G3 October 2013 Edition by Program Angel

OCTOBER 2013

RALPH SWEARNGIN

THE MOST POWERFUL MAN IN GEORGIA SPORTS MARK RICHT

WINNING WITH CHARACTER

LARRY CAMPBELL

GEORGIA COACHING LEGEND

INSIDE GEORGIA’S TOP 500 SENIORS Could This Be The Year For The Falcons?

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academy.com/football Selection varies by store.

WELCOME A Note From the Editor

Is published bi-monthly by 12th Man Promotions EDITOR Travis Johns ART DIRECTOR James Ledford PRODUCTION MANAGER Jay Studdards PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Becky Newhouse

Fall is hands down my favorite time of year. I have been a huge fan of the game since I was kid but it’s even better now that I’m able to cover all levels of the game from youth leagues to our very own Atlanta Falcons. During the last six years, we worked year round to provide access to Georgia’s top Coaches, Players and programs to readers from all over the country. I’m proud to announce that we will move from being an annual to a semi-monthly magazine designed to provide even more access to Georgia’s favorite pastime….FOOTBALL. Georgiagridironguide.com will also undergo a major transformation as it becomes the ultimate platform for news and notes on all things football in Georgia. Our newly revised platform will provide unique content on a daily basis that will include blogs, radio broadcasts, digital content, streaming videos and online chats with fans from around the world that love football in the state of Georgia. TRAVIS JOHNS Editor, Georgia Gridiron Guide

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WHAT 2 WATCH

10-01.13 INSIDE THE GUIDE 18 COACHES CORNER Lincoln County High School Legend Larry Campbell 20 XPERTEVAL Jamal Lewis is on mission a to redefine the evaluation 22 BEST HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER SINCE ‘90 We asked Georgia Coaching Legends their opinions on this hot topic 24 GEORGIA’S TOP RIVALRIES Every team has a neighborhood rival but some games stand above the rest 28 ACADEMY SPORTS + OUTDOOR PRESENTS THE A-LIST Inside look of nearly 500 prospects from the Class of 2014 30 GEORGIA TOP 50 PROGRAMS Numbers don’t lie…A look inside Georgia’s Top 50 Teams

THOMAS DIMITROFF

48 FRIDAY NIGHT BITES: Farm Burger

06 The Most Powerful Man in Georgia Sports Ralph Swearingen the guiding force behind the Georgia High School Association. BY ALVIN RICHARDSON

08 Playoff Ambitions Thomas Dimitroff has assembled an offensive group some are calling The Greatest Show on Turf 2.0. Could this be the season for the Atlanta Falcons? BY MIKE PADEN

After a recent meeting with Decatur Bulldogs Coach Scott Jackson we paid a visit to this place that has quickly become a favorite with the locals.

10 Winning with Character UGA Coach Mark Richt and Bobby Langford have created a program that puts character high atop the list of priorities when it comes to player development. BY DEMARCO WILLIAMS

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE Facebook.com/georgiagridiron

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

DR. RALPH SWEARNGIN: The Most Powerful Man in Georgia High School Sports - By Alvin Richardson

Career Data Executive Director of Georgia High School Association (GHSA) since 2001 Deputy Director GHSA for one year Commissioner of Officials for eight years Worked with GHSA since 1992 Professor of Psychology and Education and coached basketball and baseball at Atlanta Christian College in East Point, Georgia (Now Point University) Ph.D from Georgia State University in Educational Psychology Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Whittier College in California Member of the National Federation Football Rules Committee since 1992 Past Chairman of the National Federation Softball Rules Committee Member of the NFHS Hall of Fame Screening Committee Member of the Board of Directors of: National Federation of State High School Associations National Association of Sports Officials American Association of Adapted Sports Programs Point University Football Official in Georgia and California for 22 years Author and Speaker in the areas of coaching and officiating Member of the National Christian College Athletic Association Hall of Fame Married with 2 adult children and 4 grandchildren

Dr. Ralph Swearngin Jr. has been the Executive Director of the Georgia High School Association since 2001. Over those thirteen years he has been in a position to exert more influence over high school athletics in Georgia than any other single person but you wouldn’t know it if you met him on the street. Dr. Swearngin is a smart, humble guy who in addition to his current job at the GHSA has taught and coached in college, officiated high school football for twenty two years, and given of his time to numerous boards and associations that make high school athletics around the country better than he found it. He has essentially spent his life in the service of others and his impressive resume’ is proof enough of that. With retirement in sight it seemed to be a good time to pick his brain and get his thoughts on a variety of topics of interest to those who know the importance of Georgia high school athletics. Dr. Swearngin graciously agreed to the interview and the following represents his thoughts on some of these current issues as well as his future plans. (Note: Some of these comments have been edited for length). Q – What are some of the achievements as GHSA executive director that you are most proud? A – One is that we have been able to grow the financial stability of the GHSA on the great foundation laid by my predecessor, Tommy Guillebeau. The GHSA has not had to dip into its reserve funds and we return almost a million dollars each year to member schools from playoff contests. Another point of pride is that we have been able to expand the marketing program of the GHSA in partnership with Alan Sharp, the GHSA Marketing Director with things like expanded television 6

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

coverage, enhanced brand awareness, and through a merchandising program whereby our schools can share royalties from the sale of products. I’m also proud of our development in the area of adapted sports for students with physical disabilities through an alliance with the American Association of Adapted Sports Programs. Lastly we have been very diligent in working with researchers from UGA to develop policies that help protect student athletes during times of high heat and humidity. Q – What have been your biggest challenges as Executive Director? A – Over the years five things stand out. 1) The aftermath of the 9/11 and whether or not to cancel games 2) Leading the organization to move the championship games in football to the Georgia Dome 3) The increased friction between public and private member schools 4) In general having to make decisions that I know will not please everyone. Even though I know it is not possible to do, it is still a challenge 5) Every time the GHSA reclassifies it schools and realigns the regions On the 9/11 question my first decision was to play the games but the President declared a “Day of Prayer” and so we changed the ruling because there was a lot of push from school personnel to cancel. Once we canceled there was negative feedback from others about that decision. On moving the championship football games to the Dome (made by the Executive Committee) is still unpopular in some areas but schools were routinely pre-selling more tickets for those games than their stadiums could hold so it made sense to move them to the Dome. Since that time it has become a premier event but getting there was a challenge. As far as the public / private school debate is concerned my frustrations are rooted in the fact that the students in both kinds of schools are worthy of respect and their efforts should be appreciated. Q – What are the major considerations and problems associated with re-classification and are there any new ideas in the hopper? A – The policies of the GHSA are made by the Executive Committee. The GHSA is responsible for implementing the policies made by these 58 people (48 of which are elected by member schools.) The “heavy lifting” of re-classification is handled by the 14 people on the Reclassification Committee (a sub-committee of the Executive Committee.) This fall the Reclassification Committee will be collecting data and making decisions for the 2014-2016 cycle and in September the Executive Committee will vote on any changes proposed by the Reclassification Committee. In January the Executive Committee will vote on the full alignment plan. I really believe that the changes we will see in September will be tweaks of the current structure rather than a wholesale make-over. There is no consensus between school personnel and the general public about the priorities of this process. It is difficult to find a one-size-fits-all design due to the fact that the population of Georgia tends to settle in just a few parts of the state. As for the Executive Committee the most commonly stated priorities are the need to cut down travel expenses and keeping students in class more. However the drive for competitive success (i.e, getting to the playoffs easily) is always lurking in the minds of member schools. It is challenging to try to have schools playing other schools of similar size and have them located close together. The GHSA has little control over the location of schools or the size of their student populations – we just have to deal with the data we are given. Q – Once the new Atlanta Falcon’s stadium is built will the Georgia high school football championships be held in that new facility? A – The relationship between the GHSA and the personnel at the Georgia Dome has been great for the past twenty years. They are gracious people who are real professionals when it comes to operating athletic events. In the past few years the GHSA has developed a really good relationship with the Atlanta Falcons. An example of this three way relationship is the “Helmet Wall” at the Georgia Dome where our high schools can have their football helmets mounted on the wall. Additionally the Falcons have sponsored a program honoring GHSA football coaches in conjunction with our championship weekend. I was very pleased to hear that the discussions that have been going on in regard to the new stadium had “grandfathered” in certain events to be included at the new venue – and the GHSA championship games were included in that list. Q – What is the role and position of the GHSA concerning the current issue involving student transfers and allegations of recruiting? A – I am a “Leave it to Beaver” kind of guy. I would love to have neighborhood and community schools in which there is a high level of loyalty and pride in “your school.” However, that is not the mobile world of today. There is a strong push for high school athletics to be a means to an end – (i.e., scholarships and / or professional careers.) With that push comes the perceived need to go to certain schools or to play for certain coaches in order to reach the aforementioned goals. Additionally the constituencies of our school (community people) demand high levels of success from their coaches in order to keep their jobs. Unfortunately these voices are more interested in wins and losses than in what kind of an impact that educator has on the students in the classroom and in the competitive arena. All of that to say that the GHSA cannot stop people from changing residences and there is even legislative activity that affirms the right of “school choice”. Our investigations indicate that most recruiting comes from parent-to-parent or non-school coach-to-parent interaction. The GHSA has just hired a staff member who will focus much of his work on investigating GHSA rules violations – especially in this area. Q – What are some issues that future GHSA leaders will have to contend with? A – Here are three things that I think will continue to be or will become issues: 1) I believe there will be increased attention given to health and safety issues in all levels of athletics. While the well-being of our athletes is a primary concern, the nature of athletics will always involve some risks. It is important for those advocating radical changes in sports to get into discussions with open-minded athletic administrators so we can change the culture of sports without destroying those sports. 2) I believe that there will be continued legislative drives for expanded school choice and financial incentives to change schools that could make our existing transfer rules a thing of the past. I believe that change would undermine high school athletics as we know it in Georgia. 3) I also think there could be a radical confrontation some day between school-based athletics which provides participation opportunities to all students and community-based athletics which caters to the elite level athlete. Elitism is being pushed by high levels of athletics – including the Olympic movement. Q – What are some things you would like to see happen that would be beneficial to high school athletics in general? A – THE RESTORATION OF GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP – Diminished civility that is happening in our society is making its way into high school athletic events. There needs to be a concerted effort to respect fellow participants, coaches and officials. The “in your face, destroy the enemy” mentality that is seen on televised athletics at other levels of competition must be eradicated from our games. The responsibility falls first and foremost on adults – largely spectators. There has to be deliberate teaching of appropriate behavior done in our schools – and we have to monitor the behavior of people playing in the games and watching the games. Q – What does the future hold for Dr. Ralph Swearngin? A – I am really looking forward to Sunday nights. I will have watched some sports on TV and then I will realize that I don’t have to go the office the next day. Seriously, my wife and I have just entered the world of RV’s and we plan to do a great deal of traveling to all the national parks we haven’t visited yet. I hope that my career transition will be made easier by the awareness that I will be leaving the association’s leadership in the hands of a great staff and that I have played some role in “keeping the ship afloat” during my tenure. (Alvin Richardson is a former high school football coach, athletic director and administrator. He currently writes for magazines and newspapers on high school athletics and Southern outdoor humor. He is the author of two books: It’s a Dawg’s Life – Sixty Years of Morgan County Football and Tracks of the Red Elephant – 100 Years of Gainesville High School Football. Contact him at dar8589@bellsouth.net

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

IS THIS THE YEAR? The 2012 season saw the Atlanta Falcons reach an elusive milestone—reaching the playoffs for the first time in the Mike Smith/Matt Ryan era. However, this culminating feat failed to satisfy the flock at Flowery Branch, whose dreams do not conclude with victories in January. Although the Falcons secured their first playoff victory since 2004, they were potentially a late game red zone completion away from punching the franchise’s second ever ticket to the Super Bowl. Super Bowl. These two words seem to be the operative words around Falcons headquarters considering the assortment of talent and leadership Thomas Dimitroff and company have assembled over the past five seasons and given how close last year’s team got to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. The team’s nucleus is mostly back intact and expectations for this franchise seemingly expand each season.

Exclamation Points!!! (Reasons to Believe)

Question Marks??? (Reasons Not to Believe)

Greatest Show on Turf: The Sequel- The 2013 Falcons could

Where’s the Rush? The Falcons have seemingly entered each of

conjure up memories of the 1999-2001 St. Louis Rams who

the past few seasons with question marks about its pass rush,

tortured NFL defenses with their profusion of offensive

and the 2013 season is no different. Atlanta waived goodbye to

weapons. The Falcons’ vertical passing game ranks among the

the NFL’s active leader in career sacks, John Abraham, in the

league’s best. Roddy White and Julio Jones are arguably the

offseason and replaced him with two-time super bowl champion

league’s top wideout duo, and Tony Gonzalez, the NFL’s all-time

Osi Umenyiora. The 10-year veteran managed only six sacks

leader in receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns by a

last season with the Giants and might have seen his most

tight end, shunned retirement for one more year to return as

productive days. Opposite Umenyiora will be Kroy Biermann,

Matt Ryan’s favorite third down target. The addition of Steven

who has recorded just 16.5 sacks in five NFL seasons. Biermann

Jackson provides the Falcons yet one more option in the passing

could see some snaps at linebacker, which could open the way

game. Jackson has averaged 45 receptions during his nine-year

for young ends Jonathan Massaquoi, Cliff Matthews, and rookie

career. By comparison, the departed Michael Turner has totaled

Malliciah Goodman to work their way into the rotation.

70 receptions in his nine-year career.

Will Youth Get Served? Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford

Off and Runnin’- Although the versatile Jackson will be catching

are both promising talents at cornerback who could form a nice

his fair share of passes out of the backfield, Falcons offensive

defensive backfield tandem for years to come. Atlanta, however,

coordinator Dirk Koetter will also be looking to the burly

will need one and perhaps both to perform like a seasoned pro

240-pound back to shore up the Falcons’ rushing woes. Atlanta

this year after they cut ties with veterans Brent Grimes and

finished last season 29th in rushing, and its struggles in short

Dunta Robinson in the offseason. The Falcons’ first two draft

yardage situations have been well chronicled. Jackson has

picks are expected to battle for the starting job opposite Asante

rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his last eight seasons.

Samuel and will get tested early and often by the likes of Drew

Comfort in Year Two- Matt Ryan enjoyed the best season of his

Brees and Tom Brady in the first four weeks of the season.

career in his first year in Koetter’s offense, and things could be

O-Line in Flux?- 13-year veteran Todd McClure’s offseason

even better in year two. The Falcons offense finished in the top

retirement came as no surprise, but Tyson Clabo’s early April

10 in points per game, yards per game, and yards per play—due

release certainly did. Second-year pro Peter Konz, who started

in large part to Koetter’s offensive play calling—which was a little

10 games at guard during his rookie season, will shift to his

more unpredictable than in years past and took advantage of

natural center position to replace McClure. The replacement

the skill set of Julio Jones. Given another year in the system,

for Clabo’s right tackle position is not as clear. Mike Johnson

the Falcons offense could soar to new heights. The defense also

entered training camp as the first string right tackle but was

should be better in the second year of Mike Nolan’s defense.

lost to a season-ending leg injury early in training camp. The

The 2012 Falcons defense didn’t remind anyone of the Grits

Falcons brass are counting on second-year pro Lamar Holmes

Blitz defense from the late 70s but were an opportunistic bunch

to claim the position, although veteran Jeremy Trueblood was

who ranked fifth in the NFL in both interceptions and points per

signed after training camp just in case Holmes isn’t ready.

game. Nolan could infuse more 3-4 schemes in year two, and versatile players like Kroy Biermann and Jonathan Babineaux provide the Falcons options along its defensive front.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

ATLANTA FALCONS 2013 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE On the hoof, Atlanta’s 2013 regular season schedule doesn’t appear too daunting with the Falcons facing just five teams who made the playoffs in 2012. However, not included amongst those teams is the ever dangerous arch rivals Saints, who led by Drew Brees, should be back in contention for the NFC South crown with Sean Payton on the sidelines and a re-tooled defense that can only improve from last season’s dreadful showing. Rematches against playoff opponents Seattle and San Francisco offer compelling storylines as does a late season trek to Green Bay and a primetime matchup against Tom Brady and the Patriots in the Georgia Dome.

Week

Date

Time

Opponent

1 September 8th 1:00 @ Saints Comment: The Birds look for their first win of the 2013 in the same place they suffered their first loss of the 2012 season. Emotions will be high as these two bitter rivals kick off the 2013 campaign. 2 September 15th 1:00 vs. Rams Comment: Steven Jackson’s first game in the Georgia Dome will be against his former team, who is coming off a disappointing 2012 season. 3 September 22nd 4:05 @ Dolphins Comment: The Dolphins could be an improved team after making several free agent acquisitions in the offseason, including former Falcons Brent Grimes and Tyson Clabo. 4 September 29th 8:30 vs. Patriots Comment: In the first of five nationally televised games, Matt Ryan squares off against Tom Brady in what could be a high scoring affair. 5 October 7th 8:40 vs. N.Y. Jets Comment: The Falcons follow up their Sunday night debut with their Monday night debut against the Jets, whom they are facing for the first time since the 2009 season when Atlanta pulled out a tough 10-7 victory. 6 BYE WEEK

Easiest Stretch: Weeks 5 through 8 should be the Falcons’ most manageable stretch of the season when they play the Jets, Bucs, and Cardinals. The Jets could be in for a tumultuous season with uncertainty at quarterback and few offensive threats, and a bye week precedes Atlanta’s home matchup with Tampa Bay in Week 7. Arizona could be tough on the road, but Atlanta should be able to manage a win. Toughest Stretch: Atlanta’s end-of-the-season schedule is downright brutal. After hosting the Saints in Week 12, the Falcons travel to Canada to face the Bills before a stretch in Weeks 14 through 16 in which they’ll face the Packers, Redskins, and 49ers in consecutive weeks. That’s Aaron Rodgers, Robert Griffin III, and Colin Kaepernick. Ouch.

7 October 20th 1:00 vs. Buccaneers Comment: The division rival Bucs snapped the Falcons 11-game regular season home winning streak on the final day of the 2012 regular season. 8 October 27th 4:25 @ Cardinals Comment: Atlanta squeaked out a 23-19 win in Week 11 last season. They will face former Falcon John Abraham for the first time. 9 November 3rd 1:00 @ Panthers Comment: The Falcons get their first taste of the read-option as they square off against Cam Newton and the division rival Panthers. 10 November 10th 1:00 vs. Seahawks Comment: The Seahawks will be seeking to avenge last year’s Divisional Round playoff loss to the Falcons. Falcons wide receiver Roddy White and Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman will be chomping at the bit to settle their differences. 11 November 17th 1:00 @ Buccaneers Comment: Atlanta travels to Raymond James Stadium to face off against the Bucs for the second time. The Falcons held RB Doug Martin to 50 yards on 21 carries in a 24-23 nail-biting win last season in Tampa. 12 November 21st 8:25 vs. Saints Comment: The heated rivalry only gets hotter as Atlanta welcomes New Orleans to the Georgia Dome where they defeated the Saints 23-13 last season and stopped Drew Brees’ NFL-record streak of touchdown passes in consecutive games at 54. 13 December 1st 4:05 @ Bills Comment: The Falcons and Bills travel to London to meet for only the 11th time ever. 14 December 8th 8:30 @ Packers Comment: Atlanta makes another nationally televised appearance as they visit Lambeau Field where they last won in 2008, the game in which Matt Ryan notched his first professional road victory. 15 December 15th 1:00 vs. Redskins Comment: The Falcons face the Redskins for the second straight season. Atlanta won last year’s contest 24-17 in a game that saw rookie phenom RGIII injured. 16 December 23rd 8:40 @ 49ers Comment: The Falcons’ final nationally televised game of the season pits them against the 49ers team who ended their Super Bowl dreams in last season’s NFC championship game. 17

December 29th

1:00

vs. Panthers

Comment: Atlanta closes the 2013 regular season at home versus the Panthers seeking their sixth consecutive home victory against their division rival.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

FREE AGENCY RECAP Additions Name

Pos.

Age

Previous Team

2012 Stats

Steven Jackson RB 30 St. Louis Rams 257 carries, 1,042 yards (4.1 avg.), 4 TDs 38 receptions, 321 yards, 0 TDs Comment: The Falcons signed the 30-year old Jackson with the belief that he can add a new element to their already dynamic offense while defying the trend of running backs significantly falling off after the age of 30. Osi Umenyiora DE 31 New York Giants 43 tackles (28 solo), 6 sacks, 2 FF Comment: The two-time super bowl champ is looking to revitalize his career with the Falcons, who lack proven pass rushers. Jeremy Trueblood OT 30 Washington Redskins N/A Comment: The Falcons signed Matt Ryan’s old college teammate at the conclusion of training camp to provide depth at tackle. Trueblood could replace starter Lamar Holmes at right tackle should Holmes struggle.

Departures Name

Pos.

Age

New Team

2012 Stats

John Abraham DE 35 Arizona Cardinals 35 tackles (32 solo), 10 sacks, 6 FF Comment: In a somewhat surprising move, the Falcons released their all-time sack leader before the start of free agency. Tyson Clabo OT 31 Miami Dolphins N/A Comment: In perhaps the most surprising move of all, the veteran offensive tackle was released to create cap space. Mike Cox FB 28 N/A Comment: Bradie Ewing’s return from injury made Cox expendable.

3 receptions, 22 yards

Brent Grimes CB 30 Miami Dolphins 6 tackles, 0 Int. Comment: The Falcons and Grimes could not agree on a long-term contract, so Grimes, who got injured in Week One last season and missed the remainder of the season, left for Miami. Chris Hope S 32 Detroit Lions 26 tackles (18 solo) Comment: The veteran safety filled in nicely for William Moore while he was injured. Robert James LB 29 Baltimore Ravens 11 tackles (9 solo) Comment: The stellar training camp performances of undrafted free agent linebackers Joplo Bartu and Paul Worrilow paved the way for James’ exit. Phillipkeith Manley OG 23 N/A N/A Comment: Manley reportedly showed up to camp overweight and fell out of the coaches’ good graces. Kerry Meier WR 26 N/A Comment: Meier could not shake the injury bug during his three seasons in Atlanta.

N/A

Todd McClure C 36 N/A N/A Comment: McClure spent all of his 13 NFL seasons in Atlanta before retiring this offseason. Luke McCown QB 32 New Orleans Saints N/A Comment: McCown, who didn’t see any game action in 2012, departed for the rival Saints. Charles Mitchell S 24 N/A 1 Tackle Comment: Mitchell was beat out for a roster spot by rookies Kemal Ishmael and Zeke Motta. Christopher Owens CB 26 Cleveland Browns 17 tackles (14 solo), 1 FF Comment: Owens spent his first three NFL seasons as a nickel back in Atlanta. Michael Palmer TE 25 Seattle Seahawks 6 receptions, 22 yards, 1 TD Comment: The Atlanta native started five games in his three seasons with the Falcons. Mike Peterson LB 37 N/A 14 tackles (10 solo) Comment: Peterson, a veteran of 14 NFL seasons, was a strong presence in the locker room. Dunta Robinson CB 31 Kansas City Chiefs 80 tackles (67 solo), 1.5 sacks, 1 Int. Comment: The Falcons parted ways with the veteran corner in attempt to get younger in the secondary. Lawrence Sidbury DE 27 Indianapolis Colts 1 tackle Comment: Sidbury flashed potential at times but never quite put it together in Atlanta. Will Svitek OT 31 New England Patriots N/A Comment: Svitek missed all of 2012 with an arm injury. Michael Turner RB 31 N/A 222 carries, 800 yards (3.6 avg.), 10 TDs 19 receptions, 128 yards, 1 TD Comment: Turner gave Atlanta five solid seasons, but he was a shell of his former self in 2012. Vance Walker DT 26 Oakland Raiders 32 tackles (21 solo), 3 sacks, 1 FF Comment: Walker was a productive member of Atlanta’s defensive line rotation and started nine games last season.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

BREAKOUT CANDIDATE Jonathan Massaquoi » DE

The second year player from Troy is one of several young defensive ends the Falcons are counting on to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Massaquoi saw action in eight games last season—mostly on special teams—but will see more action this season in the defensive end rotation. Massaquoi, who collected 19.5 sacks in his two-year career at Troy, possesses the burst off the ball and aggression that could make him a household name soon.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

FALCONS DRAFT RECAP

ROUND

PICK

NAME

POSITION

COLLEGE

1 22 Desmond Trufant CB Washington Analysis: The Falcons moved up eight slots in the first round to select the speedy, athletic corner from Washington. The Falcons took advantage of their relationship with their former Director of Player Personnel and current St. Louis Rams General Manager Les Snead to secure Trufant, a first-team All Pac-12 performer as a senior. Trufant, whose older brothers Marcus and Isaiah play for the Seahawks and New York Jets, respectively, is expected to start opposite veteran Asante Samuel at corner. 2 28(60) Robert Alford CB Southeastern Louisiana Analysis: The Falcons addressed their secondary concerns again in Round 2 with their selection of the small school stud. Alford, like Trufant, is a speedy corner with good size. He is expected to compete at nickel back and will get a long look in the kick return game. 4 30(127) Malliciah Goodman DE Clemson Analysis: The long-armed ACC standout will be counted on to bolster a Falcons defensive line sorely in need of playmakers. Goodman tallied 9.5 sacks as a senior, including 3.5 in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl against LSU. 4 36(133) Levine Toilolo TE Stanford Analysis: Toilolo, a massive target at 6’8, caught 50 passes in his career at Stanford and could be the eventual successor to Tony Gonzalez. 5 20(153) Stansley Maponga DE TCU Analysis: Maponga’s pass rush ability should have him competing for a spot in the rotation at DE. 7 37(243) Kemal Ishmael S Central Florida Analysis: Ishmael is a scheme-versatile safety and solid tackler who could contribute on special teams. 7 38(244) Zeke Motta SS Notre Dame Analysis: Motta’s intelligence and physicality make him a candidate to contribute on special teams. 7 43(249) Sean Renfree QB Duke Analysis: The Duke product possesses ideal size and arm strength; Could eventually win backup job.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

ATLANTA FALCONS PROJECTED TWO-DEEP DEPTH CHART

OFFENSE POSITION

NAME

Matt Ryan Dominique Davis

JERSEY 2 4

Boston College East Carolina

Steven Jackson Jacquizz Rodgers

39 32

Oregon State Oregon State

Bradie Ewing Jason Snelling

34 44

Wisconsin Virginia

Roddy White Drew Davis

84 19

Alabama-Birmingham Oregon

Tony Gonzalez Chase Coffman

88 86

California Missouri

Sam Baker Ryan Schraeder

72 73

Southern California Valdosta State

Justin Blalock Harland Gunn

63 69

Texas Miami (Fla.)

Peter Konz Joe Hawley

66 61

Wisconsin UNLV

Garrett Reynolds Harland Gunn

75 69

North Carolina Miami (Fla.)

Lamar Holmes Jeremy Trueblood

76 65

Southern Mississippi Boston College

Julio Jones Harry Douglas

11 83

Alabama Louisville

COLLEGE

DEFENSE POSITION

NAME

JERSEY

COLLEGE

LDE

Kroy Biermann Cliff Matthews

71 98

Montana South Carolina

Jonathan Babineaux Travian Robertson

95 92

Iowa South Carolina

DT RDE

Corey Peters Peria Jerry

91 94

Kentucky Mississippi

Osi Umenyiora Jonathan Massaquoi

90 96

Troy Troy

Sean Weatherspoon Joplo Bartu

56 59

Missouri Texas State

Akeem Dent Paul Worrilow

52 55

Georgia Delaware

Stephen Nicholas Joplo Bartu

54 59

South Florida Texas State

RCB

Desmond Trufant Robert McClain

21 27

Washington Connecticut

Thomas DeCoud Shann Schillinger

28 29

California Montana

SS LCB

William Moore Zeke Motta

25 41

Missouri Notre Dame

Asante Samuel Robert Alford

22 23

Central Florida Southeastern Louisiana

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

Players to Watch QB Matt Ryan Ryan enjoyed the best statistical season of his five-year career last season. Ryan shouldn’t be slowing down any time soon with a new toy in running back Steven Jackson and the continued maturation of third-year star Julio Jones. 2013 Forecast: 69% pass completions, 4,736 yards, 35 TDs, 10 Int WR Julio Jones With a breakout 2012 campaign, Jones is now considered among the elite receivers in the game. Expect Jones to evolve into Matt Ryan’s number one option and put up huge numbers in year three. 2013 Forecast: 95 receptions, 1,348 yards, 12 TDs WR Roddy White White, 31, is still one of the game’s best receivers but is not the homerun threat that Jones is. White, however, has shown no signs of slowing down and should put up big numbers once again. 2013 Forecast: 81 receptions, 1,294 yards, 8 TDs TE Tony Gonzalez The sure-handed Gonzalez remains as consistent a tight end in the NFL. The 37-yeard ranked third last season among NFL tight ends in fantasy points and could register similar numbers in his last season. 2013 Forecast: 88 receptions, 822 yards, 7 TDs RB Steven Jackson Jackson managed eight straight 1,000 yard seasons on Rams squads that often saw eight defenders stacked in the box. Jackson should benefit tremendously from the other weapons in Atlanta’s offensive arsenal and be a top flight starting running back for fantasy owners. 2013 Forecast: 1,056 rushing yards, 8 TDs, 53 receptions, 462 receiving yards, 3 TDs 14

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

Go where the players go!

EMORY

SPORTS

MEDICINE 404-778-7777

www.emoryhealthcare.org/sports-medicine

Winning With Character supporters Bobby Lankford and Mark Richt think morals and personality are more important than wins and losses.

By DeMarco Williams

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On September 20, San Francisco Defensive End Aldon Smith had some explaining to do. A popular sports website revealed that he had been involved in a one car accident. The site also revealed that Smith was also cited for suspicion of DUI and possession of marijuana. The DUI would be his second in a 2 year stretch and create a chain of events that would land the all-pro player into a rehabilitation facility. Of course, Alden Smith is far from the only professional athlete with flaws in judgment. If you replace the NFL star with Michael Vick, Matt Jones or Ron Artest, you could tell a similarly disturbing story of an athlete who didn’t put a lot of thought into his off-the-field actions. The mission of Bobby Lankford, character education coordinator at the University of Georgia, is to nip as many Hamilton-like embarrassments as possible. Lankford’s vehicle for accomplishing this goal is Winning With Character, a notfor-profit organization with a nationally-followed, hands-on program for the introduction and implication of moral and ethical reasoning in young male and female athletes. “Our goal is to the see the athletes and coaches ‘Go M.A.D.,’” begins Coach Lankford, a friendly former Houston Oilers assistant who’s as passionate about this program as he is about SEC football. “Go make a difference’ in the hearts and lives of student athletes and coaches around the world. That’s our goal.” For an ambitious project to go from proposal to practice, the assistance of others was in order. Coach Lankford found his with Dr. Sharon Stoll, CEO and founder of the Center of Ethics at the University of Idaho. For nearly 10 years, Dr. Stoll and Coach Lankford worked together to develop character education programs for the state of Georgia. When University of Georgia head football coach Mark Richt heard about Coach Lankford’s endeavors, he asked him to come to Athens to share a few lessons with his players. “Mark asked me if we could develop a curriculum,” Coach Lankford remembers of the 2001 encounter. “He flew Sharon in. We sat down in the morning and met with the coaching staff. We asked for 25 student athletes, freshmen through sophomores, to do a sample class for coaches to observe. The coaches said we got more out of them in 25 minutes then they had in four months.” Coach Richt echoes Coach Lankford’s sentiments on WWC’s impact. “I think all coaches want to say the right things to our young men,” the UGA head coach said at the 2008 American Football Coaches Association Convention. “I think everybody wants to help our young men grow as people. We want them to be productive citizens. We want them to be good husbands, good fathers and good role models. I think we all really work hard at it, but sometimes we don’t work very smart at it. As we get into a season, we’re going so hard and fast that we don’t take the time to get that nugget that you might need to give to the guys.”

WWC triumphs not just because it’s backed by instructors who believe in it, but also because it makes sense procedurally. High school and college-aged kids are inundated with lectures and mundane speeches; WWC purposely avoids all of that. (Lankford: “One day the public education is going to wake up and realize you don’t lecture [and be successful]. But that’s another story.”) Instead, during one practice a week for 30 minutes, coaches set up dialogue sessions where everything from public behavior to recreational sex and parenthood is discussed. Yes, there is a curriculum –The five basic principles of WWC are to be a servant-leader in action, word, and deed; to value decency and carry it out in all behavior and action; to value the traditions and integrity of the sport; to remember why sport is played; to have fun- but the life discussions often trump any syllabus. “There are 43 lessons in the first year of text,” says Coach Lankford, whose program has been implemented by over 40 high schools, the University of Alabama, the University of Maryland and the Atlanta Braves organization. “There’s no way a school ever gets through those 43 lessons because we’ve had classes go on for three weeks in a row on the same topic. The kids were into it so strong.” Players and coaches interested in WWC may wonder how the curriculum can be introduced without interfering with strict regulations on practice time. Coach Richt insists that’s nothing to worry about: “When we first put it in, our compliance office felt like it needed to be within our 20-hour rule… But since that time, as part of our life skills program, it does not cut into your 20 hours of work. You’re not talking about football, and I think any compliance officer would have no problem with you spending as much time on that as you want to without it counting against your 20-hour rule at our level.” As seasons come and go, more schools are becoming involved. While there’s no scientific proof to say the Josh Hamiltons or Manny Ramirezes of the sports world have anything to do with the rising number of coaches requesting WWC, their questionable actions certainly don’t hurt the mission. “We’ve actually had coaches say that a kid would come in on Monday,” tells Coach Lankford, “and say I did something this weekend I shouldn’t have done and I wanna apologize before we do character education again ‘cuz I can’t sit in there, having done what I did and not tell my teammates about it. That’s when you know the curriculum is working.”

For more information on Winning With Character, visit www.winningwithcharacter.org

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LARRY CAMPBELL Lincoln County High School’s Legend - By Alvin Richardson Ask any football coach around the state of Georgia if they have heard of Larry Campbell and they will look at you like you are nuts. Everyone may not know exactly where Lincolnton, Georgia is but I guarantee you they know about this legendary coach and his program that has, for the last forty-one seasons been an absolute dynasty by any definition of the word. I was lucky enough to work for the man over an eight year span from 1979-1986 and in those seasons we played for the state championship four times winning twice. That’s a stellar career for nearly everyone else but Campbell’s program has gone beyond stellar and now resides in the stratosphere of high school football on a national scale. Here are some of the astounding facts and numbers about this small town football program and its big time coach: 1) 2013 will mark his 42nd season as head coach of the Red Devils 2) Campbell ranks third nationally in overall number of wins and 2nd if you count only public schools 3) His teams have compiled a record of 470-81-3 record for a winning percentage of .851 – That means they have averaged over eleven wins per season over those forty one years 4) Over this four decade span Lincoln County has put together eight undefeated seasons and has posted ten or more wins in thirty one of them 5) The Red Devils under Campbell have won eleven state championships 6) Lincoln under Campbell’s guidance has won their region championship thirty three times out of forty one seasons Those are pretty gaudy facts but the litany of accomplishments just keeps on going. During Campbell’s tenure they have made the finals seven times before losing. That means that Lincoln County has played in eighteen state title games out of his forty one years. In a six year span between 1985 and 1990 Campbell’s teams won five championships including three in a row from 1985-87. Lincoln under Campbell is no flash in the pan. His program has stood the test of time winning two state championships in the 1970’s (‘76 – ‘77), four titles in the 1980’s (’85, ’86, ’87, ’89), three more in the 1990’s (’90, ’93, ’95) and two others in 2005 and 2006. Even if they weren’t in the championship game they were always in the hunt. The Red Devils have made the semifinals eight times over Campbell’s forty plus seasons which means that in twenty six of the forty one year’s Lincoln County has done no worse than be among the last four teams in the playoffs. It is a record that may never be matched. I had an opportunity recently to talk with Coach Campbell as he reflected on some topics ranging from changes in the game to favorite memories.

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Q – As you begin your 42nd campaign as head coach at Lincoln County what would you say ar some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in players, coaches, fans, the GHSA and the game itself? A – Biggest change is that we start school so early. We used to start school around the third week in August or later but now we start the first week in August. This caused us to lose our preseason camp opportunity which was important to our program. Due to the heat index rule we have also lost two a day practices. Even though I support the heat index policy taking that much preseason practice time away from us has really hurt. With GHSA the biggest problem we have is with the public school and private school issues. It seems like nearly every state championship is going to private and city schools that get to take students from a larger service area. Players are basically the same now as they have always been – both the good and the bad. The biggest change is the parents. The governor is not a big supporter of public education. He is withholding austerity funds from public schools that are adversely affecting all areas of education and as a result is causing athletic programs to go broke. Q – What are some of your favorite memories over the last four decades? A – The first thing that comes to mind is that last week I had three former Red Devils and current professional ballplayers (Garrison Hearst, Jarius Wynn and Brandon Barden) give of their time to talk to and work with about seventy young people at our recreation gym. They put on a free camp for those kids. One thing we coaches tend to do is remember the losses and forget about the wins but I won’t ever forget being down to Miller County by three touchdowns on the road when they had Charles Grant. We came back to win that one. Another funny story was about a playoff game a few years back against Hawkinsville. I had Vance Tarver make a free kick and no one knew what I was doing or what was going on. First the officials threw a penalty flag and then had to pick it up. They called time out because they didn’t have a clue as to what we were doing. When questioned, the official replied to the head linesman, “I do not know what he’s doing, but he’s been coaching a lot longer than we have been officiating.” (Authors note: Go to You Tube and search for “Confusion in the Press Box” to hear the LCTV commentators trying to figure out what was going on. It is worth your time – it’s hilarious.) One other thing that always sticks in my memory is when my assistant coaches go on to be successful head coaches. Q – Who were some of the most influential people in your life in terms of coaching philosophy? What did you learn from them? A – Coach Thomas Bunch taught me that character is more important than winning or losing. He also taught me the importance of loyalty from your assistants. Coach Dan Pitts taught me about game preparation and to stay in one place as long as you are happy. Q – What advice would you give young coaches today who aspire to become the head coach of a high school football program? A – I think the most important things are to be yourself, hire good assistants and let them coach, and adapt your offense and defense to your talent. Q – According to most lists you rank third nationally in number of wins for a career. What factors do you think contributed to that success? A – Keeping assistants for a number of years, working yearround with the total program, a strong off-season weight program, giving kids second chances but not third ones, and support from our faculty, school staff, administrators, community, and the booster club. The start of season number 42 is just around the corner. Wonder if Lincoln County will be a factor?

State Championships 1976 – Lincoln County 6 – Buford 0 1977 – Lincoln County 22 – Jefferson 7 1985 – Lincoln County 52 – Palmetto 20 1986 – Lincoln County 7 – East Rome 6 1987 – Lincoln County 19 – Brookstone 14 1989 – Lincoln County 24 – Bowden 7 1990 – Lincoln County 6 – Charlton County 0 1993 – Lincoln County 24 – Johnson County 14 1995 – Lincoln County 12 – Macon County 0 2005 – Lincoln County 25 – Washington-Wilkes 0 2006 – Lincoln County 21 – Clinch County 14 Biographical Data Born 1948 – Abbeville, South Carolina Graduated from Calhoun Falls High School Attended the University of Georgia and graduated with a degree in physical education in 1970 Attained Master’s Degree from UGA in 1980 Married to Connie Snipes Campbell for 42 years Children – Brian and Kelli Assistant coach to Thomas Bunch at Lincoln County for two years after which Campbell was promoted to head coach. Became the athletic director when Coach Bunch retired Note: Alvin Richardson is a former Campbell assistant, and later head coach and athletic director at Morgan County High School. Richardson now writes for several newspapers and magazines on high school sports and outdoor humor. Contact him at dar8589@bellsouth.net

LARRY CAMPBELL

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XPERTEVAL: EVALUATING THE FUTURE An interview with the man behind the project, Jamal Lewis. By: Roger Gidlow Football for the average fan is a sport that has the shortest length compared to the other major sports. While a spectator may watch their favorite team over the span of five months, the time spent off the field by the players is what makes it America’s New Game. The level of competition has risen over the past few years. The reason for the change can mainly be attributed to the dedication spent by young men day in and day out to improve their game. Between winter workouts, spring practice, two-a-days, and a full season there is little time to rest. Each day these players shed blood, sweat, and tears in order to make that next step on the field better than the last. Former NFL star running back, Jamal Lewis, is teaming up with former NFL players to help share their knowledge and help evaluate the skills of young players to ensure greatness on and off the field. In June of 2013, a website was launched by the name of www.xperteval.com. The concept behind the company is to evaluate a young football player’s skills and attributes from a college and professional point of view. According to Jamal Lewis, “ There are six major elements in every player’s game that is evaluated in our process: Xplosion, Power, Endurance, Reaction, Technique, and Speed.” The characteristics of these six elements can make the difference between a three star recruit, and a five star recruit. “With our process you are receiving knowledge that is backed by protocol of the NCAA and the NFL”, says Lewis. Recruiting camps and combines leave the window of opportunity wide open for players to gain exposure, “When they get that chance we want to be the reason they’re ready to seize that chance.” The evaluation process is a simple task for the player. It simply requires a short registration and the submission of game tape of said player. From there, the evaluation falls into the hands of the “Xpert” related to the player’s position. The Xperts consist of: Kordell Stewart (QB), Jamal Lewis (RB), Troy Brown (WR), Willie McGinest (LB), Steve Atwater (DB), Ray Buchanan (DB), Sam Gash (FB), Ricky Hunley (LB), and Jamie Dukes (OL). For example, if a high school sophomore Quarterback wants to have his freshman season evaluated, Kordell Stewart would take the responsibility of the evaluation. The Xpert will examine the game tape the same way a coach or a scout would breakdown game film at the next level.

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In 21 days, the player will receive a detailed description on ways to better their game based on the “six major elements”. After the process is completed, the work is just beginning. On what each player can expect from the process Lewis stressed that “This is a great developmental tool. We can’t give these players the physical tools on the field. We provide them with professional feedback that they can take to trainers and coaches.” The work lies in the hands of the players to establish improvement that focuses on the intangibles and characteristics that mold a great football player. Along with an eight page evaluation, each member of XpertEval receives a gear giveaway, on field exposure, but most importantly, they become a better player. “If I had a process like this when I was young and developing my game, I feel like I’d benefit greatly from it.”, says Lewis. The process of XpertEval is one that resembles the way Lewis prepared and trained throughout his playing days. Lewis is an NFL Legend that has an impressive resume. His trophy case has a Super Bowl ring, an NCAA National Championship ring, AFC Offensive Player of the Year trophy that can be backed up by his rushing statistics. Jamal said a program like XpertEval still would have benefited his successful career, “To be able to take advice from someone who has been there before would have been a great motivational tool. Getting advice from professionals, with their experience, would have made me a better player both on, and off the field.” The Atlanta native running back retired from his professional playing days in 2009. For the former Baltimore Raven and Cleveland Brown, life after football meant staying involved in the game. “It was very important for me to be a part of the game. I didn’t want to be involved at the NFL or NCAA level. I wanted to give more back to the community at the youth level.” Lewis said. When choosing the Xperts to help lead this nationwide project, it was important for Lewis to choose individuals that felt the same way. “I wanted guys that were recognizable for their work with the game today. Most of our guys are analysts in one way or another that know how to look at talent for the next level.” From www.xperteval.com, “Our mission at XpertEval is to help young people achieve their athletic goals by providing credible, insightful and actionable performance feedback; and to raise awareness and educate the players and parents on important topics, like player safety, that directly impact the athlete’s ability to realize their potential.” As a young company in an exciting environment, the ceiling is high for XpertEval. Be sure to follow them on their facebook, twitter, and youtube pages. All things football, these Xperts will be involved in the upcoming future. Whether it be a high school combine, a recruiting combine, 7 on 7 camps, or a summer camp, Xperts will be there. Will you be seen? Sign up for your evaluation today at www.xperteval.com to become the player you always dreamed of being.

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GEORGIA’S BEST SINCE 1990 By: Kevin Price Sports are always good conversation starters at the office water cooler or the lunch table. And in the state of Georgia, high school football is often what starts those conversations. Co-workers and friends might talk about the game coming up on Friday night, but a deeper conversation might involve something like the state’s bestever coach, top stadium or best player of all-time. When it comes to the latter, a conversation about the best player might produce a number of worthy names, particularly if the time frame is not limited to certain period of time. But even a discussion that is narrowed to include only players from the last 25 years can generate many names. This summer, we at Georgia Gridiron Guide tried it and found out as much while polling several coaches in the state at random to pick their brains regarding this very topic. “That’s really difficult. That’s a question you can just go around and around on,” said longtime Charlton County coach Rich McWhorter. “There’s so much history in this state and there’s been so many great players.” That’s why we have decided not to say that anyone stands out as a consensus choice, especially considering that we also only approached a handful of coaches around the state who might have just happened to hold a few certain players in high regard, whereas another sampling of coaches might have mentioned a completely different set of players with another name or two coming up more than once. But had we had the time to reach out to all of the state’s coaches and compile their responses, chances are some of the biggest names would have been referenced repeatedly and come to the forefront of the conversation. Some of the names you hear in any similar discussions about top players in the last 25 years might include household names in Georgia high school lore such as Champ Bailey, Garrison Hearst, Eric Berry, Hines Ward, Eric Zeier, Jamal Lewis and Calvin Johnson. We heard some of those, too, as you will see soon. Our primary goal wasn’t necessarily to determine the best player in the state in the last quarter century. Our objective was to simply get a conversation started and have the coaches tell us what they thought about those top players that quickly came to their minds. And we feel as if we accomplished as much while getting some answers that might have been both expected and predictable, but also ones that were very compelling and very much interesting to hear. Some coaches talked about the best players they ever coached. Others talked about the best player they ever coached against, or maybe the one that had the single-best performance they have seen on a given night while standing on the other sideline. And many of them simply talked about a great player they saw while maybe scouting film or watching from the stands or on the television set like many of us do when the state championship games are broadcast live on Georgia public television each December.

To view the rest of this article please visit www.georgiagridironguide.com

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Eric Berry Creekside High

Garrison Hearst Lincoln County

Joe Burns Thomas County Central

Quincy Carter Southwest DeKalb

GEORGIA’S TOP RIVALRIES By: Kevin Price

High school football is a big deal in Georgia. It has been

It is built upon many of the same characteristics that

for a long time, and probably always will be.

provide the foundation for most any good rivalry game,

There might not be a better time on the annual

yet it’s hard for most rivalry games to completely match

sports calendar in the state than those weeks in late

all that defines this annual gridiron showdown between

November and early December when the state playoffs

the Eagles and the Demons.

begin and state champions are eventually crowned in

“It’s sort of one of those things you have to experience,”

each classification.

explained former longtime Northside coach Conrad Nix.

It never fails that the postseason is full of great games

“I would highly recommend it to someone who has never

between tradition-rich programs and proud communities

seen it. It’s a pretty unique deal.”

that love their high school football teams. Many of these

The actual football game is obviously the biggest

games come to thrilling finishes and create memories that

attraction and always represents the pinnacle of game

are talked about for a lifetime.

week in Warner Robins. But the coach was alluding to all

But playoff games aren’t the only ones each fall that

the activities that surround the rivalry and take place

produce unbelievable moments and have a lasting impact

throughout the week in advance of kickoff that combine to

on those who played in them or watched them from the

make the Big Game something special.

sidelines or stands.

“It’s a big spirit week at school,” Nix noted. “All the kids

In a state full of so many great teams and players, games

get involved. They decorate the hallways, there are pep

are played nearly every week of the season from towns

rallies throughout the week. It’s a great experience.”

in the North Georgia mountains to the rural communities

Within the community, in which about a third of the town’s

in South Georgia and all points in between that stoke

almost 67,000 residents are employed by Robins Air Force

the emotions and produce images that won’t ever be

Base, you either support the Demons by wearing their

forgotten by fans across the state.

dark red colors or the Eagles by wearing their dark blue

Of course, many of these games are the rivalry games

colors. It’s that way throughout the year, but the rest of

between schools in the same town or neighboring

the year is nothing like the week of the game.

communities that naturally lend themselves to

“The people work side by side and they’re friends, but

unforgettable Friday nights and have been the basis for

they take sides,” said Northside’s current coach Kevin

many a conversation between family members, co-workers

Kinsler. “People talk about the game all the time, but

and classmates for years.

about a month or so before it, people really start talking

Pretty much every team in the state has that one

about the ballgame and who’s gonna win and everyone

game that stands above all others on the schedule

talks about it the week of the game.”

every season, and oftentimes it’s the one against the

In decades gone by, Warner Robins and Northside were

rival school.

the only two schools in town, and depending on what side

Fans across the state hold their one game in high regard.

of Watson Boulevard which runs through the middle of

It’s special to them for a variety of reasons and it should

town someone lived on, they attended one school or the

be. But certain rivalry games in the state just stand out

other and gave their allegiances to that school.

above the rest. No matter where they might rank in a list,

But now that the two rival schools share the town with

they are undeniably in almost everyone’s top 10.

two additional high schools – Houston County and Veterans – not everyone in Warner Robins has ties to

One of those games is the annual battle between

the elder schools and therefore an entire community no

Northside and Warner Robins, which was played for the

longer bleeds Demon red or Eagle blue.

first time in 1964 and celebrates 50 years this season.

Make no mistake, though, that when game week arrives, it

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would take something monumental to unseat the Warner Robins-Northside game as the biggest thing going that week in this Middle Georgia city. “No doubt, it’s a big game and one everyone who has ever gone to either school circles every year,” said Warner Robins coach Bryan Way. “They want to beat us and we want to beat them. There’s not much love lost that week, for sure.” Through the many years, the rivalry has had some of the usual shenanigans that can certainly intensify but can also mar such events. Both schools have been vandalized by someone on the other side of the rivalry numerous times and the campuses have been infested several times by a number of farm animals such as pigs and chickens and even hundreds of crickets that were dumped out by some crosstown culprits. For several years now, school system maintenance workers have taken turns playing overnight security cop on both campuses in an attempt to eliminate such acts. In years past, police would patrol Davis Drive in front of Warner Robins and Green Street in front of Northside in an attempt to keep carloads of fans from the opposing school from going onto the campuses and yelling insults at their counterparts. Perhaps measures can be taken to curb such occurrences, but the underlying reasons for them will never disappear. That’s because the biggest reason for all the hype and extra-curricular activities is the football teams themselves and their longstanding success which gives their fans all the more reason to love them and get extra excited when they meet head on. When you mix two programs with rich histories into one game each year, you get what you get when it’s time for Eagles and Demons to clash. “Both schools have been blessed to have a lot of good football players come through and have had some great teams,” Way

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said. “It’s hard to get excited when teams are 2-8 and 3-7, but when both teams are pretty good, it just adds more excitement to the game.” Warner Robins, which has been playing football since 1953, has won four state championships and two national titles and owns a .690 winning percentage. Northside, which has played football since 1963, has two state titles and owns a .721 winning percentage. Both teams have made many deep playoff runs, have even met in the playoffs and have played each other with a region championship on the line numerous times. Way, a former player for the Demons under legendary coach Robert Davis in the late 1970s, remembers the days when one team would knock the other out of the playoffs when they met in the final game of the season. “When I played, only the region champion went to the playoffs,” Way said. “The winner got to go on and the loser turned in their equipment the following Monday.” In a series full of memorable games, one of the most memorable took place in 1989. Warner Robins, the defending state champion, entered the game unbeaten and ranked No. 1 in the state and nation. The Demons were averaging 35 points a game, but the Eagles pulled off a stunning 7-6 upset. Warner Robins avenged that loss the very next week, beating the Eagles 20-6 in the region playoffs. The Demons would defeat Central Macon 30-3 the following week for the region title, but were upset the next week in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs, losing 16-10 to LaGrange which led many to believe that loss to rival Northside damaged the team’s collective psyche and was ultimately what really dashed another state championship dream. Way has fond memories of the 2004 game during his first season as Warner Robins head coach. The Eagles came into that game unbeaten and ranked first in the state, but the Demons were also highly-ranked and unbeaten with a tie against Houston County in the season opener. Warner Robins recovered a fumbled punt late in the game which led to a touchdown and a 10-3 victory. The Demons would go on to win a state championship that season while Northside would lose just its second game of the season in the second round of the state playoffs to the same Statesboro team Warner Robins eventually beat in the state championship game. Warner Robins leads the all-time series 33-22. The Demons dominated the series for many years, winning 30 of the first 40 matchups. But since 1998, the Eagles have held the upper-hand, winning 12 of the last 15 contests. But while scores and streaks are noteworthy, it’s the game-day atmosphere that those who have played or coached in the rivalry remember as much as final scores. The bus ride to Talbert-McConnell Stadium – which by the way is the home to both teams – is unlike any other they all say. “You drive down Davis Drive to the stadium and you see the fans already lined up to get in two and a half hours before the game,” Kinsler said. “They’re cheering for you when the bus goes by, and the goose bumps just pop up on your arms.” As many as 20,000 people have been known to jam into the stadium for this rivalry game, filling every permanent and temporary seat in the stands and almost every inch of grass on the corner hillsides, providing a sight to see from the playing field. “Everyone’s going crazy. It really gets the electricity flowing,” Nix said. “I wish all kids who play high school football could experience something like this at least one time,” Kinsler added. In Warner Robins, they’ve done it 55 times in the last 49 years and are set to do it a 56th time in 50 years this season.

Log onto www.georgiagridironguide.com to view our videos Top Rivalry Games this season.

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QUARTER BACKS

Charles Stafford QB 6-3/210 Monroe

Deshaun Watson QB 6-3/200 Gainesville

Tyler Harris QB 6-4/219 Pierce County

Brooks Barden QB 6-2/200 Cartersville

Elijah Staley QB 6-6/208 Wheeler

Cole Garvin QB 6-0/195 Sandy Creek

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Nick Alexander

Lakeside-DeKalb

Ira Hendrix

Jenkins County

Davion Anderson

NE Macon

Jonathan Hunt

Heard County

Will Anderson

Lassiter

Malique Jackson

Wayne County

Taylor Boyyett

Houston County

Jamar Johnson

Ware County

Anfernee Bruton

Lithonia

Matt McGuigan

Kell

Tanner Brumby

Pickens County

Jaquan Morris

Berkmar

Elijah Burnette

Mount Vernon

Daniel Mobley

Colquitt County

AJ Bush

Norcross

Chase Noonan

North Paulding

Ty Clemons

McEachern

Everett Polland

Whitefield Academy

Stephen Collier

Lee Coumty

Trevous Reynolds

Arabia Mountain

Cordelral Cook

Stone Mountain

Roland Rivers

MLK

Tavarska Davis

Spencer

Mickey Ridley

McNair

Grant Drakeford

Riverwood

Glen Smith

Northside-Warner Robbins

Dalton Eltheridge

ELCA

Mitchell Webb

East Paulding

Nick Fizgerald

Richmond Hill

Greg Williams

Peach County

Will Garrett

Carrollton

Price Wilson

Walton

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Sedrick Palmer RB 5-8/215 Henry County

Treyvon Paulk RB 5-9/185 Milton

Josh Brown RB 5-9/190 Brookwood

Dallas Rivers RB 6-1/196 Stephenson

Adam Choice RB 5-11/210 Thomas County Central

RUNNING BACKS

Myles Autry RB 6-0/175 Norcross

Stanley Williams RB 5-8/190 George Walton

Nick Chubb RB 5-11/217 Cedartown

Corey Holloway RB 5-11/200 Eagles Landing

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Luella

Ryan Peterson

Irwin County

Essias Chapman

Harris County

DeMarcuss Robins

Spencer

Devonta Davis

Manchester

DeJuan Sims

Forest Park

Jordan Ellis

Peachtree Ridge

Rodney Smith

Mundyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mill

Frank Griffin

Rome

Chase Solomon

Johns Creek

Dontavious Grace

Hawkinsville

Maetron Thomas

Stockbridge

Brandon Ingle

Etowah

Alex Urbano

Calhoun

Chris Keith

Bowdon

Adrian Washington

Cedar Shoals

Jeremiah Kirkland

Lovejoy

Myron Washington

Rome

Lester Knauls

Charles Drew

Ron Woods

Pope

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WIDE RECEIVERS Nate Brown WR 6-3/205 North Gwinnett

Terry Googer WR 6-4/207 Woodward Academy

Demarre Kitt WR 6-1/195 Sandy Creek

Alex Cason WR 6-3/185 Valdosta

Derrick Herring WR 5-11/160 Brooks County

Stanton Truitt WR 5-10/180 Monroe Area

Daniel Clements WR 5-11/160 Alpharetta

Coray Keel WR 6-3/185 South Gwinnett

Shakenneth Williams WR 6-2/198 Rutland

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Emmanual Beal

Hillgrove

Drevon Jones

Harrison

Jermaine Boxley

Burke County

John Jones

Arabia Mountain

Issac Bradley

Coosa

Collin Lisa

Chattahoochee

Myron Burton

Peachtree Ridge

CJ Mainor

West Forsyth

Maurice Cash

Charles Drew

Jordan Mathis

Marietta

Carlo Dowell

Forest Park

Brandon Norwood

Cedar Grove

Courtney Clark

Dooly County

Greg Philips

Arabia Mountain

Tevist Clark

Carver Atlanta

Christian Robinson

Centennial

Tydus Curtis

Calhoun

Krenwick Sanders

Wayne County

Jonathan Edwards

Lakeside- Evans

Jonathan Slaton

Arabia Mountain

TL Ford

Cartersville

Jacquin Stovall

Wayne County

Tyler

Hagen

South Effingham

Eric Tate

Mundyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mill

Caleb Hamm

Union Grove

Tyrell Tomlin

Marietta

Xavier Harper

Jackson County

Jalen Turner

Washington- Wikes

Derric Herring

Brooks County

Donquavious Walker

Westside Macon

Khaliq Hughes

Calvary Day

Kellin Wells

Cass

Ben Johnson

Savannah Country Day

Blake Wilson

Lassiter

Sammy Johnson

Stone Mountain

Resse Wooten

Cairo

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

TIGHT ENDS

Milan Richard TE 6-3/230 Calvary Day School

Chris Laye TE 6-5/240 Lambert

MORE TO WATCH Rashad Canty

Riverdale

Cole Cook

Carrollton

Darian Dennis

Norcross

Chris Henderson

Norcross

Chris Herndon

Meadowcreek

Montez Sweat

Stephenson

OFFENSIVE LINE Jermaine Abron OT 6-2/295 Warner Robbins

Johnny Dwight OG 6-3/290 Wilcox County

Donnie Foster OG 6-4/300 Savannah Christian

Kendall Baker OG 6-6/275 Marist School

Dennis Edwards C 6-2/305 South Gwinnett

Christian Harris OT 6-6/265 Collins Hill

Chavis Dickey OT 6-4/300 Peach County

Jake Edwards OT 6-4/270 Heard County

Jake Jeffcoat LS 6-1/220 Spalding

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

OFFENSIVE LINE

(CONTINUED)

Trent Jenkins OG 6-4/310 Norcross

Jahlil Mathis OG 6-3/290 Langston Hughes

Trayvon Williams OG 6-3/306 Camden County

Tyler Jones OT 6-4/270 Stephenson

Terrone Prescod OT 6-4/310 Columbia

Casey Wilson LS 6-2/200 St. Pius X

Andrew Marshall C 6-4/250 West Forsyth

Jake Sanders OT 6-6/315 Carrollton

MORE TO WATCH Ty Allen Caleb Autry Desmond Barmore Darrion Bell Justin Brooks Justin Brown DeKevion Byrd Kharn Collier Copper Corley Tim Crawford Deonta Davis Katrova Dew Chavis Dickey Jake Edwards Christian Euter Cliff Farrow Donnie Foster Jamal Green Jordan Harris Lane Henderson Key Hicks 32

OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

Northside Warner Robbins Thomas County Central Hardaway Charles Drew Mundy’s Mill Lovejoy Campbell Liberty County North Paulding Osborne Lithonia Calhoun Peach County Heard County Cross Keys King’s Ridge Savannah Christian West Lauren Stephenson Union Grove Harris County

Demarko Hill Blake Jacobs Andrew Johnson Mike Jones Dilyn Knight Zach Mason Andrew Marshall Brad McCoy Sean McVay Zach Micher Gabe Mobley Reggie Mobley Nick Sargeant Dustin Sloan Tyler Smith Caleb Stepp Jordan Tyler Xavier Walker Devin Wiggins Grayson Williams Sam Wood

OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OG OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL

Charles Drew Woodstock Ola Lovejoy Perry Loganville West Forsyth Harris County Marist Blessed Trinity Colquitt County TCC Brookstone Wayne County South Effingham Lumpkin County Jefferson Grady Hawkinsville Monroe Area Lassiter

DEFENSIVE LINE Bryson AllenWilliams DE 6-3/220 Cedar Grove

Donnell Greene DT 6-5/280 Kell

Dante Sawyer DE 6-3/240 North Gwinnett

Randy Anyanwu DE 6-3/220 Lovejoy

Justin Jones DT 6-3/260 South Cobb

Elisha Shaw DT 6-6/295 Tucker

Neimus Bryant DE 6-2/230 Carver Columbus

Jeremy Patterson DT 6-3/285 Wayne County

Tevin Waller DE 6-1/280 Morgan County

Lorenzo Carter DE 6-5/232 Norcross

Jamiyus Pittman DT 6-4/290 Colquitt County

Torrez Wentz DT 6-2/280 Warrenton

Josiah Coatney DE 6-4/251 Chapel Hill

Dontavius Russell DT 6-3/300 Carrollton

Andrew Williams DT 6-4/250 ELCA

Willie Cooper DT 6-1/260 A.E Beach

Caleb Samuel DE 6-5/255 Strafford Academy

Chris Williams DT 6-1/280 Sandy Creek

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

DEFENSIVE LINE Tyler Baggett AJ Banks Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Vonta Bedford Ken Benson McKenzie Billinsla Lynix Branch Jake Chickowski Johnny Dwight Grayson Fuller Shawn Green William Gowan Cody Humpries Jarod Inman Tyler Jefferson Kyle Kitchens Luther Jones Shaun Lawrence

(CONTINUED) MORE TO WATCH

DL Woodstock DL NSWR DL McIntosh County Academy DL Marist DL McEachern DL Our Lady Of Mercy DL Lambert DL Wilcox County DL Union Grove DL Perry DL Clinch County DL Chestatee DL Miller Grove DL Jefferson DL Decatur DL Union County DL Chattooga

Jarnairen Lowe Chris Narred Justin Nelson Brandon New Jeremy Patterson DJ Peterson Omari Reeves- Miller Cody Selph Touriq Shabizz Ricky Viengxay Devon Wallace Kyle Whitaker Hendal White Dreyton Williams Andre Wilson Willie Yarbary

Dl Howard DL Miller Grove DL Model DL Armuchee DL Wayne County DL Irwin County DL River Ridge DL West Laurens DL Kennesaw Mountain DL Lanier DL Lithonia DL Walton DL Lakeside Evans DL Walton DL Calvary Day DL Augusta-Richmond Academy

LINEBACKERS Ed Curney LB 5-11/215 Creekside

Demarquis Gates LB 6-2/215 Lovejoy

Montre Merritt LB 6-0/220 Ware County

Detrick Dukes LB 6-1/225 Tucker

Bryce Grauss LB 5-11/190 Alpharetta

Kevin Mouhon LB 6-2/215 Norcross

Kalil Gray LB 6-0/215 Langston Hughes

Raekwon McMillan LB 6-2/246 Liberty County

Tre Jackson LB 5-11/222 Lowndes

Juwon Young LB 6-2/230 Albany

Keshun Freeman LB 6-2/219 Calloway

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

LINEBACKERS

MORE TO WATCH Jailyn Allen Quintis Bentley Austin Brown Emmanuel Brown Marvin Brown Thomas Brown Deshon Cooper Daniel Crochet Bryson Durden Chandler Ector Glen Frazier Cameron Gordon Brandon Green Hegan Harrold Laron Health Taylor Heflin Connor Henderson Glen Houston Jacob Jamerson Derrick Johnson

LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB

Mundy’s Mill Carver Atlanta Union Grove Kendrick Kendrick NSWR Columbia St. Pius X ELCA Cedar Grove McEachern Stockbridge Marion County Wayne County Glen Hills Wayne County King’s Ridge Howard Warner Robbins Sprayberry

Derrick Kirkland Mark Lloyd Raynard Malcome Kody McDonald Antoine Merrit Chris Murphy Kameon Peavy Kentavious Preston Korrie Rodgers Josh Shockley Joe Tabachino Tra Taylor Ray Tillman Tyrell Tomlin Micheal Toner Christian Wade Brandon Williams TyQuan Williams ToMarkus Young

LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB LB

(CONTINUED) Calvary Day Dooly County McNair Jefferson Irwin County Lassiter Wilcox County Rockdale Buford ELCA Pope Mary Persons Miller Grove Marietta Marist McEachern Forest Park Claxton Washington Wilkes

DEFENSIVE BACKS Cameron Albright S 6-2/207 North Cobb

Lawrence Austin S 5-10/175 Lamar County

Bryson Durden CB 5-11/175 ELCA

Allen Artis S 6-0/195 Wheeler

Evan Berry DB 5-10/193 Creekside

Nick Glass CB 6-1/200 Peachtree Ridge

Lance Austin CB 5-10/170 Lamar County

Kalvaraz Bessent CB 6-1/185 Camden County

Khalia Hackett S 6-3/210 South Paulding

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

(CONTINUED)

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Grant Haley CB 5-9/175 Lovett

Cortez McDowell S 6-2/195 Locust Grove

Nick Ruffin CB 6-0/175 St. Pius X

Cameron Jackson CB 5-11/175 Creekside

Char Merine S 5-10/185 Valwood School

Jaquan Simpkins CB 5-11/170 Norcross

Chris Murphy CB 5-11/180 Lassiter

DJ Smith CB 6-0/190 Walton

Antavis Rowe CB 5-10/170 Washington

Kendarius Webster CB 6-0/170 Stockbridge

Keegan Karim S 6-1/175 Harrison

Bryce Lewis S 6-1/185 Parkview

MORE TO WATCH Davion Anderson Kyle Bailey Travis Benty Darrell Caliste Jonathan Celestin Jordan Collier Tay Daniels Marquise Dye Bradley Earnest Denzel Franklin Cameron Glen Jo Jo Gibbs Latrell Gibbs Wesley Green Grant Haley Taylor Hankle Darius Holmes Patrick Huff Quan Jaminson Ahmad Johnson 36

DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

North East Macon Forest Park Richmond Academy Lithonia Mundyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mill Stone Mountain Dooly County Elbert County Lakeside Pace Academy Stephenson Jones County North Cobb MLK Lovett Kell NSWR Cross Keys Lee County Savannah Christian

Darious Lattimore Jermaine Mercer David Mims Kereon Morrell Miller Page Rhamon Persons Akebran Ralls Torrey Richardson Ben Rowell Jacob Schofill Andrew Smith Jerome Smith Tyler Smith Marcus Thurman Kirk Tucker Quintin Turner Frank Turner Khaylil West Chris Williams Thomas Wilson

DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB

Central Gwinnett South Effingham Evans Dooly County Brookstone McEachern Mary Persons Sprayberry Etowah Statesboro North Hall Mays Coosa Bowdon Tucker Miller Grove Lithonia Northeast Macon Camden County Bufordt

Donquell Green ATH 5-8/160 Burke County

Elliott Berry ATH 5-11/185 Creekside

Donminick Sanders ATH 6-0/187 Tucker

ATHLETES

Malkom Parrish ATH 5-10/186 Brooks County

MORE TO WATCH AJ Wells

K/P

6-1/175 Marion County

Thomas O’Leary

P/K

5-11/175 St. Pius X

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

(Author’s note: The research for the project would not have been possible without the help of the Georgia High School Football Historians Association web site which can be found at www.ghsfha.org. That site is the best and most up-to-date of its kind available. If they are errors or omissions they are my fault alone and I would appreciate any information or corrections on anything found here.)

It is a well known fact that the state of Georgia is one of the top producers of high school football talent in the country. Just ask any southern college coach (and many outside the South) and they will tell you that recruiting the best players in Georgia is always one of the keys to building and maintaining a successful program. With that in mind it seems natural to identify particular high school programs where success is a tradition. Find those places and you will locate ground zero for the best prospects readying themselves to perform at the next level. Those programs can be found in all parts of the state and within them you will find coaches dedicated to their mission and communities that proudly support their teams both financially and vocally. As we set out to identify the fifty best programs in Georgia over the last quarter century the first question was how best to measure and compare them. There are a few different ways to do this and to a certain degree it is a subjective test. In the end several criteria were selected for use to put together a formula that would fairly evaluate and judge the programs against each other. As this process began it was recognized that we would need a few rules and boundaries with which to work. For the purposes of this ranking it was determined that in order to be eligible a school’s team must have played in the GHSA for the entire period and under the same name unless it was simply a name change. There certainly could be situations where district lines changed but as long as the school name remained constant that team was qualified to be considered. As a matter of information these rankings do not take classification into consideration. It was our reasoning that excellence over time is equally difficult regardless of the size school. Another rationale is that over the last quarter century teams may have changed class several times making it difficult in some situations to decide where to categorize them. 38

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

SO LET’S GET DOWN TO IT. Why twenty five years? In order to best determine the top programs it was our belief that those teams had to stand the test of time. Consistent success over an extended period certainly is a key component for these purposes. Nearly every football program goes through down cycles but the preeminent ones weather those storms quickly and return to championship form. One of the standards in our blueprint is total number of wins over the past twenty five years. One point was awarded for each victory in this time period and a half point was added for ties. This portion of the total is one of the key tests because at least one part of success should be measured and tied to win totals. The second component in the formula is total number of playoff wins over the past quarter century. It is a reasonable assumption to say that an effective method of measuring successful programs is how well they do once in the playoffs. In order to be considered a top shelf program a team must consistently get into the playoffs and then win once there. Two points were awarded for each playoff victory whether they be region playoffs or state playoff games. The third part of our point total was awarded based on the team’s winning percentage in all games played over the past quarter century. Consistency has to be one of the key factors in determining our top schools. Points were determined in this manner: 1 point for a winning percentage of between 60% and 64.9% 3 points for a winning percentage of between 65% and 69.9% 5 points for a winning percentage of between 70% and 74.9% 7 points for a winning percentage of between 75% and 79.9% 10 points for a winning percentage of between 80% and above The final portion of our total was determined by using the ultimate measure of success; state football championships. For each state championship (or co-championship) a team was awarded 10 points. For the record teams that had ties in championship games got credit for a tie in their total victory category but were awarded the points for a state championship as well as a playoff victory. By Alvin Richardson (dar8589@bellsouth.net)

HERE’S THE LOWDOWN ON

GEORGIA’S TOP FIFTY FOOTBALL PROGRAMS OVER THE LAST TWENTY FIVE YEARS.

No.

LINCOLN COUNTY » 549.5 POINTS The Red Devils dominated this ranking. Their point total easily outdistances the rest of the field. Lincoln has had a remarkable and historic consistency at the top. Coach Larry Campbell will be entering his fortieth season at the helm when the 2011 season begins. Over the past twenty five of those years his teams have won eight state championships and have played in the finals twelve times. Lincoln’s worst season over that stretch was 6-6 and they have won at least one playoff game in twenty four of these twenty five years. With only a single exception the Devils have won at least eight games every year over that period of time.

BUFORD » 442 POINTS It should come as no surprise that the Buford Wolves hold down second position in this ranking. Over the past decade Buford has accumulated seven state championships and played for the title on two other occasions. Dexter Wood laid the foundation for this dynasty when his teams won three consecutive championships from 2001-2003. Jess Simpson followed Wood in 2005 and since 2007 the Wolves have won the state championship each year, an unprecedented feat in Georgia high school football history.

Marist » 423 points The War Eagles have been one of the most consistent football programs in state history over the last quarter century. The most obvious constant is Coach Alan Chadwick. Chadwick will begin his 27th season as Marist’s head man when the 2011 season opens. Check out these numbers. Over the past twenty five years Marist has the highest winning percentage of any team in Georgia (.854) and has won at least one playoff game in twenty one of the twenty five seasons. In seventeen of those years the War Eagles have won at least two playoff games. Their worst record over this span was 7-4 and they have posted double digit win totals eighteen times. Marist won state championships in 1989 and 2003 and made the finals three other times.

VALDOSTA » 415 POINTS If you add up numbers over the last sixty years Valdosta would top this ranking without breaking a sweat. However the Wildcats have leveled off a little lately enduring their longest drought ever in terms of winning state championships. Their last one came in 1998 under Mike O’Brien. Even at that Valdosta can still throw up some good stats. They have won five titles and played for the championship on four other occasions. The Cats have also won at least one playoff game twenty of the past twenty five years and won at least two playoff games in fifteen of those years. The program has always benefited from great coaches and the illustrious names of Wright Bazemore, Nick Hyder, Mike O’Brien come quickly to mind. The program is currently in good hands under Rance Gillespie.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

No.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

CLINCH COUNTY » 394 POINTS A classic deep South Georgia football program Clinch County has been the beneficiary of stability at the top. The Panthers have had only three head coaches since 1974. Donald Tison (74-93), Cecil Barber (94-03), and current coach Jim Dickerson. Since 1986 Clinch has won five state championships (including a co-championship) and has made one other appearance in the finals. Clinch has had won at least one playoff game the past eleven years and is the reigning Class A state champ.

CHARLTON COUNTY » 391 POINTS Another of South Georgia’s great high school programs, Charlton County has been a force to be reckoned with; especially over the past twenty years. 1990 marked the beginning of Coach Rich McWhorter’s tenure and the Indians have been on a roll ever since. Four state titles (including a co-championship) and two other state championship game appearances headline their resume. Additionally they have won at least one playoff game eighteen of the twenty years McWhorter has been the coach. Since 2003 the Indians have won twenty four playoff games and three of their titles.

THOMAS COUNTY CENTRAL » 384 POINTS South Georgia football again. What can you say? The Yellow Jackets had one of the most incredible runs in Georgia high school football history under Coach Ed Pilcher. TCC won five state championships in the span of six years between 1992 and 1997. One of those titles came in 1992 when they lost five regular season games, sneaked into the playoffs and ran the table. Their only playoff loss between ’92 and ‘97 was a 17-14 squeaker to Kendrick in the second round giving them a record of 26-1 in playoff games during that time.

PEACH COUNTY » 360 POINTS It has been a pretty nice run for the guys from Fort Valley since 2005. They have won three state titles (‘05,’06,’09) during that time. They won the first two under the guidance of Rance Gillespie and the last one with Chad Campbell as the man in charge. In 2005 they won it all despite losing their first three regular season games. The Trojans are not however, a flash in the pan. Peach has been a regular contender having lost the championship game in 1992 and 1998 and posting playoff victories sixteen out of nineteen seasons since 1991.

CARROLLTON » 357.5 POINTS The Trojans boast one of the truly great programs that have stood the test of time. The winning attitude began with Coach Charlie Grisham who coached Carrollton from 1958 – 1986 (and whom the stadium is named in honor of) and continued with others like Ben Scott (’87-’99) and Rayvan Teague (’02 – present). Consistency has been their hallmark. Twenty times in the past quarter century the Trojans have posted at least one playoff win and in eighteen of those years they recorded double digit victory totals. They are one of only four teams in Georgia over the past twenty five years to have won over eighty percent of their games (.802). Carrollton won a state championship in 1998 and lost in the finals this past season to Sandy Creek.

No.

CAMDEN COUNTY » 355.5 POINTS Since 2001 the Wildcats have proven to be a dominant force in Georgia’s highest classification. Camden has won no less than ten games in each of those years as well as three titles, all under the tutelage of Coach Jeff Herron. Also during that stretch the Cats have posted two perfect seasons going 15-0 in 2003 and 2008. Camden has always played playoff caliber football, the proof being playoff wins in nineteen of the past twenty five seasons. The last decade has, however propelled them into a top ten spot in this ranking.

NORTHSIDE WARNER ROBINS » 353 POINTS In addition to their state championships of 2006-07 the Eagles can boast of a thirteen year run from 1997 through 2009 in which they won at least one playoff game. Conrad Nix presided over that run coaching at the school from 1994 through 2009. Northside also made the state finals in 2001, 2005, and 2009. Kevin Kinsler took over the reins this past season and guided Northside to a 10-1 record.

LAGRANGE » 349 POINTS The Grangers have put four championship trophies on their shelf since 1991. Gary Guthrie’s team won it in 1991 and Steve Pardue added three more in 2001, 2003, and 2004. One of the reasons for the team’s consistent success is the fact that Guthrie and Pardue were the only two coaches over the past quarter century. Pardue just moved to the college coaching ranks so the next coach has quite a task ahead of him to uphold the tradition of the LaGrange program.

BROOKWOOD » 346 POINTS Another program that has benefited from stability at the top, the Broncos have had only two head coaches in the last twenty four years. Dave Hunter (’87-‘01) and Mark Crews (’02 to present) have made Brookwood one of the premier football programs in Georgia. In 1996 they won a state championship after losing their first two games of the season to arch rival Parkview and Valdosta. They came back to beat Parkview in the playoffs and then bested mighty Valdosta in the finals by a score of 45-24. They are also the reigning state champs in Class 5A.

WASHINGTON COUNTY » 341 POINTS Rick Tomberlin put WACO on the football map during his tenure there from 1992-2005. The Golden Hawks posted three state championships and two runner-up finishes under his leadership. They won those three state championships in a span of four years from 1994-1997. The Hawks had not won so much as a single playoff game since 1982 before Tomberlin took them to the finals in his first season.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

No.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

PARKVIEW » 332 POINTS Cecil Flowe took over the Parkview program in 1993 and has been the man in charge ever since. He has made the Panthers into a state powerhouse by bringing home four state championships and two runner-up finishes during his seventeen year tenure. Parkview won three of those titles in a row from 2000-2002 and in the process set a record for consecutive wins with forty five. That record has only recently been broken by Buford. The 2002 state championship came at the expense of cross town rival Brookwood.

LOWNDES » 318 POINTS From 1987 through 1995 the Vikings did not win a single playoff game but Coach Milt Miller changed all that posting sixty three wins (including twelve playoff victories) in the last six years of his career there as well as a state title in 1999. Randy McPherson took the reins in 2002 and Lowndes has continued to roll. The Vikings brought home consecutive championships in 2004 and 2005 and captured another one in 2007.

CAIRO » 312 POINTS The guys with the unique nickname (Syrupmakers) have been anything but sweet to their opponents. They have won two state championships in the last quarter century. One title came under Ralph Jones in 1990 and another under Tom Fallaw in 2008. The Syrupmakers also made the finals in 2007 losing to Carver of Columbus. Cairo has posted ten double digit win seasons in the past twenty five years and have had only three losing campaigns in that same period of time.

SOUTHWEST DEKALB » 311 POINTS Guided by the legendary Buck Godfrey since 1983 the Panthers have always been a force to be reckoned with. They boast a state championship in 1995, a runner-up finish in 1990 and an enviable winning percentage of .759 over the last quarter century. In a ten year period from 1986 through 1995 Southwest won a total of twenty three playoff games and they have continued their fine tradition by being a threat every season.

TUCKER » 308 POINTS (TIED WITH CARTERSVILLE) The Tigers boast the seventh best winning percentage in Georgia over the last twenty five years. Additionally they posted a state championship in 2008 under Coach Franklin Stephens and have enjoyed consistent success in the playoffs. Tucker has at least one playoff win in thirteen of the past twenty five years and have had only two losing seasons in the last quarter century. The Tigers have benefited from a veritable Who’s Who as their head coach. Bill Ballard, Phil Lindsey, Keith Maloof, Mike Falleur and “T” McFerrin are all highly respected names in Georgia football lore that have left their imprint on the program.

No.

CARTERSVILLE » 308 POINTS (TIED WITH TUCKER) Mike Earwood (1986-1995) and Frank Barden (1996-present) are the only two coaches the Purple Hurricanes have known over the past twenty five years and the two fine veterans have made sure Cartersville’s tradition was one of the best in Georgia. Earwood’s 1991 team won a title by defeating Cedar Grove in the finals and his 1989 was the state runnerup. Barden brought home a championship in 1999 by going 15-0 and defeating Hart County in the finals. The Purple Hurricanes have been a consistent winner averaging over eight and half wins per season over the last twenty five years.

STATESBORO » 305 POINTS The Blue Devils have had a great run since 2000. Under Buzz Busby (2000-2003) and Steve Pennington (2004-present) Statesboro has won eleven or more games seven times and gone 15-0 twice in that stretch. Busby’s 2001 team won a title and Pennington brought the trophy back to Blue Devil country in 2005. From 2000 through 2005 the Devils won twenty two playoff games and won those two state championships. They made the finals on three other occasions (2000, 2003 and 2004).

WARNER ROBINS » 297.5 POINTS Robert Davis presided over this powerhouse program from 1973 to 1996 and made them a household name. Davis has one of the absolute best coaching records to be found anywhere. In thirty six years as a head coach he posted a 352-74-1 (.826) mark. The Demons have won two state championships since 1986, one under Davis in 1988 when they defeated Brookwood in the finals and the other under current coach Bryan Way in 2004 when they bested Statesboro in the title game. Warner Robins has been a consistent winner, posting twenty one winning seasons in a row from 1986-2006 for purposes of this ranking but the Demons actually did not have a losing record between 1967 and 2006 a span of forty years. Had these numbers been included the Demons would have been much higher on this list.

BOWDON » 295 POINTS Dwight Hochstetler has been at the helm of Bowdon’s program since 1988 and the Red Devils have flourished under his leadership. They won a state championship in 1992 by defeating Macon County and have made the finals two other times, losing to Lincoln County in 1989 and Buford in 2001. Hochstetler is in elite company being one of only a handful of Georgia high school football coaches to win over 300 games. His career has spanned thirty three years and he has compiled a record of 309-103-1 for a winning percentage of .749.

LOVETT » 288 POINTS Bill Railey (1982-2004) and Mike Muschamp have been the only two coaches the Lions have known over the last three decades and the result has been one of remarkable consistency. They have won at least two playoff games in fourteen of the past twenty five years and posted double digit win totals in fifteen seasons over the past quarter century. Although Lovett doesn’t have a title to their credit since 1986 (they did win one in 1970 under Bill Conley) they have made the finals once (losing to Buford in 2007) and have made it to the semifinals seven other times.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

No.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

MCEACHERN » 287 POINTS Jimmy Dorsey left an indelible imprint on this Cobb County program. As head coach from 1983-2007 Dorsey molded the Indians into a consistent winner. From 1986 through 1999 McEachern won at least one playoff game thirteen out of fourteen seasons and won ten or more games ten times during that stretch. They played for a state title in 1998 and lost to Valdosta 21-7 and have been in the semifinals two other times (1987 and 1991). Their winning percentage of .768 over the last twenty five years is one of the ten best in Georgia over the past quarter century.

COMMERCE » 283 POINTS Another example of football programs that have benefited from longevity at the top, the Tigers have had only two coaches since 1967. Ray Lamb (1967-1988) and Steve Savage (1989-2010) have been the heart and soul of Commerce football for over forty years. Commerce brought home a state championship in 2000 when they stopped Buford in the title game and have made four other appearances in the semifinals (1986, 1990, 1999 and 2006). From 1995 through 2006 the Tigers posted at least ten wins eight times over the course of twelve years.

STEPHENS COUNTY » 275 POINTS A consistent performer, the Indians have posted double digit win totals in twelve of the last twenty five years and have twenty four playoff wins to their credit in that time. Stephens made the finals in 1988 where they lost to Thomasville 12-7 and have been in the semifinals two other years (1987,1992). Rodney Walker, Jay Russell, Charlie Winslette, and Travis Noland have all had successful stints as head coach at the school.

THOMSON » 274.5 POINTS The Bulldogs have had a fine football program for over sixty years and have five state championships to their credit but only one since 1986. The legendary Luther Welsh coached two different stretches at the school (1984-1990 and 1999-2010). Welsh’s career numbers are staggering. As a head coach for the past forty three years he compiled a record of 323-162-5 (.664) and recently retired at the end of this past season. Welsh won a title at Thomson in 2002 when the Bulldogs beat Thomas County Central. They have averaged nearly a playoff win per season for the past quarter century.

WASHINGTON-WILKES » 271.5 POINTS (TIED WITH DALTON) The Tigers are another program that has proven their mettle over time. A powerhouse in the 1950’s and 1960’s under Charlie Davidson Wilkes continues their tradition today. After a brief downturn Butch Brooks resurrected the program beginning in 1981 and under his guidance the Tigers made it to the title game four times (1985,1986,1988 and 1995) but unfortunately lost each time. They also made the finals under Frank Vohun in 2000 and Russell Morgan in 2005 only to come up short in both of those games.

No.

DALTON » 271.5 POINTS (TIED WITH WASHINGTON-WILKES) Dalton established their reputation as one of the state’s elite teams under Bill Chappell (1964-1996). Chappell’s record is one of Georgia’s all time best at 317-74-9 (.804). The Catamounts have the state’s sixth best winning percentage (.776) over the last twenty five years and though they don’t have a state title in the past quarter century they made the finals in 2001 under Ronnie McClurg before losing to Statesboro.

COLQUITT COUNTY » 267 POINTS The Packers have always played in one of the state’s toughest regions with Valdosta and Lowndes but have maintained a commendable record. They won a state championship in 1994 by beating rival Valdosta under the guidance of Jim Hughes. Hughes was another of Georgia’s legendary high school coaches posting a record of 247-102-5 (.705) in thirty years at Thomasville and Colquitt County. The Packers made the finals in 1991 losing to LaGrange and went to the title game this past season under Rush Propst where they succumbed to Brookwood.

THOMASVILLE » 265 POINTS The Bulldogs are another South Georgia team with a grand tradition. Over the past twenty five years they have posted 200 wins, twenty six playoff victories and brought home a state championship in 1988 under Coach Mike Hodges by going 15-0 and stopping Stephens County 12-7 in the title game. In 1993 they lost 14-12 in the finals to cross town rival Thomas County Central. Thomasville has won five state championships in their history but four of them came prior to 1986. Thomasville had a fine run between 1986 and 1993 when they won sixteen playoff games over the span of those eight seasons.

HART COUNTY » 263.5 POINTS Hart County’s four year run from 1998 to 2001 probably got them into the top forty. The Bulldogs put together an amazing 50-4 record over that time under Coach William Devane and Greg Seagraves. Three trips to the quarterfinals and a shot a state title in 1999 highlighted those seasons. Hart lost to Cartersville in the 1999 state championship game but in that four year stretch they did not lose a regular season game. Hart County has suffered only three seasons in the last twenty five in which they had a sub .500 record and have nine seasons of double digit wins. Coach Bobby Pate (1985-1994) should get credit for putting Hart’s program on a winning track.

CLARKE CENTRAL » 262.5 POINTS The Gladiators have three titles in their history but none in the last twenty five years. They have had their chances but Valdosta has been a thorn in their side. Clarke has lost in the finals four times since 1986 (1986, 1989, 1992, 2009) the first three to Valdosta and the last one to Sandy Creek under Leroy Ryals. Billy Henderson’s remarkable career spanned thirty five years including twenty three years (1973-1995) at Clarke Central. His career numbers stacked up beside anyone’s as he posted a 285-107-16 (.718) record.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

No.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

MARY PERSONS » 262 POINTS One of the most remarkable stories of Georgia high school coaching is the legacy of Dan Pitts. Pitts was the head coach at Mary Persons for thirty nine years (1959-1997) and was the state’s leader in all time wins until Larry Campbell passed him. His Bulldogs were renowned for their sound fundamentals and hard nosed style. Though the Dogs haven’t won a title since 1980 they have consistently ranked as one of the best programs in the state for the past half century. Since 1986 they have had only two losing seasons, have won at least eight games in seventeen of those campaigns, and won at least one playoff game in fourteen of the past twenty five years.

MANCHESTER » 260 POINTS For the thirteen years from 1986-1998 under Coaches Juby Shiver and Greg Oglesby the Blue Devils won at least ten games nine times. During that stretch they made the finals twice and lost both. They fell to Brooks County in the 1994 championship game and to Irwin County in the 1997 title tilt. Between 1994 and 1998 they won sixteen playoff games. The Devils have made the semifinals three other times since 1986 (1989, 1995 and 1996).

DUBLIN » 256.5 POINTS Even though it’s always been a football town Dublin has really been on a roll since 2002 under Roger Holmes. The Irish were co-champs with Charlton County in 2006 and lost the title game to Screven County in 2002. Over this same span of time Dublin has won at least ten games six times. The 1994 squad under Sam Barrs made it to the finals only to come up short against Thomas County Central. The Fighting Irish have won eighteen playoff games since 2002.

MACON COUNTY » 253 POINTS The years from 1990-1997 under Coach C.B. Cornett put Macon County football on the state’s radar. The Bulldogs won a title in 1996 going 15-0 and defeating Putnam County in the finals. The Dogs had two other opportunities to bring home a state championship during that time but fell to Bowdon in 1992 and Lincoln County in 1995. Macon County won no less than nine games each of Cornett’s seasons and had an overall record over that stretch of 97-9 (.815).

DACULA » 252 POINTS Kevin Maloof has led the program for the past twenty years and Mike Strickland was his predecessor. Those two coaches made the Falcons a top forty team by getting their teams consistently into the playoffs and winning games once there. Dacula has made three trips to the semifinals since 1986 and have won at least two playoff games ten times over that span. They have also posted eleven seasons of double digit win totals in the past quarter century.

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FITZGERALD » 251.5 POINTS (TIED WITH EARLY COUNTY) Coach Robby Pruitt has probably made the biggest impact on the Hurricane’s program although the Canes have had a strong tradition for many years. Since 2000 under Pruitt (except ’03 when he left for a year) Fitzgerald has won at least ten games each season with only one exception. They lost in the 2000 finals to Swainsboro and have made three other trips to the semifinals (2001, 2008 and 2009) during the decade. The Purple Hurricanes have a record of 116-24-1 (.826) since 2000.

EARLY COUNTY » 251.5 (TIED WITH FITZGERALD) Although the Bobcats don’t have a state title to their credit they have been to the finals twice since 1986. Harry Parrish’s team lost in 1998 to Carrollton and in 2001 Trey Wolf’s first squad fell to Americus. Over the past twenty five years the Bobcats have won at least one playoff game ten times and have advanced to the semifinals four times (1990, 1992, 2002 and 2006).

GRIFFIN » 250 POINTS Even though the Bears have not won a state championship over the last twenty five years they have been a traditionally fine program with two earlier titles to their credit. They have rebounded since 2004 under Steve Devoursney winning at least ten games in six of those seven seasons and making three appearances in the semifinals (2005, 2008 and 2009). Griffin has won thirteen playoff games since 2004 and is once again a force to be reckoned with every year.

PEPPERELL » 248 POINTS Lynn Hunnicutt led this program to prominence during his career there from 1983 to 2006. The Dragons brought home a title in 1990 by going 15-0 and defeating Brown High in the finals. Pepperell has been consistently on the winning end since 1986 and have won at least eight games seventeen of those twenty five seasons. They made appearances in the semifinals in 1997 and 1998 and in the quarterfinals in 2007 and 2008.

CALHOUN » 246 POINTS The Yellow Jackets nearly fought their way into the top forty on the strength of their last ten years under Coach Hal Lamb. Prior to that time Calhoun had experienced minimal success in football posting only three playoff wins from 1986 to 2000. Since 2001 things have been vastly different. The Jackets have won no less than ten games every season over the past ten years and have made four trips to the finals. They lost the 2005 championship game to Charlton County and for the last three years have made it to the title game only to lose to Buford each time.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

No.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

BROOKS COUNTY » 241.5 POINTS The Trojans have a state championship on their resume winning the Class A title in 1994. In Coach Maurice Freeman’s first year as the head man his squad defeated Manchester 20-0 in the finals. Brooks County has won at least eight games twelve times in the last twenty five years and has won at least one playoff game twelve times during that same span. The Trojans made the semi-finals in 1986 under Max Milligan and also made the semi-finals in 1997 and 2008 under Freeman.

WILCOX COUNTY » 238 POINTS Over the past four seasons the Patriots have won at least two playoff games and brought home the Class A title in 2009 under Coach Mark Ledford by defeating Savannah Christian. During those same four years their record is a nifty 49-7-0 (.875) that included another trip to the finals in 2007 when they lost to ECI. Coach Donnie Clack’s teams also had a nice run from 1986-89 when they advanced to the semi-finals three times in four seasons.

DARLINGTON » 237.5 POINTS The Tigers captured a state championship in 1998 under veteran coach Jerry Sharp when they defeated powerhouse Lincoln County 16-6 in the finals. That team had a perfect 15-0 season. Sharp also guided the 1992 squad to the semi’s and Tommy Atha’s 2009 team made it to the semi-finals before falling to Macon County. Darlington has won eight or more games an impressive twelve times in the last quarter century and has posted at least one playoff victory ten times in the last twenty five years.

SWAINSBORO » 236 POINTS Swainsboro brought home a title in 2000 under Rayvan Teague by defeating Fitzgerald 6-0. A consistent winner, the Tigers have won nearly .70% of their games in the past quarter century, and have posted eight or more wins on fifteen occasions. In the last twenty five years the Tigers have had only four losing seasons. They have made the quarterfinals three times over that span.

MITCHELL COUNTY (BAKER) » 234.5 POINTS Until 2007 they were the Mitchell-Baker Eagles and since they have changed to the Mitchell County Panthers but they have had plenty of success over the years. Coach Jack Johnson led Mitchell Baker to state titles in 1989 when they defeated Greene County 15-14 and in 1992 when they stopped Washington County 27-10 in the finals. From 1988 – 1992 they posted a 62-5-0 (.925) record and over the past twenty five seasons they have won at least one playoff game ten times.

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SHAW » 231 POINTS In 2000 the Raiders posted a perfect 15-0 record and defeated Statesboro 30-0 for the state title under Coach Charles Flowers. From 1999 – 2007 Shaw put together an amazing string of nine seasons in which they boasted a record of 106-14-0 (.883). The Raiders made another trip to the championship game in 2006 under Craig Fitts losing to Peach County 28-7.

#48 – ATHENS ACADEMY – 227.5 POINTS (TIED WITH WORTH COUNTY AND MILLER COUNTY) Under veteran coach Michael Gunn the Spartans have won nineteen playoff games since 1998. Gunn has been head coach at the school since 1991. From 1998 to present Athens Academy has posted double digit win totals eight of thirteen seasons. In 2006 the Spartans made the semi-finals before losing to Clinch County 16-13 and they made the semi’s once more in 2007 losing to Wilcox County 32-14.

#48 – MILLER COUNTY – 227.5 POINTS The Pirates made the semi-finals in 1999 under Coach Ronnie McNease before losing to eventual state champ Charlton County. Miller County had a nice run between 1996 and 2001 when they won at least one playoff game every season except one in that six year stretch. The Pirates have also been consistent winners posting at least eight wins thirteen times over the past quarter century.

WORTH COUNTY » 227.5 POINTS The Rams had an incredible run between 1986 and 1991 under Coach Milt Miller. They won the state title in 1987 by defeating Marist 26-15 and were in the finals three other times over that six year period. They lost in the 1986 finals to Villa Rica, the 1989 finals to Marist, and made the championship game once again in 1990 losing to Cairo. In 1991 they made the semi-finals before losing to Lakeside of Atlanta. Over those six seasons Worth County compiled a record of 72-13-0 (.847)

SCREVEN COUNTY » 223.5 POINTS The Gamecocks brought home a state championship in 2002 when they posted a perfect 15-0 record and defeated Dublin 24-7 in the finals under Coach Mark Daniel. Screven also made the title game in 1994 under Chuck Conley before falling to Washington County. The “Cocks” had a great run from 2000 – 2003 winning 47 games and losing only 5 for a winning percentage of .903%.

GREENE COUNTY » 221.5 POINTS The Tigers, under Coach Charles Winslette garnered a state title in 1993 by outlasting Mary Persons 24-21. They also made the finals in 1989 under Winslette before falling to Mitchell-Baker 15-14. That was a Cinderella team because Greene posted a 4-6 regular season but made the playoffs and then reeled off four straight wins to advance to the finals. They ended that season with an 8-7 record. Greene also made the semi-finals in 2005 under Larry Milligan before losing a heartbreaker to Charlton County 34-33. Charlton subsequently won the state championship.

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

Jamie Britt 4/14/64 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2/21/13 Every team has a fan that goes above and beyond to support their local team. South Gwinnett High School is located in Snellville and one itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest supporters was Jamie Britt. I had the pleasure of meeting him 6 years ago while observing a practice session being held by the Comets and quickly learned how passionate he was not only about his local team, but also about his community. He was the type of guy that was always willing to help with just about anything his team needed and would always fade away so not to receive any credit for himself. We lost Jamie back in April of this year and we are dedicating the first installment of this new section to him. When this magazine was conceived 6 years ago Jamie Britt signed up as our first sponsor. I consider myself lucky to have met Jamie and will miss him dearly.

Dell Miller

GEORGIA GRIDIRON GUIDE

FRIDAY NIGHT BITES

FARM BURGER

The kick-off to football season is always exciting for me but this year it became even better when the good folks at Georgia Gridiron Guide as me to produce a monthly column on Metro Atlanta’s best eateries on gameday. After receiving this assignment I decided to begin my tour in one of Atlanta’s oldest cities Decatur home of the Decatur Bulldogs. Decatur is home to several great restaurants but on this day I found my new go-to spot when I’m in need of a hamburger. Farm Burger is not a regular burger joint. These folks actually want you to think about your burger – what it is and where it’s from. There burgers are made from 100% grassfed beef that is dry-aged and ground fresh. There cows are raised on the sweet grasses of the southeast, and never fed antobiotics, hormones, or grain. The menu is seasonal and sourced from local farms. I could go on and on with other cool things about these folks but the one thing you must know is that the burgers are best that I’ve EVER had in my life. For more information on this amazing eatery visit www.farmburger.com

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