way too many yards last season,” he said. “I felt in the past they were thinking too much instead of reacting, and we had a lot of trouble tackling. We have been teaching that attention to detail, and I feel good about the defense at this point. They are flying around to the football.”

While Hooch will be “chasing greatness” this season, Malone said, no specific goals are set in his first year at the helm.

“You can say things like, we want to go deep in the playoffs or win the region title, but often that is out of your control,” he said. “We want to get better every single day, and the kids know we love them, and when they know that, they buy in. We need a lot of positive energy to be what we want to be, which is the best in Class 6A football, and to get the excitement back for Chattahoochee.

I think the kids are excited, and we are ready to let them loose.”

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

Football Preview 2019

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Johns Creek expects to continue winning ways Gladiators ‘hungry’ to get over playoff hump

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek head coach Matt Helmerich was approached by a fellow teacher who gave him his take on the program following the 2018 season. He told Helmerich that he watched Johns Creek football hope to win for years, but in the 2018 squad, he saw an expectation to win.

The anticipation for success was bolstered by the Gladiators’ 9-2 overall record and Region 7-AAAAAA championship last year, but Helmerich said the team is eager for more.

“Hungry is the best word to describe this team,” he said. “They have put last year behind them, and they want to take that next step which is get some playoff wins under their belt. This is the 10th season of Johns Creek football we still haven’t won a playoff game. This team is hungry to take that next step.”

However, Helmerich and his returning players know it is no easy task to reach the playoffs in the gauntlet of 7-AAAAAA play.

“It won’t be easy to repeat,” he said.

“I think there is a lot of parity in this region. I was asked the other day who I think will be the four playoff teams, and I have no idea. You are going to get everybody’s best week in and week out.”

Leading the charge will be a host of new talent that includes a new starting quarterback for the first in several seasons after four-year starter Zach Gibson graduated.

Helmerich said the spot is still up for competition between junior Quinn Teeples and senior Ben Whitlock, who transferred from Denmark High School ahead of this season. Whitlock’s 2,713 passing yards put him in the top-five in the state in all classifications. He also threw 26 touchdowns.

Whichever quarterback gets the nod will have a talented core of receivers at his disposal. Dalton Pearson, who was second on the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns last year, returns along with fellow starter Yong Min Lee. Dontrelle Robinson and Virginia transfer Justin Campbell, both 6-foot-4, will provide height on the edge. Helmerich said Garrett Gauthreaux will serve as a speedy target.

The Gladiators will be ripe with running back options with Dylan Parr, Tank Pritchett, Will Watson and Matt Geuss sharing carries.

“All of them have really good experience and have shown they can carry the ball,” Helmerich said.

Trey Sentell returns at center to lead the offensive line, which Helmerich said will be relatively inexperienced and undersized.

“Because we are undersized our offense will rely on team speed,” he said.

“We’ll have to see how the offense comes together, but they have a chance to be really good, and we return a lot of weapons.”

On defense, linebacker Jon Ross Maye returns for his senior campaign after leading all of 7-AAAAAA players in tackles last season while adding four sacks, an interception and forced fumble.

“He is our unquestioned leader,” Helmerich said. “He’s also our juice guy, keeps guys up and going and keeps everybody focused.”

Other returners include three-year starting cornerback Patrick Taylor, safety John Stegenga and junior lineman Cole Nelson.

The remainder of the defense saw significant playing time last season or with the JV squad.

“We’re going to do what we do defensively, and that is fly around and throw in a bunch of different schemes,” he said.

Junior kicker Josh Huiett has made positive strides in the offseason and will handle kicking duties, Helmerich said.

For the second straight year, Johns Creek will take a trip out of state in its non-region schedule. The Gladiators will travel to South Carolina’s Fairfield Central to open the regular season Aug. 23. A week later, the team will welcome Jones High School of Florida to The Coliseum.

“It’s going to be a good bonding trip to South Carolina, and hopefully we’ll come out with a win,” Helmerich said.

“And Orlando Jones might be the most talented teams we face all year.”

The experience of playing talented out-of-state opponents could prove beneficial in the region run, where Johns Creek will look to repeat as champs and look to earn the program’s first playoff win.

“I think Class 6A is wide open,” Helmerich said. “If we get better each week, take care of business in our region schedule, I think we have a chance to make some noise in the playoffs.”

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Football Preview 2019

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Northview went 5-5 last season and narrowly missed out on the program’s first playoff berth since 2015.

Thomson returns to lead Northview Head coach calls squad the best in his tenure

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Northview head coach James Thomson said the 2019 Titans are the best group he has coached while at the school, and it is a squad that has continually improved in the offseason.

“I’m very pleased with where we are at, this is the best group I’ve had here and I love these guys,” he said. “We’ve had a great offseason and put a lot of work in. Right now it’s just about work, and we talk all the time about the process, and that is where we are at.”

While Northview returns some of its standouts from the 2018 campaign, many new players have stepped into larger roles in the offseason.

“Every year you have guys step up, and you don’t really know how it’s going to pan out until you get into the season and the game gets going,” Thomson said.

“But I’m excited to find out and grow with these guys.”

Northview’s new offensive talent can find leadership in returning quarterback Beau Lark. The senior compiled over 1,800 yards passing last season with 19 touchdowns. He also showed prowess on his feet, rushing for 481 yards with six rushing scores.

“Beau is the best QB I’ve ever coached, and that’s saying a lot because

of the quarterbacks I coached in Florida,” Thomson said. “He is very smart, and his leadership is great.”

Providing protection for Lark is an offensive line that returns all five starters from last season.

“I’m excited for them,” Thomson said.

“They have been playing with each other for a very long time.”

Northview’s defense will be led by senior linebackers Sam Babadele, Derek Flannary and Mason Taylor.

Babadele racked up 42 total tackles and three sacks last season, and Taylor averaged four tackles per game.

Starters on both sides of the ball will still need to be identified, but that is part of every season, Thomson said.

“Part of coaching is putting players in the best position for them to have success, and that’s what we’ll be doing,” he said.

The Titans enter 2019 after Northview compiled its winningest season (55) since 2015 and narrowly missed out on the playoffs. However, Thomson said the team will not look ahead to attempt to better last year’s mark.

“We don’t have any expectations,” he said. “We can’t look past the next play.

We’re not in a situation where we talk about winning region or state, we are just trying to win the next snap.”

And Thomson said they will do so as a close-knit group.

“We are a family, and that’s not just something we say, we believe in it,” he said. “They have been together long before I was here.”

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Football Preview 2019

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Blessed Trinity enters 2019 with player, staff questions Defending state champs’ new talent to be tested by grueling schedule

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — Replacing graduated seniors is a difficult task every team must undertake each season. But replacing a senior class that earned two state titles in three appearances in the finals, won three region championships and compiled a staggering 55-5-1 record is beyond a challenge — it is a monumental chore.

And it is the task that Blessed Trinity faces after its standout 2018 senior class, full of players now suiting up for D1 schools, graduated last year.

“We are starting over in a lot of regards,” BT head coach Tim McFarlin said. “We have a lot of gaps to fill. It’s no secret we had an exceptional senior class last year, but we have a lot of kids competing for a lot of jobs. It has created

an exciting atmosphere.”

BT’s leadership will also be new this year with six changes to the program’s coaching staff. The New coaches include Leo Barker, a former Roswell head coach and former Kell defensive coordinator and East Paulding head coach Chuck Goddard.

“There is a lot of chemistry that has to develop there as well,” McFarlin said.

“It’s has been a very interesting year so far, but I’ve actually found it to be stimulating.”

BT’s dominant defense powered the Titans’ undefeated 2018 season, and while many new faces will play under the new defensive coaching staff, some talented starters are back.

McFarlin expects junior Ryan Dupont to lead the linebacker core, a talent-rich position for the Titans in recent years.

“He is a very good football player, and he had the benefit of playing with (Notre Dame’s) JD Bertrand,” he said.

Jackson Hamilton, who played in the secondary last season, and Ryan Attaway will join Dupont at linebacker.

“I think we are going to be solid at

that level,” McFarlin said.

Seniors Regan Smith and Grayson Gilder will return to the defensive front.

Gilder had 30 total tackles, five for a loss, last season while Smith had 24 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

McFarlin said the secondary will be solid with returners Quinton Reese and Carson Harof at corner. James Bryant has been moved to free safety and will provide a sizeable presence at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds.

Similar to the defensive side of the ball, BT’s offense does have returners this season, but the Titans will have limited experience at several positions.

With the graduation of standout quarterback/safety Jake Smith, BT will have a new face under center this year.

The position is still open with three candidates vying for the starting role.

BT’s options include sophomore Banks Atkins, junior Duncan Reavis and freshman John Collier.

“I am very pleased with all of them,” McFarlin said. “Reavis missed a good portion of last year with an injury, he is looking good, but he also looks really

good on defense at safety so we might focus on having him there. Atkins is maturing and he has grown a lot, and Collier will be a really good football player, but he is a freshman, so with that there is certainly going to be some frustration and mistakes.”

McFarlin said the team will likely still be finding its starter a few games into the regular season. He also expects BT’s passing game to be less one-dimensional than last year.

“We primarily had a single-receiver focus with Ryan Davis, but now I feel we have three strong guys and our passing game will be a lot more balanced,” McFarlin said.

That talent includes three players from the defensive secondary with Bryant lining up at tight end and Reese and Harof out wide.

Senior Elijah Green returns to the backfield this year after missing a large chunk of the 2018 season with a fractured foot. In his limited playing time, he averaged 6 yards per carry.

Leading the rushing charge is an offensive line bringing back starting center Jackson Filipowicz and left guard Austin Burns. McFarlin is also pleased with junior tackle Ty Furnish.

Though the team will sport a relatively new look, the expectations have not changed in the 2019 season.

“We want to be around in November and December, and a lot of that depends on how we evolve early on,” McFarlin said.

And the Titans will undoubtedly be tested early. Their challenging four-game slate of non-region opponents are the same as last year, and that group includes four playoff teams who combined for a 33-15 overall record.

“We don’t have a lot of time to breath,” McFarlin said. “I suspect we will have some periods early on in the year where we struggle, but from that you can grow and be better off for it.”

The Titans will then face what McFarlin called perhaps the most difficult region schedule in Class 4A. BT will go toe-to-toe with the always-talented Marist, a Denmark team returning all its starters and what should be a strong Flowery Branch squad.

“I think we are going to have 10 weeks of really tough football,” McFarlin said. “We’re going to need a break, we need to stay healthy, and in that process we have to grow kids.”

BT will have their challenges this season, but McFarlin said his players know they need to keep their focus forward.

“They know there is a standard here, and (state championships) have helped to elevate our football program, no doubt, but we need to keep that in perspective and the kids know that,” he said. “We have a new year, and we just going to control what we can control, and that is effort and execution. This group is very close, and that will sustain us through some tough games.”

Football Preview 2019

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Mount Pisgah’s youth hopes to return program to prominence Patriots push to rebound from 3-7 finish last year

By ZACH SHUGAN news@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Mount Pisgah dealt with youth among its ranks last season, and 2019 looks to present a similar challenge. The Patriots are even younger than last year, and with only a handful of seniors on the team, the team will rely on juniors and sophomores to contribute.

Head coach Mike Forester’s spirits remain high despite his squad’s lack of experience.

“I’m hopefully optimistic,” Forester said. “They’ve really worked hard. Our

only issue is we’re young. We’ve lost a lot of starters over the past couple years.”

Forester expects just six or seven seniors on the team compared to the usual amount of 10-12 of prior years.

One of those seniors is Chandler Minton, who will suit up for the first time this season and play at running back and in the secondary. He played basketball for three years and was a part of the 4x100 state championship team for Mount Pisgah in 2017.

“He’s one of those guys that we’re looking to have a good year,” Forester said. “He’s got really good speed so we’re

just really excited about him.”

Coleman Smith will take over at quarterback after starting on defense as a sophomore last season. He will have a target in returning receiver Nick Speros. In the trenches, defensive lineman Nick Jackson returns along with James Wickline, a starter from a season ago.

Though Jackson and Wickline are back, Forester said the most glaring concern going into the season is the green nature of the team’s linemen.

He likes the size and athleticism of his offensive and defensive line, but they lack time under the Friday night lights.

“We have some guys that are really

good size and fairly decent athletes, but you’re dealing with the inexperience,” Forester said. “It may take a few games to really get our feet under us just because of our youth.”

The Patriots open up their 2019 campaign at Holy Innocents’ and host Mount Vernon the following week. Then it is on to region play with opponents such as Whitefield, Mount Paran and Fellowship Christian.

“How we compete there will really show us what it’s going to be like once we get into the region,” Forester said. “I really feel if they can get the experience and learn fairly quickly, we’ll be alright heading into the meat of the season. But that’s to be seen.”

Experience, grit key factors for Alpharetta in 2019 Though still relatively young, Raiders return seasoned players

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. — No matter the circumstances surrounding a season, Alpharetta’s goals do not change. The Raiders expect to field a winning team, compete for a region title and earn a playoff berth. For 2019, that charge will be led by a mixture of players who gathered extensive playing time last season and those who have limited Friday night experience.

The Raiders’ offense brings back its quarterback and three starting linemen but will look to new receivers and running backs. The defense is a bit more seasoned with two starting linebackers, two defensive linemen and four defensive backs returning.

“It’s huge to have those guys coming back with experience,” Alpharetta head coach Jacob Nichols said. “From a youth standpoint, we are not really young experience-wise.”

A returner will lead the offense in quarterback Will Gerdes. The senior shared snaps last season, racking up 1,275 yards passing with 13 touchdowns, but Nichols said Gerdes will take over the reins in 2019.

“Will showed us a lot toward the end of last season as far his maturity level and development,” Nichols said. “He’s had a great offseason, and his teammates have really responded to his leadership. Everyone we play is going to see a much more mature and refined quarterback.”

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Joining Gerdes in the backfield will be several running backs. Nichols said junior Dylan Merrell is perhaps the speediest player on the team, while sophomore Tylan Johnson is physical and versatile. Other rushers will also likely contribute.

Elijah Fils, Jose Lozada and David Oxman return to start on the offensive line, but Nichols said the team is still trying to create depth in the trenches.

CJ Dobard will be the only true returning receiver, but Nichols said the team has a variety of size and skill at the position with defensive backs Jared Rumph, Jaden Slocum and Jayson Gilliom joining the offense’s receiving core.

He also expects those players to have a significant impact on defense.

“I feel like on the back end, we may have one of the best groups we’ve had,” Nichols said.

Inside linebackers Cam Dorsey and Jordan Leslie return after strong junior campaigns. Dorsey compiled 76 tackles and defended nine passes last season,

while Leslie had 51 tackles and an interception.

Three-year starter and Senior Breon Smith, who made 21 tackles last season, will lead the defensive front.

Senior Bryce Trout has recovered from an injury last season and will handle kicking duties.

Alpharetta’s schedule could prove beneficial in establishing new starters and molding the squad early in the season. The Raiders have a bye after each of their first two regular season games.

“It can cause some issues because we have to do a good job as coaches in keeping the guys focused, but I feel the extra time will help us in the long run,” Nichols said. “We look at it as an advantage with a lot of new faces out there on Friday night this year. Hopefully, that schedule setup will give us plenty of time to get up to speed.”

After facing rivals Milton in the Freedom Bowl and hosting Lanier, the Raiders will look to improve on their 5-3 mark in Region 7-AAAAAA play last

season and avenge one-score losses to Northview and Centennial. Nichols said a crucial game that can easily be overlooked by outsiders will be against North Atlanta. While Alpharetta is 3-0 in the series, the Warriors have given the Raiders fits.

“Quietly they have been making strides, and they return a lot of key pieces,” Nichols said. “That’s definitely one I have highlights on our schedule, because it has never been an easy one for us.”

Whoever the Raiders line up against, Nichols said he thinks his 2019 squad’s grittiness can lead Alpharetta to success.

“There are still some things that we need to improve on across the board, but I think we are at our best when we are showing that ‘never quit’ attitude,” he said. “We hope to make that contagious and make sure we show up at every game and practice. If we keep the grit level up, we can have a lot of success.”

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

Football Preview 2019

Denmark’s talent, Forsyth Central enters 2019 with positive season outlook experience fuel Bulldogs building depth at their key positions optimism for 2019 Danes feel confident in program’s 2nd year

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Denmark head coach Terry Crowder has decades of experience leading football teams, but he has encountered something completely novel heading into the 2019 campaign.

“This is all new because I’ve never been in a situation where I get every starter back, and I’ve been doing this a long time,” he said. “We are so far ahead of where we were last year, and when you have that experience, you can take the next step.”

Year 2 of Denmark football will feature the program’s first senior class, and it is an experienced group ripe with D1 prospects.

A staple on last year’s offense is gone, however, with quarterback Ben Whitlock transferring to Johns Creek.

But in his place will be another highly touted thrower in Auburn-commit Aaron McLaughlin. The 6-foot-5 Buford transfer led the Wolves to a 10-3 record with over 1,400 yards passing last year in his sophomore season.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever coached a player like this, he brings so much to the table” Crowder said. “He has an unbelievable arm and he is a leader. He can run, and he can make any throw on the field.

Defenses better take care of him first, because he can hurt you either way.”

McLaughlin will have a fellow Auburn commit as a go-to target in Ze’Vian Capers. The senior compiled over 1,100 yards receiving last season with 11 touchdowns.

Joining McLaughlin in the backfield will be a strong trio of rushers, including Devin Ducille, South Forsyth transfer Jordan Brunson and Lambert transfer Zach Ogbogu.

Crowder also expects improvement from his offensive line which will be anchored by 6-foot-4, 295-pound senior Noah Mallard.

The defensive front will feature Arthur Mardsen and Justin Hunter on the outside of the line. The pair combined for over 100 tackles last year.

The Danes linebacker core could be a strong point of the defense with three D1 prospects suiting up. Senior Zach Burchfield returns after leading the Danes in

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com

Year 2 of Denmark football will feature the program’s first senior class, and it is an experienced group ripe with D1 prospects. tackles (91) last season while adding three fumble recoveries, two forced fumbles and 14-tackles-for loss. Seniors Nick Carozza, who was second on the team in tackles, and South Forsyth transfer CJ Ford will join Burchfield at linebacker.

Crowder expects safety Jaylon Beasley and corners Kenon Dicks and Justin Bradford to make an impact in the secondary.

The Danes defense will have a new look this year with the team switching to a 3-3-5 scheme.

Crowder said not many outside the program had much expectation for the Danes last season, but now others are looking at them as a top team to beat.

With seasoned, standout players lining up for Denmark this year, the team’s goals are unsurprisingly lofty.

“We want to win our region, we want to make the playoffs and make a run,” Crowder said. “Our expectations have gone way up.”

The head coach also said the Danes compiling a 5-5 record and narrowly missing out on the playoffs will serve to fuel this year’s squad. And the team certainly learned last year that being in the top four of Region 7-AAAA is no easy task when facing the likes of Blessed Trinity, Marist and Flowery Branch.

“There’s no doubt we play in the toughest region in the state,” Crowder said. “The good thing about that is if you get out of this region in a playoff spot, you know you are pretty good. The challenging part is, you know you will probably have to face one of those teams again.”

With ambitious aspirations and a team capable of achieving them, Crowder is anticipating a strong year for the program.

“It’s a group of kids that are fun to coach with some really good athletes out there,” he said. “You know, we are Denmark, and they have really bought into that.”

CUMMING, Ga. — A new energy this season has been instilled for Forsyth Central. Head coach Frank Hepler said the team is athletic, relatively experienced and, for the first time in his tenure at the school, his players have been battling throughout the preseason in all positions for starting jobs.

“We have kids competing on both sides of the ball for spots, and when I got here four years ago, we didn’t have that,” Hepler said. “Back then, everyone was kind of set in their positions, but now they are battling, and that drives these guys.”

Battling also builds depth, and Hepler said that is a factor that reared its head last season with the Bulldogs hindered by injuries. Staying healthy will be critical this year with several players slated to play both ways.

“Last year, health was a problem time to time, but it showed what the kids were made of to get the job done,” he said. “But right now, we can build some depth with good battles and competitions. It’s good to have one good kid, but we are trying to get three or four guys who can get the job done.”

Hepler described his 2019 squad as athletic, and that starts with the offensive line.

The offensive front has been switched around a bit from last season and some new players will suit up on Friday nights.

Right tackle Brandon Gayton saw limited varsity playing time last season but will step up with another new starter, junior center/guard Robbie Watson.

Starter Luke Morton returns to the line for his senior season along with senior Darius Green and Canaan Clark, who will also start on the defensive line.

That line will protect familiar faces in the backfield with quarterbacks Bronson Landreth and Ryan Van Uum returning.

“They are still battling for that starting position,” Hepler said. “But the great thing about those guys is they can play safety when they are not at QB. So we will likely have one starting on defense depending on who wins each job.”

Senior Jake Bretz should be a go-to receiver in addition to his play in the defensive secondary, Hepler said. He expects returners Noah Chol and Caydin Mowen to lead the rushing attack while making receptions out of the backfield.

The offense will continue to run a

KEVIN O’BRIEN/SPLITSECONDIMAGES

Forsyth Central players celebrate a touchdown in their 2018 matchup with Lambert. The Bulldogs compiled a 7-4 record last year and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2001.

spread option, but Hepler said a few tweaks have been made, bolstered by Central’s experienced coaching staff and returning starters.

“At any level of football, having any experience and knowledge of what the coaches want is tremendous,” Hepler said. “And our staff has now been together for two years in a row, and that makes a big difference.”

Excitement around the Bulldogs program grew exponentially in 2018 with the Bulldogs rebounding from a winless season to go 7-4 overall and earn Central its first playoff berth since 2001. If the Bulldogs are to match or better that success, they will again have to win in a grueling Region 5-AAAAAAA schedule.

“This is such a tough region, showed by our region champ (Milton) winning the state championship last year,” Hepler said. “Maybe we don’t have the program recognition around the state, but it will be a very tough region race.”

And Hepler is confident that Bulldogs can put together another successful region run and overall season.

“Our outlook is, this season can be good,” he said. “Things like injuries and depth, those will have to fall into place, but we will keep working to get them ready, play week to week, and aim to get better each week.”

Football Preview 2019

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

Football Preview 2019

North Forsyth looks for next man up after graduating large senior class Raiders focus on limiting turnovers, improved tackling

said. “He has played at running back, receiver, linebacker and safety, wherever we have needed him. He is poised to have a great year on both sides of the football, and we are going to get him the ball in a lot of ways.”

Several players will contribute to North’s run game, which should be led

by Jared Lucero. The junior played as a tight end/linebacker last year but has dropped weight in the offseason and prepared well for his new role, Craft said.

North’s offensive line will be manned by four new faces with center Will Bar-

ton the only returner from last year’s starting front.

Not all of North’s squad will be green, however. The Raiders were plagued with injuries early last season which allowed many returning players to gather experience. Much of that know-how returns defensively. Twelve players started at least one game last season, and Craft said the defense is likely North’s strong suit this year.

“We will emphasize aggressiveness and give teams multiple looks,” Craft said. “Having some experience allows you to do some more things.”

Leading the defense in the trenches will be returning outside defensive linemen Samuel Tomkins and Max Bryant.

Haris Mahmutovic will line up at nose guard after starting several games last year as a freshman.

Starting linebacker Jack Tucker will return after starting every game last season. He will be joined by Patrick Corrigan who made an impact on the Raiders’ defense as a freshman last season.

“You almost have to remind yourself [Corrigan] is a freshman, he is talented, works hard and is so much further ahead of where you think a sophomore will be,” Craft said.

Miles Hartsfield, Austin Colon and Tyler Cunningham will lead the secondary, and Craft said they are among about six or seven defensive backs who are experienced and have the versatility to play at corner or safety.

North will enter its 2019 campaign

quarterback, head coach Louis Daniel likes what he sees heading into the 2019 season. With the exception of some minor issues on special teams, there are no areas of the team that stick out as a weak spot, he said.

The 2019 Longhorns will be led by Peyton Rich at quarterback. The senior took over at quarterback as a sophomore and retained the position as a junior.

He enters the 2019 season after passing for over 1,700 yards last season with 13 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

Senior center Daniel Park and receiver/defensive back Anthony Newtown also provide deep experience as thirdyear starters.

At running back, Daniel plans to go with Chase Bombard, a transfer from California. On defense, Drew Surio returns at linebacker after a strong offseason, according to Daniel.

“We’ve got a good group,” Daniel said.

“We’re having a lot of fun.”

Perhaps more important than the squad’s returning talent is the team’s chemistry, Daniel said.

“They have a good energy about them, and they really enjoy being to-

gether,” Daniel said. “They really enjoy playing the game. They’ve got a real positive vibe.”

Lambert is aiming to use its talent and chemistry to get the program back to its prior prominence. The Longhorns have missed out on the playoffs for two straight years for the first time in the program’s limited history last year and went 0-5 in Region 5-AAAAAAA. While defending state champs Milton will likely be the favorites for the 2019 region crown, Daniel said he like how Lambert stacks up with its Forsyth County foes.

“Football has gotten better in this county every single year,” he said. “We’re all pretty similar. I don’t know if one of us really stands out above the other ones. As far as region play goes, it’s going to be extremely competitive.”

Lambert’s tough non-region schedule should provide the team with a good measuring stick entering region play.

The Longhorns start the season on the road against Wheeler and Chattahoochee before facing Gainesville, Peachtree Ridge and Lanier. Lambert went 3-2 in non-region play last year.

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — North Forsyth will look for new talent to emerge this season after graduating 26 seniors from its 2018 squad, many of whom were staples for the Raiders for three seasons. But head coach Robert Craft said the program is excited to bring new talent to the forefront.

“A lot of these guys don’t have the Friday night experience because of the group before them, but the coaching staff is so excited about getting them their opportunity,” Craft said. “They have earned it.”

One player stepping into the spotlight is junior quarterback Brady Meitz.

“We are fired up about Brady,” Craft said. “When you talk about the attributes and characteristics of a quarterback, he’s got all of them. He’s a great leader, he can make every throw on the field, he is athletic and can do some things with his legs to extend plays.”

Meitz will have a go-to target in Dukecommit Nicky Dalmolin, who Craft called one of the top players in the country and the leader of North’s 2019 squad.

“He is one of the top players I’ve coached both on and off the field,” Craft

Lambert leaning on experience, chemistry Longhorns hope to end streak of consecutive losing seasons

By ZACH SHUGAN news@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUTNY, Ga. — Lambert hoped to turn things around in 2018 following a 3-7 finish the year before, but last season was more of the same with the Longhorns compiling a 3-7 mark.

With an experienced group of seniors that includes a third-year starter at

KEVIN O’BRIEN/SPLITSECONDIMAGES

North Forsyth receiver Nicky Dalmolin returns for the Raiders this season after leading the team in receptions in 2018.

with a chip on their shoulder after a frustrating 3-7 campaign last year. Four of the team’s losses came in tight contests.

“Last year was difficult between injuries, especially so early on in the season, and then you play five games decided by four points or less and lose four of them,” Craft said. “It left us with a sour taste in our mouths.”

An offseason emphasis was placed on sound tackling and winning the turnover game.

“When you have games decided by one possession, those factors are usually the difference, who can steal a possession or make tackles in open space,” he said.

North’s challenging non-region schedule will be a good measuring stick for the team entering Region 5-AAAAAAA play, where North will be looking to return to the playoffs against its Forsyth County foes and defending state champs, Milton.

The Raiders have been on the playoff bubble each year since the region was formed. North earned a playoff bid as the No. 4 seed in 2017 but were a game outside a berth in 2016 and last season.

“The last few years we have been right there,” Craft said. “We have to battle every week, there’s no easy win in all 10 of our games, but I feel this team is capable of making the playoffs, and we want to host, which is so critical. It’s crucial we go one week at a time, but this team has the makeup to succeed, and they are workers in every sense of the word. We are just excited to get out there.”

KEVIN O’BRIEN/SPLITSECONDIMAGES

Quarterback Peyton Rich will lead Lambert’s offense this season, his third year as the starter.

Football Preview 2019

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 13

Pinecrest charts path of improvement Paladins striving to best 2018 record

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com JOE PARKER/HERALD

South Forsyth will be awash with new talent after graduating over 30 seniors from last year’s 5-6 squad.

South Forsyth to feature new, two-way talent ’19 War Eagles hope to rebound from losing season

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — South Forsyth will be awash with new talent in 2019 with over 30 members of its roster graduating last year.

“We have a lot of spots to fill, but we are getting better all the time, and the kids are getting it done,” South Forsyth head coach Jeff Arnette said. “The guys seem to be doing all the things we need to do to get better.”

A fresh face at quarterback will lead the offense, but the starting role is still up for grabs between sophomore Kyle Durham and senior Joe Slott. It’s the same story at running back, and Arnette said multiple rushers should compile yardage. Jordan Brunson, the leading rusher for South last season, transferred to Denmark.

South’s defense also has spots to fill on the line, at linebacker and in the secondary under the direction of a new defensive coordinator, Ross Walker.

Though South will be relatively inexperienced, not all players are greenhorns.

The War Eagles have talented, veteran receivers, including Cameron Schurr and Colby Cruz, South’s top two receivers last season.

“Our receiving core is very talented, maybe as talented as we’ve had, and they should be a big contributor to our success,” Arnette said.

South’s offense also returns three starting linemen, while an experienced linebacker core, including senior Jax Weaver, will lead the defense.

“I feel like our linebackers will be the strength of our defense,” Arnette said.

South’s head coach also expects seasoned players and newcomers alike will contribute on both sides of the ball.

Arnette emphasized the importance of his coaching staff to South’s success this season. His veteran staff includes offensive coordinator Troy Morris, who

has been with Arnette for a decade, and Heath Hover, who played for Arnette at Elbert County and will serve as the special teams coordinator.

“I feel great about the leadership on our coaching staff,” Arnette said.

It is a coaching staff that hopes to steer South to another winning season after the letdown record of 5-6 last season.

“I think last year is fuel for this year for the players, the coaches, everybody,” Arnette said. “It is great we reached the playoffs for the fifth season in a row, but we are looking to be at the top of the region, and we weren’t there last season.”

South’s non-region schedule should serve as an acid test for how the War Eagles are shaping up entering their run for a Region 5-AAAAAAA title.

The War Eagles will face four teams that earned playoff bids last season, including Class 4A state champions Blessed Trinity, who downed South 35-6 last season. After their matchup with BT, South faces a gauntlet of 7A teams, including Etowah, South Gwinnett and Hillgrove.

The War Eagles went 3-2 against the same slate of opponents last year.

“When you play teams like that in the non-region, you get to find out what you’re made of early,” Arnette said. “Of course, then we get to region play where it’s extremely tough. You know you are going to get everyone’s best, and you have to face the defending state champs in Milton and all the country rivalries.”

South captured region championships in 2015 and 2017 and will look to continue that two-year title trend this season.

“We are definitely shooting for that region title, it’s a huge goal for our players and coaches,” Arnette said.

And he believes the brotherhood of his 2019 squad can fuel that title run.

“These guys are close, one of the closer-knit groups we’ve had,” he said.

“And when you are that close, you seem to play better together.”

CUMMING, Ga. — Following a 2017 season without a win on the field, Pinecrest Academy can view its 4-6 record last year as an improvement, but head coach Terence Mathis said that was still not good enough.

“I was pleased with where we were last year, but it had a disappointing end, losing three of our last four games,” Mathis said. “You can look at it as an improvement coming off an 0-10 season to say we won four games, but this program and its players weren’t satisfied. I think we have been working to get to the corner. Now we need to turn the corner.”

In striving for added success, the Paladins have lofty goals this season, including winning a region title and getting into the playoffs, Mathis said. To get there, the Paladins have a mixture of returning talent and new faces.

All-Region linebacker Joey Kiernan will return to lead the defense, with Mathis calling the senior perhaps the best linebacker in the region. Senior Sawyer Huffstetler will lead the secondary as safety and will also contribute on offense as receiver and as a kick returner on special teams.

The Paladins offensive line returns all-region center Peter Haynes and right guard Bill Bear.

Mathis said the biggest question as far as new talent is at quarterback with junior Bryce Balthaser.

“It’s his third year in the system,

but at the same time, he hasn’t played QB much at the varsity level,” Mathis said. “As he goes, we go. He is getting better each week, and it is kind of an advantage we don’t play a regular season game until September so we can get him as many reps as we can.”

While the Paladins still have a few question marks on their starting roster, Mathis is confident his coaching staff will have the team well prepared.

“We have arguably the best defensive coordinator in the state in Tim Lewis, and including myself, we have four former NFL guys,” he said. “We are excited about this year.”

While it is no easy task to be at the top of the 6-A standings come November, Mathis believes his squad can reach that goal if they limit mistakes, penalties and turnovers. The Paladins narrowly missed out on a playoff berth last season with two losses by one score in the final four weeks of the season.

“We are not going to be one of those teams that says whatever happens, happens,” Mathis said. “We expect to be good this year. The thing is, we just need to go out and play. We know what to do, so we just need play and we can win some games and reach our goals.”

Mathis also ensures that his 2019 squad will play with a team mindset and with vigor to improve their fortunes.

“This team here is feisty,” he said.

“They are going to scrap until the end, and they are going to do it together.

They understand that everyone has to play a part and at some point, everyone will play on Friday. They are teaching each other, and they expect nothing but the best. I’m looking forward to them flying around.”

Pinecrest Academy head coach Terence Mathis said the expectations are high for the Paladins entering the 2019 season with a mixture of returning talent and newcomers to its ranks.

PINECREST/SPECIAL

BLESSED TRINITY C E NTE NNI A L DEN M A RK FELLOWS HIP CR EEK

@St. Pius X @South Forsyth Woodward Academy @Benedictine @West Hall* Denmark* Flowery Branch* Chestatee @Marist* @White County*

@Northside (Warner Robins) Roswell @Pope* Cambridge* Alpharetta* Chattahoochee* @Dunwoody* Johns Creek* @North Atlanta* @Northview*

@Cherokee Bluff North Springs Forsyth Central @Dawson County Chestatee* @West Hall* @Blessed Trinity* Marist* @White County* Flowery Branch*

North Springs Pinecrest Academy* @Walker* @Stratford Academy Mount Paran* @St. Francis* @King’s Ridge* @Mount Pisgah* Whitefield Academy* TBD (Region 6/A crossover)

Fairfield Central (SC) Jones (FL) North Atlanta* @Chattahoochee*

8/23 8/30 9/6 9/13 9/27 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8

8/16 9/6 9/13 9/20 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8

8/30 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/8

8/23 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/2

8/23 8/30 9/13 9/20

* denotes region game

FOOT B A LL SC HE DULE S @Milton (Freedom Bowl) Lanier Pope* Dunwoody* @Centennial* North Atlanta* @Chattahoochee* Northview* @Johns Creek* @Cambridge*

Creekview @Woodstock Dunwoody* @Centennial* North Atlanta* @Chattahoochee* Northview* @Johns Creek* @Pope* Alpharetta*

@Riverwood Lambert @Northview* Johns Creek* @Pope* Cambridge* @Centennial* Alpharetta* @Dunwoody* @North Atlanta*

St. Pius X Chamblee @Cambridge* Northview* @Alpharetta* Centennial North Atlanta* @Chattahoochee* @Johns Creek* South Forsyth

Chamblee @Cass @Denmark Lakeside, Atlanta Clarkston North Forsyth* @West Forsyth* Milton* @South Forsyth* Lambert*

Riverside Military Academy @Providence Christian @Mount Paran* Mount Pisgah*

8/29 9/6 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8

8/23 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/8

8/23 8/30 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/18 11/1 11/8

8/30 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8 11/8

8/23 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8

8/30 9/6 9/20 9/27

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

Football Preview 2019

A L P HA R ET TA CAMBRIDGE CHATTAHOOCHEE DUN WOO D Y FORSYTH CENTRAL

R IDG E

@Northview* @Pope* Cambridge* @Centennial* Alpharetta* Dunwoody*

@Wheeler @Chattahoochee Gainesville Peachtree Ridge @Lanier @South Forsyth* North Forsyth* West Forsyth* Milton* @Forsyth Central*

Holy Innocents’ (at Riverwood) Mount Vernon Presbyterian St. Francis* @Whitefield Academy* @King’s Ridge* Mount Paran* Pinecrest Academy* Fellowship Christian* @Walker* TBD (Region crossover game)

@Lakeside (Atlanta) North Forsyth Chattahoochee* @Dunwoody* Johns Creek* @North Atlanta* @Cambridge* @Alpharetta* Pope* Centennial*

@Campbell @Centennial West Forsyth Milton Wheeler @Cherokee* @Lassiter* Walton @Woodstock* Etowah

@North Cobb Christian @Mount Pisgah* Lakeview Academy Whitefield Academy* @Walker* Fellowship Christian* Pinecrest Academy* Mount Paran* @King’s Ridge* TBD (Region crossover game)

9/27 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8

8/23 8/30 9/13 9/13 9/27 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8

8/24 8/30 9/6 9/13 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/25 11/1 11/8

8/30 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/25 11/1 11/8

8/30 9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8

8/30 9/6 9/13 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/2

Buford (Corky Kell Classic) Alpharetta (Freedom Bowl) JSerra Catholic (CA) @Roswell Parkview @West Forsyth* South Forsyth* @Forsyth Central* @Lambert* North Forsyth*

@Cherokee Gainesville @Northview Kennesaw Mountain Woodstock @Forsyth Central* @Lambert* South Forsyth* West Forsyth* @Milton*

@Fellowship Christian* Athens Christian Whitefield Academy* Walker* @Mt. De Sales @Mount Pisgah* @St. Francis* King’s Ridge* @Mount Paran* TBD (Region crossover game)

8/23 8/29 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8

8/23 8/39 9/6 9/20 9/27 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8

9/6 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8

8/23 8/30 9/6 9/13 9/27 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8

8/23 8/30 9/13 9/20 9/27 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/8

M I LT O N NORTH FORSYTH PI NE C RE ST SOUTH FORSYTH WES T FOR S Y TH

Camden County Hewitt/Trussville (AL) @Roswell Peachtree Ridge McCallie (TN) Milton* Forsyth Central* @Lambert* @North Forsyth* South Forsyth

Football Preview 2019

Sprayberry Blessed Trinity @Etowah @South Gwinnett Hillgrove Lambert* @Milton* @North Forsyth* Forsyth Central* @West Forsyth*

@Whitefield Academy* Walker* Fellowship Christian* @Pinecrest Academy* St. Francis* TBD (Region crossover game)

10/4 10/11 10/18 10/25 11/1 11/2

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

NO RTH VI E W R OS WELL S T. FR AN CIS

JOHN S L A M B ERT MO U NT PI SG A H

KI NG’ S

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

For your ultimate goal.

Football Preview 2019

Roswell ‘cautiously optimistic’ for 2019 season Hornets will return several key starters at skilled positions

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ROSWELL, Ga. — The 2019 season will mark the 70th year Roswell has taken the field, and head coach Matt Kemper said his team understands the importance of continuing the legacy of the historically most successful North Fulton program.

“It means more here,” Kemper said.

“The guys understand and respect that we are not just representing ourselves, we are representing generations of teams and players.”

And the outlook for team No. 70?

Cautiously optimistic, Kemper said.

The Hornets will have several returning starters on both sides of the ball, and Kemper has been pleased with his new talent stepping up to replace last year’s senior class.

The Hornets’ offense, which averaged 33 points per game last year, has a strong core of returners back with an added year of experience.

Quarterback Ethan Roberts will lead the Hornets again this season after compiling 2,274 yards passing with 24 total touchdowns in 2018.

Roberts will have his top two targets from last year returning in senior tight end John Copenhaver and senior receiver Jacob Jarrett. Copenhaver had 44 catches for 759 yards last season, while Jarrett compiled 596 yards, averaging 20 yards per catch. Both targets had eight touchdowns.

Kemper said juniors Marquis Willis and Michael Fitzgerald and sophomore Ryan Hill have also stepped up in the offseason at receiver.

The Hornets’ backfield will be without 1,000-yard rusher Kamonty Jett who graduated last year, but Kemper said Ryan Stephens and Savion McCrary should share carries to lead the rushing attack.

Opening holes in the Hornets’ run game will be a front five that returns three starters from last season. North Carolina commit and standout tackle Trey Zimmerman returns for his senior season along with guard Matthew Copeland and Matthew Ford, who has transitioned from guard to center.

“Those guys will really carry us,” Kemper said.

A focus for the offense this season is to spread their game.

“We have to be more balanced,” Kemper said. “We are going to take what

JOE PARKER/HERALD

Roswell enters 2019 with a mixture of new and seasoned talent. The Hornets offense returns several starters on the offensive line and at skilled positions, and the defense will have a trio of veteran linebackers. the defense gives us, but we want a little better mixture of run/pass and want to get the ball into more people’s hands.”

Kemper said he has confidence in his defense, but staying healthy will be vital.

The Hornets will be formidable at linebacker with returning starters Doneiko Slaughter and Will Troutman manning the edges with Khaleed Mobley in the interior. Slaughter and Troutman had over 60 tackles last season, with Slaughter leading the team in sacks (8).

Mobley compiled over 80 tackles with an interception and fumble recovery.

The defensive front returns three key pieces from last season, and the secondary will feature Dillon Hollifield at free safety.

“That kid has a bright future,” Kemper said. “He is long, he can run and he looks almost like a linebacker.”

The head coach is also looking to the multi-talented Sam DiRoberto to make an impact in the secondary.

“He can play four to five positions for us, and he did at times [last season],” Kemper said. “He has played both safeties, at linebacker and one game at corner. We hope he can have a breakout season.”

The Hornets’ veterans and newcomers likely have a chip on their shoulders entering this year. After compiling

a 9-1 regular season and the Region 4-AAAAAAA title, they fell to a daunting Tift County team, the Class 7A at-large bid, in the first round of the playoffs.

“It will definitely be motivation for us,” Kemper said. “We definitely want to go deeper, and we feel like our business wasn’t finished.”

To get there, the Hornets will face another challenging non-region schedule that includes matchups with West Forsyth, Wheeler and rivals Milton, before looking to defend their 4-AAAAAAA title.

“If we want to get to the playoffs, we’ve got to take care of business first to get there and be at the top of the region,” Kemper said. “Walton is always tough, Cherokee and Woodstock are improved and Etowah always fields a strong team.

It’s very competitive, and anybody can come out on top.”

After a strong 2018 season and confidence for this season, the Hornets are looking to remain a team to beat in Class 7A. “Roswell is accustomed to winning,” Kemper said. “In 2017 we didn’t do things we should have done, but now we are doing things our way, and the kids have bought in. Most of our questions have been answered, now it’s more about managing things properly, staying sharp and staying healthy.”

Football Preview 2019

Fellowship Christian’s high expectations continue for 2019 Paladins return experienced players at several skilled positions

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com ROSWELL, Ga. — After eight years without a winning season, Fellowship Christian’s fortunes changed dramatically in 2016 when the Paladins compiled a 13-1 record and reached the state finals.

That campaign proved to be the foundation of a successful run for Fellowship, which has since added two straight trips to the second round of the playoffs and has won more games in the last three seasons than they did from 2008-15.

Head coach Al Morrell believes that winning run can continue this year.

“Winning is contagious, and our kids have a lot of confidence,” he said. “They also have an expectation of winning, so they work a little harder still to achieve.

I’m very optimistic. If we stay healthy, I think we should be a really good football team.”

Though a few important pieces of last season’s squad were lost to graduation, much of the talent that led Fellowship to a 10-2 record last year returns.

On offense, junior quarterback Joey Archer returns after stepping into a starting role last season due to an injury to Brooks Bryant. Archer threw for 697 yards last season with seven touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Though he has Friday night experience under center, Morrell said the starting position is still up for grabs between Archer and another junior, Eli Hildebrandt.

“We are giving them equal reps until somebody takes that position,” Morrell said. “And if there’s no clear winner, we do not have any problem playing two quarterbacks.”

Either QB will have a go-to target in junior Jordan Brewer, who led the team in receptions and receiving yards in 2018.

A critical factor to Fellowship’s rush-heavy offense returns this season in Murphy Reeves, who was one of the state’s top rushers last season as a sophomore. Reeves rushed for 1,710 yards, averaged 10-yards per carry, and racked up 18 rushing touchdowns.

Reeves is still recovering from an offseason surgery, so Morrell said it is not certain whether the junior will be at 100 percent for the Paladins’ season opener.

No mater Reeves’ condition on opening night, Fellowship will still have Law-

Though a few important pieces of last season’s squad were lost to graduation, much of the talent that led Fellowship to a 10-2 record last year returns. son Haigler at fullback. Haigler rushed for over 600 yards last season. Morrell said the slotback position will likely be filled by a rotation of four players.

Fellowship’s success will begin with the offensive and defensive line, Morrell said, and many linemen will play both ways. He is confident both lines will be ready to work well in the trenches on opening night despite some first-year starters.

The Paladins’ defense held seven opponents to 14 points or less last season, and key linebackers and defensive backs return with an added year of experience.

Fellowship’s defense will have a daunting middle linebacker duo with returners Caleb Mcclung and Nathan Nardone back for their junior campaigns.

Mcclung compiled 99 total tackles last season with nine tackles-for-loss, just ahead of Nordone who made 95 tackles, with five tackles-for-loss.

With several players starting on both sides of the ball, Morrell said staying healthy is key to the Paladins’ success this year.

“When you have guys playing both ways, we lose one or two kids and it can totally impact our season,” he said.

The Paladins will be aiming to continue their success this season by chasing their third Region 6-A subregion B title in four years, but that is no easy task.

“It’s a great region top to bottom,” Morrell said. “To have a chance to compete for the title, you always have to go through Mt. Paran. St. Francis will be extremely talented and from what I can see, Whitefield Academy’s whole roster is back. We struggled against both of those teams last year.”

Fellowship went 7-0 against subregion B opponents last season but fell to subregion A’s Mount Zion Carroll for the overall region title.

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 17

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Football Preview 2019

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Dunwoody defensive back J. Norris Neel returns an interception 97 yards for a touchdown last season.

Stability and experience will be key for Dunwoody Wildcats coach predicts challenge for the playoffs

By ZACH SHUGAN news@appenmediagroup.com DUNWOODY, Ga. — Three seasons after joining a new region and four seasons after naming head coach Mike Nash, Dunwoody is finally settling in.

“I think we’re going to be much better than we have been,” Nash said. “We finally got a group of guys that’s been with us for four years so they know what we’re doing. They worked hard over the summer. I think we’ll be a lot better this year.”

The Wildcats run an air-raid, spread offense. When Nash first arrived, Dunwoody ran the triple option. There’s been a transition period, but Nash has a group that has been with him for four years now and understands how the offense operates.

At quarterback for Dunwoody, junior David LeDoyen will start. LeDoyen has a veteran group of receivers to throw to in Tyler Eith, Walt Anders, David Julian and Jack Hogan, who are all three-or four-year starters.

“Offensively we bring back pretty

much all our skill players,” Nash said.

“That will help us out a bunch.”

The defense is a different story. The Wildcats graduated 10 starters from the defense a season ago and are still feeling the effects of the upheaval.

“We’re trying to fill those spots,” Nash said. “And on the offensive line we graduated four out of five. Those are our concerns right now, but honestly we’ve had some guys step up.”

Despite the usual offseason concerns of filling empty spots in the starting lineup, there is finally a sense of stability in the air.

Nash enters his fifth season as head coach, which should help both him and the players. Dunwoody enters its fourth season as a member of Region 7-AAAAAA, so the opponents are no longer strangers to the Wildcats.

The road to the playoffs is loaded with obstacles. They’ll have to get through region foes such as Cambridge, Alpharetta, Centennial, Chattahoochee and Johns Creek, but Nash feels confident in this year’s team.

“I think we’re middle of the pack,” Nash said. “I feel like we’re going to make the playoffs. I’ll also say I feel like that almost every year, and when I stop feeling like that I’m going to stop coaching.”

Football Preview 2019

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Football Preview 2019

West Forsyth turns to new talent to lead in 2019 Wolverines lose nearly 30 seniors from last season

By ZACH SHUGAN news@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — With a bevy of new faces on the sidelines, West Forsyth will sport a new look in 2019.

Last season’s squad, which compiled a 6-6 record and reached the second round of the playoffs, graduated 27 seniors. According to head coach Shawn Cahill, 21 of those 27 seniors started or were in the rotation for heavy playing time.

All of those spots need to be filled, and there aren’t as many seniors on the roster this year to step up.

“We’ve got some young players, whether they’re young in age or young in experience,” Cahill said. “I think we’re athletic. I think we got some really good kids, but it might take them some time to figure out the speed of the game going from a freshman or JV game last year to playing on Friday night.”

At quarterback, West Forsyth has two players with starting experience.

Senior Blake Whitfield returns after suffering a season-ending injury early in the 2018 season. Junior Drew Southern, who finished the season at quarterback and compiled over 1,000 yards passing, will back up Whitfield again this season.

Protecting the quarterback will be an offensive line led by SEC-prospect Dylan Fairchild.

Offensive weapons include senior wide receiver Casey Cowart, who started every game at receiver for West Forsyth in 2018. Cahill also said sophomore Oscar Delp should compile receptions on offense and line up at safety for West’s defense.

The Wolverines have a strong returning linebacker duo in Jack Hughes and Eli Orr. Hughes was named the North Georgia Touchdown Club underclassmen of the year last season. Orr brings experience as a three-year starter, and he led the team in tackles (140) last season.

A question mark for West’s defense is its linemen and defensive backs.

Cahill believes the secondary might not have a senior in the group, and the

defensive line graduated seven seniors from 2018.

The 2019 schedule for West Forsyth looks a lot like it did a season ago. The opponents are identical, but the locations have been flipped.

This means the Wolverines open the season at home against Camden County before going on the road against HewittTrussville (Ala.) and Roswell the next two weeks. They follow that up with Peachtree Ridge and McCallie (Tenn.) before opening region play with defending state champion Milton.

“We’re going to play some really experienced teams right out of the gate,” Cahill said.

West struggled to a 1-4 record against its non-region opponents last year with three losses coming by one score.

Despite his team’s youth and challenging schedule, Cahill is optimistic the group will develop in time and rival the success of last year’s team.

“They’re good kids,” Cahill said.

“They’ve had a good offseason of working out. We feel like we’re faster than we were a year ago as a team. Now we just have to get some of those younger guys to play fast on Friday nights.”

JOE PARKER/HERALD

Konnor Bishop goes up for a grab against Lambert last season. The Wolverines enter 2019 looking to improve on their 6-6 record last year.

Football Preview 2019

NorthFulton.com | ForsythHerald.com | August 16, 2018 | 21

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Football Preview 2019

Cambridge filled with youth heading into new year Bears with limited senior leadership but some veteran starters return

By ZACH SHUGAN news@appenmediagroup.com MILTON — Cambridge enters its eighth season in school history in 2019, and head coach Craig Bennett doesn’t remember having this small of a senior class since the school’s first year. The Bears had four seniors in their inaugural year of play, and that number is not much higher in year eight with just seven seniors suiting up for Cambridge this season. It is far less than the usual 20 or so in years prior.

There’s no specific reason for the lack of seniors. Bennett pointed out that a few would-be seniors decided not to play this year, along with injuries preventing a few others from playing. It’s an unfortunate situation, but there’s not much to do about it.

“It’s just one of those unique years,” Bennett said. “We got a lot of kids playing and starting for us that played a little bit last year. But the kids have really bought in to what we’re doing and have a great attitude.”

They might be young, but the Bears they return a large number of starters and key contributors from 2018.

Sophomore Zach Harris will start at quarterback and junior Phillip Michael

Collins will start at running back. “[Harris] finished the season last year starting the last six games and did really well as a freshman, which is tough to do in Georgia,” Bennett said. “[Collins] was a starter for us last year as a sophomore and rushed for 1,000 yards.”

On defense, Cambridge has two senior linebackers returning in Mike Hudson and T.J. Mowery along with senior lineman Charlie Goodell. Luke Kramer, who started as a sophomore, returns at safety.

“A lot of them started for us as sophomores,” Bennett said. “They’re still young but they got a decent amount of experience. We’re just looking for them to grow.”

The Bears finished 3-7 last year and 4-6 the season before that, and their last trip to the playoffs came in 2016.

They open their season with non-region games against Creekview and Woodstock, and then comes region play with opponents such as Centennial, Johns Creek and Alpharetta.

With a team full of young players, Bennett has tempered his expectations.

Not because they aren’t talented enough or because he doesn’t think they can accomplish their goals. He just doesn’t believe setting goals is a good idea. At least not this year.

“I know that’s the norm and what people talk about,” Bennett said, “but what I’ve found over the years is if that goal gets derailed early in the year it’s hard to keep high school kids focused.

We don’t talk about goals. We just try to get better every single day and try to get better at what we do.”

JOE PARKER/HERALD

Quarterback Zach Harris will lead the Bears offense again after compiling over 1,000 yards passing as a freshman last season.

St. Francis strives to improve on last year’s 5-5 mark Knights returning much of thier talent from ’18 campaign

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — The goal set for St. Francis’ 2019 season is direct — improve on last year.

“We have had the task of trying to build a program that is solid year in and year out, and I feel good about the direction it is going,” St. Francis head coach Frank Barden said. “I was tremendously pleased with last season, we laid the foundation, and now it is time to start adding to that. Our goal is to be better than we were last year overall and continue to move in a positive direction.”

Barden, now in his second season with the Knights, said the excitement has grown around the program,

evidenced by the team sporting nearly double its number of players in 2018.

While there will be new faces aplenty on the Knights’ sideline, familiar names should lead the charge, with the team returning much of its talent from last season.

Quarterback Josh Gil will lead the offense after throwing for over 1,300 yards with 20 total touchdowns. Hunter Jones will also return to the backfield after leading the Knights in rushing yards last season.

Senior receivers Isiah Wadsworth and Jai Smith will continue to be Gil’s go-to receivers. The duo combined for 1,000 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns last year.

Senior lineman Darron Willis, Peyton

Newcomb and Ayden Prigoff return for their senior campaigns and will see action on both sides of the ball in the trenches.

“I’ve done this for a long time, and our front four on defense is as good as anybody,” Barden said. “All are 230-plus pounds, they are athletic and I think they are the strength of the defense.”

Jones and Gianni Dorsey will lead the linebacker core, and Wadsworth returns to the secondary after compiling 63 tackles, four interceptions, three caused fumbles and two fumble recoveries last year.

“This is a fun group to coach,” Barden said. “They’re the kind of kids you want to go to battle with, and it’s a special group of seniors because they are so close. It’s fun to go out there every

day and see if we can be a good football team.”

The Knights’ push to improve will include the goal of reaching the postseason for the first time in five years. St. Francis fell heartbreakingly short of the playoffs last season, finishing just onetenth of a point outside the final playoff spot in the final Class A-Private power ratings.

While every game impacts the Knights’ power ratings, region play will be crucial for the squad’s playoff hopes with eight games coming against Region 6-A foes.

“No question it’s going to be a fight,” Barden said. “We are just trying to catch up. Every team is very good and wellcoached. Hopefully our improvement over last season will give us a shot to play in the playoffs, but right now we are focused on ourselves.”

Football Preview 2019

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

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Football Preview 2019

Milton not resting on its laurels after state title win Eagles aim to show state their program is still elite

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — Milton’s 2018 season included several firsts for the program.

The Eagles first region title in four years, their first win in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs, their first win in the semifinals and of course, the program’s first state championship.

Now, the 2019 squad becomes the first in program history to show the state that Milton’s 2018 title run was no fluke, and to prove the program will not be content with its accomplishments of a year ago.

“Early on this winter, I was worried that now that we have had success, is there going to be complacency,” head coach Adam Clack said. “But I have seen anything but that. They are maybe hungrier than ever to prove they do belong in the discussion of top programs, and that it’s not just about a couple of standout players on a team.

What we won’t take from last season is that anything will be handed to us because of something we have done in the past.”

Though the Eagles lost a bevy of talent from its 2018 squad, a number of key pieces return.

Right guard and Clemson commit Paul Tchio will lead an offensive line that also returns center Anthony Minella and guard Alec Hutchinson.

Standout Zander Barnett will lead the defensive line after compiling 90 total tackles, 25 tackles-for-loss, 10 sacks, 24 quarterback hurries and a forced fumble in his 2018 junior year.

Joining Barnett on the Eagles defense are returning seniors Steven Michaels and Jack Rhodes.

Rhodes has made the switch from linebacker to safety, but Clack said he will still spend plenty of time in the box.

Rhodes was second on the team last year with 97 total tackles. He also had 13 tackles-for-loss, forced three turnovers and blocked two kicks on special teams.

Clack said Michaels has stepped up his play in the offseason and will be the field general for the Eagles defense.

While Milton returns significant talent, much of this year’s squad enters 2019 with limited varsity playing experience.

That includes at quarterback, where Milton will be without the state’s Class 7A Offensive Player of the Year Jordan Yates, who is now at Georgia Tech.

With big shoes to fill, Clack said the starting job is up for competition between sophomore Devin Farrell and senior Jackson Weaver. Farrel is a dualthreat quarterback while Weaver is a more traditional pocket passer.

“It’s been a really good, healthy competition,” he said. “The challenge for us as coaches is to build an offense that can highlight both of their strengths without

They are maybe hungrier than ever to prove they do belong in the discussion of top programs ...

Adam Clack Milton head coach

leaning too heavily on one skill set.”

Another backfield spot up for grabs is at running back where senior Ahmad Junearick and sophomore Jordan McDonald are sharing carries. Clack said Junearick has showed poise and ability and brings experience from the JV level, while McDonald has size that could give opposing defenses fits.

Milton’s receiving yardage will be by committee. Will Stax and Rhodes bring some experience and there are high hopes for tight end Jack Nickel.

“Jack has been killing it and really showing promise,” Clack said.

Though the defensive line will feature some new faces this season, Clack said the front could be the Eagles’ strong suit. Jose Rangel and Jonathan Pittman, who was a starter on the offensive line last season, will join Barnett, but Clack said there are around four to five other linemen who can make an impact.

A question mark is the team’s secondary. “Guys are competing every day, and every day we are rolling three or four corners and two to three safeties, so we are going to keep working on that process,” Clack said.

Milton’s new talent will be tested early by the Eagles’ schedule, which is perhaps the most intriguing in the state.

The Eagles open the season in the Corky Kell Classic against Buford before hosting rivals Alpharetta in the Labor Day weekend Freedom Bowl, the second year of the event. Two weeks later, Milton will become the first Georgia team to play in California when they travel to the Golden State to face JSerra Catholic.

“We want to test ourselves in different situations against some very talented teams, and it also gives the opportunity to experience unique things the kids will take with them for the rest of their lives,” Clack said.

The Eagles will then look to avenge close losses to rival Roswell and Parkview before making a run to become the first team in program history to repeat as region champs.

And though each team will want to knock off the defending state champs, Clack said that is of no concern to the 2019 squad.

PHOTOS BY JOE PARKER/HERALD

Milton lineman Paul Tchio celebrates the Eagles 2018 state championship last year, the first in program history. Tchio, a Clemson commit, will lead an offensive front that returns several starters from last season.

“Last year’s team was the champs, so if people are trying to beat the team from last year, that’s their cross to bear,” Clack said. “We are going to prepare to tackle the task at hand, not worry about last year or the things you can’t control. That’s just adding one more distraction.”

However, Clack does not discount the impact of the 2018 state title for the Milton program, and what it can mean for the Eagles this year.

“Hopefully it means we will have some confidence and the experience of being up and down before,” he said.

“And we hope to create a formula that can be duplicated. We are going to be disciplined in preparation and work, make sure we eliminate the controllable mistakes, have a physical mindset and wear on other teams for 48 minutes.”

Senior Jack Rhodes will transition to safety this year after compiling 97 total tackles last year with two forced fumbles and an interception.

Football Preview 2019

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Football Preview 2019

King’s Ridge quarterback Braxton Chadwick returns this season.

King’s Ridge pins hopes on young talent Tigers will field just two seniors this season

By JOE PARKER joe@appenmediagroup.com MILTON, Ga. — King’s Ridge has experience and talent in abundance among its senior class. However, that class only includes a few players.

Though the Tigers will be youthladen this season, many of their underclassmen already have Friday night experience under their belts.

“We played a lot of young kids last year,” King’s Ridge head coach Jeff Pickren said. “So, it’s not that we don’t have a lot of kids coming back, we are just not senior heavy.”

The Tigers’ youth movement will be led defensively by junior linebacker Dean Giacobbe, sophomore linebacker Ethan Joseph and junior corner Jackson Hankins. On offense, Pickren said Clay Harris should make an impact at slotback along with the Tigers’ sole seniors, Braxton Chadwick and Julian Joseph.

Chadwick will lead the offense behind center again this season with Julian at B-back in the triple option.

“Both of those guys are multiple-year starters and great kids,” Pickren said.

“And being the only two seniors, they are definitely going to carry the lion’s share of leadership.”

Pickren, entering his second season

KING’S RIDGE/SPECIAL

in his second stint as head coach of the Tigers, said the team is in a better position entering the regular season than last year despite their youth.

“I feel good about what we are doing, and I feel like we have a better idea of where we want to be,” he said. “I also feel like we are better offensively and have more speed to get out on the edge.

We’re young, but in some ways we have a little bit more depth than last year.”

King’s Ridge enters this season following a 1-9 campaign in 2018, though several of their losses were in close games. King’s Ridge dropped its matchups with Providence Christian, Mount Pisgah, Pinecrest Academy and Bowdon by one score.

“We didn’t have a great record last year, but I did feel like we were a competitive football team,” Pickren said.

“Now it’s just getting over that hump in close games, and we are hoping to do that this year.”

A key to that success will be the Tigers sitting in the driver’s seat of each game.

“Running the triple option, we need to possess the ball and control the game,” Pickren said. “If we can do that and play a physical brand of football, we will be successful. We have a young group of committed guys who are all excited about getting the program over the hump.”

The Tigers are still chasing the program’s first winning year after fielding its first full season in 2010, and though Pickren said he and his squad want to reach that goal, their record is not the most important factor of the season.

“Wins and losses do not necessarily mean success,” Pickren said. “I will judge their success by the way they compete, their respect for their opponents, their preparation and their conduct on and off the field. We absolutely want to win football games, but I’m not going to let that be what defines us.”

Football Preview 2019

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Football Preview 2019

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The above information is believed to be accurate but not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice.

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