September 2014 Coastal Georgia Edition by ITG Next Magazine

In This Issue:

Coastal Edition

09 GHSA Reclassification

August 2014 September 2014

11 Players to Watch

CONTENTS

18 Player Spotlight Tyrone Riley

Robert Heyward Calvary Day School

24 Academic Athlete Addison Fisher

10 Games to Watch

GHSA Class AAAAA

GHSA Class AAAA & AAA

GHSA Class AA

GHSA Class A

GISA Schools

South Carolina Schools

Impact Players

FCA: Inspirational Corner

Hunter Floyd

Robert Toombs Christian Academy

28 Coach’s Corner Brooke McMillan

Savannah Christian Preparatory

33 Rising Star Gil Werntz IV

Also Inside

Coastal Area Schools

St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School

39 You Can’t Keep a Good Player Down Laura Vinson

28 39 33

Vidalia High School

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August 2014 September 2014 Publisher Shawn Smoak

Editor Mark Dykes Sarah Turner

Graphics Jennifer Alexander

Cover Photography Charles Mills Photography Imagined by Chas

Feature Photography Ginger Russell Ginger Russell Photography Gil Werntz III Gil Werntz Photography

Contributing Photography Gil Werntz John Wood Rob Asbell

Feature Writers John Wood Rob Asbell

Contributing Writers Tommy Palmer

Copy Editors Ashley Dailey James Washington

Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak shawn@inthegamemagazine.com

Mark Dykes

mark@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Sarah Turner SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 • Waycross, GA 31502

For distribution or subscription information contact: info@inthegamemagazine.com

From the Publisher Football season is almost here, so we present to you our preseason issue. On the cover are some of the top college prospects in the Coastal area: Cornelius Taylor of Claxton, Jamar Smith of Robert Toombs Christian Academy, Steve Powers of Benedictine, Demetris Robertson of Savannah Country Day, Tyrone Riley of Calvary Day School, Dushad Morris of Johnson High School, and Aaron Frazier of Hilton Head High School are among the Players to Watch this upcoming season. We also present 10 Games to Watch this year. Inside is a preview of teams from across the Coastal area. There are lots of changes this year; new coaches and region realignments have shaken things up quite a bit. Two defending state champions will play each other during the regular season while others look to make it to the Georgia Dome in December. Statesboro and Richmond Hill have moved up to AAAAA and into a region that may be one of the toughest in the state along with Effingham and South Effingham. The New Hampstead Phoenix will make its debut this year in AAAA while most of Savannah’s public schools have been grouped into AAA. Benedictine hopes to continue its strong run in AA with Vidalia hoping to thwart the Cadets’ perfect season. Single A looks strong with Calvary Day hoping to return to the private school finals. Claxton, Country Day, Savannah Christian, Portal, Jenkins County, and Emanuel Christian Academy will also be working toward making it to the playoffs this year. The independent schools are returning strong with Memorial Day and Robert Toombs Christian Academy looking to defend their state championships. The trouble is, this year they are in the same classification and even the same region. Across the river in South Carolina, a dozen schools in the low country hope to improve this year and they have some of the top talent in the state to get them there. Our Rising Star likes to be physical on the playing field, and he has chosen two perfect sports: football and lacrosse. Gil Werntz IV is an eighth-grader at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School in Savannah with a 3.7 grade point average and a desire to build skyscrapers one day. College scouts have their eyes on both of the student-athletes in our player spotlight. Tyrone Riley and Robert Heyward are standouts for Calvary Day School that got them to the private school finals last season. They are bookends on the defensive line for a state championship winning team.

Area Schools

Coastal Edition

Battery Creek High • Beach • Beaufort Academy Beaufort High • Benedictine Military Bethesda School for Boys • Bible Baptist School Bluffton High • Bryan County High Bulloch Academy • Calvary Day School Claxton High • David Emanuel Academy Effingham County High • Emanuel County Institute First Presbyterian Christian • Groves High Heritage Academy • Hilton Head Christian Academy Hilton Head Island High • Hilton Head Preparatory Islands High • Jenkins County High • Jenkins High Johnson High • Memorial Day School Metter High Pinewood Christian Academy • Portal High Richmond Hill High • Ridgeland Hardeeville High Robert Toombs Academy • Savannah Arts Academy Savannah Christian Preparatory Savannah Country Day • Savannah High Screven County High • South Effingham High Southeast Bulloch High • St. Andrew's • St. Vincent’s Statesboro High • Swainsboro High Tattnall County High • Thomas Heyward Academy Toombs County High • Vidalia High Whale Branch Early College High Windsor Forest High • Woodville-Tompkins

Contributors

Addison Fisher and Hunter Floyd are best friends who also excel in the classroom at Robert Toombs Christian Academy. Coach Brooke McMillan has led the Savannah Christian Softball team to deep runs in the state playoffs in each of her first two seasons. In her spare time, she has helped change the school’s physical education programs. This month, she is in our Coach’s Corner discussing her philosophy and working with her husband. We also have a special feature on Laura Vinson, who overcame a potential career-ending injury to sign a softball scholarship to Brewton Parker. It is a short 12-mile trip from Vidalia to Mount Vernon, but the journey to recovery was much longer for the Indians’ star.

Shawn Smoak, Coastal Publisher

Be sure to tune in to WJCL - ABC 22 on Thursday nights for the “In the Game” Player of the Week with “The Big Guy” Frank Sulkowski. Each week Frank will take a player straight from the pages of our magazine and spotlight them during his sportscast. Lots of great players are coming up so don’t miss it! Tired of having to search for In the Game on the magazine stand? Call today to subscribe for only $20 per year. Call 1-888-715-GAME (4263) for subscription information. We hope you enjoy reading In the Game as much as we enjoy producing and publishing it. We are always open to suggestions as well as story ideas or ways you think we can improve our magazine.

John Wood,

Features & Commentary

Please visit our website at www.inthegamemagazine.com and Facebook at www.facebook. com/inthegamemagazine. Join us every Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as we broadcast “In the Game on Radio” live on WWUF 97.7 FM or stream the show live on www. waycrossradio.com. We have an excellent opportunity for fundraising, whether for your sports team, organization or booster club. Please give us a call at 888-715-GAME (4263) or email us at info@inthegamemagazine.com for details. 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. Rob Asbell,

Features & Specials

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In the Game High School Sports Magazine is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Publishing 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 2014 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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Tommy Palmer

GHSA

Reclassification by Tommy Palmer

HSA reclassification comes every two years, but this last round for 2014-15 was as amazing as any I’ve seen in years past. This past reclassification session solidifies the fact that the State of Georgia’s population base is changing quickly – it is moving north. All one has to do is take a look at this year’s new region alignments, and that fact is very obvious. Travel and the isolation rule made a tremendous impact in the southern portion of the state, and Region 1-AAAAAA, 1-AAAA, and Region 3-AAAAA all got a complete makeover in the process. Critics will say that the new alignments are not fair, but I prefer to think that in a matter of days, when toe meets leather, realignment will quickly become an afterthought. I’ve taken a good look at this year’s football regions, and I must say that Region 1-AAAAAA looks very different with the loss of Coffee and Brunswick to region 3-AAAAA and the addition of newcomer Lee County. The Region 1-AAAAAA schedule only takes up half of the team’s games this year, and every member of the region had to scramble to fill out a ten-game slate of balanced games. All six members will play five non-region games followed by five straight regional tilts before crowning the region champion and the three remaining playoff participants. Region 1-AAAA looks totally different for the next two years, with the Albany schools being joined by Thomas County Central, Bainbridge, Cairo, and Crisp County. Needless to say, the top four teams that advance out of this region will represent that area of the state quite well. In my opinion, the toughest region in the state from top to bot-

tom has to be Region 3-AAAAA, where Brunswick and Coffee were placed after reclassification moved them down from Region 1-AAAAAA. The Pirates and Trojans leave the toughest football region in the state only to be welcomed into a region which includes Ware County, Statesboro, Glynn Academy, Richmond Hill, Effingham County, South Effingham, and Bradwell Institute. Perennial powerhouse Camden County is also a member of that new region in all sports other than football. Savannah’s newest high schools, New Hampstead and Islands High begin varsity play in football for the first time since the schools opened. New Hampstead will join Region 3-AAAA and Islands will play in Region 1-AAA. Benedictine will play in Region 2-AA, while Calvary Day, Savannah Christian, and Savannah Country Day remained in Region 3-A, one of the toughest Class A regions in all of the state. Statewide, it will be interesting to see if last year’s football champions can repeat in 2014. The 2013 champions were: Marion County in Class A Public, Aquinas in Class A Private, Lovett in Class AA, Buford in Class AAA, Griffin in Class AAAA, Creekside in Class AAAAA, and Norcross in Class AAAAAA. Creekside and Norcross are the pre-season favorites of most observers in Class AAAAA and Class AAAAAA respectively. Buford has moved up to Class AAAA and will battle defending champion Griffin in that classification. Last year’s Class AAA runner-up Washington County is loaded with speed and returning talent, making them the early favorites. Class AA is wide open as are the Class A Public and Private Class A titles. ITG

Players to Watch by Rob Asbell

photography by Imagined by Chas

hat would a high school football preview issue be without a list of players to watch and games to see? Every year college scouts flock their way to the Coastal Area of Georgia and the Low Country of South Carolina to find outstanding players. The area is rich with talented players who have caught the eyes of college scouts over the years. And this season looks to be no different with a defensive end that has already committed to Coach Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks and another that has close to a dozen offers so far. So, without further ado, here are the players we expect big things from in the coming season. ITG

Cornelius Taylor Quarterback Claxton High School

Watch for quarterback Cornelius Taylor. Better known as “Scuta,” the Claxton Tigers’ signal-caller had scouts looking after he was named the region’s Offensive Player of the Year last season as a threat to throw or run with his 4.4 in the 40-yard dash.

Players t Aaron Frazier Wide Receiver Hilton Head High School

Aaron Frazier may be better known as a basketball player in the Low Country, but like his brother before him, he is also a top receiver for the Seahawks. The senior at Hilton Head High School is a 6’0” wide receiver with a 4.5-second 40-yard dash who is being sought by Appalachian State, Arizona, Charlotte, Ohio, Purdue, Toledo, and Wake Forest.

Dushad Morris Defensive Back Sol C. Johnson High School

The big-hitting defensive back from the Sol C. Johnson High School Atom Smashers, Dushad Morris was the Region 1-AAA Defensive Player of the Year last season. Morris had 102 tackles from his free safety position. Big games for the ‘Smashers this season will include back-to-back games against Beach and Jenkins in classic city rivalry games.

Stevie Powers Quarterback Benedictine Military School

Stevie Powers of Benedictine is a two-sport star that is the quarterback for the Cadets. Powers is also known as a power pitcher in baseball. At 6’0” tall and 170 pounds, he hopes to lead BC to another region championship this year.

to Watch Tyrone Riley Defensive End Calvary Day School

At defensive end is Tyrone Riley. The big guy from the Calvary Day School Cavaliers is 6’6,” 240-pounds and also plays tight end. He has started getting offers from several colleges including Cincinnati, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Kentucky, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Old Dominion, Utah, and Wisconsin.

Demetris Robertson Athlete Savannah Country Day

The lone junior in the group, Demetris Robertson of Savannah Country Day School who doubles as a receiver and defensive back. He is already 6’1” 175-pounds and has received interest from more than a dozen schools. Robertson told them “No thank you” and has verbally committed to Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide.

Jamar Smith Running Back Toombs County

In Lyons, running back Jamar Smith of the Toombs County Bulldogs may be soft-spoken, but he made big noise last year, and now scouts have their eyes on him. At 220 pounds, he runs a 4.5 40-yard dash, and once he gets moving downhill, he is hard to stop.

10 Games to Watch by Rob Asbell

VS.

Beach at Savannah High - August 22

The annual Battle of the Savannah Classic will be held in week one of the season. This is a great rivalry held at T.A. Wright Stadium at Savannah State University.

VS.

Vidalia at Toombs - September 5

For the first time in 19 years, this is not a region game. This will be an all-out battle in “The Pit” for pride and bragging rights.

Metter at ECI - September 5

Last season the Tigers stopped the Bulldogs by one point. This is an early game with playoff implications.

VS.

Bluffton vs. Whale Branch - September 18

It is rare to get to see a top recruit play - especially on TV in your living room. This will be the WSAV Thursday Night Game of the Week featuring Shameik Blackshear.

VS.

Memorial Day School at Robert Toombs Christian Academy – October 3

This will be a battle of last year’s state champions. Memorial is the defending champion in GISA AA while RTCA moves up after winning the Single A title last year. They meet at McClendon Field October 3.

VS.

Statesboro at Coffee - October 3

Two state powerhouses meet mid-season to determine control of Region 3-AAAAA and possibly state rankings.

VS.

Savannah Christian Prep School at Savannah Country Day School - September 12

Vidalia at Benedictine - October 17

Effingham at South Effingham - September 13

Effingham at Statesboro - November 7

The second Friday night in September we’ll see another great rivalry game where both teams leave it on the field.

The Rebels won this grudge match last year. This game could help set the seedings in Region 3-AAAAA.

Last year this game decided the region championship. Both teams look to be improved with lots of skill players returning.

This classic rivalry comes on the last night of the season and could decide playoff positions in Region 3-AAAAA.

GHSA Class A Welcome to the Jungle Region 3-AAAAA could be the toughest in the state by John Wood

yard plus rusher as a sophomore - and receiver Timmy Signal are slated to be major parts of the Mustang offense. Linebacker Corey Horne - who had 117 tackles - anchors the defense in his senior season. South Effingham finished right at .500, 5-5, so the Mustangs hope to get to the playoffs this year.

their first-round playoff game against Thomas County Central. However, the architect of the Wildcats’ turnaround, Lyman Guy, has traded the hour-plus drive to Collins to a much closer Toombs County. After looking for Guy’s replacement during the winter, Richmond Hill settled on Josh Eads, who had been on Guy’s staff.

Many people are excited by Statesboro’s move to the new region. Coach Steve Pennington’s Blue Devils dominated in the mid-2000’s but have struggled to get back to the Georgia Dome since. Statesboro has dropped games for the subregion title to a rising Wayne County the last two seasons. Finishing 10-2, Statesboro lost to eventual AAAA state champion Griffin, 42-6. The Blue Devils will always have strong lines on both sides of the ball. Expect to see more spread offense since the Blue Devils have some great skill players. Zach Grant will be an important key to the running game since most of the backfield has been depleted due to graduation. Defensive end Brandon Maple is expected to help transition a young developing defense for Statesboro. Richmond Hill had a record-setting season this past year. The Wildcats hosted and won

Eads has a very strong resume and is very wellversed in the spread offense just like Guy was. The first player who Eads must find a replacement for is quarterback Nick Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald was the linchpin to the Wildcats’ option-based running attack, but after graduating early, he is now with Mississippi State University. Richmond Hill’s fast-paced offense averaged over 350 yards and 56 touchdowns in 12 games last season. Xavier Long showed in the spring that he could handle the running game, and he will also have Ronnie Harris who was the second-leading rusher on the team, rolling up 685 yards off of 85 carries. The 6’ 2” offensive lineman Jon Zellner, is going to be a huge asset to a rebuilt offensive line. A.J. Vandergrift heads up a young but strong unit. Vandergrift had 70 tackles, including three for a loss. ITG

Photo By Rob Asbell

he new Region 3-AAAAA reunites a traditional region from decades past in Bradwell Institute, Glynn Academy, Brunswick, and Statesboro. Richmond Hill, South Effingham, Ware County, and Coffee County complete the eight-team power region. Camden County joins the region in every sport but football. Needless to say, with only four spots to fill in the playoffs, some good teams will be staying home. Effingham and Richmond Hill got an early preview of things to come. Both joined the Region 3-AAAAA after the GHSA realignment two years ago. Statesboro and South Effingham have been in AAAA for a few different cycles but have played a few of the schools in their new region. The Effingham County Rebels were able to put together a last-ditch defensive stand against Bradwell Institute in the fourth game of the season and pulled out a win that got first year Head Coach Buddy Holder’s Rebels into the fourth and final playoff spot in Region 3-AAAAA before losing to Lee County, 28-6. Holder’s discipline and motivation in the weight room has long been a key to the Rebels’ success, and this season will be no different. Linebacker Daquare Hunter returns this season as do two quarterbacks - Jake Dangerfield and P.J. Brown. Hunter did not take part in the spring game since he wasn’t at full health. Receiver Ashton King and leading rusher Nieeum Bartley also will be back for 2014. Holder skillfully moves players around like quarterback Keuman Tillman who doubles as a receiver. College scouts are zeroed in on Hunter and 6’ 6” Andre Brown. Brown really developed into a strong basketball player beside Mr. Georgia Basketball Jakeenan Gant. Brown is coming out to play football his senior season, and his size alone is generating phone calls from college scouts. South Effingham makes the jump this season to Class AAAAA after spending the last two years in AAAA with powers Burke, Statesboro, Wayne, and upstart Liberty County. Donnie Revell has been putting serious speed on the field in past seasons. The Mustangs will still have weapons to put onto the field as they move into the blockbuster region. A balanced spring game made Revell feel even better about the fall. Mustang signal-caller Tyler Pullum will pull the trigger for the Mustang offense. He threw for over 1500 yards as a sophomore. Running back Patrick Brown - a 1,000-

Effingham County Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

South Effingham County

Head Coach: Donnie Revell GHSA 3-AAAAA

Mustangs - Maroon & Silver

Jenkins Southeast Bulloch Effingham County Statesboro Brunswick Coffee Richmond Hill Bradwell Institute Ware County Glynn Academy

Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

Richmond Hill

Head Coach: Josh Eads GHSA 3-AAAAA

Wildcats - Black & Gold Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 03 Oct 09 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 07

Bradwell Institute Ware County Glynn Academy Effingham County Statesboro South Effingham Brunswick Coffee Liberty County

Statesboro

Blue Devils - Blue & White Aug 23 Sept 05 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 03 Oct 09 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 07

Burke County Wayne County South Effingham Brunswick Coffee Richmond Hill Bradwell Institute Ware County Glynn Academy Effingham County

Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

Photo Courtesy of SavannahNow.com

Aug 30 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Oct 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 07

Photo Courtesy of SavannahNow.com

Liberty County Bluffton, SC South Effingham Brunswick Coffee Richmond Hill Bradwell Institute Ware County Glynn Academy Statesboro

Head Coach: Steve Pennington GHSA 3-AAAAA Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

Photo Courtesy of The Statesboror Herald

Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Nov 07

Photo Courtesy of SavannahNow.com

Head Coach: Buddy Holder GHSA 3-AAAAA

Rebels - Blue & White

GHSA CLass AAAAA

AAAAA

Player Spotlight Tyrone Riley

Robert Heyward

Calvary Day School

Experience Defined by John Wood

e have all had the daydream where it’s a big game, and everything is going to come down to one final play. Don’t pinch Calvary Day School’s Tyrone Riley because he is not dreaming. The Cavaliers were starting to peak, playing their best football going into the first week of December’s semifinal game; the winner was going to the Georgia Dome, the loser was starting basketball practice the following Monday. Calvary met defending state champion Eagles Landing Christian School in the semi-finals, and the Cavaliers met a buzz saw headon. The Cavaliers established an early 21-0 lead, but ELCA stormed back, trailing by one point 35-34 in overtime. Not wanting to risk 18

photography by Imagined by Chas

another overtime, after the Chargers scored on fourth down, ELCA decided to go for the two-point conversion for the win. Chargers quarterback Bradley Dewberry stomped his left heel, sending a back into motion. Dewberry took the snap, tried a little sleight of hand with a quick pump into the fullback’s chest, faking a dive play, and then peeled back looking for daylight. The Cavaliers defense stood firm between the ELCA offense and the end zone. Dewberry finds an opening, but before he could get his cleat across the line of scrimmage, daylight closed. Playing the weak side linebacker, Riley charged hard into the hole. Riley and teammate Andre Wilson were all that stood between Dewberry and the win. After the two Cavaliers stopped Dewberry cold, Calvary was on its way to The

Dome for the first time in history. “I knew what he was going to run. They had scored off the keeper before, so as soon as the back went into motion, I knew they would fake the dive and try to keep the ball. No doubt ,it was the biggest hit of my career; we stopped them on the fourth down and goal in overtime, and it got us to the Dome,” Riley said. The obstacles that hit Calvary Day School early in the season made it seem like their season would end in coastal Georgia where it began at M. D. Anderson field some three months earlier. The Cavaliers lost the first two games of the 2013 campaign. Calvary lost in a comeback effort to Landmark Christian, 3022, and then was upended 40-29 by Bryan County.

“We made a decision after the loss to Bryan County that everyone would have to step up. We made sure that every time we stepped on the field we would be intense. Then we just started to click, and we just worked hard,” Cavaliers’ running back Robert Heyward said. Cavaliers’ quarterback Michael Peterson had an arsenal of weapons, including Milan Richardson, the nephew of Bulldog great Herschel Walker. However, Heyward and Riley return to lead the Cavaliers in 2014. Calvary took the next eight games winning in rapid fire succession en route to a Region 3-A title, averaging 36 points per game while only giving up 16 points a game. Heyward and Riley now come into their final season at Calvary. Heyward is a large back that inflicts the same pain on rival linebackers when he runs the ball. As a junior, Heyward was one of the most dominating running backs in Class A. Playing in all 14 games last season, Heyward carried the ball 162 times for 1,442 yards and 10 touchdowns. He averaged 8.9 yards a carry and 103 yards rushing per game only fumbling the ball twice. His 6-foot, 195-pound frame bodes well for his running style which is physical and between the tackles. Heyward’s 4.5 40-yard dash and his size make him hard to bring down. He also has a bench press of 280 pounds and squats 420 pounds.

He has already been offered scholarships from Army and Charleston Southern. Georgia State, Middle Tennessee State, Towson, Charlotte, and Cincinnati have showed significant interest. Heyward is also getting some interest from Auburn and Mississippi State, in addition to a large number of Division II schools. “I just want to thank Coach Stroud, my mom, Takiyah Martin, and Robert Heyward, Sr. for helping me to be a good person and football player. We know we have to work hard this season but our goal is going to be same as last: To play that final game in the Georgia Dome,” Heyward said. 6’ 6” and 230 pounds, Riley has pretty good control of the paint for the Cavaliers’ basketball team. He is getting more notice though as the Cavaliers weak side defensive end. Once that offensive tackle makes his initial power step the chances are Riley either has got his hands inside the tackle or is already getting separation prowling down the line of scrimmage and about to wrap a ball carrier. Around the fourth game last season, Riley started to pick up interest from some of the big boys of college football. “Ole Miss started to talk to me around the fourth game of this past season. A lot of teams have talked to me this spring so it’s been fun but also made me want to work harder,” Riley said.

Heyward and Riley now come into their final season at Calvary. Heyward is a large back that inflicts the same pain on rival linebackers when he runs the ball. As a junior, Heyward was one of the most dominating running backs in Class A.

Against Johnson County for the region championship he broke a 71-yard touchdown run. He was the Savannah Morning News Player of the Week with a season-high 182 yards on 17 carries with two receiving touchdowns and the 71-yard jaunt. Heyward had six receiving touchdowns on the season. Receiving is an area that he has been working on this off-season. He finished the season with 24 catches for 470 yards averaging 19.6 yards per catch. Playing linebacker, Heyward gets to switch the roles using his body to inflict pain on rival running backs. He finished his season with 121 total tackles, 99 solo tackles, 22 assisted and 12 tackles for loss. His linebacker play netted him the Savannah Quarterback Club Defensive Player of the Week. A Georgia Sportswriters Association AllState Team selection, Heyward was definitely a recruiting target for Division I and II schools.

Ole Miss offered Riley a spot to be in the Grove as a Rebel beginning the fall of 2015. Mississippi State, NC State, Charlotte, Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Old Dominion, Purdue, Utah, Wake Forest, Kentucky, Wake Forest, and Wisconsin have all offered Riley scholarships. Not to be out done, University of Georgia, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Clemson, and Georgia Tech all came by to see him during spring practice. Riley was part of a state-finalist football team. The Cavaliers’ basketball team made it to the Final Four also. “Our goal this year is to go back to the Georgia Dome, but to win this season. We know we have got to keep working hard and getting better every snap. I have to thank Coach Tillman and Coach Keese for pushing me constantly and making me be the best that I can be,” Riley said. ITG 19

GHSA Class AAAA & AAA Savannah Public Schools Fill AAAA and AAA by Rob Asbell

or years it has been the consensus outside of the coastal area that all of the Savannah schools should be moved into one or two regions in lower classifications. This year, the Georgia High School Association has obliged. Many of the Savannah public schools - the Beach Bulldogs, Islands Sharks, H.V. Jenkins Warriors, Savannah High Blue Jackets, and Johnson Atom Smashers - are now grouped into Region 1-AAA. The Windsor Forest Knights and the new westside school, the New Hampstead Phoenix, will be together in Region 3-AAAA, making them the highest classified of all of Savannah’s schools. The Knights and Phoenix will join the Wayne County Yellow Jackets, Burke County Bears, Liberty County Panthers, and Thomson Bulldogs in one of the toughest regions in the state. Both Wayne and Burke made deep runs into the playoffs last year. The South Effingham Mustangs and Statesboro Blue Devils move out of the region and up to AAAAA this season. The Phoenix will make their debut season this year under Coach Bernard Gaither, and their schedule includes a trip to the MetroAtlanta area to play 6-A North Cobb Christian in Kennesaw. Meanwhile, the Knights will travel to Seabrook, South Carolina, to face the Whale

photography by Charles Mills, Imagined by Chas

Branch Warriors. The Savannah schools in AAA will be grouped in Sub-region B while the other side of the region will include the Tattnall County Battle Creek Warriors, Toombs County Bulldogs, Appling County Indians, Pierce County Bears, Brantley County Herons, Dodge County Indians, and the Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets. The Cook County Hornets will also join the region but for football only. The team out of Adel is expected to be strong in 2014. The good news is that, with a few exceptions, the Savannah schools will be playing close to home on Thursday and Friday nights this fall. At Sol C. Johnson High School, Coach Thomas Tedder is in his second year as head coach of the Atom Smashers who have made the playoffs two years in a row. They return both of their leading rushers from last year - quarterback

Raquan Green and Dushad Morris, who was also the Region 1-AAA Defensive Player of the Year last season. Morris had 102 tackles from his free safety position. Big games for the ‘Smashers this season will include back-to-back games against Beach and Jenkins in classic city rivalry games. The Jenkins Warriors return a strong nucleus and are expected to be playoff contenders this season. This year, the Beach/ Savannah High rivalry will start the season on August 22 at Savannah State’s T.A. Wright Stadium. Among other games to see this season is the August 29 match-up when Coach DeMasi meets his former team as Islands hosts Groves. On September 5, Toombs County hosts Vidalia in a non-region contest for bragging rights at “The Pit.” The Bulldogs also have one of the top players in Jamar Smith who is being sought by college scouts. ITG

Jamar Smith

Dushad Morris

Beach High Bulldogs - Blue & Gold

Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Oct 03 Oct 10 Oct 18 Oct 24 22

Savannah Windsor Forest Tattnall County Toombs County Appling County Southeast Bulloch Jenkins Islands Johnson

Head Coach: Ulysses Hawthorne GHSA 1-AAA Away Away Away Away Away Away Home Home Away

Head Coach: Karl DeMasi Sharks - Emerald & Black Aug 29 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 20 Oct 04 Oct 10 Oct 18 Oct 23 Oct 31

Jenkins High GHSA 1-AAA

Groves Brantley County New Hampstead Cook Jenkins Johnson Beach Savannah Southeast Bulloch

Home Away Away Home Home Away Away Away Away

Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Oct 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 23

GHSA 1-AAA

Beach Coffee Windsor Forest Dodge County Tattnall County Johnson Southeast Bulloch Jenkins Islands

Home Away Home Away Away Home Away Away Home

Johnson High

Head Coach: Thomas Tedder Atom Smashers - Blue & Orange GHSA 1-AAA Aug 28 Sept 12 Sept 20 Oct 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

Toombs County Bluffton, SC Brantley County Savannah Islands Southeast Bulloch Beach Jenkins

Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

Toombs County Johnson Vidalia Beach Appling County Dodge County Cook Pierce County Brantley County Tattnall County

GHSA 1-AAA

Savannah Christian South Effingham Appling County Pierce County Islands Beach Savannah Southeast Bulloch Johnson

Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Home

Head Coach: Bernard Gaither Phoenix - Garnett & Gold Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Oct 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Nov 06

GHSA 3-AAA

Calvary Day Away Ridgeland-Hardeeville, SC Away Groves Away Islands Home Hephzibah Away Glascock County Away Long County Away North Cobb Christian Away Windsor Forest Home

Southeast Bulloch Head Coach: Pat Collins Yellow Jackets - Blue & Gold Aug 29 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Oct 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 25 Oct 31

GHSA 1-AAA

Pierce County South Effingham Bryan County Dodge County Beach Savannah Johnson Jenkins Islands

Away Away Away Home Home Home Home Away Home

Windsor Forest

Head Coach: Lyman Guy Bulldogs GHSA 1-AAA - Red, Navy Blue, & White Aug 28 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 26 Oct 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

Aug 21 Aug 30 Sept 05 Sept 19 Oct 04 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 25 Oct 31

New Hampstead

Savannah High

Head Coach: Tony Welch Blue Jackets - Blue & White

Head Coach: Tim Adams Warriors - Red & Gray

GHSA CLass AAAA & AAA

Island High

Head Coach: Scott Shwarzer Knights - Green & White Home Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away

Aug 29 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 18 Sept 26 Oct 10 Oct 18 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 06

GHSA 3-AAAA

Beach Savannah Groves Screven County Whale Beach, SC Wayne County Burke County Liberty County Thomson New Hampstead

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Academic Athlete sponsored by:

Hunter Floyd

Addison Fisher Robert Toombs Christian Academy

Bookend Best Friends by Rob Asbell

efensive ends are usually thought of as being big, nasty-looking players known more for their physical abilities than their prowess in the classroom. Not so at Robert Toombs Christian Academy in Lyons where Addison Fisher and Hunter Floyd are honor students, best friends, and bookends on the defensive line for the defending state champion Crusaders. RTCA won the Georgia Independent Schools Association Class A title in 2013. Good grades often go hand in hand with offensive and defensive lines where football has become as much a tactical battleground as it is a physical one. This is especially true on a state championship team. In their 10

photography by Ginger Russell

victories last season, the Crusaders gave up an average of just 8.4 points per game with three shutouts. During those same 10 wins, RTCA scored 441 points and had over 3,000 yards rushing. The success was due in large part to the front lines which return intact this season. Coach Thomas Smith is going into his fourth season at the helm of the RTCA football program and has watched Fisher and Floyd grow. “They do a great job of being leaders on the field, in the classroom and in their community,” he said. Both players have had interest from Division II, Division III, and NAIA schools, and they have been invited to prospect camps over the summer. Fisher is an explosive playmaker on defense and has worked hard in the weight room

where he is one of the team’s better power cleaners with a 300-pound max. He uses his quickness to make plays - whether a big hit or turning the running back into the linebackers. “He does a tremendous job of transitioning from run read to pass rush,” Coach Smith said. He has been selected All-Region and All-State in football as a defensive end and tight end for the Crusaders. He also throws the discus for the track team where he won region in the spring and finished second in state the past two years. In addition, he also plays baseball and wrestles for RTCA which keeps him busy year-round. “Fish,” as friends call him, loves the feeling of being in the game. “The adrenaline is rushing, all of my teammates are going hard

Fisher and Floyd have tremendous impact on the field, but more importantly they have an impact on the people around them - from their peers to the young kids that look up to them. every play, and if one of us does make a play, we all go crazy,” he said. He started playing football when he was seven years old at the Vidalia Recreation Department and stayed there until he got into middle school. He earned a starting spot on varsity his sophomore year. Fisher holds a 3.6 grade point average and is a member of the Science Club. He hopes to attend the University of Georgia and study either architecture or physical therapy. When he is away from school he likes to play Xbox and hang out with his friends and girlfriend. On the other end of the defensive line is Fisher’s best friend Hunter Floyd who plays both football and baseball for RTCA. He was All-Region and Second Team All-State in football where he split time as both a tight end and defensive end for the Crusaders. “I love the competitive atmosphere and lining up with my teammates to do our best and to fight for each other on every play,” Floyd said. He started playing recreation league ball when he was 10 and played his seventh- and eighth- grade years of middle school before playing all four years of high school. Floyd gives the Crusaders a strong physical presence as the strong side defensive end. “He has a great combination of strength and quickness. Hunter benches 315 pounds and does a great job using his hands,” said Coach Smith. On offense, Floyd has played everything from center to tight end and plays wherever he is needed. He was also chosen All-Region in baseball where he was a right-fielder and designated

hitter. In the classroom, Floyd also holds a 3.6 GPA, he is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and he attends Lyons First Baptist Church. Like many teens, Floyd is still undecided on his future plans but would like to include sports in his collegiate experience. Both players agree that their most memorable game was last year’s state championship tilt against Augusta’s Curtis Baptist. Prior to the GISA Class A state championship at Mercer University, many favored Curtis Baptist and its 11-2 record. But Robert Toombs Christian Academy had been to the championship game the previous season and had experience on their side. Curtis Baptist scored first and then had another big pass play but was then unable to move the ball against RTCA’s defensive front which gave up a paltry 52 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, the offensive line was opening holes for Rico Rogers who had 195 yards rushing and scored the final touchdown to slam the door and give RTCA the championship 26-14. This season, the Crusaders move up to AA just one year after having a perfect region record. Fisher and Floyd have tremendous impact on the field, but more importantly they have an impact on the people around them - from their peers to the young kids that look up to them. Coach Smith believes their combination of athleticism and intelligence will give Fisher and Floyd plenty of opportunities. “They both excel in football and baseball and have the grades to go with it. That combination will open a lot of doors.” ITG

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Coach’s Corner

The McMillan’s use CrossFit training and implement games to teach the students to move correctly at an early age. “We teach basics. There’s not a lot of weightlifting involved; it’s mainly about proper movement,” McMillan said.

Brooke McMillan

Savannah Christian Preparatory School 28

Coach Macs

Remake Savannah Christian Fitness Program by Rob Asbell

hen Brooke McMillan and her husband, Tate, came to Savannah Christian Preparatory School two years ago, they had no idea they would somehow morph into a single entity known to students as the “Coach Macs.” But there it is, on the school’s CrossFit inspiration website. Understandable since they are together most of the time. “My husband and I teach in the same gym, grades six through eight,” Brooke McMillan says. They team-teach some classes and spend a lot of time together during the day, but once school is over, they go their separate ways: He is the middle school athletic director, football coach, and assistant coach on the high school baseball team, while she coaches softball at both the middle school and high school levels. But Brooke McMillan is no ordinary softball coach. She is starting her third year as the Lady Raiders’ coach and already has an enviable track record. She has led Savannah Christian to the state private school semi-finals in each of her first two seasons. During her tenure, the Raiders have yet to lose a game in Region 3-A. With an overall coaching record of 54-18-1, McMillan has won 27 games in each of her first two years and was named Region Coach of the Year both seasons. In 2012, she had one of her proudest moments as a coach when the Lady Raiders

photography by Imagined by Chas

faced George Walton Academy in the state tournament. After enduring a grueling contest that went into extra innings, SCPS handled the pressure like pros, winning a 6-5 thriller. “We put together some awesome memories and had a great mesh of players,” Brooke said. “We ended up finishing third at the state tournament, the best finish in school history.” It hasn’t been long since the McMillans’ met in college; Tate was playing baseball for Tennessee Tech while Brooke was a member of the softball team. After both received their bachelor’s degrees, Tate went on to receive his master’s. Soon after, the two were married and moved to Savannah to take jobs at Savannah Christian. Brooke McMillan grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin where she attended Pulaski High School. During her high school career she earned 11 varsity letters (three in volleyball, four in basketball, four in softball) and was named All-State her senior year. Her athletic talents were strong enough to land her a spot on the Golden Eagles’ softball roster at Tennessee Tech. She was a team leader who helped guide the Golden Eagles to the OVC championship game. Her biggest moment came during the conference tournament her senior year when she hit a two-run single in the seventh inning to put her team in the lead. “We beat the number two and three seeds that day to advance us in the tournament,”

she said. “It was an exhilarating day and one of the last games I ever played.” Academically, Brooke also outstanding, being named to the Ohio Valley Conference and Tennessee Tech’s Athletic Director’s Honor Roll three straight years. The couple arrived at Savannah Christian just as the school decided to start CrossFit training for students, making it the first K-12 school in the nation to make the program part of its daily curriculum. CrossFit is a strength and conditioning program based on improving neurological fitness and physical abilities to suit an individual’s level of ability. It uses parts of many different exercise programs including weightlifting, gymnastics, calisthenics, and high intensity interval training. It is also a competitive sport designed to prepare practitioners for any physical challenge. Teachers at SCPS went through Level One training and the McMillans went on to get their CrossFit Kids certification. “It’s a different classroom environment,” Brooke McMillan says.”It’s not just a regular P.E. class.” The instructors use CrossFit training and implement games to teach the students to move correctly at an early age. “We teach basics. There’s not a lot of weightlifting involved; it’s mainly about proper movement.” The McMillans’ team-teach the advanced classes together; they have also added CrossFit to workouts for the baseball and softball teams and have seen improvement in the athletes’ strength and fitness. Fitness has become part of Brooke’s life. If she is not teaching fitness classes, she is taking them. “I can’t seem to get away from it,” she said. “Fitness is just a big passion.” As a coach, McMillan learned a lot about passion and hard work at TTU, which had high expectations for student-athletes on and off the field. Although she thought it extreme at the time, she has seen the positive influence it has had on her today. “If nothing else, my basic coaching philosophy revolves around making my players into better people,” she said. “I want my players to learn every day, make the right choice every time, and get through tough situations now so that when they grow older they have the confidence to take on anything.” ITG

GHSA Class AA AA Title Likely to Come through Savannah by John Wood

Photo Courtesy of htosports.com

1,121 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for close to 300 yards. Kajana Dixon had 400-plus yards of receiving and also is a key kick returner. Defensively, Dominique Mock had 85 total tackles, the third-highest on the team. Mock also helped cause four fumbles. Markus Johnson also brings strong varsity experience with 58 total tackles. The Groves Rebels are definitely the mystery team of the region. Groves has suffered from loss of enrollment; however, the Rebels remained AAAAAA after the GHSA realignment. Last season Groves battled through with no more than 27 players on its roster. “Mr. Groves Football” Greg Hunter, who had been the head coach since Karl DeMasi’s departure in the mid2000’s, retired. The Rebels recently hired Mike Martin who was head coach at Windsor Forest, so he will be familiar with the region. Photo Courtesy of Sanahhahnow.com

Photo Courtesy of htosports.com

Traditionally, Vidalia has been a strong football team, and with in-county rival Toombs County moving up to Class AAA, the Indians find themselves in a similar position in Region 2-AA. Indian linebacker/quarterback Nate McBride is certainly going to be key to a successful season for Indians’ Head Coach Lee Chomskis’ squad. McBride’s summer has been busy attending camps at the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, and the University of South Carolina and netting offers to play college football for all three. Wide receiver Jordan Black had 30 catches for 678 yards and five touchdowns. The Indians had 21 players on the All-Region teams and returned a number of those players this year. Bryan County Redskins Head Football Coach Mark Wilson has continued to keep the Redskins headed in the right direction. Senior quarterback Jeremy McClendon is back for his senior season. McClendon threw for Photo Courtesy of Sanahhahnow.com

ast season was certainly a memorable one for Danny Britt and his Benedictine Military School Cadets. Benedictine’s season ended a week before the Dome in a final-second loss to Lamar. The next week, Lamar went on to lose to former Savannah Country Day Head Coach Mike Muschamp’s Lovett School team in the AA title game. Even after losing 21 seniors, there will be plenty of maroonand-white-wearing players over on Seawright Drive that expect to garner another region title and get to the Georgia Dome. The Cadets have plenty of college prospects led by rising senior, three-sport star Brad Stewart. Stewart is one of quarterback Stevie Powers’s favorite receiving targets who caught 30 passes for 698 yards and 11 touchdowns. Powers will also have depth in the backfield with Chance Jackson who was one of the leading underclassmen rushers last season. Chase Marini and Joseph Holguin will bolster the Cadets’ offense. Defensively, Benedictine still has several players giving them a strong secondary headed by Stewart at free safety. Jack Mueller - who recorded 76 tackles - is a rising senior. Zach Scott, Trueself Cooper, and those returning on offense will keep the pressure on BC opponents. Kicker Brandon DeLoach was 67-of-69 in PAT’s, and it’s always an added bonus to have an experienced kicker. In week four last season, many thought the only team that could derail Benedictine’s bolt to a Region 2-AA title was the Vidalia Indians. However, Benedictine shut the Indians out, 28-0.

Quaterback Shabari Davis threw for a 1,000 yards - including six touchdowns - and he will be back for his senior year. Devin Nixon rushed for 396 yards last year and was also a force on defense. Playing on both sides of the line, Dexter Treadwell inked 48 tackles. One thing is for certain: Groves will certainly put together a hard-nosed squad for the 2014 season. ITG

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Vidalia

Head Coach: Lee Chomskis GHSA 2-AA

Indians - Black, Gold, & Maroon

Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 05 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 03 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 07

Swainsboro West Laurens Toombs County McIntosh County Academy* Groves* Long County* Benedictine* Bacon County* Jeff Davis* Bryan County*

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Bryan County

Head Coach: Mark Wilson GHSA 2-AA

Redskins - Red & White Aug 22 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 07

Metter Claxton Southeast Bulloch Groves* Benedictine* Bacon County* McIntosh County Academy* Jeff Davis* Long County* Vidalia*

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Groves

Head Coach: Mike Martin GHSA 2-AA

Rebels - Black & Gold

Aug 29 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 10 Oct 16 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 07

Islands New Hampstead Windsor Forest Bryan County* Vidalia* McIntosh County Academy* Long County* Benedictine Bacon County* Jeff Davis*

GHSA CLass AA

Greater Atlanta Christian Liberty County Bacon County* Bryan County* Wayne County Jeff Davis* Vidalia* Groves McIntosh County Academy* Long County*

Photo Courtesy of BryanCountyNews.net

Aug 22 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 07

Photo Courtesy of the effingham Herald

Head Coach: Danny Britt GHSA 2-AA

Cadets - Maroon & White

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Photo Courtesy of Savannahnow.com

Benedictine

Gil Werntz IV St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School

Rising Star sponsored by:

His Feet on the Field, His Future in the Clouds by Rob Asbell

avannah’s Stillwell Towers could have competition one day as the city’s tallest building. That is, if Gil Werntz IV has anything to say about it. The eighth-grader at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School in Savannah has aspirations of one day being an architect and “building skyscrapers in Savannah.” Werntz plays football, basketball, and St. Peter’s newest sport, lacrosse. “Hooper,” as friends call him, is the son of Gil and Alice Werntz of Savannah, and he stays busy yearround with athletics, except for when he is studying. With a 3.7 grade point average, his plans to major in architecture at Georgia Tech could become a reality in the near future. His school, St. Peter’s on Wilmington Island,

photography by Gil Werntz III

plays in the Savannah Parochial Athletic League, a collection of private schools that compete in several different sports at the middle school level. “Athletically, he’s strong as an ox,” said St. Peter’s football coach Tommy Harrison. “He’s done a good job for us.” Werntz slugs it out in the trenches for the Rams on the football field, playing offensive and defensive line. He has a combination of strength and work ethic that make him a playmaker for the Rams. His first big play came in his very first middle school game on the very first defensive series he played. “I tackled a running back for a safety during the first opposition possession of my first middle school game.” 33 33

On the basketball court, he hustles up and down for Coach Ed Chapman’s team on the hardwood as a forward, and in lacrosse, he has found his home as a defender. One of his most memorable moments was scoring his first goal this season. His ultimate sports dream would be to play lacrosse at the collegiate level. His favorite part of the game just happens to fit well with both football and lacrosse. “Being able to hit people.” He also has a creative side; he wants to build tall buildings and take photos. Werntz received photo credit for taking the cover shot for In the Game Magazine featuring Benedictine winning the state championship. Like many young men, Werntz got his start playing t-ball and basketball at the YMCA when he was four years old. When he was seven, he started playing basketball and baseball for Coach Scooter Ducey and football for the Talahi Tigers of Coach Johnny McIinnis and Coach Jerry Dobbins. “I began playing at fullback and linebacker on the other side of the ball,” Werntz said. “Later on, I moved onto the offensive and defensive line after I broke my foot at a practice in 2009.” The injury does not seem to have slowed Werntz who continued to play for the Tigers through fourth grade. He started playing for St. Peter’s in fifth grade and has played for Coach Tommy Harrison ever since. He also continued playing basketball for Coach Chapman at SPA, and the seventh-grade team finished the season as runner-up in the Savannah Parochial Athletic League.

Last year, Werntz made the switch in spring sports from baseball to lacrosse. St. Peter’s fielded its first lacrosse team but didn’t have enough to play both baseball and lacrosse in 2014, so Werntz and others learned the game while playing for Coastal Empire Lacrosse with Coaches Dan Umbel, Mike Pavlis, and Billy Groves. Werntz was a member of the first St. Peter’s lacrosse team playing for Coach Pavlis. “Lacrosse and football are my favorites, and I hope I can play them both at Benedictine.” That should not be a problem, according to Coach Pavlis, who says Werntz is a student of the game and very coachable, and his drive makes his teammates stronger. Along with being a three-sport athlete, Werntz is also the co-President of the SPA Student Council. He is also in the Robotics Club and on the yearbook staff. After graduating St. Peter’s, Werntz will follow in his father’s footsteps and become a Cadet at Benedictine Military School. “Being part of good teams and bad teams has taught Gil how to handle adversity, win with character, and that being a part of a team helps accomplish goals he can’t do alone,” said father, Gil Werntz III. When Gil IV does get a break, he attends football games at Georgia Southern University, and like any other teenager, plays video games between pickup games with friends in the neighborhood. ITG

Class A Schools Class A Together Until the Playoffs by John Wood

fans is Jeremiah Mercer. Jeremiah’s brother is Josh Mercer, standout running back at South Effingham. With only 40 players out over on the beautiful Savannah Country Day School campus, Hornets head football coach Dennis Coyle has to be able to get the most of each players and coach. “Even though we don’t have a large of number players out, I think we have 40 talented players that can get us to the state championship. This year we will have more experience, and we are working hard in the summer. I have a great staff that really works hard and enjoys coaching football,” Coyle said. Coyle’s team finished with a .500 record, 5-5, including 3-2 in Region A-3, that included losses to city rivals Calvary Day and Savannah Christian. SCD’s free safety and absolute athlete is Demetris Robertson. Robertson has offers from Alabama and several other SEC schools. His name continually pops up on the recruiting boards. Players like Robertson are helping to lead a resurgence of strong Division I prospects in the Savannah area. Last week, Robertson was named a Junior Under Armour Preseason All-American. In the last two weeks Robertson has picked up offers from Virginia Tech, LSU, and Louisville, which totals up to 31 total offers. Robertson is in the top 40 nationally and ranked as the number two athlete by position and the fifth-best safety prospect in Georgia. He had 90 tackles last season including 80 solo tackles. The Hornets have a strong group of experienced rising seniors including quarterback Hunt-

Calvary Day School Cavaliers - Purple & Gold

8/22 9/05 9/19 9/26 10/03 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31 11/07

New Hampstead Bradwell Institute Johnson County At Wheeler County At Jenkins County Savannah Christian At Portal Claxton At Savannah Country Day At Region 3-A Crossover

er Hatley, offensive lineman Sales Pickney and one of the best assets any team regardless of size or class can posses, a strong kicker, Colton Lichtenberg. Lichtenberg kicked a 51-yard game winning field goal against Portal last season and is creating a buzz as a potential college kicker. He also averaged 38.6 yards per punt, and was 24-for-25 on PAT’s, and was an honorable mention All-State and listed as one of the top ten kickers in the state by the AJC. Defensively, SCD will have depth with Jake Lee and Yakavian Lee. Savannah Christian Preparatory School has been the traditional power for several years. The Raiders certainly know their way up I-75 to the Georgia Dome. However, just like other area schools, Raiders’ Head Coach Donald Chumley was hit hard by graduation. SCPS finished 5-5-1, but underclassman backs Ben Jackson, Wade Benton, and Nick Bateman should add some depth offensively. Tyler Arnold was the leading underclass tackler with 63. John Jackson, Jack Bush, and a very versatile J.T. Mertz will aid the defense. Claxton has seen a resurgence on the arms and legs of quarterback Cornelius Taylor. Running back Darvius Small gives Taylor some depth in the backfield along with several other young backs that need additional experience. Jenkins County has been constantly turning its program since going 1-9 in 2011 to winning records and becoming a playoff threat the past two seasons. The War Eagles have an up tempo offense that scores a lot of points. One of the biggest assets is Division I offensive line prospect, Saquan Reese. Reese, 6’ 6”, 270 pounds plugs holes on both sides of the line. ITG

Head Coach: Mark Stroud Photo Courtesy of Savannahnow.com

hen the Georgia High School Association went through its overhaul of the classification system, private schools that were GHSA member schools ended up in their own class and playing for a state championship against private schools that were similar in enrollment. This decision mainly affected the smaller schools but just in the past schools have an option to play up. Schools play in a regular region but once playoffs start they compete against other private schools in the same class until they either are eliminated or end up at the Georgia Dome to play in the state championship game. Last year a Savannah Class A Private school, Calvary Day School, made the inaugural Class A Private State Championship game, losing to Aquinas, 27-7. Coach Mark Stroud has continued to build off of a strong foundation that current Benedictine Head Football Coach Danny Britt started at Calvary years ago. Though Calvary finished 11-3 last season, graduation hit them hard. Quarterback Michael Peterson and tight end Milan Richardson are both gone. Richardson will be playing for Clemson this fall. Even with several players graduating and having to fill some spots, Stroud still has some veterans returning to M.D. Anderson Field this season. Calvary will have two great senior leaders in running back Robert Heyward and weak side defensive end Tyrone Riley. Sophomore Austin Byrd, whose play was a huge factor in the semifinal game, will also be with the Cavs next season. Another familiar name to coastal area football

Head Coach: Patrick Hendrix

Tigers - Black & Gold

8/29 9/05 9/19 9/26 10/03 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31 11/07

At Metter At Bryan County Emanuel County Institute At Treutlen Portal At Jenkins County Savannah Country Day At Calvary Day School Savannah Christian At Region 3-A Play-In

Jenkins County

Head Coach: Charlie Waters

War Eagles - Blue & White 8/22 8/29 9/12 9/19 10/03 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31 11/07

Montgomery County At Treutlen East Laurens Wheeler County Calvary Day School Claxton At Savannah Christian (Garden City Stadium) Savannah Country Day At Portal At Region 3-A Play-In

Savannah Christian

Raiders - Red & White 8/21 8/29 9/12 9/19 9/26 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31 11/07

Hornets - Green & Gold 8/22 8/29 9/12 9/19 9/26 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31 11/07

Head Coach: Donald Chumley

Jenkins (Garden City Stadium) McIntosh County Academy (Garden City Stadium) At Savannah Country Day Treutlen (Garden City Stadium) At Montgomery County At Calvary Day School Jenkins County (Garden City Stadium) Portal (Garden City Stadium) At Claxton At Region 3-A Play-In

Savannah County Day

CLass A Schools

Claxton

Photo Courtesy of Savannahnow.com

Head Coach: Dennis Croyle

At Episcopal School, Jacksonville, Florida At Stratford Academy Savannah Christian Montgomery County At Emanuel County Institute Portal At Claxton At Jenkins County Calvary Day School At Region 3-A Play-In

You Can’t Keep a Good Player Down by Rob Asbell

oing to college will be a short trip for Vidalia High School’s Laura Vinson, but it has been a long journey getting there. Vinson has signed to play softball at Brewton Parker College in Mount Vernon which is just 12 miles up the road from her high school. To get there, however, she had to overcome a debilitating knee injury that forced her to put most of her athletic endeavors on hold - which is saying a lot for someone who excelled in not one, but five sports. During her senior year, the fear of not being able to play became a reality when Vinson tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee. The injury occurred during her senior year, so she pushed herself through the pain to finish the softball season. After the season, she had the ACL repaired, but recuperation kept her from playing any other sports her senior year which was a blow to the Indians’ other teams. Although she plays lots of sports, softball has always been her favorite. She usually plays first base but can play just about anywhere on the field. “Except pitcher,” she said. Despite the knee injury, Vinson finished the season with a .344 batting average, nine doubles, and 16 runs scored. “Laura was our three-hole hitter, so she is a player that we really looked for to get things done,” said Brad Thompson, head softball coach at Vidalia High School. “She hit for power in the gaps and very seldomly struck out.” The Indians were 20-11 last season and made it to the quarterfinals of the GHSA State Softball Playoffs.

photography by Ginger Russell Photography

Vinson has been a multi-athlete standout since sixth grade. She played travel soccer when she was 12-years-old and then started playing softball. She was the youngest on her travel team but somehow kept up with the older girls. Since middle school, Vinson was a five-sport athlete at Vidalia, playing softball, basketball, soccer, track, and cross country. Not surprisingly, Vinson was named “Most Athletic” in her senior class. Her favorite part of playing sports? “Being around my teammates.” One of her biggest games came in her junior season, Vinson recalls, when she got to step up big for the Lady Indians during the state tournament. Playing a team they had never beaten - the Bacon County Red Raiders - Vinson came up in the order after nearly everyone on the team had struck out. Vinson got a good pitch and sent the ball over the fence for a homerun and the victory. Vinson now spends most of her time studying, practicing, or playing, but she does make time for some fun. “I go to mud bogs and hang out with my friends,” she said. “Basically my life is sports.” Her athletic career will continue. Vinson is set to begin playing for the Brewton Parker College Barons. While there, she plans to major in sports medicine to become an athletic trainer or a physical therapist. Coach Thompson believes the Barons are getting an outstanding player who is able to produce every day. “She worked to get herself and our team better. Laura was a true example of Indian Pride and will deeply be missed by her Vidalia softball family.” ITG

GISA Schools Battle of Champions in GISA

Photo Courtesy of Savannahnow.com

obert Toombs Christian Academy won it all last season. So did Memorial Day School. This year, the two teams not only find themselves in the same classification, but also in the same region. Both will be playing in the GISA Region 2-AA and will meet at McClendon Field on October 3. It is unusual to have two state champions from the previous year to meet in the same classification, but that is exactly what will happen this season. Both accomplished the ultimate goal of all teams in 2013 when they brought home the championship. In a battle of Crusaders, RTCA defeated Curtis Baptist of Augusta, 26-14, to win the Georgia Independent Schools Association’s Class A state title and bring it back to Lyons. Meanwhile, Savannah’s Memorial Matadors of Coach Michael Thompson were beating the Valwood School for the GISA AA state championship. RTCA, the private school in Lyons,

moves up just one year after having a perfect region record. There are six teams playing in the Georgia Independent schools Association in the coastal area: the Bulloch Academy Gators out of Statesboro, Pinewood Christian Patriots of Bellville (just outside of Claxton), the David Emanuel Academy Eagles of Stillmore, Savannah’s Memorial Day School, the Robert Toombs Christian Academy Crusaders from Lyons, and First Presbyterian Christian Highlanders from Hinesville. RTCA plays in GISA 2-AA along with the Memorial Day School Matadors, the David Emanuel Academy Eagles of Coach Ty Mingle, and the First Presbyterian Highlanders out of Hinesville. First year Coach Terrance Hennessey’s Bulloch Academy Gators out of Statesboro and Pinewood Christian are in GISA 2-AAA. Coach Thomas Smith is going into his fourth season at the helm of the RTCA Crusaders and has some key players returning this season. Among players to watch in the GISA this year are the backfield tandem of Rico Rogers and Marion Dingle who returned to RTCA, much to the chagrin of opposing defenses. The two combined for more than 3,000 yards and 40 touchdowns last season. “We return our front five on defense and both running backs,” Coach

Robert Toombs Christian Academy

Photo Courtesy of Savannahnow.com

by Rob Asbell

Smith said of his team’s strengths this year. The team’s leading passer, junior quarterback Brent Anderson, is also back after tossing for 1,160 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. RTCA returns 13 starters, six on offense and seven on defense. Pinewood Christian Academy made it to the first round of the GISA state playoffs last season before being sent home by Stratford Academy. The Patriots return 17 starters from last year’s playoff team. “We have a number of returning players in skilled positions on both sides of the ball,” said PCA Coach Keith Wasson who has overseen the Patriots’ program for the past 10 years. PCA returns quarterback Brenley Hagan, who was also the team’s leading tackler last year from his safety position, and leading receiver Joshua Barnard. College scouts have their eyes on several of RTCA’s players, including Rogers who ran for 1,562 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2013. Others include 1,500-yard rusher Dingle, defensive linemen Drew Todd, Addison Fisher, and Hunter Floyd, and wide receiver Zach Holmes. ITG

Crusaders - Blue, Navy, & White H ead Coach: Tom Smith GISA 2-AA Aug 22 Pinewood Home Aug 29 Southland Away Sept 5 Bulloch Home Sept 12 Windsor Away Sept 19 Trinity Away Sept 26 Frederica Away Oct 3 Memorial Home Oct 10 Newberry Florida Away Oct 17 David Emanuel Away Oct 24 First Presbyterian Home Oct 31 Faith Home

Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 03 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

Georgia Christian Bulloch Academy Thomas Jefferson Edmund Burke Academy Windsor Academy Briarwood Academy Crisp Academy Robert Toombs Christian Academy Memorial Day School First Presbyterian Christian

Memorial Day School Matadors - Royal Blue & Red Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Oct 03 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

Valwood School Pinewood Christian Bethesda Trinity Christian, Dublin Bulloch Academy Robert Toombs Christian Academy First Presbyterian Christian David Emanuel Academy Southland Academy

Bulloch Academy First Presbyterian Christian David Emanuel Academy Robert Toombs Christian Academy Gatewood School Memorial Day School Westfield School Brentwood School Edmund Burke Academy Frederica Academy Trinity Christian, Dublin Pinewood Christian

Pinewood Christian Patriots - Green & Orange Head Coach: Keith Wasson Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 5 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 31

RTCA Memorial Day School Brentwood School Tiftarea Academy First Presbyterian Augusta Prep Edmund Burke Frederica Academy Trinity Christian Bulloch Academy

Head Coach: Ty Mingle GISA 2-AA

Away Home Away Home Away Away Home Home Away Home

Head Coach: Michael Thompson GISA 2-AA Home Away Home Away Away Away Away Home Away

Head Coach: Terence Hennessy GISA 2-AAA

Gators - Green & Yellow

Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

GiSA schools

David Emanuel Academy

Eagles - Red, White, & Blue

GISA 2-AAA Away Home Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away

Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home

First Presbyterian Christian Highlanders - Blue & White Head Coach: Jamie Sharp Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 03 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

GISA 2-AA

Bulloch Academy Briarwood Academy Georgia Christian Pinewood Christian Crisp Academy Southwest Georgia Memorial Day School RTCA David Emanuel Academy

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South Carolina Schools Big Talent Leads Carolina Preps by Rob Asbell

The Coastal area of South Carolina boasts some of the top teams and best talent in the Lowlands including a defensive end considered by many to be the top prospect in the state. Whether the public schools or the private schools playing in the South Carolina Independent Schools Association, the competition will be strong this season. The public schools include the Beaufort High Eagles, Battery Creek Dolphins, Bluffton High School Bobcats, Hilton Head Seahawks, Ridgeland-Hardeville High School Jaguars, and Whale Branch Warriors. Representing the largest classification in the area is Beaufort High School and Bluffton High School, both of which reside in Region AAAA-8. Mark Clifford’s Beaufort Eagles had a strong showing in 2013 and hope to continue growing stronger. Ken Cribbs’ Bluffton Bobcats made the playoffs and hope to make a return in 2014. They are led by scout.com’s top college prospect in South Carolina, Shameik Blackshear. The 6’5,” 230-pound defensive end is ranked as the seventh-best defensive end in the country, too. Blackshear was sought after by many schools but has already committed to Coach Steve Spurrier’s University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

Shameik Blackshear

In AAA-8 are the Hilton Head High School Seahawks who also made a playoff run last season. They will be led this year by top collegiate prospect Aaron Frazier. The wide receiver is being sought by Arizona, Ohio and Toledo. AA-6 has Coach Jim Shuman’s Battery Creek Dolphins, who fell in the first round last season, and the Ridgeland-Hardeeville Jaguars who are being led by first year head coach Jahmaal Nelson. Treyvon Bryan will lead Whale Branch in A-5 this year. The 6’2,” 235-pound defensive end is being looked at by Clemson, South Carolina, and the Citadel. In the SCISA, the Hilton Head Christian Eagles of Coach Ryan Mitch hope to make a return trip to the state AA finals. They share Region AA-2 with the Thomas Heyward Academy Rebels of Coach Nic Shuford who fell in the quarterfinals last season and would like to travel further into the playoffs. The Hilton Head Prep Dolphins finished .500 last year but were 0-4 in the South Carolina Independent Schools Association Region A-2. Kevin Wald enters his third season as coach of the Dolphins and sees at least one positive from last season. “We built a stable foundation,” Coach Walk says. “Our strength is overall returning experience.” Leading the way for the Dolphins will be junior quarterback Tyler Fox who threw for 1,250 yards last year. He will be joined by returning receiver John Larson who had 23 catches. They return 14 starters this year - seven on offense and seven on defense. Among those returning is Academic Athlete Adam Schauss. The senior

Aaron Frazier

carries a solid 3.7 grade point average. Also, one of the must see games in the Low Country this season will be the Halloween Night battle between the HHCA Eagles and Hilton Head Prep at Dolphin Stadium. In A-1 is the Bible Baptist Braves and the St. Andrew Saints, both from Savannah and both of whom look to improve this season. ITG

Hilton Head Island High School Seahawks Head Coach: BJ Payne Aug 22 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 26 Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Oct 31 42

Ridgeland West Ashley Battery Creek Bluffton Hanahan Berkeley Beaufort Orangeburg-Wilkinson Stall Fort Dorchester

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Head Coach: Doug Dixon

Head Coach: Jonathan Mauk Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 26 Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

St. Andrew’s Home Thomas Heyward Academy Away Hilton Head Christian Aca. Home Hilton Head Prep Home Palmetto Christian Academy Away Curtis Baptist Home Dorchester Academy Home Northwood Academy Home Colleton Prep Academy Home Bethesda Academy Away

Home Away Home Away Away Away Away Home Home Away

Beaufort High School Eagles Bluffton Battery Creek Manning Berkeley Stall Fort Dorchester Hilton Head Hanahan Orangeburg-Wilkinson

Away Away Away Home Away Away Home Home Away

Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 25 Oct 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24

Bluffton Estill Hilton Head Beaufort Ridgeland Garrett Academy Tech Bishop England North Charleston Academic Magnet

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Hilton Head Prep

Head Coach: Ken Cribb Battery Creek Effingham Co. Johnson Whale Branch Hilton Head Wando Open Ashley Ridge Ft. Dorchester Colleton County Summerville

Trinity-Byrnes Home Bible Baptist. Away Northwood Academy Home First Baptist School Away Bethesda Academy Home Palmetto Christian Academy Home Christian Academy Home Thomas Heyward Academy Away St. Andrew’s Away Hilton Head Prep Away

Head Coach: Jim Shuman

Bluffton Bobcats Aug 29 Sept 5 Sept 12 Sept 18 Sept 26 Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31 Nov 7

Aug 22 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

Battery Creek Dolphins

Head Coach: Mark Clifford Sept 05 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 03 Oct 10 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

Away Home Home Home Home Away Away Home Home Home

Head Coach: Ryan Mitch

Head Coach: Nic Shuford Bible Baptist St. Andrew’s Bethesda Academy Northwood Academy Dorchester Academy Orangeburg Prep Hilton Head Prep Hilton Head Christian Curtis Baptist Colleton Prep Academy

Bible Baptist Frederica Academy Thomas Heyward Academy First Baptist School Colleton Prep Academy Northwood Academy Bethesda Academy Hilton Head Prep Hilton Head Christian Aca. Palmetto Christian Academy

Hilton Head Christian Academy Eagles

Thomas Heyward Academy Rebels Aug 29 Sept 5 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

Aug 22 Aug 29 Sept 05 Sept 12 Sept 26 Oct 03 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

South Carolina Schools

St. Andrew’s Lions

Bible Baptist Braves

Head Coach: Kevin Wald Home Away Home Home Home Away Home Home Home Away

Aug 29 Sept 5 Sept 12 Sept 19 Sept 26 Oct 3 Oct 10 Oct 17 Oct 24 Oct 31

Bethesda Day School Home Northwood Academy Home Bible Baptist Away Palmetto Christian Away Curtis Baptist Home Colleton Preparatory Academy Away Thomas Heyward Academy Away St. Andrew’s School Away Dorchester Academy Home Hilton Head Christian Aca. Home 43

Impact Players Preston Smith

Laura Vinson

Jasmine Roberts

Snack: Reeseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food: Ravioli Hobby: Playing NBA 2K14 (video game) Pro Team: Miami Heat College Team: Duke Blue Devils Pro Player: James Harden TV show: SportsCenter Movie: Harry Potter Series Movie Star: Will Ferrell School Subject: Math Place to travel: New York

Snack: Gummy worms Food: Pizza Hobby: Sports College Team: UGA Pro Player: Taylor Schloppe softball at UGA Movie: The Fast and the Furious School subject: Math Pets: Two dogs: Maggie and Champ Place to travel: Beach

Snack: Everything! I love snacks! Food: Shrimp Alfredo Hobby: Basketball, volleyball, and sports in general Pro Team: Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Sparks College Team: Baylor Pro Player: Candace Parker and Odyssey Sims TV show: Mary Mary Movie: Matilda Movie star: Angela Bassett School subject: Human Anatomy Place to travel: Dominican Republic

Southeast Bulloch

Vidalia High School

Southeast Bulloch

Gil Werntz IV

Addison Fisher

Hunter Floyd

Snack: Blueberries and Raspberries Food: Chicken fingers and wings Hobby: Lacrosse Pro Team: Atlanta Falcons College Team: Georgia Southern Eagles Pro Player: My cousin, Joey Hamilton (former major league pitcher), Matt Ryan, Jerrick McKinnon, Chipper Jones. TV show: MythBusters Movie: Star Wars School subject: Social Studies (history) Pets: Lizzie & Blake Place to travel: London or other European cities

Snack: Pizza bites Food: Spaghetti Hobby: Art/drawing Pro Team: Steelers and San Fransico Giants College Team: UGA Pro Player: Russell Wilson TV show: The Walking Dead Movie: The Edge of Tomorrow Movie star: Johnny Depp School subject: Literature Pets: Dog (lab) Place to travel: Panama City Beach

Snack: Cheese dip and salsa from Rio Grande Food: Steak Hobby: Any kind of sport, hunting and fishing Pro Team: Falcons and Braves College Team: Georgia Bulldogs Pro Player: Josh Hamilton and Peyton Manning TV show: SportsCenter Movie: Gladiator Movie star: Kevin Hart School subject: Math Pets: My dog Molly Place to travel: The Beach!

St. Peter the Apostle School

Robert Toombs Christian Academy

Who inspires you and why? Preston Smith

Southeast Bulloch

“My mother inspires me everyday because she encourages me to try to be the best person that I can be. She also gives me a great example of what it takes to be successful.”

Jasmine Roberts

Laura Vinson Vidalia

Southeast Bulloch

“My parents inspire me because they have always had my back through everything.”

“I look up to Bre Gates because she has inspired me to become a better person and a better athlete.”

Gil Werntz IV Robert Heyward

Calvary Day School

Hunter Floyd

St. Peter the Apostle School “Franklin Roosevelt because of his famous quote, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

“I just want to thank Coach Stroud and my parents, Takiyah Martin and Robert Heyward, Sr. for helping me to be a good person and football player.”

Robert Toombs Christian Academy “Coach Smith always inspires me to work hard in do my best in everything I do, not just football. He is a great role model who would support me in anything I do. My family also inspires me by showing up to all my games and other events to support me. They make sacrifices in their everyday lives just to ensure I’m in a place where I can succeed and be happy.”

Addison Fisher Robert Toombs Christian Academy “My mom is the person who has inspired me most throughout my life. She’s always been there for me since day one. She has taught me to never give up (even when I wanted to) and to always work hard and do my best. She is also a devoted Christian, so she has helped me along with my walk with Jesus. She’s my number one fan, has never missed a game, and always tells me how well I did after each game.”

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