PIGSKIN PREVIEW 2024
PUBLISHER
Stephanie Woody swoody@forsythnews.com
MANAGING
Michelle Hall michellehall@forsythnews.com
SPORTS EDITOR
Nicholas Sullivan nsullivan@forsythnews.com
SPORTS REPORTER
Derrick Richemond drichemond@forsythnews.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Derrick Richemond Nicholas Sullivan
ADVERTISING
Jessica Shirley Advertising Sales Manager jessicashirley@gainesvilletimes.com
Stacy
sclark@forsythnews.com
FIDELES CHRISTIAN RANGERS
FIDELES CHRISTIAN TURNS TO NEW PAGE
FCN Sports Staff
As the new head coach of the Fideles Christian football program, David Page is about to face the challenge of adapting to the differences between coaching 8-man football and 9-man football. This transition will require him to adjust his strategies, tactics and overall approach to the game in his first year as the head coach.
There will be need for adjustment on both sides of the ball for the Rangers with GAPPS undergoing a transition to 9-man football.
“The field is larger with 9-man football [than with 8-man], so that’s an advantage for the offense but it’s also a learning curve for the defense,” Page said during Forsyth County News Football Media Day. “Offensively, we have worked with our players on getting to the edge. With our defensive players, we have to be able to run sideline to sideline, and we have to win on the edge with our cornerbacks and outside linebackers.”
A crucial aspect of the Rangers football team’s success on the field lies in their ability to advance the ball into the end zone, which would potentially allow them to reverse their last season’s 2-7 performance and achieve a winning record.
Defensive improvement will be vital, as well, given that Fideles allowed nearly 40 points per game.
If Fideles is set to have a bounce-back season, the team’s opening game against Hearts Academy should be a good indicator. Last year’s 44-6 victory accounted for one of the Rangers’ two wins, represented their highest point total in a single game and matched their best defensive effort.
Arguably Fideles’ most notable returning player is Marek Toney. The senior lineman posted 52 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and four sacks last season.
During Fideles’ region schedule, the Rangers won’t have to leave the county, with three home games in addition to short trips to Horizon Christian and Pinecrest Academy.
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 16 Hearts Academy at Fideles Christian
Aug. 30 Fideles Christian at Lafayette Christian
Sept. 6 New Creation Christian at Fideles Christian
Sept. 13 Fideles Christian at Young Americans Christian
*Sept. 20 Notre Dame Academy at Fideles Christian
*Oct. 4 Fideles Christian at Horizon Christian
*Oct. 11 Johnson Ferry Christian at Fideles Christian
Oct. 18 Fideles Christian at Peachtree Academy
*Oct. 25 Fideles Christian at Pinecrest Academy
*Nov. 1 Unity Christian at Fideles Christian
*GAPPS Region 1-2A game
2023 RESULTS
2-7 Overall, 1-3 GAPPS Region 1-2A
Victory Baptist 44, Fideles Christian 39
Lafayette Christian 40, Fideles Christian 6
Fideles Christian 38, Covington Academy 6
Young Americans Christian 52, Fideles Christian 6
*Johnson Ferry Christian 56, Fideles Christian 6
*Unity Christian 46, Fideles Christian 16
Trinity Christian 60, Fideles Christian 6
*Fideles Christian 44, Hearts Academy 6
*Horizon Christian 48, Fideles Christian 8
*GAPPS Region 1-2A game
THE COACH
David Page
At Fideles Christian: 0-0, first season Overall: 0-0, first season
Photo credit: Nicholas Sullivan Fideles Christian head coach David Page, center, answers a question during Forsyth County News Football Media Day.
HORIZON CHRISTIAN TO LEAN HEAVILY ON BEENKEN
By Derrick Richemond drichemond@forsythnews.com
Horizon Christian Academy is one of the two teams in Forsyth County that will be going into the 2023 season with a secondyear head coach, as Mark Thompson looks to build off a solid debut campaign leading the Warriors.
Due to a change introduced by GAPPS, Thompson is making significant adjustments once again during the offseason. This time, he is leaving behind the world of 8-man football to lead his team into the more demanding realm of 9-man football.
Senior Hunter Beenken, the team’s 2023 standout star, was honored as Forsyth County News Offensive Player of the Year. During his junior season, Beenken dominated the field — leading the state of Georgia in receiving yards for 8-man football, according to MaxPreps — with an impressive 1,012 yards.
In addition to his yardage, he caught 11 touchdowns and accumulated 1,038 all-purpose yards. Thompson is determined to maxi-
mize Beenken’s impact on the field before his tenure as a Warrior comes to an end.
Following the graduation of Will Maher and Nate Hernandez, Beenken is set to be catching passes from senior Tyler Long. Meanwhile, running back Jacob McCoy could be taking on a larger workload during his senior season.
As is expected for teams competing in GAPPS, that trio of players — and virtually everybody else — will also feature on defense. Beenken and McCoy are slated to contribute at linebacker, while Long should double as a cornerback.
Horizon, which finished 4-4 overall and 2-2 in Region 1-2A last year, will be on the road for Week 1, with a trip to Sharpsburg on tap for a battle against Central Christian.
The Warriors will close with five straight region matchups, beginning with a Sept. 20 visit to Unity Christian. Horizon will then face rivals Fideles Christian and Pinecrest Academy in between two open weeks before rounding out the season with a home game versus Notre Dame Academy and a road meeting at Johnson Ferry Christian.
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 16
Horizon Christian at Central Christian
Aug. 23 Horizon Christian at Lafayette Christian
Aug. 30
Sept. 13
*Sept. 20
Hearts Academy at Horizon Christian
Trinity Christian at Horizon Christian
Horizon Christian at Unity Christian
*Oct. 4 Fideles Christian at Horizon Christian
*Oct. 11
Horizon Christian at Pinecrest
*Oct. 25 Notre Dame Academy at Horizon Christian
*Nov. 1 Horizon Christian at Johnson Ferry Christian
*GAPPS Region 1-2A game
2023 RESULTS
4-4 Overall, 2-2 GAPPS Region 1-2A
Holy Spirit Prep 49, Horizon Christian 20
Horizon Christian 36, Notre Dame Academy 6 Horizon Christian 59, Monsignor Donovan 8
Praise Academy 46, Horizon Christian 8
*Unity Christian 38, Horizon Christian 34
*Horizon Christian 57, Hearts Academy 6
*Johnson Ferry Christian 50, Horizon Christian 34
*Horizon Christian 48, Fideles Christian 8
*GAPPS Region 1-2A game
THE COACH
Mark Thompson
At Horizon Christian: 4-4, second season
Overall: 4-4, second season
Photo credit: Derrick Richemond
Horizon Christian players and head coach Mark Thompson take part in Forsyth County News Football Media Day. Original
AUG 30-31, SEP 1
FRI & SATURDAY 8 PM • SUNDAY 7 PM
Admission (Advance Tickets Available): 11 & up - $20.00 / 10 & Under - FREE
8 Event Rodeo includes: Bull Riding, Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bareback Riding, Calf & Team Roping, Cowgirls Breakaway Roping
OCTOBER 3-13
MONDAY - THURSDAY 4 PM - 10 PM FRIDAY 4 PM - MIDNIGHT SATURDAY 10 AM - MIDNIGHT SUNDAY 12:30 - 9:00 PM Fair Admission: 11 & up - $10.00 / 10 & under - FREE
RAIDERS AMPED FOR RETURN TO LOCAL REGION
By Derrick Richemond drichemond@forstythnews.com
The North Forsyth football program is back in the mix, competing against other Forsyth County football teams in Region 6-6A play.
As Raiders head coach for the ninth year in a row, Robert Craft is welcoming back many familiar players to his roster.
The 2023 Forsyth County News DualThreat Quarterback of the Year Elijah Seaney will be leading the charge on offense. The rising senior finished last season throwing for 1,713 yards, 19 touchdowns and nine interceptions on a school-record 60% completion percentage.
His No. 1 target Brady Holbrook is also returning after racking up 439 receiving yards on 32 receptions for six TDs. Nate Gravitt will be another option to throw to.
In the backfield, North Forsyth’s Darron Parry will have a better feel of the offense by being the full-time starter. The junior rushed for 849 yards and five TDs last season. Karson McBrayer could also mix in following an injury marred junior year.
Most importantly, the Raiders should still
be strong in the trenches led by offensive lineman Dylan Villarouel, who ended the 2023 season with a 91% overall blocking grade and 47 pancakes. Villarouel, along with Colin Kelley and his teammates up front, will be blocking and creating holes to repeat the same success.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders were named “No Fly Zone School” and they have a pretty good chance of repeating with all of their defensive backs coming back. The standout North Forsyth secondary includes 2023 Forsyth County News Defensive Back of the Year Colton Constable, Zach Alvarez, Colter Vela and C.J. Lenyszyn.
North Forsyth, which finished 5-6 overall last year, will open up its season Aug. 16 at Wheeler. The Raiders’ return to the Forsyth County region will begin with a Sept. 13 home matchup against rival South Forsyth in the teams’ first meeting since 2021.
Over the past two seasons, North Forsyth competed in a lower classification and earned back-to-back playoff berths. The Raiders will seek to continue that run of success in the eight-team region that includes five other local schools.
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 16 North Forsyth at Wheeler
Aug. 22 North Forsyth at Creekview
Aug. 30 Lanier at North Forsyth
*Sept. 13 South Forsyth at North Forsyth
*Sept. 19 North Forsyth at Lambert
*Oct. 4
Denmark at North Forsyth
*Oct. 11 North Atlanta at North Forsyth
*Oct. 18 North Forsyth at West Forsyth
*Oct. 25 North Forsyth at Alpharetta
*Nov. 1 Forsyth Central at North Forsyth
*Region 6-6A game
2023 RESULTS
5-6 Overall, 4-2 Region 8-6A
Archer 35, North Forsyth 16
North Forsyth 27, Forsyth Central 17
West Forsyth 17, North Forsyth 14
Creekview 24, North Forsyth 21
*North Forsyth 42, Jackson County 35
*North Forsyth 41, Shiloh 7
*Lanier 27, North Forsyth 21
*North Forsyth 36, Habersham Central 19
*Gainesville 41, North Forsyth 14
*North Forsyth 42, Apalachee 13
**Hughes 41, North Forsyth 7
*Region 8-6A game
**GHSA playoff game
TROPHY CASE
First varsity season: 1994
Playoff appearances: 11 (1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2019, 2022, 2023)
Region titles: 1 (2001)
State titles 0
THE COACH
Robert Craft
At North Forsyth: 44-44, ninth season
Overall: 93-63, 15th season
Photo credit: Nicholas Sullivan
North Forsyth head coach Robert Craft, center, answers a question during Forsyth County News Football Media Day.
WOLVERINES SET TO CHALLENGE FOR REGION TITLE
By Nicholas Sullivan nsullivan@forsythnews.com
West Forsyth rebounded from a tough 2023 season in a major way, returning to the state playoffs following a one-year hiatus and finishing runner-up in Region 6-7A.
Coming off that impressive campaign, the Wolverines will enter the fall as arguably the top Forsyth County challenger in the region championship race.
If West Forsyth is going to nab its first region title since 2020, the Wolverines likely will need big seasons from returning starters Max Walraven and Foster Orris.
Walraven’s sophomore season included 1,217 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. His stats could skyrocket this year if West Forsyth’s defense takes any sort of step backwards and forces the Wolverines to play from behind more often.
Orris, as a junior running back, accumulated 1,098 yards on the ground and racked up a dozen rushing scores. If the team continues to dictate the pace of most games and the defense remains steadfast, Orris should reap the benefits of a heavy workload.
Both players landed first-team all-county and all-region recognition, as did returning fullback Hunter Green.
However, West Forsyth will be replacing some talented offensive linemen, with firstteam all-region picks Carder Paterline and A.J. Seaberg having graduated. The team also
will need some of its promising pass-catchers to step up into bigger roles this season, as wide receiver Topher Delp and tight end Cole Cato look to build off junior seasons that saw them land second-team all-region status.
Defensively, the Wolverines will have middle linebacker James McCallar take over as the leader of the unit following the graduation of defensive back Ryder Stewart, who landed a walk-on offer from University of Alabama. McCallar, though, isn’t the only West Forsyth defender with experience set to return.
Jack Sacchetti will see ample playing time on both sides of the line of scrimmage, while Drew Davis appears set for a big year anchoring the linebacker corps alongside McCallar.
Given that West Forsyth’s kicker (Nic Nunez) and punter (Luke Anderson) both graduated — not to mention Stewart, who was the team’s top returner — it’s possible the Wolverines will experience some special teams woes, at least early in the season.
Even with some significant departures, West Forsyth heads into 2024 with possibly the best QB-RB duo in the county. That alone should put them in the postseason hunt in the new-look region that includes six playoff teams from last year.
How quickly the Wolverines establish themselves in the trenches and how deep they are at the skill positions will determine their overall ceiling.
2024 SCHEDULE
^Aug. 15 Prince Avenue Christian at West Forsyth
Aug. 23 West Forsyth at Marietta
Aug. 30 Parkview at West Forsyth
*Sept. 13 Lambert at West Forsyth
*Sept. 19 West Forsyth at Denmark
*Oct. 4 Forsyth Central at West Forsyth
*Oct. 11 West Forsyth at South Forsyth
*Oct. 18 North Forsyth at West Forsyth
*Oct. 25 West Forsyth at North Atlanta
*Nov. 1 Alpharetta at West Forsyth
^Corky Kell Classic
*Region 6-6A game
2023 RESULTS
8-3 Overall, 4-1 Region 6-7A
West Forsyth 40, Cherokee Bluff 7
Marietta 20, West Forsyth 19 (OT)
West Forsyth 17, North Forsyth 14
West Forsyth 42, Cambridge 17
West Forsyth 28, Cherokee 19
*West Forsyth 21, Denmark 7
*West Forsyth 10, Lambert 0
*Milton 45, West Forsyth 14
*West Forsyth 37, Forsyth Central 7
*West Forsyth 38, South Forsyth 13
**North Gwinnett 31, West Forsyth 6
^Corky Kell Classic
*Region 6-7A game
**GHSA playoff game
TROPHY CASE
First varsity season: 2008
Playoff appearances: 12 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023)
Region titles: 1 (2012)
State titles 0
THE COACH
Dave Svehla
At West Forsyth: 26-19, fifth season
Overall: 75-60, 13th season
Photo credit: Derrick Richemond
West Forsyth players and head coach Dave Svehla take part in Forsyth County News Football Media Day.
2024 West Forsyth Football
UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP, BRONCOS HOPE TO CONTINUE BUILDING
By Derrick Richemond drichemond@forsythnews.com
First-year head coach Dustin Canon is leading East Forsyth, as the Broncos strive to build on their previous success and achieve even more in the upcoming 2024 season.
In 2023, East Forsyth qualified for the postseason for the first time during its brief history. Facing a virtual must-win game in the regular-season finale, the Broncos edged North Hall by a 42-39 margin before dropping a heartbreaker to Luella in the opening round of the Class 4A state playoffs.
If East Forsyth is going to take the next step and win a playoff game this fall, the Broncos will do so under the leadership of Canon.
East Forsyth athletic director Matt Hollis went in a different direction when looking for a new football coach after Brian Allison retired. Instead of finding an outside hire, he went the route of promoting Canon, who held various coaching roles during his tenure with the Broncos but had been there from Day 1.
This season, the East Forsyth offense will be relying heavily on senior quarterback Brock Szakacs and senior running backs Troy Hoover and Gus Martin to lead the team down the field and score touchdowns.
It’s set to be the third year for Szakacs to serve as the team’s starting QB. As for Hoover and Martin, they could develop into a thunder and lightning duo in the backfield, while taking on a bigger offensive load following the graduation of first-team all-county pick Tripp Morris.
Seven other Broncos who landed all-county recognition also graduated. That includes stud offensive linemen Alex Day and Mitchell Dunlap; standout wide receivers Cannon Hunter and Will Moffit; and defensive stalwarts Clarens Decelien, Cole Ferguson and Cameron Frady.
The upcoming season opener is generating a lot of excitement, especially because it will feature a matchup between East Forsyth and Forsyth Central.
This game is highly anticipated because it will see Canon face off against a familiar program. The former Bulldogs quarterback helped lead them to a playoff appearance in 2001. Additionally, Canon’s coaching efforts in 2018 played a pivotal role in getting the Bulldogs back into the postseason for the first time in 17 years.
The battle being between the oldest school and the newest school in the county adds an extra layer of anticipation.
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 16 Forsyth Central at East Forsyth
Aug. 23 East Forsyth at Dawson County
Aug. 29 East Forsyth at Winder-Barrow
Sept. 6 Chestatee at East Forsyth
*Sept. 20 North Oconee at East Forsyth
*Sept. 27 East Forsyth at Flowery Branch
*Oct. 4 Cedar Shoals at East Forsyth
*Oct. 10 East Forsyth at Walnut Grove
*Oct. 18 East Forsyth at Eastside
*Nov. 1 Madison County at East Forsyth
*Region 8-4A game
2023 RESULTS
7-4 Overall, 5-3 Region 8-4A
East Forsyth 44, Seckinger 20
*East Forsyth 35, Cedar Shoals 13
East Forsyth 49, Johnson (Hall) 7
*East Forsyth 21, Walnut Grove 0
*East Forsyth 42, East Hall 0
*Cherokee Bluff 10, East Forsyth 3
*North Oconee 44, East Forsyth 19
*Madison County 50, East Forsyth 34
*East Forsyth 51, Chestatee 20
*East Forsyth 42, North Hall 39
**Luella 26, East Forsyth 21
*Region 8-4A game
**GHSA playoff game
TROPHY CASE
First varsity season: 2021
Playoff appearances: 1 (2023)
Region titles: 0
State titles 0
THE COACH
Dustin Canon
At East Forsyth: 0-0, first season
Overall: 0-0, first season
Photo credit: Nicholas Sullivan
East Forsyth players and head coach Dustin Canon take part in Forsyth County News Football Media Day.
GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!
BULLDOGS WANT TO MOVE FORWARD IN PICKETT’S 2ND SEASON
By Derrick Richemond drichemond@forsythnews.com
Heading into his second year as Forsyth Central head coach, Chad Pickett has been aiming to guide the Bulldogs to build on their previous achievements and take their performance to new heights.
After opening his debut season with a thrilling win over Chattahoochee, Pickett ran into some of the difficulties that plagued his predecessors, with the team finishing 2-8 overall and 0-5 in Region 6-7A.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a football program. But it’s fair to expect some steps forward in Year 2.
Central’s football team boasts the return of their versatile quarterback, Drew Reid, who is known for his ability to both run and pass effectively.
The offensive line will be anchored by Hudson Roach, who was recognized as Forsyth County News second-team allcounty selection. Roach impressively maintained an 89% blocking grade and delivered 23 pancakes, showcasing his exceptional skill and contribution to the team’s offense. On the defensive side of the ball, the
Bulldogs will be led by Max Haertel, who was a sophomore standout last season, recorded a total of 47 tackles, punched the ball out for two fumble recoveries (including a memorable 90-yard touchdown against region rival West Forsyth), and recorded two interceptions. Additionally, he contributed to the team’s success by scoring two touchdowns. As the new season approaches, his presence will be crucial in leading the defense.
Other Bulldogs returning on the defensive side are linebackers Brandon Carver and Ty Cannon, in addition to defensive backs Lucas Haynie and Ray Smith.
On special teams, punter Jordan Huggins will return. The senior could also see significant work in the backfield.
Forsyth Central is getting ready to start its new campaign by facing off against the newest public school in the county, East Forsyth.
Not only does it mark the beginning of the season but also provides the Bulldogs with the chance to extend their remarkable streak of winning season openers to a seventh consecutive season against Central’s alma mater head coach Dustin Canon on Aug. 16 at Half-Mile Stadium.
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 16
Aug. 23
Forsyth Central at East Forsyth
Winder-Barrow at Forsyth Central
Aug. 30 Flowery Branch at Forsyth Central
*Sept. 13 Forsyth Central at North Atlanta
*Sept. 20 Alpharetta at Forsyth Central
*Oct. 4
Forsyth Central at West Forsyth
*Oct. 11 Denmark at Forsyth Central
*Oct. 18 Lambert at Forsyth Central
*Oct. 25
Forsyth Central at South Forsyth
*Nov. 1 Forsyth Central at North Forsyth
*Region 6-6A game
2023 RESULTS
2-8 Overall, 0-5 Region 6-7A
Forsyth Central 31, Chattahoochee 28
North Forsyth 27, Forsyth Central 17
Etowah 49, Forsyth Central 27
Habersham Central 28, Forsyth Central 10
Forsyth Central 28, Seckinger 12
*Lambert 40, Forsyth Central 3
*Milton 31, Forsyth Central 0
*South Forsyth 34, Forsyth Central 7
*West Forsyth 37, Forsyth Central 7
*Denmark 35, Forsyth Central 7
*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 Forsyth Central: 2-8, second season
Overall: 2-8, second season
Photo credit: Nicholas Sullivan
Forsyth Central head coach Chad Pickett, second from left, answers a question during Forsyth County News Football Media Day.
LAMBERT SEEKING TO CONTINUE STRONG RUN UNDER BEACH
By Nicholas Sullivan nsullivan@forsythnews.com
Buoyed by a perfect 10-0 record in nonregion games, Lambert is coming off the winningest two-year stretch in program history.
Under head coach Marc Beach, who took over prior to the 2022 season, the Longhorns have racked up 18 wins against just five losses. For the Longhorns to continue this historic stretch, which also includes a 7-4 campaign in 2021, Lambert will need to be at its best from the jump.
Based on the current schedules, the Longhorns are the only Forsyth County team set to play all 10 of its regular-season games against opponents from the state’s highest classification. Lambert will open the year against 2022 state champion Mill Creek and 2023 state runner-up Walton before concluding its non-region slate versus Cherokee.
Luckily for the Longhorns, a stellar senior class will be leading the way during that daunting schedule, which also includes four away games in Region 6-6A.
Of the eight Lambert players to earn either first-team all-Region 6-7A nods or a superlative honor last season, seven of them are set to return this fall. Add in a pair of secondteam all-region picks and four honorablemention selections, and it’s easy to see why the Longhorns look set to enter 2024 in the
conversation for the county’s best team.
Reigning region and county defensive player of the year Branson Brooks leads the teams stop unit. Lambert, though, will also lean heavily on Jett Conley along the defensive front and Harrison Richards in the secondary after both received first-team allregion recognition last season.
Offensively, the Longhorns again appear set to host an open quarterback competition between senior Marshall Coleman and junior Ethan Daughtery. Both signal-callers played extensively last fall, when Lambert seemed to utilize the hot-hand approach. Coleman held the spot through the majority of the season, but Daughtery seems likely to once again push for in-game reps, as well.
Regardless of who is playing quarterback, the Longhorns will rely on a solid group of playmakers — including wide receivers Christian Smith, E.J. Hartwell and Carter Chung — to put pressure on opposing defenses.
Chief among them, though, is running back Cam Bland. The senior, who also shines at defensive back, likely will take over a workhorse role in the backfield and is arguably the most dangerous player in the county with the ball in his hands.
Blocking for Bland will be one of the most highly touted offensive lines in the area — anchored by senior Jackson DeLoach and junior Dylan Biehl.
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 16 Mill Creek at Lambert
Aug. 23 Lambert at Walton
Sept. 6 Cherokee at Lambert
*Sept. 13 Lambert at West Forsyth
*Sept. 19 North Forsyth at Lambert
*Oct. 4 Lambert at North Atlanta
*Oct. 11 Alpharetta at Lambert
*Oct. 18 Lambert at Forsyth Central
*Oct. 25 Lambert at Denmark
*Nov. 1 South Forsyth at Lambert
*Region 6-6A game
2023 RESULTS
8-3
Overall, 3-2 Region 6-7A
Lambert 42, Sequoyah 28
Lambert 48, Dawson County 18
Lambert 31, Mountain View 24
Lambert 49, Flowery Branch 33
Lambert 23, East Coweta 22
*Lambert 40, Forsyth Central 3
*West Forsyth 10, Lambert 0
*Lambert 38, Denmark 30
*Lambert 49, South Forsyth 7
*Milton 37, Lambert 16
**Peachtree Ridge 20, Lambert 17
*Region 6-7A game
**GHSA playoff game
TROPHY CASE
First varsity season: 2010
Playoff appearances: 9 (2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Region titles: 1 (2016)
State titles 0
THE COACH
Marc Beach
At Lambert: 18-5, third season
Overall: 18-5, third season
Photo credit: Derrick Richemond
Lambert’s Branson Brooks, third from left, answers a question during Forsyth County News Football Media Day.
2024
Lambert Longhorn Seniors
#E2W
PINECREST ACADEMY PREPARING FOR HYBRID SCHEDULE
FCN Sports Staff
This offseason, Pinecrest Academy has been preparing to excel in both 9-man and 11-man football under the leadership of head coach Shawn Coury.
In his fifth season, Coury will have a unique challenge on his hands with the Paladins facing a hybrid schedule.
Coming off playing 11-man football the past few seasons, Pinecrest still will compete at the level during non-region games. However, the Paladins will be moving into the new GAPPS 9-man league for its region slate.
It’s made for a challenging offseason that involves a bit of split focus.
“We have some practices 9-man, some practices 11-man,” Coury said during Forsyth County News Football Media Day. “We have to make that transition in personnel, but they’re doing a great job of it, so far.”
Quarterback Matthew Mitchell — named the 2023 FCN Pocket Passer of the Year — is poised to lead the Paladins, along with the versatile two-way athletes Johnny Lynch
and Peter Birozes. As juniors, Lynch and Birozes formed a dangerous duo as passcatchers and kick returners.
Lynch contributed 59 tackles and two pick-6s on defense in addition to 42 receptions for 725 yards and six touchdowns on offense. As a junior, Lynch received allcounty second-team selection as a wide receiver.
Meanwhile, Birozes finished with 12 kick returns for 377 yards (31-yard average) and two TDs to earn second-team all-county honors. He added 38 catches for 481 yards and four scores, while also recording 56 tackles and two interceptions.
In earning first-team all-county recognition, Leo Groza compiled 146 tackles, while adding four sacks and 10 tackles for loss last fall.
After competing in a preseason scrimmage against Creekside Christian, the Paladins will face off against Holy Spirit Prep in their season opener Aug. 16 at home. The highlight of Pinecrest’s schedule, at least the region portion, will be home games against local rivals Horizon Christian on Oct. 11 and Fideles Christian on Oct. 25.
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 16 Holy Spirit Prep at Pinecrest
Aug. 23 Pinecrest at Dominion Christian
Sept. 6 Cross Keys at Pinecrest
Sept. 13 Pinecrest at Lafayette Christian
Sept. 20 Young Americans Christian at Pinecrest
*Oct. 4
Pinecrest at Unity Christian
*Oct. 11 Horizon Christian at Pinecrest
*Oct. 18
Pinecrest at Johnson
Ferry Christian
*Oct. 25 Fideles Christian at Pinecrest
*Nov. 1 Pinecrest at Notre Dame Academy
*GAPPS Region 1-2A game
2023 RESULTS
3-6 Overall, 0-4 GAPPS Region 1-2A
Southern Academy 42, Pinecrest 23
Calvary Christian 39, Pinecrest 13
Pinecrest 48, Harvester Christian 28
*Lanier Christian 34, Pinecrest 31
Pinecrest 45, Cross Keys 14
Pinecrest 43, Creekside Christian 0
*The King’s Academy 35, Pinecrest 16
*Cherokee Christian 49, Pinecrest 10
*Walker 26, Pinecrest 14
*GAPPS Region 1-2A game
THE COACH
Shawn Coury
At Pinecrest: 26-16, fifth season
Overall: 30-32, seventh season
Photo credit: Nicholas Sullivan Pinecrest Academy head coach Shawn Coury, center, answers a question during Forsyth County News Football Media Day.
DANES HOPING YOUNG CORE TAKES NEXT STEP
By Nicholas Sullivan nsullivan@forsythnews.com
The Denmark football program graduated arguably its top leader on both sides of the ball in quarterback Jacob Nelson and defensive lineman Jacob Smith.
However, the Danes will return plenty of top playmakers for what is set up to be a promising 2024 campaign.
In 2023, Denmark relied on several underclassmen on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, Noah LaBan took over as the team’s top running back, racking up 1,237 all-purpose yards, including 970 on the ground, and scoring 11 touchdowns during his sophomore season. The Danes will also bring back offensive weapons like wide receivers Dylan Brozena and Michael Palmieri in addition to tight end Brendan Hester.
Up front, Denmark will be anchored by emerging stars Finley Kruchten and Jackson Wolford.
Even though Nelson, who started a majority of the past three seasons, is off to Reinhardt University, the Danes will be led by promising junior signal-caller Matthew Baer. The southpaw played sparingly during the 2023 season, but his dual-threat ability paired with LaBan’s sprinter speed makes for a dangerous combination in the backfield.
As for the defensive side of the ball,
Denmark could struggle a bit along the defensive front, at least initially, as the team looks to replace the losses of Smith and Ethan Faustin. Both Class of 2024 members earned second-team all-county honors last fall after combining for 68 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.
But given the program’s propensity for churning out D-line talent, it should only be a matter of time before the unit returns to being a formidable force.
Coming off a productive sophomore season, during which he landed second-team allRegion 6-7A status, linebacker Dalton Tallant appears set to once again be a force in the middle of the field.
That being said, the strength of the Danes defense, on paper, certainly lies in the secondary. Four-star prospect Kamden Jennings and Emory Woods — another pair of sprinters — will be tasked with shutting down opposing wide receivers and stopping big plays.
If Denmark’s core group that received significant playing time last season receives a boost from Baer and the expected growth in the trenches, the Danes seem primed to improve significantly on 2023’s 4-7 mark that still included a fifth consecutive playoff appearance. For a program that had never previously experienced a losing record, a quick return to prominence and a run at a Region 6-6A crown aren’t out of the question.
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 16 Sequoyah at Denmark
Aug. 23 Denmark at River Ridge
Sept. 6 Cambridge at Denmark
*Sept. 13 Denmark at Alpharetta
*Sept. 19 West Forsyth at Denmark
*Oct. 4 Denmark at North Forsyth
*Oct. 11 Denmark at Forsyth Central
*Oct. 18 South Forsyth at Denmark
*Oct. 25 Lambert at Denmark
*Nov. 1 Denmark at North Atlanta
*Region 6-6A game
2023 RESULTS
4-7 Overall, 2-3 Region 6-7A
Roswell 41, Denmark 0
Cambridge 24, Denmark 17
Harrison 21, Denmark 13
Denmark 15, Pebblebrook 8
Denmark 24, Dacula 17 (OT)
*West Forsyth 21, Denmark 7
*Denmark 28, South Forsyth 21
*Lambert 38, Denmark 30
*Milton 48, Denmark 0
*Denmark 35, Forsyth Central 7
**Norcross 34, Denmark 10
*Region 6-7A game
**GHSA playoff game
TROPHY CASE
First varsity season: 2018
Playoff appearances: 5 (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Region titles: 1 (2021)
State titles 0
THE COACH
Mike Palmieri
At Denmark: 24-20, fifth season
Overall: 187-60, 20th season
Photo credit: Derrick Richemond
Photo cutline: Denmark’s Jack Brenk, far left, answers a question during Forsyth County News Football Media Day.
SOUTH FORSYTH HOPING FOR BOUNCE-BACK SEASON
By Nicholas Sullivan nsullivan@forsythnews.com
South Forsyth spent nearly a decade as the county’s football metronome.
From 2014 through 2022, the War Eagles were a staple in the state playoffs year after year. Despite missing the postseason, the program even posted a 7-3 record in 2013 prior to the longest playoff run in county history.
It all went sideways, though, last fall.
The combination of an inexperienced team and a brutal non-region schedule took its toll before South Forsyth limped through Region 6-7A play. The team also fell victim to some unfortunate bounces, with four of its defeats being by seven or fewer points.
In the end, the War Eagles finished 1-9 overall, matching the program’s 2009 team for fewest wins in a season. Encouragingly, the 2010 iteration bounced back with a 6-5 record and a postseason berth.
South Forsyth seems primed to win more games this fall — if for no other reason than its non-region foes posted a combined 6-25 mark last season — but the degree to which the War Eagles rebound in 2024 will be determined by how their young players step up.
Last year, South Forsyth saw 14 players earn all-region honors between the first team,
second team and honorable mention. All of them were seniors.
Following the graduation of second-team all-region quarterback Cade Aycock, senior Mike Missos appears to be in the pole position for the starting QB job. Sophomore Will Watkins should be considered his primary competition. On paper, the two signal-callers are built quite differently, with Missos listed at 6-foot-1 and 160 pounds, while Watkins checks in at 5-foot-8 and 135 pounds.
Whoever takes over as the War Eagles starting QB will need to find a new No. 1 receiving target, as clear alpha Dash Moore graduated in the spring. During his senior campaign, Moore compiled 46 receptions, 598 yards and six touchdowns, while also serving as a standout defensive back.
However, Aycock and Moore are far from the only key contributors South Forsyth head coach Troy Morris and his staff will be replacing.
The vast majority of the team’s leading rushers also are gone. Additionally, the War Eagles graduated four first-team all-region defensive players in Danny Bolanos, Bayler Duncan, Luke Nelson and Cole Yeager — not to mention kicker Davis Little and long snapper Ben Blanton, both of whom signed with Division-I programs.
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 16 South Cobb at South Forsyth
Aug. 23 Campbell at South Forsyth
Aug. 30 South Forsyth at Riverwood
*Sept. 13 South Forsyth at North Forsyth
*Sept. 20 North Atlanta at South Forsyth
*Oct. 4
South Forsyth at Alpharetta
*Oct. 11 West Forsyth at South Forsyth
*Oct. 18 South Forsyth at Denmark
*Oct. 25 Forsyth Central at South Forsyth
*Nov. 1 South Forsyth at Lambert
*Region 6-6A game
2023 RESULTS
1-9 Overall, 1-4 Region 6-7A
Lanier 37, South Forsyth 20
Harrison 6, South Forsyth 3
North Oconee 35, South Forsyth 3
Clarke Central 21, South Forsyth 20 (OT)
Brookwood 42, South Forsyth 35
*Milton 31, South Forsyth 0
*Denmark 28, South Forsyth 21
*South Forsyth 34, Forsyth Central 7
*Lambert 49, South Forsyth 7
*West Forsyth 38, South Forsyth 13
*Region 6-7A game
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 Forsyth: 15-17, fourth season
Overall: 15-17, fourth season
Photo credit: Derrick Richemond
South Forsyth’s Harrison Spencer, center, answers a question during Forsyth County News Football Media Day.
ALL-COUNTY FOOTBALL TEAM
QB — Max Walraven. West Forsyth
RB — Noah LaBan, Denmark
RB — Foster Orris, West Forsyth
WR — Brady Holbrook, North Forsyth
WR — Christian Smith, Lambert
TE — Jackson Norman, East Forsyth
OL — Dylan Biehl, Lambert
OL — Jackson DeLoach, Lambert
OL — Hudson Roach, Forsyth Central
OL — Dylan Villarouel, North Forsyth
OL — Jackson Wolford, Denmark
K — Baker Kimbrel, Lambert
ATH — Hunter Beenken, Horizon Christian
DL — Jett Conley, Lambert
DL — Brendan Hester, Denmark
DL — Jack Sacchetti, West Forsyth
DL — Marek Toney, Fideles Christian
LB — Branson Brooks, Lambert
LB — Leo Groza, Pinecrest Academy
LB — Max Haertel, Forsyth Central
LB — James McCallar, West Forsyth
DB — Cam Bland, Lambert
DB — Colton Constable, North Forsyth
DB — Kamden Jennings, Denmark
DB — C.J. Lenyszyn, North Forsyth
P — Alex Santiago, South Forsyth
