•COBB CONTINUES TO PRODUCE COLLEGE TALENT
•SPRAYBERRY’S HIGHLY RECRUITED EDMONDS, MANFRED SUPPLY THE AIR DEFENSE
TITLE TO REMEMBER
•10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF MOUNT PARAN CHRISTIAN
BREAKING COBB COUNTY’S STATE TITLE DROUGHT
MEMORABLE RUN
•A LOOK BACK AT ETOWAH’S STATE SEMIFINAL TRIP
•DYNAMITE DOZEN
•SUPER SIX
•TEAM PREVIEWS •FEATURES •SCHEDULES •PREDICTIONS
Editors: John Bednarowski, Eli Boorstein, Griffin Callaghan Designer: John Bednarowski Graphic Designers: Jennifer Hall, Beth Poirier Staff: John Bednarowski, MDJ Sports Editor; Eli Boorstein, Times Journal Sports Copy Desk Chief; Griffin Callaghan, Cherokee Tribune Sports Editor; Adam Carrington, Sports Correspondent; Liam Dreesen, Intern; Allie Kraus, Intern; Kai Millette; Intern; Addie Quintana, Intern; Arkesh Ray, Intern; Ella Sather, Intern; Lance Warren, Intern; Bo Underwood, Intern Photographers: Bill McGuire, Anthony Stalcup
8/14
North Atlanta at Kell
8/16
Chapel Hill at Campbell
Kennesaw Mountain at Harrison
Hillgrove at Mountain View
Osborne at Banneker
Pebblebrook at Locust Grove
South Cobb at South Forsyth
Gainesville at Marietta
North Cobb at Archer
North Forsyth at Wheeler
Midtown at Lassiter
Cambridge at Pope
Alexander at Sprayberry
Allatoona at Adairsville
Providence Chr. at North Cobb Chr.
Mount Paran at Lake Oconee Acad.
Kendrick at Walker
Whitefield Acad. at Savannah Chr.
River Ridge at Cherokee
Calhoun at Creekview
Etowah at Woodstock
Sequoyah at Denmark
8/17
At Mercedes-Benz Stadium
McEachern vs North Gwinnett
Walton vs Brookwood
8/23
Campbell at South Forsyth
Harrison at Wheeler
McEachern at North Cobb
Chapel Hill at Osborne
Banneker at South Cobb
West Forsyth at Marietta
Walton at Lambert
Alexander at Lassiter
Dunwoody at Pope
Sprayberry at Etowah
Kell at Alpharetta
South Paulding at Allatoona
North Cobb Chr. at Darlington
Mount Paran at Mount Pisgah-
Walker at Utopian Academy
Mount Vernon at Whitefield
Cherokee at Sequoyah
North Forsyth at Creekview
Denmark at River Ridge
Woodstock at Woodland
8/30
Etowah at Campbell
Harrison at North Paulding
McIntosh at Hillgrove
Marietta at McEachern
Lithia Springs at Pebblebrook
Drew at South Cobb
East Coweta at North Cobb
Walton at Roswell
Wheeler at North Atlanta
Sprayberry at Kennesaw Mountain
Lassiter at Northview
Pope at Cherokee
Sequoyah at Kell
Allatoona at River Ridge
Coahulla Creek at North Cobb Chr.
St. Francis at Mount Paran
Dominion Chrisitan at Walker
Creekview at Cambridge
North Springs at Woodstock
9/6
Marietta at Hillgrove
Fellowship Christian at Osborne
Pebblebrook at Meadowcreek
North Cobb at Cass
Norcross at Walton
Wheeler at Kell
Kennesaw Mtn at Johns Creek
Lassiter at Creekview
Sprayberry at Pope
Holy Innocents’ at Allatoona
North Cobb Chr. at Sonoraville
Walker at King’s Ridge
Social Circle at Whitefield
Cherokee at Lambert
Chapel Hill at Etowah
Woodstock at River Ridge
Riverwood at Sequoyah
9/13
McEachern at Campbell
Pebblebrook at Harrison
Hillgrove at Osborne
Paulding County at South Cobb
Marietta at Etowah
North Paulding at North Cobb
Walton at Wheeler
Kennesaw Mtn at New Manchester
Lassiter at Woodstock
Pope at River Ridge
Sequoyah at Sprayberry
Kell at Lowndes
Allatoona at Cedartown
Ringgold at North Cobb Christian
Cherokee Chr. at Mount Paran
Heritage at Walker
Whitefield Academy at Darlington
Creekview at Riverwood
9/20
Campbell at Harrison
Hillgrove at Pebblebrook
McEachern at Paulding County
Osborne at South Cobb
Wheeler at Marietta
North Cobb at Walton
Lithia Springs at Kennesaw Mtn
Pope at Lassiter
Sprayberry at Riverwood
Columbia at Kell
Dalton at Allatoona
Washington at Mount Paran
Whitefield at St. Ann Pacelli
Cherokee at North Paulding
9/27
Mount Paran at Whitefield
B.E.S.T. Academy at Walker
Etowah at Cherokee
Woodstock at Creekview
River Ridge at Sequoyah
10/4
South Cobb at Campbell
Harrison at McEachern
Paulding County at Hillgrove
Pebblebrook at Osborne
Walton at Marietta
Cherokee at Wheeler
Kennesaw Mountain at Alexander
Sequoyah at Lassiter
Pope at Woodstock
Creekview at Sprayberry
Blessed Trinity at Kell
Allatoona at Woodland
Murray County at North Cobb Chr.
Walker at Mount Paran Christian
North Pauling at Etowah
Riverwood at River Ridge
10/10
Lassiter at Riverwood
Whitefield Academy at B.E.S.T.
10/11
Campbell at Hillgrove
South Cobb at Harrison
McEachern at Pebblebrook
Osborne at Paulding County
Marietta at North Cobb
Walton at Cherokee
Etowah at Wheeler
South Paulding at Kennesaw Mtn
Creekview at Pope
River Ridge at Sprayberry
Kell at Westminster
Carterville at Allatoona
North Cobb Chr. at Rockmart
Landmark Christian at Walker
Woodstock at Sequoyah
10/18
Paulding County at Campbell
Harrison at Osborne
South Cobb at Pebblebrook
North Cobb at Cherokee
Etowah at Walton
Wheeler at North Paulding
East Paulding at Kennesaw Mtn
Centennial at Kell
Allatoona at Hiram
North Murray at North Cobb Chr.
B.E.S.T. at Mount Paran
Whitefield Academy at Landmark
10/25
Campbell at Osborne
Hillgrove at Harrison
McEachern at South Cobb
Pebblebrook at Paulding County
Cherokee at Marietta
North Cobb at Etowah
North Paulding at Walton
Kennesaw Mountain at Villa Rica
Sprayberry at Lassiter
Sequoyah at Pope
Kell at Cambridge
Cass at Allatoona
North Cobb Chr. at Lakeview-FO
Mount Paran at Landmark
Walker at Whitefield
River Ridge at Creekview
Riverwood at Woodstock
11/1
Campbell at Pebblebrook
Harrison at Paulding County
South Cobb at Hillgrove
Osborne at McEachern
Marietta at North Paulding
Wheeler at North Cobb
Rome at Kennesaw Mountain
Lassiter at River Ridge
Pope at Riverwood
Woodstock at Sprayberry
North Cobb Chr. at Union County
Creekview at Sequoyah
Mount Paran at Region Crossover
Whitefield at Region Crossover
Walker vs Region Crossover
Allatoona
8/16 At Adairsville
8/23 South Paulding
8/30 At River Ridge
9/6 Holy Innocents’ 9/13 At Cedartown
9/20 Dalton
10/4 At Woodland
10/11 Cartersville
10/18 At Hiram 10/25 Cass
Campbell
8/16 Chapel Hill
8/23 At South Forsyth
8/30 Etowah
9/13 McEachern
9/20 At Harrison
10/4 South Cobb
10/11 At Hillgrove
10/18 Paulding County
10/25 At Osborne
11/1 At Pebblebrook
Cher okee
8/16 River Ridge
8/23 At Sequoyah
8/30 Pope
9/6 At Lambert
9/20 At North Paulding
9/27 Etowah
10/4 At Wheeler
10/11 Walton
10/18 North Cobb
10/25 At Marietta
Cr eekview
8/16 Calhoun
8/23 North Forsyth
8/30 At Cambridge
9/6 Lassiter
9/13 At Riverwood
9/27 Woodstock
10/4 At Sprayberry
10/11 At Pope
10/25 River Ridge 11/1 At Sequoyah
Etowah
8/16 At Woodstock
8/23 Sprayberry
8/30 At Campbell
9/6 Chapel Hill
9/13 Marietta
9/27 At Cherokee
10/4 North Paulding
10/11 At Wheeler
10/18 At Walton
10/25 North
Harrison
8/16 Kennesaw Mtn
8/23 At Wheeler
8/30 At North Paulding
9/13 Pebblebrook
9/20 Campbell
10/4 At McEachern
10/11 South Cobb
10/18 At Osborne
10/25 Hillgrove
11/1 At Paulding Co.
Hillgrove
8/16 At Mountain View
8/30 McIntosh
9/6 Marietta
9/13 At Osborne
9/20 At Pebblebrook
10/4 Paulding County
10/11 Campbell
10/18 At McEachern
10/25 At Harrison
11/1 South Cobb
Kell
8/14 North Atlanta
8/23 At Alpharetta
8/30 Sequoyah
9/6 Wheeler
9/13 At Lowndes
9/20 Columbia
10/4 Blessed Trinity
10/11 At Westminster
10/18 Centennial 10/25 At Cambridge
Kennesaw Mountain
8/16 At Harrison
8/30 Sprayberry
9/6 At Johns Creek
9/13 At New Manchester
9/20 Lithia Springs
10/4 At Alexander
10/11 South Paulding
10/18 East Paulding
10/25 At Villa Rica
11/1 Rome
Lassiter
8/16 Midtown
8/23 Alexander
8/30 At Northview
9/6 At Creekview
9/13 At Woodstock
9/20 Pope
10/4 Sequoyah
10/10 At Riverwood
10/25 Sprayberry
11/1 At River Ridge
Marietta
8/16 Gainesville
8/23 West Forsyth
8/30 At McEachern
9/6 At Hillgrove
9/13 At Etowah
9/20 Wheeler
10/4 Walton
10/11 At North Cobb
10/25 Cherokee
11/1 At North Paulding
McEachern
8/17 vs North Gwinnett
8/23 At North Cobb
8/30 Marietta
9/13 At Campbell
9/20 At Paulding Co.
10/4 Harrison
10/11 At Pebblebrook
10/18 Hillgrove
10/25 At South Cobb
11/1 Osborne
Mount Paran Christian
8/16 At Lake Oconee Acad.
8/23 At Mt. Pisgah
8/30 St. Francis
9/13 Cherokee Chr.
9/20 Washington
9/27 At Whitefield
10/4 Walker
10/18 B.E.S.T Academy
10/25 At Landmark
11/1 At Region Crossover
North Cobb
8/16 At Archer
8/23 McEachern
8/30 East Coweta
9/6 At Cass
9/13 North Paulding
9/20 At Walton
10/11 Marietta
10/18 At Cherokee
10/25 At Etowah
11/1 Wheeler
North Cobb Christian
8/16 Providence Chr.
8/23 At Darlington
8/30 Coahulla Creek
9/6 At Sonoraville
9/13 Ringgold
10/4 Murray County
10/11 At Rockmart
10/18 North Murray
10/25 At Lakeview-FO
11/1 At Union County
Osborne
8/16 At Banneker
8/23 Chapel Hill
9/6 Fellowship
9/13 Hillgrove
9/20 At South Cobb
10/4 Pebblebrook
10/11 At Paulding Co.
10/18 Harrison
10/25 Campbell
11/1 At McEachern
Pebblebrook
8/16 At Locust Grove
8/30 Lithia Springs
9/6 At Meadowcreek
9/13 At Harrison
9/20 Hillgrove
10/4 At Osborne
10/11 McEachern
10/18 South Cobb
10/25 At Paulding Co.
11/1 Campbell
Pope
8/16 Cambridge
8/23 Dunwoody
8/30 At Cherokee
9/6
Sprayberry
9/13 At River Ridge
9/20 At Lassiter
10/4 At Woodstock
10/11 Creekview
10/25 Sequoyah 11/1 At Riverwood
River Ridge
8/16 At Cherokee 8/23 Denmark
8/30 Allatoona
9/6 Woodstock
9/13 Pope
9/27 At Sequoyah
10/4 Riverwood
10/11 At Sprayberry
10/25 At Creekview 11/1 Lassiter
Sequoyah
8/16 At Denmark 8/23 Cherokee 8/30 At Kell 9/6 Riverwood
9/13 At Sprayberry
9/27 River Ridge
10/4 At Lassiter 10/11 Woodstock 10/25 At Pope 11/1 Creekview
South Cobb 8/16 At South Forsyth 8/23 Banneker 8/30 Drew 9/13 Paulding County 9/20 Osborne 10/4 At Campbell 10/11 At Harrison 10/18 At Pebblebrook 10/25 McEachern 11/1 At Hillgrove
Sprayberry
8/16 Alexander 8/23 At Etowah 8/30 At Kennesaw Mtn 9/6 At Pope 9/13 Sequoyah 9/20 At Riverwood 10/4 Creekview 10/11 River Ridge 10/25 At Lassiter 11/1 Woodstock
Walker
8/16 Kendrick 8/23 At Utopian Acad. 8/30 Dominion Chr. 9/6 At King’s Ridge 9/13 Heritage 9/27 B.E.S.T Academy 10/4 At Mount Paran 10/11 Landmark 10/25 At Whitefield 11/1 At Region Crossover
Walton
8/17 vs Brookwood
8/23 At Lambert 8/30 At Roswell 9/6 Norcross 9/13 At Wheeler 9/20 North Cobb
10/4 At Marietta 10/11 At Cherokee 10/18 Etowah 10/25 North Paulding
Wheeler
8/16 North Forsyth
8/23 Harrison
8/30 At North Atlanta 9/6 At Kell
9/13 Walton 9/20 At Marietta
10/4 Cherokee 10/11 Etowah 10/18 At North Paulding 11/1 At North Cobb
Whit efield Academy
8/16 At Savannah Chr. 8/23 Mount Vernon
9/6 Social Circle 9/13 At Darlington 9/20 At St. Ann Pacelli 9/27 Mount Paran 10/10 At B.E.S.T 10/18 At Landmark 10/25 Walker 11/1 At Region Crossover
Woodstock
8/16 Etowah
8/23 At Woodland
8/30 North Springs
9/6 At River Ridge
9/13 Lassiter
9/27 At Creekview
10/4 Pope
10/11 At Sequoyah 10/25 Riverwood 11/1 At Sprayberry
How is it time for high school football already?
Of course, if you live in a place like Cobb County, does it really ever end?
Between the athletes playing in college, the pros and the future ones being recruited, it never really stops.
That’s why it is important to offer as much quality high school football content as we possibly can. It’s also why fans can trust the Cobb Football Friday, or CFF brand.
CFF is starting its 17th season at the Marietta Daily Journal, and what has become one of the biggest pieces of the equation, the Cobb Football Friday Podcast, is entering Year 6.
Hosted by Marietta Daily Sports Editor John Bednarowski and former voice of the Kennesaw State Owls and North Cobb Warriors, Brian Giffin, the CFF Podcast debuts each Thursday. They review the previous week’s action, preview Friday night’s games, talk to some of the county’s best coaches and touch on anything and everything about football in Cobb County.
Over the last couple of years, the podcast has grown to be one of the area’s most listened to programs, and it can be found at the MDJ Podcast page at MDJonline.com, the BG Podcast network, Audacity, IHeart or wherever fans download their podcasts.
While the podcast has become a must listen, it is far from the only thing available to fans under the CFF umbrella.
Thursdays at MDJOnline.com, fans can find the preview of that week’s Cobb Fooball Friday Game of the Week.
On Friday, they can find indepth previews, features, stats and standings for their favorite teams and the weekly CFF Power Poll both online and in print.
Cobbfootballfriday.com is the place to be on Friday nights as fans can follow along with the live, real-time scoreboard.
Also, for fans at the games around the county, follow CFF on X, formerly known as Twitter, @CobbFballFri to get upto-the-minute score updates throughout the night.
Then come on back to Cobbfootballfriday.com and MDJonline.com to read about all the games and who did what all night Friday and over the weekend.
Beginning Saturday afternoons during the season, fans will be able to vote for the Cobb Football Friday Player of the Week presented by Superior Plumbing.
The polls will remain open until Tuesday at 5 p.m. with a story about the winner to be published on Thursday.
Fans can also follow along at Cobbfootballfriday.com and @CobbFballFri on X for anything and everything that has to do with football in Cobb County during the week — be it high school, college or in the NFL.
Cobb Football Friday has been the go-to for football fans for the last 17 years, and now it’s time to make it 18.
Chicken 31, 36, 40, 44, 89, 94, 112, 115, 126, 128, 153, 158, 160 Parc at Piedmont
Piedmont Church..........................................................................70, 78, 93, 106, 111, 139 Pinnacle Orthopedics 3, 29, 32, 33, 39, 81, 105, 170
35, 41, 150, 157
142,
Farm - Sean Perren
Superior Plumbing 22, 32, 45, 49, 52, 67, 72, 85, 90-91, 109, 116, 129, 133, 141, 164 Superior Performance of the Week 113
Ivy Lane 126, 130
38, 48, 73, 79, 107, 114, 149, 156, 172
Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery 82, 108, 152, 169
By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com
Sometimes it is hard to figure out how the different recruiting services operate.
Each one we utilize to help us select the annual MDJ Dynamite Dozen — 247, Rivals and On3 — seems to do a good job, but then there are the cases this year of Walton tight end Jude Cascone and Kell defensive back Jalen Williams. As of press time, neither player had earned a star rating. It seems odd considering Cascone already has offers from the likes of Georgia, Alabama and Ohio State. For Williams it is a similar story, as he has offers from, among others, Tennessee, North Carolina and Kentucky.
That being said, when the services do finally give Cascone and Williams their well- earned stars, it’s hard to imagine either would be given anything less than three.
When that happens, this Dynamite Dozen class will make it seven of the last eight years in which all 13 members are rated three stars or better.
Currently, this class includes four fourstar recruits. The group has a combined 226 offers, with 117 coming from Power 4 programs, and four have already committed to play college football at its highest level.
This year, we decided to do things a little different with the photo shoot. We went away from the usual uniform pictures and asked the players to come in suits and ties — the kind of outfit they may want to wear if they were about to hear their name called by commissioner Roger Goodell during the first round of the NFL Draft. The young men did not disappoint.
From school color-matching ties to pocket squares and designer shoes, they all looked sharp. But the thing I was most jealous of was the hair — lots and lots of hair. Let’s hope they have better luck keeping it than I did.
If they all play as well as they looked, it’s
See Dozen 20
North Cobb
6-foot-4, 320-pounds
Offensive Line
Junior 4-Star
National Rating: N/A
State: 37
Position: 30
College Offers:
Georgia, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Alabama, Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Auburn, Buffalo, Charlotte, LSU, UMass, NC State, South Florida, SMU, Tennessee, Toledo, UCF, Vanderbilt
6-foot-3, 230-pounds
Defensive Line
Junior 4-Star
National Rating: 208
State: 28
Position: 14
College Offers:
Arkansas State, Charlotte, Indiana, Jackson State, Kentucky, Marshall, Miami-Ohio, Temple, Tennesse, Texas A&M, Toledo, South Carolina, UConn, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Western Kentucky
McEachern
5-foot-10, 197-pounds
Running Back
Junior 3-Star
National Rating: N/A
State: 37
Position: 31
College Offers:
Georgia, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Alabama, Arkansas, Arkansas State, Auburn, Austin Peay, Charlotte, UConn, Indiana, Memphis, Michigan, NC State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Toledo, UCF, Vanderbilt, West Virginia
McEachern
6-foot-4, 295-pounds
Offensive Line
Senior 3-Star
National Rating: N/A
State: 171
Position: 119
Committed To: Troy
Walton
6-foot-2, 225-pounds Tight End
Junior
National Rating: N/A
State: N/A
Position: N/A
College Offers:
Georgia, Alabama, Miami-Ohio, Ohio State
North Cobb
6-foot-4, 275-pounds
Defensive Line
Senior 3-Star
Committed To: Georgia Tech See
National Rating: 735
State: 85
Position: 81
6-foot-2, 180-pounds
Defensive Back
Senior 3-Star
National Rating: 531
State: 60
Position: 45
Committed To: Missouri
Sprayberry
6-foot-3, 180-pounds
Defensive Back
Junior 4-Star
National Rating: 96 State: 13
Position: 7
College Offers:
Georgia, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Alabama, App. State, Baylor, Bowling Green, BYU, Cincinnati, Duke, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, NC State, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, SMU, Tennessee, Texas A&M, UCF, USC, West Virginia, Western Michigan, Wisconsin
See more on Anthony
Anthony Kruah
Marietta 6-foot-2, 215-pounds Linebacker
Senior 3-Star
National Rating: 545 State: 61 Position: 55
Committed To: North Carolina
6-foot-2, 200-pounds Wide Receiver
Junior 4-Star
National Rating: 212
State: 22
Position: 35
Georgia, Georgia Tech, App. State, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Cincinnati, Duke, Indiana, LSU, Miami (Ohio), Memphis, Michigan, Mississippi State, Pitt, South Carolina, S MU, Texas A&M, Tennessee, UAB, UCF, West Virginia, Western Kentucky
6-foot, 200-pounds
Quarterback
Senior 3-Star
National Rating: 1110
State: 117
Position: 68
Committed To: Northwestern
Kell
6-foot, 160-pounds Defensive Back Junior
National Rating: N/A
State: N/A
Position: N/A
College Offers:
Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Bowling Green, BYU, UConn, Duke, Florida Memorial, Kentucky, Liberty, UMass, Memphis, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, UCF, USF, Western Kentucky, Western Michigan
Walton
6-foot-3, 182-pounds Wide Receiver Junior 3-Star
National Rating: 334
State: 36
Position: 51
College Offers:
Georgia, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Alabama, UConn, Florida Atlantic, Indiana, Miami, Memphis, Mississippi, Pitt, SMU, Texas A&M, Tulane, UAB, USF, Washington State
Sprayberry defensive backs
Mark Manfred and Jorden Edmonds
By Bo Underwood MDJ Sports Writer
No one is going to be throwing on Sprayberry this season.
That’s because the Yellow Jackets’ secondary is led by one of the most talented cornerback tandems in the state – senior Mark Manfred and junior Jorden Edmonds. They have the type of confidence that you’d expect from a highly touted DB duo. Manfred dubbed the pair “Strap Mob” and Edmonds described them as “lockdown.”
That confidence shows up in different ways for the duo, though. Manfred is by far the more outspoken of the two, while Edmonds exudes a more quiet, humble confidence. It’s a formula that has worked well for Sprayberry, helping the two star cornerbacks counterbalance each other’s personalities and make sure they’re never too high or two low at any given time.
“They help balance each other out just a little bit,” Sprayberry coach Brett Vavra said. “When we need a play from Jorden, we’ve got Mark pushing him and getting on him. When we need Mark to kind of take a step back, Jorden’s there to help encourage him to do that. So they work well together and I think they’re a good balance for each other.”
Last season, Manfred had 62 tackles, five tackles for loss, four pass breakups and an interception. He also added two kickoff return touchdowns and caught 14 passes for 178 yards and three touchdowns. He is rated as a threestar recruit and the 44th-best cornerback prospect in the country according to the 247Sports composite. He committed to Missouri in late June, joining a program that recently sent two cornerbacks to the 2024 NFL draft in Ennis
Rakestraw Jr. and Kris AbramsDraine and is coming off its best season as a team in a decade. With the proof of concept there, Manfred is hoping to be next in line under cornerbacks coach Al Pogue.
“I’ve seen coach [Pogue] help them get there,” Manfred said of Rakestraw and Abrams-Draine’s draft status. “That gives me motivation that he can help me do the same thing, and I trust him fully. (I’m excited to) earn my stripes and prove that I’m one of them.”
Edmonds made 32 tackles, broke up five passes and had two interceptions in 2023. His commitment status is still in the air as he enters just his junior season. Standing at a rangy 6-foot-3, 175-pounds, he is currently ranked as a fourstar recruit and the No. 11 cornerback prospect in the Class of 2026 according to the 247Sports composite, in addition to the No. 18 player in the entire state. Though he’s early in his recruitment process, Edmonds already has certain things he looks for in a school.
“Having a good relationship with the coaches and being able to be comfortable at that college, and being able to stay there,” Edmonds said of his priorities for being recruited.
Manfred and Edmonds are joined at the hip almost all the time. In addition to starring on the football team, they’re both standout wing players for Sprayberry’s basketball team, where they helped the Yellow Jackets to a 21-9 record last season. All of this time spent together has, as one might imagine, brought the two athletes very close together.
“That’s my guy,” Manfred said of Edmonds. “That’s my best friend, for real. Me and Jorden, we hang out outside of school, go to each others’ houses, hang out with our
Top: Sprayberry’s Mark Manfred returns an interception against Alpharetta last year. Manfred has committed to play in the SEC at Missouri next season. Above: Jorden Edmonds, a four-star recruit, has offers from more than 25 Power 4 programs including Georgia, Georgia Tech, Alabama, Oklahoma and USC. See Duo 41
2023
OL Daniel Calhoun, Walton, Georgia
QB Bryce Clavon, Kell, Georgia (Baseball)
RB David Eziomume, North Cobb, Clemson
LB Wendell Gregory, Walton, South Carolina
QB Jeremy Hecklinski, Walton, Wake Forest
DB Daniel James, McEachern, Cincinnati
WR Brady Kluse, Harrison, Memphis
DB Elijah Lee, North Cobb, Coastal Carolina
LB Justin Logan, Kell, Arkansas
ATH Dwight Phillips Jr., Pebblebrook, Georgia
DB Marqavious Saboor, Kell, Cincinnati
TE Hunter Teal, Walton, Miami (OH)
LB Ashton Woods, Walton, North Carolina
2022
WR CJ Adams, Pebblebrook, South Carolina
DB Quentin Ajiero, North Cobb, Duke
DB Jace Arnold, Marietta, Wisconsin
RB David Eziomume, North Cobb, Clemson
DL Ian Geffrard, Whitefield Academy, Arkansas
OL Robert Grigsby, North Cobb, North Carolina
RB Ben Hall, North Cobb, Michigan
LB Caleb Lavallee, Whitefield Academy, North Carolina
OL Connor Lew, Kennesaw Mtn., Auburn
OL Ethan Mackenny, Lassiter, Georgia Tech
ATH Dwight Phillips Jr., Pebblebrook, Georgia
QB Malachi Singleton, North Cobb, Arkansas
LB Ashton Woods, Walton, North Carolina
2021
DB Marcus Allen, Walton, North Carolina
QB Bryce Archie, McEachern, Coastal Carolina/USF
DB Jace Arnold, Marietta, Wisconsin
DB AJ Brown, Walton, UAB
TE Bennett Christian, Allatoona, Ohio State
DB Emory Floyd, Hillgrove, South Carolina
LB Joshua Josephs, North Cobb, Tennessee
LB Daniel Martin, Marietta, Vanderbilt/Garden City
WR De’nylon Morrissette, North Cobb, Georgia/Purdue
QB Zak Rozsman, Walton, Georgia Southern
QB Malachi Singleton, North Cobb, Arkansas
WR Dami’on Thompson, Pebblebrook, Coastal Carolina
DB Nathan Vail, Harrison, Duke
2020
DB Marcus Allen, Walton, North Carolina
QB Bryce Archie, McEachern, Coastal Carolina/USF
LB Marcus Bleazard, Harrison, Navy
TE Bennett Christian, Allatoona, Ohio State
LB Ese Dubre, McEachern, Stanford
WR Jamal Hill, Kell, Robert Morris
RB David Mbadinga, Kell, Georgia Southern
LB Daniel Martin, Marietta, Vanderbilt/Garden City
RB Damarion Owens, Sprayberry, Point
QB Zak Rozsman, Walton, Georgia Southern
QB Malachi Singleton, North Cobb, Arkansas
WR Jay Ziglor, Harrison, Vanderbilt/Buffalo/Jacksonville State
2019
QB Harrison Bailey, Marietta, Tennessee/UNLV/Louisville
WR Javon Baker, McEachern, Alabama/UCF, New England
DL Jamil Burroughs, McEachern, Alabama/Miami
WR Dacari Collins, McEachern, Clemson/NC State
TE Arik Gilbert, Marietta, LSU/Georgia/Nebraska
DL Myles Murphy, Hillgrove, Clemson, Cincinnati
DL B.J. Ojulari, Marietta, LSU, Arizona
DB Victor Pless, Harrison, Minnesota
RB Jordon Simmons, McEachern, Michigan State/Akron
DB Rashad Torrence, Marietta, Florida, LA Rams
From 10
going to be a heck of a high school football season this fall.
While the photo shoot was taking place, we had an opportunity to talk with each of the players on a casual level. Many did not initially know the kind of company they were joining.
Since the 2010 class, 26 of the 160 (16.3%) different players selected have gone on to have at least a taste of the NFL, and
WR Ricky White, Marietta, Michigan State/UNLV
OL Jake Wray, Marietta, Colorado
2018
QB Harrison Bailey, Marietta, Tennessee/UNLV/Louisville
WR Javon Baker, McEachern, Alabama/UCF, New England
WR Dominick Blaylock, Walton, Georgia/Georgia Tech
DL Jamil Burroughs, McEachern, Alabama/Miami
TE Arik Gilbert, Marietta, LSU/Georgia/Nebraska
TE Ryland Goede, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia/Mississippi State
WR Ramel Keyton, Marietta, Tennessee, Las Vegas
DB Jalen Mcollough, Hillgrove, Tennessee, LA Rams
DL B.J. Ojulari, Marietta, LSU, Arizona
LB Trey Pinkney, Pebblebrook, Coastal Carolina
OL Jake Wray, Marietta, Colorado
2017
DB Derrik Allen, Lassiter, Notre Dame/Georgia Tech, North Carolina
QB Harrison Bailey, Marietta, Tennessee/UNLV/Louisville
WR Dominick Blaylock, Walton, Georgia/Georgia Tech
RB Paris Brown, McEachern, Pittsburgh
QB Justin Fields, Harrison, Georgia/Ohio State, Chicago/ Pittsburgh
DL Royce Francis, Allatoona, Wake Forest
DL Thurman Geathers, North Cobb, Louisville
TE Ryland Goede, Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia/Mississippi State
DB Jalen Mcollough, Hillgrove, Tennessee, LA Rams
DL Azeez Ojulari, Marietta, Georgia, NY Giants
TE Chig Okonkwo, Hillgrove, Maryland, Tennessee
WR Ramel Keyton, Marietta, Tennessee, Las Vegas
2016
DB Derrik Allen, Lassiter, Notre Dame/Georgia Tech/North Carolina
DB Jaytlin Askew, McEachern, Georgia Tech, Miami
WR Bennett Bay, Wheeler, Harvard
WR Dominick Blaylock, Walton, Georgia/Georgia Tech
DB Tyriq Hamilton, Lassiter, Wake Forest
QB Bailey Hockman, McEachern, Florida State/NC State/ Middle Tennessee
LB Solon Page III, Kell, Tennessee
RB Trey Sermon, Sprayberry, Oklahoma/Ohio State, San Francisco/Philadelphia/Indianapolis
OL Brady Scott, Mount Paran, Florida State
WR Tyler Smith, McEachern, Colorado State
LB Chandler Wooten, North Cobb, Auburn, Arizona/Carolina
2015
Tremayne Anchrum, McEachern, Clemson, LA Rams/ Seattle
LB Bryson Armstrong, Kell, Kennesaw State/UCF
RB Russell Halimon, Allatoona, Arizona
QB Bailey Hockman, McEachern, Florida State/NC State/ Middle Tennessee
TE Sam Letton, Walton, Troy
LB Michael McCain, Kell
DB Jalen Phelps, Hillgrove, Eastern Michigan
DL Julian Rochester, McEachern, Georgia
RB Trey Sermon, Sprayberry, Oklahoma/Ohio State, San Francisco/Philadelphia/Indianapolis
WR Tyler Smith, McEachern, Colorado State
QB Matthew Wilson, Hillgrove
LB Chandler Wooten, North Cobb, Auburn, Arizona/Carolina
2014
DL Julian Rochester, McEachern, Georgia
OL Max Kemper, Pope, Air Force
QB Tyler Queen, North Cobb, Auburn/West Georgia
K Rodrigo Blankenship, Sprayberry, Georgia, Indianapolis/ Arizona
there are currently 16 players in the league as training camps are getting underway.
A handful of others have gone on to be part of national championship teams, and former McEachern offensive lineman Tremayne Anchrum has had the best of both worlds. He won a national title with Clemson and then a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams. How many of this year’s class will have that kind of success? Selecting the annual MDJ Dynamite Dozen is not an easy task.
OL Chuma Edoga, McEachern, USC, NY Jets, Atlanta, Dallas
ATH Emoni Williams, Mount Paran Christian, West Georgia
RB Taj Griffin, McEachern, Oregon
P Ian Shannon, Marietta, Auburn
RB Josh Bettistea, Allatoona, Gardner-Webb
WR T.J. Rahmig, McEachern, Duke, Washington
OL Bailey Sharp, Sprayberry, Auburn
DL Chandler Jones, McEachern, Louisville
QB Lorenzo Nunez, Harrison, South Carolina/SE Louisiana
2013
ATH Michael Rodgers, Campbell, Central Florida
DB D.J. Smith, Walton, South Carolina
DB Cameron Albright, North Cobb, North Carolina
QB Tyler Queen, North Cobb, Auburn/West Georgia
LB Justin Wade, Allatoona, Clark Atlanta
DB Taylor Henkle, Kell, Kennesaw State
RB Taj Griffin, McEachern, Oregon
OL Sam Wood, Lassiter
DB Allen Artis, Wheeler, North Carolina
LB Tyrell Tomlin, Marietta, North Carolina
DB Chris Murphy, Lassiter, Cincinnati
QB Elijah Staley, Wheeler, Mississippi State
OL Max Kemper, Pope, Air Force
2012
OL Brandon Kublanow, Walton, Georgia, Baltimore
WR Juwan Dickey, Lassiter, UAB
QB Stephon Masha, South Cobb, Liberty
QB Anthony Jennings, Marietta, LSU/Louisiana
P Jimmy Hutchinson, Harrison, Auburn
RB Tyren Jones, Walton, Alabama
LB Quinten James, North Cobb
WR Tyree Harris, Marietta, Wake Forest
OL Jajuan Dulaney, McEachern, Maryland
QB Parker McLeod, Walton, Alabama
DB Quincy Mauger, Kell, Georgia, Atlanta
DB Brendan Langley, Kell, Georgia/Lamar, Denver
QB Eddie Printz, Lassiter, Missouri/Texas State
2011
RB Kenyan Drake, Hillgrove, Alabama, Miami, Las Vegas, Arizona, Baltimore, Green Bay
DL Darius English, McEachern, South Carolina
QB Holland Frost, Pope, Georgia Tech
LB Tre Griffin, North Cobb, Georgia Southern
DB Zack Blaylock, Walton, Kentucky
LB Jordan Chambers, Kell
RB Miles Jones, Allatoona, Jacksonville State
DB Niles Clark, Lassiter, NC State
OL Jacob Southerland, Whitefield, Lenoir-Rhyne
K Nicholas St. Germain, McEachern, South Carolina
LB John Silas, Hillgrove, Elon
DB Daron Blaylock, Walton, Kentucky
2010
LB Troy Gray, North Cobb, Central Florida
LB Marquis Roberts, McEachern, Kansas
DB Brian Randolph, Kell, Tennessee, St. Louis
OL Thomas O’ Reilly, Pope, Auburn
TE Kennard Backman, Whitefield, UAB, Green Bay
LB Jefferson Ashiru, McEachern, Maryland
DB D’Alvarez Antwine, Sprayberry
LB Jabari Hunt-Days, Hillgrove, Georgia Tech, Dallas
TE Rory Anderson, McEachern, South Carolina, San Francisco
WR Garrett Brown, Pope, Air Force
WR Darren Waller, North Cobb, Georgia Tech, Baltimore/ Las Vegas/NY Giants
OL Xavier Hemingway, McEachern, Connecticut Bold -- NFL Experience
It is a subjective list that usually begins with about 50 potential players who are gradually narrowed down to the top 13 — a baker’s dozen — which is a nod to my wife, who is a pastry chef. It also gives us the opportunity to highlight an extra player.
For the third straight year, we have included an interactive feature with the Dozen. A QR code can be found on each player’s entry. Using a smart phone’s lens app, hovering over the code will take fans to an individualized story and
a video interview for each player. The videos show some of their highlights while the short interview allows fans a chance to get to know them better with some fun, quick questions on a wide range of subjects. We hope the fans have as much fun learning about the players as we did.
John Bednarowski is the sports editor of the Marietta Daily Journal and former president of the Associated Press Sports Editors. He can be reached at sportseditor@mdjonline.com or on X, formerly know as Twitter, @cobbfballfri or @ jbednarowski
By Kai Millette
MDJ Sports Correspondent
Seven of eight teams in Region 3AAAAAA will hail from Cobb County, creating easier travel and reintroducing old rivalries.
“It’s kind of an old school region where we’re getting some old rivalries rekindled that have been separated over time,” Osborne coach Derek Cook said. “It’s really an all Cobb group except for Paulding County. I’m pleased with who we have, there’s always teams who you wouldn’t want in there because they’re so dang good, but that’s not in our control and it doesn’t matter anyway.”
McEachern will try to win its second straight region title after going 4-0 in Region 3AAAAAAA last season. The Indians were led by a staunch defense that shut out two teams and didn’t allow an opponent to score as many as 30 points in their final nine games. Calvin Pittman and Villa Rica transfer Zhay’lyn Bell will vie for the starting quarterback job. Junior running back Jayreon Campbell is expected to be the team’s best offensive weapon after a 2023 season that was cut to just five games due to injury. Campbell averaged 82.2 yards per game last season.
Harrison caught fire to start 2023, opening 6-0 in non-region play before dropping three of their four region games by one possession. Braylan Ford was a difference maker for the Hoyas at quarterback, playing nearly every snap. With him gone along with top receiver Brady Kluse, coach Luqman Salam
1. McEachern
2. Harrison
3. Campbell
4. Osborne
5. Pebblebrook
6. Hillgrove
7. Paulding County
8. South Cobb
will have to find new production. Running back Xavier Hill is not a bad place to start. As a junior, Hill led Harrison’s ball-carriers in yards, touchdowns and yards per carry. Osborne was arguably the county’s best story last season. The Cardinals went 7-4 with their first playoff berth in school history. Salam, the head coach at the time, departed for Harrison after the season, allowing former Kell coach Cook to take over. Cook’s job will be an uphill battle as the Cardinals are without their starting quarterback, leading rusher and receiver from 2023. Campbell showed real progress last season. A first round playoff exit wasn’t flashy, but it was far from a failure in the first year of the Jeff Phillips era. Phillips says the Spartans’ quarterback competition is open after senior Luke Marble’s graduation. An experienced backfield led by Braydon Hayden and Rachid Bassinga is expected to be the motor for Campbell’s offense.
Pebblebrook lost several key pieces from a team that struggled in 2023. Coach Michael Woolridge’s Falcons missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019 last year. With Georgia signee Dwight Phillips Jr. and top receiver Walter Willis Jr. gone, Wooldridge will need to find stability in senior quarterback MySonne Pickens. Receiver Preston Wooten flashed what he could as a sophomore, catching 34 passes for 420 yards.
Hillgrove has struggled the last three years, going 7-24. The Hawks went winless in region play in 2023. Junior Donovan Mack started two games late last season, and will be the Hawks’ week one starter this year. A unit that averaged 10.8 points per game will need to improve.
Paulding County is the lone nonCobb County team in the region. The Patriots won just two games in a top-heavy Region 5AAAAAA which didn’t include any of their new region foes. Coach Justin Pressley is the Patriots fourth head coach since 2021 and will look to turn the corner of a historically below average program.
There is nowhere to go but up for South Cobb. The Eagles are winless over the last two seasons and have only lost by one possession four times over that stretch. Firstyear coach Marcus Washington will hope to usher in a new era of South Cobb football. Quarterbacks Cameron Brown and Brock Adams both find themselves at different schools, leaving the position open for competition.
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By Kai Millette MDJ Sports Writer
The ability to stay hungry and build on improvements under second-year head coach Jeff Phillips will define Campbell’s 2024 season.
Reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2017 was a sign of potential for a long-struggling Spartans program.
“Last year we were hoping we’d make the playoffs but now we’re expecting to get back to that point,” Phillips said. “Having eyes on us and knowing now that we’re not the doormat on every program’s schedule, we need to make sure we are com-
peting, we are winning and that we are expecting to play deep into the playoffs.”
Campbell finished 3-8 last season, an improvement after winning just seven games over five seasons before Phillips’ arrival.
A second season at the helm eases some of the initial challenges that Phillips and his group faced in 2023. New relationships have been established in the Spartans’ locker room.
“You got to get the kids to trust and believe in you, that’s the main thing when you come in new,” Phillips said. “It took us a little bit of time, but this year comradeship with the coaches and with the players is a lot better
and we’ve seen it this summer.”
As part of many shifts in the new Georgia High School Association layout, Campbell moves from Region 2AAAAAAA into Region 3AAAAAA. The move presents a new slate of regional opponents, the majority of which reside in Cobb County.
“It’s great because we don’t have to travel as far,” Phillips said. “We like it because it’s a Cobb County region, these kids know each other and when kids know each other and they’re excited, they play harder. The name of the teams we play is going to get the kids excited.”
Not all change in year two will be easy for Phillips and company
2024 Roster
Ajavius Joyner WR/DB 11
Chase Pinckey TE/DL 12
11
Aiden Jenkins-Burns
Mconnel QB 12
11
to navigate, however. Last season’s starting quarterback Luke Marble has since graduated, leaving the Spartans to find the next man up. Junior Nate Davis, sophomore Davin Lemire and junior Brayden Matthews are expected to compete for the starting spot throughout the fall and into the season.
Davis was the only of the group to throw a pass last season, completing eight of 22 attempts for 89 yards and two interceptions. Lemire did appear in two games, recording one rushing attempt for four yards and Matthews saw all of his action as a linebacker.
“I tell them all, the way to get
See Spartans 25
Sprayberry
............L East Coweta ......................22-35 ............L
Pebblebrook .......................41-14 ..........W Carrollton..............................7-63 ............L
Thomas
Brian
...........................0-42 ............L
DB Chris Lewis-Harris (2004-07) .....UT-Chattanooga, Cincinnati Bengals
DL Jake Richardson (1978-81)...........................................................Georgia
ATH Mike Rogers (2010-13) ................................................................Towson
WR Brian Sutherland (2004-07) ..............................................Chattanooga
DB Tay Glover-Wright (2006-09) ..............Utah State, Indianapolis Colts
the job is to win a game,” Phillips said. “You become the guy that wins a game, you’re more than likely going to have a chance to be the starter.”
RUSHING
Braydon Hayden ..117 car.....487 yds .... 4 TD Jalen Shelton .........60 car ...410 yds ...... 4 TD
PASSING
Luke Marble ...........32/72.....583 yds ..... 9 TD.. 2 INT
RECEIVING
Nick Buggs .............17 rec .....355 yds ..... 5 TD
Jakob Fowler 7 rec 110 yds 3 TD
TACKLES
Maddox West.........40
Jon Jon Wiley ........40
Lamontay Aiken....38
SACKS
Brayden Matthews ...............2
INTERCEPTIONS
Eli Leonard ...............................1
Peyton Butler 1
Malachi Shepard ...................1
Lamontay Aiken 1
While understanding the process, the Spartans refuse to aim low in their season goals.
“Our goals never change, No. 1 is always to win a state championship,” Phillips said. “That’s all
we ever compete for no matter where we are or what we’re doing. But obviously to do those things you have to make the playoffs. You have to make sure you’re in the dance to have a chance.”
The Spartans will begin their
season with a mixed bag of nonregion opponents. Chapel Hill, South Forsyth and Etowah will all face the Spartans before they host McEachern, the team that eliminated them in the playoffs, on Sept. 13.
By Kai Millette MDJ Sports Writer
ZaMario Woodgett, Peyton Butler and Rachid Bassinga are preparing for their final chance to keep Campbell’s rebuild on the right path.
The seniors have been part of a struggling Spartans program throughout their high school careers. Now, with a final opportunity backed by a driven secondyear coach in Jeff Phillips who has
already taken the Spartans back to the playoffs, the trio is ready to keep turning the corner.
“We’re going to approach this year like we would anything else, with no fear and resilience,” Bassinga said.
“We’re trying to build the team up from where it’s been and get to a better point this year.”
Bassinga, a 5-foot-9, 180-pound running back, is expected to co-star in the team’s backfield this season alongside Braydon Hayden, the Spartans’ leading rusher in 2023.
In 2023, Campbell posted a 3-8 record, improving on a 1-9 campaign in 2022. A region win over Pebblebrook was enough to earn the Spartans their first playoff berth since 2017.
“As leaders, we’re trying to have a winning season this year, we haven’t had one in more than eight years now,” Butler said. “We’re just trying to lead a great team to at least semi-finals this year.”
The 5-foot-11, 160-pound defensive back currently holds an offer
from Division III Sewanee.
The trio is optimistic about the direction that Phillips is taking Campbell’s program, citing day-today improvements and an emphasis on growing outside of football.
“He’s really turned the team around, as you can tell from not having a big impact last season, but you see the program improve and get better more and more every day,” Bassinga said. “From day one he’s pushed us to become better
players and better men.”
Woodgett will have the task of anchoring an offensive line that struggled at times last season. He stands at 6-foot5, 280-pounds and holds several Division-I offers, including Charleston Southern, Wofford and Samford.
He also backed his coach and the positive trajectory of the program.
“Coach Phillips is football, he’s all about it,” Woodgett said. “He’s gonna win and build us to a state championship.”
While their focus is on the gridiron, the three Spartans each have other athletic outlets in which they showcase their ability.
Butler has built a strong high school track and field career as a sprinter.
He took home wins at the Buffalo’s River Ridge invitational and the Kennesaw Mountain Varsity Meet in the 100-meter and 200meter events.
He also makes time when he’s not playing to enjoy winter sports,
Stalcup
Peyton Butler, Zamario Woodgett and Rachid Bassinga want to leave the program better than it was when they got there.
regularly taking trips to go snowboarding and ice skating.
Woodgett didn’t play football in his freshman year of high
school, despite his future teammates’ protests.
Before breaking out in the trenches, he tried track and
field as a shot-putter while also wrestling and playing basketball.
Bassinga’s non-football journey included a diversion into the world of martial arts. The running back spent time as a child learning the Korean combat form of Taekwondo.
“Back in the day, that’s what I used to do before the football dreams,” Bassinga said.
The trio is expected to take the leadership reins from recently graduated Luke Marble, last season’s starting quarterback who committed to play college football at Northern Illinois last August. Despite Marble’s departure, Phillips has faith in his new seniors.
“Losing Luke hurt but it’s like any program, you get your guys ready to go and build them up,” Phillips said.
If anything is certain, it’s that confidence is not short in Campbell’s locker room. With championship aspirations, the hungry trio is ready to set things right.
“Our plan is to change the game around,” Woodgett said.
By Addie Quintana MDJ Sports Writer
Harrison’s goals are simple –develop love between each other, become the best version of themselves, and represent their school and families well. Coach Luqman Salam said he thinks this will bring good results.
As he joins the Hoyas this upcoming season, Salam said he plans to further the team’s success by focusing on brotherhood.
“My overall philosophy is togetherness and brotherhood,” Salam said. “We want our guys to play for a purpose bigger than themselves, and we would love for them to fig-
ure out what their ‘why’ is, and that ‘why’ should be each other and to play for one another. Brotherhood is a major part of what we do.”
Salam said love and brotherhood are how he keeps himself and the players motivated throughout the season.
“When there is (a) genuine love between one another and when people are having fun it doesn’t feel like work,” Salam said. “The players and the coaches enjoy being around one another and when you get towards the end of the season, you’re fighting to stay together. It’s a work of the heart versus feeling like a chore.”
One thing the team implements
into their training to maintain brotherhood is a process they call “Encourage Your Brother.” This process involves taking time to spend with each other regularly and giving each other verbal encouragement. Salam said the verbal and physical aspects of this tactic breed love and brotherhood between one another, regardless of age, grade, or position.
Harrison finished the 2023 season 7-4 and 1-3 in Region 3AAAAAAA. A six-game winning streak against teams including Denmark and Kennesaw Mountain highlighted the season.
The Hoyas went into the Class AAAAAAA playoffs, losing 54-14 in
2024 Roster
Clive Anatole DL 12 53 Joseph Fisher OL 11
Cooper Oldknow OL 10 55 Will Grantham OL 12 56 Sam Stephes OL 11
Carson Canup OL 12
Rafa Benitez DL 11
Oscar McAdoo OL/DL 11 60 Carson Egner OL 10 61 Harrison Thornton DL
the first round against Carrollton. This year, Harrison will be moving into a new region and facing new challenges within the region against teams such as Campbell, Osborne, South Cobb, and Pebblebrook.
Salam said the Hoyas will look different on the field this year, both offensively and defensively, as they cover up some of their weaknesses and highlight their strengths. He said although the team may not be very big, they are quick. Their quick striking attack allows them to get the ball out in space and run more spread-out formations. Salam said the mobility of
South Paulding .....................16-6 ..........W
South Forsyth ........................6-3 ..........W
Paulding County..................38-7 ..........W
Denmark ..............................21-13 ..........W
Kennesaw Mountain ............31-7 ..........W
Pebblebrook .......................42-17 ..........W
McEachern .........................24-21 ............L
North Paulding .................24-22 ............L
Hillgrove ..............................14-10 ..........W
Marietta..............................36-28 ............L
Carrollton............................54-14 ............L
WR Darvin Adams (2004-07) .....Auburn, Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL)
LB Jon Abbate (1999-2002), ......................Wake Forest, Houston Texans
QB Daniel Cobb (1993-96), ................................................................Auburn
QB Justin Fields (2014-17), .......................Ohio State, Pittsburgh Steelers
DB Paul Oliver (1998-2001), ........................Georgia, San Diego Chargers
Hill will enter his senior year this season after running for 490 yards, hauling in 316 yards through the air, and scoring 10
quarterbacks Xavier Hill and Joshua Pierce greatly contribute to the team’s quickness, running and passing game.
touchdowns last year. Pierce will be a junior.
Offensively, Salam said he expects Hill to be one of Harrison’s leaders this year along with lineman Carson Canup, running back Austin Perr, and wide receiver Kailan Ford.
Defensively, Salam said he expects linebackers Christian Smith and Ethan Harris, as well as defensive back
By Addie Quintana MDJ Sports Writer
Harrison’s Colin Bellomy enters his senior year ready to focus on leadership.
He said as he goes into his final year as a Hoya, he is excited to contribute to the future of the program by assisting in the development of the younger players.
“We have a young team (and) I
think I have a bigger role this year. I have grown into having to be a leader, and I wouldn’t say it is an easy thing,” Bellomy said. “I think that it’s a good learning experience and it gives me some good life traits. I’m thankful for that.”
Coach Luqman Salam said leadership is one of Bellomy’s strengths.
“He has a passion for the sport, he has a passion to be excellent and (is) willing to do multiple things
on the field,” Salam said. “As he grows in his leadership the good things about his character are going to shine through.”
Bellomy, who has played defensive line nearly his entire high school career, finished last season with 87 tackles, five sacks and five tackles for loss. But this season — as well as in college — he will play on the offensive line, learning new techniques and a new playbook.
He said his greatest strength as a lineman lies in his quick twitch – knowing how to make decisions off of the ball. He also emphasized the importance of a predisposed plan going into a play and reading other players.
“If you go in without a plan, you probably won’t be very successful. You have to know what you’re
From 30
doing before you do it,” Bellomy said. “Reading people’s tendencies and understanding how they play really gives me an advantage on the defensive line.”
To make the move to the offensive line, especially if he plans to play the position at the next level, he will have to bulk up. At 6-foot6, 262-pounds, Bellomy eats six to seven small meals a day that are high in protein, resulting in a whopping 160-180 grams per day. Some of his staples include eggs, cereal with a protein shake instead of milk and his favorite — a Chipotle bowl with double chicken.
Along with his high caloric intake of about 3,000 per day, Bellomy has committed himself to the weight room. He stressed the importance of lifting weights amid the constant cardio required by football, and said lifting is how he is able to maintain his large frame. His commitment in the weight room does not go unnoticed from his coaches.
“I started working with the team in March, and since then, I’ve noticed a lot of growth in Colin from a maturity standpoint and a physical development standpoint,” Salam said. “He has transformed his body quite a bit in the weight room, and as a result of that, he has put himself into the position to be able to help us on both sides of the football.”
Bellomy, who began playing football in kindergarten, said football was the one sport that truly stuck with him because of its physical nature. Outside of the time-consuming grind of the game, Bellomy said he enjoys the same relaxing habits as most high schoolers –laying out by the pool, hanging out with friends and playing video games.
Bellomy has committed to the University of South Florida. He chose the Bulls over offers from Virginia Tech, Kansas and Memphis. He said this upcoming season he is excited to play the same way he always has– at full speed and with no regrets. Bellomy said he wants to leave high school knowing that he left everything he could on the field.
By Ella Sather MDJ Sports Writer
Hillgrove is prioritizing growth in its passing offense this offseason.
While the Hawks’ defense has been consistently strong, the offense is looking for improvements. Hawks coach Justin DeShon said they are looking to retool their philosophy and make whatever changes are necessary to the offense to start playing a better game of football.
“If we can do those things and score points on offense then we have a good enough defense to win a lot of games,” DeShon said. The defensive front, led by Nich-
olas Mathious, Chris Carbin and Gavin Askew, who is committed to play Division I football at Liberty, is the “backbone” of the defense, according to DeShon. Askew and Mathious are both seniors and four-year starters for the defense, becoming leaders for the team as a whole.
After a losing season last year, DeShon said his first instinct was to change it all, but he began to realize that they just couldn’t score the football. He said his team began looking at the details, working on the mental challenges before switching to physical changes that needed to be made.
“When you go 2-8, your natural
reaction is to break up everything, change everything, but when we dove into it, we struggled to score the football,” DeShon said. “We lost 3 games by a total of 14 points so we are not a terrible football team, we just had little things.”
With 36 seniors on the roster, DeShon is ready for a rebuild and a more veteran-led team going into the 2024 year.
DeShon said he believes that Hillgrove’s spring game against Central Gwinnett was a good indication of how it has been able to grow and what offensive improvements are still necessary.
“That comes with a lot of work, and the off-season has been full of
that,” DeShon said. “The spring was a good indication of where we are at, winning our spring game 28-3, getting some big plays going on offense and getting some reinvigoration and some things back into it.”
Junior Donovan Mack, who started Week 9 for the Hawks last season, will lead the offense from Week 1 this year. During their spring game, Mack threw nine passes for 183 yards including one touchdown, and rushed for 68 yards, and two touchdowns.
DeShon said working on their passing game has become an See Hawks 34
LB Bradley Chubb (2010-13), ..........................N.C. State, Miami Dolphins
RB Kenyan Drake (2008-11), ..........................Alabama, Baltimore Ravens
TE Evan Engram (2009-12),......................Ole Miss, Jacksonville Jaguars
DL Myles Murphy (2016-19), .........................Clemson, Cincinnati Bengals
TE Chigoziem Okonkwo (2014-17), ..............Maryland, Tennessee Titans
important part of their off-season preparations. With their pass percentage sitting low after last year, he said he
RUSHING
PASSING
RECEIVING
Owusu
TACKLES
Jameson McCullough ...96
Braylon Hansbrough .....89
SACKS
Gavin Askew 5
Nicholas Mathious 4
INTERCEPTIONS
Chris Carbin.......................2
hopes that they can turn it around and pass the ball more, while still keeping the run game strong.
“Something that we have vowed to work on is passing game, doing the things we can do and doing them well, continuing to run the
and obviously playing better defense than we did last year”
With the new region placing them in more local Cobb county games, DeShon said he believes that the familiarity and locality of each team and their players can make a big difference in the strength and power of his team.
“That’s a natural confidence booster,” DeShon said. “I think it will help the school, coming to games, the atmosphere will change.”
By Ella Sather MDJ Sports Writer
From the start, Hillgrove head coach Justin DeShon knew how special of a player and person Nicholas Mathious would be.
The 6-foot, 265-pound defensive tackle has become a four-year starter for Hillgrove. He finished last season with 47 tackles and four sacks. DeShon said Mathious
has been an asset as a lineman, a leader and an overall person.
“He has got a lot of charisma, a lot of personality,” DeShon said.
“He’s a great kid and a great player.”
After going 2-8 last year, and with changes coming in the offense this season, DeShon said Mathious has led by example in the weight room and never skipped any repetitions. He has also been able to
hold the defense together on the field, making sure each player gives their maximum effort in practice.
“It pushes the other side to be a whole lot better, but it also, on his side and in his group, gives nobody else any excuses,” DeShon said. “Whether we have shoulder pads on, t-shirts on, helmets on, he is full speed all the time.”
While Mathious said he is not the loudest person in the room, he
has the ability to teach others and help work with his fellow lineman. He believes he has been able to help his teammates succeed during practice and learn the ins and outs of the defensive line. As he begins his final season of high school football, Mathious said he wants to remain healthy, succeed as a team and show the rest of the region Hillgrove’s hard
See Mathious 60
By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com
This is the first year of the Georgia High School Association’s new region alignment.
For the largest schools in Cobb County, there are condensed regions with many of their county brethren. For the smaller schools, a few may be a little lonely.
For the first time since 2015, Class AAAAAA is the largest classification, with the GHSA eliminating Class AAAAAAA to make for less travel, especially for south Georgia schools.
Cobb schools are set to make up the majority of two Class AAAAAA regions, including a nearly all-Cobb 3AAAAAA of Campbell, Harrison, Hillgrove, McEachern, Osborne, Pebblebrook and South Cobb. The only team outside the county is Paulding County, which successfully appealed to shift from Region 2AAAAAA. It will be the first time since 2013 that Campbell, Pebblebrook and South Cobb are in the same region as programs from west Cobb.
Region 5AAAAAA is set to include Marietta, North Cobb, Walton and Wheeler. They will join Cherokee County schools Cherokee and Etowah, along with North Paulding. It will be the first time Marietta will be in a region with Cherokee schools since 2011.
Kennesaw Mountain successfully appealed to move down into Class AAAAA, where it will be joined by Lassiter, Pope and Sprayberry, but the Mustangs’ programs will be apart from their county rivals.
Kennesaw Mountain will be in Region 5AAAAA with other schools in Atlanta’s western suburbs — East Paulding, Lithia Springs, New Manchester, South Paulding and Villa Rica — as well as Rome.
The only program the Mustangs have faced before is East Paulding, and it will be the first time since 2001 they will be in a region that does not have at least five other Cobb County schools in it.
Lassiter, Pope and Sprayberry will be part of Region 6AAAAA with Creekview, River Ridge, Sequoyah and Woodstock from Cherokee County, as well as Riverwood from Sandy Springs. Allatoona, which was set to be the smallest
school in Class AAAAA, successfully appealed to move down to Class AAAA with Kell. However, like Kennesaw Mountain, Allatoona will be the only Cobb team in Region 7AAAA, competing with Cartersville, Cass, Cedartown, Dalton, Hiram, Southeast Whitfield and Woodland. It will be an expansive region, stretching about 75 miles from Hiram to Dalton.
Kell was originally slated to be part of a nineteam Region 6AAAA with Blessed Trinity, Cambridge, Centennial, Holy Innocents’, North Springs, Northview, Pace Academy and Westminster. However, Holy Innocents’, Northview, North Springs and Pace Academy all appealed and were approved to move to other regions, leaving the Longhorns in a five-team region.
North Cobb Christian, the county’s only Class AA school, was proposed to be part of an eightmember Region 5AA, remaining with current Region 6AA rivals KIPP Atlanta, Therrell and Washington. Joining North Cobb Christian would be Carver-Atlanta, Hapeville Charter and Lovett, as well as Coretta Scott King, an all-girls school that does not play football.
However, North Cobb Christian administrators filed an appeal to be moved into Region 7AA. As opposed to facing a number of
schools in and around the Atlanta city limits, the Eagles’ teams would travel north to face the likes of Coahulla Creek, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe, Murray County, North Murray, Ringgold and Sonoraville, as well as Rockmart. Union County, about 12 miles from the North Carolina state line, also appealed to join Region 7AA, as opposed to 8AA, which stretches as far south as Athens.
North Cobb Christian won its appeal, so now its closest region rivals are Rockmart (32 miles) and Sonoraville (40 miles).
Mount Bethel Christian, Mount Paran Christian, Walker and Whitefield Academy will all be part of a 16-member Region 5A Division I. That region is set to consist of nine footballplaying schools, with Mount Paran, Walker and Whitefield joining BEST Academy, Fellowship Christian, King’s Ridge Christian, Mount Pisgah Christian, Mount Vernon Presbyterian and St. Francis. Other non-football schools include Atlanta International, Ben Franklin Academy, DeKalb School of the Arts, Galloway, Paideia and the Weber School.
It will be the first time since 2019 that Mount Paran, Walker and Whitefield will be in the same region.
By Bo Underwood MDJ Sports Writer
McEachern football has championship expectations for 2024.
The Indians are entering their second season under coach Kareem Reid and have a talented roster with several legitimate college prospects. With Reid’s first year complete, the roster is already starting to reap the benefits of continuity in the coaching staff as McEachern pursues its first double-digit win season since 2019-20.
“Our kids know our scheme and our system a little bit better, so
you get to add on to that,” Reid said. “And then just in terms of how we train in the weight room and function in practice, everything is better because the kids now know what the expectation is. So now that allows you to continue to grow and develop individually and as a team.”
The 2023 season was a rollercoaster for McEachern. In Reid’s first season at the helm, the Indians started 0-4 before making a change at offensive coordinator and ripping off a seven-game winning streak. The biggest returning name for
the Indians is running back Jayreon Campbell, who got injured in their first game and then missed several weeks. Campbell already has offers from the likes of Georgia, Alabama and Auburn before his junior season. Having him back healthy for a full season could completely change McEachern’s offense.
”It’s night and day,” Reid said of the difference with having Campbell back in the lineup. “He’s dynamic. He allows us to be really explosive and efficient in the run game, and he’s also a threat catching the ball out of the
2024 Roster
backfield.”
Campbell will run behind an offensive line that lost multiple starters from last year, but Reid said he believes the group can be even better in 2024. Troy commit Paul Bowling headlines the group, and is moving back into his natural position at guard after spending last year at tackle. Amare Hartsfield, Darius Biggins, Jaden Miller and Jeremiah Boykin round out the group.
Quarterback is a lot more uncertain. Pocket passer Cameron Brown is back for another season after See Indians 39
Brookwood.........................21-20 ............L
Langston Hughs ..................40-9 ............L
Douglas County ...................31-0 ............L
Newton ..................................13-7 ............L
Tucker ...................................49-7 ..........W
Valdosta ................................28-7 ..........W
Harrison ..............................24-21 ..........W
Marietta................................17-14 ..........W
North Paulding ..................34-21 ..........W
Hillgrove ...............................38-0 ..........W
Campbell ..............................42-0 ..........W
Kareem
Camden County ..................26-0 ............L 2400 New Macland Rd, Powder Springs, GA 30127 • Walter Cantrell Stadium https://mceachernsports.com/football
Dry ST
Julian Rochester......................DL
Carlton Hadley .........................LB
Phil Hoskins .............................DB
RUSHING
Jayreon Campbell ..59 car....330 yds ..... 4 TD Shamar Hall ............34 car ....168 yds ...... 1 TD
PASSING
Jaydon Kinney ......67/124 830 yds 8 TD 1 INT
RECEIVING
Kayden Peterson 19 rec 209 yds 2 TD
TACKLES
Kannen White ........52
Andrew Ruffin .......51
Dy’lon Womack.....45
OL Tremayne Anchrum (2015-18),...............Clemson, Los Angeles Rams
DL Jamil Burroughs (2013-16), ............................................Alabama, Miami
OL Chuma Edoga (2011-14), .....................................USC, Dallas Cowboys
DL Julian Rochester (2012-15), .........................................................Georgia
OL Kofi Amichia (2008-11), ..................South Florida, Green Bay Packers
RB Rajaan Bennett (2006-2009), ................................................Vanderbilt
DL Ted Laurent (2003-06), .....................Mississippi, Hamilton Tiger-Cats
QB A.J. Suggs (1995-98),..........................................................Georgia Tech
OL Adam Meadows (1988-91), ........................Georgia, Indianapolis Colts
appearing in a few games last season. He’s joined by Calvin Pittman Jr., a talented runner with a track background. The wild card in the room is senior Zhay’lyn Bell, who transferred from Villa Rica. Bell stands at 6-foot-5 with plenty of running ability and what Reid described as “a cannon for an arm.” The job could still go to anyone but appears to be between Pittman and Bell.
The top returning receiving
SACKS
Dy’lon Womack 2
INTERCEPTIONS
Dy’lon Womack 1 Andrew Ruffin 1
option is senior Cam Traylor. Traylor is a smaller target but offers plenty of twitch as a route runner. McEachern is losing its top two leading receivers from last year.
McEachern’s centerpiece on defense is junior Zakir AbdulSalaam, a talented edge rusher with offers from Texas A&M, South Carolina and Tennessee who flashed tons of potential last season. Reid outlined his high expectations for Abdul-Salaam’s junior season.
“He’s a really skilled pass rusher,” Reid said, “He’s really technically sound. I think he’s going to be one of the top kids in the state as an
441-268-10 REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (20) 2023, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2010, 2009, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1987, 1986 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS (0) Historical Info from Georgia High School Football
edge defender, and obviously his offer list is growing and he’s starting to blow up a little bit, so he’s getting a lot of attention there.”
McEachern has plenty of production to replace on defense with its leading tacklers from last year in Kannen White, Andrew Ruffin and Dy’lon Womack all gone. Senior linebacker/safety Brad Menhorn will need to step up in the middle. Senior defensive back Austin Brown is moving from cornerback to safety this year and will be tasked with helping lead the secondary along with junior Kiyante’ Ingram.
McEachern begins its season
against North Gwinnett as part of the Corky Kell Classic in MercedesBenz Stadium. Region play opens against Campbell in mid-September. With a fully healthy team and a new-look Region 3 AAAAAA schedule, the stage is set for McEachern to make a run at the region — and potentially more— in 2024.
“I think the mental piece is the biggest thing for us, because then that allows us to play fast,” Reid said. “If we can identify things, line up and play our techniques consistently, I think you have a shot to be successful at a very high level.”
By Bo Underwood MDJ Sports Writer
Art and football are two very different disciplines.
One is a slow-paced experience that requires patience and peace. The other is a violent game played at breakneck speed, where the difference between making a big play and getting burned is often a fraction of a second. McEach-
ern defensive back Austin Brown understands this, and uses his art to balance things out off the field.
“It just helps me relax my mind,” Brown said. “Everything is just chill. I can really get a lot off my mind when I just paint, and I’m just chilling, you know? It just helps me relax.”
Brown stands at 6-foot-1, 175-pounds and already has offers from Pittsburgh, South Florida and
Georgia State among others. He has good instincts when the ball is in the air and is a willing tackler. After spending his first three years at cornerback, McEachern is moving Brown over to safety, which he believes is a more natural fit for his skillset.
“I think safety is way easier than corner, to be honest,” Brown said. “You can see the whole field, and with me, I’m like a ‘ball hawk’
player. I can read the ball when it’s in the air. I can read the quarterback’s intentions. So, I think moving to safety was honestly pretty good for me.”
Position isn’t the only change Brown is making in 2024. He’s switching his jersey number to No. 2 as a nod to his brother Caleb, who also played football for McEachern and wore the same number
See Brown 41
other friends, stuff like that.”
Edmonds is still growing into his body, having undergone a massive growth spurt that took him from around 5-foot-10 to 6-foot-3 in the span of six months between his freshman and sophomore year. Vavra was highly complimentary of his work ethic and humble demeanor, but did mention one area of growth he’d like to see from his now upperclassman.
“I’d like to see (Jorden) be more of a vocal leader, really take charge of the locker room and the guys on the sideline,” Vavra said. “Like I said, he’s a quiet kid, but the kids look up to him and they’ll listen to him if he’s a little more vocal.”
Manfred’s time at Sprayberry has been marked by a different kind of growth. He arrived as a freshman with plenty of natural talent but was having trouble putting it all together. He had to be redirected constantly on the practice field as a freshman and had issues focusing. Once it became apparent where his gifts could take him, a different player emerged.
“Mark’s development as a person and developing a little more consistency in his work ethic and his attitude has been what I’ve been most proud of with him,” Vavra said. “Over the course of the last year or two, he’s really done a good job of focusing because he knows what’s at stake. He’s got a nice future, and he knows that he had to lock in and start doing all the little things right in order to set himself apart. And he’s done a good job with that.”
Sprayberry is coming off of a six-win season in 2023 filled with ups and downs. Consistency will be a main goal in 2024, which starts with arguably the two safest bets on the roster in Manfred and Edmonds. With it being their last season to share the same high school field, Manfred and Edmonds will look to do what they do best — lock up the man in front of them.
“(I’m gonna miss) knowing that I don’t have anything to worry about on the other side of the field,” Edmonds said.
before graduating in 2021.
“I just felt like I had to rep the No. 2 as well,” Brown said. “I’ve always looked up to my brother. He’s been the biggest role model for me by far.”
It might sound insignificant, but the right jersey number can make a huge difference for a football player, especially when there’s meaning attached. Big things are expected of Brown, and it’s important he looks the part.
The Indians started practicing again in early June, and things are already starting to pick up.
“So far through the first two weeks of summer. I felt we’ve competed well in the seven on sevens and we’ve had really good practices every single day,” McEachern head coach Kareem Reid said. “So, just excited for the growth and continued development of all the players.”
Brown has his heroes on the football field, namely former cornerback Darrelle Revis and current Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James, but he also has an off-field inspiration that you don’t hear from many players — Leonardo Da Vinci.
“I’ve always been a big artist growing up, I’ve always liked art. Ever since I was in third or fourth grade, I’ve always loved (Da Vinci’s) paintings,” Brown said. “He’s always been my biggest historical figure, I’ve just always liked him and his paintings.”
Brown’s favorite things to paint are delicate scenes of nature, like trees and sunsets.
As he navigates through a position change, a new season and all the stress that comes with being a senior in high school, his art remains the anchoring force that keeps him sane through it all. Brown, like Da Vinci, is someone with several different interests and a drive to excel at each one of them. He’s hoping the 2024 season can be his Mona Lisa.
“I think our team this year is even better than the team that we had last year to
McEachern’s Austin Brown is making the change from corner to safety this season.
be honest,” Brown said. “I feel like we can really make a run for the state championship this year. And that’s my ultimate goal. And I’m pretty sure that’s everybody else’s ultimate goal this year.”
By Bo Underwood MDJ Sports Writer
Osborne’s mission in 2024 is simple – prove it can continue to build the foundation.
The 2023 season was a year to remember for the Cardinals as they started 7-0 and finished with the school’s first winning season in football since 1994. It was an unlikely run that served as one of the state’s best stories in high school football.
That season is now over. New coach Derek Cook is returning to the head coach role for the first time since taking a year off of coaching, and several years as an assistant at McEachern, Lassiter and Campbell. Cook was the head coach at Kell from 2008 to 2016 and led
Donovan Grenion RB/LB 12
Alejandro Ruiz-Etheridge RB/LB 12
Anthony Thornton WR/DB 12
11
12
12
D’Herelle Herrin WR/DB 12
11
11
the Longhorns to four region titles.
“I got to meet some new people and it was a different experience,” Cook said of his year off from coaching. “But at the end of the day, I’m passionate about football and passionate about teaching these young men what it means to be successful and how to go about being successful, whether it’s in the weight room, classroom, football field or life.”
Osborne is losing the vast majority of its starters from last season either to graduation or transfer. The roster and coaching staff will both look significantly different from last year’s team that made history. The favorite for the starting quarterback job is senior Josh Tattershall, who elected to not play football in 2023 to focus on base-
ball. Tattershall was a pitcher and catcher and Cook described his arm as a “flamethrower.”
“He was there on the first day (of spring practice) telling everybody else what to do,” Cook said. “Which was pretty impressive considering he didn’t play football last year and everything was new. So he’s a very smart kid. Tremendous work ethic, unquestionable competitive nature. He was what I would call a dominant competitor.”
Senior wideout Anthony Thornton has had a good spring and is a likely candidate to be Tattershall’s top target this year. D’Herelle Herrin is another player who has practiced well and could be in for an increased role this season. Brian Dalton stands at 6-foot-4 and has lots of athleticism, but Cook
2024 Roster
No. Name Pos. Cl.
34 RexZavier Robinson WR/LB 9
Emmanuel Nickerson QB 11
Kanye Whitt RB/LB 10
Da’Kwan Akbar RB/LB 9
Willis WR/DB 10
Justin Grier LB 12 23 Edin Soto-Williams RB/LB 11
Terron Todd RB/LB 12
Tamar Gremillion QB/WR 11 26 Allen Sanders RB/LB 11
Tristan Dunlap DB 10 28 Javon May WR/DB 10 29 Cedric Gorman WR/DB 10 30 Jamichael Grant RB/DB 12 31 Jeremie Remy WR/DB 10 32 Seth Holder RB/LB 11 33 Rha’shon Johnson WR/DB 9
described him as “raw”. Elijah Johnson made some plays in the spring game, but is currently suffering from a broken collarbone he sustained in that game. Caleb Jones, who scored during the spring game, is an undersized but athletic tight end who offers some upside as a pass-catcher as well.
Cook said the offensive line, headlined by returning starter Drayden Miller, was the offense’s most solid position group so far. Running behind that offensive line will be running backs Kamari Smith, Jamichael Grant and Terron Todd. The Cardinals are expected to take a committee approach with their backs.
The defensive line is headlined by all-region defensive end Dylan
See Osborne 44
Blake Jackson RB/DB 9
Keylon Johnson LB 12
Braylon Walker-Taylor LB 10
Michael Warman WR/LB 11
Benjamin Mendoza RB/LB 11
48 Joshua Ndukwe TE/LB 9
50 Jhonny Rodriguez-Yoc OL/DL 9
51 Henry Benjamin OL/DL 11
52 Rojean Gordon OL/DL 11
53 Kenneth Soto-Williams OL/DL 9
54 Drayden Miller OL/DL 12
55 Malec Coppage OL/DL 12 56 Phellippe Soto OL/DL 11
2451 Favor Rd SW, Marietta, GA 30060 • Cardinal Field https://www.cobbk12.org/osborne/page/19916/football X: @osborne_fb Instagram: @osborne_fb
Woodstock ...........................56-7 ..........W
Chattahoochee .................54-20 ..........W
Lakeside ...............................35-0 ..........W
Clarkston ..............................37-6 ..........W
Woodland ..............................14-0 ..........W
Kennesaw Mountain ...........35-3 ..........W
Cherokee ..............................28-7 ..........W
Wheeler ....................17-10 (2OT) ............L
Walton ...................................35-0 ............L
North Cobb ...........................31-7 ............L
Mill Creek ............................42-17 ............L
Derek Cook .......................HC
Joe Tousignaut ...........DC/LB
Phil Sandifer...............OC/QB
Josh O’Kelley ...........AHC/DL
Kevin Clark ..................ST/DB
Trent Pruett ..................ST/RB
Rich Foster .........................OL
Robert Fisher .....................LB
Tyson Foster .....................WR
Errol Breaux ......................WR
RUSHING
Licori Humphrey 89 car 522 yards 3 TD PASSING Edward Burr................54/74 960 yds 17 TD
Tyree Cook 22 rec 481 yds 7 TD TACKLES Aiden Williams........77 Ian Williams..............60 SACKS
Wilson 7
LB Tumbo Abanikanda (2001-04), ... Southern Miss, Edmonton Eskimos (CFL)
OL Randy Duckworth (1964-67), .............................................Georgia Tech
WR Nyakki Height (2008-11), ..................................................Georgia State FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI
Coach: Derek Cook • 1st Season • Record: 0-0 • Career: 98-35
From 43
Bois, who had 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks last year. Opposite of Bois is athletic junior Henry Benjamin, who stands at 6-foot4, 230-pounds. The interior line mostly consists of two-way players who also play offensive line, including Miller and Malec Coppage. Cook used the word “aggressive” to describe his linebackers. Alejandro Ruiz-Etheridge has had a solid spring, along with Phellippe Soto.
The biggest wild card may be Donovan Grenion, a track athlete whose speed in particular Cook raved about.
“He can fly”, Cook said. “(When) we bring him on a blitz, he’s there right now. Like, he’s almost catching the snap when the quarterback does. He’s super fast.”
The secondary has been a revolving door throughout the summer because of injuries. Thornton is expected to play in the secondary as well as receiver, and Cook said he is athletic to play either cornerback or safety. Treyvion Martin is expected to be a key contributor
in the defensive backfield as well once he returns from injury. Twin sophomores Zach and Zane Willis are already pushing for playing time, and offer plenty of speed as well as positional versatility.
This will be a big year for Osborne football. It may be unfair to place these expectations on a brand-new regime with an overhauled roster, but Osborne hired Cook to continue winning games. The magic of 2023 is now the standard. It’s tough to project what this team will look like exactly once the season starts, but if one thing’s for
sure, it’s that this Osborne team is on a mission to prove last year was no flash in the pan.
“I feel like the last group flipped the culture and got the kids believing they could win,” Cook said. “And it’s now up to us and them. The seniors that led this team last year are not here anymore. They laid the foundation and hopefully the younger kids watched that and learned from it. And our job now, as the new coaching staff, is to continue to build upon those successes and put our own stamp on it.”
By Bo Underwood MDJ Sports Writer
It takes a lot to keep Dylan Bois out of the weight room.
in the weight room alongside his teammates, lifting on his upper body like normal while his knee injury heals.
“A lot of kids will just shut it down altogether until they’re completely healed,” head coach Derek Cook said. “But that’s not who he is. He loves to lift and he’s in there with his teammates, motivating them.”
Cardinals finished 7-4 in 2023 for the school’s first winning season since 1994. It was a historic year for a program that desperately needed a winner.
Osborne’s senior defensive end hyperextended his ACL during physical education class of all places, narrowly avoiding a much more serious injury. The injury forced him to miss all of spring practice, but wasn’t enough to keep him from lifting. Bois has been
This type of grit from Bois is what Osborne football is all about. The
“It was amazing,” Bois said. “My sister went here, and I saw how Osborne football always performed and would always be at the bottom of the barrel. To be a part of a generational team that made a change, it’s very, very cool.”
It’s on returners like Bois to make
sure that winning becomes part of the culture and not a one-off thing, especially after an offseason that saw plenty of roster turnover. His mentality through his injury is a pretty good sign of that emerging culture.
“I’m just willing to stay with it, willing to stay in the fight,” Bois said. “I make sure I don’t quit. I don’t want to get weak when I come back. I want to be able to
Osborne defensive end Dylan Bois may have been hurt in the spring, but that didn’t keep him from working to help make sure the Cardinals new-found success isn’t a one-time thing. See Bois 53
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By Arkesh Ray MDJ Sports Writer
Pebblebrook is looking to bounce back in 2024 due in large part to a roster that maintains much continuity and players ready to make an impact.
Coach Michael Woolridge, who enters his second year with the Falcons, said he feels confident in his roster and its ability to compete, coming off an injury-plagued 2-8 season a year ago.
The Falcons lost three starters who are all Division I signees – running back Dwight Phillips
0 Jontae Jones WR/DB 12
1 KJ Green DB 10
2 Malik Leggett WR/DB 12
3 Kalen Wyche DB 12
4 Damarien Ward RB 11
5 Trenton Chapman DL 12
6 Kobe Scott LB 12 7 Martavious Adams DB 12
8 MySonne Pickens QB 12
9 Darrell Rivers DL 11
10 Emanuel Stafford DL/LB 11
11 Devin Murray DB 12
12 Cameron Yeary DB 12
13 Jalen Brassell WR/DB 12
14 Jayden Adams QB 11
15 Preston Wooten WR 10
(Georgia), left tackle Kingtriton Samuela (Georgia Southern), and defensive lineman Chukwunedu Okeke (Western Kentucky), but Pebblebrook has players lined up to assume those roles.
Replacing Phillips in addition to second-leading rusher Luis Aquino will be a tough loss. Damarien Ward seems like one of the most likely candidates to take over at running back. Lamont Robinson, a 6-foot, 245-pound sophomore tackle will try to take over for Samuela, and defensive end Emanuel Stafford, who recorded 19 tackles and two hurries in just
No. Name Pos. Cl.
eight games as a sophomore, will take over for Okeke.
Woolridge said defensive tackle Trent Chapman and safety MJ Adams are two defenders he expects to step up this season. Chapman had two sacks and five tackles for loss in 2023. Adams was third on the team with 40 tackles last year, and praised as a vocal leader in the secondary. Demitrius Thorne is seen as the leader of the offensive line, and Malik Leggett is expected to be the team’s go-to wide-receiver.
Woolridge said he instilled a simple mentality within his team
2024 Roster
16 Dontavios Carter RB/LB 12
17 Jordon Floyd DB 11 18 Chris Geter RB/LB 12
19 Abdur-Rahman Woodard WR 12
20 Tyler Roberson TE 12
21 David Figgs TE 12 22 Sir Mitchell WR 12 23 JaMalachi Johnson DB 12 24 Jospeh Rivera LB 11 25 General Samuela DL 11 26 Ivan Williams DB 11 27 Corey Dewberry DL 12 28 Deon Ledbetter DB 12 29 Zalen Paul DB 11 30 Demetric Johnson QB 10 32 Cody Pinckney DB 10
No. Name Pos. Cl.
36 Tyler Miller LB 12
37 Gabriel Haudey LB 11
40 Zack White RB 11
43 Michael Graves TE 10
44 Toriek Jones RB 11
45 Landon Scott DB 10
49 Tristen Hampton TE 11
50 Lucas Reed OL 10
52 Donovan Carter OL/DL 11 53 Antonio Oquendo LB 10 54 Anthony Cater OL/DL 11 55 Traiden Robinson DL 11 56 Raphael Mbucho OL 11 57 Zafini Holcomb OL 11 58 Jermaine Holder OL/DL 9 60 Kingston Roberts OL 10
this offseason, after retaining his same coaching staff and much of his roster.
“Keep our head down and grind,” Woolridge said.
He said the biggest difference between this year and last is the detail in the fundamentals. Last season, the team was too focused on making big plays. This year he wants them to return to the basics, namely footwork and having good form.
Another difference between this year and last year is the Falcons’ change in region, which Woolridge See Falcons 48
No. Name Pos. Cl. 65 Justin Tunstall DL 12
66 Yael Juarez OL 10
69 Lamont Robinson OL/DL 10
73 Demetrius Thornton OL 12
74 Xavier Varner DL 11
75 Kelvyn Crawford DL 10
80 Jace Coleman WR 10
81 Landon Smalls RB 12
82 DJ Pheeps WR 11
83 Oluwatamiyo Otun WR 10
89 Jonathan Freeman RB 10
94 Mattix Bell DL 11
96 Jair Hutchins DL 11
South Gwinnett .................42-27 ............L
South Cobb ........................35-21 ..........W
Hapeville Charter .................14-9 ..........W Rome .....................................48-7 ............L
Denmark ................................15-8 ............L Harrison ...............................42-17 ............L Westlake ...............................47-7 ............L Carrollton..............................64-8 ............L Campbell .............................41-14 ............L East Coweta .......................47-46 ............L
RB Dwight Smith Jr. (2021-2024) .....................................................Georgia
ATH CJ Adams (2020-23), ....................................................South Carolina
LB Tre Pinkney (2015-18), ...................................................Coastal Carolina
DB Thomas Flowers (2000-03), .......................................................Georgia
RB Brent Thomas (1998-2001),.........................................................Georgia
OL Andy Cheatham, ....................Clemson, Birmingham Stallions (USFL)
said he is excited about. Pebblebrook will compete in the new Region 3AAAAAA with familiar rivals McEachern, South Cobb, Campbell, Harrison, Hillgrove and Osborne. Woolridge said this will pit players who grew up playing against each other in high-stakes games, and he expects the stands to be packed.
One thing he said he wants to focus on this season is being competitive in every game. The team struggled last season partly due to injuries, but the change in region along with newfound familiarity with his roster should help the Falcons get back on track.
“Trust the process,” Woolridge said. “Winning isn’t a one-size-fitsall, it takes time and effort to be good and his team certainly put in the work this offseason.”
By Arkesh Ray MDJ Sports Writer
Pebblebrook’s Malik Leggett aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps.
His father, Maurice Leggett, played cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions. He made the most of his time in the NFL, scoring two touchdowns his rookie season despite playing defense. He had a 67-yard fumble
returned for a score against the then-Oakland Raiders in Week 12 of the 2008 season. The following week, he ran back his lone career interception against the Denver Broncos for a 27-yard touchdown.
The older Leggett played professional football in the Arena Football League and Canadian Football league until 2023.
Malik Leggett not only wants to get to the league, too, but score more touchdowns than his father.
“I want to beat him,” he said. “If he should get there, it may be a little easier for the younger Leggett to find the end zone, as he plays wide receiver.
At 6-foot, 165 pounds, Leggett said he takes bits and pieces from different NFL players to help him develop his game, but that the Philadelphia Eagles’ Devonta Smith is his main inspiration. Smith stands at almost the exact same height and weight as Leggett at 6-foot,
170 pounds. While he was widely viewed as too small or skinny to succeed at Alabama, much less the NFL, Smith went on to win the Heisman trophy in 2020 and is now coming off of back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in the NFL.
Leggett said another reason he chose to play wide receiver is because his father taught him from a young age how to beat certain coverages. As a defensive back, See Leggett 60
By Lance Warren MDJ Sports Writer
New coach Marcus Washington is looking to change the culture of South Cobb football.
“We’ve really been honing in on changing the culture and having every guy on the team buy into our new philosophy as a team,” he said. “We want to change how we are recognized when we get on that field.”
Washington said the main focus of that new philosophy is toughness.
“One of the biggest things is just about building a different brand of South Cobb football,” he said. “One of the things I want to come
to mind when you think about South Cobb football is toughness, mentally and physically, and I think if we take care of both of those aspects, everything else will take care of itself.”
The Eagles are coming off backto-back 0-10 seasons and have not had a winning season since 2012-13, but Washington said he is looking forward to the challenge of rebuilding the program.
“Of course it’s a challenge coming in as a new coach to a program where success hasn’t been the standard,” he said. “But now it’s about changing to where success is the standard, and one of the biggest things we’re trying to do is to get our players and the
Malik McNabb WR 10
Caden Holland DB 9
Ian Lartey DB 11
Malik Brown DB 11
Hayden Blackshear RB 10
Trevontae Cuthbert DB 12
Jermaine Hill RB 10 26. Micah Davis DB 10 27. Armani Williams DB 11 28. Alantae King DB 10
29. Quay’Airious Adams RB 10
30. Aaron Ramirez DB 9
31. Stephen Acheapong DB/WR 11
32. Jalen Rogers LB 11
33. Pyerston Brigham DB 10
34. Wisdom Iheanacho RB 11
35. Chibueze Ogbuagu LB 10
community to believe in what we’re doing. To turn that corner and get to a point where winning and being highly competitive is what we do at South Cobb.”
Washington said one of the biggest strengths of the team is its grit.
“We got a bunch of kids who are gritty and who are tough, and they are ready to attack any challenges that come their way,” he said.
The first-year coach said one of his biggest goals is to increase the number of players on the roster. Currently, the team has just fewer than 70 players. Washington said he wants to get that number to more than 100.
2024 Roster
No. Name Pos. Cl.
36. Deshaun Robinson DB 9
38. Masin Plummer LB 10
40. Kaiser Russel DL 11
44. Avry Amar LB 12
45. Bryce Quick DL 12
47. Antonio Saldana K 12
48. Don Nickles RB 9
49. Matthew Ekwueme DL 11
50. Josiah Brooks OL 12
51. Omarion Adams LB 10
53. Josiah Thomas OL 12
54. Ben Brown DL/OL 12
55. Ashton Long DL 11
56. David Uche LB 9
57. Victor Jenkins DL 9
58.
One thing fans can expect to see is an aggressive defense that flies to the football.
Rising senior safety Khilan Reed, who had 19 tackles, two interceptions and five pass breakups in 2023, is one of the unit’s biggest returns. Washington said Reed is one of the biggest leaders on the defense.
“One of the things I’ve noticed about him is that he’s like a football junkie,” Washington said. “He’s the quarterback of my defense and has really been able to fast track and pick up the defense I’ve installed, almost to the point where I can stand back as a coach and let him call See Eagles 51
Chamblee ..........................35-29 ............L
Pebblebrook ......................35-21 ............L
Wheeler ................................53-6 ............L
Chapel Hill .............................21-0 ............L
Kennesaw Mountain .........36-15 ............L
Riverwood ..........................27-20 ............L
Marist ....................................49-0 ............L
Dunwoody ............................34-0 ............L
North Atlanta .......................49-0 ............L
St. Pius ................................55-13
FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI
QB Kylil Carter (2011-15),................................................North Carolina A&T
OL Mike Cole (1956-59), ....................................................................Georgia
WR Kenny McKinley (2001-04), ............South Carolina, Denver Broncos
DL Justin Jones (2010-13),.............................NC State, Arizona Cardinals
DB Jerry Jacobs (2012-15), .....................................Arkansas, Detroit Lions
the defense for me. He also always shows up and leads through his actions by staying late when it’s needed and being a great kid all around.”
On offense, Washington said the team will be multi-faceted. “We want to be able to both
run and pass,” he said. “Just not being predictable and easy to read is the main goal for the offense, and I also feel like we can be an explosive offense both on the ground and through the air.”
Both of South Cobb’s quarterbacks from last year, Cameron Brown and Brock Adams, are now gone. The quarterback battle is wide open and so are
several other positions as well. With this blank slate, Washington is optimistic about the future for South Cobb.
“We have (fewer) than 15 seniors on this team,” he said. “But as far as I’m concerned, I believe that means our future is even brighter.”
Washington said the main goal for his team this season is simply to get better.
“Every day (that) we come out here, we’re only competing against ourselves, and the whole goal each day is to get better and better,” he said. “Obviously last year, we didn’t win any games, so even one win would be an improvement, but obviously we’ve got our goals set higher than that in terms of what we’re trying to achieve here at South Cobb.”
By Lance Warren MDJ Sports Writer
Khilan Reed said he just wants to be a part of a real team in 2024.
“The biggest thing for us was coach (Marcus) Washington coming in and just being a team period,” Reed said. “With coach Washington in, we know that when we’re on the field we’re playing for 10 others, and it really feels like a team.”
South Cobb is coming off two straight 0-10 seasons, and has not
had a winning season since 2012-13.
“Coach is all about business. We call him the ‘big ole’ bear’ when he gets mad because you don’t want to get near him when he’s like that,”
Reed said. “He’s just bringing a straight business mentality to our team, but he also has a side to him that’s understanding of our problems and conflicts, and he’s always willing to work with us and help us, as long as we communicate with him.”
Despite the team’s struggles, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound safety had 19
tackles, two interceptions and five pass break-ups in his junior season.
Reed said becoming more aware of everything he does on the field was one of his main goals this offseason.
“Just becoming more intentional with every single one of my steps and really making every step count,” he said.
Reed also said he is looking to play like a classic “ballhawk” this season.
“If that ball is in the air, it’s mine,” he said. “I want to make it to where if another team sees me on one side
of the field, they don’t even think about throwing it to that side.”
Reed said he likes to use his length to his advantage on the field, and that he hopes to improve his eyes on the field.
“I think I use my size very well,” he said. “I’ve got a lengthy frame and use that really well when it comes to getting to the ball. My biggest weakness, though, is definitely my eyes. I’ve really been training my eyes to read the field better, which
Osborne’s Dylan Bois separates the ball from a Clarkston running back during last year’s matchup.
stay conditioned, I want to be able to stay strong and I want to be able to keep building muscle. Just because I’m injured doesn’t mean I don’t have to work.”
Bois is picking up steam on the recruiting trail. He received his first college scholarship offer from Reinhardt in early May after recording 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in 2023.
He’s looking for more than just football in school, however. He also aspires to have a career in property law.
“I grew up watching law TV shows like ‘Law and Order’ and ‘Suits’,” Bois said. “And it just grew from there.”
For 2024, though, Bois’ goal is simple – continue Osborne’s ning ways while also improving as a player as much as he can.
He said he expects to play both sides of the ball this season, as both a defensive end and tight end.
With one more year left to prove himself, he is focused on expanding his game as much as possible.
(I want to) improve my hands,” Bois said. “My pass rush moves last year weren’t what I want them to be. I want them to improve this year. I want to get more sacks, more tackles for losses and just get in the backfield more.”
There are new expectations for Osborne football now. Expectations that arguably haven’t existed in over two decades. Cook will be expected to hit the ground running with this team, and he expects the same out of his players. He said that he expects Bois to be the leader of the defensive line in 2024, and that’s a task that Bois seems happy to take up once healthy.
“I want it to be a successful year from me and my guys,” Bois said. I want my senior buddies as well as my junior boys to get some offers. I expect them to get some offers, play good, play hard and finish the season well.”
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By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Correspondent
Walton’s path toward returning to the state championship game may have just gotten a little tougher.
The Raiders will renew their rivalry with North Cobb, Wheeler and Cherokee in what is now Region 5AAAAAA, but now they will welcome newcomers Marietta, North Paulding and Etowah.
“The good news is, as much as they are new to the region, we’re familiar with them,” Walton coach Daniel Brunner said. “We’ve played North Paulding and they’re a very good team. Same thing with Marietta. Even though they’ve been out of region, we’ve played them. I think we’re in, from top to bottom, one of the better regions in the state.”
Walton took a hit thanks to graduation from last year’s team that won 14 straight before falling to Milton in the Class AAAAAAA state title game. Although quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski and linebacker Ashton Woods will be tough to replace, the Raiders are expecting to reload instead of rebuild. Many of their projected starters this season already have sufficient varsity experience, including new quarterback Kaeden Gilstrap and newcomers Christian and Alex Ward, who moved in from Carrollton. Both can play wide receiver and defensive back.
Walton, along with North Cobb, made High School Football America’s Top 300 over the summer.
While Walton may be less experienced, Brunner’s season objectives are clear — win the season opener, win the region championship and win the state championship.
“Our objective is to get ourselves right and get prepared so when we get into region play, we’re ready to go challenge for another region championship,” Brunner said. “You’ve got a topheavy region where people are
1. Walton
2. North Cobb
3. North Paulding
4. Wheeler
4. Marietta
5. Cherokee
6. Etowah
going to be vying for a spot in the playoffs.”
Walton is expecting North Cobb to be its biggest obstacle.
The Warriors’ offensive line is expected to be the strength of its team going into the season along with the return of quarterback Nick Grimstead.
Wheeler, however, is capable of throwing a wrench into Walton’s plans. Most of its key skill positions are back, and Wheeler is returning four of its starters on the offensive line.
Wheeler’s season will stem greatly on staying healthy.
“With the addition of Marietta, North Paulding and Etowah, they are quality programs coming into an already challenging region,” Wheeler coach Bryan Love said. “Being in a region with the majority of these (teams) the last couple of years, we are confident that we can go in and compete with the senior class that we have.”
North Paulding is returning experienced quarterback in Tyler Niehr, who threw for 2,734 yards and 24 touchdowns while leading the Wolfpack to the second round of the state playoffs.
Marietta, which won a state championship in 2019, may experience growing pains after replacing the bulk of its starters on both sides of the ball.
Etowah is looking to surpass its 4-6 mark last year while Cherokee attempts to bounce back from a two-win season under first-year coach Adam Holley.
www.chowkingcobb.com
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
Cherokee coach Adam Holley expects to hit the ground running in his inaugural campaign at Tommy Baker Field. Since taking over in December, Holley has expressed his belief that the Warriors can make noise this fall. With a stable of veteran returning starters, especially on the offensive end, the former Calhoun offensive coordinator hopes to rediscover the magic that led Cherokee to five consecutive postseason appearances from 2018-22.
“Our goal is not only to compete at a high level each week, but it’s to get back to the playoffs,” Holley said. “Make no mistake about it – I do believe we have a playoff football team. We have the talent to make the playoffs, and then go on a deep run.”
Holley replaced former coach Josh Shaw, who stepped down at the end of last season after 12 years with the program. Holley spent the previous two years at Calhoun, with prior stints at Cartersville, Whitewater and Lee County. Holley helped Calhoun win a region championship in 2022, and
a state quarterfinal appearance. He hopes to carry that success over to the Warriors.
“I want our players to understand that just making the playoffs is not enough anymore,” Holley said. “We want these guys to get there and then play deeper than they have in the past. We also want to compete for a region championship, which will be tough because this is a very competitive region –one of the best in the state.”
The new-look Region 5AAAAAA has Cherokee remaining with state runner-up Walton, Wheeler and North Cobb while adding Etowah,
2024 Roster
No. Name Pos. Cl.
42 Kolton Martin TE/LB 11
43 Will Dragoone LB 11
44 Caleb Roderick LB 11
45 Trenton Barnett LB 10
46 Connor Akin WR 11
47 Chase McCoul LB 12
49 Karsen Hodge WR/DB 10
50 Owen Jiles OL/DL 11
51 Courtney Minott Jr. OL 12
53 Noah Denney OL/DL 10
54 Grant Olds OL/DL 10
55 Axel Atkins OL 12
56 Logan Jacobs OL/DL 11
11
Maddox Pitts WR/DB 10
Jalion Trowers RB 11
Caleb Milner WR/LB 10
Dezmond Murphy RB/DB 10
Brendyn Dufour WR/DB 10
Patrick Berutich TE/LB 12
Chris Nathenson LB 11
Jordan Lingerfelt LB 11
40 Kale Lairsen WR/DB 10
41 Leyton Peddycoart 10
57 Noah Jacobs OL/DL 9
Bryland Mannis OL 10
Case Natali OL 10
Charleston Nichols DL 12
Coddy Minott OL/DL 10
Tate Harlow OL 10
A. Francisco - Marcos OL
Carson Patten OL 12
Noland Painter OL 12
Facey
Marietta and North Paulding in the new top classification of AAAAAA. Returning quarterback Tanner Savasir will certainly help as the Warriors navigate a challenging region slate. The 6-foot, 200-pound senior enters his third year at the helm after he completed 62.9% of his passes for 1,929 yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season.
Cherokee does not lack talent among its offensive skill positions. Its “Thunder and Lightning” running back duo features seniors Jared Jones (252 yards, two touchdowns) See Holley 57
Cartersville ..........................27-14 ............L
Etowah ...............................28-26 ............L
Woodstock .........................49-13 ..........W
Sequoyah ............................14-13 ............L
West Forsyth ......................27-19 ............L
Wheeler ..............................36-19 ............L
Osborne ................................28-7 ............L
Walton ...................................48-7 ............L
North Cobb ........................41-20 ............L
Kennesaw Mountain ...........38-8 ..........W
Marietta Hwy, Canton, GA 30114 • Tommy Baker Field
https://chswarriors.org/teams/3131564/boys/football/varsity X: @WarriorsCHS Facebook: @CherokeeWarriorTDClub
Adam Holley ..............HC/QB
Kevin Burnette ...........OC/OL
Grant Myers ...............DC/DB
Jason McDaniel ..........ST/DB
CJ Collins ...........................OL
Niagel Curtis ......................RB
Cole Marsh ...................TE/FB
Jeremy Law .......................WR
Rick Hurst ..........................WR
Adam Wharton ..................DL
Justin Berutich...................DL
Bobby Evans ......................LB
Steve Sapere .....................LB
O’Bryan Shelley.................LB
David Blaylock ...............DFO
RB Brittain Brown (2012-15) ...............................UCLA, Las Vegas Raiders
WR Jayson Foster (1999-2002) ........Georgia Southern, Miami Dolphins
QB A.J. Swann (2018-21) .....................................................Vanderbilt, LSU
WR Montrell Washington (2013-16) ............Samford, Kansas City Chiefs
LEADERS RUSHING Christian Irwin .........51 car....404 yds ..... 4 TD
Tanner Savasir 168/267…1,929 yds 12 TD 9 INT
RECEIVING
Pops Jameson 27 rec 423 yds 4 TD Gracen Sexton .......34 rec...407 yds ..... 4 TD TACKLES Weston Bergman ...........62 Chase Montgomery ......58
Hobson ................. 4 INTERCEPTIONS
and Christian Irwin (404 yards, four touchdowns).
Seniors Gracen Sexton (407 yards, four touchdowns) and Wyatt Tash (357 yards, one touchdown) return as the Warriors’ top pass catchers.
“Our skill players are really good, and it starts with our quarterback Tanner Savasir,” Holley said. “He is the heart and soul, not just of our offense, but of this entire team. We also have a couple good running backs and receivers, and we will rely on several of them to go both ways.”
Junior defensive back Elijah
Foote will play a key role defensively, while junior linebacker Kayson Simmons, brother of former Warrior Kyan Simmons, is a potential breakout candidate.
Cherokee’s returning players left a positive impression on their new coach through the offseason, and now Holley expects wins to follow. “These players are tough,” Hol-
ley said. “We put them through a really hard spring and summer, and these guys have shown they are hard-working and determined. They are just so hungry for success, and that’s been really fun to coach. We built a really good coaching staff, but this group of guys is special. I’m excited to hopefully see their hard work pay off this fall.”
By Griffin Callaghan gcallahan@cherokeetribune.com
Cherokee’s offense has driven its success in recent years, and that appears to be the case again in 2024 under first-year coach Adam Holley.
The trio of quarterback Tanner Savasir, receiver Israel “Izzy” Conway and tight end Wyatt Tash all return to a Warriors offense that
averaged 21.2 points per game last season. Cherokee’s hopes for a sixth playoff appearance in seven years will likely coincide with its offensive performance in 2024.
“I think we have a lot of experience, and we have a lot of explosive players,” Savasir said. “All of our receivers and all of our running backs are coming back, so I think we can be one of the best offenses in the state.”
Savasir heads into his senior year after leading Cherokee County with 1,929 passing yards, along with 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The dual-threat quarterback helped the Warriors make the postseason in 2022-23 as a sophomore, but in a loaded region with North Cobb and Class AAAAAAA runnerup Walton, Cherokee missed last year’s dance. Cherokee remains in
the new Region 5-AAAAAA, the top classification, with both of those powerhouses-- plus county rival Etowah, among others.
“We have a couple of the same teams, so it is still going to be a challenge,” Savasir said. “Walton, North Cobb and North Paulding are some really good teams in this state. As long as we can compete with them, which I know we can,
See Back 59
I think we will have a good season.”
Tash made a clear jump between his sophomore and junior seasons, more than doubling his yardage total. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder went from 19 receptions and 143 yards in 2022 to 34 catches for 357 yards and a touchdown last year.
As Savasir’s top returning target, Tash envisions a productive season for himself and the Cherokee offense.
“It’s the way we prepared, from the weight room to on the practice field,” Tash said. “It’s everything, and especially just wanting to win. Everyone is buying into it. We all want to play hard and we all want to win.”
The transition from former coach Josh Shaw to Holley came with a new philosophy – put the best 11 on the field at all times. Tash will play defensive line for the Warriors this season, a unit that needs a serious reload after seniors Keynon Hunter, Javon Hobson and JD Burn departed.
“Coach Holley came in with a rule where he wants everyone, with the exception of (Savasir) to play both sides of the ball,” Tash said. “(Defensive line) is where he’s got me when we switch over. It’s a lot different because I have not played defense in my entire high school career. I have never played defensive line, so it’s a completely new thing for me.”
Holley said it’s going to take all 11 players on both sides of the ball for the Warriors to be successful, although Savasir, Tash and Conway will be the headliners.
Conway, a lesser-established force than Savasir and Tash in the Cherokee offense, expects a major leap in production this year.
The big-bodied, 6-foot-3 receiver caught eight passes for 93 yards in five games last season.
“It’s just training as much as I can and gaining the trust of my offensive coordinator and Tanner,” Conway said. “I have gotten faster, and now I have some games under my belt. My hands have gotten better. I have just improved in every aspect.”
Maurice Leggett knows how to exploit coverages and he passed this knowledge down to his son. Malik Leggett said he’s using that knowledge to beat corners off the line and claims he is particularly difficult to cover on curl routes.
Leggett credits his father for his competitive edge and his passion for the game.
The wide receiver has offers from Florida A&M and Valdosta State. He has received interest from Clemson, West Virginia, Samford, Albany State and Albany. Leggett said he has a long way to go but he’s on the right track to making his football dreams come true.
Last season as a junior, he started to see the field more often. He played in eight games, and started two. Leggett had three catches for 32 yards, but will have much more expected of him in 2024.
Pebblebrook coach Michael Woolridge said Leggett will be counted on as the team’s go-to wide receiver this year.
“We think he’ll really step up this year. He’s going to be the guy we go to when we need a first down,” Woolridge said.
From 35
work and determination.
“As a team I want to go deep in the playoffs, win more games and compete,” Mathious said.
In his free time, Mathious likes to play basketball, and has slowly realized the impact the sport has had for him
just know that that’s Khilan from South Cobb.”
From 52
is difficult because you can’t just go in the weight room and train your eyes, right? It’s mostly a mental thing for me, so I’ve been working at that.”
Reed said that he has lofty expectations for his senior season.
“I want to be an all-region player,” he said. “I want to lead the region in (interceptions) and (pass break ups), that’s really my goal. I want to make it to where if people see me in the stat line or see anything involving me, they
on the football field. He said his footwork and agility on the basketball court have allowed for quicker movements and changes in football, allowing him to reach the quarterback faster.
Mathious said he hopes he can coach high school football later in his life. Throughout his time at Hillgrove, he said he has enjoyed coaching others and teaching teammates new things.
Mathious said DeShon and defensive
The safety said his biggest challenge over the years has been his confidence. As a freshman, he hadn’t grown into his body yet and it was hard to meet the high expectations that he had set for himself. As his body continued to grow, he began to believe he could reach that next level and make those plays he couldn’t earlier in his career.
Reed said because of his past challenges, he now appreciates football more than ever, and he tries to be a
line coach Joe Gerda are two major role models that have made him want to coach in the future. He said Gerda has pushed him to be stronger, faster and tougher and has become a main reason he is interested in coaching, specifically the defensive line.
“It was (coach DeShon’s) first year when I was a freshman,” Mathious said. “We have been working together and growing for four years.”
Malik
leads a group of Pebblebrook tacklers to bring down a Rome ball carrier last season.
leader for his team as much as possible.
“Football is so good, man,” he said. “It’s given me fun, it’s helped me grow, it’s given me brothers, and it’s given me family. You can’t take any of that away. I know I can bring somebody from (gestures to show a low place) down here in terms of confidence and ability, and I can help them to play better. That’s why I love being a leader, because I can use what I know, and what I’ve learned over these years to help somebody else out. When those guys are your brothers, it’s hard to not want to lead them and help them.”
The senior has been playing football since sixth grade. With offers from Gardner-Webb and Morehouse, his final goal of playing college football is on the horizon.
“He started for us as a freshman and watching him grow with us and the program, going through some trials and tribulations,” DeShon said. “He is starting to reap the rewards of some of it now.”
Kemari Nix, Kell
Cole Wittle, Pope
Jaden Duckett, Sprayberry
Luke Marble, Campbell
Brock Adams, South Cobb
Cameron Brown, South Cobb
Kaleb Narcisse, North Cobb
Jackson Nesmith, Walker
Hank Stevens, MPC
Carson Snipes, Marietta
Andrew Overton, MPC
Kaeden Gilstrap, Walton
Demetrius Brown, Sprayberry
Emioma, KMHS
Cameron Brown, South Cobb
Tatum, KMHS
Jamuri Major, North Cobb
Amari Watson, Harrison 44 210 4.8 1
Emilio Cervantes, Osborne
Myles Daniel, Allatoona 37 205 5.5 –
Passing Name, School C/A Yds. TD INT
Jeremy Hecklinski, Walton 212/334 3835 50 6
Teddy Jarrard, NCC 153/270 2065 18 11
Chase McCravy, Marietta 196/333 1924 13 15
Braylan Ford, Harrison 168/253 1882 18 4
Callum Neese, Whitefield 116/241 1682 16 15
Bryce Clavon, Kell 80/120 1608 19 5
Mysonnne Pickens, Pebblebrook 116/193 1516 9 9
Aidan Charles, Walker 97/177 1414 22 5
Nick Grimstead, North Cobb 90/148 1182 11 3
Tyson Harmon, KMHS 95/197 1141 2 6
Hudson DeLine, Pope 51/128 980 9 9
Saadiq Teel, Allatoona 60/127 976 10 4
Edward Burr, Osborne 54/74 960 17 1
Marcus Romain, Wheeler 61/114 847 10 2
Jaydon Kinney, McEachern 67/124 830 8 1
Levi Mundt, Lassiter 72/156 819 5 5
Toryn Wilkins, Hillgrove 80/177 766 2 3
Tackles
Name, School
Solo Asst. Total
Ashton Woods, Walton 85 66 151
Jake Thomer, Walton
Everett Currie, Sprayberry
Taylor Craig, Whitefield
Hudson Beard, Walton
Bo Thompson, Whitefield
Ethan Sweat, Harrison
83 61 144
72 60 132
62 63 125
68 46 114
69 44 113
56 54 110
Bryce Stack, Allatoona 51 57 108
Grayson Hodges, North Cobb
Spears Martin, NCC
Jameson McCollough, Hillgrove
Colby Shoch, MPC
Wyman Shaheen, Whitefield
Liam Gray, Harrison
Braylon Hansborough, Hillgrove
Kelvin Shaw, Marietta
Jamarion Cooper, Sprayberry
Roman Spink, Sprayberry
Cooper Negron, North Cobb
Malachi Young, Wheeler
68 32 100
64 35 99
56 40 96
78 18 96
52 43 95
60 33 93
52 37 89
66 22 88
53 33 86
52 33 86
48 37 85
62 22 84
Edward Ablorh, South Cobb 42 41 83
Collin Bellomy, Harrison 33 49 82
Ethan Harris, Harrison 34 47 81
Justin Lawyer, Allatoona 43 37 80
Ethan Stannard, Walton 44 36 80
Harrison Rowe, Whitefield 27 52 79
Jordan Whitehead, Wheeler
Aiden Williams, Osborne
Bennett Wright, Walker
Lucas Cardona, Walker
James Askew, North Cobb
Lukas Espino, Allatoona
Beedjy Guerrier, NCC
Nick Chao, Pope
Elijah Washington, Kell
Anthony Kruah, Marietta
Reed Stallings, MPC
William Dukes, Whitefield
Jack Hollis, MPC
Case Martin, Whitefield
Jackson Connors, Harrison
Tyshawn Natt, Kell
Collin O’Hara, Harrison
Tylan Smith, Pebblebrook
Joseph Moseley, Marietta
Ian Davis, Pope
Reed Egan, Pope
Mark Manfred, Sprayberry
55 23 78
46 31 77
36 39 75
29 46 75
47 27 74
29 44 73
49 24 73
45 27 72
43 27 70
55 15 70
44 25 69
30 30 69
42 26 68
35 33 68
37 29 66
41 25 66
45 19 64
60 4 64
50 12 62
25 37 62
30 32 62
48 14 62
Tyler Jackson, South Cobb 17 44 61
Thomas Hale, NCC
Ian Williams, Osborne
36 25 61
43 17 60
Gabe Herloing, Walker 29 31 60
Marlon Paige, South Cobb
Christian Smith, Harrison
Ray Dixon, NCC
Aden Canty, Marietta
Makai Andrade, Harrison
Jowell Combay, Harrison
Hayden Mcdougal, KMHS
Marquis Coaxum, Hillgrove
Rhett Howard, Allatoona
26 34 60
41 18 59
42 17 59
42 16 58
33 25 58
38 19 57
42 14 56
38 17 55
25 30 55
Collin Fields, Allatoona 22 31 54
Emilio Cervantes, Osborne
Griffin Mack, Lassiter
34 19 53
28 25 53
Bryce Parker, Lassiter 22 31 53
Joshua Pardieu, Allatoona 31 32 53
Jack Schuster, Whitefield 31 22 53
Askew,
for loss
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
After injuries derailed a promising 2023 season, Etowah looks to rebound in 2024 and qualify for its first playoff appearance of the Matt Kemper era.
The Eagles lost quarterback Xavier Mahoney and running back Reece Wehr to injury in short order last year, with backup signal-caller Jack Strickland also missing significant time. Mahoney returns as a senior, and alongside a wealth of skill position talent, Etowah needs his production to compete in the state’s top classification.
“We are excited about our foot-
ball team, and they are great kids,” Kemper said. “They work hard and do everything you want. Our big unknown is going into this new classification and region. There’s no weeks on there where you can say that’s a victory. We’re going to have to play well and stay healthy.”
The Eagles, after finishing 4-6 overall in 2023, will keep Cherokee company as the only two County teams in Region 5AAAAAA. They share a brutal region with 2023 Class AAAAAAA runner-up Walton, along with North Cobb, North Paulding, Marietta and Wheeler.
Now a third-year starter, Mahoney threw for 654 yards and five touchdowns in six games before
injury last season, with another 795 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. He led Cherokee County in rushing yards and was responsible for 20 total touchdowns on the season, having also caught two touchdowns.
Rising sophomore Walker Hughes will play a key role in the backfield with Mahoney. Hughes saw time after Wehr went down early last year and showed flashes of a workhorse running back. Senior receiver Malone Pesqueira is another skill position name to watch.
“There is some experience there, and now it’s up to us to package things well and use some decep-
2024 Roster
tion,” Kemper said. “We have some young kids we are excited about, with Walker Hughes who played some after Reece (Wehr) went down last year. There are several kids in that sophomore group who are talented, but we’ll need to grow them up real fast.”
Offensive line was a strong suit for Etowah at times in 2023, led by Tate Nelms, who earned a spot at the University of Georgia. With him gone, Kemper said that unit has its work cut out.
Defensively, the Eagles will employ a new, simpler system designed for players to get lined up, play fast and hit hard. Etowah See Eagles 66
Matt Kemper .....................HC
Jason Borcherding .......Asst.
Landon Brooks ..............Asst.
Christopher Bryce .........Asst.
Eric Burton .....................Asst.
Ron Gardner...................Asst.
Davis Harvey..................Asst.
Vicki Kemper..................Asst.
Nick Luly .........................Asst.
Taylor Majors .................Asst.
Ben Martin ......................Asst.
Andrew Suggs ...............Asst.
Geoff Truan ....................Asst.
Casey Wingard ..............Asst.
Matt Lawson...................Asst.
RUSHING
Xavier Mahoney ...83 car....795 yds ..... 13 TD
PASSING Jack Strickland ......73/146 ...939 yds ..... 6 TD.. 2 INT
RECEIVING
Mason Mancini 30 rec 573 yds 2 TD
TACKLES
Joshua Harding ....100
SACKS Joshua Harding…..12
INTERCEPTIONS
Vinni Pacini 3
Davinci Allen 3
Buster Skrine (2003-06) .........................UT-Chattanooga, New York Jets
Christian Harris (2007-10) ............................................................Tennessee
Stuart Head (2013-16)........................................................................Stanford FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI
From 65
brought in former Cherokee defensive coordinator Davis Harvey to lead that unit.
“We will have a different look on defense,” Kemper said. “Unfortunately, it’s been three different
systems in three years, but the kids seem to love it and it’s simple. It allows them to line up and play fast. It’s up to us as coaches to get the most out of our guys.”
Etowah’s schedule brings a twist this year as the annual Towne Lake rivalry with Woodstock kicks off the 2024 season. It’s the first time those programs have not played
in the same region since 2005.
Sprayberry, Campbell and Chapel Hill round out the non-region schedule. Etowah holds an alltime record of 63-87 against this year’s opponents. Those teams went 61-52 overall last season, with Walton’s 14-1 record the best by a wide margin.
“Hopefully we can go out there
and be competitive,” Kemper said. “It will be important for us to get some momentum coming out of non-region. We’ve got Woodstock, Sprayberry, Campbell and Chapel Hill, which are hopefully teams we can compete with. But we have to play well, or we could be looking at a big zero. We are cautiously optimistic.”
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
Grant Griffith has his sights set above the football field – high above it.
Etowah’s senior defensive lineman has always had an interest in space and flight, and with his eyes on the Air Force Academy, Griffith has lofty goals. He aspires to study aeronautics and astronautics at the next level.
“He is a great kid,” Etowah coach
Matt Kemper said. “He is like a 30-year-old man and takes everything seriously. He will be a team captain for us and is very mature, knowing what he wants to do both in football and in life. It’s great to have a kid like that on the team.”
Griffith is part of the Civil Air Patrol, which is a non-profit group that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force.
The Civil Air Patrol was formed during World War II as an orga-
nization of citizen airmen and boasts more than 64,000 members. It is designed to mobilize the nation’s civilian aviation resources for national defense service, and it still carries out emergency service missions in the air and on the ground.
The Eagles’ 6-foot-4, 215-pound defensive lineman has completed orientation flights with the organization and is working on his pilot’s license. Griffith participates with the Civil Air Patrol through its
squadron based in Kennesaw.
“It’s like the auxiliary of the Air Force,” Griffith said. “I went to an Organization of Black Air Force Professionals (OBAP) camp two summers ago, where we got an orientation of an airfield in Charleston. That was very cool, and I became a member just a couple of months later.”
Cherokee County has seen some big-name recruits make their way to the Air Force Academy in recent See Griffith 76
By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com
There will be no high school football state semifinals played the day after Thanksgiving this year.
The Georgia High School Association ended a tradition of Thanksgiving week playoff games that had taken place nearly every year since the early 1950s.
The semifinals will now be played Dec. 6, with a bye week before championship games are played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium from Dec. 16-18. The first three rounds will be played following the completion of the regular season. First-round games will be Nov. 8-9, followed by the second round Nov. 15 and the quarterfinals Nov. 22.
Walton celebrates a touchdown against Carrollton last season on the day after Thanksgiving. This season, there will be no games played on ‘Black Friday,’ giving the final four teams a bye week.
The new procedure will have the first two overtime possessions beginning with the offense having the ball at the other team’s 15-yard line. Beginning with the second overtime, there will be a mandatory 2-point attempt after a touchdown.
From the third overtime on, the offense will get the ball at the 3-yard line and teams will alternate single-play, 2-point conversion attempts until there is a winner.
In the past, some teams playing non-region games agreed to have the game end in a tie. With the new rules in place, those teams may face penalties from the GHSA.
The new bye week will also avoid the state playoffs being in direct conflict with the annual Georgia-Georgia Tech football
Thus far, this schedule reconfiguration is expected to be only for 2024. It was made necessary because the SEC championship game is scheduled for Dec. 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a week later than it was in 2023.
game, which was shifted to a prime-time Black Friday slot in Athens for 2024. It was also announced that there will be a new overtime procedure for football games, with no more tie games allowed.
Tie games have only happened twice in the last 10 years in Cobb County. The last was in 2021 when Pebblebrook tied Riverdale at 14-all. Two years earlier, Allatoona tied Hapeville Charter 21-all.
By Liam Dreesen MDJ Sports Writer
Marietta enters the 2024 season with a few question marks.
The Blue Devils’ offense lost eight of its top 10 most productive players from last season and the defense lost six of its top 10 tacklers.
In total, coach Richard Morgan said the team will be returning five starters, forcing them to find 17 new guys.
“The key right now is them competing against each other to bring out the best in each other,” Morgan said. “It’s all going to be brand new on Aug. 16 and for a lot of them that’s going to be the challenge in the early part of the season.”
One of those 17 new starters will
be at quarterback after the nowgraduated Chase McCravy started the previous two seasons.
Morgan said the team had a competition over the summer to see who will get the starting job, but it had not been decided by press time.
“We (had) two guys competing, Carson Snipes and Jayden Whiteside,” Morgan said.
Snipes, a junior, and Whiteside, a sophomore, started for the Blue Devils JV and freshman teams respectively last season where Morgan said they found success. Snipes also got some valuable varsity experience late last season.
One position the Blue Devils don’t have to replace is defensive end. They’re led there by senior Anthony Kruah, a three-star recruit
who also plays linebacker. Kruah is committed to North Carolina and a two-time all-region defender.
“He can rush the passer and give us more of a presence up there, because our sack numbers were not where they needed to be last year,” Morgan said. “So he gives us that dominant guy at the point of attack.”
Last season Kruah was the Blue Devils’ leading pass rusher with five sacks. He also finished second on the team in tackles and tackles for loss with 70 and 10.5 respectively.
Kruah will also be playing tight end and will possibly be in packages where they directly snap it to the 6-foot-2 senior.
“He’s gonna have an impact on a football game, he’s just got to
get used to being able to play the entire game,” Morgan said. “But he’s a good athlete, and he’s got a chance to do some special things this year.”
Kruah and the Blue Devils are hoping to bounce back from last season, where they finished 3-8 and lost in the first round of the playoffs.
“We need to cut down on the turnovers, be a better tackling team, execute better in the red zone and be better on special teams,” Morgan said. “Those are all things that we felt like we let slip away last year.”
He also said getting all of their new players up to game speed by week one was going to be key for the team to find success early in
See Starters 70
Roswell.................................51-14
..........................17-14 ............L
Harrison .............................36-28 ..........W
North Paulding ..................35-27 ............L
Westlake .............................34-15 ............L
RB Kamani Vidal (2016-19) ..............................................Troy, LA Chargers
QB Harrison Bailey (2016-19), .........................................................Louisville
TE Arik Gilbert (2016-19), ................................................................Nebraska
LB BJ Ojulari (2016-19), ...........................................LSU, Arizona Cardinals
LB Azeez Ojulari (2014-17), ................................Georgia, New York Giants
RB Derrick Tinsley (1997-2000), .................................................Tennessee
RB Travis Zachery (1993-96), ...........................................................Clemson
QB Eric Zeier (1989-90) ..................................Georgia, Cleveland Browns
K Scott Sisson (1985-88), ...............Georgia Tech, New England Patriots
K Rex Robinson (1974-77), ........................Georgia, New England Patriots
RB James “Friday” Richards (1968-71), .................Florida, New York Jets
the season.
In Week 1, the Blue Devils will match up against a Gainesville team that finished last season 12-1 with a region title.
“To me, that’s the most important game because we really get a chance to see where we’re at and
RUSHING
Russell Bey ........... 109 car .... 623 yds .... 6 TD
PASSING
Chase McCravy ......196/333 ....1924 yds.... 13 TD.. 15 INT
RECEIVING
Bobby Butler 62 rec 687 yds 2 TD
Noah Brown 38 rec 342 yds 3 TD
Brandon Rosado 40 rec 329 yds 3 TD
Kelvin Shaw ..........88
Anthony Kruah ....70
Joseph Moseley ...62
SACKS
Anthony Kruah .... 5
INTERCEPTIONS
Joseph Moseley ... 3
Jaleel Smith .......... 2
all the work we have put in this offseason,” Morgan said.
He said if it can do well against Gainesville, the team will gain confidence and be set up for success the rest of the season.
The Blue Devils will try and make their eighth consecutive postseason, but will have to overcome a tough road to do so.
Their schedule is the hardest in all of Cobb County, with an aver-
age opponent winning percentage of 63%.
“Yeah, our region’s not easy,” Morgan said. “But we make sure our non-region schedule is also difficult to prepare us for those region games, and ultimately the playoffs, because those are the type of teams you’re going to be facing at the end of the season when it really matters anyway.”
This upcoming season will
also mark five seasons since Marietta won its last state championship.
Morgan said not much has changed within the program since that memorable season, other than the players on the field.
“The way we do things, the way we do business, the way we run our program and compete has never changed.”
By Liam Dreesen MDJ Sports Writer
Marietta’s Shawn Morgan is primed to have his best season yet in 2024.
The senior defensive back has been recovering from a broken leg the past two seasons and says he is finally fully recovered and ready to excel in his final season.
In 2022, Marietta was playing
Archer in its spring game when Morgan went up to catch a pass. When he fell to the ground, a Tiger player landed on his right leg, causing it to break.
“I just felt defeated because like my whole summer was over,” he said. “I really had no time to get back better, stronger, faster or anything.”
This injury started a long recovery process. While his team was
competing on the field he was bedridden trying to recover.
Morgan said at first the doctor gave him a machine which moved his leg back and forth in order to get rid of the scar tissue.
“I just kept on trying to take easy little steps every day until I finally got back to the process where I can just start walking with the brace on,” he said. “Sooner or later the brace came off and then I was just
trying to run and do training at the facility.”
He was eventually able to return to the field for his sophomore season where coach Richard Morgan said he was not the same player.
Shawn Morgan continued rehabbing and ended up starting at defensive back for the Blue Devils his junior year, where he finished with 17 tackles and one
See Morgan 73
pass break up.
“It felt amazing,” he said. “ I was nervous at first because it was my first time really on a big stage like (Class AAAAAAA) Georgia football, but it was amazing.”
However, Morgan said he was still not fully recovered and was still trying to get back up to speed.
“I think it was a struggle for him and it was a little bit painful for him to go through because he just wasn’t himself,” Richard Morgan said. “But I think as we got midway through the season last year, he started changing a little bit and got more confident, and now you know he’s out there playing with confidence, leading with confidence.”
Shawn Morgan now enters his final high school season fully recovered and ready to make an impact on the field.
“I just want to make as many plays as I can,” he said. “Just get as many picks, knock downs,
tackles, forced fumbles, anything that can help the team out.”
Morgan will not only have to step up with his play on the field this season, but as a leader as well. He will have the honor of being a senior captain for the Blue Devils.
“Shawn kind of epitomizes what we’re all about. He’s a high character kid who loves football, and Marietta football matters to him,” Richard Morgan said. “It’s important to have guys like that, that are seniors that are leaders that can show the young guys this is what you want to do.”
Shawn Morgan said that being a senior captain will come with a lot of responsibilities.
“It’s keeping the team in check. Making sure they’re working hard every day,” he said. “I have to be the one that leaves an example of working hard and always doing the right thing.”
Morgan will try and lead the Blue Devils to achieve his goals for this upcoming season.
“I want to win every single game. Try to beat everybody, make sure it’s not close and try to win state,” Morgan said.
By Kai Millette MDJ Sports Writer
The Georgia High School Association’s realignment process has rendered mainly positive reactions from Cobb County’s football coaches.
With new-look regions throughout the state and the elimination of Class AAAAAAA, some of Cobb’s coaches feel like they have come out on top. However, there are a few who are disappointed about rivalry losses.
One team optimistic about its new region is Campbell.
The Spartans transitioned from Region 2AAAAAAA into Region 3AAAAAA. After Pebblebrook previously being Campbell’s only region foe from Cobb County, Spartans coach Jeff Phillips is excited to be grouped with Harrison, McEachern, Hillgrove, Osborne and South Cobb, in addition to Pebblebrook.
“It’s great because we don’t have to travel as far,” Phillips said Friday during the 36th annual Cobb County Kickoff Luncheon at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church. “We like it because it’s a Cobb County region. These kids know each other, and when kids know each other and they’re excited, they play harder. The name of the teams we play is going to get the kids excited.”
Longtime coach Derek Cook, now in his first season at Osborne, said he likes the changes and how the new Region 3AAAAAA has an old-school Cobb football feel.
“It’s kind of an old-school region where we’re getting some old rivalries rekindled that have been separated over time,” said Cook, who previously coached at Kell and South Cobb. “It’s really an all-Cobb group except for Paulding County. I’m pleased with who we have. There’s always teams who you wouldn’t want in there because they’re so dang good, but that’s not in our control, and it doesn’t matter anyway.”
Despite not being in a region with other Cobb teams, Kennesaw Mountain coach Caleb Carmean is looking to take advantage of the changing landscape.
In 2023, the opposite was the case for the
Mustangs, who struggled against a Cobbheavy region that pitted them against two of the state’s best in Walton and North Cobb.
Kennesaw Mountain will now be part of Region 5AAAAA with teams from Douglas and Paulding counties, in addition to Rome and Villa Rica.
“We’re excited about a new region, new opponents and a lot of newness,” Carmean said. “It’s good for us because we don’t have a lot of experience playing these guys. Travel will be crazy. I don’t think there’s one closer than 45 minutes. It’ll be a challenge, but one that we’re really excited about.”
Allatoona dropped into Region 7AAAA from Region 6AAAAAA after missing the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. Things will not get any easier for second-year coach Brad Smith in 2024, with the Buccaneers being the lone Cobb representative in a region that includes well-respected programs Cartersville,
Hiram and Dalton
“It’s going to be a murderers row,” Smith said. “There are some tough draws in it, but we’re excited.”
North Cobb Christian successfully appealed to be moved into Region 7AA instead of 5AA, but it will still face arguably the most demanding travel schedule of any county team. The Eagles’ road games in 2024 will include teams spread around the northern reaches of the state — Darlington, Sonoraville, Rockmart, Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe and Union County.
To the disappointment of North Cobb Christian coach Matt Jones, his program’s closest rival, Mount Paran Christian, will not be on the schedule this season.
“I wish we could play Mount Paran, but we couldn’t get a game with them, and that is what it is,” Jones said. “I wish we could play that rivalry. It was a lot of fun.”
history. Brian Bradley from River Ridge and the Hubert brothers, Isaac and Ty, from Creekview are the latest enrollees. This year, Woodstock baseball standout Kevin Maurer earned an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.
Despite his numerous offfield accomplishments, Griffith is still determined to help Etowah make the playoffs and finish above .500 for the first time since 2019.
“We have everything we need, and now we just have to play together,” Griffith said. “Last year, we had everything we needed but it fell apart a little bit because of injuries. Play like every game is your last. You’re not going to get practices or lifts back, so you have to make the most of it and leave no regrets.”
Etowah’s standout senior has gotten faster, stronger and more fundamentally sound ahead of the 2024 season. He expects to beat offensive linemen with ease and wreak havoc in opposing back-
fields. If he can do that, he’ll have his best season of high school football yet.
Griffith said football is not his No. 1 priority once he moves on to college, but he would play if the opportunity presented itself.
Off the football field, Griffith also competes in track and holds a 4.1 high school GPA.
Griffith has learned never to limit himself to one route, whether that’s on the field, in the classroom or through extra-curricular activities. His family, along with Etowah’s coaches, teachers and others have positioned him to succeed far beyond high school football.
“Surround yourself with good people that have your best interest at heart,” Griffith said. “I think my family pushes me a lot in school and to do things outside of football. My friends, especially on the football team, are pushing each other in the weight room, and the coaches, too, have our best interests at heart. These coaches are out here working with us, and we really appreciate that.”
Cobb County's oldest and largest
By Kai Millette MDJ Sports Writer
Senior signal-caller Nick Grimstead and a highly-touted offensive line will aid North Cobb’s effort to overcome last season’s playoff disappointment.
The Warriors fell to Collins Hill 45-14 in the first round of last year’s state playoffs, finishing with fewer than eight wins for the first time since 2019. Coach Shane Queen said his guys expect more than 2023’s shortcomings.
“Our kids aren’t used to losing a lot, I felt like we didn’t put our
No. Name Pos. Cl.
1 Sincere Cyrill WR/DB 12
2 Steele Ingram WR/DB 11 3 Dy’lon Womack WR/DB 12 4 Sebastian Easley WR/DB 11
5 Miles Butler WR/DB 12 6 Jamauri Major WR/DB 12
7 Cam Morris RB 12
8 Kam Cullins TE/DE 12
9 Jason Grier TE/LB 12 10 Christion Peacock QB/WR 9 11 Bryce Wilson DL 12 12 Michael Hill K 12 13 EJ Crumsey WR/DB 12
Trey Shaw WR 10 15 Nick Grimstead QB 12 16 Aaron Childress QB/WR 11 17 Micah Billingsley WR 10
Aiden Vayens TE 12 19 Noah Hill DB 12 20 Zach Belyeu RB 9 21 Jeremiah Easter WR/DB 10 22 Damar Madison-Clay TE/LB 12
23 Aziz Helms WR 9
best effort on display against Collins Hill,” Queen said. “We kind of treat the regular season like 10 practice games. We’re expected to be in the playoffs, so we want to get better every week and be playing our best football in Game 11.”
Grimstead threw for 1,182 yards and 11 touchdowns while also being a force in the run game with 410 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. He returns as the team’s starter for the third straight year.
“Every year the game slows down a little bit for him,” Queen said. “This is his third year starting, I expect him to have a great sea-
No. Name Pos. Cl.
24 Galvin Mack RB 10
25 Jace Caldwell LB 11
26 Jayden Harris WR/DB 10
27 Lewis Richards WR/DB 11
28 Brian King RB 11
29 Jayden Bryant WR/DB 11
30 Christian Woods WR/DB 10
31 Chris Morris WR/DB 10
32 Levelle Thornton WR/DB 12
33 Logan Rudolph TE/LB 10 34 Quavy Echols RB/DL 11 35 Anarion Johnson WR/DB 10
36 Trey Gragg WR/DB 10 37 Kenneth Johnson WR/DB 11
38 Ellis Reid WR/LB 10
39 Tristen Riddick WR/DB 10
40 Calvin Moss WR/LB 10
41 Latavian James WR/LB 10
42 Evan Cooper WR/DB 12
43 Vayden Harris WR/DB 11
44 Jude Blessington DS/DB 11
45 Isaiah Rogers WR/LB 10
46 Joshua Hoskins RB/DB 10
son and to lead us as the starter.”
North Cobb’s big roster challenge will be replacing the production of Cobb County’s leading rusher and Clemson signee David Eziomume. Queen highlighted running backs Cameron Morris, Quavy Echols and Zach Belyeu as potential shoe-fillers.
“Those three are competing for valuable playing time and it’ll be by committee,” Queen said. “They’re all doing a great job and our offensive line is coming along great.”
The Warriors strongest unit may be their offensive line led by Brandon Anderson. The junior
2024 Roster
No. Name Pos. Cl.
47 Leighton Rader TE/DL 12
48 Henry Morris WR/DB 11
49 Aaron Bowman WR/DB 11
50 Daniel Okafor OL/DL 10
51 Kam Cullins TE/DL 12
52 Jackson Oliver OL 12
53 Vincent Martinucci OL/DL 11
54 Cooper Negron OL/LB 12
55 Dom Moody OL/DL 12
56 Jordan Johnson OL/DL 11
57 Jesse Jean-Claude OL/DL 11
58 Isaac Sikes-Rasby OL/DL 12
59 Jovan Desforges OL/DL 11
60 Anthony Castoreno OL/DL 9
61 Kellon Porter OL 9
62 Elijah Jean OL/DL 10
63 Xavier Duke OL/DL 11
64 Anderson Johnson OL/DL 10
65 Caleb Bennett OL/DL 10
66 Amir Cole OL/DL 10
67 Joshua Dahan OL 11
68 Xavier Allen OL/DL 10
71 Isaiah Carter OL/DL 10
towers over defenses at 6-foot-4, 320-pounds and holds 18 offers including Alabama, Georgia and LSU. Eastern Carolina commit Dominick Moody and Alex Kolev are also expected to play big roles for the group.
Through the air, junior Steele Ingram is the leading returning receiver after recording 116 receiving yards and three touchdowns last season.
Both sides of the ball will be under new guidance. Former North Cobb quarterback Tyler Queen takes over as the program’s first See Warriors 79
Westlake ............................52-28 ............L
Buford ................................45-28 ............L
Marietta..............................32-22 ..........W
Northside .............................35-17 ..........W
Milton ..................................45-27 ..........W
Walton .................................35-27 ............L
Wheeler ..............................63-27 ..........W
Kennesaw Mountain ...........38-7 ..........W
Cherokee ............................41-20 ..........W
Osborne .................................31-7 ..........W
State Playoffs
Collins Hill ..........................45-14 ............L
Shane Queen ....................HC
Robert Ingram ....Asst HC/OL
Tyler Queen ...............OC/QB
Mitch Henghold ....Co-DC/LB
Nic Snowden........Co-DC/DB
Jude Blessington .......ST/DB
Michael Dillard...................DL
Oscar Guerrero..................RB
Brett O’Buck ......................OL
DL Christian Albright (2013-17),.....Ball State, Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL)
OL Mike Fredenburg (1987-90), ...............................East Tennessee State
LB Eric Norwood (2002-05), ..............South Carolina, Carolina Panthers
DL Derrick Lott (2007-10) ...................Chattanooga, Philadelphia Eagles
QB Malachi Singleton (2019-22), ...................................................Arkansas
TE Darren Waller (2007-10), .....................Georgia Tech, New York Giants
LB Chandler Wooten (2013-16), .......................Auburn, Carolina Panthers
new offensive coordinator in a decade, while Nic Snowden and Mitch Henghold will coordinate the defense.
right now it’s going great.”
“We’re not changing philosophy or anything, but changing personnel and coaching staff,” Queen said. “We’ll see how that goes and
The team will have the same lofty goals for which the program is accustomed.
“If we do the little things right every day and win the moment, I think the scoreboard takes care of itself,” Queen said. “Our expectations are that we play for a region championship, getting ready to make a run at the state championship and that’s our goal every
By Kai Millette MDJ Sports Writer
Cooper Negron’s character and dedication in the classroom sets him apart as North Cobb’s locker room leader.
The senior linebacker was an anchor for the Warriors’ defense last season. He finished as the team’s second leading tackler with 87 total and 12 for loss, good
enough to be earn him a second team all-region selection
Negron’s most impressive feats however, have come off the field. He holds a 4.1 grade point average and was recognized with the Marine Corps’ Leadership Award.
“He’s just a coach’s dream,” coach Shane Queen said. “When you think of a Warrior, he’s that guy. He’s that guy who’s first in the line and the last one to leave.
In the weight room he leads us and on the field he leads us.”
Negron has been playing football in Cobb County for over a decade, beginning his journey at Acworth Football when he was six years old.
As far as his goals for his senior season, Negron was clear about wanting to win a championship but also stressed that he’s after something more.
“It’s more than just about foot-
ball for a lot of these guys. We do a lot of things right other than on the field.” Negron said. “I’ve been a Warrior my whole life, I always wore blue and orange so leaving a legacy here my senior year is really important to me.”
Understanding the importance of school is not something Negron takes lightly. He believes that his performance in the classroom
By Liam Dreesen sportseditor@mdjonline.com
Earlier this summer Auburn and Alabama athletic directors John Cohen and Greg Byrne respectively said they were concerned with the effect the transfer portal is having on high school athletes.
The NCAA recently changed its transfer portal rules to allow Division I athletes to become immediately eligible to play upon transferring to a new school.
Cohen told editors at the Associated Press Sports Editors Southeast Region meeting in Birmingham, Alabama that the new rule was causing big college programs to opt for experienced transfers rather than recruiting kids straight out of high school.
Cobb County football coaches have also noticed the impact the transfer portal is having on their athletes and shared some of the same concerns.
“It’s tragic what’s happening to the kids,” Osborne coach Derek Cook said.
Cook said the NCAA needs to step in and make some changes because the transfer portal is hurting football down to the lowest levels by causing kids to not be as interested in playing.
Monty Bumper, Walton’s director of football operations, said many high school athletes were missing out on opportunities because of colleges opting to recruit kids out of the transfer portal.
One of those athletes he said he believes missed out on an opportunity was former Raiders wide receiver Cameran Loyd.
In 2023 Loyd led all of Cobb County in receiving with 1,383 yards to go along with 14 touchdowns. His numbers earned him a spot on the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association first team all-state in the state’s highest classification, Class AAAAAAA. However, it was not enough to earn him an offer from a Power 4 school.
Bumper said he thinks if it was not for the new transfer portal rules, Loyd would have had a chance to compete at the highest level of college football.
Marietta coach Richard Morgan said
McEachern coach Kareem Reid is conserned the transfer portal is costing his players opportunities for potential scholarships.
the changing landscape of college football was having a huge impact at every high school.
Morgan said that the lack of Division I offers has been getting worse in the past three-to-four years and is affecting at least a few athletes on his team every year.
“If it was 2018 or 2019, some of my kids would have gotten more Division I offers,” Morgan said.
McEachern coach Kareem Reid also said
the transfer portal was definitely costing high school players opportunities.
Reid said that FCS schools are becoming the new farm system for FBS programs instead of high schools, and he is advising his players to go play at FCS schools so they could transfer into bigger schools after a couple of years.
Pebblebrook coach Mike Woolridge agreed with Reid and added a majority of the Group of 5 schools are still making high school recruiting a priority.
By Arkesh Ray MDJ Sports Writer
Walton and North Cobb were selected as part of High School Football America’s top 300 teams heading into the 2024 season.
Walton is ranked at No. 49 after a 14-1 season in 2023. The Raiders went 5-0 in Region 5AAAAAAA play and made it to the Class AAAAAAA state championship game, defeating Mountain View, North Gwinnett, Carrollton and Camden County along the way in the postseason.
Walton scored a Cobb Countyrecord 716 points, averaging 47.7 points per game.
North Cobb comes in at No. 199 after going 7-4 last year, including 4-1 in Region 5AAAAAAA, and qualifying for the Class AAAAAAA state playoffs.
Defending Class AAAAAAA state champion Milton is No. 9 in the national rankings, the highest-ranked of the 32 Georgia schools on the list. Other in-
From 80
affects his play on the field.
“It’s student-athlete and I believe that whole-heartedly,” Negron said. “My grades have been a big thing for me, taking care of the classroom before I get out here has always been a big thing.”
Listed at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, Negron is undersized for an inside linebacker but makes up for it with his communication skills on the field and diligence in the film room.
“I love talking on the field,”
state programs include Colquitt County (23), Buford (26), Carrollton (43), Mill Creek (58), Rome (89) and Cartersville (245),
Negron said. “I’m the most vocal guy, always. I might not be the biggest or most athletic, but I make plays because I watch a lot of film. Smarts play a big role when you aren’t the biggest, fastest or strongest.”
Great relationships with family and his defensive coaches have played a vital role in where Negron has found himself at this point in his career.
“Coach Henghold and Snowden, our two defensive coordinators have been factors in developing me,” Negron said. “Also my dad and my mom, what they’ve instilled in me has been huge.”
Outside of football, he spends time volunteering at his church and focusing on his Christian faith. He also plays basketball at North Cobb and has considered picking up lacrosse to become a three sport athlete.
“He’s a young man of faith and a believer in God,” Queen said. “He’s the type of person you want your daughter to marry.”
Negron plans to continue his football career in college. He said he’s been in talks with a few different Division I schools, including Chattanooga and Arkansas State. He plans to major in civil engineering.
among others.
Five other Cobb County schools made it into the HSFA top 1,000 teams — Harrison, Kell, McEachern, Marietta and Osborne. The HSFA did not rank schools in order outside its top 300.
Harrison went 7-4 last season and qualified for the Class AAAAAAA playoffs, while Kell went 9-2 and won the Region 6AAAAA championship.
A number of injuries resulted in McEachern starting last season 0-4, but it turned things around as the team got healthy, going 7-5, winning the Region 3AAAAAAA title and advancing to the second round of the state playoffs.
Osborne went 7-4 for its first winning season since 1994 and qualified for the state playoffs for the first time in program history. Marietta played a loaded non-region schedule, in which it went 1-5 to start the year before finishing 3-8 and qualifying for the state playoffs.
Before that next chapter comes around, Negron is fully focused on North Cobb’s team goals for this season. While championships are near the top of the list, character development is also paramount.
“Region champs is a big goal but the main thing is taking it one game at a time, one step at time,” Negron said. “We’re not just worried about the end goal which is a state championship, but progressing as people too. It’s bigger here at North Cobb, it’s not just who you are on the football field or your performance but how you’re developing as a man.”
By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Correspondent
Walton is going to have mostly fresh faces taking over at key starting positions when the Raiders hit the field for the 2024 season.
The good news is even the new faces should be familiar to fans after receiving significant playing time last season during Walton’s journey to the Class AAAAAAA state championship game. This season will hinge on how well the younger players adapt
to being on the field full time.
“We don’t have as much experience as we had the past few years,” Walton coach Daniel Brunner said. “We’ve just got to get more consistent with our work every day. If we can get ourselves to be more consistent day-in-and-day-out, week-in-andweek-out, we’ll have a chance to make a run. If we don’t, we’re going to be battling to get back into the playoffs again.”
to rotate players at some of those positions. There are projected sophomore starters, as well as upperclassmen who have been backups much of their careers.
Quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski is now at Wake Forest after leading the Raiders the past two-plus seasons. His longtime backup Kaeden Gilstrap, a senior who is committed to Wofford, is set to take over.
back (who will) sit around and wait their time,” Brunner said.
“Kaeden has done everything the right way and has worked himself into the starting role.”
Even though Walton’s top four receivers from a year ago have graduated, junior transfer Christian Ward should help with the transition. The former Carrollton standout caught 12 passes for 362 yards and five touchdowns last season and has multiple college offers that include Georgia, Georgia Tech 8/17
As of now, Walton will be young at running back, defensive line and the secondary, with a plan
No. Name Pos. Cl.
1 Christian Ward WR/DB 11
2 Christian Ferrell RB/DB 12
3 Noah LaVallee LB 11
4 Caleb Carlson WR 12
5 Ethan Stannard DB/WR 12
6 Kaeden Gilstrap QB 12
7 Alex Ward DB/WR 10
8 Brady Franson WR 12
9 Jake Thorner LB/TE 12
10 Max McRaney WR 11
11 Hogan Hans TE 12
12 CJ Jordan QB 10
13 Drake Luckie LB 12
15 Malikai Speed WR/DB 10
16 Khalfani Hefner RB 12
17 Pierson Degala QB 9
18 Hudson Beard DB 12
19 Jude Cascone TE/DL 11
20 Oliver Skeean DB 12
21 Kieran Smith DB 12
22 Lucas Farrington RB 12
23 MJ Burnett DB 10
24 Ethan Baker WR 11
25 Garrett Bailey WR 11
No. Name Pos. Cl. 26 Asim Alexander DB 11 27 Carson Baker WR/DB 11
28 Japhet Veasy RB 11
29 Jacoby Olheiser RB 10
30 Noriega Thompson RB/DB 11
31 Sam Strickland DB 11
32 Sammy Wilson DB/WR 10
33 Todd Haley TE/LB 11
34 Buie Crawford DL 12
35 Coleman Lantrip LB 11
36 Cullen Smith DB 10 37 Jack Klim LB 11
38 Hall Pruet LB 11 39 Tate Adams DB 11 40 Garrison Muller DB 10 41 Aiden Opore WR/DB 9 42 Mathayo Odhiambo DB 11 43 Collin Munn DL 10 44 Harrison Duncanson LB 10
46 Jaylen Hawkins DB 11
47 Sam Nicholson LB 11
49 Jose Marquez RB 10
Like Hecklinski, Gilstrap has shown to have a strong and accurate arm.
“You rarely get a quarter -
2024 Roster See Raiders 84
52 William Lehman DL 11
53 Cooper Bowles OL 11
54 Ben Costello OL/DL 11
55 Patrick Burris OL 12
56 Tyler Wilson OL/DL 10
57 William Ruddell OL/DL 11
58 Cole Rose OL/DL 10
59 John Dunning OL/DL 12
60 Keino Young OL 11
62 Brady Ball LB 10
63 Gabe Blalock OL 12
64 Luke Blalock OL/DL 10
65 Nicholas Thorner OL 11
66 Jayce Woods DL 10
67 Lucky Eilola-Bastek OL/DL 11
68 Sam Moradi OL 11
69 Nick Bicek OL 11
70 Grant Wheeler OL/DL 10
72 Tommy Ross OL/DL 12
73 Ryan Siegle OL 12
74 Matthew Ladner LS 11
75 Sam Besselink OL/DL 11
76 Shrihan Allad LB 11
77 David Silva OL 10
50 Hayden Halpaus DL 12 51 Rocco Tenebruso OL/DL 10 No. Name Pos. Cl.
No. Name Pos. Cl.
78 Rylan Baker OL 10
79 David Rueda OL 11
80 Andy Keiser WR 12
81 Christian Andrews WR 11
82 Madoxx Davis WR 9
83 Max Perlowin TE 10
84 Joaquin Koger TE/DL 11
85 Jack Smith WR 10
86 Devon Lavette WR 10
87 Alex Keck WR 10
88 Josh Chapman WR 11
89 Austin Henninger DB 10
90 Logan O’Farrall DB 10
91 Bryant Gunnels K/P 11
92 Sebastian Banai K 12
93 William White K 11
94 Daniel Stricklin K 11
95 Om Patel WR 11
96 Brandon Whiteford K 10
97 Mizell Richard DB 10
98 Roman Tannous K 12
We utilize modern design techniques combined with Old World Craftsmanship to create uncompromising jewelry Wishing the Teams a Great Season!
Grayson ..............................49-27 ..........W
Brookwood.........................63-15 ..........W
Pope ......................................67-7 ..........W
Marietta.................................52-8 ..........W
North Paulding ..................44-24 ..........W
North Cobb ........................35-27 ..........W
Kennesaw Mountain ...........49-0 ..........W
Cherokee ..............................48-7 ..........W
Osborne ................................35-0 ..........W
Wheeler ..............................42-16 ..........W
Mountain View ....................66-7 ..........W
North Gwinnett ..................48-19 ..........W
Carrollton...........................56-35 ..........W
Camden County ................41-25 ..........W
Milton ...................................31-21 ............L
1590 Bill Murdock Rd, Marietta, GA 30062 • Raider Valley http://www.raidersfb.org/ X: @WaltonRecruiting Instagram: @waltonraidersfootball
COACHING STAFF
Daniel Brunner .................HC
Bill Letton ...AHC/Co-OC/OL
Monty Bumper ............DOFO
Alan Gordon ................DC/LB
Michael Copley ..........OC/QB
Pat Kay ..........................TE/RB
Josh Allen .............Co-DC/DB
Kevin Horne .................ST/DL
Juwan McKnight ...............RB
Bret Cooper ......................WR
Vince Cary ..........................LB
Morgan Burnett ................DB
Mikey Eiser ........................ OA
Tim Ewing ...........................DL
Tristan Reaves ...........WR/SC
Jake Benio ........................ OA
Tim Rogers ......................... ST
ALUMNI
WR Dominick Blaylock (2015-18), ...........................................Georgia Tech
DB Chuck Carswell (1983-96), ............................Georgia, Miami Dolphins
RB Justin Forte (2000-03),............................................................Richmond
OL Brandon Kublanow (2009-12), .................Georgia, Baltimore Ravens
DL Chase Thomas (2004-07),....................Stanford, New Orleans Saints
RUSHING
Makari Bodiford ....163 car ... 1,167 yds ... 21 TD
PASSING
Jeremy Hecklinski ...212/334
RECEIVING
Woods.......151
Ugokwe .........13 INTERCEPTIONS Jordan Bride 5
REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS (9) 2023, 2017, 2011, 2008, 2007, 2004, 2003, 1999, 1986
CHAMPIONSHIPS (0)
include Georgia, Georgia Tech and Texas A&M.
Junior Jude Cascone, who has offers from Georgia, Alabama and Ohio State, is back at tight end for the Raiders. Fellow junior Max McRaney is returning at receiver. The
two combined for 170 yards and three touchdowns in 2023.
At running back, junior Noriega Thompson played sparingly last season and is projected to take over for Makari Bodiford. Thompson will rotate with senior Lucas Farrington.
On defense, senior safety Ethan Stannard has taken the role of
the “quarterback of the defense” after finishing with 80 tackles last year. He will also be overseeing a young secondary unit that plans on starting multiple sophomores.
Returning senior weakside linebacker Jake Thorner compiled 144 tackles last year, and is capable of both rushing the quarterback and drop-
ping back in coverage. He will be a main cornerstone. Fellow senior Hayden Halpaus is back to anchor an otherwise young defensive line.
“(This season) is about how much growth we have from August until we get into region play,” Brunner said. “That’s going to dictate how well we’re going to do.”
Walton’s Jake Thorner has played like a leader, now he is being counted on to be a vocal presence and a ‘big brother’ to the Raiders younger players
By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Correspondent
Third-year starter Jake Thorner is arguably Walton’s quietest and toughest defender.
He is one of Walton’s top returning players going into the 2024 campaign, and he lets his performance on the field do the talking.
Thorner finished with 144 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and five sacks last season in helping the Raiders advance to the Class AAAAAAA
state finals.
This year, the coaching staff is interested in seeing what kind of vocal leader he can be.
Thorner is not the most outgoing player on the team. In past seasons, coaches were content with just letting him do his job. Now that he is a senior, they are tasking him with mentoring younger and unproven players. It is a task that is not quite in his comfort zone.
“(Thorner) was really just allowed to play (the last two years),
but he needs to step up to more of a leadership role and show the guys who don’t have as much experience how to do things,” Walton coach Daniel Brunner said. “It’s been a growing experience for him stepping into a new type of role where he has to get comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Thorner has accepted the challenge and has described what kind of leader he wants to be.
“I want to be more vocal but not yell at them,” said Thorner, who
is entertaining offers from Georgia Southern, Ball State, Arkansas State, South Florida, Western Michigan, Miami (Ohio) and Marshall. “I just want to help them out, lead by example.”
That is the leadership style Thorner picked up from his good friend and former standout linebacker Ashton Woods, who is entering his freshman season at North Carolina.
Thorner said Woods played the See Thorner 88
By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com
Kell, Walton and McEachern will continue to represent Cobb County in the Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic.
Kell will once again play on the first day of the season when it hosts two games at the Stockyard on Wednesday, Aug. 14.
LaGrange will face Douglass at 4:30 p.m., with Kell facing North Atlanta in the nightcap at 7:30 p.m.
The matchup will be the third all-time between Kell and North Atlanta. The Longhorns, who won Region 6AAAAA last year and went 9-2, won the previous two in 2014 and 2015. The Warriors, who also went 9-2, finished second in Region 4AAAAAA.
This year’s Classic matchups will showcase 12 new teams in the 22-team schedule, which will be played at five different locations from Aug. 14-17.
West Forsyth will host a pair of games Thursday, while Friday’s schedule will feature three games — one at Hebron Christian Academy in Dacula and two at Barron Stadium in Rome.
Walton and McEachern will play as part of Saturday’s fourgame schedule at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Walton will face Brookwood in the 10 a.m. opener, facing off for the fifth straight season. The Raiders have won the last three, including a state quarterfinal matchup in 2021, and
have a 6-5 all-time mark against the Broncos.
This will be the first meeting between the programs in the Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic since 2012 at the Georgia Dome. The Raiders won that game 35-24 in a matchup of top-five teams.
Brookwood and co-founder McEachern have played every year since the season-opening showcase began in 1992.
McEachern will play in the late-afternoon kickoff, facing North Gwinnett at 4 p.m. This will be the second time in three years the Indians and Bulldogs have faced off in the Classic, with North Gwinnett winning the 2022 meeting 32-20.
McEachern has struggled against North Gwinnett historically and is only 1-6 all-time against the Bulldogs, with its
only win coming in the 2011 Classic at the Georgia Dome.
The other two games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will see Alpharetta face Houston County at 1 p.m. and Cedar Grove against Douglas County at 7 p.m.
All of the Corky Kell-Dave Hunter Classic games will be broadcast on the Peachtree Sports Network, with the Saturday games also on Peachtree TV and radio via 92.9 The Game.
1
Jack Strickland, Etowah 16 108 6.75 2
Ethan Spector, River Ridge 28 86 3.1 3
Eli Jurgeson, Sequoyah 22 85 3.9 0
Jackson Stanley, Creekview 8 81 10.1 0
Austin Penrod, Creekview 13 61 4.7 0
Javon Salazar, Sequoyah 9 37 4.1 0
Isaiah Coughlin, River Ridge 6 34 5.7 0
Tyler Bell, Sequoyah 11 31 2.8 0
Alan Ortega, Cherokee 1 22 22.0 0 Brandon Burdette, River Ridge 5 20 4.0 0
Passing Name, School C/A Yds. TD INT
Tanner Savasir, Cherokee 168/267 1929 12 9
Ethan Spector, River Ridge 136/244 1731 21 10
Peyton Lynch, Woodstock 155/288 1725 10 8
Austin Guest, Creekview 108/212 1723 16 8
Kolby Martin, Sequoyah 141/220 1707 17 5
Jack Strickland, Etowah 73/146 939 6 2
Xavier Mahoney, Etowah 48/81 654 5 4
Jaxon Nesbitt, Sequoyah 5/14 163 1 2
Luke Renninger, Woodstock 1/1 56 1 0
Jackson Stanley, Creekview 1/1 40 1 0
Ean Marria, Sequoyah 1/1 38 1 0
Hunter Lockerman, River Ridge 6/9 37 1 0
Receiving Name, School Rec. Yds. Avg. TD
Chase Colina, Woodstock 53 701 13.2 4
Michael Roach, Creekview 37 654 17.7 9
Grant Hollier, River Ridge 32 650 20.3 8
Jackson Hancock, Sequoyah 46 622 13.5 4
Mason Mancini, Etowah 30 573 19.1 2
Pops Jameson, Cherokee 27 423 15.7 4
Gracen Sexton, Cherokee 34 407 12 4
Jackson Stanley, Creekview 24 399 16.6 1
Luke Renninger, Woodstock 37 360 9.7 3
Wyatt Tash, Cherokee 36 357 9.9 1
Cal Schubert, Creekview 24 347 14.5 3
Bretton Darling, Sequoyah 17 333 19.6 3 Malone Pesqueira, Etowah 33 308 9.3 3 Malakiah Echols, Cherokee 28 306 10.9 2 Sam Vincent, River Ridge 27 283 10.5 4
Will Furstein, Woodstock 21 265 12.6 1
Tackles
Thomas Thompsen, River Ridge 27 258 9.6 5 Camden Cox, River Ridge 15 230 15.3 2 Ean Marria, Sequoyah
“big brother” role through encouragement on the field while pulling him aside for one-on-one conversations when he made mistakes.
“Whatever Ashton told him to do, he did,” said Monty Bumper, the Raiders’ Director of Football Operations. “If Ashton watched film, he made him come watch with him. Ashton tutored him from the beginning. He did everything Ashton did.”
While Thorner looked up to Woods, he played a different style of defense than his old teammate. Woods is shifty and can use his speed to make plays. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Thorner is more physical and not afraid to push his way through the opposition to get to the ball.
His most notable highlight during the 2023 season was compiling 17 tackles and two quarterback pressures in Walton’s regular season finale over Wheeler. In the state playoffs, he had 15 stops each in the quarterfinals against Carrollton and in the finals against Milton.
Thorner said his goal this year is to register more than 130 tackles for the second straight season.
As opposed to last season, Walton is going to have a sophomore-laden secondary playing behind him. Which means playing the “big brother” role is going to be crucial.
“We’ve all got little things to work on, and that’s the biggest piece we’re trying to get him to understand,” Brunner said. “‘We’re going to need these things out of you to command this defense on the field.”
Jake Thorner tackles Carrollton quarterback JuJu Lewis during the Class AAAAAAA state quarterfinals last season.
By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Correspondent
Wheeler has built a playoff team, having gone to the postseason in consecutive years.
The Wildcats are no longer happy to accept first-round exits, however. With 20-plus seniors expecting to make a difference on both sides of the ball, the Wildcats have the potential to make a deep run in 2024.
“We’re definitely excited about this senior leadership,” Wheeler coach Bryan Love said. “They’ve been through a couple of playoff appearances. They’ve persevered through the years when we were trying to build a program.”
Love said certain areas have been addressed during the offseason to help the Wildcats take the next step— namely the need to run the ball more consistently and improve on their downfield passing. Another area of concern is the roster’s lack of depth.
With that said, Wheeler will rely on its skill players. The Wildcats also have an experienced offensive front featuring senior Barah Desire, juniors Rodney Hester and Khalil Bullock and sophomore Donovan Smith.
Senior quarterback and Northwestern commit Marcus Romain is already battle-tested, having
guided Wheeler to the playoffs the past two seasons. Romain is a dual threat who is being counted on to move the chains with both his arm and his feet.
Ja’Von Broussard, who was on Wheeler’s 200-meter relay team that won a state championship last spring, is tabbed as Romain’s top target. Senior Kobe McInnis, who will also play on the defensive line, is another receiving option along with juniors Greg Kendrick and Brock Adams.
Josiah Allen returns for his senior season at running back with Kendrick backing him up. Allen rushed for 1,046 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, and has received offers
2024 Roster
from Georgia Southern, Cornell, Stetson and Charleston Southern.
“I’m excited for him to have a big year,” Love said of Allen. “We’re going to try to give him the ball in multiple ways, throwing it to him, let him, of course, run the football, which is what he’s known for. We’re excited about what he is going to be able to do for us.”
Wheeler’s defense is experienced at all three levels, anchored by senior defensive back Malachi Young, a first-team all-region player who collected 84 tackles last season.
McInnis plans on resuming
See Wildcats 93
375 Holt Road, Marietta, GA 30068 • Corky Kell stadium https://wheelerwildcatathletics.com/teams/3131486/boys/football/varsity/ X: @WHSFootball Instagram: @wheelerwildcatsfootball
Centennial ..........................33-14 ..........W
Lassiter................................59-17 ..........W
South Cobb ..........................53-6 ..........W
North Atlanta ....................30-22 ............L
Campbell ..............................45-0 ..........W
Cherokee ............................36-19 ..........W
North Cobb ........................63-27 ............L
Osborne ....................17-10 (2OT) ..........W
Kennesaw Mountain ........36-29 ..........W
Walton .................................42-16 ............L
Buford ...................................50-0 ............L
Bryan Love ........................HC
Terry Jones Jr.............OC/RB
Christopher Beal ..............DC
Rammon Spann .................OL
Jason King ....................ST/LB
Xavier Womack ................WR
Darryl Smith .......................LB
Arth Holiday ......................QB
Chance Jackson ...............DB
Blair Lampkin .....................TE
Lee Culp..............................OL
Eric Curr ............................ DB
Zane Smith .........................DL
DB Byron Capers (1989-92), ...............Florida State, Philadelphia Eagles
DL Randy Edwards (1976-79), .......................Alabama, Seattle Seahawks
RB Ed Guthrie (1972-75), ...................................................................Georgia
OL Robert Shaw (1972-75),............................Tennessee, Dallas Cowboys
Young .......84
his duties at defensive end after amassing eight sacks last year, as will senior returning starter Shamar Yarber.
Junior Avery Jones is back to help at linebacker after being injured for most of last season. Fellow junior JaShawn Sanders is tabbed to start at middle linebacker. Wheeler has been slowly building its program in recent years. Time will tell whether 2024 is the year the Wildcats can finally get over the hump in the postseason.
By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Writer
Wheeler wants to step up its game offensively this season. One way to do so is to stretch the field offensively with the speed of senior wide receiver Ja’Von Broussard.
He’s the top returning receiver for the Wildcats this season after collecting 335 receiving yards and
three touchdowns last season. He averaged 16 yards per catch with his longest pickup being 54 yards.
His best performance on paper was in a non-region game against Campbell when he caught six passes for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Expecting to be faster and more agile in 2024, Broussard has set high expectations for himself.
“I feel like this year I need to
turn it up an extra level,” Broussard said. “There are so many other playmakers on our team that when they touch the ball, they can definitely go to the end zone. So playing with teammates like that, every time you touch (the ball), you have to make a play.”
Broussard was part of the Wildcats’ track and field team during the offseason and anchored the 4 x 200-meter relay team that won
the Class AAAAAAA state championship with a time of one minute, 24.67 seconds. His relay team went on to compete in the New Balance Nationals in Philadelphia in June where they took fourth overall, clocking in at 1:26.46. Since then, Broussard has spent much of his spare time at Wheeler doing footwork drills and working on making better cuts.
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
The 2024 football season brings new regions and some very different-looking schedules as Class AAAAAA once again becomes the state’s largest classification.
Cherokee, as one of the county’s largest schools, was placed into Region 5AAAAAA with Etowah, Marietta, North Cobb, North Paulding, Walton and Wheeler. The Warriors are 53-126 all-time against those opponents, with the best record against Etowah (19-21) and the worst against Marietta (4-30).
With only one other Cherokee County team in its region, Cherokee will start the year against a pair of county rivals in River Ridge and Sequoyah, which both made the state playoffs last year.
Cherokee will start its new era under coach Adam Holley at Tommy Baker Field, hosting River Ridge on Aug. 16. Holley was hired in December after two years as Calhoun’s offensive coordinator. He replaced former coach Josh Shaw, who stepped down after 12 years with the program.
For Creekview, the new region alignments for 2024 treated it pretty well, at least historically.
After rebounding from just their second missed postseason under Trevor Williams in 2022, the Grizzlies went 7-4 and finished third in Region 6AAAAAA last season.
Now in Region 6AAAAA with three teams each from Cherokee and Cobb counties, Creekview has history on its side with a 50-18 all-time record against those opponents. Those teams also went a combined 46-70 last year, including a 27-36 record in region play.
The Grizzlies’ slate toughens in the last two weeks this season with River Ridge and archrival Sequoyah, two Class AAAAAA playoff teams in 2023. However, they are 21-7 alltime against those counterparts.
Etowah opens the 2024 football season on the road against Woodstock — the fiercest rivalry game in Cherokee County — before diving into a brutal region schedule that features the reigning Class AAAAAAA runner-up Walton.
The Eagles finished 4-6 overall last year and 0-6 in region play as they were decimated by
injuries to their starting quarterback and running back. Etowah started 4-0 in 2023 with wins over Lassiter, Cherokee, Forsyth Central and Centennial, outscoring them 191-88 and averaging 47.8 points per game.
With a favorable early schedule, River Ridge has the chance to start 2024 fast after getting to the postseason for the third time in the last four years.
The Knights finished 5-6 overall and 3-3 in Region 6AAAAAA last season, sneaking into the playoffs with a double-digit win over Allatoona in the regular-season finale. This year’s schedule begins with five straight opponents coming off sub-.500 seasons, though history is not on River Ridge’s side.
It holds a 15-34 all-time record against its 2024 opponents, with the best mark against Woodstock (4-2) and worst against Creekview and Sequoyah (2-10).
Sequoyah made out nicely with the new region and classification alignments for 2024, holding a 45-30 all-time record against those seven region opponents. The Chiefs are 62-45 all-time against their opponents for the upcoming season, including non-region games against Denmark, Cherokee and Kell.
Sequoyah’s non-region schedules have been gauntlets over the last few seasons, but outside of Kell, that is not necessarily the case now. Sequoyah has never played Denmark, but it holds a 16-12 all-time mark against county foe Cherokee despite two of the last three meetings being decided by one point.
Woodstock heads into Year 2 of the Dan Devine era with a favorable early schedule, but one that stiffens late after it finished with its best record since 2020.
The Wolverines alternate home and away games all season, with no multi-game home or road stints like last year, where they spent three consecutive weeks on hostile turf.
Woodstock is 11-13 against Week 1 opponent Etowah in the all-time rivalry series after beating the Eagles 17-14 last year for its second win of the season. That game broke a twoyear losing streak in the series — during the consecutive 0-10 seasons in 2021 and 2022.
The Wolverines hold a 33-47 all-time record against the 2024 schedule, with the most wins coming against Etowah despite the series deficit. They do not hold any leads in the all-time series, but are .500 against Pope (5-5) and Sprayberry (1-1).
Broussard currently runs 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, but receivers coach Arth Holiday said his 6-foot-2, 190-pound receiver has the potential to lower that time.
“He actually showed his numbers as far as his speed, and now he is a state champion,” Holiday said. “When you have a playmaker like that type of speed, you can kind of do whatever you need to do to stretch the field. It makes it easy for the quarterback to throw it up there and let him go run under it and make a play.”
Broussard discovered early in his football career that he had a knack for catching the ball.
Even though he started running track in the fourth grade, he didn’t realize his speed potential until he was in middle school when he was playing recreational football
with friends.
“That’s when I started to separate and learned that my stride was faster than most people,”
Broussard said. “I didn’t realize it playing organized football. It was going to the park with my friends and just playing around.”
Now, with his senior season approaching, Broussard no longer wants to play around.
He said his primary goal is to go after whatever ball comes his way.
He said he is also focusing on winning his one-on-one matchups and making a play every time he grabs the ball. It is a goal that could easily be attained with his natural talent.
“When you get the ball anywhere near him, he’s going to come down with it,” Wheeler coach Bryan Love said. “We have that level of confidence with Marcus (Romain) as our quarterback and we have that level of confidence in (Broussard) as well.
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By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
Ten years ago, Cherokee County was in the mix for a title. As the 2024 football season approaches, it marks the anniversary of the deepest playoff run in Etowah, and county, history. The Eagles, under current West Forsyth coach Dave Svehla, made the 2014 Class AAAAAA semifinals and finished with a program-best 11 wins.
Svehla led the most successful run in Etowah’s existence with seven consecutive postseason appearances from 2013-19, missing the dance just once in his tenure.
Bill Stewart preceded Svehla, assembling the program’s previous best six-year run with six playoff appearances and one second-round showing from 2006-
11. Etowah was perennially relevant once Svehla took over, and all it took was three seasons for a semifinal bid.
He said the Eagles’ surprising run actually started in 2013, when they gave reigning state champion Norcross a run for its money in Round 1. They took the Blue Devils into halftime knotted at zero but ultimately fell in the opening round.
“Honestly, I think it started the year before,” Svehla said. “We went over to Norcross for the opening round of the playoffs, who had won the state championship (in 2013). I really think that game gave our kids the belief that we could compete at a very high level, and a lot of those kids came back the next year.”
As 2014 approached, Etowah returned a talented roster that
See Etowah 99
featured a bruising offensive line.
The Morgan twins, Brad and Scott, were all-state offensive and defensive linemen for the Eagles. They went on to play collegiately at Georgia Tech, while line mate Alex Smith played his college ball at Georgia Southern.
Etowah’s offensive line paved the way for all-state running back Tyray Devezin, who, if he stayed all four years at Mercer, could have been the program’s all-time leading rusher, according to Svehla.
Defensive back Stuart Head, another all-state selection, led a more-than-capable defense that held six opponents under 20 points during the 2014 season. Head went on to play at Stanford and Appalachian State.
“We had a good running back, a good quarterback and we played really good defense,” Svehla said. “We had four linemen who were pretty good. They were not all seniors that year, but they were good players. We just had good players and good kids that believed in what we were doing, were very coachable and had a heck of a year.”
Etowah kicked off the 2014 season with resounding wins over Marietta and Cherokee County rival Sequoyah before playing an eight-game Region 5AAAAAA schedule.
The Eagles outscored the Blue Devils and Chiefs by a combined 82-30.
“They were really good; I remember them,” Sequoyah coach James Teter, who’s coached the Chiefs since 2009, said. “They were well-coached and a good football team. They were good at pretty much every position, and especially the offensive line, which could really play.”
Region play began in Week 3, with Etowah drawing a playoffcaliber Cherokee team at home under third-year coach Josh Shaw. The Eagles won 41-21 over a Warriors team featuring Brittain Brown at running back, who played at Duke and UCLA before
getting drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Etowah met Pope in Week 4 for a third consecutive home game, with future Eagles coach Matt Kemper on the opposing sideline. It was Kemper’s final year with the Greyhounds before he took over Johns Creek in 2015.
As it became a theme in the young season, the Eagles rolled Pope by double digits.
“We played them here Week 3 that year, and they had a darn good football team,” Kemper said. “They were kind of run by that O-line and D-line. Our football team is a little bit different where we are dictated by our skill guys. Hopefully we can do honor to those guys. I remember that group. They were a heck of a football team.”
It was smooth sailing until the bitter Towne-Lake rivalry game against Woodstock in Week 5, and despite the matchup’s illustrious history, the 2014 edition was among the best.
The Eagles and Wolverines, who both came into the game undefeated, battled through three overtimes. Woodstock and coach Brent Budde emerged with a 47-44 victory on their home turf to hand Etowah its first loss in over 10 months.
Back home the next week against Milton, the Eagles had still not recovered from the overtime loss. Milton, under coach Howie DeCristofaro, outpaced Etowah 37-12. Just like that, the Eagles were 2-2 in region play.
“I thought our team was getting better, but I don’t know if any of us anticipated making a semifinal run,” Svehla said. “We lost back-to-back games right in the middle of the season, and at that point, you just don’t really know. But those losses really seemed to refocus our kids. I remember talking to some of my captains after that game about just being resilient. They were very positive, and they were assuring me I didn’t need to worry about it.”
Despite the loss, the Eagles’ unforgiving play style left a mark on DeCristofaro.
“Etowah was really big up front with those twins and a
See Etowah 146
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
It’s the second straight year with two quarterbacks in the Cherokee County Super Six, but the more head-turning inclusion may be River Ridge kicker Gracen VanGilder, who returns to football after a state championship soccer season.
Dual-threat quarterbacks Austin Guest (Creekview) and Xavier Mahony (Etowah) headline a talented group of six seniors that will heavily influence their team’s success in 2024.
Guest led Cherokee County in rushing last season with 120 attempts for 1,018 yards and 13 touchdowns. Creekview finished 7-4 and 4-2 for third in Region 6AAAAAA, making the playoffs for the third time in four years.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior is a thirdyear starter with an 11-10 overall record. He was Cherokee County’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 after completing 50.1% of his passes for 1,723 yards, 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Guest carries himself like a professional, and Creekview coach Trevor Williams can breathe a bit easier with him running the offense.
“He is in full command,” Williams said. “He commands the offense and knows what we are looking for. It’s really like having another coach on the field. He has been great with the young receivers and developing some chemistry.”
Mahoney is the lone repeat member of the Super Six, though his junior year was interrupted by a season-ending knee injury.
Still, the senior was the third-leading rusher in Cherokee County with 795 yards and 13 touchdowns in seven games.
He completed 59.3% of his passes for another 654 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.
When Mahoney is healthy, he is among the county’s most dynamic threats. He led all six high schools in rushing as a sophomore and posted 1,850 total yards with 20 touchdowns en route to being named the Cherokee County’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.
River Ridge’s Grant Hollier is the featured target again in 2024 for quarterback Ethan Spector. The big-bodied, 6-foot-4 tight end and receiver led the Knights with 650 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023.
Grant Hollier
River Ridge
6-foot-4, 225-pounds
Tight End / Wide Receiver
Senior College Offers:
Georgia State, Air Force, Army, Chattanooga, Maine
Austin Guest Creekview
5-foot-11, 185-pounds
Quarterback
Senior College Offers:
Point, Reinhardt
Etowah
5-foot-9, 165-pounds
Quarterback/Athlete Senior
Ean Marria Sequoyah 5-foot-11, 220-pounds
Running Back/Defensive Line Senior College Offers: Army, Navy
See more on Ean See more on Xavier
See more on
River Ridge
6-foot-4, 170-pounds
Kicker Senior
5-foot-11, 220-pounds
Linebacker Senior College Offers: Sewanee
See
By Allie Kraus MDJ Sports Writer
Kennesaw Mountain is the only Cobb County school in the new Region 5AAAAA.
It moved down a classification and will compete against like-size schools.
“I think we’re in a good spot as far as alignment goes and the size of the school,” Mustangs coach Caleb Carmean said. “We are where we should be. As far as the region goes, it is a great region. Everybody we play is really good. It’s hard to tell because we don’t know a lot of these teams. For us, the goal doesn’t change depending on what region we are in. The goal every week is to go 1-0. So I think no matter who the opponent is, that’s the most important team and that’s the team to beat every week.”
Rivalries are developed over time, and Kennesaw Mountain could be the wild card in this new region. The Mustangs finished the 2023 season with a 1-9 record, but faced tough competition — including state finalist Walton in region play.
Wide receiver Nalin Scott will lead the offense in the upcoming season. The junior four-star recruit, who has offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, Michigan and Auburn among others, had 23 catches for 302 yards and two rush-
1. Rome
2. East Paulding
3. South Paulding
4. Kennesaw Mountain
5. Villa Rica
6. New Manchester
7. Alexander
8. Lithia Springs
ing touchdowns last season.
“Nalin is a special player, but he is also a special person,” Carmean said. “He has worked very hard this off season to be able to #DoBetter this year than last. He will be a big part moving forward and has worked on both his on-the-field ability and his offthe-field leadership and accountability.”
Rome will enter the season as the region favorite. Last season, the Wolves won the Region 6AAAAAA title. They finished the season 11-2, averaged 47.5 points per game and allowed
only 8.5. In the 2024 season, the defense will depend on four star Alabama commit Jaedon Harmon at linebacker.
In 2023, East Paulding had a successful season in Region 5AAAAAA, going 6-5. They made it to the first round of playoffs but fell short in a 21-14 loss to Lanier.
The Raiders will look to linebacker Quatorius Walker to lead the way. The three-star recruit is committed to Marshall.
After four successful seasons, South Paulding struggled last year with a 3-8 record. The Spartans made it to the first round of playoffs but lost 46-27 to Gainesville.
New Manchester, led by first year coach Olten Downs, was 4-6. It scored an average of 15.5 points per game and allowed 26.
Villa Rica finished the season with a 4-6 record. The team scored an average of 17.3 points per game against an average of 25.9 points allowed.
Alexander will face an uphill battle in this new region, coming off a 2-8 record. It won its first two games of the season, but was shut out the rest of the way, only scoring a total of 24 points.
Lithia Springs struggled last season. The Lions had a couple of wins in the middle of the season but ultimately ended with a record of 2-8.
By Allie Kraus MDJ Sports Writer
Kennesaw Mountain is thinking big picture in 2024.
Head coach Caleb Carmean said the theme for the season is to be better than the day before. His players are encouraged to watch film, attend summer workouts, and go above and beyond to continue preparations during their free time.
“I think our focus this summer has been great,” Carmean said. “Our leadership council has done a great job of creating accountabil-
ity and being a player-led team which leads to buy-in from all of the players. Each day this team has shown up ready to do better than the day before.”
The Mustangs are joining the 5AAAAA region for the 2024 season. The only familiar face is East Paulding. Rome will be the favorites after reaching the quarterfinals last year and the semifinals the year before.
“It is exciting because it is new,” Carmean said of the region realignment. “It’s refreshing because you get to get outside of the county. You get to go play teams you’re
No. Name Pos. Cl.
not familiar with and you don’t know a whole lot about. I think it is exciting because we are playing in the classification we should be. We’re playing against similar sized schools.”
Since the region is so competitive, Carmean said each team is a threat. The team they are playing that week should be everyone’s top priority. He wants to focus on the present and let the rivalries within the region develop themselves over time.
“Competitive focus is one of our core values,” Carmean said. “Each day we only concern our-
2024 Roster
No. Name Pos. Cl.
45 Joey Barrett K/P 10
46 Kellan Rothrauff WR/DB 9
selves with the things within our control. I think in this day and age, with social media and 7-on7, the athletes know each other more than ever. That, along with good competitive games will create rivalries over time.”
Offensively, the Mustangs will have a new starting quarterback in sophomore Chris Miller. Nalin Scott and Kobe Lewis are expected to be the Mustangs’ leading receivers.
Carmean said the offense is poised to have an explosive 2024 season. Scott, a four-star See Mustangs 106
Tatum RB 12
Worley DL 11
Hollis Williams WR 9 20 Liam Grannis LB 12 21 Anja Remolina K 12
12
9
12
28 Nicholas Lawrence WR/DB 12
29 Omarion Butler WR/DB 10 30 Ashton Arnold LB 11 31 Kamari Butler LB 9 32 Jack Clemens DB 10 33 Luke Wall DB 10 34 Damari Brinson LB 12 35 Michael Warren DL 10
36 RJ Adair TE 10 37 Isaiah Boyce DB 10
38 Gavin Hodges RB 11 39 James Mondesire DB 12 41 Micah Bone LB 10 42 Connor Kemp LB 9 43 Brandon Gac LB 12 44 Sam Richardson LB 11
47 Joziah Smalls LB 9
48 Jayven Luster DB 11
49 Adnan Abdulrauf LB 12
50 Jacob Smith OL/DL 12
51 Elijah Burke DL 12
52 Draysen Knox TE/DL 11
53 Keylan Watkins DL 12
54 Christian Bolden OL/DL 9
55 Andrew Smith OL/DL 12
56 Reily Johnson OL/DL 12 57 Aiden Turkovic OL/DL 9 58 Eric Simpson OL/DL 11 59 Matt Olivarez LB 10
Jayden Green OL/DL 9
Demaris Whipple DL 11 63 Preston Sheridan OL/DL 9
Bryce Roberson OL/DL 12 65 Bryson Adamson OL/DL 11
Quentin Thomas OL 12
Trevin Garner OL/DL 9
Hanley Baltzell OL 11 77 Christian Morgan OL/DL 12 80 Caleb McGilmer DB 10 81 Ammar Karim TE/LB 10 82 Nathaniel Shipman WR/DB 11 83 John Drake WR/DB 9 84 Maddox Belaire TE/LB 9 85 Tyler Wilson DB 9 86 Elijah King
RB Keyon Brooks (2015-18), ..................................................Louisiana Tech
OL Jeremy Ciulla (2004-07), ...........................................................Michigan
OL Jay Finch (2005-08), ...........................................................Georgia Tech
OL Connor Lew (2019-22), .................................................................Auburn
TE Ryland Goede (2015-18) .....Georgia, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech
recruit, had 302 receiving yards, two touchdowns and six kickoff returns for 76 yards. Lewis had 319
receiving yards, two touchdowns and was also used as a returner.
Carmean said that bringing back four of the five starters on the line will be huge for the offense. Although the defensive line is experienced, the rest of the defense
will be relatively new. Christian Winston will be the leader of the D-line off the edge. In the 2023 season, he had 30 tackles, seven sacks and two pass break ups. The team is replacing about three quarters of its secondary, but Car-
mean said he is excited about safety Nyle Winston, who was out with an injury for most of last season. He had four solo tackles and one pass breakup. Kennesaw Mountain’s unproven defense will be a thing to watch as the season progresses.
By Allie Kraus MDJ Sports Writer
Kennesaw Mountain’s Christian Winston is a triple threat. He finds success on both sides of the ball, is a part of the magnet program and can solve a Rubik’s Cube in an average time of 14 seconds.
“His impact on the field is obvious with the production he has had,” coach Caleb Carmean said.
“He is obviously a phenomenal defensive player but I think a lot of people don’t realize he’s also a great tight end for us as well. He has the ability to positively affect the game on both sides of the ball. I think that’s what makes him so special and dynamic.”
As a freshman, he weighed 150 pounds and Carmean described him as a ‘lost giraffe.’ Entering the 2024 season, Winston is 6-foot-3
and weighs 220 pounds. He pushes himself to be the best he can and it shows on the field and in the weight room. Winston places in the top five in every team strength and conditioning competition, and he plans to play in college. So far, he has received 13 offers including Georgia Southern, South Florida, Army, and Air Force.
The senior, who had 38 tackles, seven sacks, and two pass break
Bruce A. Hester D.M.D and Chelsea M. Smith D.M.D
ups last season, is also admired in the classroom and as a leader. The younger players look up to him as a role model and friend.
“Christian is on our leadership council, and I think he is an obvious choice for our team,” Carmean said. “You want your best players to be your loudest leaders and Christian is evident of that. Christian does a great job leading vocally
and leading by example in the classroom, community and
field.”
In his spare time, Winston likes to solve puzzles. He has an affinity for the Rubik’s Cube family of puzzles, but the original Rubik’s Cube is his specialty.
Occasionally Winston attends competitions and strives to learn as much as possible from the seasoned professionals. Most of his friends know him as “the Rubik’s Cube kid.”
“I’m known for Rubik’s Cubes, mainly because it is something that not many people do,” Winston said. “I’m really good at football, but a lot of people are very good at football. I’m known for my hyper attitude and acceptance towards life. Being able to accept what’s going on in life and move on. To keep my head down, play football and work on my Rubik’s Cube.”
His personal best is solving the puzzle in seven seconds. Winston said his unique hobby and being in the math portion of the magnet program have made him a smarter player on the field.
“Although I may not know a lot to start off with, it is pretty easy for me to pick up,” Winston said. “Algorithms are really just a different set of moves and test grades are really just a different set of problems. Using math on the field isn’t necessarily numbers, but my problem solving. Being able to recognize formations, coverages and player tendencies. Using that to anticipate what is going to happen next. So, if you’re looking at formations, they are not all that different, so this piece goes here on the Rubik’s Cube or this player goes here on the field.”
By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Correspondent
Kell playing in a smaller region will have its advantages and disadvantages.
Securing a spot in the Class AAAA state playoffs is likely with only four other teams, but there is hardly room for error when it comes to winning its second straight region championship.
That’s because one loss could end up costly.
Region 6AAAA started out with eight schools during the Georgia High School realignment last fall, with Kell being the lone Cobb County representative. However, three teams each won appeals to participate in different regions with Northview and North Springs switching to 5AAAA and Pace Academy joining 4AAAA.
That leaves Kell with Blessed Trinity, Cambridge, Centennial and Westminster. All were playoff teams a year ago.
“The region is not big, but it is going to be tough from top to bottom,” Kell coach Bobby May said. “I don’t think in any of those games we can show up and guarantee to win.”
The Longhorns lost as many as 19 starters to graduation after going undefeated in region play last year.
While they expect to be less experienced, most of their projected starters have seen var-
2. Kell
3. Cambridge
4. Westminster
5. Centennial
sity playing time, highlighted by sophomore running back Quinterrius Gipson.
Blessed Trinity, which made the second round of the state playoffs last season with a young team, is more experienced and penciled in as the favorite.
The Titans will be led by a pair of Boston College commits in athlete Bryce Lewis and defensive back Marcelous Townsend. They also have Navy commit Zyon McKenzie at wide receiver.
Westminster has missed the state playoffs only once in the past 17 years, and won a Class AAA state championship in 2015.
Cambridge, a familiar region opponent to Kell, should also be more seasoned after retooling its roster last season. It will be anchored by offensive lineman Gabe Smith, a Liberty commit.
Centennial is looking to improve upon its three-win season.
To prepare for its 6AAAA slate,
Kell will play a stronger region schedule this season despite having fewer teams to compete against.
Kell organized a six-game, nonregion schedule with four of those teams being in the state’s highest classification. Its season will get underway against North Atlanta and Alpharetta. They will host Sequoyah and Wheeler backto-back before heading to south Georgia to face Lowndes. The
Longhorns will come home against Columbia of Class AA before hosting Blessed Trinity in the region opener.
“We’re a young team and hopefully we can grow from it,” May said. “We’re trying to build into the postseason a little bit more. We may struggle because of that.”
By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Correspondent
Kell is only planning on starting a few seniors this season, which means there is room for growth after losing 19 starters from last year’s Region 6AAAAA championship team.
The Longhorns dropped to Class AAAA after the latest region realignment and have only four other teams in their region. That gives them a lengthy non-region schedule of mostly higher classification teams to strengthen
their less-experienced roster.
“We have talent, but we are young, so we’re probably going to have some growing pains,” Kell coach Bobby May said. “We feel good about the talent that we have, but it’s about the development and how quickly we can mature.”
Junior Kaleb Narcisse is penciled in as Kell’s new starting quarterback. He is a physically gifted signal caller who had a productive offseason.
“He’s a really good athlete and once he gets a better grasp on the
playbook, he’s going to take off,” May said. “He’s a dual threat and has one of the strongest arms I’ve ever seen.”
Kell will be without running back Tyriq Green, who transferred to Buford, but the Longhorns will still have a familiar face getting the bulk of the carries. Sophomore Quinterrius Gipson is coming off a breakout freshman season, finishing with 655 yards on 84 carries and 10 touchdowns.
Senior Landon Mayes returns at receiver after finishing with 11
2024 Roster
catches for 158 yards and three touchdowns. He is expected to play a bigger role alongside seniors Jaden George and Luca Fanelli, and junior tight end Brayden Rouse.
Kell is returning an experienced offensive line behind seniors David Torres and Keenan Thompson.
On the other side of the trenches, senior defensive end Tyshawn Natt returns after recording 11 sacks last season and winning the region defensive See Longhorns 111
11
RB 9 No. Name Pos. Cl.
9
4770 Lee Waters Rd, Marietta, Ga 30066 • Cobb EMC/Corky
Parkview .............................43-24 ............L
Allatoona ............................41-29 ..........W
Pope ....................................28-21 ..........W
Sprayberry ............................40-7 ..........W
Centennial ..........................62-10 ..........W
Northview .............................59-0 ..........W
Cambridge .........................40-21 ..........W
Greater Atlanta Christian....42-32 ..........W
North Springs ....................57-24 ..........W
Chattahoochee ....................48-0 ..........W
Cass .....................................28-14 ............L
COACHING STAFF
Bobby May ........................HC
Brendan Tyner ........AHC/OC
Chaz Ferdinand ...AHC/Co-OC
Dan Sanso .........................DC
Codi Vick ...........AHC/DB/ST
Chip Russell ......................QB
Jonathan Dwyer Sr. ..........RB
Travis Booker Sr. .........RB/ST
Chris Pack ..........................OL
Decorian Swain ..........WR/TE
Jasper Grimes....................DL
Cody Ames .........................DE
Derhyan Arnold .................LB
Brian Golson ......................LB
LB Bryson Armstrong (2012-15),........................................Kennesaw State
RB Jonathan Dwyer (2003-06), .........Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh Steelers
DB Taylor Henkle (2010-13), ...............................................Kennesaw State
WR Brendan Langley (2009-12), ..........................Lamar, Denver Broncos
DB Quincy Mauger (2009-12), ..............................Georgia, BC Lions (CFL)
DB Brian Randolph (2007-10), ..................Tennessee, Los Angeles Rams
player of the year. Stephon Bottoms is an additional returning senior who will help aid a young defensive line.
In the secondary, Wofford-
RUSHING
Tyriq Green 70 car 762 yds 10 TD
PASSING
Bryce Clavon ...........80/120 ... 1,608 yds .... 19 TD.. 5 INT
RECEIVING
Kyle Vaka 36 rec 844 yds 11 TD
TACKLES
Elijah Washington..................70
SACKS
Tyshawn Natt .........11
INTERCEPTIONS
Tyriq Green 2
bound Zayd Rogan will continue his starting role at cornerback, playing alongside junior Jalen Williams.
Junior Tony Forney Jr., a Cedar Grove transfer, will contribute at the safety position along with junior Andrew
Turner.
Junior Michael Domanik is the most experienced returning linebacker after finishing with 34 tackles and three tackles for loss last season. Rouse, who plays both sides of the ball, and senior Jalen “JoJo” Hall
also bring additional experience to the position.
“We feel pretty good about our defense,” May said. “Obviously, we need to stay healthy and continue to build some more depth, the D-line especially.”
By Adam Carrington MDJ Sports Correspondent
During middle school, Quinterrius Gipson was bigger and stronger than most of the players he suited up against, and took advantage by scoring multiple touchdowns.
Sooner or later, he was off to Kell High School and joining a varsity program that had players who were bigger, stronger
and faster than him. He had a mature way of adjusting to the change.
“So coming into high school, I didn’t know what to expect,” Gipson, a sophomore who has earned the starting job at tailback, said. “But as high school was (progressing), I wasn’t the biggest and the strongest. It was a struggle, but I stuck it out.”
Knowing he was no longer
the biggest kid on the roster, the 5-foot-10, 200-pound Gipson figured out quickly that he needed to use more speed and better technique to excel. He struggled to find lanes during his first few practices, but learned to make quicker decisions, making it easier to find the holes.
“Being a freshman, the biggest thing was maintaining through a full season,” Kell coach Bobby
May said. “He carried the load for us in a lot of ways last year and is expecting to do that again this year.”
A physical runner who can bulldoze his way through traffic to get his yards, Gipson adjusted fairly quickly to the speed of the game and made his first start in Kell’s second game at Allatoona.
To overcome his nervousness, See Gibson 117
By Kai Millette MDJ Sports Writer
Leading Cobb County’s lone team in the new look Region 7AAAA, second-year coach Brad Smith is confident he can lead a once-dominant Buccaneers program back to the state playoffs.
“We have a tall task ahead of us, but we’re all on the same page as a coaching staff,” Smith said. “I think we’ll be competitive in every game. Making the playoffs is definitely one of our goals.”
Allatoona finished the year 2-8 and 2-3 in Region 6AAAAAA, a region win short of a state playoff berth. The Buccaneers have true bright spots in their running back room. Leading rusher Xavier Rucker enters his junior year alongside Ethan Corpus.
“I think it’s going to be one of the top units in our region and maybe even Cobb County,” Smith said. “They’re our two fastest kids and two of our strongest kids.”
The road will remain challenging this year for Allatoona after moving down from Class AAAAAA competition. Cartersville, who also moves down a classification, sits as the favorite after a run to the state semifinal that ended in a 33-18 loss to eventual champion Coffee. The Hurricanes return quarterback Nate Russell, who impressed as a sophomore with 17 touchdowns to just four interceptions.
Hiram came within a point of winning Region 7AAAAA, falling
1. Cartersville
2. Hiram
3. Cass
4. Cedartown
5. Dalton
6. Allatoona
7. Woodland
8. SE Whitfield
35-34 to Cartersville before eventually finishing 9-3 and exiting in the second round of the state playoffs. The Hornets are expected to rally behind senior running backs Kaden Hamilton and Dashaun Williams who combined for nearly 2,000 yards in 2023.
Cedartown is one of two teams in the region that played at the Class AAAA level last season. The Bulldogs were second in Region 7AAAA, going 4-1 with a 8-4 overall record. Cedartown will lean on a three-senior backfield of Juelz Davis, Isaiah Johnson and Tae Harris.
“It’s going to be a murderers’ row,” said Smith. “There are some tough draws in (our schedule), but we’re excited.”
Dalton posted its first overall winning record since nowNFL star Jahmyr Gibbs’s senior season in 2019. A second round appearance in the state playoffs
Xavier Rucker will be a key piece of Allatoona’s offense this year as it competes in the new Region 7AAAA.
was a step in the right direction.
The wildcard of the region is Cass. The Colonels have continued a slow but steady upward trajectory since bottoming out in 2017 with a winless season. In 2023, coach Steve Gates surprised people by taking Cartersville to overtime and knocking off Kell and Mays in the state playoffs to take Cass to the state quarterfinals.
Woodland faces an uphill battle after going 0-5 in region play last season. With the departure of leading rusher and receiver
Jamarion Walker, alongside quarterback Brelace Williams, things will only get more difficult for the Wildcats in 2024. The only other team to have played in the Class AAAA classification last season is Southeast Whitfield. The Raiders narrowly earned their only win against winless Gordon Central last season en route to a 1-9 finish. The run-heavy group only threw one touchdown pass last season and will have to replace starting quarterback and leading rusher Jacob Layman.
By Kai Millette MDJ Sports Writer
Allatoona is continuing to grow under second-year coach Brad Smith.
The Buccaneers struggled out of the gate in Smith’s first season steering the ship. A 2-8 season in 2023 snapped a 13-year playoff streak that once saw four region titles and one state championship.
This season, Smith and company aspire to take steps towards restoring the program’s pedigree.
“We’re all on the same page when it comes to the coaching staff, and our players go as we
go,” Smith said. “I think we’ll be competitive in every game. Making the playoffs is definitely one of our goals.”
It starts with the backfield.
Xavier Rucker accounted for a majority of the carries last season, posting 543 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. He also caught four touchdowns through the air while averaging 29.3 yards per reception.
Smith is also high on the potential of junior back Ethan Corpus, who took a back seat last season.
“Ethan’s starting to develop into a really good running back, he’s really stood out,” Smith said.
“We’re excited about that room.”
Cruz Paul, an East Tennessee State baseball commit, will take over for Saadiq Teel at quarterback. Paul saw limited action last season as a junior, completing 14 of his 29 passes and throwing one touchdown.
Despite his limited in-game experience, Paul’s confidence and level-headedness has earned him the coaching staff’s trust.
“He’s exactly what you want in a quarterback. He’s got a little bit of moxie and swagger to him,” said Smith. “The best thing about him is no matter what happens, he never gets flustered or
2024 Roster
frustrated.”
Returning nine starters on defense and two on a quickly developing offensive line should be huge from a continuity standpoint. The losses of back-to-back leading tackler Bryce Stack and fellow safety Justin Lawyer will be difficult to replace, but after an eight sack season, Collin Fields is expected to anchor the Bucs’ defense.
“We have to replace two safeties that were really good for us last year but we return the rest of our defense,” Smith said. “We were just so young and played See Buccaneers 115
.....................................62-0 ............L
Woodstock .........................22-19 ..........W
Etowah ..................................34-0 ..........W
Sequoyah ............................35-17 ............L River Ridge ........................50-29 ............L
Brad Smith.........................HC
Randy Reed ..............AHC/TE
Edward Russ ......Co-OC/ WR
Patrick Liner .......Co-OC/ QB
Fran Mahan ................DC/ LB
Dan Mullens ................SC/DB
Brett Hubinger ...................DL
Mike Dennison ..................OL
Bradley
RUSHING
Xavier Rucker ........128 car ..543 yds ..... 3 TD
PASSING
Saadiq Teel .............60/127.... 976 yds ....... 10 TD.. 4 INT
RECEIVING
Camden Phillips ....24 rec....376 yds ..... 3 TD
Aidan Guilbeau 17 rec 281 yds 3 TD
Xavier Rucker ........8 rec ......234 yds ..... 4 TD
TACKLES
Bryce Stack ............108
Justin Lawyer .........80
Rhett Howard ........55
TE Bennett Christian (2017-20) ...................................................Ohio
DL Royce Francis (2013-17) .......................................................Wake Forest
K Jude Kelley (2016-19) ...................................Georgia Tech, Chattanooga
QB Brandon Rainey (2012-15).....................................................The Citadel
WR Raleigh Webb (2012-15) ..........The Citadel, Tampa Bay Buccaneers FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI
so many sophomores last year. We’re excited to see what our defense can do.”
The largest lack of experience
SACKS
Collin Fields ............8
INTERCEPTIONS
Tyler Turner.............1
Gavon Hunter ........1
comes in the wide receiver room.
Newly graduated Camden Phillips and Aidan Guilbeau were the only Buccaneers with more than 10 receptions last season and accounted for six of the 11 passing touchdowns. Rising seniors Nico
Tidwell and Joshua Pardieu saw limited action last season but are expected to have increased roles.
Now in Region 7AAAA, the Bucs face a brand new slate of opponents. Joining Cartersville, Cass, Cedartown, Dalton, Hiram, South-
east Whitfield and Woodland, Allatoona will be Cobb County’s only representative in the region.
“Our region stands out to everybody,” Smith said. “But we’re excited. We want to take it one week at a time.”
By Kai Millette MDJ Sports Writer
Academics with a healthy side of football and community service have defined Landon Koel’s time in high school.
The senior offensive lineman currently holds a 4.3 grade point average, which he credits to being the son of a teacher and a football player. Landon’s dad Treg played quarterback at Virginia
Tech, while his mother has made a career teaching in the public school system.
“Growing up I’ve always just been in the school system so I kind of know how it works, ” Koel said. “My parents always told me to take my education very seriously, so on my first day at Allatoona I was taking AP classes and ready for it.”
Thanks to his success on the field and in the classroom, Koel
has generated interest from football programs at some of the most highly regarded private universities in the country – CarnegieMellon, Penn and Johns Hopkins. While college football is a possible route, he is still scoping out his options.
“I’m just trying to test the waters,” Koel said. “I’ve got good grades and I’m good at football.”
Measuring in at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, Koel’s intangibles
were good enough to earn him his first official offer from Sewanee in June.
In hopes of gaining more college attention, Koel has visited numerous recruiting camps within and outside the state of Georgia, including Kennesaw State, Georgia Southern, Mercer and Penn.
Wherever he ends up, Koel plans on either taking a pre-
See Koel 117
Gibson took the advice from his coaches to stay humble, and he rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries en route to a 41-29 Longhorns victory.
Gipson continued to be a presence in the backfield throughout his freshman season, helping Kell secure a Region 6AAAAA region title and a playoff berth. He finished his freshman season with 655 yards and 10 touchdowns on 84 carries.
“I think I did really good (last season),” Gipson said. “There is stuff that I need to improve on, like holding the ball and making longer runs.”
Gipson also wanted to be quicker and 20 pounds lighter going into his sophomore campaign.
“He had a lot of baby fat coming in (to the off-
season),” assistant coach Chaz Ferdinand said. “He’s always been a bigger kid, even when he was in middle school. He wanted to be leaner and faster and to move better. Trimming weight was one of his goals, and he attacked it.”
In order to shed the pounds, Gipson said he put himself on a diet of mostly chicken, rice and asparagus and cut out the junk food. He also was a sprinter on the Kell track team.
With less weight to carry, Gipson said he can move faster, cut better and doesn’t tire as easily.
With Gipson’s name now on the radar, more will be expected from him going into the 2024 campaign.
Gipson will have a younger team around him this season, which means he may have to take on more responsibility.
“I’m just going to take it how it comes to me,” Gipson said. “I know what I can do.”
From 116
medical track or studying business in college.
Outside of football and the classroom, Koel finds himself playing other sports and staying involved in his community.
He is a successful three-year varsity tennis player at Allatoona, and was once named first-team all-region.
Koel was also recognized this spring by the District Special Education Department for excellence in mentoring transition program students. The program seeks to promote better opportunities for special education students after high school.
“Our transition program will provide quality programming in the areas of employment, independent living and community skills to prepare students for adulthood and postsecondary success,” the department’s mission statement reads.
Koel’s unit will face the challenge of inexperience, as he is one of just two returning starters on the Allatoona offensive line. He remains optimistic and excited for the upcoming year.
“Last year was not the way we wanted things to go, but this year it’s a lot younger,”
he said. “We’re not a typical offensiveline. We’re fast, aggressive and violent.”
Rather than seeing it as an obstacle, Koel sees the youth around him as a reason to stand out as a leader.
“Taking initiative, having urgency and integrity,” he said. “By going out to practice or conditioning and just giving my all everyday.”
In year two under coach Brad Smith, Koel said he has faith in the direction of the program. He praised the emphasis on conditioning to create stronger athletes and the newest addition to the coaching staff.
“Coach Smith has pushed us in such a forward direction, picking up coach (Fran) Mahan as our defensive coordinator has helped a lot,” he said. “Coach (Dan) Mullins does a great job with us in the weight room, he’s working with what we have.”
While managing growing expectations and interest in his football career, Koel is trying to remain focused on the team’s pursuits in 2024.
“I hope to pick up a couple more offers and make first team all-region,” he said. “But really, I want to get back to the playoffs. I know that’s not individual but it’s what I’m really looking forward to.”
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
Region 6AAAAA is wide open. Eight teams populate the region, all of which can make a run at the playoffs in 2024. The new alignment is a mash-up of Regions 6AAAAAA and 7AAAAAA, with Riverwood the lone team coming over from Region 4AAAAAA as all eight drop down one classification. Creekview, River Ridge, Sequoyah and Sprayberry were all playoff teams last year. The former Region 6AAAAAA teams had to contend with football powerhouse Rome in 2023, but even without a clear frontrunner, coaches don’t expect a cakewalk.
“You drop a Rome, but you pick up a Sprayberry, Lassiter and Pope, and then Riverwood always has some talented athletes,” Creekview coach Trevor Williams said. “Week in and week out, it’s going to be a dogfight all through this region. Every team is well-coached and every team has players that can beat you. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.”
Riverwood has the most recent region championship of the bunch, having won Region 7AAAAAA in 2021. They were followed by River Ridge, which claimed the same region title one year prior. Woodstock is the only program to not have one.
Sprayberry held the best region record between itself, Pope and Lassiter last season, and it returns seven starters from that group. Quarterback Jaden Duckett is back after a 17-touchdown campaign as coach Brett Vavra and the Yellow Jackets expect to compete for a
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region title.
Lassiter and Pope are coming off rebuilding years, where they finished 1-9 and 2-8, respectively, and missed the playoffs. The Greyhounds cannot be overlooked with a senior-heavy roster, while the Trojans expect growth from a young lineup.
There are no weeks off, according to River Ridge coach Michael Collins, who’s seen Pope and Lassiter as non-region opponents throughout the last four seasons.
“I feel like it’s a competitive region from top to bottom,” Collins said. “Obviously there’s the Cherokee County teams we have been competing with for a while now inside this region, but we’ve also been playing Sprayberry and Pope for the last couple of years, so we already know what they can bring to the table. It’s always a dogfight.”
Cherokee County teams Creekview, Sequoyah and River Ridge all have legitimate region title
aspirations in 2024, with Woodstock looking to take the next step in its rebuild and contend for a playoff spot.
The Chiefs finished second in Region 6AAAAAA last year and won a home playoff game over Alpharetta, while the Grizzlies took third and the Knights were fourth. All three teams return their starting quarterbacks, along with difference-makers at the skill positions.
Riverwood holds a winning record against just one of its new region rivals, River Ridge (2-1). It holds .500 all-time records against Sprayberry (4-4), Sequoyah (2-2) and Pope (2-2). Lassiter is undefeated against the Raiders, while Riverwood and Woodstock have never met.
The Wolverines are far from region championship contention, but as they progress in the rebuild, the playoffs are not out of the question. Woodstock rolls out a new starting quarterback in Graham Burmeister, alongside veteran skill players in receiver Chase Colina and running back Isaiah Payton.
“We bring over the three Cobb schools, and we think we can compete,” Woodstock coach Dan Devine said. “That’s all you really want to do is be in games at the end. We were in a lot of games at the half last year, and then kind of lost it in the second half. We want to compete for four quarters, and that’s all you can really ask for from your kids.”
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
New region, same expectations for coach Trevor Williams and Creekview football.
The Grizzlies qualified for the postseason in three of the last four years, and under Williams, they have not finished under .500 in region play.
Dropping down to Class AAAAA, alongside Cherokee County foes River Ridge, Sequoyah and Woodstock, Creekview reloaded ahead of 2024 and has region title aspirations.
“These guys work their tails off,
1 Nathan Agyemang WR/LB 11
2
Wayland WR/DB 12 3
Penrod QB/WR 11 4 Kole Thorson WR/DB 12
5 Austin Penrod WR/DB 11 6 Derek Mizysak TE/DL 10 7 Ryan Brooks RB/LB 12 8 Charlie Harrington TE/DL 11 9 Jackson Stanley WR/DB 12
12
12
Landon Barnes QB 9
12
10
12
12
Crane WR/DB 12
10
Lott RB/LB 10
Jd Russell WR/DB 10
Carter Cundy RB/LB 11
Hayden Hanson WR/DB 10 23 Mason Munn RB/LB 11
24 Jasper Gilliam WR/DB 11
and this is a fun group to coach,” Williams said. “They love being around each other. We are young in some spots, but we have a lot of experience coming back in others. The older guys who have been in the fire have to put their arms around the young guys and teach them the way to practice and how to go about their business.”
The Grizzlies finished 7-4 overall in 2023, claiming third place in Region 6AAAAAA at 4-2. Their season ended with a 24-10 loss on the road to Blessed Trinity, though a 6-1 start propelled them to the postseason.
Creekview is 32-20 through six seasons under Williams, the second-most wins by a Grizzlies coach in history, behind only Al Morrell (48-25, seven years).
The largest void, pun intended, from last year’s roster comes along the offensive line, where the Grizzlies graduated 6-foot6, 280-pound tackle Andrew Rosinski (North Carolina) and 6-1, 255-pound center Pierson Sears (Mercer).
However, they will make up for it between seniors Fernando Zurita (6-1, 270) and Brayden Grantham (5-11, 250). Despite giving up some
2024 Roster
height, that duo has the size to keep pockets clean and create running lanes for senior quarterback Austin Guest.
“I have been really pleased with our offensive line,” Williams said. “We lost two Division I offensive linemen and some other guys that were key backups. It was a big question mark coming into the year, but I think those guys have done a great job of gelling together.”
Guest approached 3,000 total yards in 2023, with 1,723 through the air and 1,018 on the ground. He threw for 16 touchdowns to See Grizzlies 120
36 Brant Freeman WR/LB 12
37 Daniel Tanner WR/DB 11
38 Karsen Pearson RB/LB 10
39 Caden Simpson RB/DL 10
40 Andrew Jones RB/DL 11
41 Gunner Cantrell LS/DL 12
42 Aiden Trujillo WR/DB 11
43 Dorian Curtis WR/DB 10
44 Aiden Caraballo RB/LB 12
45 Colt Davis K 11
46 Justin Graham RB/LB 11
47 Mason Simonton RB/LB 10
48 Braden Kimber RB/LB 11
25 Zackery Reis WR/DB 10 No. Name Pos. Cl. 26 Tristan McWilliams RB/LB 12 27 Jackson Shirley. WR/DB 11 28 Ty Gill WR/DB 12 28 Cash Mirinelli WR/DB 10 29 Aydin Grice RB/DB 11 30 Travis Vines RB/LB 10 31 Landon Parker QB/LB 10 32 Ezra Dirrim WR/DB 12 33 Drake Jenkins WR/DB 10 34 Zach Wilkerson WR/LB 12 34 Caleb Leonard WR/DB 11 35 Jaxon Stephens WR/DB 11
No. Name Pos. Cl.
49 Nickolas Shakespeare RB/DB 11
50 Caleb Glover OL/DL 10
51 Journey Cowart OL/DL 11
52 Austin Davis RB/LB 11
53 Adrian Alanis OL/DL 11
54 Braxton Bleisath OL/DL 10
55 Kevin Meade OL/DL 12
56 William Blakey RB/LB 11
57 Ryan Marrinson OL/DL 10
58 Tripp Clark OL/DL 10
59 Jonathan Kokinda OL/DL 10
60 Ryan Sullivan OL/DL 10
61 Joahm Jacquez OL/DL 11
62 James Burns LB/P 10
63 Landon Wallace OL/DL 10
64 Henry Mosley OL/DL 12
65 Damian Moreno RB/DL 10
66 Reef Heany OL/DL 10
67 Zander Jolivette OL/DL 11
68 Jason Nicks OL/DL 11
70 Brayden Grantham OL/DL 12
71 Weston Brady OL/DL 10
72 Ryder Howe OL/DL 10
73 Cainan Benefield OL/DL 10
Noah Rushing OL/DL 11
Cambridge ..........................41-14 ..........W
Hillgrove ................................31-9 ..........W
Calhoun ..............................28-14 ............L
North Forsyth .....................24-21 ..........W
Allatoona ............................38-14 ..........W
Etowah ..................................23-9 ..........W
River Ridge .........................48-34 ..........W
Sequoyah ............................31-27 ............L
Woodstock ...........................35-3 ..........W
Rome ...................................55-19 ............L
Blessed Trinity ...................24-10 ............L 1550 Owens Store Rd, Canton, GA 30115 • Grizzly Den https://www.gogrizzly.net/
Trevor Williams .................HC
Chip Martin..............AHC/DC
Bo Page .....................OC/WR
Michael Mathis ............ST/RB
Jay McCloskey ..............AHC
Josh Pritchett ....................DB
Taylor Hunt .........................DL
Peyton Parker ....................LB
Chas Pierce ........................DL
Jeff Imperial .......................OL
Ross Cravens .....................LB Paxton
ALUMNI
OL Nick Pendley (2015-18) .......................................................Georgia Tech
OL John Williams (2016-19) ..............................................................Clemson
RB Cade Radam (2015-18) ..................................................Kennesaw State
Guest.............108/212 1,723 yds 16 TD 8 INT
RECEIVING
Michael Roach 37 rec 654 yds 9 TD TACKLES
Anderson.....86 Brant Freeman ......83
Brock ................73
Meade ..........6
Anderson.....4.5 INTERCEPTIONS
Brock ................2 Josh Tuten 2
eight interceptions and rushed for another 13 scores. He led Creekview’s run game with 8.5 yards per carry.
Overall, the Grizzlies averaged 28.2 points and 365.5 yards per contest last season. Mason Munn (615 yards, four touchdowns) returns to the backfield,
along with a now-healthy Tristan McWilliams. Sophomores Travis Vines and Carson Lott are also expected to enter the backfield rotation.
Jackson Stanley (399 yards, one touchdown) and Nathan Agyemang (136 yards, one touchdown) are Creekview’s top returning passcatchers.
“I think we are going to be more explosive,” Williams said. “Nathan Agyemang has had an incredible
offseason. He’s a guy who started for us out wide as a sophomore, and he’s going to be a game-changer for us this year.”
On the defensive side, Brant Freeman (83 tackles, six tackles for loss) and Andrew Hammond (38 tackles, three tackles for loss) are the most productive returners, with Evan Wayland expected to headline the secondary.
With the departures of Reed Anderson and Griffin Jane, the
Grizzlies are sacrificing some size in the box, but Williams is ready to utilize the speed boost to break down plays and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
“We are going to be faster,” Williams said. “We have more speed and explosiveness. We are hoping to get back to who we have been, defensively, in the past of creating negative plays, getting after the football and being able to affect the quarterback.”
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
Evan Wayland was eight years old, standing on the Creekview sideline and watching his brother, Jackson, make plays on the field.
Fast forward a decade to 2024 and Wayland is the featured player in the Grizzlies’ secondary.
Football is in his blood, from his older brother, who competed
under coach Terry Crowder, to grandfather Ned Sanders, who played collegiately at the Citadel.
The latest Wayland headlines a revamped Creekview secondary as it strives toward a fourth playoff appearance in five years.
“Each year, I’ve had somebody in the secondary leading me,” Wayland said. “It was Cale Williams, and then Taylor Cox-Young. They all helped me, and I learned a lot
from them. Now, I’m just trying to pour knowledge into the younger guys and use the same thought process of helping them out.”
Creekview coach Trevor Williams compared Wayland to former Grizzly Cale Williams, who is currently a defensive back at the Citadel. Williams broke out for the Citadel last season, notching 55 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception.
Wayland comes off a 2023 campaign where he posted 29 tackles and one pass defended. He missed time as a sophomore because of injury but bounced back as a junior to help lead Creekview back to the playoffs. Now a senior, Wayland is moving back to his natural position at safety, and his coach expects big things.
“His confidence level has been
See Wayland 126
By Allie Kraus MDJ Sports Writer
Lassiter coach Sean Thom said he is conditioning his athletes to see pressure as a privilege this season. Thom has big expectations for his team in the 2024 season, and in order to make these a reality, he said he needs to change the mindset of his players. Although kids struggle with the idea of pressure, Thom said he believes comfortability is the enemy of greatness. He wants his team to embrace pressure.
With this new mindset, Thom
said his goal on the field this season is to make it to the playoffs.
“Point blank simple, we want to get in the dance,” Thom said.
“That’s our vision. We always say our mission is what our program stands for. Our vision is what we want to accomplish. And our vision this year is to play an 11th game.”
After five seasons as Lassiter’s coach, Thom said this year is different. He said he has all of the pieces to be successful.
Offensively, Thom says the team is in a quarterback battle between senior Levi Mundt, junior Mitch Seaman and sophomore Joshua
Frere. Slot receiver Collins Price is another important component to the offense. Price had a successful 2023 season with 54 rushing yards, 252 receiving yards, two touchdowns, five tackles and three kickoff returns. Thom said Price is one of the best athletes he has seen at Lassiter since he first joined the program.
The defense is relying on the linebacking corps of Bryce Parker, Harston Harrison and Reid Ashmore, who are among the defense’s most experienced players. Noah O’Neill, a rising senior coming off an injury, and Chase Jones, a
2024 Roster
sophomore who Thom said can be disruptive, are the other key pieces to the defense.
“Overall as a group I think our skill position is as good as we’ve ever had here,” Thom said. “We’re gonna find ways to get our best players the ball and we’ll have a chance to be successful. We like where we’re at skillswise.”
The Trojans feel like they have the talent. The next step is getting the players to work together on the field during summer practices.
“I’ve seen growth already,” Thom said. “Our first value is growth, See Trojans 124
Sean Thom ........................HC
Joshua Poole ..........AHC/DC
Paris Brown .................DB/ST
Howie DeCristofaro ..........DL
Tyler Donaldson ................LB
Campbell Price .................DB
OL Ross Brannon (1992-95), .....................................................Florida State
TE Philip Lutzenkirchen (2005-08), ...............Auburn, Los Angeles Rams
QB Hutson Mason (2006-09), ........................................Georgia, Redskins
LB Kevin Schimmelmann (1997-2000), ......Stanford, Green Bay Packers
OL Camden Wentz (2005-08), ..................N.C. State, Minnesota Vikings
trying to get 1% better every day. It’s a different feeling than we’ve had in five years. They want to be here even though some of the stuff is voluntary on a Friday or Saturday.”
a
Lassiter has been moved into new look Region 6AAAAA with familiar foes Pope and Sprayberry. The Trojans’ new region rivals
will be Creekview, River Ridge, and Woodstock, swapping out a pair of powerhouses in Roswell and Blessed Trinity.
“I think (having a new region) is kind of fun anyway, but I’ll flat out say a coach is lying if they say
they’re not happy to see Roswell and Blessed Trinity go, “ Thom said. “They’re good football teams. (The region change) suits us well. I think we’re more comparable to everyone in the region, probably academically and athletically.”
By Allie Kraus MDJ Sports Writer
Bryce Parker has found his rhythm.
Lassiter coach Sean Thom has four main values for his team to live by – growth, responsibility, integrity and togetherness. After following them, Parker has become a strong asset for the Trojans.
“Growth being first and foremost,
he’s done that,” Thom said. “He has that mindset of, ‘What can I get better at today?’ I know he is very into film so that’s one of the things that he’s taken a great deal of pride in. He wants to get feedback on how he can get better.”
The senior middle linebacker pushes himself to be the best possible player. Along with football, he plays lacrosse and swims. The extra sports help his strength and
conditioning on the field. Both lacrosse and swimming are fastpaced sports and push him physically. Lacrosse is similar to playing defense, involving shuffling and reading hips.
At 6-foot-1, 203-pounds his dedication and hard work have made him an overall better athlete.
“Our second thing is responsibility,” Thom said. “We look at the school building, he does the
right thing, he’s never a problem in class, he’s a great example there.” Parker has earned the trust of his teammates and coaches, and assumes a leadership position on and off the field.
“I’d say I have a strong leadership role because I started sophomore year,” Parker said. “Being the mike linebacker, I try to be responsible by keeping everyone in line
From 121
through the roof,” Trevor Williams said. “He dealt with an injury as a sophomore, but came back and had a really solid junior season. A lot of that was getting his confidence and his swagger back. He has been flying around back there, making plays, talking and leading. He can erase things, and that’s what you need out of a great safety.”
Creekview’s culture stood out to Wayland from his younger days
on the
sidelines as a ball boy. He said that culture has remained consistent, and in combination with off-field bonds between players, it created a winning environment.
The Grizzlies’ culture also brings an immense level of competitiveness, something Wayland is familiar with growing up with an older brother. Evan and Jackson were constantly competing with one another, from basketball to board games.
“Anything we did, whether it was one-on-one basketball, or just playing checkers, it was competitive,” Wayland said. “We had a
trip where my brother and I played Monopoly. I beat him, and he didn’t talk to me for a full 24 hours. It was crazy, but it was fun.”
That competitive fire shows itself both on the football field and the basketball court as he brings defense, energy and toughness off the Creekview bench. It’s no accident that Wayland, a safety, also excels defensively as a basketball player.
Wayland has high hopes for his senior year, and he’s excited about the expected contributions from his younger running mates in the secondary. The Grizzlies held opponents to 22 points per
game last season, including three opponents (Hillgrove, Etowah and Woodstock) who were held to single digits.
They hope to improve the defensive numbers in 2024, but Wayland knows it’s a full team effort to stack a second consecutive postseason appearance.
“It’s our defense, offense and special teams – we work on all three every day at practice,” Wayland said. “Our defense and offense keep getting each other better every day when we go best on best. Those dudes that we compete with, we are helping the offense and they are helping us.”
By Arkesh Ray MDJ Sports Writer
Pope coach Sean O’Sullivan points to two factors that make this year’s Greyhounds different from last year – physicality and leadership.
Pope has 23 seniors on the team this season and O’Sullivan, entering his second year at the helm, expects them to pave the way for others on the team by being leaders. He named Florida State baseball commit John Stuetzer as the main leader on the offensive side of the ball and Brown commit Nick Chao on
the defense.
Stuetzer not only led the team in total touchdowns with 20, but was also tied for first in Cobb County in receiving touchdowns with 13 and second in yards with 941. Chao led the team with 72 tackles, was second in sacks with five and tied for seventh among all Cobb County defenders for tackles for loss with 14.
O’Sullivan is also expecting big things from offensive linemen Max Fumerton and Sam Mitchell, along with versatile running back JT Way.
Pope lost three starters who will go on to play football in col-
lege – defensive lineman Jaiden Grimes (Kennesaw State), kicker Andrew Helms (Georgia Tech), and offensive lineman Charlie Hubbard (Presbyterian).
Chao will take over Grimes’ role at defensive end. To replace Hubbard, O’Sullivan said he has been trying out several different linemen over the summer in search of a long-term starter.
The second thing that is different about Pope this season is its size.
“We are physically stronger size and strength wise than we were a year ago.” O’Sullivan said.
The team has length, start-
2024 Roster
ing with Chao who is 6-foot3. Reed Egan is 6-foot-3 and plays both free safety and outside linebacker. He recorded 62 total tackles and one interception last season. Charlie Layman, a cornerback, is 6-foot-2. Freshman Connor O’Ryan, who is the team’s second string running back, is 6-foot-1. James Burns, who plays on both sides of the ball, is 6-foot-1.
“At the end of the day we want to play a physical brand of football in all three phases (offense, defense, and special teams) of the game,” O’Sullivan said.
See Greyhounds 128
3001 Hembree Rd NE, Marietta, GA 30062 • Pope Multi-Sport Complex https://www.popefootball.com/ X: @PopeFootball Instagram: @popefootball Facebook: @Pope Football
River Ridge .........................45-31 ............L
Kell .......................................28-21 ............L
Walton ...................................67-7 ............L
North Paulding ..................56-21 ............L
Alpharetta...........................34-23 ............L
Blessed Trinity ...................43-10 ............L
Roswell................................70-14 ............L
Lassiter.................................38-17 ..........W
Johns Creek .........................38-0 ..........W
Sprayberry ..........................45-21 ............L
Lucas Krull
Jerry Mahon
Butch Climmons
QB Holland Frost (2008-11), .....................................................Georgia Tech
OL Max Kemper (2011-14), ...............................................................Air Force
OL Thomas O’Reilly (2007-10), ................................................Georgia Tech
WR Ryan Sawyer (1995-98), ..............................................................Virginia
QB T.J. Yates (2002-05), .........................North Carolina, Houston Texans
Pope went just 2-8 last sea -
....980 yds..... 9 TD.. 9 INT RECEIVING
John Stuetzer ........43 rec....941 yds ...... 13 TD
Nick Chao 72 SACKS
Jaiden Grimes .......10 INTERCEPTIONS
Tyler Smith 4
son but O’Sullivan is confident the team can be better this year. He said the main thing he has been harping on this offseason is cutting down on turnovers.
O’Sullivan said he wants his team to go out there and play a perfect game, saying they made too many mistakes last year and it showed with their disappointing record. Pope will look to clean up the miscues and rebound in 2024.
Pope’s John Stuetzer is a two-sport athlete. He will play baseball at Florida State, but first he wants to try to get the Greyhounds football team back to the playoffs, and the baseball team another state title.
By Arkesh Ray MDJ Sports Writer
Pope’s John Stuetzer is coming back for his final season of football, and he wants to win.
The 5-foot-11, 195-pound wide receiver is also a center fielder and shortstop for the Greyhounds’ baseball team. The Florida State baseball commit wants to have the same kind of success on the football field as he’s had on the diamond.
Stuetzer is coming off successful seasons in both sports. In the fall, he tallied 941 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, in addition to 171 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns and a kick return touchdown. In the spring, he hit six home runs and stole 33 bases, a Pope single season record. His 56 career stolen bases are another program record.
Stuetzer could take this football season off, try to stay healthy and take time to get ready for his final
baseball season, but he said he couldn’t bring himself to do that.
“I’ve played this sport since Kindergarten, I just love it too much.” he said. “I love these guys too much and want to help them win in any way I can.”
Although he loves football, Stuetzer said he chose to play baseball in college because it’s easier on the body.
Stuetzer said he sees himself as an offensive machine, and thatthere is nothing on the offensive
side of either sport he can’t do. He compared himself as a wide receiver to NFL star Justin Jefferson, who embodies the Minnesota Vikings’ offense. In baseball, he aspires to be like MLB star Ronald Acuna Jr, who is known for stealing bases.
Stuetzer said one sport helps the other. He said that tracking a baseball as a center fielder is made easier after tracking footballs. He said that baseball is a very men-
hustling, knowing what to do, and being in the right spot to do it and executing on that.”
Parker calls himself the “uncle” of the lacrosse team. He uses his leadership abilities and veteran status to be a valuable resource for the younger players.
“For lacrosse, I like to try and bring the best energy I can to the team,” Parker said. “Especially during practice to make sure we are getting quality reps and not just going through the motions.”
The senior athlete has gained his coaches’ trust on and off the field. Thom said he never has to worry about Parker causing trouble in the classroom or at practice.
“Integrity, that’s what he is,” Thom said. “I think it goes back to doing the right thing.”
Parker said he believes playing three sports has limited his chances of getting into off-the-field issues.
“Not only does it take up all your time so you don’t have much spare time to get in trouble, but it also teaches you a lot about being responsible and knowing consequences,” Parker said. “I think it’s also helped me mature in
a sense, by being around such positive coaching figures that preach aspects of how to live life as a responsible person. It has really been instilled into my brain from a young age until now.”
Parker has neither the time nor desire to cause trouble for his coaches or teachers. He eventually wants to play in college and has received an offer from The University of the South. He credits his positive role models for the integrity he has developed over the years.
“(Parker is) always around the team,” Thom said of the final value, togetherness. “He’s not only with his little group of guys but with everyone else, too.”
He works to make each of his teammates feel like family, trying to make the underclassmen feel included. Clique is not a word he believes in. Each player is necessary in the end goal no matter how big or small it may be.
“I just try to put into everyone’s head that no one is above the law and we all are putting in the same work to achieve the same goal,” Parker said. “So why should we not put our strengths together to accomplish that? In swimming I’d say I’m a person anyone can come talk to, younger or older, and I’ll put good energy into them and to the team as a whole.”
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tally challenging game because players can get in their own head, which might negatively affect performance. After years of playing the game, the senior said he has learned how to keep his cool on the diamond, and he carries that composure over to football. Stuetzer said that he has almost no nerves on the foot-
Anthony Stalcup
Pope’s John Stuetzer scored 20 touchdowns last season. His goal is more this season and more than two wins.
ball field, and that he just goes out there and competes. He added that he feels significantly less pressure on the gridiron than he does while playing baseball.
Stuetzer’s goal for the fall season is simple – win. He wants to win more than two games this season and out-perform his 2023 numbers. He also said he wants more than 20 touchdowns.
“Beat my stats from last year,” he said of one of his goals.
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
Daily improvement is River Ridge’s mantra ahead of the 2024 season.
Coming off a second consecutive playoff appearance, head coach Michael Collins and the Knights are determined to extend that streak. Senior quarterback Ethan Spector headlines a veteran-laden roster that excelled offensively in 2023.
“We hope to be a better team day by day,” Collins said. “We have been working hard since January, and the expectations are to hopefully reach the pinnacle of our ability by the end
of the football season.”
River Ridge returns its top passer, rusher and receiver in 2024 from an offense that averaged 29.4 points per game. Spector was Cherokee County’s second-leading passer with 1,725 yards and 21 touchdowns, with Grant Hollier as his top target (650 yards, eight touchdowns).
Camden Cox paced the backfield with 807 yards and seven touchdowns on 6.7 yards per carry. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back is the program’s most productive rusher since Amehre Morrison, who posted a 1,958-yard, 29-touchdown campaign in 2020 and now plays collegiately for West Virginia State.
Each of the Knights’ top four receivers are back for another campaign between Hollier, Sam Vincent (283 yards, four touchdowns), Thomas Thompsen (258 yards, five touchdowns) and Cox, providing a stable, experienced group of pass-catchers for Spector.
“We have most of our receiving core back, so they are seasoned, along with a seasoned quarterback,” Collins said. “I hope, if they can stay healthy, they can be a pretty strong unit for us, but with how football goes, you need them all to be strong.”
The Knights’ defense is a reloaded unit after graduating their top four tacklers in Will Hughes, Brandon Burdette, Mat-
thew Lipcsey and Brice Tomlinson. Defensive back Revis McClairen III leads the defensive returners after registering 27 tackles, three tackles for loss and six passes defended.
Another game-changing presence for River Ridge is kicker Gracen VanGilder, who nailed a game-winning 50-yard field goal in a 27-24 win over Etowah last season. The 6-foot-4 senior has a monster leg that gives the Knights a chance to score nearly anywhere in plus territory.
VanGilder also makes life easier for his defense, backing up opponents on kickoffs.
“It’s also his kickoffs, too,” See Knights 132
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Collins said. “If you can consistently make people go 80 yards, that’s hard for football teams to do at the high school level.”
River Ridge started the 2023 season with wins over Cobb
Michael Collins, Jr. ...........HC
Levi Brown .....................Asst.
Greg Dirst .......................Asst.
Joseph Mullinax ............Asst.
Mike Collins, Sr. .............Asst.
Gary Roach .....................Asst.
Thomas Lester ...............Asst.
Tyler Foster ....................Asst.
Kevin Roach, Jr. .............Asst.
Cecil Phillips...................Asst.
Adrian Morris .................Asst.
Julian Todd .....................Asst.
Blake Davis ....................Asst.
County counterparts Hillgrove and Pope, but dropped the next two against Sprayberry and North Atlanta.
Pope and Sprayberry are part of the new Region 6AAAAA, alongside Creekview, Lassiter, Riverwood, Sequoyah and Woodstock. The Knights are highly familiar with their new region
mates and went 3-3 against them last year.
River Ridge battled inconsistency near the midway point in 2023, but key victories over Etowah and Allatoona helped secure a playoff spot. With a more seasoned roster, Collins has seen a more calm and consistent approach from his team
leading up to this year’s opener. “I can tell we are older,” Collins said. “I can tell we are a year older. We had a lot of underclassmen on the field last year, and now I can see we have guys with a lot of experience across the board. It’s been pleasant to see guys use that experience to their advantage.”
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
Football is more than just a hobby, or even a passion, for River Ridge quarterback Ethan Spector. It’s destiny.
Spector was born during a University of Georgia football game, and from the moment he understood the game, he was hooked. The senior signal-caller, now a
third-year starter, lives out his dream on the gridiron.
“I was born during a Georgia game, so I definitely have always loved football,” Spector said. “Ever since I was tiny, I had always wanted to make the NFL. Once I was old enough to step onto the field, it was a whole new world.”
In year three under center, Spector’s mission is to lead River Ridge back to the playoffs, down a clas-
sification in the newly formatted Region 6AAAAA. Spector has led the Knights to an 11-11 record over the last two seasons, including two playoff appearances, but now he wants more.
“I expect a lot out of myself,” he said. “I have been here for a while now and I started as a sophomore, so I feel like I know this offense. I have been learning for the past three years, so I feel really confi-
dent about my ability and my teammates’ abilities. In my opinion, we can go undefeated. We can beat anyone that steps in front of us.”
Spector was Cherokee County’s second-leading passer in 2023, completing 55.7% of his passes for 1,731 yards, 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He led a River Ridge offense that scored nearly 30 points per game, with a pair
Spector 134
of 50-plus-point performances against Woodstock and Allatoona.
In terms of yardage, Spector remained rather consistent between his sophomore and junior seasons. However, the notable difference came in his touchdown totals, where he nearly doubled his tally of 11 from 2022.
This year, River Ridge coach Michael Collins believes Spector’s best is yet to come.
“He had a really good offseason and has come a long way three years into the system now,” Collins said. “You can tell he is pretty comfortable in the system, and the main thing is hopefully he can continue that comfort level as he makes off-platform throws, reading the field and using his legs because he can run as well. He is progressing, and I am very excited about that.”
Spector’s playmaking, along with his ability to process defenses, helps him stand out among a talented crop of Cherokee County quarterbacks. As the alpha on River Ridge’s offense, his mindset also plays a vital role as he keeps the Knights’ energy level high on the sidelines.
Despite not possessing the prototypical size for a quarterback, Spector continues to build muscle and add weight.
Spector said he has grown since the end of last season, and as he continues to refine his timing with receivers and knowledge of defensive coverages, he expects to score points with the state’s best and return to the playoffs.
“It’s our will to win,” Spector said. “For myself and the guys around me, we all want to win. For us to do that, we have to put points up on the board. Once we get moving and the ball gets rolling, we are getting that ball into the end zone.”
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
Sequoyah cannot be underestimated coming off a secondround playoff appearance in Class AAAAAA last season.
The Chiefs finished second in Region 6AAAAAA, only behind Rome, and won a home playoff game for the first time since 2018. Sequoyah overcame a 0-2 start to finish the regular season on a 7-1 tear. The standard is set, and the Chiefs expect to do it again.
“Our expectations are the same as every year – go out and perform the best we can and make a run at the region, just like
always,” Chiefs coach James Teter said. “The difference is, we have a new team this year, and until you get into the heat of the fire, you don’t know how they will respond.”
Sequoyah loses athlete Jackson Hancock, who signed with Missouri, and another two-way star in Bretton Darling. Those two were the Chiefs’ leading receivers and their top defenders in the secondary.
Quarterback Kolby Martin is the biggest returning piece for Teter’s squad, coming off a 1,707yard, 15-touchdown season as a sophomore. Martin was thrown into the fire as a freshman and
responded with consecutive Class AAAAAA playoff appearances through his first two years as a starter.
“It’s tough losing guys like Jackson (Hancock) and Bretton (Darling) from the receiving core, but we have some guys like Brooks (Darling), who will be good for our receiver group,” Martin said. “We have a talented O-line and backfield as well.”
Offensive line has been a strong suit in recent years, but with stable presences Brady Curl and Dmitri Morris gone, more falls on the shoulders of junior Alex Brewer and company.
Ean Marria is another returning
2024 Roster
12
standout who is likely to take on a larger role following the departures of Darling and Hancock. Marria was Sequoyah’s secondleading rusher with 332 yards and six touchdowns, and also produced a team-best nine sacks. He was also one of the biggest difference-makers in the first-round playoff win over Alpharetta. The Chiefs’ rather uncommon Wing-T offense creates problems for opposing defenses through its disguises and deception. Now a junior, Martin is well-versed in a system that’s been very successful in recent history.
“Offensively, we have more See Chiefs 136
4485 Hickory Rd, Canton, GA 30115 • Skip Pope Stadium https://www.sequoyahfootball.com/ X: @SequoyahChiefs Instagram: @sequoyahchiefsfootball Facebook: @SequoyahChiefsFootball
2023 RESULTS
Lambert ..............................45-28 ............L
Rabun Gap Nacoochee ......39-6 ............L
Cedartown...........................14-10 ..........W
Cherokee .............................14-13 ..........W
Etowah .................................21-12 ..........W
River Ridge ........................35-28 ..........W
Rome .....................................56-3 ............L
Creekview ...........................31-27 ..........W
Allatoona .............................35-17 ..........W
Woodstock .........................49-14 ..........W
Alpharetta.............................33-9 ..........W
Douglas County ................48-14 ............L
VARSITY
COACHING STAFF
James Teter .......................HC
Brent Budde ................DC/LB
Greg Key .............................OL
Ben Jacqmein ............OC/OL
Lane Whitley ......................LB
Kevin Bannister ................DB
Breon Isaac .......................DB
Colin Dozier .......................DL
Steve Collins .....................WR
Wes Emery ...........................K
Eric Burkhalter ...................RB
Billy Pichon ........................LB
Joe Hulen ...........................SC
RUSHING
Will Rajecki...................
RECEIVING
Jackson Hancock.. 46 rec ......622 yds......4 TD
TACKLES
Bretton Darling .....70
Taiwo Ogundele ..67
SACKS
Ean Marria 9
Matthew Matz 7
ATH Patrick Hall (1998-2001) .......................................................Penn State
DB Austin Thomas (2001-04).............................................................Indiana
OL Paul Cantrell (1998-2001) ..........................................Middle Tennessee FAMOUS FOOTBALL ALUMNI
INTERCEPTIONS
Jackson Hancock 3
Coach: James Teter • 16th Season • Record: 85-77 • Career: 126-110
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returners than we do on defense, so that unit has a chance to be very good,” Teter said. “It (depends on) if they perform when it means something. They have done really well this summer, but every -
thing changes when it goes live. Right now, we are confident, and especially with our line.”
With its playoff win last year, Sequoyah registered its 10th season with eight or more wins going back to the program’s inception in 1990.
It marked Teter’s eighth
state playoff appearance since he first took over the program in 2010.
Sequoyah’s returners got a taste of postseason success in 2023. With a young and driven roster heading into this fall, now they want more.
“We were more seniordriven last year, so we are
pushing our current seniors to get them to respond,” Teter said. “We are getting there, closer and closer. The longer you can stay in it, that’s great for your kids, even the ones who don’t play a lot. Our kids are pumped, and they want to get there again, and then do more if possible.”
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
Kolby Martin may not get the accolades and recognition of other quarterbacks in Georgia, but he was the last one standing in Cherokee County last year.
The rising junior led Sequoyah to its best record since 2018, along with a home-field Class
AAAAAA playoff win over Alpharetta.
After getting pressed into action as a freshman, Martin has steadily improved and become more comfortable within the Chiefs’ deceptive Wing-T offense ahead of 2024. Martin expects Sequoyah to continue its upward trajectory, catalyzed by his own improvement.
“We still have the same goal–
to win a region championship,” Martin said. “It hasn’t changed much. We are just going out there to play for each other, with the goal of winning every game and winning this region.”
Martin placed fifth on the Cherokee County passing chart last season with 1,707 yards, though the second and fifth places were separated by just 24 yards. River Ridge’s Ethan
Spector finished with 1,731 yards in second place. With 17 touchdowns, Martin improved drastically between his freshman and sophomore seasons. He threw just five interceptions and notched another 144 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
As Martin’s production jumped, Sequoyah’s record did too, going
By Lance Warren MDJ Sports Writer
Sprayberry has plans to contend in 2024.
The Yellow Jackets will return seven starters on both sides of the ball from last year’s roster, and are looking to build on 2023’s sixwin season.
“We expect to be in a position to compete for a region championship,” coach Brett Vavra said. “I think this season we have the right tools to make it far, and we want to win a couple playoff games at a minimum.”
Cornerbacks Mark Manfred and Jorden Edmonds will headline a talented defense looking to take the next step this season.
“They’re extremely talented,”
Vavra said. “They have length, great ball skills and make our jobs easier as coaches. They run the secondary and they can also play both sides of the ball.”
Manfred finished his junior year with 62 tackles, five tackles for loss, one interception, four pass breakups and a forced fumble. Edmonds finished his sophomore year with two interceptions, five pass breakups and 32 total tackles.
Manfred committed to Missouri earlier this summer and Edmonds has already received offers from Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee among other high-profile schools.
Vavra said he feels that the star status of Manfred and Edmonds can make other players on the roster become overlooked.
“Everett Currie stands out for me,” Vavra said. “He led the county in tackles last season with 132 and hasn’t gotten nearly the attention he deserves heading into his senior season. I also feel that linebacker Jamarion Cooper has been overlooked and is very good as well.”
Cooper had 86 tackles, four tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks last season. Sprayberry has plenty of defensive experience, which Vavra outlined as a big plus for the team overall.
“We have lots of experience and lots of Friday night snaps,” Vavra said. “That is definitely one of our biggest strengths and something we will look to use to our advantage.”
On the other side of the ball, Vavra said he was pleased with the offensive line’s improvement.
“We are still coming together as
2024 Roster
an O-line and some of these guys are very young, but we still feel like we’re much improved and will continue to improve throughout the season,” Vavra said.
The line will be headlined by seniors Zayden Thomas, Ahmari Wright and David Giwa.
Quarterback Jaden Duckett will lead the offense again after he ran for 843 yards and 17 touchdowns, and threw for another 607 yards and three scores in 2023.
As for play style, Vavra said his team will be aggressive on both sides of the ball.
“We will be dialing up blitzes even on early downs potentially,” Vavra said. “We intend to get after quarterbacks this year. Offensively, I feel like we have big play capability
See Jackets 139
TE/LB 11
Christian Bowden WR/DB 11
Ian Hulbert RB/DB 10
Rodney (RJ) Green LB 10
Liam Dingle K/P 12
DJ Mailey WR/DB 10
10
James Funchess RB 11
Landyn
2525 Sandy Plains Rd, Marietta, GA 30066 • Jim Frazier Stadium
@SHSProspects
Campbell ....................31-10 (OT) ..........W
Paulding County.................37-14 ..........W
River Ridge .........................38-33 ..........W
Kell .........................................40-7 ............L
Blessed Trinity ......................31-3 ............L
Alpharetta...........................48-23 ............L
Johns Creek .......................38-14 ..........W
Roswell..................................49-7 ............L
Lassiter................................53-13 ..........W
Pope ....................................45-21 ..........W
Rome .....................................56-0 ............L
Brett Vavra ........................HC
Chris Stewart ....................DC
Ben McLane ......................OC
Jack Marinich..............WR/ST
Brent Haygood ..................OL
Robbie Jenkins ..................OL
Chester Ransom ...............WR
Bill Bellus ............................RB
Mike Davidson .............RB/TE
John Wernquist .................LB
Brad Trout...........................DL
Gordon Carr .......................DL
Corbin Jackson ................DB
DL Jabari Zuniga (2015-19), ..........................Florida, New Orleans Saints
RB Trey Sermon (2013-16), .........................Ohio State, Indianapolis Colts
K Rodrigo Blankenship (2011-14), .........Georgia, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
RB Jerick McKinnon (2006-09), ..Georgia Southern, Kansas City Chiefs
DB Brynden Trawick (2004-07), ............................Troy, Baltimore Ravens
across the board with explosive playmakers like our tight end Aiden Lynch and Mark Manfred, who will be playing some
receiver this year as well. We feel good about our ability to be a big play offense.”
Lynch had 10 receptions for 92 yards last season. Manfred chipped in on offense with 14 catches for 178 yards and three touchdowns.
Vavra said his team will try to
have a day-to-day mindset in its efforts to make a deep run this season. The pieces are there for Sprayberry to have a special season if the players can buy in.
“This year it’s gonna be about taking it one day at a time and being focused on the process,”
Vavra said. “We don’t want to overlook anyone and our biggest emphasis will be on focusing on the process every week and stacking days to get better so that we can make the run we want to make this year.”
By Lance Warren MDJ Sports Writer
Everett Currie feels underestimated entering his senior season in 2024.
Despite the linebacker’s gaudy numbers, he has yet to receive the attention or scholarship offers he feels he deserves.
“Of course I feel overlooked,” Currie said. “I mean, I’m balling out and nobody is really recog-
nizing it, but it’s not something I can really change without just continuing to work.”
The 6-foot, 220-pound linebacker was one of the leading tacklers in Cobb County in 2023 with 132. He also added two sacks and five tackles for loss. Currie had 23 total tackles in a standout performance in Sprayberry’s win over Campbell.
“I mean, the guy was one of the
leading tacklers in the county,” Sprayberry head coach Brett Vavra said. “Nobody is really paying him enough attention and he’s definitely been one of our most overlooked guys.”
Currie said he is setting even higher goals for himself this season.
“One hundred and sixty tackles is a big goal for me,” Currie said. “(More) sacks as well, because I didn’t have many last year so I
need to get more of those. I also want to work on my speed this season.”
He said he has been working on his speed through the use of sprinting, and other speed and agility drills like the cone drill. Currie said he feels his tackling is the biggest strength in his game right now.
“Obviously, I feel I’m very strong
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
It’s Year 2 of the Dan Devine era at Woodstock, and the results are clear after the Wolverines broke the program’s winless streak, which spanned two-plus years.
Woodstock finished 2-8 last season after notching wins over Lassiter and Etowah. It hopes to improve that win total, but the primary goal is to progress the rebuild for a program that last qualified for the postseason in 2017.
“For us, it’s about taking the next step,” Devine said. “Everybody’s ultimate goal is wins, but it’s about our process. We are in year two now, so expectations grow. I think it was a solid first year – won’t say good because we only won two
football games – but we are considering that a positive because of what we walked into.”
Devine expects leadership from his seniors this season, especially from his top returning senior defenders Drew Burmeister (76 tackles, three sacks) and Cooper Price (79 tackles, three fumble recoveries), who helped Woodstock surrender nearly 100 fewer points to opponents between 2022 and 2023.
Devine expects Tyler Barbera to emerge as another vital piece of this year’s defense after clocking 19 tackles and eight passes defended from his safety spot.
“We are going to expect leadership from our two linebackers Drew Burmeister and Cooper Price, who led us in tackles last year, along
with Tyler Barbera on the back end of our defense,” Devine said. “It’s also Isaiah Payton, our returning leading rusher, and Eli Myers, who’s had a great offseason.”
Myers returns as a stable force along Woodstock’s offensive line, paving the way for Payton to have his best year to date. The shifty, 5-foot-9 Payton led the Wolverines with 307 yards on 91 carries last season, with another 35 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Woodstock is the lone team in Cherokee County trotting out a different starting quarterback in 2024. Last year’s starter Peyton Lynch threw for 1,725 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions, but following his graduation, Devine and the Wolverines expect to hand sophomore Gra-
2024 Roster
ham Burmeister the keys, starting Week 1.
Burmeister, a lefty, is the younger brother of linebacker and team captain Drew Burmeister.
“He’s really a multi-level kid for us who can run it and throw it,” Devine said. “His accuracy is awesome. He has taken the reins for us through the summer and had really good 7-on-7 and team camps. He’s probably going to be our guy moving forward and we are excited. He is going to surprise a lot of people.”
Since taking over last summer, Devine has placed a premium on strength training across all position groups. Progress is apparent after Myers reportedly gained 45 pounds this offseason.
See Wolverines 143
Dan Devine .......................HC
Josh Smerker .................Asst.
Scott Stansel ..................Asst.
Jared Wallace ................Asst.
Andrew Price .................Asst.
Justin Pearce .................Asst.
Josh Weaver ..................Asst.
Bernard Walker .............Asst.
Kenneth Kretschmar .....Asst.
Lane Cantrell..................Asst.
Trevor Stephens ............Asst.
DL Latrell Bankston (2014-17) ..........................................................Houston
RB Corey Carmichael (2006-09)....................................Middle Tennessee
RB Bruce Miller (2007-10) .................................UCF, San Francisco 49ers
RUSHING
Isaiah Payton..........91 car.....307 yds Sharod Elly
Cooper Price..........79 Drew Burmeister ..76
Braedy Sommerville.............5
INTERCEPTIONS
Brody Mullins ..........................2
Size and strength are pivotal as Woodstock works to vault
itself back to football relevancy. After emerging victorious twice last year and competing in multiple other games well into the second half, the next step is coming. Woodstock football
continues to move in the right direction.
“I think we are physically bigger,” Devine said. “We had a good offseason and are bigger, faster and stronger, which always helps. Other than that, every position group has taken a step forward in the process and in our culture, and we are just looking forward to seeing what we’ve got.”
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
Every rebuild needs its cornerstones, which is exactly what Woodstock seniors Eli Myers and Isaiah Payton have been for second-year coach Dan Devine and the Wolverines.
Myers and Payton have been through thick and thin at Woodstock, and as the program redis-
covers its winning ways, that duo is at the forefront. Myers headlines a much-improved offensive line in 2024, while Payton returns as the reigning top rusher.
The offensive lineman and running back tandem have noticed the differences under the new regime.
“Coach Devine brought us closer together, and he created a family environment,” Myers said. “There’s been a lot of intensity and urgency,
too. We’re always go-go-go. Everybody is helping each other. Nobody is playing just for themselves. It’s all for this team.”
Both Myers and Peyton will be integral to the Wolverines’ success this upcoming season as Devine expects them to be a run-heavy football team. Payton led Woodstock with 307 yards on 91 carries last year, but with his backfield running mate Sharod Elly gone,
he will almost certainly eclipse 100 attempts in 2024 barring injury.
“We are going to run the ball,” Devine said. “That’s what we want our identity to be. We want to be a physically tough team and it starts with (Payton and Myers).”
For Payton, the key to success is finding the gaps and hitting them in stride.
“Just stay straight,” Payton said.
See Game 145
from 5-6 in 2022 to 8-4 last season. Martin’s rise to starting quarterback as a freshman was almost completely unexpected for Sequoyah.
“It’s crazy, but it’s a next-man-up mentality,” Martin said. “I am proud of myself for putting on weight, and I still need to put on more. I am still working hard to get better, but looking back on that, it’s crazy how fast things can change.”
Martin’s first start was a challenge. On the road at Cedartown, he threw just five passes and split time with senior Alex Conti in a 35-0 shutout loss. His second start, though, was a 30-14 road win over Cherokee that was followed by another victory over Etowah.
Just like that, a freshman quarterback had won coach James Teter over.
Martin now excels in the RPO game, making quick reads midplay and remaining one step ahead of opposing defenses. Sequoyah’s offense is centered around misdirection and deception, which places a higher premium on Martin’s decision making.
The junior quarterback lost his top
From 140
at tackling, reading the field and making plays on run plays especially,” he said.
Currie has been playing linebacker since the second grade, and said that longevity is a big reason for his success as a tackler.
“When you’ve been doing something so long, you kind of learn some stuff,” Currie said. “I’ve always just kind of been able to tackle well, but definitely have
two receivers from 2023 in Jackson Hancock and Bretton Darling, who also led the Chiefs defensively.
Two-way playmaker Ean Marria returns as Sequoyah’s second-leading rusher and sack leader. This takes at least some pressure off Martin, who has done nothing but impress the team’s 16-year head coach since taking the helm.
“He has become a major leader, not just for our offense, but for our entire program,” Teter said. “He has handled things really well, and sometimes you wonder when guys have early success like that, but he is really mature for his age and has done really well with everything.”
Sequoyah has made the playoffs for two straight years with Martin leading the way, after a three-year drought from 2019-21.
With a chip on his shoulder, Martin expects to continue stacking wins as the most experienced junior quarterback in Cherokee County.
“People were putting us lower in rankings, but this year, we are a little higher,” Martin said. “I think that came from our playoff win against Alpharetta last year. We are going to be young, but we are still super talented, and we have a lot to prove.”
worked and gotten better at it over the years. Just getting to the ball before anyone else gets there, that’s always my goal.”
Currie has some other talented teammates on defense in cornerbacks Mark Manfred and Jorden Edmonds, but the defense still struggled in 2023. The Yellow Jackets allowed 31 points per game on the season.
As one of the leaders of the defense, Currie said the expectations are much higher on that side of the ball this season.
“Max of seven points allowed per
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“See the open field and see the lanes. Just let it come naturally.”
In Woodstock’s two wins last season, Payton played a featured role.
He helped the Wolverines break a winless stretch that had lasted for over two years with a 39-yard touchdown reception in the Sept. 8, 20-10 win over Lassiter. Payton totaled 32 carries for 100 yards in the wins over Lassiter and Cherokee County rival Etowah.
Payton’s 2024 outlook is bolstered by Myers and the Woodstock offensive line, which attacked the weight room throughout the offseason. Myers, especially, has become stronger and gained 45 pounds, according to Devine.
“Eli has gained a ton of weight and is stronger, while Isaiah is a 1,100 (career) yard kid, so we expect a lot out of those two,” Devine said. “It’s nothing they can’t handle, and we are proud of them for where they are, but we are going to get better because of them.”
The relationship between running back and offensive line is crucial for the success of both position groups, something that has come easy for Payton, Myers and company.
Trust is at the root of that relationship, and the Wolverines are ready to show it off.
“These are my boys out here,” Payton said. “I have their back and they have mine. Without me, they can’t do anything, and without them, I can’t do anything. It’s a special relationship.”
game is the goal,” Currie said. “We are returning most of our starters from last year, and if we do everything right, we shouldn’t be allowing over seven points per game.”
Currie said he feels like the team has all the tools to make a leap this season.
“I feel like we can go undefeated,” Currie said. “We’ve got the players, man, and, you know, we’ve just got dogs on this team. We’ve got a lot of seniors and juniors and we all know what we’re doing. So as long as we produce, we shouldn’t lose a game.”
Currie’s success on the field is made even more impressive by his 4.25 grade point average. Currie said academics and a hard working mindset are important to both him and his family, and that has served him well throughout his life.
“My mom has always pushed me and been on me about working hard at everything I do,” Currie said. “At a certain point around eighth grade school became easy for me and I expected to do well, which is kind of the same mindset I take into football. I expect to do well.”
running back with Tyray (Devezin), said former Milton head coach Howie DeCristofaro, now an assistant at Lassiter. “It was a very physical team and always a knock-down drag-out affair. No finesse to it. They were tough all around. Everything just fell into place for us that night.”
Etowah’s next two games were on the road but against struggling Cobb County teams Lassiter and Wheeler. The Trojans were 1-4 heading into the matchup, while Wheeler entered at 3-4 under current River Ridge coach Michael Collins.
Those were get-right games for the Eagles, who crushed those opponents by a combined 79-27.
Etowah finished the regular season with double-digit wins over Roswell and Walton. It was 8-2 going into the playoffs as the twoseed from Region 5AAAAAA. It hosted the threeseeded South Forsyth in Round 1 and equaled its season-high of 48 points for a blowout win.
The second-round matchup with 2010s powerhouse Westlake worked in Etowah’s favor as the Lions had not seen a run-heavy team with an offensive line quite like the Eagles’. It was a slow, low-scoring game, with the 23 points Etowah scored marking its lowest in a win that year.
However, Head and the defense limited West-
lake to a season-low six points.
“With our style of play, I had no idea that going down to Westlake to (a 9-1) team that had pretty much handled everybody all year, that we would be that successful. That was a big game for us because that’s when I looked back and thought, we beat a really, really good football team.”
Etowah outpaced Newton 43-29 in a more familiar-feeling quarterfinal. The Rams were in the midst of their best season in over a decade and just their second quarterfinals appearance in history.
Devezin was a workhorse against Newton, piling up 228 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries.
Another double-digit win set the Eagles up with a Class AAAAAA semifinals meeting with an Archer team that had not lost since Sept. 12.
The Tigers had momentum with 10 consecutive wins. They proved too much for Etowah, and had the firepower to stifle the Eagles’ proficient run game, stopping them one win short of a state championship berth.
Svehla credits Etowah’s 2014 success to his players, coaching staff and supportive administration, featuring principal Keith Ball and athletic director Bob Van Alstyne. He had both the support and resources to lead the Eagles to their best season in 47 years of existence.
“You can catch lightning in a bottle, and maybe that’s what happened that year, but when you get it, you have to take advantage of it,” Svehla said. “It takes a lot of people, and I was just very fortunate to be a small part of it.”
By Liam Dreesen MDJ Sports Writer
North Cobb Christian will have the opportunity to win a second straight region championship as it competes in the new Region 7AA.
The Eagles return quarterback Teddy Jarrard, who finished second in the county with 2,065 passing yards in his freshman season.
He is not the only key returning player. The Eagles also retained more than half of their total yardage production from last year as well as a majority of their contributors on defense.
The Eagles’ biggest challenge will come in the form of reigning Region 7AA champion Rockmart.
The Yellowjackets are coming off a season where they went undefeated in region play but lost a triple overtime thriller to Pierce County 48-45 in the state championship game.
They will be led by Tristan Anderson, who had 1,000 yards receiving as a junior last season.
The Eagles and Yellowjackets will meet in an October showdown that could end up deciding the winner of the region.
“I look forward to that one, that will be a good game,” North Cobb Christian coach Matt Jones said. “And our kids are excited about that, but there’s so much to do between now
1. Rockmart
2. North Cobb Christian 3. North Murray 4. Union County
5. Ringgold
6. Sonoraville
7. Coahulla Creek
8.
9. Murray County
and then to be successful in that game.”
The other two contenders for the region title may be Union County and North Murray.
The Mountaineers return their leading passer and rusher in Skyler Williams, but lose his favorite target, Judson Petty, who had almost 2,000 all-purpose yards last season.
Williams and Union County finished as the runner ups in the region last year after the
Yellowjackets handed them their only region play loss, in convincing 59-7 fashion. Union County will have a chance for retribution when the two teams match up in the final regular season game.
North Murray, who finished third in Region 8AA last season, will also have a chance at revenge. They face off against the Yellowjackets, who sent them home in the second round of the state playoffs last season, in Week 4.
This might be a challenge though as the Panthers have to revamp their offense after their top five players in all-purpose yards graduated.
The only other team returning to the region from last season is Murray County, which will try and improve on its 1-5 record in region play.
The region is also adding a trio of teams from Region 6AAA in the form of Coahulla Creek, Lakeview Ft. Oglethorpe and Ringgold.
Coahulla Creek and Ringgold both finished with a 4-3 record in region play. Coahulla Creek prevailed in the head-to-head matchup against Ringgold, earning them fourth place in the region, while Ringgold had to settle for fifth.
Lakeview Ft. Oglethorpe finished seventh in the region with a 1-6 record in region play.
The final team being added to the nine team region is Sonoraville, which is coming down two classifications.
By Liam Dreesen MDJ Sports Writer
North Cobb Christian will lean on experience this season after retaining a majority of their impactful players from last season.
The offense is returning more than half of its total yards of production from last season, and the defense is returning its top four tacklers.
Out of all of the returning players there may be none more impactful than sophomore quarterback Teddy Jarrard.
“I mean, he’s integral, he’s the trigger man,” Coach Matt Jones said. “He’s going to determine our success in so many ways.”
Jarrard finished his freshman year second in the county with more than 2,000 passing yards. He also added 18 touchdowns and
was named to the Region 6AA first team.
Jarrard’s performance was a major reason the Eagles exceeded Jones’ expectations by finishing 9-3 with a region title under their belt.
“We started around 15 kids that were ninth graders last year,” Jones said. “Going into last year, I would have thought there was no way we would win the region or be 9-3. So we had a fantastic year”
Playing such a young roster last year will now allow the Eagles to enter next season with a lot of experience under their belt.
“They would make a good play and it just kind of gave them that hunger to make more good plays,” Jones said. “And so now walking into this year, they know what that feels like and they’ve been there, and they can have so much more
confidence.”
Jarrard said that he wants the team to win the region championship this season, along with a personal goal of throwing for more than 3,000 yards.
This is the first year Jones will have a quarterback returning, and he said that is going to be huge for the team’s success this upcoming season.
“Everyone’s on the same page,” Jones said. “We can build, and don’t have to go back to rebuild from the start.”
The Eagles’ defense will be led by seniors Spears Martin, Beedjy Guerrier, Raymond Dixon and Thomas Hale. This same group of players led the defense last year, a unit that only allowed 12.5 points per game.
Jones said this group of seniors will be the reason the defense is
2024 Roster
one of their strong suits again this season.
The Eagles will have the goal of getting past the second round of the state playoffs, which has been their downfall in each of the last two seasons.
Jones said staying healthy and making the little plays at the end of games will help them find more success in the playoffs this season.
“When the time comes to make the plays at the end of the game, we have to make the play,” he said. Before they make it to the playoffs they will first have to withstand the challenges of entering a new region.
The Eagles will be joining Region 7AA which Jones said is full of great teams that have tough kids that play super hard.
See Eagles 150
https://www.ncchristian.org/athletics/team-schedules/team-details/~athletics-team-id/140
Christian Heritage .............42-21 ..........W
Ridgeland .............................34-0 ..........W
Wesleyan ................................9-7 ............L
Boyd-Buchanan ...................34-0 ............L
Therrell.................................21-14 ..........W
Washington ..........................28-0 ..........W
Kipp Atlanta .......................29-10 ..........W
South Atlanta .......................22-0 ..........W
Mount Paran ......................40-14 ..........W
BEST ......................................24-0 ..........W
Fannin County ...................33-27 ..........W
Columbia .............................18-13 ............L
LB Jacob Cruz (2019-22), .........................................................Georgia Tech
OL Gabe Fortson (2019-22), ....................................................Georgia Tech
RUSHING
Denim Stevens 119 car 559 yds 7 TD
Michai Rowe......... 103 car....508 yds..... 7 TD
PASSING
Teddy Jarrard.......153/270 ..2065 yds ..18TD ..11 INT
RECEIVING
Will Hewitt ............. 43 rec .....645 yds ..... 7 TD
Cokar Ormsby ..... 35 rec .....552 yds..... 5 TD
TACKLES
Spears Martin ......107
Beedjy Guerrier ..80
Ray Dixon ..............66
SACKS
Ray Dixon ..............12
Beedjy Guerrier .. 9
INTERCEPTIONS
Turner Davis …… 4
ets will face off in Week 7 of this season.
One of those teams is Rockmart, who won the region last year after going undefeated in region play. The Eagles and Yellow Jack -
“We are just trying to take it day by day really, and I look forward to that one, that will be a good game,” Jones said of the matchup. “Our kids are excited about that. But there’s so much
to go between now and then that we have to do to be successful in that game.”
Jones said that building depth and working on consistency were things the team needed to work on before the season.
“Right now we’ll do one thing
really well, and you can see it, and then the next play is just awful,” he said.
He also said that it will be key for the team to have a hard working mentality and to stay hungry in order for them to succeed this year.
By Liam Dreesen MDJ Sports Writer
Before the 2023-2024 season, North Cobb Christian was searching for its starting quarterback.
The Eagles quickly found their answer in then-freshman Teddy Jarrard, who finished the season second in the county with 2,065 passing yards, while also throwing for 18 touchdowns and completing over 50% of his passes.
For his efforts he received
first team offensive honors for Region 6AA.
Jarrard’s freshman season garnered attention from colleges, with him receiving his first Power 4 offer from Wisconsin on June 1. He’s also received offers from Georgia State, South Florida and Virginia Tech.
“It’s amazing,” Jarrard said.
“It’s honestly a whole different lifestyle. It’s a lot of pressure, but at the same time it’s a blessing.”
The 6-foot-3 quarterback helped
the Eagles to a 9-3 record and a region championship last season which coach Matt Jones said was a surprising result for a team starting 15 freshmen.
Jarrard said assistant coach Gary Varner was key for his success as a freshman because the coach took him under his wing and taught him a lot about the game.
Jones said Jarrard’s mental ability to process the game allowed him to thrive in the system right away.
“He can throw the football
really well and run, but his biggest strength is seeing the field and being able to process and get us in the right plays,” Jones said. He trusted Jarrard enough to allow the freshman to call a lot of the Eagles’ plays at the line of scrimmage, which is rare for a player so young and inexperienced. That trust paid off with the Eagles offense scoring 24 points per game.
Jarrard and the Eagles hope to
See Jarrard 153
By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com
Heading into the 2014 season, Cobb County had not won a football state championship in 47 years.
The last had been Marietta in
1967 when the Blue Devils won the Class AAA title. By the time the 2014 season was over, Mount Paran Christian made sure the drought did not reach 48.
The Eagles had one of the most prolific seasons in Cobb County and Georgia high school football
history. It finished 14-0, scored 44.1 points per game, allowed only 12.5 and beat Eagle’s Landing Christian 49-7 in the title game.
For coaches Mitch Jordan, Tab Griffin, Kenny Palmer and Travis Mozingo, they all agreed it was
a perfect storm of players and events that led to such a dominant performance.
“I think it was a generational team,” said Jordan, who was head coach from 2008-21 and is now the school athletic director. “They See MPC 166
carry the momentum from last season into this year after their young players gained valuable experience.
“Having a quarterback back is big time,” Jones said. “This will be the first year we’ll ever have a quarterback returning, and so for us to (be able to) run the same schemes and the same plays is tremendous.”
Jarrard said he has been working on his poise and footwork in the pocket at college camps in an effort to improve on his performance from last year.
He has set his goals on throwing for 3,000 yards on the way to a second consecutive region championship.
Jarrard has attended college camps at both Georgia and Alabama this summer and thus had the opportunity to learn from some of the best college coaches in the country.
“His leadership, drive and work ethic are key, so everybody else is going to follow him
even though he’s a sophomore,” Jones said. “In large part, he’s the leader of the team. So he’s going to determine our success in so many ways.”
Jarrard said the key for him and the team to build on last year’s success is to keep working hard and getting to know each other better. He wants to develop an off-field rapport with his teammates that will give them an advantage on gamedays.
“The chemistry is the biggest part too, because it’s a team effort,” he said. “You’ve always got to do everything as a team. I feel like the more we bond, the more we’ll win.”
The sophomore quarterback is not just playing for himself and his team, though. Jarrard will wear No. 2 next season in honor of his younger cousin who unfortunately passed away at an early age.
“Honestly, it’s an honor,” he said. “Being able to wear it and just playing for him. It’s something I can wear and know what I’m doing it for.”
By Ella Sather MDJ Sports Writer
With the new Georgia High School Association alignment, Region 5A Division I will see the return of a fan-favorite rivalry –Mount Paran Christian versus Walker.
When the two of them meet up on October 4 in the second region game of the season, a win may mean more than ever.
The Wolverines were a member of the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools for the past two years, but have returned to the GHSA.
The Eagles were part of Region 6AA last season, while another county rival, Whitefield Academy, has spent the last few years a part of Region 6A Division I.
With these three teams finally returning to the same subregion, alongside B.E.S.T. Academy and Landmark Christian, this season will be full of rivalry games and familiar competition.
“It’s going to be a tougher challenge, headed back to the GHSA,” Walker coach TJ Anderson said. “It’s going to be a tough region, with the other schools in the region but the kids and my staff are up for the challenge.”
With tougher matchups leading into this season, each coach said they are preparing for the elevated competition.
“This season will be more challenging, with more teams in our region, especially with the new playoff format. The region really matters,” Whitefield coach Robert Walsh said. “If you’re No. 1 or No. 2 you get a benefit going into the playoffs with seeding.”
With Cobb County being represented in only half of this region, there are tough teams in the other sub-region that could lead to difficult crossover matchups on Nov. 1.
Mount Paran coach Matt Ely said he believes the two teams to beat to make it to the postseason are Fellowship Christian and Wesleyan.
The Paladins finished last season with a 10-3 record, remaining undefeated in region play and the Wolves went 9-4 last year, with
one region loss against Lumpkin County.
The Eagles could gain some insight on the opposite subregion when they play Mount Pisgah and St. Francis at the beginning of their regular season. Walker and Whitefield could as well, but will only see one team from the opposite subregion each with King’s Ridge and Mount Ver -
non respectively.
Anderson and Walsh both said they are preparing for the season like they would any other, not thinking about the game any differently. Ely said that Mount Paran is going into the season with the goal of playing Game 10 for a region championship title.
The region championship game
Sub-Region A
1. Whitefield
2. Mount Paran
3. BEST Academy
4. Walker
5. Landmark
Sub-Region B
1. Fellowship
2. Wesleyan
3. Mount Vernon
4. Mount Pisgah
5. King’s Ridge
6. St. Francis
to end the season will be determined by the standings in each sub-region.
The two sub-region leaders will play each other for the region championship title, determining the No. 1 and No. 2 seeding for the region.
The two runner-ups from each sub-region will also play one another to determine the third and fourth place teams.
For the postseason, all private schools in Class A through Class AAA will be placed in the same bracket.
All private schools in the top four standings for their region are guaranteed entrance into the bracket, with the other teams being determined based on a ranking formula that looks at winning percentages and opponents winning percentages.
“For us, the goal is to put ourselves as high in the subregion and in the region standings as well as we can, because when we go to the playoffs, they will combine A through AAA,” Ely said. “There are some powerhouses we could line up against but our goal is to get to the point where we actually are gonna play them and then we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
By Allie Kraus MDJ Sports Writer
Mount Paran Christian is hoping to enter a ‘reload’ season.
Coach Matt Ely prefers the term reload over rebuild. After losing nine of last season’s starters, the majority of the Eagles’ starters are expected to be underclassmen. With that, the team must work together to improve from a leadership and mental standpoint along with their performance on the field.
“We try to strike a balance between staying in the moment and focusing on the next rep,” Ely said. “We do try to give them a glimpse of down the road, long term goals. We break the season up into June, July, the pre-
1 Rhett Bonner WR/DB 11 2 Andrew Overton QB/WR 12 3 Davis Cauley WR/DB 11 4 Eli Hewatt QB/DB 9
5 VJ Ray WR/DB 12 6 Gavin Steele RB/LB 10 7 Austin Smith K/P 10 8 Colby Shoch WR/LB 12 9 Kaleb Trowell WR/LB 10
Harris Meers WR/DB 9
Carson Wilbur WR/DB 12 12 Chase Sutherland QB 9 13 Cameron O’Connor WR/DB 11 14 Sam Westbrook WR/DB 12
season, non region schedule, region schedule and then hopefully after that is our playoff schedule. So, we have different things we do in each of those segments to keep them focused on staying in the present but also focus down the road, too.”
Mount Paran finished 2023 with a record of 2-8 and 1-5 in the region. Ely’s goal for his team is to be playing on Nov. 1 for the region championship. To do that, the team will have to flourish in its new region. The competition is expected to be tough with perennial playoff squads Wesleyan and Fellowship Christian, along with Cobb County rival Whitefield Academy among others.
Junior Rhett Bonner is an
all-around athlete that Ely described as a jack-of-all-trades. Ely said he is relying on Bonner to be a reliable asset on the field after a sophomore season in which he played on both sides of the ball.
“He’s the kind of kid that can play inside or outside receiver, he can play running back, in middle school he was a quarterback, so he has experience there as well,” Ely said. “Defensively, he can pretty much play any position in our secondary. He’s just unique in the standpoint of he does things so well and he gives such great effort. Rhett is just a leader which is how he works and he always looks like the hardest working player on the field.”
2024 Roster
Ely said he expects the core of the defense to be its seniors. Defensive back VJ Ray, linebacker Reed Stallings and junior safeties Davis Cauley and Cameron O’Connor are some of the leaders.
Offensively, Ely said the unit will rely on two seniors in quarterback Andrew Overton and receiver Sam Westbrook. Sophomore running back Gavin Steele and tackle Carter Levstek are two younger players with big roles. The four players combined for 531 rushing yards, seven touchdowns, 301 passing yards and 208 receiving yards in the 2023 season.
Ely said summer practices
See Eagles 156
Midtown .....................29-26 (OT) ..........W
Mt. Pisgah Christian ..17-14 (OT) ............L
Mount Vernon ......................44-6 ............L
Kipp Atlanta .........................22-7 ............L
.......................................17-6 ..........W
South Atlanta ....................28-25 ............L
Social Circle ........................21-14 ............L North Cobb Christian .......40-14 ............L
QB Niko Vangarelli (2016-19), ........................................................Princeton
OL Brady Scott (2013-16), ..........................................................Florida State
DL Allen Cater (2012-15), .......................................................North Carolina
RB Taylor Trammell (2012-15), ............................New York Yankees (MLB)
DB Dorian Walker (2011-14), ...............................................Kennesaw State
were encouraging to the coaching staff and the team showed some signs of improvement.
The Eagles got a lot out of their mandatory practices and players continued to work, doing extra reps on their off days. The extra work is a good sign of an emerging culture taking shape for the team.
“Our guys love (showing up), they love being around one another, and they love working hard,” Ely said. “As a coach that is all you can ask for. And now, it is up to us to put them in the right spots
successfully for Friday nights.”
The 2023 season was a rough one for Mount Paran, but this year’s region change offers a clean slate and a chance for the Eagles to bounce back and get the program in the right direction.
By Allie Kraus MDJ Sports Writer
Gavin Steele has his eye on playing college football.
This time last year, he had to be convinced by his friends and coach Matt Ely to even give football a chance.
“Gavin is a kid that never played football up until last year,” Ely said. “He was a basketball (and) track kid. Somehow, through the grace of God, he decided that he wanted
to come play football going into high school and just applied the same kind of work ethic.”
The 5-foot-10,190-pound running back is a consistent performer in each of his sports. Steele has found success in track and basketball since a young age. He said that his raw athleticism has made it easy to get the hang of football quickly.
Basketball has helped him with footwork, and track has trained his speed and endurance. Over-
all, Steele’s transition to football has been smooth.
During the 2023 season, Steele ran for 485 yards and scored four touchdowns. He was also used as a kick returner, returning seven for an average of 30.7 yards and a touchdown. Ely said he trusts Steele to lead the running back room in future seasons.
Steele texts his coaches daily to see how he can grow, and it’s already paying off. Ely said Steele has gradually learned how to han-
dle adversity. When he first joined the team, he would get upset after a mistake. Now, Ely said if Steele gets tackled or is involved in a negative play, he learns from it and allows it to make him a better player.
“All of my sports help me handle adversity,” Steele said. “They help me realize that not everything is going to go my way. In life none of us live a perfect life and we all fight through obstacles and
challenges. For sports, we all have goals to accomplish, and I can’t do that if I’m worried about a bad play.”
The sophomore said one of his God-given talents is leadership. Every year, Ely makes his team read a book on leadership. This season’s chosen book was “The Team Captain’s Leadership Manual” by Jeff Jansen. Steele said that reading this book has furthered his ability to lead the team.
“Gavin is, from a leadership standpoint, a kid that brings everything you want a leader to bring on the field and off the field,” Ely said. “He’s always here, he’s always on time, he always works hard. And then, that kinda produces the results on the field that everybody sees with touchdowns and yards.”
Steele said he treats each sport as the most important. He has a different role on each team and trains extensively to become the best he can be. His main focus is whatever season he is currently in.
“For football I’m responsible for being vocal, leading by example, and making sure everyone shows up to practice,” Steele said. “For basketball, I’m not as vocal but I lead by showing up on time and following instructions. For track, I also lead by example by showing up on time, and I do every drill with 100 percent effort and hardly goof off.”
By Ella Sather MDJ Sports Writer
After a two-year hiatus as a member of the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools, Walker is returning to Georgia High School Association region play, and coach TJ Anderson is preparing his team for all the change that will come. This is Anderson’s second year as coach, and after finishing 6-5 in 2023 for the program’s first winning season in five years, he said he is hopeful for the future of this team.
“There is a lot of positive momentum for the Walker football program based on what we were able to accomplish last year,” Anderson said.
1 Justin Boronat QB 11
2 Lyndon Davison RB/DB 10
3 Ian Hall QB/DB 9
4 Gavin Rosen WR/LB 10
5 KJ Johnson WR/LB 10
6 Ronan Flaherty WR/DB 10
He said he told his coaching staff that they must put each student in the position to be the most successful athlete and the most successful person on and off the field. Anderson wants to showcase what Walker can to bring to the region after the success of the 2023 season.
With eight players graduating after last year, upperclassmen like Bennett Wright have begun to stand up as leaders for the team. With only two seniors on the roster, players like Grant Addison have also stepped up and taken the role of holding teammates accountable during offseason practices.
Wright and Addison each play both sides of the ball and will play a major role on the team
this season, Anderson said. Addison was a top playmaker last year as wide receiver and safety, making the all-state team for the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools. At wide receiver, Addison finished last season with 49 receptions for 798 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Anderson said Wright has become a phenomenal linebacker and running back for the team. At linebacker, Wright finished with 75 tackles, 10 of which were for a loss, two sacks, two safeties and a fumble recovery. At running back, he finished with 57 carries for 367 yards and five touchdowns.
Anderson said his main goal for this season is to take on the challenges as they come.
2024 Roster
7 Amara Gueye WR/DB 10
8 Josh Wallace WR/DB 9
9 Maxime Lee WR/DB 9 11 Grant Addison WR/DB 11 14 Naoh Faucett WR/DB 9
18 Jack Burckhalter TE/DL 11
No. Name Pos. Cl.
24 Mattias Simon RB/LB 10
26 Brian Gray Jr RB/DB 10
29 Davis Sharp WR/DB 10
44 Bennett Wright RB/LB 12
50 Jackson Namkung OL/DL 9
52 Amir Edwards OL/DL 10
He said he has reminded his team and his coaches that returning to the GHSA is going to be a challenge – tougher teams, better coaches – but that it’s nothing they cannot handle. With a tight knit team like this one, each player can hold each other up to overcome any challenge that may pass by.
Anderson said he has established a “one game at a time” mentality for his staff and players. Without looking too far ahead into the season, all that matters is that when those lights hit the field, they compete with the team that is on the schedule for the night.
“We are going to try and go 1-0 each week,” Anderson said. See Wolverines 160
No. Name Pos. Cl.
57 Ty Evangelista OL/DL 11
64 Max Zolfo OL/DL 10
70 Dawson Davis OL/DL 11
81 Avery Murray WR/DL 12
85 Owen Lambert TE/LB 10
Cross Keys............................42-0 ..........W
Riverside Military Academy....57-0 ..........W
Harvester Christian...........54-18 ..........W BEST ....................................24-15 ............L
Skipstone Academy .........41-28 ............L
The Kings Academy .........32-21 ............L
Utopian Academy ...............34-6 ..........W
Cherokee Christian.............50-6 ............L
Lanier Christian ....................31-0 ..........W
Pinecrest Academy...........26-14 ..........W
Skipstone Academy .........28-21 ............L
RB Evan Kasian (2009-12), .......................................Birmingham Southern
OL Hunter Nourzad (2014-17), .....................................................Penn State
DL Nick Schulz (2003-06), ........................................................Wake Forest
DL Mike Ramsay (2009-12), ...................................................................Duke
“It’ll be a tough challenge, but we are ready for it and looking forward to some potential success.”
With so many challenges having already been cast upon his players, Anderson said he believes they are ready for whatever is put in front of them.
He said he believes that is what the game of football is all about, and hopes within the next season his players will find that knowledge within themselves as the year progresses.
By Ella Sather MDJ Sports Writer
After a standout first season at Walker, Bennett Wright said he is entering his senior year knowing he can prove to the community that the Wolverines football program is back and better than ever.
As a junior, Wright led the Wolverines in tackles, and has become a major asset on the defense at linebacker, but his speed and strength have also made him an
important member of the offense at running back. Walker finished 6-5 last season, a huge step forward for a program that had not won more than one game in each of the past three seasons.
Wright also plays baseball for Walker and said he finds his ability to read the line, both offensively and defensively, as well as his overall physicality during the game, has come from his success as a catcher.
Wright said his mentality going
into next season is very simple-he’s going at you till the whistle blows. He is prepared for non-stop aggression on both sides of the ball. Wright is ready to let everyone know he and his teammates are ready to carry the weight and prove that they can succeed back in the Georgia High School Association.
While Wright’s strengths on the field has made him an impressive player, coach TJ Anderson said his leadership has been just as impor-
tant in establishing a team culture.
“He’s a vocal leader in the weight room, he leads by example on and off the field,” Anderson said. “We can put him in different positions, he is our number one tackler.”
Wright, who played all 11 games for the Wolverines last year, finished last season with 75 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, two safeties and a fumble recovery. At running back, he finished with 290 yards, an average of 6.30 yards
Wright 158
By Ella Sather MDJ Sports Writer
Whitefield head coach Robert Walsh said he is ready for his new team to step up and overcome any challenges this season may bring.
Last season, Walsh’s first with the Wolfpack, the team finished 6-6 and won the Division I 6AAAAAA title. Walsh said he expects only positive growth into this season.
“We’ve just got to get better every single day,” Walsh said. “We can’t take steps backwards.”
With each season brings new challenges, and with a new region playoff format plus more teams competing in their region, Walsh is ready to see which players step
into each role for Whitefield this season.
Players like seniors Tip Tippens and Bryson Logan and junior Mason Hollingsworth are stepping up to become leaders for this team, guiding their teammates through the offseason.
Walsh said Tippens, one of the anchors of the offensive line, will be an important asset for the team moving forward.
“He has come a long way, he wants to do great things and be a leader,” Walsh said. “He wants to do everything the right way.”
Hollingsworth started every game at running back last year, finishing the season with 135 carries for 801 yards and six touchdowns. Walsh said Hollingsworth grew up a lot throughout last
season and into this offseason, and believes he is ready for a special year.
The Wolfpack’s season opener at Savannah Christian will be a homecoming game for Walsh, who was the defensive coordinator there for six years until transitioning to Whitefield before the 2023 season.
Last year, Savannah Christian finished with a 12-3 record and second in Region 3AAA. Walsh said he is focusing on this game and the challenges it brings, and believes it could be an opportunity to see where the rest of the season may lead.
Effort and attitude are two major areas of growth for the Wolfpack this season, Walsh said. Offensive and defensive
2024 Roster
linemen as well as a few linebackers have stepped up into new roles, but they won’t know for sure what the final starting lineups are until they play their first game.
While their quarterback position is still up for grabs, Walsh said there are multiple players competing for the position to fill the shoes of last year’s starter, Callum Neese.
“QB is still up for grabs, three guys are still in the mix, with a freshman stepping into the mix a little bit,” Walsh said. “We have a good competition at that position right now.”
Walsh said the three pillars of their program are love, discipline and getting 1% better every
See Wolfpack 163
Macon County .....................28-0 ............L
Strong Rock Christian ......36-14 ..........W
Providence Christian ........32-10 ............L
Wesleyan ............................34-15 ............L
Rabun County ......................38-7 ............L
Brookstone...........................29-6 ..........W
Elbert County .....................34-16 ............L
St. Francis .............................43-7 ..........W
Mount Vernon ....................45-44 ..........W
Mount Pisgah Christian .....50-0 ..........W
Darlington...........................28-14 ..........W
Rabun County ....................42-14 ............L
TE Kennard Backman (2007-10), .......................UAB, Green Bay Packers
DL T.J. Carter (2016-19) ................................................Kentucky, L.A. Rams
DB Ayden Duncanson (2019-22), ........................................North Carolina
DL Ian Geffrard (2019-22), ...............................................................Arkansas
LB Caleb LaVallee (2019-22), ................................................North Carolina
QB Trey Miller (2005-08), .......................................................................Navy
day. With those beliefs at the forefront of their program, Walsh hopes the hard work will build upon itself over time.
“Let’s get better every single day,” Walsh said. “One percent better every day, and those things are going to add up to us having success later on in the season.”
Whitefield has won exactly six games for four straight seasons. The team is hoping that this is the year it can get over the hump and produce an eight, nine or even double-digit win campaign. In year two under Walsh, there’s room for a breakout.
By Ella Sather MDJ Sports Writer
Going into his last year at Whitefield Academy, defensive back Bryson Logan wants to make history with his team.
After finishing last season with a 6-6 record and winning Whitefield’s first region championship in 16 years, Logan said he and his teammates are ready to go beyond. Their goal is to reach the elite eight for the first time in program his-
tory and go on to a state championship.
“Every year we have a 6-5 season, you know 5-6, but our goal is we are trying to be 8-2, 9-1, undefeated honestly,” Logan said. “I know we can do it as a team.”
Logan, who stands at 5-foot11 and 190 pounds, finished last season with 55 tackles and one interception, but wants to shatter those numbers in 2024.
Logan was a member of the Whitefield lacrosse team as a
defensive midfielder, while also running the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4x100-meter in track. He said his overall physicality and quick reaction time in lacrosse, as well as the speed and endurance he has gained from track, have helped make him into a better defensive back on the football field.
During his free time, Logan watches a lot of game film. He has become adept at identifying what the offense will do before the play, and has become a much
smarter player because of his studying habit.
“If I see the formation I can already know what you are gonna do,” he said. “Last year, I was able to do my shuffles and my position and be right where the receiver is about to be.”
Logan said his composure throughout the more difficult moments of the season has been an important part of his growth as a player. He said he has been
had moxie. They believed they could beat anybody. It was all a matter of great timing.”
Jordan said while the state championship team was dominant, the drive for the title began on the field at Aquinas in the state semifinals the year before. The Eagles were 9-2 heading into that game and had the core group in place. They had a chance to win the game, but Aquinas held on for a 35-32 victory. It would go on to win the state title the following week, but it was something one of the coaches said that became bulletin board material for Mount Paran.
“One of their coaches said, ‘We just outmuscled them,’ said Palmer, a 41-year coaching veteran who was the Eagles’ offensive line coach during the title run. “We hung that up in the weight room and all during the offseason we looked at it.
“After practices during the season we would go and work another 20 or 30 minutes by ourselves. We asked, ‘Is anybody else in the region doing this? Is anyone outworking us?’ They had a chip on their shoulder.”
In an odd symmetry, Mount Paran’s season started and ended in games played on a Saturday at 10 a.m. against ELCA. The opener came in Columbus during a Class A showcase. Mount Paran entered the game ranked No. 6 in the state, while ELCA was No. 4. By the time the game was over it looked like the rankings were wrong. Mount Paran had won 31-14 and it gave it a level of momentum the team did not lose through the regular season.
Over the next eight games, behind an offense that was led by running backs Dorian Walker (Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State) and Taylor Trammell (first round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners), wide receiver Emoni Williams (West Georgia) and quarterback Jake Allen, the Eagles averaged 48.5 points and no game was closer than 25 points.
The run included a 40-point
win over Cobb County rival Whitefield Academy and a 58-0 rout of county archrival Walker. The competition got a little tougher in the region championship game against Mount Pisgah, but the 35-21 victory proved to be the closest game Mount Paran would play all season.
When the playoffs finally started, Mount Paran knocked off Stratford Academy (45-14) and Savannah Christian (35-14) at home, but despite being 12-0, the Eagles would have to go on the road for the state semifinals – a rematch against Aquinas.
Mount Paran led only 7-0 at halftime, but before the coaches could talk to the players in the locker room, offensive coordinator Tab Griffin, now an assistant at Lassiter, said they could hear them taking control of the situation themselves.
“The kids took the leadership,” he said. “They were upset the game was close.”
It wasn’t close much longer. Mount Paran scored 27 unanswered points to lead 34-7 early in the fourth quarter. The 34-14 final was not only satisfying because it came in a revenge game, but the fact the Eagles won decisively in front of the Aquinas faithful made it all the more sweeter. The only drawback was they would now face ELCA, in a rematch, for the state championship at the Georgia Dome.
ELCA had won the Class A Private state title in 2012 and was building itself into a state power, but it wasn’t quite there yet. After losing the opening game of the season to Mount Paran, it proceeded to drop its next five games, all but one against teams from higher classifications in non-region play. Once ELCA reached region play, it looked like a different team.
An 0-6 start turned into a 4-6 record after sweeping to the region title. From there it dominated Athens Christian (34-0), Prince Avenue Christian (47-17) and beat Calvary Day (14-7) to earn another shot at Mount Paran. Jordan and his coaches knew it was hard to beat
See MPC 167
Top: Mount Paran Christian’s Dorian Walker ran for 215 yards and three touchdowns in the state championship victory over ELCA. Middle: Dorian Walker and Emoni Williams lead the celebration in the winning locker room. Above: Offensive line coach Kenny Palmer celebrates with his guys as they come off the field.
a team twice.
He said he was scared to death, mainly because of the improvement in ELCA’s running game since the first meeting. However, once the game kicked off, those worries quickly faded.
On the second play from scrimmage, Walker, who would run for 215 yards and three touchdowns on the day, broke free for a 42-yard touchdown run and a 7-0 lead 27 seconds into the game.
From that point, the defense took centerstage. Silas Hicks and Jack Crone each forced fumbles which were recovered by Patrick Lee and Nick Sbravati respectively and Trammell intercepted a pass.
Each of the turnovers were turned into a touchdown. It only took 16 plays to build a 28-0 lead and it was still the first quarter.
A pair of Allen touchdown passes on the next two offensive possessions gave Mount Paran a 42-0 lead with 6:48 to play in the half.
“We knew state championships went through ELCA,” Griffin said. “But these guys played the perfect game at the perfect time.”
With less than a minute to play before halftime, ELCA scored its only touchdown of the game. While it may have spoiled the shutout, it gave Mozingo and the other coaches what they needed to keep the team’s focus heading into the third quarter.
“We take that score and spin it,” said Mozingo, now a linebackers coach for Division III Merryville College in east Tennessee. “We told them if they can score that fast once, they can do it again.”
Mozingo said he and the other coaches knew ELCA likely didn’t have enough possessions to come back, but it wasn’t something they wanted the players to know, however, with the talent on Mount Paran’s defense, it wasn’t going to be an issue.
“Every level of the defense had guys go on and play college football,” Mozingo said.
The defensive line was anchored by Allen Cater (North Carolina), the secondary had Walker, Williams and Trammell, while the linebackers were anchored by Sbravati, Jack Rowan and others.
All four coaches said it was hard to believe it’s been 10 years since they walked out of the Georgia Dome holding the state championship trophy. Jordan said the program will try to honor the team sometime during this season, but as of press time a date had not yet been set.
The 2015 season started a run of five straight state titles for ELCA. Mount Paran made a pair of quarterfinal appearances along with a semifinal over the next three seasons, but it couldn’t quite get back to the state title game.
However, the team proved a Cobb County team could win a state championship again. Allatoona would follow with one in 2015, while Marietta and Harrison would both claim one in 2019. But being the first one to do it in so long is a badge of pride for the Eagles.
“We wanted to do it for Cobb County,” Jordan said. “It was one of the motivating factors.”
By Kai Millette MDJ Sports Correspondent
Awaiting Kennesaw State in Conference USA are familiar foes, household names and brand new opponents.
The Owls finished winless against their Division I competition last season, falling to five FCS teams and now conference opponent Sam Houston State. Several key KSU players were held to just four games in order to keep their extra year of eligibility. With better roster stability, a more complete version of the Owls is expected.
Last season, KSU’s former Big South Conference mate Liberty took home their first C-USA title, defeating New Mexico State 49-35 to earn a Fiesta Bowl invite. The Flames are expected to remain on top with second-year coach Jamey Chadwell, who has proved to be one of the best in the group of five, posting a 44-7 record since 2020 at Liberty and Coastal Carolina. First team all-conference selections running back Quinton Cooley and quarterback Kaidon Salter are both returning and are expected to make life hard for defenses all season.
Jacksonville State, another frequent opponent from KSU’s FCS days, surprised the conference by going 9-4 with a New Orleans bowl victory in its first FBS season. The Gamecocks used a heavy rushing attack to navigate inconsistencies in their passing game. Zion Webb and Logan Smothers split snaps throughout last season, but with the departure of Webb, Smothers is expected to take the reins.
Coach Jerry Kill stepped down due to health issues after leading New Mexico State to its first 10-win season since 1960, an upset win over Auburn and an appearance in the CUSA championship in 2023. Now, Kill’s wide receivers coach Tony Sanchez will step in. Losing last season’s offensive player of the year Diego Pavia to the transfer portal leaves
1. Liberty
2. Jacksonville St.
3. New Mexico St.
4. West. Kentucky
5. Middle Tenn.
6. Kennesaw State
7. Louisiana Tech
8. Sam Houston St.
9. UTEP
10. Florida Int.
the Aggies with a quarterback battle between Kentucky transfer Deuce Hogan, the returning Brandon Nunez and three-star newcomer Parker Awad.
Western Kentucky is considered the biggest threat to Liberty’s championship hopes. The Hilltoppers received two first-place votes in the 2024 C-USA preseason media poll. Caden Veltkamp is expected to fill in for Austin Reed who threw for over 8,000 yards in his two years as starter. Coach Tyson Helton likes to air it out, and with the departure of leading receiver Malachi Corley, other weapons Dalvin Smith and Easton Messer will have to step up their production. Conference veteran Middle Tennessee State will enter the Derek Mason era. Mason returns to the central Tennessee area after leading Vanderbilt to its most recent bowl appearance in 2018. The defensive minded coach will look to turn around a unit that gave up more than 28 points per game last season. The return of one of the most experienced starting quarterbacks in C-USA, Nicholas Vattiato, is one of the few luxuries in Mason’s first season.
Back-to-back 3-9 seasons to start the Sonny Crumbie era has left more to be desired at Louisiana Tech. After a 2-0 conference start, the Bulldogs dropped
six consecutive games to end the season, bottoming out with a loss to a last place at the time Sam Houston State in Week 12. Giving up 33.4 points per game in 2023, the Bulldogs defense will have to improve to give expected starting quarterback Jack Turner a chance to keep up with opponents.
Another one of the few longterm C-USA members, Florida International has struggled since its last winning season in 2018. The Panthers don’t score much. They averaged just over 20 points per game, landing at third worst in the conference. They’ve also been poor defensively, allowing just shy of 32 points per contest. Receiver Kris Mitchell, one of the few bright spots from last season, transferred to Notre Dame after a 1,100 yard campaign.
Despite an underwhelming stretch, UTEP has reason to be optimistic under new coach Scotty Walden. At Austin Peay, Walden won back-to-back con-
ference titles with the Governors and qualified for the FCS playoffs in 2023. Following him are eight players from Austin Peay, the most notable being running back Jevon Jackson. Jackson rushed for 1,373 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to being named an FCS Central SecondTeam All-American.
After an 0-8 start there was real concern that Sam Houston State would finish their first FBS season winless. Longtime head coach K. C. Keeler was able to rally the Bearkats late to win three of their final four games. SHSU’s offense had one of the worst starts in the country last year, only eclipsing 20 points once in its first six games and not reaching the ten point mark till week five. Things began to click for quarterback Keegan Shoemaker down the stretch, but his graduation leaves a choice between junior transfers Jase Bower and Hunter Watson.
By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com
Kennesaw State is not going to win Conference USA this season.
It is unlikely the Owls will go bowling either. But that doesn’t mean KSU can’t play winning football. The question will be: What does winning look like?
“It’s a little bit of an unknown season,” coach Brian Bohannon said. “It’s the rigors of a true 12-game schedule. We don’t have expectations, we just have to be ready to seize the moment.”
For Kennesaw State, this first season as a team in the Football
Bowl Subdivision feels a little bit like its inaugural season in 2015. At that time, it had never won a game, let alone played in one. Heading into this season, the Owls have never won an FBS game in the program’s history.
“The No. 1 thing is to win an FBS game,” Bohannon said. “We’ve been close, but we have to get that first one. Then for us to really be playing in FBS, we have to be on TV. Then we need facilities.”
KSU will hit the TV airwaves this fall. So far, five games have been scheduled for broadcast with the possible addition of more late in the season. As far as the facili-
Name Pos. Cl.
Markell Redding DB R-FR
Isaac Paul DB R-FR
Yesiah Clemons RB R-SR
Que Billingsley DB R-FR
Jackson Manning TE R-JR 26 Kenai Grier RB R-FR 27 Five Hamilton DB R-FR 28 David Cole WR R-FR
R-SO
Chris Townsel DB R-SR
36 Corey Gardhigh TE FR
36 Devin Ross DB FR
37 Terrence Curtis DB FR
38 Jaiden Kimble LB FR
38 Josh Williamson WR R-SO
39 Eli Leiataua LB JR
Thomas WR R-SO
ties are concerned, there are blueprints and ideas. A 44,000-squarefoot football operations center near the stadium is planned, but a groundbreaking date has not been announced.
On the field, KSU will have by far its most daunting schedule to date. The games against Point and Shorter are in the rearview and they have been replaced by six opponents which played in bowl games a year ago, including C-USA champion Liberty, which played in the Fiesta Bowl.
“It’s as daunting as we’ve ever had here,” Bohannon said. “Each week we’ll have to play our “A” game.”
Leading the team will be a lot of new faces not only on the field but in the coaches box as well. For the second time in as many years, Bohannon had to replace both coordinators. On defense he went with Greg Harris, who coached the linebackers the previous four years.
Offensively, Bohannon picked a combination of nine-year staff member Stewart Cook, who coached the offensive line and tight ends, and the face of the program over the first decade, former quarterback Chandler Burks.
See Owls 170
Amir Scarver
Danarius Johnson
Jamar Rucks
Baron Hopson
R-FR
R-JR
R-JR
Connor Brennan LS R-FR
CJ Donaldson LB R-FR
Tywon Christopher DB FR
Deldrick Franklin LB R-FR 48 Donelius Johnson LB R-SO
Juan Silas LB R-SO
Tylon Dunlap DL R-JR
Jaxon Colvin DL FR
40 Ty Brewer TE FR 40 Jonathan Mathis DB R-FR No. Name Pos. Cl.
William Johnson OL R-SO 52 Trey Hargrove LB R-FR 53 Kalari Gordon OL FR 53 AJ
2023 RESULTS
1000 Chastain Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144 • Fifth Third Stadium https://ksuowls.com/sports/football X: @KSUOwlsFootball Instagram: @ksuowlsfootball Facebook: @Kennesaw State Football
VARSITY
Tusculum ..............................38-7 ..........W
Chattanooga ......................20-27 ............L
Furman ................................28-31 ............L
Tennessee Tech....................7-17 ............L
Charleston Southern .........10-13 ............L
Tennessee State ................20-27 ............L
Lincoln.................................28-12 ..........W
Sam Houston .....................21-24 ............L
Virginia-Lynchburg .............63-3 ..........W
Brian Bohannon ...............HC
Greg Harris ..................DC/LB
Chandler Burks ...Co-OC/QB
Stewart Cook ........Co-OC/TE
Ossie Buchannon.......WR/ST
Liam Klein ...........................LB
Cameron Norcross............OL
Tim Glanton .......................RB
Mike Pelton ........................DL
Ray Smith ..........................DB
Jireh Wilson ......................DB
Jake Lassiter .................. OGA
Travis Bell (2019-22) ........................................................Cincinnati Bengals
Auzoyah Alufohai (2016-19) ...............................................Houston Texans
Chander Burks (2014-18)
Bryson Armstrong (2017-20)
Justin Sumpter (2014-18)
2023 LEADERS
RUSHING
Michael Benefield..87 car......546 yds.......6 TD Jonathan Murphy...116 car.....401 yds. .......7 TD
PASSING
Jonathan Murphy 85-158 1,190 yds 8 TD 3 INT
RECEIVING
Gabriel Benyard....14 rec.....333 yds ..... 4 TD
TACKLES
Deontre Morris .......................48
Markeith Montgomery ........46
SACKS
Adam Watkins ........................3
INTERCEPTIONS
JeRico Washington 3
COACHING STAFF ALL TIME RECORD 71-30
Coach: Brian Bohannon • 9th Season • Record: 71-30 • Overall: 71-30
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Burks, who guided the Owls to the program’s most success to date, will call the plays. This could work as a benefit to Davis Bryson, who takes over as the full time starter heading into the season.
Bryson played in four games during the 2023 season and ran for 206 yards and two touchdowns. However he was given little opportunity to throw the ball as he completed only 2-of-11 passes.
“He has all the tools,” Bohannon said. “Now he has to lead us. He just got to keep working on his craft.”
The strength of the offense is the running back room, led by Michael Benefield. The senior became the first back in program history to have four straight 100-yard games after claiming the starting spot midway through the season. He finished the year with 546 yards and six touchdowns.
Gabriel Benyard can line up as a running back or a wide receiver and could be the most exciting player
on the offense. He has breakaway speed and can make people miss when necessary. Bohannon said he will get the ball in his hands as often as possible, including having him be the kickoff and punt returner. Last year, he became the first player in program history to return a punt for a touchdown.
After a couple of seasons where the line was the leader of the defense, that honor may fall to the back seven this year.
The linebackers are still young, led by a bigger and now healthy Garland Benyard. Bohannon said
he has also been impressed by Juan Silas, Qway McCoy and Baron Hopson among others.
In the secondary, cornerback JeRico Washington and safety Sidney Porter have stood out.
“We’re growing in the back end of the defense,” Bohannon said. One player who was expected to make a big impact this season was Donovan Westmoreland, a transfer defensive lineman from South Carolina. Unfortunately, he will have to wait until next season after tearing his Achilles tendon during the spring.
By John Bednarowski sportseditor@mdjonline.com
It didn’t take long for Davis Bryson to lead Kennesaw State to a national championship.
“We won by 21 points,” he said. Which team did the Owls face in the title game?
“Georgia,” he said. “They are the highest rated team in the game.”
While that national championship may have been in the new College Football 25 video game,
Bryson will take the first steps toward leading KSU to a potential Conference USA title when the season starts at the end of August. It will be the first season as the starting quarterback for the redshirt-sophomore from Woodbridge, Virginia, and the first season for the Owls as a member of the Football Bowl Subdivision.
“It’s going to be exciting,” Bryson said. “I’m looking forward to celebrating in the locker room with my teammates once we get that
first win.”
The 5-foot-9, 190-pound signal caller was the last quarterback recruited by the Owls during their days as a true triple-option offense squad. Bryson has already shown he is effective on the ground, having averaged nearly nine yards per carry in his limited action. Now moving into FBS, KSU is asking him to be more of a passing quarterback. To do that, he is leaning on new offensive coordinator Chandler Burks, a former diminutive
KSU quarterback himself.
“It’s fun learning from him,” Bryson said. “He’s really teaching me how to read defenses, how to pick up pre-snap reads. Know where the safeties are and to recognize the different pressures.”
Another thing that has helped is learning the proper way to study when he’s working on his own.
“I’ve learned how to study film, rather than just watching it,” he said.
Bryson 172
The next level of knowledge has allowed him to progress past his first and second reads. He said now when he sees particular coverages, he is able to adjust.
“I know what kind of looks we’re going to get based on what play is called,” he said.
Bryson said one of the best things is while his game and knowledge are getting better, the way the offense gets called is being simplified. He said he expects the combination to give him an advantage in the huddle this season.
“It’s the same offense,” Bryson said of the “Pistol” originally put in by former offensive coordinator Chris Klenakis. “But it’s the simplicity in which we are learning the offense. Coach Burks has made it a lot easier.
KSU coach Brian Bohannon said the improvement has been noticeable all throughout the offseason. He said he’s gotten bigger, stronger and he’s gained the trust of his teammates.
From 161
per carry and four touchdowns.
“With the ball in his hands he’s a bowling ball,” Anderson said. “He’s hard to tackle, he runs hard.Getting those tough yardages is what we need out of him.”
Like many athletes, Wright has a few superstitions and pregame rituals he does to start each game on the right foot. Wright said he always puts his right cleat on first and straps his right shoulder pad before his left. He also calls a family member before every game to help
“Across the board,” Bohannon said. “(Bryson) had gotten better throwing the ball. He’s making better decisions. He doesn’t let a good play or a bad play affect what he’s trying to do. He’s keeping a level head.”
While everything seems to be moving in the right direction for Bryson and the KSU offense, he is still willing to be a realist. He understands the expectations for the 2024 season are likely mixed.
The Conference USA media poll has projected KSU to finish in last place, and while Bryson is dominating the sport in College Football 25, the Owls are still the lowest rated team in the game.
Bryson said it’s OK to see KSU that way at first, but if he has his say, it won’t stay that way for long.
“I have a couple of personal goals that I will keep to myself,” he said. “But our main goal here is to win the conference.
“It’s not the first time I’ve been on a team that’s been doubted. It lights a fire underneath us. We know we can play with anybody in the country. We’re coming.”
with some of the pregame nerves, and starts the game with a pregame prayer on the sideline.
“I call my grandpa before every game, it helps get my nerves out of the way and to calm me down,” Wright said. With a school as small as Walker, the community is close-knit and interconnected at every level, and the school finds ways to connect the upperclassmen with the younger kids on campus.
The football team spends a Friday morning or two on campus in the fall doing carpool duty for the lower school, opening doors for the first through fifth graders as
From 164
able to help his teammates keep from losing their cool in critical moments as a result of this.
“I’ve never been (flustered),” he said. “I felt like I was able to hold the team together, when we were facing adversity towards the end of the season trying to get that region championship, I was able to tell everyone to focus on the goal.”
Coach Robert Walsh said the senior has carried himself as an unbelievable leader this offseason, showing full effort on every drill in off-season practices as if they were regular season games.
“When I first got here I think he was hesitant with the culture change and coaching change, but he has fully bought in,” Walsh said. “His leadership is going to be key for us, the way he carries himself, not just on the football field but in the classroom as well.”
they start their days. Wright said he loves to give back to the lower grade levels and interact with them because he knows he would’ve loved that interaction as a kid.
“Walker feels more like a family than a community,” Wright said. “It feels more welcoming.”
Anderson said he has seen Wright’s energy and passion for the game, and how he has made a difference in the locker room and on the field.
“Day 1 when he stepped on campus last year, he brought so much enthusiasm and intensity,” Anderson said. “He plays the game the right way and that just feeds off to
Logan, who also received offers from Columbia, Brown, Colgate and Sewanee, is committed to play Division I football at Georgetown University.
“All the hard work I’ve been putting in since I was little, it’s always been the goal to play college football and (go) into the NFL,” Logan said. “I’m blessed by God, to be able to use my gifts that he gifted me to make it to the next level.”
While Logan has yet to make a decision on where he will continue his journey, Walsh said he firmly believes that Logan will do amazing things and achieve greatness, not only on the field, but in the classroom as well.
“I have no doubt he’s going to have a lot of success, no matter what he chooses to do,” Walsh said. “Whether that’s football, academically, in the business world, the construction world, he’s going to have a lot of success.”
everyone else on the team.He flies around to the ball, he’s 100 miles per hour each and every play.”
While Wright doesn’t have any college offers as of now, he hopes to play college football in the future. College isn’t as much of a focus in his mind, though. Wright said his focus is on setting the tone for the future of Walker football.
“The intangible of what he brings to the locker room and to the field speaks volumes to the type of kid that he is.” Anderson said, “He is a gem and any coaching staff at the next level would be getting a good one for sure.”
Bruce A. Hester D.M.D and Chelsea M. Smith D.M.D
Reinhardt’s David Friedberg is not only a good football player, but a world-class javalin thrower. He won the NAIA national championship in the event and advanced to the Olympic trials.
From 178
picked up javelin in the football offseasons.
“I’m so young to the javelin world, and my training age is a lot different than these other guys,” Friedberg said. “I trained only during the spring. I have so much more potential, and now there’s more room to grow than everybody else.”
Just four years into his javelin career, Fried-
berg continues to progress at an unprecedented rate. He threw for 71.22 meters in 2023, which marked the best in the NAIA at the time and was the top throw since 2014.
He shattered that distance in 2024 and improved over 20 meters between his freshman and sophomore seasons.
“A lot of coaches wouldn’t believe me when I told them that,” White said. “That kind of improvement is almost unheard of. I’d love to take a ton of the credit, but he won the genetic lottery, and the drive to be successful that his parents instilled in him is
just incredible.”
Friedberg’s first throw in Friday’s opening round went 68.74 meters, with his second dropping four-plus meters at 64.39.
However, he flipped the switch and sent his third attempt 70.36 meters to secure a spot in Sunday’s finals. Friedberg started the finals with back-to-back throws of 68.20 and 70.64, respectively, before his best attempt of 75.06.
Friedberg returns to Reinhardt this fall to play his final football season and graduate with a master’s degree in business. Friedberg led the Eagles in both catches (22) and receiving yards (483) with three touchdowns.
White is used to balancing his trainees with other workout regimens, but he said consistent communication with coach James Miller and the football coaching staff, along with a good relationship with Friedberg, has maximized their effectiveness.
“To see a kid in the Olympics from Reinhardt is awesome,” Miller said. “I remember I watched it on Peacock with my wife, and we saw all of his throws. He is just a very driven and very competitive young man that wants to win in everything that he does.”
Friedberg eyes the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, now training year-round after missing this year’s cut.
“He knows he belongs here,” White said. “It’s just so cool to see someone from a little NAIA school on the same stage as these world-class athletes. What sticks out to me is his ability to say this was good for now, but it’s not good enough for where he wants to be. He’s got bigger goals, which includes getting back here in four years to make the team and win it all.”
Friedberg said his support system, between his family, Reinhardt and White have been instrumental in his success at the national level. They remain vital as he pursues qualification in Los Angeles and beyond.
“My goal and my dream is to be the best American javelin thrower ever,” Friedberg said. “I’ve got my sights on the 2028 Olympics, and that’s where I’m going to put all my effort and energy. I’m going to pursue my passion.”
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
Over the last few years, Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) football has started and ended with Reinhardt. It expects to contend for the crown again in a conference filled with ascending programs.
The Eagles claimed the 2023 regular-season conference championship at 6-0, ahead of the oneloss Pikeville and three-loss teams Bluefield, Union and Point.
Last season marked the second year of the AAC being a standalone conference. It broke away from the Mid-South Conference with six teams, originally, in Reinhardt, Bluefield, Point, Kentucky Christian, St. Andrews and Union.
The Eagles have won the new conference both times since its inception, going 11-0 throughout league play. Bluefield has been the second-best team in that span, accumulating a twoyear overall record of 13-8 (7-4 AAC).
Reinhardt is, again, expected to finish atop the AAC rankings, though Pikeville and Bluefield can also make their case. Still, coach James Miller and the Eagles are not looking ahead quite yet.
“I don’t try to focus on these other guys, I just try to focus more on what we do and how we approach every single day,” Miller said. “We are not really going to worry about our opponents as much as how we are worrying about if our culture in the locker room is right and making sure our culture on the field is right,” Miller said. “Doing those small things will help us be successful.”
Pikeville coach Corey Fipps has done nothing but win since joining the program in 2021 after a four-year stint with Kentucky Christian. Fipps also serves as the program’s athletic director while making history with the
football team with its 100th alltime win.
Fipps led the Bears to a 6-4 record in 2022, marking the team’s best finish since 2016.
Pikeville went 7-3 last year, highlighted by the play of quarterback Lee Kirkland, who won Offensive Player of the Year in the league and finished 219-for358 in the air for 2,741 yards and 31 touchdowns.
Bluefield has been one of Reinhardt’s top challengers in conference play these last few seasons, paced by coach Dewey Lusk’s high-octane offense. The Rams averaged 33.3 points per game and nearly 400 yards.
Union heads into the 2024 season with momentum after coach John Luttrell earned AAC Coach of the Year honors. He followed a winless 2022 campaign with a 4-6 record in 2023, including a .500 mark (3-3) in
conference play. The Bulldogs bookended their season with shutout victories.
Point comes off a year divided into multiple phases, with two straight blowout losses getting things started. However, a 3-1 stretch followed, where the Skyhawks beat Thomas, Kentucky Christian and Bluefield before dropping four of five games to end the year.
For Kentucky Christian and St. Andrews, the only way to go is up after combining for a 1-20 record in 2023.
After adding Pikeville to the conference last season, the AAC announced the addition of Rio Grande (Ohio) as a football affiliate member on July 15. The RedStorm will not compete until the 2025 season, though, as they resurrect their football program following a 75-year hiatus.
St. Andrews
“Our football team joining the AAC brings the opportunity to develop new rivalries and to reconnect on some old ones,” Rio Grande Athletic Director Jeff Lanham said in a press release. “These new rivalries add that extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the season. We’re very excited about facing new challenges with the AAC.”
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
Continuity will be vital to Reinhardt’s success in 2024, with the majority of its offensive contributors back and a returning offensive coordinator for the first time in three years.
However, the tradeoff is the Eagles’ defense, which had significant roster turnover from a group that held opponents under 20 points per game last season. Despite those losses, Reinhardt still expects to maintain the status quo of compet-
ing for an AAC championship.
“We return a lot offensively, but we lost a lot on defense,” coach James Miller said. “There will be a lot of position battles, especially on defense. Offensively, we return a lot of guys, but we also gain two offensive linemen that had season-ending injuries last year. It will be good to have some continuity under (offensive coordinator Tyler) Hennes, too.”
Reinhardt made the NAIA Football Championship Series after collecting another conference title. The Eagles finished 8-3 overall and 6-0 in AAC play,
including a 70-point performance against Bluefield to cap off the regular season.
Hennes enters his second year as offensive coordinator in Waleska after two years with Ottawa University in the same position, plus quarterback coach responsibilities. He helped lead Reinhardt to 38.5 points and 400plus offensive yards per contest.
The Eagles return quarterbacks Stephen Craig and Taylor Jackson, both of whom started games in 2023. Craig was a 2022 signee from Lovejoy High School, while Jackson transferred in from Bre-
vard College.
Jackson, a rising senior, played in 10 games last season, completing 59.5% of his passes for 1,890 yards, 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Craig, one year younger, completed 43.5% of his passes for 556 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions.
“The biggest storyline is who emerges as the starter,” Miller said. “(Craig) is the starter coming out of spring. It’s his job to lose because that is the way he approached it every day.”
Miller believes Reinhardt’s See Eagles 177
Faulkner ................................36-3 ..........W
Southeastern ....................23-20 ............L Cumberlands .....................20-19 ............L
Georgetown ......................28-24 ..........W
Pikeville ..............................41-35 ..........W
St. Andrews ..........................57-0 ..........W Point .....................................44-17 ..........W
Union ...................................45-10 ..........W
Kentucky Christian..............56-0 ..........W
Bluefield..............................70-27 ..........W
St. Thomas ...........................55-7 ............L
7300 Reinhardt Circle, Waleska, GA 30183 • Ken White Field https://reinhardteagles.com/sports/fball/index X: @ReinhardtFb Instagram: @reinhardtfootball Facebook: @Reinhardt University Football
RUSHING
James Miller ......................HC
Tyler Hennes ....AHC/OC/QB
Willie McCloud .................WR
Cliff Matthews.......Co-DC/DL
Mike Peeples .......Co-DC/DB
Luis Morris ..........................RB
Reggie Graham .................LB
Presley Gauch ...................SC
Tre Coney (2016-19)
Billy Hall (2018-21)
2023 RESULTS VARSITY COACHING STAFF ALL TIME RECORD 99-27
Kendrick Hawkins .................59
SACKS
Vertez Shorter ........................4.5
INTERCEPTIONS
Keon McGhee 5
continuity will help its quarterbacks. The Eagles also return talent at running back in juniors Jerdavian Colbert and Tyress McKey. Colbert posted a 1,004yard season in 11 games for the Eagles, paired with six touchdowns. McKey ran for 318 yards and two scores in six appearances.
“(Jerdavian Colbert) is back, and Ty McKey, who’s coming off ACL (surgery) is back at 100 percent,” Miller said. “We return both tight ends in Austin Davis and Jake Wallace, along with all our running backs and most of our receivers.”
Sophomore running backs
Jayden Ponder and Jeremy Williams are also names to watch.
Top receiver David Friedberg returns after catching a team-
best 22 passes for 483 yards and three touchdowns last year.
Reinhardt’s offensive line was trending upward before injuries derailed that unit in 2023. Now healthy, Miller sees it as a strong suit, led by 6-foot-3, 280-pound junior Zac Lyle and 5-10, 275pound graduate Lorenzo Robinson.
Defensively, the Eagles look to reload throughout the front seven, though the secondary will be capable from opening day. That back
end helped shut St. Andrews and Kentucky Christian out in October and November, respectively. “We have some talented players (on defense), but there’s just some inexperience with guys starting who haven’t played much before,” Miller said. “On the offensive line, Zac (Lyle) is going to be a huge part for us. He is a great leader, and Lorenzo (Robinson), too, who will hopefully be back up front by the time we start.”
By Griffin Callaghan gcallaghan@cherokeetribune.com
Standing among fellow Olympic hopefuls in Eugene, Oregon in late June, Reinhardt’s David Friedberg knew he belonged.
Friedberg, both a track and football standout with the Eagles, excelled at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials, placing 11th in the preliminary round. He threw 75.06 meters on Day 2 to place seventh in the nation, nar-
rowly missing out on an Olympic roster spot.
At that moment, Friedberg stood out on a worldwide stage.
“The experience was amazing,” he said. “It was unbelievable, from the fans there to the stadium itself. Just being around other elite athletes like myself was really something to experience. I know what it takes now, and being one of those top Americans is my goal.”
Expectations were high for Freidberg, a three-time NAIA cham-
pion and league’s all-time javelin record holder at 76.08 meters. His record throw came at the Berry College Field Day in mid-April.
“We expected to get out of the qualifying round for sure, and then you get to those Sunday finals, where anything can happen, and compete,” Reinhardt throws coach Josh White said. “We definitely thought he could finish as high as he did.”
Friedberg had never touched a javelin until college, entering the
school as a football recruit under coach James Miller. As a freshman, he quickly earned notoriety in the NAIA world, winning a conference championship and nearly qualifying for nationals. With a football and baseball background, Friedberg had a substantially different path to the trials than his peers, who trained javelin for the majority of their careers. He called it an ‘all-of-asudden kind of thing’, where he
See Friedberg 173
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