August 2014 Southeast Georgia Edition by ITG Next Magazine

In This Issue:

Southeast Edition

07 GHSA Reclassification

CONTENTS

August 2014

09 The Last Line of Defense

Southeast Area Defensive Backs

15 10 Games to Watch

Southeast Area Schools

18 Academic Athlete Brandon Blake

Frederica Academy

21 Hot Times at Toast of the Coast

Southeast Area Schools

24 Seniors to Watch

Southeast Area Schools

28 Coach’s Corner Franklin Stephens

Ware County High School

34 Rising Star MJ Fuller

42 Most Improved Player Kevon Brewington

Also Inside

Martha Puckett Middle School

Camden County High School

Appling County High School

Liberty County High School

Bradwell Institute

Glynn Academy

Bacon County High School

Brunswick High School

Long County High School

Jeff Davis High School

McIntosh County High School

Charlton County High School

Frederica Academy

Pierce County High School

Brantley County High School

Ware County High School

Appling County High School

Wayne County High School

Camden County High School

51 2014 Coaches’ Kick-Off Dinner

In the Game would like to send out a special thanks to Kevin Larson, Fort Stewart Public Communications Chief, and MAJ Matthew Fontaine, 3rd ID Deputy Public Affairs Officer, for their support and help in facilitating the August Cover shoot. We’d also like to thank ALL the men and woman of Fort Stewart for the sacrifices they make in defending our great nation’s freedoms, May God bless you all.

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August 2014

Publisher Shawn Smoak

Editor Mark Dykes Sarah Turner

Graphics Jennifer Alexander

Cover Photography Jeffrey Griffith Old Goat Photography

Feature Photography Jeffrey Griffith Old Goat Photography Bo Carter Bo’s Sport Photography Jennifer Carter Johnson Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography

Feature Writers John DuPont 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 The glow in the distance is what we’ve all been waiting for since December: FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS. It’s time for toe to meet leather in SEGA, and this year promises to be as exciting as ever for high school football. Reclassification will shake things up in SEGA, creating new rivalries in some classifications as well as renewing old ones in others. Camden remains the lone 6A school for football but drops down to 5A for every other sport to help solidify Region 3-AAAAA as one of the toughest in Georgia. New coaches take over storied programs all over SEGA. In fact, we have five new head coaches; Ken Cofer at Bacon County, Greg Hill at Bradwell Institute, Rocky Hildalgo at Glynn Academy, Gary Mintier at McIntosh County Academy, and Franklin Stephens at Ware County. It should be an interesting year, and I for one, can’t wait to get started. And you can keep up with all the storylines right here in the pages of In the Game Magazine. They call them the last line of defense, the defensive secondary. They sit on an island all alone and are exposed to every play, good or bad. You have to have tough skin if you’re going to play cornerback or safety in football, and we have some of the finest in the state right here in SEGA. Take a look at seven of the best from our area that look to make an impact this season on their team as they play for a state title and the next level. We always refer to high school players as student-athletes because they are students first, and a great example of this is Frederica Academy’s Brandon Blake. Brandon started his football career as a 130-pound linebacker as a ninth-grader with no previous middle school football experience, but as a true student, he studied at how to get better at his position. This season he starts his senior year as an AllRegion linebacker with a chance to set the all time record in tackles for the Knights. Who says studying doesn’t pay off? This year we have a new feature we are excited about entitled “Most Improved Player.” First up to be featured is Kevon Brewington of Camden County. Kevon is described as a “Jack of All Trades” type of football player by Coach Welton Coffey. According to Coffey, Kevon “has matured both on and off the field and will be playing on both sides of the football for the Wildcats this season.” In an offseason filled with head coaching changes, one stands out among the crowd. All eyes were on the Ware County Gators and how they would replace legendary coach Ed Dudley. They responded by hiring a coach with a 90-8-1 record in Franklin Stephens. Coach Stephens won two state titles at Tucker and played for one last season at Lamar County. He takes over a program which has played for two state championships in the last eight years, so Gator fans are hoping to hang a state title banner of their own. Strength and speed are rare commodities on a football field. This month’s Rising Star, M.J. Fuller of Martha Puckett Middle School, has an abundance of both. M.J.’s impressive numbers in the weight room read like a varsity player’s, and his speed is second to none. M.J. uses them both on offense and defense playing running back and linebacker respectively. Remember his name because I know you’ll be hearing it a lot in years to come. It’s hard to believe that In the Game celebrated its Fifth Annual Coaches’ Kickoff Dinner this past June. Once again we gathered at the best restaurant on St. Simon’s Island, Crabdaddy’s, to enjoy some fun, food, and fellowship with the head coaches of SEGA. Thanks to our wonderful sponsors, The Bone and Joint Institute of South Georgia, C & C Sports, South Georgia Health System, and Mayo Clinic Health System for providing the opportunity for the coaches to get together and have a wonderful evening on the island. 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. Please visit our website at www.inthegamemagazine.com and our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ inthegamemagazine. Join us every Thursday evening live from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as we broadcast live “In the Game on Radio” on WWUF 97.7 FM, or stream the show live on www.waycrossradio.com. We also have excellent opportunities for fundraising for your sports team, organization or booster club. Please give us a call at 888-715-GAME 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.

Area Schools

Southeast Edition

Appling County Pirates Bacon County Red Raiders Bradwell Institute Tigers Brantley County Herons Brunswick Pirates Camden County Wildcats Charlton County Indians Frederica Academy Knights Glynn Academy Red Terrors Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets Liberty County Panthers Long County Blue Tide McIntosh County Buccaneers Pierce County Bears Ware County Gators Wayne County Yellow Jackets

Contributors

John DuPont,

Features & Commentary

John Wood,

Features & Commentary

Rob Asbell,

Features & Specials

For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 Corporate Office: Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, Georgia 31603 4

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

The Last line of Defense by John Wood

photography by Jeffrey Griffith

hen Georgia Bulldog Buck Belue heaved the football that Lindsay Scott pulled down, Bulldog great Larry Munson cried out “Run Lindsay! Run!” and Scott scored on a 93-yard touchdown, beating Florida 26-21 in a comeback win that led to a national title in 1980. The Florida secondary coach had to have all sharp items removed from his grasp because it was his unit that didn’t break up the pass. Georgia found out how that felt last year when Auburn’s Ricadro Louis caught a wobbly Nick Marshall pass on a fourth down, and the ball careened off a Bulldog defensive back. Every secondary coach in America, from Pop Warner to NFL Tampa Cover 2 guru Tony Dungy was screaming at the television “just knock the ball down.” Be it three deep or four deep in the secondary, defensive backs and their movements are very visible. It is very rare that they get trapped in a mass of players at the line of scrimmage. Those three or four defensive backs are the gridiron’s equivalent of the Alamo. Players in the secondary are all that stand between a tackle or a touchdown, and everyone either sees the highlight of the bone-crunching pass break up or the mistake that allowed the offensive team’s touchdown. The San Francisco 49ers’ legendary coach Bill Walsh once said that secondary players and their movements were “basketball on grass.” Today’s defensive backs certainly know that to be true, running the M and W drills until the bottom of their cleats are worn smooth. Even before they get to the point of learning to play a ball in the air or even form tackle, the corners and safeties have flipped their hips so many times they could have covered all of the beaches on St. Simon’s Island. Increased offensive schemes and simply the larger size and athleticism of players have mandated that a modern secondary player be able to lay the wood when necessary. These players are playing in every direction plus covering anything in the air. Meet some of the best of the “Last Line of Defense” in Southeast Georgia. ITG

Antonio Wimbush Year: Senior Position: RB/Pony Head Coach: Welton Coffey Position Coach: Coach Hump (RB) and Coach Chastain (DB)

Height: 5’10” Weight: 190 40-yard dash: 4.5 Bench: 345 Squat: 475

Potential Colleges: Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Marshall, FIU, Charleston Southern University, ODU, Bryant University, Georgia Southern, University of Florida, West Georgia, Vanderbilt, and Georgia Tech. Intel: Antonio Wimbush is going to be one of the most prolific players in the state of Georgia. His work ethic in the weight room is coupled with an outstanding effort in the classroom, giving him a 4.1 GPA. “I don’t backpedal; I come up and hit folks,” Wimbush said. Playing pony in Camden’s 3-5-3 defense would put him as a strong safety in most systems. Playing a hybrid between a linebacker and secondary player, Wimbush loves contact but also enjoys press coverage as a receiver. “I’m just blessed with the ability to play any coverage, but I prefer to play press coverage. Fast tempo, from the beginning of the play to the end,” Wimbush said. Since secondary players are not necessarily involved in the running game the way the defense is, secondary units at every level feel they don’t always get the respect they deserve. “As for me playing pony, I don’t get the respect I deserve upfront; it’s not until I hit one of my opponents in the mouth,” Wimbush said.

Carlos Pickett Year: Senior Position: FS/CB, Head Coach:Victor Floyd Position Coach: Coach Perry

Height: 5’11 Weight: 185 40-yard dash: 4.52 Bench: 285 Squat: 435

Potential Colleges: North Carolina, Georgia Tech, NC State, Florida, and Wake Forrest; committed to Marshall. Intel: Pickett is part of a defense that kept the Pirates’ heads above water in the toughest region in AAAAAA. He understands the role of the secondary in a defensive scheme and certainly embraces it. “I love man-to-man, because you get a chance to get in his face and take the best receiver out of the game,” Pickett said. His man-to-man coverage put him in the middle of eight pass break-ups and two forced fumbles last season. Memorable Moment: My junior year against Ware County. Our coach always preaches to never give up on a play, and all week I heard how fast their quarterback was suppose to be. He broke out for a big run. I got a chance to show I can run and ran him down on the 10-yard line. Three plays later we held them from scoring. Favorite Player: Ed Reed; he plays the game how it’s suppose to be played with a lot of emotion, and he plays real physical.

Camden County Power Clean: 325 Parents: Wendy and Jeremy Patrick

Memorable Moment: I have two: first, losing to Hillgrove in the second round of the playoffs, and second, getting an interception playing against Valdosta during their last drive to score and win the game. Favorite Player: Deion Sanders, he was a great secondary player, and I remind myself of him. Just like Deion, we will always put on a show. Last Line: I would first like to thank God because with him all things are possible. I’ve been active in sports since I was five years old, and my parents have been there with me every step of the way and still are. I would like to thank them for that; they are my biggest fans and supporters. I would like to give a special shout out to my coaches, teammates, and everyone else that has always believed in me. To all the up-and-coming players, remember you are student-athletes, keep God first, your grades up, stay humble, and you will succeed. I want to leave you with my Mom’s inspirational quote that I live by: “My road to success is always under construction.”

Brunswick High Power Clean: 285 Parents: Kimyatta Mays, Laverne Covington, & Carlos Pickett

Last Line: To me, playing in the secondary is the most important position on the field; we’re the only players that play backwards. You have to make all the calls when you identify the formation, and you are the last line of defense so you can’t miss. The secondary does not get enough respect because everyone else on the defense can mess up, and defensive backs save the day. But if a defensive back misses a tackle or gets beat deep, it’s a touchdown.

Dequan Glover Year: Senior Position: CB Head Coach: Ron Flott Position Coach: DeShon Brock

Long County

Height: 5’ 7” Weight: 145 40-yard dash: 4.41 Bench: 225 Squat: 385

Potential Colleges: Several Division II schools Intel: Dequan will be key to the Long County Blue Tide defense this season. His experience, speed, and strength are going to be major assets to the secondary. Glover excels in zone coverage and was an All-Region 2-AA Defensive Back. “There are good and bad aspects of both the zone and the man coverage. I personally like the zone. In a zone, if there are receivers that are a threat in the deep zone, the corner back should be back there to recover that receiver, so he won’t be a threat to the play. The zone is my favorite coverage because I like the idea of defending a territory. It makes me feel as if I have control over my area, and I take pride in defending it.” Memorable Moment: The most memorable moment was during my junior year against Toombs County. Their halfback had possession of the ball and was running to make a touchdown. I ran him down, and I chose not to give up and let him make that touchdown. When the coaches saw it, they saw my determination in a situation that seemed hopeless.

Power Clean: 245 Parents: Dora Walcott

Favorite Player: Champ Bailey because I see him as a consistent and persistent back. He has what it takes to cover that receiver when he has to. Last Line: My favorite subject is science, and my favorite teacher is Mr. Weitmen. He made the subject of Science fun for me, and he’s a very competent educator and explains things in a way I can understand. My hopes of becoming a better football player are my main objective, and I strive to become one in the future. But there are things that you must do before you could achieve that goal. There may be obstacles, but we must find some way to keep moving forward and overcome those obstacles. And for that I believe in my families and coaches that are always there to support me!

Raekwon Chatman Year: Senior Position: DB Head Coach: Franklin Stephens Position Coach: Scott Brown

Height: 5’11 1/2” Weight: 174 40-yard dash: 4.53 Bench: 235 Squat: 435

Potential Colleges: Wake Forest, Kennesaw State, UNC Charlotte, and Georgia Southern Intel: Chatman is an athletic defensive back for the Gators. Bingo is the Gators’ interception call, but Chatman sometimes forgets to call out “Bingo,” instead just rumbling with the ball once he makes the interception. Because of his athleticism, man coverage is his choice. “Playing in the secondary from the call all the way to the end of the play is like a big opportunity waiting to happen. Once you get the call and line up, it’s all up to you to make something happen. There are no plays off in the secondary, and you have to play until you hear the whistle.”

Ware County Power clean: 245 Parents: Joyce Tobler

Last Line: I think the secondary gets enough credit when they deserve it. If you play well then your efforts will be recognized. You can only give credit when credit is due. My favorite route to defend against is the vertical because I have the ability to run and matchup with whoever is on the other side of the ball. The toughest route for me to defend so far is the vertical that is thrown back shoulder. I have the ability to accept coaching, and I can play wherever I’m needed on the field.

Memorable Moment: The most memorable moment of my career is when I intercepted the ball on a curl route against Northside Warner Robbins in the second round of the playoffs and ran it back 45 yards for a touchdown. Favorite Player: My favorite secondary player has to be Ed Reed because he is a violent defender; he hits hard, and he knows the game.

Marquise Foreman Year: Senior Position: FS Head Coach: Sean Pender Position Coach: Kip Burdett

Height: 5’9” Weight:165 40-yard dash: 4.5 Bench: 240 Squat: 385

Pierce County Power Clean: 260 Parents: Bobbie Lassiter

Potential Colleges: Mercer University and Jacksonville State University Intel: Foreman has spent his entire career as a secondary player and certainly knows that the first real step goes into a back pedal. Adding up all of the backpedaling drills, Foreman probably has covered a good stretch of Highway 84. “If I had to take a guess, I would say I have backpedaled over 50 miles,” Foreman said. Because of his athletic ability, Marquise’s favorite coverage is man-to-man. Memorable Moment: It was the last game of the regular season in 11th grade, and I stripped the ball from the wide receiver that was running down field and returned it all the way for a touchdown. Favorite Player: Ed Reed, because he is so physical and aggressive. Last Line: My favorite subject is history because it’s all about remembering certain events or things that happened in the past.

Photos by Jennifer Carter Johnson

LeVonte Larry Year: Senior Position: CB Head Coach: Jody Grooms Position Coach: Jordan Mullis

Height: 5’9” Weight: 174 40-yard dash: 4.48 Bench: 275 Squat: 400

Potential Colleges: Kennesaw State University, Georgia State University, Charleston Southern University, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Intel: When you hear the Wayne County Yellow Jackets’ defense - “Got ‘em” - you’d better start blocking now, because the Jackets’ secondary, LeVonte Larry and company, has just picked off a pass. He has 13 picks and 40 knockdowns in his career. Larry is going to be a key to the Yellow Jackets’ retooled secondary. “Immediately as I’m approaching the receiver after getting the man coverage call, I’m thinking someone is going to make a play, and it has to be me,” Larry said. He loves covering the stop-and-go but knows he has to close space quickly when playing six to seven yards off of a receiver running a quick slant. Memorable Moment: Playing in the final four game, gawking into the stands and seeing thousands of people everywhere, knowing how hard we worked as a team and how far we Yellow Jackets made it. I loved seeing all the support we had from our fans, knowing they believed in us. That’s an unforgettable moment.

Wayne County Power Clean: 305 Parents: Diane and Lawrence Larry

Favorite Player: Tyrann “The Honey Badger” Mathieu, because we are similar in size and have the hearts of lions. Last Line: Not everyone realizes how much work and dedication is needed to play in the secondary, but it is well-respected.

Drell Greene Year: Senior Position: FS Head Coach: Ken Cofer Position Coach: Thad Williams

Bacon County

Height: 6’ Weight: 200 40-yard dash: 4.5 Bench: 305 Squat: 455

Potential Colleges: Appalachian State, Duke, and Western Kentucky Intel: Greene is a veteran free safety, and Bacon County has a new coach and new attitude. He brings experience and athleticism to an emerging team. Even with athleticism, Greene understands that need for great technique, and that’s what helps take his game to another level. “I love press coverage to be right up on the receiver. It’s really exciting because we get tested continuously in one-on-one coverage, especially on the deep ball,” Greene said.

Power Clean: 330 Parents: Nekiesha Holmes and Charles Stephens

Favorite Player: Honestly it’s Richard Sherman because he may look and sound like the rude nasty guy he seems to be on TV, but in all reality the man is very smart. He has a degree from Stanford; all he does is play head games with people. Last Line: Most people look over us because we are Bacon County. Since I’ve gotten to put that jersey on my back, my coaches, my team, and I have been on a mission to not be looked at as Bacon County. We are to take respect because we don’t believe in earning things. We believe in going out and taking it.”

Memorable Moment: My most memorable moment is when I was in 10th grade, and we played in a mini game to go to the state playoffs. It was about 10 seconds left on the clock, and Toombs County had the ball during that time everybody on the field was screaming “do it for jay” (he broke his ankle the same game), so when they snapped the ball, they ran all verticals. It was a senior vs. sophomore match-up, so they threw the ball and I caught the interception to win the game.

Be it three deep or four deep in the secondary, defensive backs and their movements are very visible.

10 Games to Watch by John DuPont

nce again, ITG SEGA is pleased to preview some of what we think will be the most pivotal games on this year’s slate. Emphasis here is on the word “think.” Last season was pretty much “The Year of the Blowout” with only one of the 10 games we pegged being decided by a touchdown or less (Camden County’s 22-15 victory over Colquitt County). Since then we have experienced realignment, which means some of the natural rivalries have different region implications. Here is a snapshot of the matchups that should either spoil someone’s championship hopes or otherwise decide some serious bragging rights.

BRUNSWICK AT GLYNN ACADEMY AUG. 29 The annual City Championship between the Pirates and

Red Terrors only dates back to 1968, though the teams have clashed a total of 70 times. That’s because they played twice per season from 1970-96. It will be a particularly important early-season test for new Red Terrors Head Coach Rocky Hidalgo. Brunswick holds the all-time series lead at 37-31-2 after winning the past two years, including 32-14 a season ago.

WAYNE CO. AT APPLING CO. AUG. 29 Both programs are among the best in their respective

regions these days, and each is dying to wreck the other guy’s season at the outset. The Pirates kick off the regular season against their longtime border rivals while this match-up actually represents game two for the Yellow Jackets. It’s the only non-region game of the season for Appling, which leads the all-time series 16-12-1. Wayne County won 40-14 last year.

LIBERTY CO. AT BRADWELL INSTITUTE AUG. 29 This county-versus-city rivalry has seen Bradwell win 11

times in 14 meetings. Liberty, though, has won the last two, including a 35-17 win last year. Greg Hill is the new coach on the block at BI while the head man at LCHS, Kirk Warner, has coached in this match-up 12 times. Ironically, these two teams from the same military community tee it up on the anniversary date of the Civil War’s second Battle of Bull Run.

COFFEE AT WARE CO. SEPT. 12 The Trojans and Gators are once again in the same

region, though the rivalry has never lacked drama. Both sides still talk about the watershed moment of this rivalry: the 1976 region final when the Gators rallied for a 21-20 win over the Trojans. Coffee has won 20 of 33 since then, including the last two. Ware is the two-time defending region champ, but Coffee is looking to reassert itself after two years away in Class AAAAAA.

CAMDEN CO. AT WAYNE CO. SEPT. 19 This is arguably the most intriguing cross-classification

contest, as the Yellow Jackets and Wildcats have not faced each other since 2003. What’s more, Wayne County’s last win in the series came in 1989. Oddly enough, this will actually be the Jackets’ home opener after they open the season with a four-game road trip. This will be a hot ticket and one that’s sure to pack Jaycee Stadium. The best advice we can give is get there early.

JEFF DAVIS AT BACON CO. OCT. 17 This is a true case of country cousins squaring off. Jeff

Davis and Bacon County have played each other 57 times since 1951. The Yellow Jackets’ 32 victories against the Red Raiders are the most JDHS has had against any opponent. Conversely, Bacon’s 25 wins in the series are the most it has had against any of its opponents. BCHS has won the last three in this series and gets hosting rights this season.

PIERCE CO. AT APPLING CO. OCT. 24 The winner of the annual brawl between the Pirates

and Bears has won the region title each of the last three years. Each of those occasions has seen the home team triumph. This season the series returns to Baxley for the second straight year, where the homestanding Pirates capitalized on turnovers for a 38-20 victory. The Bears last claimed victory at Jimmy Swain Stadium in 2006.

WAYNE CO. AT BURKE CO. OCT. 31 The Bears have bested the Yellow Jackets for region

supremacy each of the last two seasons, including last year’s 49-43 win in overtime. Confidence is high for WCHS, coming off its secondever semifinal berth. Meanwhile, Burke is striving to regain its state championship form of 2011. Both will be hungry again in this grudge match.

CAMDEN CO. AT COLQUITT CO. NOV. 07 As mentioned above, this game was the Crème de la

crème last season. Colquitt rebounded from that loss, though, to make it into the semi-finals. The Packers won each of the two previous meetings by a single point. So while the story line for the 2014 clash remains to be seen, rest assured as history tells us, this one gets the vote for “Most Likely to be a Barnburner.”

WARE CO. AT BRUNSWICK NOV. 07 This could be the game that decides who is king of

the region hill. With new Head Coach Franklin Stephens, Ware is unpredictable and dangerous. Meanwhile, Brunswick just stepped out of what was arguably the toughest region in the state for the past two years. Brunswick is 3-9 all-time versus Ware, but two of the three Pirate wins have come “Between the Bricks” at Glynn County Stadium, site of this year’s game.

Camden County

Wildcats GHSA 1-AAAAAA 2013 Record:

Region: 6-0 / Overall: 10-2 384 points earned / 168 points against

Going for 14 Region Titles in a Row The Camden County Wildcats didn’t miss a step last season under first-year Head Coach Welton Coffey, claiming their second straight Region 1-AAAAAA championship and 13th region title in a row. Pundits had guarded expectations for the Wildcats in 2013 following the departure of legendary Coach Jeff Herron and the loss of most of their skill personnel - including four Division I players. They also had a region schedule among the toughest in the state. Still, with a perfect 6-0 region record, Camden finished with a single regular season loss - to North Gwinnett during the Corky Kell Classic played in the first week of the season at the Georgia Dome. After the initial loss, the Wildcats went on a run of 10 consecutive wins, including six region victories in 1-AAAAAA, known as the “SEC of high school football.” The Wildcats fell to Hillgrove in the second round of the 2013 state playoffs. This is Coffey’s second year at the helm of

Head Coach: Welton Coffey

Camden County but his ninth at the school. He was defensive coordinator for seven years under Jeff Herron. Coffey is the former state championship winning coach at Jacksonville’s Raines High School and, including last season at Camden, has an overall record of 67-19. Coffey was part of the Camden staff that won two state titles under Herron. Coffey will not have an easy time this season. Gone are the top rusher and passer from last season, along with top receiver Kalvarez Bessent, who is at Auburn. Returning only seven starters from last season - three on offense, four on defense - Coach Coffey is concerned that his team may lack experience. Among the returners is Antonio Wimbush, the speedy running back and defensive back who is a solid Division I college prospect at corner. Coach Coffey lists “good team speed” among the Wildcats’ strengths this season. Another strength for Camden will be its defensive secondary. Along with Wimbush the Cats return seniors Ryan Johnson and Demitri Saulsberry who will also spend time at running back. Camden’s leading tackler, linebacker Darryle Isreal, is also back along with tight end/defensive end Mack Nash. The Wildcats will open the 2014 season at home against Florida powerhouse Lincoln High School of Tallahassee. In week two, the Dutchtown Bulldogs will travel from Hampton to play at Chris Gilman Stadium. Camden hosts Glynn Academy and then travels to Brunswick and Jesup before starting region play by welcoming Valdosta October 3. Region 1-AAAAAA continues with a trip to Lowndes and then back home for games against Tift and Lee counties. The regular season ends with a trip to Moultrie to face Colquitt County.

Schedule Aug Sept Oct Nov

23 29 05 12 19 03 10 17 31 07

*region game

Home Away

Tallahassee Lincoln Dutchtown Glynn Academy Brunswick Wayne County Valdosta* Lowndes County* Tift County* Lee County* Colquitt County*

Key Players Antonio Wimbush Ryan Johnson Demitri Saulsberry Darryle Isreal Tevin Hall DeAndre Gardenhire Antonio Hamliton Harrison Poole Dondre Winn Zeke Moore Julius Winn Brandon McMasters Cole Loden

RB/DB RB/DB RB/DB LB DB DE QB RB/DB LB SE/DB LB/TE RB/LB RB/DB

Chris Gilman Stadium Capacity: 9,000

Academic Athlete

Always a good student, Blake committed himself to the weight room and proper nutrition over the past three years.

sponsored by:

Franklin Stephens Ware County High School

Going Green by John DuPont

he last decade of football at Ware County High School has been the school’s most decorated in its long history. So when WCHS sought out a new head coach this past spring, the school linked up with another proven winner in Franklin Stephens. In just seven years as a head coach, Stephens had racked up a phenomenal 90-8-1 record, winning two state titles while only once failing to make the semi-finals. The new Gator boss, though, provides a modest explanation of his blueprint for success. “I think of myself as an organizer,” he said. “And Friday night is the result of good preparation throughout the week.” Stephens has been a study in preparation since his earliest days on the gridiron. A graduate of Burke County High School, he took his playing talents to Georgia Southern, where he was a four-year letterman for the Eagles. Stephens was a two-time All-America selection and All-Southern Conference pick. After switching from guard to center his senior season, he won the coveted Jacobs Blocking Tro-

photography by Bo Carter

phy, presented annually to the Eagles’ most outstanding offensive lineman. During his four years in Statesboro, Stephens helped GSU to a 30-16 overall mark, including the Southern Conference championship and an NCAA quarterfinals berth in 1993. He later played for the Connecticut Coyotes and New York CityHawks of the Arena Football League before retiring. “What I learned from my experience as a player is just the overall mental and physical toughness that it takes to play football and the attention-to-detail aspect,” Stephens said. Stephens earned a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies and originally had plans on becoming an attorney. But a funny thing happened on the way to the courthouse, and he soon realized his calling was elsewhere. “I was going to go into law, but after a conversation with my offensive line coach, I decided to go into education,” Stephens said. “So I moved back to Burke County and worked there while I was completing my teacher certification.” After earning his teaching credentials

through Paine College, Stephens worked six years as an assistant at Burke County. He moved to Camden County in 2002, where he spent five seasons, including the last three as defensive coordinator. Under legendary Head Coach Jeff Herron, Stephens got a taste of big-time success in Kingsland, as the Wildcats went 63-5 with five region titles and one state title. An opportunity to lead his own program turned out to be forthcoming for Stephens. “I really wasn’t looking to become a head coach,” he said. “I was happy in Camden. But Coach Herron said Tucker was a great opportunity. He said when deciding to take a job, you should ask yourself two questions: ‘Can you make them better?’ and ‘Can you win there?’” The answer to both questions turned out to be affirmative. Tucker was coming off a 7-3 campaign, having missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years. Stephens subsequently led the Tigers to 13-1 mark before falling to Northside Warner Robins by a mere field goal (31-28) in the 2007 semifinals. The next year, Tucker marched all the way to the class AAAA

Stephens has been a study in preparation since his earliest days on the gridiron. A graduate of Burke County High School, he took his playing talents to Georgia Southern, where he was a four-year letterman for the Eagles.

state title, turning back Marist 15-3. The title tilt punctuated a 14-1 record in reeling off 10 wins in a row to end the season. Stephens and the Tigers went 9-3 in 2009, falling in round two of the state playoffs to eventual state champ Sandy Springs. It remains the only season to date in which a Stephens-coached team hasn’t made it to the semi-finals. The Tigers rebounded to go 13-1 in 2010 before running the table the following year. Tucker’s 2011 season culminated with a decisive 22-7 win over Lovejoy in the final, capping a 15-0 record with the team’s second state title in four years. In just half a decade, Stephens had become the second winningest coach in Tucker history with 64 coaching victories along with an all-time best average of 12.8 wins per season. Stephens was destined for more success, though it would come in the form of a move to class AA Lamar County. “I was ready to leave Dekalb County, and my old college roommate, Derick Austin, was principal at Lamar County,” Stephens said. “There was an adjustment in numbers moving to AA, so we had to evaluate and re-evaluate the way we practiced.” Suffice it to say, Stephens and his staff found ways to duplicate their previous success. Lamar County had experienced just two 10-win seasons in its 40-year history, but was coming off a 12-1 season and a quarterfinals appearance. Still, they went one better in 2012 under Stephens as the Trojans chalked up a 12-1-1 record and earned their first ever semi-final berth. Last season, LCHS marched all the way to the title game, falling 14-7 to Lovett and finishing 14-1. “I pretty much took the whole blueprint as to how we did things at Camden County; everything from strength and conditioning to how to run offense and defense,” said Stephens. “Kids have to understand accountability and hard work to jump-start them into college or

wherever the real world leads them. They have to understand they are completely against a global society. If you do these things, the field part will take care of itself.” Stephens-coached teams are among the few in recent years that have surpassed the current run of success enjoyed by Ware County. The Gators are on an unprecedented run of four straight 10-win seasons, all of which have netted a quarterfinals berth or better. When the Ware job came open this spring, Stephens said the decision to move back south was a no-brainer. “I’m a smalltown person and a fan of rural areas,” he said. “I was looking for a football town, and Waycross is a football town that is excited about the product we’re putting on the field. As a coach, you try to find situations that you feel comfortable putting your family in.” The home team for Stephens includes his wife, Renee, a high school business education teacher. They have two children, a 13-year-old son Donovan and 10-year-old daughter Trinity. Donovan wrestles and plays football. Trinity has experience cheering and running track but also has an eye toward swimming and soccer. Dad says the entire family is passionate about the outdoors. “My kids and I like to fish, and down here we look forward to getting the chance to do things like going to the beach and working in the yard.” Through the years, Stephens has spent plenty of time cracking the books. He earned a master’s degree from Troy University and holds specialist and doctorate degrees from Argosy University. Many of those who have graduated under Stephens’s watch have gone on to the next levels. More than 65 players have been sent to the collegiate ranks, and at least three Stephens-coached players are currently on NFL rosters: A.J. Bouye (Texans), Seantavius Jones (Saints), and Neiko Thorpe (Raiders). Additionally, former assistant coach Bryan Lamar followed in Stephens’s footsteps and led Tucker to a 24-4 mark as head coach the last two seasons. Stephens says the long-term blueprint for football success in Ware County revolves around total community involvement. “We are a one-horse town with Ware County High School,” Stephens said. “But with the two middle schools, we have an opportunity to really drive the numbers. Camden also has two middle schools, and even though we don’t have 2,000 kids here like they do there, it still lines up with the Camden model. It’s like how we try teaching our kids to be successful at the things we can control. When it comes to the things we can’t control, I just believe the good Lord is going to take care of it. He has a plan, and you can’t control it.” ITG

Jeff Davis

Yellow Jackets

Jacket Stadium Capacity: 3,500

GHSA 2-AA 2013 Record:

Jackets Hope New Depth Translates into Success These days the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets are restocking talent with designs of regaining the competitive edge that made the program the envy of Southeast Georgia in the 90s. The year after returning from a two-year stretch in non-region play, JDHS complemented its varsity slate with a full JV schedule for the first time in several seasons. This season, the program has a roster of some 60 players, including 15 starters from 2013. Fourth-year Head Coach Roger Metts fortified his coaching staff recently with several proven veterans, including offensive coordinator Brent Smith. A proponent of the Wing-T, Smith previously coached at Vidalia, Rome, and Appling County. The Jackets, who have been multiple on offense in recent years, will run variations of the Wing-T depending on their quarterback situation, according to Metts. “When Hunter Beck went down in the fifth game last year, we spot-played Donald Bonner (Jr.) and Jordan Dubberly (So.) because we didn’t want to throw them to the wolves. Jordan is a baseball player who has a great arm, and with Donald, we can run the Veer, the Wing-T, or go Shotgun. If Jordan is our quarterback, then Donald will be at running back.” Senior Wenner Rodriquez, the team’s leading rusher last season, also returns at running back. Fellow senior Kolby Carter and sophomore Wyatt Montgomery will also be in the mix. When the Jackets feature the Wing-T, sophomore DeAngelo Adams and junior Garrett Walters are at fullback, and sophomore Justin Kight is at wingback. Seniors Thomas Bush, David Lacoss, Jarrod Sims, and Kegan Alls comprise the receiving corps. The interior offensive line includes se-

niors Michael Ewing, Wesley McCumbers, and Zack White, as well as juniors Trenton Mathis, Dalton Harper, Diany Mitchell, and Matt Waters. Sophomore Khody Sellers provides further depth. Senior Levi Williams is at tight end as are juniors Tyrik Miles and Gage Waters. “We’re pretty deep on the line. Not all will have to start both ways,” said Metts, whose hires this year also include Ryan Angel, who will coach both lines of scrimmage. Angel previously coached at Bacon County High School. Ewing, McCumbers, and Mitchell are among those cross-trained on the defensive line, which also includes Mathis and senior nose guard Nic Crow. Fellow senior Matt McClendon lines up at end as do Williams and Gage Waters. Walters, the team’s leading tackler in ’13, headlines the linebacking corps, which also includes senior Hunter Phillips and junior Seth Crews. Miles, Bush, Kight, Adams, and Montgomery will also roam the middle. The secondary includes Sanders, Alls, Rodriguez, Carter, Sims, and Bonner. Ed Lovern is the team’s new defensive coordinator. His resume includes 10 years at Washington-Wilkes. He also previously worked at Chattahoochee. The Jackets will continue to utilize a Base 50 look on defense. “Our defense won’t really change philosophy-wise, just the terminology will change,” said Metts. As Jeff Davis gears up to compete against the likes of Bacon County, Bryan County, and Long County, Metts remains optimistic about 2014. “It’s been the best summer we have had in a while,” he said. “In the 11 years I’ve been here, we haven’t had as much depth and strength as we have now.”

Region: 1-8 / Overall: 1-9 94 points earned / 334 points against

Schedule Aug Sept Oct Nov

29 05 12 19 26 10 17 24 31 07

*region game

Home Away

Atkinson County North Cobb Christian Montgomery County Long County* McIntosh County Academy* Benedictine* Bacon County* Bryan County* Vidalia* Groves *

Key Players Thomas Bush OLB/WR Kolby Carter RB/FS Nic Crow NG Michael Ewing OL/DL Matt McClendon DE Davis Lacoss WR Wesley McCumbers OL/DL Hunter Phillips OLB Wenner Rodriquez RB/CB Jarrod Sims WR/CB Zack White OL Levi Williams OL/DE

Head Coach: Roger Metts

Charlton County

Indians

The Swamp Capacity: 3,000

GHSA 2-A 2013 Record:

Young but Talented Indians Primed for Contention Again Charlton vaulted from its only sub-.500 year in 24 seasons under Rich McWhorter (25163-2 at CCHS) to the class A public finals last year. The Indians return nine starters from that 2013 squad (four offense, five defense), including three All-State players (Levi Cribb, Tevis Dasher, Curt Nixon). However, the Indians could be hard-pressed to fill some special teams roles. While sophomore Thomas Johnson once again handles kicking chores, the team graduated Trae Harrington, the team’s leading passer and two-time All-State punter. “Punter probably concerns me more than anything,” McWhorter said. “One of the reasons we weren’t successful in the state championship includes field positions created by their punter. We beat Wilcox County the last two years, and it’s probably because both times we gave them a 90-yard field to work on. Finding a punter is something we’re working on.” Meanwhile, junior Jimmy Nettles steps in at quarterback. Nettles has taken every snap at quarterback on the Charlton JV squad the past two years. He’ll hand off to the team’s returning rusher, Andrew Lee. A junior, Lee rushed for 1,285 yards and 14 touchdowns in limited action last season. Nixon is another prime weapon on offense, lining up at either running back or wide receiver. Senior Scott Birchall and sophomore Ethan Sauls are also options at receiver while seven others are vying for time in the backfield. “We’d like to think we don’t have to rely on one guy on the ground, and we want to use multiple formations to get more guys the ball,” McWhorter said. “We want to be multiple to the point where we can do what we need to do when we need to do it.”

Seniors Levi Cribb, Trint Mahoney, and Jay Crews bring size to the offensive line, which also includes juniors Michael Dasher, Teon Burroughs, and Andrew Chesser. Several players can line up at tight end when the Indians call for it. Three full-time starters return up front on defense. Michael Dasher, the region’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, joins Burroughs and sophomore Mookie Smith as the primary defensive linemen. Sophomores Omar Lewis and Dustin Shepherd provide depth there. “If I wanted something to be the strength, it would be the D-line,” McWhorter said. “We’ve got some kids we think can do some things at linebacker, but we were probably the worst tackling secondary since I’ve been there. We’re going to try to come up with some more blitz packages to put pressure on the quarterback, but we’ve got to get better at tackling in the secondary.” Tevis Dasher and junior Anthony Jackson spearhead a linebacking corps that also includes seniors Mak Barlow and Brandon Dell as well as juniors Devin Hannans and Keyvonte Nash. The secondary is comprised of Nixon, Birchall, Lee, senior Malik Brunson and juniors Ethan Sauls and Brad Milton. Eric Daniels and Israel Gilyard are among the first-year players that could see key action on Fridays this fall. McWhorter says they are part of a vast incoming rookie crop. “We may dress out close to 70, but there’s no real depth there because 25-35 could be freshmen,” McWhorter said. “You’re not always going to have a lot of depth with a class A team, but everything can change in a hurry when you run into a lack of depth.”

Region: 4-2 / Overall: 9-5 357 points earned / 278 points against

Schedule Aug Sept Oct Nov

30 05 12 19 26 03 17 24 31 07

*region game

Home Away

Manchester Hilliard, FL Bacon County Atkinson County* Turner County* Irwin County* Wilcox County* Telfair County* Clinch County* Lanier County*

Key Players Levi Cribb Curtis Nixon Tevis Dasher Malik Brunson Trint Mahoney Scott Birchall Mak Barlow Brandon Dell Jay Crews

OL RB-WR-DB TE-LB RB-DB OL WR-DB RB-LB TE-LB OL

6’3” / 295 6’1” / 175 6’0” / 200 5’8” / 155 6’5”/ 285 5’10” / 165 5’10” / 175 5’9” / 180 6’3” / 215

Head Coach: Rich McWhorter

Rising Star sponsored by:

MJ Fuller MarthA Puckett Middle School

As a seventhgrader last year, Fuller used his athletic ability to score 15 touchdowns for Martha Puckett Middle Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s football team. His longest touchdown run was 75 yards last season.

Fuller Has Strength and Speed by John Wood

omparisons are simply a part of sports, and though they can sometimes be unfair or even outlandish, similar work habits and statistics at a particular age can lend credibility. A perfect example would be M.J. Fuller who is a rising eighth-grade football player at Martha Puckett Middle School in Jesup. He is the son of Morris and Nokey Fuller of Jesup. Fuller’s favorite professional player is Adrian Peterson who played at the University of Oklahoma and now stars in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings. Fuller has been inspired by Peterson’s ability and character. “I love Adrian Peterson. He has always been one of my favorite players, not just for his ability, but how hard he works and because he also works to be a good person. He came back strong after injuries,” Fuller said. Fuller also has the budding strength which is a key factor to someone that wants to be an impact player on Friday nights. Coming into his eighth-grade year at Martha Puckett Middle School, Fuller has an impressive 225-pound bench press, and his maximum squat weight is 315 pounds. “The weight room has been really important to me. It certainly has been one of the reasons that I have been able to be successful on the football field. We are certainly lucky to have a weight program at the middle school,” Fuller said. Beginning in Pee Wee and all through his time in school, Fuller has always been a running back. He really loves carrying the football and running through would-be tacklers. Fuller is the typical power back that hits hard with his legs churning like a locomotive’s wheels. As he forms his pocket, his hands clasp to the ball. One of his greatest assets is the ability to pick up yards after contact. “When I get the ball, I make sure I have it secure, and then I follow my blockers. I am able to run the ball and help us win as a team, but one of the most important things that helps me to get long runs is the blocking up front. Those guys blocking for me up front help me to able to make good runs,” Fuller said. As a seventh-grader last year, Fuller used his athletic ability to score 15 touchdowns for Martha

photography by Jeffrey Griffith

Puckett Middle School’s football team. His longest touchdown run was 75 yards last season. “I really like running north to south instead of east to west. I am able pick up my best yards when I am going ahead instead of trying to get on the edge. We were running an inside play, a trap, I think, and I took the ball on the handoff and followed the guard into the hole. Once the lineman had a seal block I was able to get through the line of scrimmage, break a tackle, and find the open field,” Fuller said. Fuller isn’t just a strong running back; he also loves to run lead plays and hit rival linebackers, knocking them out of the way so his team can advance the ball. “I like plays that I get to block just as much as getting to carry the ball. I like to run through the hole and hit the linebacker or another defensive player I need to hit. It’s fun to hit them and take them out of the play,” Fuller said. Fuller is equally fond of delivering blows from a defensive position. On the other side of the football, Fuller plays the outside linebacker in the Wayne County 4-4 defense. “It’s fun to hit. I love contact. When I see a back come towards me, I am already taking a path to cut him off. I’m getting into a good hitting position. I get my head on ball side and just run through the ball carrier,” Fuller said. As a seventh grader, Fuller was an important part of the Martha Puckett football team, but now that a lot of the talent from last year’s team has departed for Wayne County High School, he will find himself in another role. “Most of the starters last year were eighthgraders, and now they are all going to be freshmen in high school. I am starting to be more of a leader. I like it, but being a leader can be kind of tough though because you always have to be at your best so others will want to do that same thing and follow the direction you are leading. But I like doing that and helping my teammates,” Fuller said. When he is away from the football field, Fuller’s favorite class at Martha Puckett Middle School is reading with Ms. Carter. ITG

P Bear Stadium Capacity: 3,200

Fruits of Labor Still Paying Dividends in Bearville Pierce County High School graduated the winningest senior class in school history (3015) last year. However, there is every reason to believe this year’s seniors will surpass that mark. The Bears fell short of an unprecedented third-straight region title in 2013, but the cupboard remains stocked enough to make another title run this season. Head coach Sean Pender has led the Bears to a 20-1 region record in his first three seasons, and his players have what it takes to compete. The 2014 Bears also have a chance to post a fourth-straight winning season for the first time in school history. The Bears’ high-octane offense, which has averaged 36.0 points per game the past two years, will have a new signal-caller this fall. Returning sophomores JeMar Lincoln and Stetson Bennett were both vying for quarterback in spring drills, and junior transfer Brit Williamson joined the competition during the summer. The Bears’ spread offense will have three seasoned senior running backs that are equally adept at catching the ball in Michael Bush, Terrell Carter, and Josh Henderson. That trio accounted for over 2,000 total yards rushing and receiving and more than 20 touchdowns last season. Senior Stetson Smith brings an experienced pair of hands to the receiving corps, where junior Blake Chancey appears poised for a more active role. Seniors Duncan Kimbrell, Madison Tuten, and Darion McBride bring experience to the offensive line. New defensive coordinator Kip Burdette replaces Gary Mintier, who left that post after three seasons to become the head coach at McIntosh County Academy. Burdette previ-

ously served as the wide receivers coach at Lowndes High School since 2009, but has been on campus since spring. Senior safety Marquise Foreman, one of the area’s most talented defenders, anchors a senior-laden secondary. He is joined by fellow senior Joshua McDay, who shifts over from outside linebacker. Seniors Jeremiah Davis and Marcus Green vie for time at cornerback. Seniors Caleb Turner and Rhett Veal bring leadership and experience to their respective linebacker posts. Junior Mark West and senior Lorenzo Clark are hybrid types that could see action in the middle third or secondary. The defensive line was decimated by graduation, but McBride has considerable experience there, having floated between offense and defense the past couple of seasons. Senior Phillip Jernigan and junior Seth Bryant also bring experience up front. Competition will decide the kicking and punting jobs, since PCHS graduated all of its specialists. The Bears will play nine region games in the newly-revamped 1-AAA, including a “play-in” game on the final week of the regular season. PCHS plays Jenkins for the first time ever while squaring off against Dodge County for just the second time ever. The only other meeting against Dodge came in a 2007 playoff game. Meanwhile, Toombs County is back on the schedule for the first time in two years. The winner of the Pierce-Appling game has won the region each of the past three years, so fans from both schools are sure to have October 24 circled on the calendar as the Bears return to Jimmy Swain Stadium for the second straight season.

Bears

GHSA 1-AAA 2013 Record:

Region: 6-1 / Overall: 10-2 426 points earned / 211 points against

Schedule Aug Sept Oct Nov

29 05 12 19 3 10 17 24 31 7

*region game

Home Away

Southeast Bulloch* Bacon County Cook* Jenkins* Brantley County* Tattnall County* Toombs County* Appling County* Dodge County* Region 1-AAA Play-In

Key Players Marquis Foreman Josh Henderson Caleb Turner Joshua McDay Rhett Veal Terrell Carter Michael Bush Marcus Green Stetson Smith Jeremiah Davis Lorenzo Clark Madison Tuten Phillip Jernigan Darion McBride Duncan Kimbrell

DB RB LB DB LB RB RB DB WR DB LB OL DL OL OL

Head Coach: Sean Pender

Gators GHSA 3-AAAAA 2013 Record:

Region: 7-0 / Overall: 11-2 461 points earned / 155 points against

Memorial Stadium Capacity: 12,000

Stephens Takes Command in The Swamp New Gators Head Coach Franklin Stephens arrived in time to take Ware County through spring football drills as well passing drills during the summer. But as summer gave way to fall, Stephens remained mum regarding who might be starting on opening night. Despite returning six starters on both offense and defense, he said every position would be determined by competition. “If you were a starter last year, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be a starter this year,” Stephens said. His new charges have been quick to buy into Stephens’ game plan, and with good reason. In just seven seasons as a head coach, his teams have amassed a mindboggling cumulative record of 90-8-1. He also won two state championships along the way. Stephens is quick to distribute the credit for success. “I have won some Coach of the Year awards, but they should be Staff of the Year awards,” he said. Several new faces joined the WCHS staff along with Stephens. His longtime offensive coordinator Sonny Spurlock will handle those same duties here. Spurlock coordinated offenses at Tucker as well as at Lamar County, where Stephens served the past two seasons as head coach. Brandon Andrews, another assistant from Lamar County, will coach the Gator running backs. Michael Youngblood, an assistant to Stephens at Tucker, serves as Ware’s defensive coordinator. Youngblood previously served as head coach at Dunwoody and South Cobb. Meanwhile, Scott Brown, who served as a Gator assistant until 2012, returns to WCHS

after spending the 2013 season at Brunswick High. Brown will coach the Gator secondary. Defensively, Stephens and his staff favor a flex 3-3-5 scheme. “We’ll face odd and even fronts,” said Stephens. “So we’re not going to be something cut in stone.” On offense, the Gators will employ a hybrid Wing-T offense. The transition from a multiple, pro-style offense was a major part of the learning curve during the summer passing league. “If the kids grasp the concepts, we’ll add more. It’s not how much you run, it’s how well you run it,” Stephens said. The Gators’ non-region slate includes a zero week contest against Brooks County as the Gators meet the Trojans for the first time since 2001. Then comes Manattee High from Bradenton, Florida, on the neutral ground of Valdosta before WCHS embarks on its ultracompetitive region slate. The Gators are the two-time defending region champs but now the likes of Coffee and Brunswick are vying for the title. Both are in the mix after each school spent the past two seasons in class AAAAAA. “Based on sheer numbers, they get top nod based on competition they’ve been exposed to, so the rest of the teams have to be ready to raise their level of play,” Stephens said. “Then you have to look at Statesboro and Glynn Academy. Glynn has always been athletic, and now they have the excitement that comes with a coaching change. We’re going to have to sustain a commitment to consistency and excellence to compete. I hope the good Lord will bless us with good health because one injury can derail you.”

Schedule Aug Sept Oct Nov

22 29 12 19 26 10 17 24 31 07

*region game

Home Away

Brooks County Manattee, FL Coffee* Richmond Hill* Bradwell Inst.* Glynn Academy* Effingham County* Statesboro* South Effingham* Brunswick*

Head Coach: Franklin Stephens

GHSA 3A-AAAA 2013 Record:

Region: 3-1 / Overall: 11-3 498 points earned / 300 points against

Jaycee Stadium Capacity: 5,000

Schedule

Yellow Jackets Carry Momentum from Record-Setting Season

Aug Sept Oct

22 29 05 12 19 26 03 10 24 31

*region game

Glynn Academy Appling County Statesboro Oak Leaf (Jacksonville, Florida) Camden County Liberty County* Benedictine Windsor Forest* Thomson* Burke County*

Key Players To say last season was a good one for the Wayne County Yellow Jackets would be an understatement. Wayne started the season quickly and never looked back. On its way to a semifinal appearance against eventual state champion Griffin, the 2013 Wayne County Yellow Jackets set school records for points per game and total points scored in a season. Head Coach Jody Grooms also had a senior class that sent several players to play college football, including four to Division I schools. One of the keys to last year’s sub-region title team was the size and power of the offensive and defensive line, which Grooms will have to replace this season. “We don’t have the depth and size that we have had on the offensive line like we have had in the past,” Grooms said. “We can develop players that will help us but that will also take time.” The Yellow Jackets’ top rushing back Anfernee Jordan, a key piece of last year’s powerful offense, will be returning this season. Jordan will be joined in the backfield by A.J. McGill. Wayne also continues to have depth at

quarterback, defensive line, defensive back, wide receiver, and running back. Groom’s roster returns four offensive players as well as seven on the defensive side. Last year’s leader in tackles, linebacker Taylor Hefflin, is now at Annapolis, which creates the other problem area for the Jackets with very little depth at the position. Senior Chris Dandaneau will give the Yellow Jackets added experience at linebacker, but the Yellow Jackets must develop players to back him up and also fill other line backing positions. Lavonte Larry, a very athletic defensive back, will keep the Wayne County secondary strong and fast. Wayne County had 115 players present in the spring, so Grooms should have enough players to fill the large number of holes that graduation created. The Yellow Jackets certainly won’t rest on their laurels, playing a very tough non-conference schedule against Glynn Academy, Statesboro, Camden County, and Benedictine. In region play, Wayne County will face opposition from new additions Thomson and Windsor Forest.

Home Away

AJ MsGill Anfernee Jordan Cameron Padgett Caleb Martin Philip Rozier Chris Dandaneau Levontae Larry Kendall Henderson

Sr. Sr. Soph. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Soph.

Head Coach: Jody Grooms

RB RB OL DL DL LB DB DL

Appling County

Pirates

GHSA 1-AAA 2013 Record:

Region: 7-0 / Overall: 9-3 412 points earned / 236 points against

Appling County’s Returning Players Will Help Defend Region Title When Appling County started the 2013 season, it wasn’t clear that they would go undefeated in Region 1-AAA and take home a region title. Though the Pirates play AAAA Wayne County every year, the Yellow Jackets were a special team with some amazing talent. Adding insult to injury, Appling lost in the final minutes to a strong Liberty team led by current Ohio State linebacker Raekwon McMillan. In Week Three the Pirates got on a roll and kept it going until losing to Central Carroll in the second round of the AAA state playoffs. “After a really rough start we started playing and ended up going undefeated in region play.” Appling County Head Coach J.T. Pollock said. “We had our backs against the

Head Coach: J.T. Pollock

wall but finally settled down.” One player that is going to be important for the Pirates will be Vernon Dasher, who was Appling’s running quarterback last season. Dasher isn’t the lone returning player for Pollock which should put the Pirates in a solid position to defend their region title. Receiver Maurice Paulk, offensive lineman Tobias Haggins, and tight end Kobe Wommack will give experience to the Pirates’ offense. “Having a returning quarterback is definitely going to help but we are going to have a lot players who played in spots in the past seasons learn to be every down players.” Pollock said. “This team has a strong work ethic and some decent athleticism. We are also going to have to replace an all-state kicker.” However, with the change in region alignment, Region 1-AAA picks up Jenkins High School, formerly of Region 3-AAAAA. In early predictions the Warriors are considered to be one of the tougher opponents in the Coastal Empire. Appling will also square off against Toombs County High School and Cook County High School as they have been added to the region as well. “The schedule is tough as always. There are new region teams and you really can’t point to one and see this is a team that is a guaranteed win.” Pollock said. “As always we know we are going to have to be ready Friday night.” Appling starts the season against Wayne County at Jimmy Swain Stadium in Baxley.

Schedule Aug Sept Oct Nov

29 05 12 19 26 10 17 24 31 07

*region game

Home Away

Wayne County Jenkins* Tattnall County* Beach* Toombs County* Dodge County* Cook* Pierce County* Brantley County* Region Play-In

Key Players Vernon Dasher Maurice Paulk Tobias Hagins Keelan Crosby Kobe Wommack Austin Carter Chris James Larry Griner Justin Young Davon Moore

Sr Sr Sr So Sr Sr Sr Sr Jr So

QB WR OL RB TE LB DB DL DE DB

Jimmy Swain Stadium Capacity: 5,000

Sports have given Brewington a way to express himself and have helped him realize his potential both as an athlete and a student. It has helped him grow on and off the field.

Most Improved Player sponsored by:

Kevon Brewington Camden County high School

A Jack of All Trades by Rob Asbell

t six-years-old Kevon Brewington started playing football, and his first game he took a punishing hit that was so hard it brought tears to his young eyes. Afterwards, he realized what it would take to play the sport, and, as his parents recall, he worked hard, improved, and has been an athlete ever since. He currently fills the role of athlete for the Camden County Wildcats. Now a junior, he is a “Jack of all trades,” playing quarterback, running back, receiver, and defensive back - wherever he is needed on the field. “He will play a number of positions on the varsity football team this season,” says Camden County Head Football Coach Welton Coffey. “He seems to have matured greatly on and off the field” - high praise from the coach of one of the state‘s elite programs. Coffey, who considers Brewington one of the most improved players on the team, goes so far as to say Brewington “may become a player that the Wildcats can count on.” But it has not come easily. Brewington has had to work hard to become an integral part of the Wildcats‘ game plan. As a sophomore, Brewington had the speed to turn the corner against opponents, but now he also brings an improved work ethic and a focus to his on-field assignments. Alongside his teammates and coaches, he has pushed himself to get better during the offseason. “The team helps by leading by example,” he said. “Just doing what they have to do and being consistent makes me want to push their way.” Brewington focuses on having a positive attitude and continues to work on his skills off of the field, as well. In Camden County High School‘s weight room, he currently bench presses 210 pounds which is 40 percent more than his body weight. On the track, he runs a 4.74 40-yard-

photography by Jeffrey Griffith

dash and continues to get faster. He loves every part of the game, especially hitting. Brewington doesn‘t have a personal goal for the season but joins in the team‘s goal of making it to, and winning, the state championship December 12 in the Georgia Dome. As a child in recreation league football, Brewington might not have imagined playing on such a big stage. After being introduced to football, Brewington also started playing basketball at age seven and fell in love with the sport. He played football and basketball throughout his childhood, adding soccer when he turned 12. He was a three-sport athlete in middle school but has concentrated on football and basketball in high school. Over the past year, his parents and coaches have noticed Brewington maturing and becoming more responsible. “He is really breaking out of his shell,” said his parents, Jennifer and Kevin Brewington. “He is starting to understand the importance of respect, education, and sports.” Sports have given Brewington a way to express himself and have helped him realize his potential both as an athlete and a student. It has helped him grow on and off the field. “Through prayer and sports, he has been able to make it through some difficult situations,” his parents said. They would like to see him make the Under Armour High School All-American Team, graduate high school with honors, and go to the college of his choice playing both football and basketball. Should he continue to improve, he could one day be playing for his lifelong favorite team, the University of Florida Gators. For now, his dedication and the energy he puts into being successful continues to grow. “He has what it takes to make it at whatever he chooses,” his parents said. “With the leadership of his coaches and staying grounded, the sky is the limit for Kevon.” ITG

Bradwell

Tigers Olvey Field Capacity: 8,000

Former Georgia Southern Quarterback Great Takes over at Bradwell Institute Newly hired Bradwell Institute Head Coach Greg Hill is just one of the new faces that makes up the new monster region 3AAAAAA. Hill was one of the most athletic quarterbacks to ever run Coach Paul Johnson’s triple option attack at Georgia Southern. Hill comes to the Institute from Central Carrollton where he was offensive coordinator. Adam Carter was hired as defensive coordinator at Reinhardt College. Though Carter had a hurried spring, he had a solid senior class and was able to keep the Tigers competitive in every game, finishing 3-4 in Region 3-AAAAA and 4-6 overall. A fumble late in the game at the Palace of the Pines in Effingham County cost the Tigers a playoff berth. Bradwell did not replace Carter immediately, so the Tigers will certainly have to make up some valuable lost time in the weight room due to the coaching musical chairs. Offensively, the Tigers will install a multiple formation offense, but most formations will predicate out of the Wing-T and triple option, which Hill knows like the back of his hand. Luther Echols, a powerful smaller back who has been an asset in the Tigers backfield since he was a freshmen, needs to stay healthy in his senior season. Jones runs low to the ground and hits the hole quick and fast. Echols is projected at fullback this season. Terrius Cremiel, was a standout player for the Tigers last season as a freshman and will certainly be for Hill this season.

Running the same kind of offense at other schools, Hill has tried to develop as many backs as possible so he can keep fresh legs on the field. One of the emerging battles is going to be at quarterback. The Tigers’ senior quarterback LaBarron Anthony worked extremely hard to become a better running threat last summer, and his hard work was rewarded this past winter when he signed with the University of West Alabama. Juniors Duane Johnson and Stephen Felton battled during the spring to determine who would become the new triggerman for Bradwell. Hill speculated that the decision wouldn’t be made until the end of the summer and even possibly the beginning of practice. One area where the Tigers are hurting and have the least experience is up front on both sides of the line. Hill’s first coaching hire was David NeSmith, former head coach at Portal High School. Hill and NeSmith go back to when both were assistants at Statesboro High School. NeSmith brings a strong work ethic as a line coach and also knowledge in the weight room. Bradwell’s leadership will come from its linebackers Isaiah Barnes and Jeff Andrews. Both players crave contact and have shown versatility at the positions they can play. They also provide positive leadership to the team. On August 29, the Tigers open the 2014 season at Olvey Field against rival Liberty.

GHSA 3A-AAAAA 2013 Record:

Region: 4-6/ Overall: 3-4

Schedule Aug Sept Oct Nov

29 05 12 26 03 10 17 24 31 07

*region game

Liberty County Calvary Day School Richmond Hill* Ware County* Glynn Academy* Effingham County* Statesboro* South Effingham* Brunswick* Coffee*

Key Players Stephen Felton Duane Johnson Luther Echols Isaiah Barnes Jeff Andrews Devonte Garrett Terrius Cremiel D’Lo Smith Shaun Maschino Maxwell Ashe Trevon McCoy

QB/DB QB/DB RB LB/FB LB/TE RB/LB RB RB LB WR/DB WR/DB

Head Coach: Greg Hill

Home Away

Bacon County

Raiders

GHSA 2-AA 2013 Record:

New Bacon County Stadium Capacity: 3,200

Region: 4-5 / Overall: 4-6 116 points earned / 180 points against

Red Raiders’ Confidence High in Revamped Region Bacon missed a third-straight winning season in 2013, a feat achieved only one other time in school history (1986-88). However, no one there is conceding to rebuilding these days. The new head man at BCHS is former Cook High boss Ken Cofer, who is stoking the already-competitive fires in blueberry country. “We’re going to take chances on offense and defense, but defense will definitely set the tone,” Cofer said (32-15 in four seasons, all at Cook). “We are going to bring people from everywhere. We’ll run stunts, man coverage, and zone. Offensively, we like to spread it out, run some no-huddle, up-tempo stuff. We don’t have a slasher-type back, but our run game will be downhill. We’ve got two or three kids that can pound it.” With a fall roster numbering 60, Cofer is confident the current talent pool is plenty sufficient. It’s an exciting time at BCHS; this year Bacon rolls out a new school, stadium, and weight facility. “We want to be able to two-platoon here at Bacon, but we don’t want to run our kids ragged. That’s why we need to get them in shape.” Senior Droell Green returns at quarterback for the Raiders where he started a season ago. Green, who has garnered looks from Appalachian State and Western Kentucky, will also get reps at slot receiver. On those occasions, look for Aubrey Carter at quarterback, a 6’3” junior who “can sling it” according to Cofer. Senior Tron Folsom, who brings 4.4 speed to the receiving corps, is a candidate to attend the United States Military Academy.

This year BCHS employs a 3-5 defensive alignment engineered by new coordinator Kyle Langford, a Cofer assistant at Cook who was previously part of two state championship coaching staffs at Hawkinsville. Seniors Jay Jackson, Trevor Williams, and Jeremy Snow will all see action on the offensive line, as well as the defensive line, along with senior Anthony Florence, last season’s leading tackler and the team’s lone All-State player. Juniors Trent Hardy and LaPhonso Nails will also see action up front. The linebacking corps consists of Folsom, sophomore Wesley Cothern, and juniors Ametrius Williams and Jacob Carver. Returning starter Devonte Batten provides a veteran presence in the secondary, as do Green, Anascio Washington, Dalton Almond, Pasun Sams, and Blake Mikell. Returning special teams players include Sams at punter and Washington at long snapper while Almond and Jackson bring back kicking experience. The competitive field in Region 2–AA includes familiar foes in Benedictine, Jeff Davis, Long County, Bryan County, Vidalia, and McIntosh County Academy. “The one we don’t know about is Groves, but they are always loaded with athletes,” Cofer said. Cofer said his primary mission is preparing student-athletes for life beyond the playing field. “We promote young men who do things like go to college, join the military, and who work on the farm. What we don’t put up with is NDT - not a dang thing. We want to produce good men, good Christian men.”

Schedule Aug Sept Oct Nov

29 05 12 19 26 10 17 24 31 07

*region game

Home Away

Lanier County Pierce County Charlton County Benedictine* Long County* Bryan County* Jeff Davis* Vidalia* Groves.* McIntosh County Academy*

Key Players Dalton Almond Devante Batten Aubrey Carter Jacob Carver Wesley Cothern Anthony Florence Tron Folsom Droell Green Trent Hardy Jay Jackson Blake Mikell Laphonso Nails

WR/DB/K WR/DB QB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DL WR/LB QB/WR/DB DL OL/DL/K DB DL

Head Coach: Ken Cofer

Long County

Blue Tide Veterans Stadium Capacity: 3,000

Blue Tide Optimistic after Subpar Year In 2012, the Blue Tide finished with a 5-5 record, its best in school history. The 2013 campaign opened in similar fashion with a 1612 victory over the Lanier County Bulldogs. The following week, Long County fell to the Benedictine Cadets 49-0, and by season’s end had lost eight of its last nine contests. Defensively, the Tide gave up entirely too many points, so Head Coach Ron Flott spent the off season trying to shore up his defense. Despite finishing 2-8 last season, Flott returns a number of starters and underclassman that should help the Blue Tide to be more competitive in 2014. The Blue Tide’s offense will be led by Brenden Scott, who rushed for over 600 yards as a sophomore, and Jay Harrison, who rushed for over 400 yards as a sophomore. Javonte Harris will be the only senior on the offensive line but Darvis Holmes, Reid Goode, John Benevides, Jonathon Holton, DeAndre Reddick, and Vaughn Kelly have experience and had strong spring practices. Wide receivers

pushing to start are Shavon Davis, Stephon Adderly and Jack Lauver. Keishawn Wagner and Jamin Davis will split time at the A-back. Senior linebacker Myokel Stanley has emerged as a leader in the spring which is going to give Long County a veteran defense this season. Four-year starter Armondo Toledo is the other inside linebacker and Michael Abram and Jamin Davis will give the Blue Tide a presence on the perimeter as the “dogs,” or outside linebackers. Up front, several players will help the defensive line, including Michael Ross, Jonathon Holton, Andrew Jones, Miguel Flores and Kyree Coprick. Daquan Glover will lead the secondary as a senior, who was an All-Region cornerback last season. “Although starting mostly underclassmen, the coaches and players are very excited after a good spring game, 65 players dressed, which featured plenty of aggressive competition.” Flott said. “We are looking forward to the 2014 season and can’t wait to suit up in the fall.”

GISA 2-AA 2013 Record:

Region: 1-8 / Overall: 2-8 160 points earned / 311 points against

Schedule Aug Sept Oct Nov

29 05 19 26 03 10 16 24 31 07

Tattnall County Metter Jeff Davis* Bacon County* Vidalia* New Hampstead Groves (Garden City)* McIntosh County Academy* Bryan County* Benedictine*

Head Coach: Ron Flott

*region game

Home Away

McIntosh County

Buccaneers

Buccaneer Field Capacity: 5,000

GHSA 2-AA 2013 Record:

Region: 5-4 / Overall: 5-5 190 points earned / 210 points against

Buccaneers: New Coach, New Outlook The McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers will begin 2014 with a new head coach and a new outlook. Former Pierce County defensive coordinator Gary Mintier takes the helm of the Buccaneers’ ship in Darien for 2014. The Bucs missed the playoffs last season for the first time in six seasons with a 5-5 overall record and 5-4 region mark. Gone are last year’s team leaders Ulysses Carswell, Darry Harrington, and Ronald Palmer. Coach Mintier will get nine starters back from last season’s team, with four on offense and five on defense. He lists his offensive line and linebackers as strengths this year while the kicking game and inexperience will be weaknesses. Players to watch this season include seniors Tre Scott at wide receiver, quarterback Brandon Moran, and lineman Matt Neiport. All three are college prospects and hope to

Head Coach: Gary Mintier

make some noise. The linebacking corps includes junior Jeremiah Littles and former In the Game Rising Star Jonathan Jason. Senior Antonio Maybry joins Scott at receiver while junior Malcom Myles will be at running back. Hunter Bond will join Neiport on the defensive line with junior Grayson Hullett. There will be a change in the look of Region 2-AA this season. Gone are the Metter Tigers, Toombs County Bulldogs, and Atkinson County Rebels who have been moved into new regions and classifications. The Groves Rebels of Savannah have been added for an eight-team football region: McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers in Darien, Bacon County Red Raiders of Alma, Jeff Davis County Yellow Jackets of Hazlehurst, Long County Blue Tide of Ludowici, Groves Rebels and Benedictine Cadets of Savannah, Bryan County Redskins of Pembroke, and Vidalia High School Indians. MCA’s schedule for 2014 begins with three tough tests. AAAAA Brunswick comes to Buccaneer Field in week one for the first meeting in the history of the two schools, despite them being only 22 miles apart. In week two, the Bucs travel to take on Class A powerhouse Savannah Christian. In week three, MCA hosts AAAA Liberty County before taking a week off. They return to start region play in 2-AA on September 19 at Vidalia followed by home games with Jeff Davis and Groves. The Bucs then have a tough three-week road stretch in October with trips to Bryan County in Pembroke, Long County in Ludowici, and Benedictine in Savannah. McIntosh closes with a home game at Buccaneer Field against Bacon County.

Schedule Aug Sept Oct Nov

22 29 05 19 26 10 17 24 31 07

*region game

Home Away

Brunswick Savannah Christian Liberty County Vidalia* Jeff Davis* Groves* Bryan County* Long County* Benedictine* Bacon County*

Key Players Tre Scott Brandon Moran Matt Neiport Jeremiah Littles Antonio Maybry Malcom Myles Johnathan Jason Hunter Bond

WR QB OL/DL LB WR RB LB DL

GISA 2-AAA 2013 Record:

Region: 4-1 / Overall: 6-5 308 points earned / 209 points against

Candler Complex Capacity: 1,000

Schedule

Knights Hope Third Season is the Charm Not too long ago, Frederica Academy did not have a football team. The private school on St. Simons Island has always been known as a powerhouse in soccer and other sports, but football was unheard of. Now the Knights have two official seasons of football under their belts and will go into 2014 with second year Head Coach Brandon Derrick. The Knights got off to an early start by winning the 2012 GISA Class A State Championship in their first official season of football. Things slowed a bit last year as Frederica finished 6-5 overall and 4-1 in region play. The Knights fell in the semifinals of the state playoffs last season to Curtis Baptist. Now, Frederica hopes to make a return trip to the championship but with a few changes. This will be the first year Frederica has been without starting quarterback Max Bourne. The fleet-footed signal caller has graduated, and the Knights are looking for a new starter. Also gone are two-timeAll-State kicker Landon Barrow and Shaun Tatum, who became the Knights’ first 1,000-yard rusher last season. Frederica Academy also settles into its position in Region 2-AAA in the Georgia Independent Schools Association this year. Because the program was new, the GISA allowed them to play down in a lower classification for the first two years.

The Knights are returning 12 starters from 2013, including last year’s top receiver Tyree Tresvant and leading tackler Brandon Blake. Frederica looks strong on the offensive line, but the loss of so many skill players will be their only weakness this season. Players to watch this year include senior offensive and defensive lineman Marshall Dudley who is attracting attention with his 6’6” height. Junior Dawson Covington is also a lineman to watch, as is Hollis Veal, the junior running back. Two freshmen will also be making their debuts this year: quarterback Will Bowdoin and running back Cameron McClellan. Frederica Academy starts the 2014 season with road games at St. Andrew’s School in Savannah and at Tiftarea Academy. The home opener is against Valwood School on September 12 at the Candler Complex on St. Simons Island. That is followed by a home game against Bethesda of Savannah and a road game against last season’s GISA Class A State Champion Robert Toombs Christian Academy in Lyons. The Knights then travel to Dublin to play Trinity Christian, back home against Pinewood Christian Academy, to Bulloch Academy, back home to face Edmund Burke Academy, and then finally home against Monsignor Donovan.

Aug Sept Oct

29 05 12 19 26 03 10 17 24 31

*region game

Home Away

St. Andrew’s School Tift Area Academy Valwood Bethesda Robert Toombs Christian Aca. Trinity Christian* Pinewood Christian* Bulloch Academy* Edmund BurkeAcademy* Monsignor Dovovan

Head Coach: Brandon Derrick

Brantley County

Herons

Caney Bay Stadium Capacity: 2,200

GHSA 1-AAA 2013 Record:

Region: 2-5 / Overall: 3-7 180 points earned / 311 points against

Herons’ Game Plan is Straightforward: Show Up Every Game Brantley County turned a corner last season despite being one of the youngest teams in the region. The Herons’ two region wins doubled their total from the previous two seasons combined. The team’s offensive production also more than doubled (7.3 ppg to 18.0) after switching from a Georgia Southern style offense back to the spread offense traditionally favored at Brantley. “We have all our offensive starters back, and that’s exciting,” said fifth-year Head Coach Mark Walker. “Everyone will have a full season behind them, maybe two. We are already better up front.”

ons as a freshman. Cerda, a senior, will play on both sides of the ball as well as special teams. “Each of these are guys that can play in the backfield or in the slot, depending on our alignment,” Walker said. Coach Troy Nasworth once again coordinates the Heron defense, which bases out of a 3-3 stack. Cerda will be one of the primary run-stoppers up front while a number of offensive linemen will also rotate onto the defensive front. Clark headlines the linebacking corps while Hunter Kimbrell can plug in at a number of positions defensively. Kimbrell will also see time at running back on offense.

Brantley will face Islands and Dodge County for the first time in school history while playing Pierce County in the 32nd all-time meeting between the Herons and Bears. The Herons dress 11 seniors on this season’s 60-man roster. One of those elder statesmen is Anthony Turlington, a secondyear starter at quarterback, a position which has lacked stability in recent years for BCHS. “Anthony is a high energy guy who brings a real sense of committment to the team,” Walker said. “With his athleticism, he also gives us an option at wide receiver if we decide to plug in Mikell Collins (sophomore) at quarterback.” When Offensive Coordinator Clent Cannon opts for a four-wide scheme, he’ll primarily call upon a fleet that includes Cole Clark, James Morgan, Levi Chesser, and Aaron Cerda. Clark, a junior, first started for the Her-

Junior Sha Collins brings a veteran presence to the secondary, where BCHS started two freshmen a year ago. “We’ve got to figure out who our corners will be,” Walker said. Cerda returns as the team’s long snapper while competition will decide who handles the punting and kicking chores. Brantley’s region - 1-AAA - is among the most crowded in the state this year with 13 teams. Each team plays nine region games, including the “play-in” round in week 10. Walker knows there is little room for error. “Our region has Appling, Cook, Pierce, Dodge... We’re going to have to show up every game,” he said. “If we will stick together and keep our family atmosphere, it will go a long way.”

Schedule Aug Sept Oct Nov

22 29 05 20 26 03 17 24 31 07

*region game

Home Away

Atkinson County Dodge County* Islands* Johnson, Sav.* Cook* Pierce County* Tattnall County* Toombs County* Appling County* 1-AAA Play-in*

Key Players Anthony Turlington QB Cole Clark WR/LB James Morgan WR Levi Chesser WR Aaron Cerda WR/DT/SN Hunter Kimbrell RB Sha Collins DB Mikell Collins WR/QB

Head Coach: Mark Walker

Food, Fun, and Football by John DuPont

ourteen area coaches, along with In the Game (Southeast) staff and sponsors, gathered at historic Crabdaddy’s Seafood Grill on St. Simons Island this past June for ITG’s Coaches’ Kickoff Dinner. The annual event, sponsored by Southeast Georgia Health Systems, once again offered area coaches a chance to dine and fellowship in a low-stress environment before the onset of fall competition. ITG also recognized valued sponsors Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia, C & C Sports, and Mayo Clinic Health System. “This marks the fifth year we’ve been doing this. I guess that makes it our official ‘wood’ anniversary,” laughed ITG Southeast publisher Shawn Smoak. “So let’s knock on wood and hope the next five are just as successful.” Crabdaddy’s is located at the corner of Ocean Boulevard and Arnold Road on St. Simons. Its history spans four decades, founded under legendary restaurateur Charlie Williams. These days it’s son Josh who carries on the Williams tradition along with coproprietor Scott Bradley. The island eatery recently received a major endorsement when St. Simonsbased PGA touring pro Matt Kuchar revealed in a TV interview that his favorite secret indulgence is Crabdaddy’s bread pudding. “We didn’t know Matt was going to say that,” Bradley said. “One of our cooks made it some years ago, and Charlie put it on the menu. We practically had to give it away for years, but now it has become our signature item.” On an evening when prime rib reigned as the entrée du jour, coaches like Camden County’s Welton Coffey sampled some of the restaurant’s other known delicacies. “I am a connoisseur of shrimp and grits,”

photography by Jennfier Carter Johnson

Coffey said. “And this is certainly among the best I have had the pleasure of partaking.” Other head coaches attending included J.T. Pollock (Appling County), Ken Cofer (Bacon County), Mark Walker (Brantley County), Victor Floyd (Brunswick), Rich McWhorter (Charlton County), Brandon Derrick (Frederica Academy), Rocky Hidalgo (Glynn Academy), Gary Mintier (McIntosh County Academy), Kirk Warner (Liberty County), Ron Flott (Long County), Roger Metts (Jeff Davis County), Franklin Stephens (Ware County), and Jody Grooms (Wayne County). Each received an ITG coach’s shirt courtesy of Kevin Head of C & C Sports. The festivities were part of ITG-Southeast’s weekly radio broadcast on 97.7 WWUF (Waycross). Dr. Beau Sasser represented Southeast Georgia Health Systems along with certified athletic trainer Ashlee Revell and the director of Rehabilitation Services, Paul Trumbull. SGHS provides services in Brunswick and St. Marys. Dr. Lex Kenerly and Dr. Chris Swanson attended on behalf of the Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia. Along with Dr. Matt Valosen, those BJI professionals serve patients in Jesup, Waycross, Baxley, and Hinesville. Dr. Mark Broderson and P.A. Jonathan Dial attended on behalf of Mayo Clinic Health System. With facilities in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, Mayo made Waycross the site of its first Georgia-based venue. “We’re happy to have these folks as sponsors, but we’re humbled by their dedicated service to the sports medicine and health care professions,” Smoak said. “This evening we witnessed an all-star lineup of folks from several different, but very important professional fields. There truly is no ‘I’ in this team.” ITG

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