In This Issue 7
PCHS Cheerleaders Win Third State Crown Pierce County High School
11 The Future of SEGA Football Southeast Georgia Area Athletes 19 Payton finds balance on field and classroom Jarvis Payton Bradwell Institute
2 In the Game December 2015
22 The Silent C Makes Big Noise Lee Chomskis Vidalia High School 26 Next Generation Sensation Quavien Bell Bacon County Middle School 28 ACC Bound Jacquez Williams Liberty County High School
Tell us your thoughts!
Southeast Georgia is electric with playoff football taking center stage. The SEGA coverage area started the playoff with nine teams starting their journey toward the Dome. After round one we were down to six and after round two there were only two teams left standing. With a victory over the Stockbridge Tigers, the #1 team in AAAAA, the Glynn Academy Red Terrors punched their ticket to the Semi Final round to face the Ware County Gators who defeated the Drew Titans to move on. It will all be settled on the field Friday December 4 between the bricks at Glynn County Stadium between the Gators and the Red Terrors. May the best team win. In The Game asked the question in the October issue if 2017 could be the best recruiting class ever to come out of SEGA. This month we look at three young men who will carry on that strong tradition in 2017 and beyond. Freshman Jashawn Sheffeld of Frederica Academy has two SEC offers as a Freshman. Ware County Gator sophomore Jalynn Strickland is already being courted by his dream school the Florida Gators and Junior Keelan Crosby hopes to lead the Appling Pirates back to a region championship and makes the class of 2017 that much stronger. They say football builds character
4 In the Game December 2015
and the Bradwell Institute Tigers have had their fair share of character building seasons going winless in the last two seasons. One place the Tigers are winning is in the classroom and a fine example of this is #18 Jarvis Payton. Jarvis is a two sport star and takes AP classes all while maintaining a 3.5 GPA. Way to keep the balance of sports and academics young man. When Lee Chomskis started Fall camp all of Vidalia was a buzz with a great class of kids returning to the Indians including a top 10 recruit for the class of 2017. The week before the season started that all changed with the loss of Nate McBride to a season ending injury but high school coaches have to play the cards they are dealt. There’s no free agency or draft to replace a lost player. Chomskis showed why he’s one of the best in the business by rallying the Indians and making the state playoffs. Sometimes you know just by watching a few plays that a player has “it”. Bacon Middle School’s Quavien Bell is such a player. He glides on the football field and the hardwood effortlessly making his opponents look as if they were playing at a different speed. Quavien hopes to live up to the accomplishments of his mentor Drell Greene who now displays his talents at Western Kentucky. It will take hard work both on the playing field and in the classroom to match Greene but what an outstanding goal to try and accomplish. Wake Forest is getting an excellent football player in Liberty County’s own Jaquez Williams. The Region 3-AAAA offensive Player of the Year was an outstanding talent for the Panthers all season. Williams’ senior leadership and performance on the football field was a main factor in the Panthers hosting its first ever home
playoff game this season culminating in a victory over Upson-Lee. To quote Meatloaf if “two out of three ain’t bad” then three out of four must be AWESOME. The Pierce County Competition Cheer Squad just won their third State Championship in Class AAA in the last four years. In the hunt for several years, they finally took home the trophy in 2012 for the first time in school history and evidently took a shine to it because they haven’t wanted to give it back. Congratulations girls on creating a true South Georgia dynasty. We hope you enjoy reading In the Game as much as we enjoy producing and publishing it. We would like to thank our friends at the Georgia High School Football Historians Association (ghsfha.org) for their assistance. We are always open to suggestions as well as story ideas or ways you think we can improve our magazine. Please visit our website at www.inthegamemagazine.com and Facebook at www.facebook.com/ inthegamemagazine. Follow us on Twitter @SEGAIn TheGame and on Instagram at inthegamesega. You can now keep up with all the Friday Night scores across SEGA and the state with our new partner App Scorestream. Download the scorestream app at Google Play or the Appstore today. Join us every Thursday evening live from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as we broadcast live from Firehouse Subs in Waycross. Listen to “In the Game on Radio” on WWUF 97.7 FM or stream the show live on www. waycrossradio.com.While you’re online, don’t forget to nominate a deserving student-athlete or coach for one of our feature articles. You’ll be glad you did.
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Contributors Publisher Shawn Smoak Editors Mark Dykes Sarah Turner Graphics Sarah Turner Cover Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography Feature Photography Jeffrey Griffith Old Goats Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography Feature Writers Rob Asbell John DuPont John Wood Copy Editor James Washington Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak shawn@inthegamemagazine.com Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com Website Manager Cole Parker
SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 Wayross, Ga. | 31502 Corporate Office: Dykes Media Group, Inc. P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, Ga. | 31603 In the Game is published monthly (excluding July). The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group, Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2015 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.
Pierce loves to win
PCHS Cheerleaders Win Third State Crown For some time now, Bearville has been the epicenter of cheerleading greatness in South Georgia. But Pierce County High School is now unquestionably positioned among the elite programs in the state after claiming the program’s third state title in four years. PCHS won the Class AAA crown November 14 at the Columbus Civic Center to cap an undefeated season. by John DuPont | photography courtesy of Kim Wallace
December 2015 Southeast Georgia edition 7
Special Feature
“What a roller coaster ride it has been this season,” PCHS head coach Amy Nimmer says. “We started the season off with six different injuries: two concussions, two back injuries, an ankle injury, and one actual snake bite! The team was very discouraged during this time because it was as if the hope of regaining the state title was gone. However, we persevered through it all.” PCHS has won three of the four competitive cheerleading titles awarded in Class AAA since the GHSA moved to a five-class system. Among all schools in Georgia, only Lambert and Mt. Paran have won as many titles during that same time frame. The latest state crown for PCHS makes nine overall GHSA titles for PCHS, which also boasts titles in boys golf (3), girls golf (2), and one-act play (1). “The top 16 girls that were chosen at tryouts were not the ones to compete together for the first two competitions,” Coach Nimmer says. “The third competition was when everything started to come together for our team. That’s when we had the starting 16 back on the floor and were able to finally gain some consistency. The hope of winning a state title had finally come back into the picture.” PCHS began its run of excellence with top-three finishes in 2010-11 before winning back-to-back state crowns in 2012 and 2013. Last season, Calhoun bested Pierce by a single point for top honors. That loss provided plenty of incentive to work hard on the mats this past season, says Nimmer. “We took each competition seriously and started focusing more on the little things,” she says. “We knew that in order to win a state title, we had to be different. We could not depend on a one-point difference to win. In our eyes, it was the little things that we didn’t focus on.” The Bears claimed their third straight Region 1-AAA title this past fall and then shifted the collective focus on the state meet. As a region champion, PCHS earned a bye in Friday competition at Columbus. Nonetheless, the squad left on Thursday in order to practice the following day at the state championship venue. “That was not a good practice for us,” Coach Nimmer says. “There was tension, and emotionally they were drained. We called it a night and headed out for sectionals the next morning to begin focusing in on some of our competition and to show the freshmen how state would be run. It was 8 In the Game December 2015
What a great reward for all of the hard work and dedication these girls put into cheer this season. - Amy Nimmer
different this year in that there was a sense of calmness in the freshmen. Once sectionals were over, we headed back for our last practice before state finals. This time, it was a good one, but not perfect.” Coach Nimmer says the team exhibited impeccable focus throughout championship Saturday, from warm-ups through the titleclinching performance. She says her team exhibited off-the-charts enthusiasm during the two-and-a-half minute routine. Next came the wait. Cedartown, an always formidable contender, turned in a solid performance. Then it was time to announce the top six. PCHS was the first team called to the floor, followed by Southeast Bulloch, Central Carrollton, Calhoun, Dawson, and Cedartown. Moments later, the Bears were announced as the 2015 state champs. “All of our emotions finally came to a head and we were beyond excited,” Coach Nimmer says. “The goal we set at the beginning of the season had actually become a reality. We got the score sheets, and we had not won by one point, but by 20 points.” Team members include Parker Bennett, Laycee Bowen, Torin Bryant, McKayla Carter, Emmaline Dixon, Kate Davis, KellyAnn Howard, Zoie Johnson, Morgan Lee, Anna Clarie Long, Allie Caroline Long, Brittany Mayhew, Isabelle McQuaig, Alyssa Nolan, Alexis Nolan, Jincy Strickland, Amber Taft, Chelsea Thrift, Abigail Walker, Caroline Williams, and Katie Wallace. The squad’s lone senior, captain Morgan Lee, will leave PCHS as its most decorated Bear with three state titles and three region titles, as well as a runner-up finish in each of those categories. Lee and her teammates also experienced a run of success at Pierce County Middle School. This season saw Coach Dde Jordan and the PCMS cheer squad bring home a seventh-straight conference championship, the highest honor for which that team can compete. Nimmer thanked a number of supporters, including principal Dara Bennett, the cheer parents, and local media partners, including The Blackshear Times. “What a great reward for all of the hard work and dedication these girls put into cheer this season,” Nimmer says. ITG
The Future While seniors enjoy their final moment in the spotlight, the underclassmen toil, hoping to be noticed by recruiters so they can get their shot at a college scholarship. In recent years, there has been an amazing wealth of talent coming up.
We will likely see these players’ names in the headlines in the coming years. Each one has had the opportunity to play early in their high school careers and contribute to their teams. In Baxley, Junior Keelan Crosby of Appling County became a starter for Coach J.T. Pollock his freshman year. Since then, he has blossomed into a go-to player and team leader for the Pirates, a position he hopes to continue next year. After an outstanding junior year, he is attracting attention from major college scouts and would like to attend the University of Florida. Ware County defensive lineman Jalynn Strickland was sidelined with an injury his freshman year, but has made up for lost time by imposing his will on opposing blockers. He also hopes to go to school in Gainesville in the future and may get his chance as he continues to grow and learn. The big man has become a major player on the Gator’s strong defense that has made a deep run in the playoffs this year. “My mom has always been there for me no matter what and my coaches are always pushing me to go harder,” Strickland says. Ninth-grader Jashawn Sheffield of Frederica Academy has already received offers from two SEC schools. He made the move to the private school this year and made a quick impact for the Knights. Despite being a freshman, Sheffield helped take Frederica to a new level this season and head coach Brandon Derrick expects the trend to continue. “I see him breaking a lot of records over the next few years,” Coach Derrick says. “The thing about Jashawn is that he will push everyone else to be just as good, so our program is going to be trending up for years to come.” All three student-athletes had outstanding seasons for their respective teams and have started receiving the attention of colleges. They will soon be getting calls from college coaches who want them to come play at their school. They are the future of high school football in Southeast Georgia, and the future looks bright. by Rob Asbell | photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson
December 2015 Southeast Georgia edition 11
The football program at Frederica Academy on St. Simons Island got a shot of excitement this year as freshman Jashawn Sheffield burst onto the scene.The first year player has the potential to become the most successful player in the school’s history having already received scholarship offers from the University of Georgia and Tennessee. “He was a major contributor to our success,” says Frederica Coach Brandon Derrick whose Knights returned to the playoffs in 2015. Sheffield rushed for more than 800 yards and nine touchdowns, caught passes for another 316 yards and four TDs to go along with 203 yards in kickoff returns and another TD for 1,329 total yards and 14 TDs. “He helped to produce about 1/3 of our offensive output and is only a freshman.” After breaking the huddle and knowing that he is about to get the ball, Sheffield’s thoughts become focused. “Let’s get it.” A 6’2” combination running back, receiver and defensive back, Sheffield already runs a 4.5 40 and has the ability to make defenders miss. In addition to the offers from Tennessee and Georgia, he is also getting looks from Ole Miss and other
12 In the Game December 2015
schools. He did not start playing football until his seventh grade year but has picked up the game quickly. During a game against Bulloch Academy this season, he became involved in a rivalry. “We scrimmaged against them in camp and it ended in a little fight, so we were waiting on that game,” Sheffield explained. “We were up and lost the lead at the end of the game.They kicked it off to me and I took it back for a touchdown.” Attending the Tennessee camp in Knoxville was a memorable moment for Sheffield who also got to take a 29-hour road trip to see the Grand Canyon. Sheffield hopes to improve several aspects of the game in the coming years. “I want to get bigger and faster, improve my vision and be a better leader.” He credits Assistant Coach Alex Mathis with helping him learn more about the game. He has improved in ball handling and field vision but has more to learn. Most importantly, Sheffield has become a team leader for the Knights. “He is a very humble person who works extremely hard in the classroom, weight room, and the playing field,” Coach Derrick says. “He is only going to continue to get better every year.”
Junior Keelan Crosby started attracting attention this year as the quarterback for the Appling County Pirates. In a season that was supposed to be a rebuilding year, Crosby stepped up to make Appling more competitive. In a crucial game against rival Pierce County, Crosby threw three passes for 84 yards and two touchdowns while running for 139 yards and another score to lead the Pirates to victory. In the final game of the season against Southeast Bulloch, he carried the ball 15 times for 271 yards and three touchdowns, including a 60-yard score. The 5’9”, 200-pounder rotates between quarterback and running back on offense and also plays linebacker on defense for Coach J.T. Pollock’s Pirates. He can bench press 385 pounds in the weight room and has a 4.5 40-yard dash time. His low center of gravity helps him break tackles and clear the way for his breakaway speed. Once he gets into the second level of the defense, he can outrun or overpower most would-be tacklers. Crosby started playing football as a 7-year-old in the recreation leagues.The first time he carried the ball in a game he scored a touchdown, a fact that stays with him in every game. “When I know I’m about to get the ball I just think
about going for six every time,” Crosby says. He played middle school football and recalls defeating Waycross Middle in the playoffs his eighth grade season. The following season, he joined the Appling County varsity team and started making big plays his sophomore year. He credits his family for keeping him focused and making sure he stays respectful. He does admit to indulging himself on one run. “The coolest thing I ever did was when I slapped my dad’s hand while I ran down the sidelines for a touchdown,” he says. Crosby is getting attention so far from Purdue, Middle Tennessee State, and Georgia State. Prior to next season, he plans to work on honing his abilities as a signal caller. “I hope to improve on my reads as a quarterback,” he says. Just as impressive as his on-field stats are his abilities in the classroom. Crosby has a perfect 4.0 grade point average, is a member of the Beta Club, and is in the top-10 in his class academically at Appling County High School. He would like to attend the University of Florida to major in Psychology and Childhood Education.
13
Simply put, Jalynn Strickland is a man-child. Standing 6’6” and weighing 295 pounds, he clogs the running lanes as a defensive lineman for the Ware County Gators. With an ability to push past blockers and sniff out the ball, he is a force to be reckoned with on Coach Franklin Stephens’ defense. “I have to beat the man in front of me,” Strickland says. Although he started playing at the varsity level just this season, Strickland is already getting looks from Florida, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Ohio State, Kentucky, and Georgia Tech. He started playing football at 6 years old and was always the biggest kid on the field. “When I got to middle school, I really started to like football because it was different and I played with people my size,” he says. Tragedy struck last season when Strickland suffered a broken leg and torn anterior cruciate ligament that kept him away from football his freshman year. This season, Coach Stephens started to work with him to prepare him to play at the varsity level. He attended a football camp at the University of Florida, where he received a lot of attention from Coach Jim McElwain’s staff. He played
14 In the Game December 2015
in the preseason scrimmage against Valdosta High School and got his first big plays. “I had back-to-back tackles for a loss,” he says. He then got his opportunity to start against region foe Coffee County in a big victory for the Gators. Strickland has a 3.3 grade point average in the classroom and has been on the A/B Honor roll. He hopes to attend college to major in sports medicine. “I really want to attend The University of Florida,” he says. In addition to football, Strickland is also a member of the Gators’ basketball and track teams. His favorite part of the playing football is winning a big game with his teammates, something he has experienced frequently in his first season playing for Ware County. He also played a big part in the Gators playoff victories this post season against Northside Warner Robins, Rome, and Drew. By next year, he hopes to push himself harder to help his team even more. “I want to be able to become a leader and to learn everything I can from my coaches,” he says.
Camden County High School
Handle the Moment
Wildcats learn to “Handle the Moment” for a 10 win season written by John Wood
378 days after the Camden County Wildcats finished the 2014 season at 5-5, without one region win or a berth in the playoffs,Wildcats head coach Welton Coffey knew that things had to change. “There were some key factors that we addressed during the offseason as a football program as a whole,” Coach Coffey says.“I challenged the coaches to reinvent themselves. I asked them to take a look at their tactics and develop different ways to reach the players.We are in a different generation of players.This included myself. Secondly, we addressed the elephant in the room: selfishness.This is a reality in today’s society.We did some different things this offseason to promote team unity, service and unselfishness. Lastly, we talked about ‘handling the moment’.There were times during the 0-5 skid last season when we had opportunities to win, but simply did not get it done because we did not make the play, get the stop, line up correctly, play to the whistle, or so on.” After their only regular season loss to reigning superpower Colquitt County, the team finished the year at 9-1.As the second seed in Region 1-AAAAAA, Camden defeated Hillgrove in the first round, but lost to an undefeated Roswell team on the road the following week. “It was tough dealing with their overall athleticism at all positions,” Coffey says.“They are a quality team.” Even with the turnaround on the field, which gave the Wildcats a nine-game winning streak going into a region title match up against Colquitt County, the Wildcats still had to battle issues off the field. “We faced (and still are facing) challenges this sea-
son,” Coach Coffey says.“The only way we were able to navigate through such unrest is the support from our parents, community and school officials.They entrust us with the welfare of over 170 young men.That is not taken lightly by anyone on this coaching staff.The trust that has been forged between all of these groups is anchored in faith. I do not wavier on the fact that I love the Lord, and it is by His strength that we were able to press through this season.” Breezing through a non-conference schedule, the Wildcats didn’t play four full quarters of football until the game three because of the wet fall. Camden had to dig deep against Glynn Academy, but came out on top. Glynn went on to be co-champions of Region 3-AAAAA. Finishing the non-conference schedule at 5-0, Coffey knew the real first test would be on the road against a traditional powerhouse in Valdosta. It wasn’t just the size and toughness of the other Wildcats that Camden faced; it was also a pelting cold rain that never let up for four quarters. Coffey knew that a victory at BazemoreHyder Stadium was crucial to getting his team headed in right direction as the region schedule would just get tougher. “I am not a guy who deals with the words ‘pressure’ or ‘fear’,” he says.“I believe in faith. However, I did think the win against Valdosta did do a lot for the confidence of our players. Confidence is a very real thing.” One of the greatest assets that Coffey had this season was a senior class that bought into the team philosophy and willingly provided leadership to others on the team.
“I am very proud of how these seniors improved their attitudes over the course of the year,” he says. “This showed in their play on the field.The only thing we ask is for you to be better than what you were yesterday, and the seniors are better young men than they were yesterday.” Camden has spent the last few seasons in arguably one of the toughest high school football regions in the state, and possibly in the Southeastern United States. However, like all other schools, it appears there region will change. “Yes, at the present time, it looks like Valdosta will not be in our region,” he says.“Therefore, we will have only four teams in Region 1, and power rankings may come into play for playoff seeding.This will also effect scheduling and our football budget for travel to other Big 44 schools.” The Wildcats will take a little time off and, come January, will be back working hard in the weight room getting ready to see the new players step into positions for spring football. Camden didn’t win a region a title this season or go as deep in the playoffs as they would have liked, but Coach Coffey believes this season will be a tremendous life lesson for all those involved with the team. “Albert Einstein said that adversity introduces a man to himself,” he says.“When I look back at this past season, I will remember how a group of young men grew up a great deal from one season to the next.”
December 2015 Southeast Georgia edition 15
ware County High School
Football Goes On Basketball and Wrestling Get Started written by Rob Asbell
It has been another outstanding season for the Gators’ football team of second-year head coach Franklin Stephens. After a season some considered to be a down year following two region losses, the Gators hit the road in the playoffs with their first stop being at McConnell-Talbert Stadium, home of defending state champion Northside-Warner Robins.Ware’s hard-nosed defense kept the Eagles in check all night and the Gators took home a 16-7 victory.The win gave them a home game against the number-four seed from Region 7, the Rome Wolves, in the second round. Playing in the friendly confines of the Swamp, the Gators were able to tame the Wolves, 35-24, and move on to the third round of the state playoffs, one step farther than the Gators made it last year in Coach Stephens’ inaugural season.This year’s quarterfinal matchup had the Gators hosting a third round playoff game against the fourth seed from Region 4, the 9-3 Drew Titans from Riverdale.The Titans jumped out to a fast lead, but the Gators’ defense was too much for them, and Ware came away with a 46-21 victory.The victory sent Ware to the State Semifinals to face Glynn Academy for the second time this season.The Gators fell to the Terrors at home October 9 by a score of 14-7.The semifinal will be played December 4 in Brunswick. Basketball season got underway last month.The Lady Gators basketball team of head coach Mandy
Lingenfelter and the boys team of Coach Tre Hill got started on November 12 against the Lowndes County Vikings. It was a tough night for both teams, and they returned to Waycross winless.The girls fared no better in their next game as they fell to the Wayne
County Yellow Jackets.The boys took a decisive win over Wayne County for their first victory of the season. Both teams will begin region play against Camden County on December 5 in Kingsland before traveling to Brunswick to face the Pirates on December 8.
December 2015 Southeast Georgia edition 17
Jarvis Payton | Bradwell Institute | Senior
Payton finds balance on field and classroom Changing positions, playing two sports, and keeping a 3.5 grade point average is a hard task to pull off, but Bradwell Institute Tigers senior Jarvis Payton fits the description to perfection. Payton has played football and soccer for Bradwell for the past four years. by John Wood | photography by Jeffrey Griffith
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“Jarvis is a great young man,” says Bradwell Institute boys’ soccer coach Tommy Oglesby. “He works hard on and off the field. I wouldn’t necessarily he is a soccer player in the true sense of the word, but he is an athlete. He is ready to play anytime I need him, and I can put him in on defense and he will play hard and physical, regardless of what type of team or player he is playing against. He does not play scared at all.” “I play both soccer and football,” Payton says. “I wouldn’t say I’m a student of the game, but I do my best to learn all that I can about it so I can perform to the best of my abilities. Knowing and understanding concepts from the classroom helps you to a certain extent. It’s not all about ‘smart’ when you’re on the field; it’s about taking chances and sometimes making choices that wouldn’t be too smart, but those are the ones that lead to big plays.” Last year, Payton was the selected as the Bradwell Institute In the Game Magazine Offensive MVP for his play on the line for the Tigers. Payton received the award sponsored by Hinesville Ford at the 5th Annual In the Game Football Awards Banquet in Waycross last year. Playing two sports at the varsity level and a load of AP and Honors classes kept Payton busy, and he has had to learn to adjust to several coaches. During Jarvis’ time with the Bradwell football team, he has been under four different coaches and had several position changes. “Having many different coaches in my four seasons at Bradwell was a little overwhelming at first,” he says. “I didn’t know who to trust, because at the end of the day I just thought they were going to give up on us. Because we couldn’t trust our coaches, we trusted the man next to us on the field and our friends to encourage us and not give up just because a coach might have.” Naturally, Payton always preferred the defensive side of the ball, but because he has some height and is physical, a lot of coaches used him on the offensive line. It was not until this season that Payton began to spend the majority of his time on defense. “Jarvis always has worked hard,” says Bradwell assistant football coach Scott Akin. “Coaching him for three years, including him being on the offensive line, which is the position I coach, I knew how physical and how much of a good fit
on the defensive side of the ball he would be. However, he always told me though if we needed him on the offensive line he would be willing to play both ways.” While he enjoyed the line, Jarvis has always loved the defensive aspect of hitting people and making contact. “Honestly I like defense the best,” he says. “Ever since I was young, playing rec football, all I ever wanted to do was hit the man with the ball. I didn’t have the size to be a lineman, but I had the speed and the technique to pick up blocks and help push the ball down the field.” The game of football is cruel, mean, tough, unforgiving, and hands pain out like candy. But through all of the harshness of the game, it also teaches players how to get past the tough moments. When rain is pelting you in the face and you have to snap the ball or block a man as long as that monsoon doesn’t have lightning, you have to play your best. Football is the ultimate metaphor for life, and the last two seasons, while not exactly pleasant, will lead to Payton and many of his teammates being successful, since they have learned that you have to work and keep working hard. Hard work doesn’t ensure winning, but it certainly is a great predictor of competitiveness. Jarvis and his Bradwell Institute teammates have had to learn to battle adversity; the Tigers have been 0-20 over the last two seasons. “Well I kept coming to practice thinking I could help turn this program around,” he says. “I also came because I’m not a quitter; just because times get hard doesn’t mean you can give up on your team. Football has taught me a lot. It taught me that no matter how hard something gets, you should never quit.” Payton’s tenacity and work ethic has not been lost on his football coach of the last two seasons, former Georgia Southern quarterback Greg Hill. “Jarvis is a great kid that never complained about anything and did everything asked of him and more,” Coach Hill says. “He was able to maintain a 3.5 GPA while playing both football and soccer.” Even through different coaches and schemes, one period of Payton’s career stands out to him. Adam Carter, who had been the defensive coordinator at Camden County, was one of the youngest head coaches in the state of Georgia during his one season at Bradwell Institute in 2012. “My favorite memory of my football career was me going to defensive camp in 10th grade,” he says. “Although I didn’t get as many reps as the upperclassmen, it was a great time to just spend with my brothers, and those four days helped us become closer and better as a team.” With a little over a semester left in his senior year, Payton enjoys math and the teachers that have helped him are Mr. Curry, Mr. Zeke, Mr. Bell, and Mr. Thornton. Using his math background, Jarvis wants to pursue a career as an engineer. “My parents, Jarvis and Aria Payton, have done some much for me, and I am so thankful for them,” he says. “I want to thank Coach Hill, Coach Sills, and Coach Olgesby for believing in me to do my best, on both the pitch and the football field. I also want to thank Deion Stewart for encouraging me to go out for football in the first place and keeping me on track to never give up.” ITG
Lee Chomskis Vidalia High School
The Silent C Makes Big Noise Defense wins championships. It’s more than just a saying, it is part of Vidalia High School head coach Lee Chomskis’ coaching philosophy. “Play great defense, strong running game, solid special teams and be as strong physically as we can,” Chomskis says. by Rob Asbell | photography by Jeffrey Griffith
22 In the Game December 2015
In the past nine seasons, Chomskis has put his philosophy into action, leading the Indians to deep playoff runs and putting them squarely in position to contend for a state title next year. Chomskis (the “C” is silent in his name) is a Georgia native originally from Augusta where he attended Westside High School. He played a year at Middle Tennessee State University before transferring to Augusta College, where he was a baseball player for one year. Upon graduation from college in 1986, Chomskis got into coaching as an assistant at Hephzibah High School. He would go on to coach at Burke County and Screven County, where he had his first big moment as a coach in 1994. He was an assistant for the Gamecocks as they fell to Washington County in the state championship game, but it was the excitement that caught his eye. “The stadium was full at 5:00 pm with an 8:00 pm kickoff time,” he says. He had a two-year stint as head coach at Evans before returning to being an assistant at Mary Persons and Lincoln County, where he had his most memorable game so far. “Winning the state championship in Lincolnton, Georgia in 2005,” he says. “We defeated Washington-Wilkes for the title at home. It was an incredible atmosphere. I will never forget it.” During this time, he was named Assistant Coach of the Year on four separate
occasions - 1991,1994, 2005, and 2006. He got a great deal of experience and credits a list of legendary mentors for influencing his coaching style. First and foremost is his uncle, Dan Pitts who was the coach at Mary Persons for 39 years. Lincoln County’s Larry Campbell, Chuck Conley at Screven County, and Steve Chafin of Mary Persons have all had an effect on Chomskis throughout his career. In 2007,Vidalia High School came calling. The Indians had a long history of success on the football field, including a state championship in 1969 under Coach “Buck” Cravey. Now, they were a year removed from a playoff appearance and looking to rebuild. The first two years were tough, as Vidalia played .500 football. In his third year, Chomskis led the Indians back to the playoffs. The following year they made it to the second round. In 2012,Vidalia went undefeated before falling in the second round. Last season, the Indians made it to the state quarterfinals before falling to Greater Atlanta Christian. The playoff run came after Vidalia went undefeated in the regular season with five defensive shutouts. “Great team chemistry and leadership,” Chomskis says. “We should have played for it all that season.” Chomskis was honored as Region 2-AA Coach of the Year in 2012 and 2014. In his nine seasons in Vidalia, he has gone 71-31 with six trips to the playoffs.
This season, the Indians finished 7-3 and hosted their first playoff game against rival Swainsboro, who were dispatched by the Indians for the second time this season. The playoff win advanced them to play familiar old foe Greater Atlanta Christian who, for the second year in a row, knocked the Indians out of contention. Chomskis was pleasantly surprised by his team’s ability to overcome. “I’m proud of how our kids responded to the incredible amount of adversity that came our way this season,” he says. Things look bright for Vidalia next season as they return one of the top players in the nation, Nate McBride, who missed this season with an arm injury. “He not only is very talented, but he is a complete team guy,” Chomskis says. “He puts his teammates first and always leads by example.” The community is firmly behind the program, with downtown storefronts painted in maroon and gold every game night. It is easy to see how Chomskis has made his home in Vidalia. His wife, Candace, is head of the math department at Vidalia High School, and his children are away at college. “My greatest claim to fame is my children,” he says. “I am very proud of the young man and young lady that they have become.” ITG
December 2015 Southeast Georgia edition 23
Wayne County High School
A Learning season For the Yellow Jackets
written by John Wood | photography courtesy of Jeffrey Griffith
Wayne County Yellow Jacket freshman quarterback Nolan Grooms was doing his best to try and lead his father’s (head coach Jody Grooms) team down the field in the first round of the playoffs against Mary Persons. However, the Yellow Jackets came up short, losing to Mary Persons by a score of 14-13, which was a microcosm of the 2015 campaign. The past few seasons, the Yellow Jackets have become one of the burgeoning forces of AAAA football in the state of Georgia. “This season was really very frustrating because we never could get a grip on the injuries and because of
injuries and had a difficult time achieving any consistency as a result,” Coach Grooms says. Even though the Yellow Jackets came in as a number-four seed into the Class AAAA playoffs, Grooms still felt that his team was as good, if not better, than Mary Persons.Wayne battled for three and half quarters. “I thought we were just as good as those guys,” he says. “Our kids seemed to believe too.We performed at a very high level and should have won that thing. It still stings.” Consistency is certainly a factor for the Yellow
Jackets, but also factored in are the teams that Wayne County had to play in non-conference, such as Class AAAAAA Camden County, Class AA defending state champion Benedictine, and Region 3-AAAAA Co-Champion Glynn Academy. Both Benedictine and Glynn Academy are heading to the quarterfinals. “I believed that we would have a chance to win about six if we stayed healthy,” Coach Grooms says. “I also thought we would have a chance to make a run in the playoffs, we nearly did that too.We just came up a little short against Mary Persons.The schedule that we played this year made progress difficult.” During his time at Wayne County, Grooms has seen the Yellow Jackets make a lot of progress, but this past season has been a bit of a step back.Though the Yellow Jackets still are a strong a team, the changes in the game of football in general has made Grooms want to refocus the importance of team in the offseason. “Team, team, team,” he says. “We lost some of that this year.We return 17 of our top 22 on offense and 14 of our top 17 on defense.We have to get them all going in the same direction and get them all committed to the cause.The game has changed so much. It has become more and more difficult to assign roles and have kids to accept them.We are going to spend some time researching some other programs and find out how they deal with some of the issues that plagued our team this year.” Despite a 3-8 season and losing in the first round of the playoffs, the seven seniors that played for the Yellow Jackets this season are probably one of the first group of Wayne County High School football players that went to the playoffs all four years of high school. “We had seven seniors that played with us for four years,” Coach Grooms says. “Those kids were a part of some great teams.They have had a wonderful run. They may be the first group of kids in school history to get into the playoffs for four years. I love them, and I am so proud to have had a chance to coach them.” When Wayne County begins preparation for the 2016 season, it could potentially be with a familiar region. “We are still not totally sure who will be in the region yet,” Coach Groom says. “But we believe that it may be Ware,Wayne, Statesboro, South Effingham, and New Hampstead.We know those all have good programs and we have to be ready to play every Friday night.”
December 2015 Southeast Georgia edition 25
Next eration nsation Next Generation Sensation
by John Dupont | photography by Andrea Heflin
He has been a terror on the turf and a hero on the hardwood
throughout middle school, and it won’t be long before Quavien Bell takes his game to the next level. Bell, an eighth-grader at Bacon County Middle School, helped lead the Red Raiders to a 5-2 mark on the gridiron this past season. Heading into Thanksgiving, he and his fellow hoopsters had gotten out of the gates at 3-0. Come spring, he’ll make the decision to continue his athletic career on either the cinder track or the baseball diamond. “Quavien just might be the best pure athlete I have ever coached,” says PCMS football coach Steve Owens. “He squats 315 pounds and benches 200. He also maintains good academic and conduct standing in school, which is so important to being a complete student-athlete. Quavien demonstrates great leadership in how he plays the game.” Bell, the son of Noah and Katrina Bell, has had large shoes to fill since day one. His dad and three uncles – Vincent, Berriut, and Jason – were all standout athletes for Bacon County High School during their respective prep careers. Quavien, who first suited up for football at age 6, plays quarterback and linebacker. The 5’10”, 160-pounder should be a contender to replace graduating BCHS signal caller Droell Greene. In fact, the protégé has already spent time picking the brain of his mentor in hopes of filling those shoes. “I have been to the high school to watch how they do,” says Bell. “At the end of practice, Droell and I would run drills together. He said I needed to get my footwork together and flip my wrist more when I throw the ball.” Already a proven game-changer, Bell proved his mettle in Bacon’s come-from-behind win over Waycross Middle School this season. Bell’s dad recalls the events of that day. “We got there late because I had to see about some personal business,” Mr. Bell says. “We were down, 12-6. But
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In the Game December 2015
once he got on the field, you could see the look in everyone’s eyes change. Quavien threw a 70-yard touchdown pass and scored three touchdowns. They didn’t score after he got on the field and we won, 42-12.” Against Arthur Williams Middle School, Bell showcased his defensive prowess with a 30-yard interception return. But it’s offense that primarily captures his imagination. He particularly admires the football talents of Seattle Seahawks star Marshawn Lynch and Le’Veon Bell (no relation) of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His favorite college team is the University of Florida. “Because that’s where Tim Tebow came from, and that’s who
I look up to,” Bell says. “The things he did while he was there – the championships and the stuff he accomplished – it’s because he pushed himself harder than other people did.” NBA superstar Stephen Curry of Golden State is the basketball player most admired by Bell, a point guard by trade who plays center due to his height. “It doesn’t give me a size advantage, but it gives me a quickness advantage,” says Bell, who found a way to help his team in a pinch earlier this season. “We played Jeff Davis, and we were losing 7-0. Everybody was down and we didn’t really feel like playing. I told our point guard to give me the ball and
I made it. We came back and won.” Though he hasn’t played baseball in the past three years, Bell is considering a comeback this spring as a center fielder. He draws particular inspiration from Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals, a player whom he likens to Tebow. If Bell opts for track instead, he will bring experience in the 200-meters and long jump, as well as the 4x100 and 4x400 relay events. And when he isn’t competing, Bell hits the books. He particularly enjoys projects in Pam Strickland’s physical science class. “We are supposed to be dissecting a frog soon, but recently, we got to put some dry ice in hot water and it turned to foam,” he says. “I
think she said it was because of oxidation.” Downtime includes video games like Madden 15 or hanging with relatives and close pals Deon Bell and Savion Miley. He also maintains a close kinship with his uncles. “I am trying to beat everything they did,” he says. “I had bet my uncle Vincent that I’d be benching more than him at the end of high school.” Meanwhile, little brother Quantavien, a fifth-grader, is quickly making his own mark in travel football. Because their dad enforces a tight curfew, there’s usually ample time to interact around the house with sports and whatnot. “Sometimes we’ll go in the front
yard and just throw the football around or work with the rotation on my arms or with me trying to stay in bounds,” says the elder Bell sibling. He also cites the strength and conditioning training under Coach Owens. “I have never heard Quavien brag about anything,” Coach Owens says. “He leads our team by playing with off-the-charts intensity and effort. As a coach, I put a lot on his plate as a runner, field general, and passer. He handled everything very well. He also has a very high football IQ. He understands how we are going to attack different defenses and coverages. I am really looking forward to seeing what this young man can do in the future.” ITG
Jacquez Williams | Liberty County High School | Senior
ACC Bound
He is a hard-running, multi-position athlete for the Liberty County Panthers who runs a 4.4 40-yard dash and has a quick-cutting running style that makes defenders miss. Ja’cquez Williams is a hard working, 6’2”, 195-pound back whose intense drive will soon take him to the next level. by Rob Asbell | photography by Jeffrey Griffith The Hinesville senior’s strong work ethic and constant desire to improve have opened the doors to one of the country’s most prestigious institutions, Wake Forest University. He will soon go from the flatlands of Coastal Georgia to the Piedmont of North Carolina and the Winston-Salem campus to play football for Coach Dave Clawson’s Demon Deacons in the Atlantic Coast Conference. “I traveled to Wake for a camp and I got offered soon after,” Williams says. “When I visited the school, it felt like home. Everyone knew who I was and what I had to offer. I honestly feel like I can better my entire self there, and that’s why I chose Wake.” Williams has dedicated himself to learning the physical and mental aspects of football. He wants to broaden his knowledge of the game and perfect his craft. He realizes that the physical part of the game will happen in college, but that it is more about understanding the X’s and O’s to continue to succeed. “Whatever his weaknesses were in the past, he always worked on improving them,” says Liberty County Panthers head football coach Kirk Warner. “He has become a total player for us and definitely a team leader. He leads by example always willing to go the extra mile for the program. From performing on the field to cleaning the locker room he is always on the front line.” With additional duties as a receiver on offense and a linebacker on defense, Williams goes out each play to leave it all on the field and make his family proud. This season, he was named Offensive Player of the Year for Region 3-AAAA. He got the desire to play football from watching his two brothers in the recreation league. “I told them after a game that I would play and be the best one out of all of us,” he says. On his very first play in the Liberty County Recreation League, he was suddenly switched from quarterback to running back and he 28 In the Game December 2015
scored a touchdown. He moved on and played for Selson Golden Middle School before finally ending up at Liberty County High School, where he became a starter for the Panthers his sophomore year. Over the past two seasons, he has become a team leader. His leadership meant a great deal to the talent-laden Panthers this year as they worked their way to a 7-3 record and a number-two seed in Region 3-AAAA. Their success allowed Liberty to host, and win, a state playoff game for the first time in school history. Williams’ abilities on the field attracted a great deal of attention from college scouts this season. In addition to Wake Forest, he had interest from Purdue, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Massachusetts, Troy, South Carolina, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Liberty, East Carolina, and UNC-Charlotte. He credits his father, Chris Williams, for guiding him along the right path and getting him to this point. “He taught me little things to help my get that edge that everyone wanted,” he says. “He’s the reason along with my mother, that I am who I am.” Before donning the gold and black of the Demon Deacons, Williams must prepare for the academic expectations that will come with attending such a highly touted academic institution. He has a solid 3.0 grade point average and hopes to earn his master’s degree within four years with a major in business and a concentration in economics. Whether on the field or in the classroom, Coach Warner believes the sky is the limit for Williams and that Wake Forest is only the first step. “I can definitely see him being a major contributor and possible superstar if he stays focused and continues to exhibit those work ethics and leadership traits he has until this point,” Coach Warner says. ITG
Pierce County High School
Sound of Silver
P
Marching band
written by Ivy Young | photography courtesy of Jennifer Carter Johnson
The 2015 marching band season is coming to an end now that football season has finished.The Sound of Silver Marching Band is directed by Mr. Bob Edwards, Mr. Mike Carter, and Mrs. Heather Rios. This year, the band rocked out to the iconic music of STYX.The selections included “Mr. Roboto”, “A.D. 1928 / Rockin’ the Paradise”, “Too Much Time on My Hands”, and “The Best of Times”. The SOS performed at three competitions;The Sound of Gold in Ware County, the Oconee Classic, and the East Georgia Marching Band Festival. Awards consisted of all Superior ratings in all factions, along with Best in Class awards, and Best in Competition awards.
Student leadership was outstanding this year, including Drum Major, Matt Knox; Feature Majorette, Caitlyn Kenney; Dance Captains, Meagan Graham and Maggie Denison; Flag Captains, Rachel Nystrom, Jaylen Peacock, and Natalie Martin; Band President, Ivy Young, and Vice President, Margaret Dye, among others.The class of 2016 has been one of the largest graduating classes to leave the SOS band program. “This program has taught me so much more than music,” Drum Major Matt Knox says. “I have learned how to correctly fold pants, how to clean up my messes, and how to be consistently early to everything. Mr. Edwards teaches life lessons; things that you will never learn in a math class. I’ll miss this program
because it helped mature me into a young adult.” Many of the band students at Pierce County High School feel the same way about both band and Mr. Edwards. The only marching band events remaining are the Christmas Parade on December 4th and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade. Symphonic Band is full swing and the band’s Christmas concert will take place in December.The Jazz band and symphonic band have been working hard with after school practices on Mondays. Next semester, the band will perform at two festivals: one at Ware County High School and one at Wayne County High School.
Bennett, Bennett & Johnson *OTVSBODF "HFODZ
912.449.8375 ben@bbjins.com
Cary Bennett
3353 Hwy. 84 Blackshear, GA 31516 Ben Bennett December 2015 Southeast Georgia edition 31
Bacon County High School
Football Season Ends Just Short of the Playoffs
written by Rob Asbell | photography courtesy of Andrea Heflin The Raiders’ football season came to an end in what amounted to a de facto playoff game in a do or die, win or go home scenario in the final game of the year against region foe McIntosh County Academy. Not even the home-field advantage could help the Red Raiders as the Buccaneers took home the 22-20 road win in Alma. MCA finished 4-3 in Region 2-AA, which gave them the number-four seed and a road playoff game. Bacon fell to 5-5 overall with the loss, and their 3-4 region record kept them out of the playoffs. (Benedictine was the number-one seed, followed by Vidalia, Bryan County and then MCA.) It was a tough break for second-year coach Ken Cofer, who took the Raiders to the playoffs last sea-
son.The Raiders started the 2015 season with a big win over Lanier County followed by a victory in the rivalry game with Pierce County. Following losses to state-ranked teams Benedictine and Charlton, Bacon returned to the winning track with victories over Long, Jeff Davis and Groves, but fell one win shy of a return to the playoffs. Basketball season got underway on November 17 in Douglas against the Coffee County Trojans. Bacon County’s boys’ team, led by head coach Brian Bergeron, were unable to keep up with the Trojans who ran away with an 82-51 victory. Region 2-AA play starts December 8 in Hazlehurst. Four of the next six December games are in Alma, with home
stints against MCA, Appling,Vidalia, and Toombs before the annual Christmas Tournament taking place December 26-29.The team will return from Christmas break with a slate of region games in January. Students and fans are reminded that the Tuesday, January 12 home contests against Jeff Davis County at 6 p.m. will be a “pink out” so everyone is asked to wear pink to the games. The varsity competition cheerleaders traveled to Columbus on November 14 to compete in the state championships. Following a fantastic routine, they finished seventh in the state.
December 2015 Southeast Georgia edition 33
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