September 1 - 3
Table
OctOber 5-15
denmark danes
Danes’ success in 2023 hinges on young talent, key veterans
By Derrick Richemond drichemond@forsythnews.com
The motto for Denmark this offseason was “Win the day.”
“The work ethic, the weight room, the conditioning, we’re looking forward to this season,” Danes head coach Mike Palmieri said.
This 2023 season, Denmark will have a fresh new offense with a young group of athletes. Quarterback Jacob Nelson has been working with his new offensive coordinator Joshua Coffey, and the plan is to get the ball in the playmakers’ hands. Palmieri and his coaching staff made it their top priority to focus on minimizing turnovers, as well as improving special teams, which was often a challenge for the 2022 Danes. Recognizing the three region games they lost last year could’ve pushed them further in the postseason, those were some areas they placed a
strong emphasis on all summer long.
“Making sure that we get the ball to our offense in good situations. I thought last year we did a little bit of that. We turned it over offensively a little too much, We want to play mistake-free football,” Palmieri said. “On special teams, we really worked on that. We felt like in certain positions in a game last year we were no good at that spot.”
Nelson is motivated to lead the offense and put on a stellar performance against Denmark’s first opponent of the season, Roswell, to set the tone. For defensive end Jacob Smith, once Milton is up next on the schedule, he will aim to take the Eagles out of the sky.
“That game left a baste taste in our mouth,” Nelson said of the Roswell contest. “Last year, we got knocked around a little bit. We’ve been working hard for that game all summer.”
2023 schedule
Aug. 18 — Roswell at Denmark
Aug. 25 — Denmark at Cambridge
Sept. 8 — Denmark at Harrison
Sept. 15 — Pebblebrook at Denmark
Sept. 21 — Dacula at Denmark
*Oct. 5 — Denmark at West Forsyth
*Oct. 13 — Denmark at South Forsyth
*Oct. 20 — Lambert at Denmark
*Oct. 27 — Denmark at Milton
*Nov. 2 — Forsyth Central at Denmark
*Region 6-7A game
2022 results
6-5 Overall, 2-3 Region 6-7A
Roswell 35, Denmark 10
Denmark 17, Cambridge 15
Denmark 25, Harrison 21
Denmark 17, Pebblebrook 14
Denmark 28, Dacula 25
*Denmark 21, West Forsyth 10
*South Forsyth 10, Denmark 3
*Lambert 39, Denmark 31
*Milton 21, Denmark 14
*Denmark 44, Forsyth Central 0
**North Cobb 42, Denmark 10
“Mine is Milton,” Smith countered. “Everyone thinks they’re the favorites to win region, and we can compete real hard with them this year.”
Denmark finished 6-5 last year, finishing as the No. 4 seed in Region 6-7A with a 2-3 mark. This season, the Danes will look to get back to the heights reached in 2021, when the team won a region title and a firstround playoff game.
“We’re in a really great place as a program. We’ve just got to keep working on the field and making good things happen,” Palmieri said. “There’s so many kids that we have that are young, good football players that we’re looking forward to seeing on the field this season. It’s going to be a work in progress. We’re young, but we’re not making no excuses. We also got some big, older kids, and we’re looking to see them compete like we do every year.”
*Region 6-7A game
**GHSA playoff game
trophy case
First varsity season: 2018
Playoff appearances: 4 (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Region titles: 1 (2021)
State titles: 0
the coach
Mike Palmieri
At Denmark: 20-13, fourth season
Overall: 183-53, 19th season
Nicholas Sullivan Forsyth County News
Denmark head coach Mike Palmieri is flanked by seniors Jacob Nelson, left, and Jacob Smith during Forsyth County News media day.
fideles christian school rangers
Fideles Christian gearing up for Wyngaard’s 1st season in charge
By Nicholas Sullivan nsullivan@forsythnews.com
Peter Wyngaard served as the head coach of Fideles Christian’s middle school program last fall. Like the eighth-graders he coached last year, Wyngaard is moving up to the varsity level this season.
“We have a fairly young team,” Wyngaard said. “Last year, we had eight graduating seniors. We have a lot of incoming freshmen. We have few seniors. The ones that we do have are great leaders for our team with a lot of experience.”
One of those seniors, Houston Baxter, admitted that he didn’t know what to expect when former head coach Chad Templeton stepped down, but Baxter has been pleased with the perspective Wyngaard has brought into the position.
“I was nervous about the whole new coaching experience and the whole ‘What are we
going to look like with a new coach?’ thing,” Baxter said. “With coach Wyngaard, his whole plan is teamwork, character, discipline and heart. Those four have all really hit us. We all have this passion that is earned, not given.”
In the third season for the Fideles varsity program, the Rangers wound up 5-6 last year, with a loss in the first round of the GAPPS 8-man football state playoffs. Despite some highscoring defeats, Fideles downed crosstown rival Horizon Christian 21-14 in a surprising defensive struggle to secure a postseason berth.
Baxter is hoping to see the Rangers go one step further this fall and post the program’s firstever winning record.
“If you look at the program and each of the last four years that we’ve played, each year has been a step up,” said Baxter, a lineman and tight end. “... I want to keep taking that step up where
2023 schedule
Aug. 25 — Fideles at Victory Baptist
Sept. 1 — Lafayette Christian at Fideles
Sept. 8 — Covington Academy at Fideles
Sept. 15 — Fideles at Young Americans Christian
*Sept. 22 — Fideles at Johnson Ferry Christian
*Sept. 29 — Unity Christian at Fideles
Oct. 6 — Fideles at Trinity Christian School of Griffin
*Oct. 13 — Hearts Academy at Fideles
*Oct. 27 — Fideles at Horizon Christian
*GAPPS Region 1-2A game
2022 results
5-6 Overall, 2-2 GAPPS Region 1-2A
*Fideles 39, Johnson Ferry Christian 20
King’s Way Christian 42, Fideles 32 Fideles 36, Central Christian 14 Fideles 58, Covington Academy 0 Victory Baptist 60, Fideles 50
*Lafayette Christian 50, Fideles 43
we put Fideles on the map. We used to be one of these cupcake schools. That’s not going to happen anymore. I want you to see us on your schedule and be like, ‘OK, Fideles, this is going to be a tough matchup.’”
For Fideles to maintain that constant growth, youthful exuberance will need to outweigh rookie mistakes.
So far, Wyngaard believes the Rangers have responded to every challenge in the offseason. Next up is the regular season.
“What we ask of them is a lot,” Wyngaard said. “We need them to be in the right physical condition. We need them to be working on the skills of not only a primary position but also a secondary position — potentially on both sides of the ball. ...
“What we’re trying to do is grow them as men, and we ask a lot of them. They rise to the occasion. We’re proud of them, and we’re excited about getting into it.”
*Fideles 21, Horizon Christian 14
*Unity Christian 46, Fideles 33 Fideles 61, Hearts Academy 50 Peachtree Academy 2, Fideles 0 (Forfeit)
**Vidalia Heritage 80, Fideles 61
*GAPPS Region 1-2A game
**GAPPS playoff game
the coach
Peter Wyngaard
At Fideles: 0-0, first season Overall: 0-0, first season
Derrick Richemond Forsyth County News
Fideles Christian’s Sam Cook answers a question during FCN media day.
horizon christian academy warriors
Horizon Christian offense aiming for more explosive plays in 2023
By Derrick Richemond drichemond@forsythnews.com
Recently appointed Horizon Christian head coach Mark Thompson plans on keeping the game simple and looking good while doing it in new uniforms.
As part of his coaching strategy, he is currently working on fine-tuning the fundamental skills of the team. Specifically focusing on areas such as blocking, tackling, and making sure players are in the right position on the field to make a play.
“Things we do are not really rocket science; it’s all the basic things,” Thompson said. “We have a lot of plays, doing a lot of things we did a couple of years ago when we actually made a state run. Our defense is somewhat technical, but it’s very elegant when the kids understand it. If we can make the system simpler to understand, they will be able to do their best.”
One of the most impressive
qualities possessed by the Warriors is undoubtedly their remarkable speed.
Using this particular attribute has allowed them to dominate opponents time and time again, leaving many in awe of their capabilities. Even Thompson remains uncertain about the full extent of their potential and the vast array of plays they can use to outwit and defeat their opponents.
Quarterback Will Maher now has a point of view of leading the Warriors offense and has a lot of faith in his teammates.
One particular new weapon that he’s ready to unleash is Nate Hernandez. Since Day 1, the duo has been working on building their relationship and has already demonstrated their progress during practice.
Another drastic change to the Warriors football team was Thomas Hair switching from offensive line to now full-time running back.
2023 schedule
Aug. 25 — Horizon at Holy Spirit Prep
Sept. 1 — Notre Dame at Horizon
Sept. 8 — Monsignor Donovan at Horizon
Sept. 15 — Praise Academy at Horizon
*Sept. 22 — Unity Christian at Horizon
*Oct. 6 — Horizon at Hearts Academy
*Oct. 13 — Horizon at Johnson Ferry Christian
*Oct. 27 — Fideles Christian at Horizon
*GAPPS Region 1-2A game
2022 results
4-5 Overall, 2-2 GAPPS Region 1-2A Holy Spirit Prep 48, Horizon 43 Horizon 31, New Creation Christian 0
King’s Way Christian 46, Horizon 12 Victory Baptist 48, Horizon 19
*Horizon 18, Lafayette Christian 12
Last year, Hair had a few plays drawn up for him under former head coach Damon Taylor, and he didn’t disappoint, getting in the end zone — as well as on Forsyth Sports Top 10 Plays of the Week.
“That was a big thing for me, switching positions from O-lineman to running back,” Hair said, “and I feel like I’m going to make it happen again because I know the offense pretty well.”
Thompson envisions his Warriors team as being extremely dynamic. Despite having only eight players on the field, the plays he designs aim to get the ball to his playmakers in open space with the hope of scoring more often than years prior.
“That’s what 8-man football is all about,” Thompson said. “There’s not a lot of guys that can stop you in the open. We’re going to try to limit the other teams’ ability to do that on defense.”
*Fideles Christian 21, Horizon 14
*Horizon 49, Johnson Ferry Christian 42
*Unity Christian 60, Horizon 20 Horizon 61, Central Christian 18
*GAPPS Region 1-2A game
the coach
Mark Thompson
At Horizon: 0-0, first season
Overall: 0-0, first season
Nicholas Sullivan Forsyth County News
Members of the Horizon Christian Academy football team are seen at FCN media day.
north forsyth raiders
Raiders hoping to challenge for region championship this fall
By Nicholas Sullivan nsullivan@forsythnews.com
After sliding down to Class 6A, North Forsyth finished 8-4 last year, earned its first postseason appearance since 2019 and downed Blessed Trinity in the opening round of the playoffs.
“It was a landmark victory for our program,” Raiders head coach Robert Craft said of the thrilling 24-21 win over the Titans. “One that we no doubt want to build on as it catapults us into this season. And then looking forward, wanting the opportunity to host again.”
Even still, it felt like North Forsyth left some meat on the bone last season, which also seems to have provided the 2023 iteration with plenty of hunger entering this fall.
Tight end Walker Roberts mentioned earning some redemption in the Corky Kell Classic, where the Raiders let a lead slip away against North
Atlanta, and against Creekview, which handed Craft’s crew a 35-7 defeat.
Despite those non-region slipups, North Forsyth reeled off four straight Region 8-6A wins before falling to Gainesville in a de facto region title game.
“That’s obviously one we wish we had back,” new Raiders starting quarterback Elijah Seaney said.
While North Forsyth tried to shy away from giving Gainesville any bulletin board material, the Raiders made it clear that they are hoping to topple the Red Elephants this time.
“I’m looking for Gainesville to be one of our biggest games of the year,” senior linebacker Dylan Parker said. “I think it’s going to be really good to play them. I hope we come out with a win this year.”
Added Seaney, “That’s a crucial point in our season.”
If North Forsyth is going to be able to compete for the pro -
2023 schedule
^Aug. 17 — Archer vs. North, at West Forsyth
Aug. 25 — Forsyth Central vs. North, at East Forsyth
Sept. 1 — North at West Forsyth
Sept. 8 — Creekview vs. North, at East Forsyth
*Sept. 15 — Jackson County at North
*Sept. 22 — North at Shiloh
*Oct. 5 — North at Lanier
*Oct. 20 — North at Habersham Central
*Oct. 27 — Gainesville at North
*Nov. 3 — Apalachee at North
^Corky Kell Classic
*Region 8-6A game
2022 results
8-4 Overall, 5-1 Region 8-6A
^North Atlanta 31, North 27 North 35, Forsyth Central 7 North 28, West Forsyth 24 Creekview 35, North 7
*North 14, Jackson County 3
*North 42, Shiloh 34
*North 21, Lanier 7
*North 24, Habersham Central 14
*Gainesville 34, North 21
*North 44, Apalachee 0
gram’s first region title since 2001, Seaney will need to be able to at least match the highpowered offense of last season.
Prior to the 34-21 loss at Gainesville, the Raiders had won their first four region games by an average of 10.75 points. North Forsyth knows each of those teams who came within a score or two of knocking off the Raiders — Jackson County, Shiloh, Lanier and Habersham Central — will be extra motivated when this season’s meetings roll around.
It’s the same way North Forsyth feels about that Gainesville rematch.
“All I’ve been able to think about is that region championship,” defensive lineman Brody Hancock said of his goals for the year. “Instead of being runnerup, actually getting it this time and getting that chance again against Gainesville, because that was just a heartbreaking loss that we took.”
**North 24, Blessed Trinity 21
**Hughes 77, North 16
^Corky Kell Classic
*Region 8-6A game
**GHSA playoff game
trophy case
First varsity season: 1994
Playoff appearances: 10 (1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2019, 2022)
Region titles: 1 (2001)
State titles: 0
the coach
Robert Craft
At North: 39-38, eighth season
Overall: 88-57, 14th season
Kelly Whitmire Forsyth County News
North Forsyth head coach Robert Craft, center, answers a question during FCN media day.
pinecrest academy paladins
Pinecrest Academy hoping more experience leads to bounce back
By Nicholas Sullivan nsullivan@forsythnews.com
On the heels of a GAPPS 8-man football championship in 2020, Pinecrest Academy managed a strong return to 11-man football the following year with a trip to the state semifinals.
However, the Paladins wound up losing a considerable amount of talent that season, leading to a bit of a youth movement last fall.
It’s fair to say that the younger, less experienced Pinecrest team took its lumps last year, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. After allowing just 16 points per game in 2021, the Paladins gave up nearly twice as many points (30.18 ppg) on a nightly basis last season.
Even though the Paladins will be replacing two-way standout Brock Barbee, Pinecrest head coach Shawn Coury believes the team, as a whole, is in a much better place now than it was 12
months ago.
“I feel like we’re so much further ahead in the summer,” Coury said. “We did our week of spring practice, and then we jumped into the summer. We jumped into the summer teaching new stuff not having to teach basic stuff, because our guys now had a year under their belts. ...
“I feel like we’re better prepared to understand what they’re doing, and we’re in a better position scheme-wise to know where we should be and respond quicker.”
Having suffered four losses last season by 34-plus points, the Paladins believe better endurance facilitated through highenergy practices will be a key factor in avoiding similar defeats this year.
“The goal this year is to have some really good, competitive games,” senior wide receiver and defensive back Luke Coury said. “We’re looking for that dog in
2023 schedule
Aug. 18 — Pinecrest at Southern Academy (Alabama)
Aug. 25 — Pinecrest at Calvary Christian
Sept. 8 — Pinecrest at Harvester Christian
Sept. 15 — Skipstone at Pinecrest
*Sept. 22 — Lanier Christian at Pinecrest
Oct. 5 — Pinecrest at Cross Keys
Oct. 13 — Creekside Christian at Pinecrest
*Oct. 20 — The King’s Academy at Pinecrest
*Oct. 27 — Cherokee Christian at Pinecrest
*Nov. 3 — Walker at Pinecrest
* GAPPS Region 2-2A game
2022 results
4-7 Overall, 2-2 GAPPS Region 2-2A
Pinecrest 21, Notre Dame 0
Calvary Christian 47, Pinecrest 7 Pinecrest 41, Harvester Christian 14
Skipstone Academy 34, Pinecrest 0
*Lanier Christian 69, Pinecrest 7
*Pinecrest 60, Community Christian 6 Creekside Christian 42, Pinecrest 28
The King’s Academy 20, Pinecrest 12
*Cherokee Christian 27, Pinecrest 10
*Pinecrest 26, Walker 22
us, that fight in us to just keep going. Going into the fourth quarter, people are getting tired, and our goal is to keep pushing until the end. ...
“We want to find that kind of dog mentality, go far, play as well as we can and try to push the season as far as we possibly can.”
Again, though, Pinecrest will need to rely on the experience gained from last fall — the good and the bad — to be able to bounce back.
Senior lineman Chris Calupca recalled being pushed around a bit on the field as an underclassman. Now that he’s the top dog, Calupca is hoping to put together a big final campaign and make some lasting memories.
“This is possibly the last time I play football, or if I continue, it’s the last time I play high school football,” Calupca said. “I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. I just really want to end my senior season with a bang.”
**Skipstone 51, Pinecrest 7
*GAPPS Region 2-2A game
**GAPPS playoff game
trophy case
First varsity season: 2004
Playoff appearances: 11 (2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Region titles: 4 (2007, 2009, 2015, 2020)
State titles: 1 (2020)
*GISA from 2004-09; GAPPS from 2020-23
the coach
Shawn Coury
At Pinecrest: 23-10, fourth season
Overall: 27-26, sixth season
Kelly Whitmire Forsyth County News
Pinecrest Academy head coach Shawn Coury is flanked by Luke Coury, left, and Chris Calupca during Forsyth County News media day.
forsyth central bulldogs
Bulldogs showing enthusiasm under new head coach Pickett
By Nicholas Sullivan nsullivan@forsythnews.com
Forsyth Central football hasn’t been to the postseason since 2018, but Bulldogs firstyear head coach Chad Pickett firmly believes that drought will end this fall.
“Forsyth Central doesn’t have a standard right now; whatever they do, that’s going to set the standard,” Pickett said, referring to his debut team. “ ... Our goals? I’m going to tell you, 100%, we’re going to go to the playoffs and we’re going to create some rivalries within this region. Those are our goals that we are going to attain.”
When Pickett signed on to be Forsyth Central’s head coach after five years building the Denmark program as a member of the offensive staff, his first order of business was taking over the weight room. The seniors noticed an instantaneous difference in the way the
team lifted.
“I think as soon as he came in, he immediately changed the tempo of how we did things,” running back Jayce Todaro said. “He changed what we did, and it brought a whole new atmosphere to everything. I thought that was great.”
Cade Haertel, a senior wide receiver and defensive back, echoed Todaro’s sentiment.
“He came in and immediately took over and pushed us in the right direction,” Haertel said of Pickett. “Us three seniors, we’ve had three head coaches, so many offensive coordinators and so many defensive coordinators. He really focused on us seniors to become leaders of the team, with him. ...
“We want to follow coach Pickett. We want to play for him; we want to win for him; and we want to rebuild this program with him.”
The Bulldogs finished 2-8 in each of David Rooney’s two
2023 schedule
Aug. 18 – Central at Chattahoochee
Aug. 25 – Central vs. North Forsyth, at East Forsyth
Sept. 1 – Etowah at Central
Sept. 15 – Central at Habersham
Central
Sept. 22 – Seckinger at Central
*Oct. 6 – Central at Lambert
*Oct. 13 – Milton at Central
*Oct. 19 – South Forsyth at Central
*Oct. 27 – West Forsyth at Central
*Nov. 2 – Central at Denmark
* Region 6-7A game
seasons in charge of the program. Forsyth Central didn’t win a region game in either of those campaigns, with the program’s most recent region triumph being a 28-27 win over North Forsyth back on Oct. 23, 2020.
It’s too soon tell how much of a rebuild Pickett can pull off in just a few months, but there is certainly a reasonable expectation that the 2023 team will make enough strides to generate excitement and momentum to get Forsyth Central’s arrow pointing up heading into next year.
Pickett hopes to see that type of positivity permeate throughout the Bulldogs athletic department, the school as a whole and into the community.
“We’re going to change everything at Forsyth Central internally,” Pickett said. “It’s going to start with these three, myself, my coaches, this football team, and then it’s going to branch out.”
2022 results
2-8 Overall, 0-5 Region 6-7A Central 44, Chattahoochee 21
North Forsyth 35, Central 7
Etowah 35, Central 14
Habersham Central 28, Central 21 Central 35, Seckinger 0
*Lambert 40, Central 14
*Milton 38, Central 0
*South Forsyth 34, Central 0
*West Forsyth 40, Central 0
*Denmark 44, Central 0
* Region 6-7A game
trophy case
First varsity season: 1955
Playoff appearances: 6 (1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2018)
Region titles: 3 (1996, 1997, 2000)
State titles: 0
the coach
Chad Pickett
At Central: 0-0, first season
Overall: 0-0, first season
Derrick RIchemond Forsyth County News
Forsyth Central’s Jayce Todaro, center, answers a question during FCN media day.
2023 schedule
Aug. 18 — Sequoyah at Lambert
Aug. 25 — Lambert at Dawson County
After 2022 resurgence, Longhorns embracing target on their backs lambert longhorns
By Derrick Richemond drichemond@forsythnews.com
The Lambert Longhorns football team has been bolstered by the motivational leadership of its head coach, Marc Beach.
As Lambert prepares for the upcoming season, Beach has been emphasizing the importance of maintaining a winning mindset with the “Expect to win” motto. After annihilating their Forsyth County foes and getting a taste of winning, the team has developed a fierce determination to continue their success in Year 2 of Beach.
The Longhorns embrace the challenge of being targeted and use it as a source of motivation. Rather than feeling pressure, they feel a sense of satisfaction when they perform well under these conditions and know they’re a team that everyone wants to take out.
“The bar is set high,” Beach said. “With what happened last
year, our expectation is to play for a region title. Four years ago, when I got here, that wasn’t an expectation.”
There are some missing holes that may limit the Longhorns’ potential on offense, but the talent at the running back position is going to determine how far they can go.
With one football to go around, Beach likes the idea that he has three of the best running backs wearing the black and crimson red jerseys. Each supplies a unique skill set that fits with different schemes to weaken defenses.
“I try to follow the blocks more,” senior RB Ethan Terry said of his style. “I have a new O-line this year, and a new O-line coach. Just being more patient and letting the O-line do what they’ve got to do to get their blocks done.”
What Beach has been thrilled with this summer is his defense, and he expects it to excel in defensive coordinator
Sept. 1 — Lambert at Mountain View
Sept. 15 — Flowery Branch at Lambert
Sept. 22 — East Coweta at Lambert
*Oct. 6 — Forsyth Central at Lambert
*Oct. 13 — West Forsyth at Lambert
*Oct. 20 — Lambert at Denmark
*Oct. 26 — Lambert at South Forsyth
*Nov. 3 — Lambert at Milton
*Region 6-7A game
Dustin Heard’s system. Lambert was able to put its defense to the test during a camp that included Class 7A state champions Mill Creek and preseason top-10 nationally ranked Buford.
But where it all begins for them to be in the right shape to go out and compete is grinding in the weight room from January to April. So far, 37 Longhorns have been able to power clean over 225 pounds. Additionally, Longhorns star defensive lineman Finn Braeuer tied the school record in the squats.
“We demand excellence. Anything less than a region championship is not something we’ll settle for,” Beach said. “It’s a long haul, we’ve got some really good teams on our schedule then our region. We really can’t say much because we haven’t beat West in five years or South [until last year]. Now, we’ve got to get over the Milton hump.”
2022 results
10-2 Overall, 4-1 Region 6-7A
Lambert 41, Sequoyah 14
Lambert 49, Dawson County 6
Lambert 27, Mountain View 13
Lambert 43, Flowery Branch 20
Lambert 31, East Coweta 24
*Lambert 40, Forsyth Central 14
*Lambert 20, West Forsyth 3
*Lambert 39, Denmark 31
*Lambert 31, South Fosyth 13
*Milton 31, Lambert 21
**Lambert 45, Wheeler 14
**North Gwinnett 38, Lambert 35
*Region 6-7A game
**GHSA playoff game
trophy case
First varsity season: 2010
Playoff appearances: 8 (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022)
Region titles: 1 (2016)
State titles: 0
the coach
Marc Beach
At Lambert: 10-2, second season
Overall: 10-2, second season
Nicholas Sullivan Forsyth County News
From left, Lambert’s Carson Knowles, Finn Braeuer, head coach Marc Beach, Ethan Terry and Thomas Hall are seen at Forsyth County News Football Media Day.
west forsyth wolverines
Svehla, West Forsyth looking to rebound following rare down
By Derrick Richemond drichemond@forsythnews.com
Head coach Dave Svehla and the West Forsyth football team have put last season in their rearview mirror and are ready to be in the conversation of teams to look out for during the 2023 campaign.
“We weren’t pleased with certain sides of the ball,” Svehla said. “There’s been a renewal of spirit [and] a recommitment on our team. These two right here, Ryder Stewart and Brady Allen, are leading the way for them now.”
Stewart added, “This year I expect to go way way better than we did last year. I’m expecting a pretty good region season and a lot of redemption.”
West Forsyth made changes to its coaching staff by replacing three coaches, but the defense had the biggest turnover. They will be learning a new scheme
under first-year defensive coordinator Jim Brown. The Wolverines will also have a new defensive backs coach and a new running backs coach.
“Our communication with the kids, making sure they understand what we’re trying to accomplish, make sure of the game plan, make sure they understand the ‘Why’ and try to make it fun,” Svehla said of the coaching staff’s approach. “It’s a grind; everyone knows that. It’s summertime in the South, and football is a tough sport.”
The Wolverines participated in plenty of camps this summer.
In Svehla’s eyes, they’re just another day of practicing. Paying close attention to detail and really making sure their fundamentals are on point before Friday night lights. Taking into account that those improvements are going to translate into victories.
West Forsyth boasts a talented
2023 schedule
^Aug. 17 — Cherokee Bluff at West
Aug. 25 — West at Marietta
Sept. 1 — North Forsyth at West
Sept. 8 — West at Cambridge
Sept. 15 — West at Cherokee
*Oct. 6 — Denmark at West
*Oct. 13 — West at Lambert
*Oct. 19 — Milton at West
*Oct. 27 — West at Forsyth Central
*Nov. 3 — South Forsyth at West
^Corky Kell Classic
*Region 6-7A game
2022 results
4-6 Overall, 1-4 Region 6-7A
^West 21, Archer 7
Marietta 24, West 17
North Forsyth 28, West 24
West 42, Cambridge 35 West 34, Cherokee 7
*Denmark 21, West 10
*Lambert 20, West 3
*Milton 21, West 7
*West 40, Forsyth Central 0
*South Forsyth 24, West 7
year
group of key returners on the field, including Hunter Green, Cole Cato and Carder Paterline.
“There’s always a challenge of learning something new, but our kids are having a lot fun with our defense,” Svehla said. “There’s a lot more movement going on, and they get to bring on the pressure. If we’re going to have success this year, these kids need to be fundamentally sound. That’s what we’ve been working on.”
Being all over the field isn’t a problem and isn’t new for twotime team captain Stewart, who dominates in all three phases of football: offense, defense and special teams. The consistency of grinding in the gym and taking conditioning seriously put him in the right shape to be the “Superman” for the Wolverines.
“I got a lot of positions this year – playing both ways – I’m used to it though,” Stewart said. “It should be fun.”
^Corky Kell Classic
*Region 6-7A game
trophy case
First varsity season: 2008
Playoff appearances: 11 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
Region titles: 1 (2012)
State titles: 0
the coach
Dave Svehla
At West: 18-16, fourth season
Overall: 67-57, 12th season
Nicholas Sullivan Forsyth County News
West Forsyth’s Ryder Stewart answers a question during FCN media day.
West Forsyth Football
BACK ROW: #8 CALEB CASAS, #10 SAM SPENCER, #13 HENRY DELP, #90 TYLER HOFFMAN, #86
LUKE ANDERSON, #81 BEN TWOREK, #60 AJ SEABERG, #42 BRADY ALLEN
MIDDLE ROW: #45 CRAWFORD SMITH, #31 CONNER MALCOLM, #43 JACK STEVENS, #50 CARDER PATERLINE, #32 JOSH HOLLANDER, #51 ALEX HAMM, #37 WYATT KALLAM
BOTTOM ROW: #2 RYDER STEWART, #55 JOE ZEREINI, #59 ETHAN KNOWLES, #0 COLE RUIZ, #91 NICO NUNEZ, #33 TREY MOORE
during a 2022 Region 6-7A matchup at West Forsyth.
FCN Preseason All-County Offense
QB —Jacob Nelson, Denmark
RB — Cam Bland, Lambert
RB — Karson McBrayer, North Forsyth
WR — Luke Coury, Pinecrest Academy
WR — Christian Smith, Lambert
TE — Cade Jacchia, South Forsyth
OL — Braden Carter, Forsyth Central
OL — Alex Day, East Forsyth
OL — Jackson DeLoach, Lambert
OL — Abdiel Espinoza, North Forsyth
OL — Dylan Villarouel, North Forsyth
K — Davis Little, South Forsyth
ATH — Max Walraven, West Forsyth
Kevin O’Brien For the Forsyth County News
Lambert’s Cam Bland competes
East Forsyth’s Cole
a
a
FCN Preseason All-County Defense
DL — Finn Braeuer, Lambert
DL — Brody Hancock, North Forsyth
DL — Jacob Smith, Denmark
DL — Aidan White, Forsyth Central
LB — Branson Brooks, Lambert
LB — Brandon Carver, Forsyth Central
LB — Leo Groza, Pinecrest Academy
LB — Will Moffit, East Forsyth
DB — Colton Constable, North Forsyth
DB — Cole Ferguson, East Forsyth
DB — Kai Fernandes, Denmark
DB — Cole Yeager, South Forsyth
P — Luke Anderson, West Forsyth
Jay Rooney Photography For the Forsyth County News
Ferguson intercepts
pass during
2022 Region 8-4A matchup against Madison County at home.
south forsyth war eagles
War Eagles look to extend playoff appearance streak to 10 seasons
By Derrick Richemond drichemond@forsythnews.com
The South Forsyth fans will be cheering on the football team at War Eagle Stadium a lot more than they did last year. With six home games and four away games, the team is set to deliver an exciting season ahead.
“This year having it flipped and being at home is a big advantage for us,” South Forsyth head coach Troy Morris said on the War Eagles defending their home turf. “At home, we started a tradition at the start of the fourth quarter. All the lights go out, play that “Sweet Caroline” and raise their lights on with their phone, which is really cool. It brings a lot of energy to the stadium. Then of course our big scoreboard, they do a lot of things to excite the crowd.”
Morris derives great joy from playing at War Eagle Stadium, primarily due to the fact that the eagle’s piercing screech was a
clear indication that the football team was performing remarkably well.
“It makes high school football fun,” Morris said. “When you’re at home you get to do little things in your niche, and that’s what we’re excited about.”
Under the leadership of Morris as head coach, the football program has prioritized the importance of playing as a cohesive team, rather than solely for individual success. Morris is confident that consistently strong teamwork is the key to being a formidable competitor every week.
Quarterback Cade Aycock, who’s been ready to lead South Forsyth’s offense, can tell that the level of chemistry that they have right now makes them a different type of team to compete with.
It is important to point out that there will be a number of returners coming back for the War Eagles, including Cole Yeager,
2023 schedule
Aug. 18 — South at Lanier
Aug. 25 — Harrison at South
Sept. 1 — North Oconee at South Sept. 15 — Clarke Central at South Sept. 21 — Brookwood at South
*Oct. 6 — South at Milton
*Oct. 13 — Denmark at South
*Oct. 19 — South at Forsyth Central
*Oct. 26 — Lambert at South
*Nov. 3 — South at West Forsyth
*Region 6-7A game
2022 results
6-5 Overall, 3-2 Region 6-7A
South 28, Lanier 0
South 24, Harrison 21
North Oconee 7, South 6
South 41, Clarke Central 34
Brookwood 41, South 24
*Milton 35, South 28
*South 10, Denmark 3
*South 34, Forsyth Central 0
*Lambert 31, South 13
*South 24, West Forsyth 7
**Walton 35, South 21
*Region 6-7A game
**GHSA playoff game
Chris Brown, John Dabbs, Dash Moore, Cade Jacchia, Bayler Duncan and Cooper Lowe.
“After I stopped playing baseball, us receivers and quarterbacks have been going at it since January,” Aycock said. “Getting that chemistry with the receivers this offseason has been great.”
For nine years straight, the War Eagles have consistently performed well during the regular season but have unfortunately been unable to secure many victories during the playoffs, which has hindered their progress towards greater success.
With this group of seniors, the expectations are a lot higher than before.
“As a head coach, what I look for more than anything is 100% effort,” Morris said. “I just want our guys to play as hard as they possibly can. Whether it’s on offense, defense, special teams, or scout teams. If you step out there wearing South Forsyth colors, give it all you’ve got.”
trophy case
First varsity season: 1991
Playoff appearances: 18 (1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)
Region titles: 3 (1997, 2015, 2017)
State titles: 0
the coach
Troy Morris
At South: 14-8, third season
Overall: 14-8, third season
Nicholas Sullivan Forsyth County News
South Forsyth players flank head coach Troy Morris during FCN media day.
East Forsyth seeking first-ever playoff appearance in 3rd year
By Derrick Richemond drichemond@forsythnews.com
As head coach of the East Forsyth Broncos football team, Brian Allison aims to build upon his success last year, which transformed the team’s losing debut season into a winning one.
With the addition of new offensive coordinator Shaun Conley and new defensive coordinator Ross Walker, Allison is poised to elevate the team to even greater heights this upcoming season.
“We just try to do what we do better,” Allison said on what’s changed for the Broncos. “Every day we go out, we want to do it better and improve.”
The area that ruined the Broncos’ chance of having a state playoff appearance last fall
was their defense.
Over the course of the season, the defense gave up 17.4 points a game. However, the second half of the season, when Region 8-4A games started to roll in, the defense took a hard fall and allowed 30 points per game.
Walker gives a different perceptive on schemes and techniques that the Broncos started to implement to reduce the mistakes.
“I think we will be better in the secondary,” Allison said. “Late in the season, we gave up some deep balls that we need to get fixed. But I feel really good about what’s going on.
“We lost three defensive linemen, but those guys are working their tails off to get better. I think that will be the biggest thing is filling in for those guys.”
2023 schedule
Aug. 25 — East at Seckinger
*Sept. 1 — Cedar Shoals at East
Sept. 15 — Johnson (Hall) at East
*Sept. 22 — East at Walnut Grove
*Sept. 29 — East Hall at East
*Oct. 6 — East at Cherokee Bluff
*Oct. 13 — North Oconee at East
*Oct. 20 — East at Madison County
*Oct. 27 — Chestatee at East
*Nov. 3 — East at North Hall
*Region 8-4A game
2022 results
6-4 Overall, 4-4 Region 8-4A
East 48, Seckinger 0
*East 22, Cedar Shoals 14
East 37, Johnson (Hall) 3
*Walnut Grove 7, East 6
*East 45, East Hall 0
*East 14, Cherokee Bluff 7
*North Oconee 48, East 0
*Madison County 42, East 34
*Chestatee 32, East 28
*East 28, North Hall 21
*Region 8-4A game
Expectations the Broncos have of themselves are very high, solely because of the confidence last season gave them. They recognize that their region games will be more competitive but still see the opportunity of making a deep playoff push.
Allison knows the potential of his team. The strength and the experience of the offensive line gives Allison and the team a boost of faith to ground and pound through their opponents.
“We can line up and run the football against most people we’re going to play,” Allison said. “We’re excited to have five out of six offensive linemen back with experience. We can rely on those guys, and it’s a good feeling that you can hand the ball off and get positive yards.”
trophy case
First varsity season: 2021
Playoff appearances: 0
Region titles: 0
State titles: 0
the coach
Brian Allison
At East: 8-12, third season
Overall: 154-125, 29th season
Nicholas Sullivan Forsyth County News
East Forsyth’s Will Moffit, Cameron Frady, head coach Brian Allison, Mitchell Dunlap and Alex Day are seen during Forsyth County News Football Media Day
