Southeast Georgia August 2018 Football Preseason Edition

2018 Final Season for Fantastic Frederica Duo

IN THE

GAME SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

August 2018

Jaylin Simpson & Jashawn Sheffield

In The Game | 1

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In This Issue Season 2 for Strickland Pierce County Bears

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Cats Want Playoff Return

Camden County Wildcats

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Panthers Want 3-peat

Liberty County Panthers

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Blue Tide Working to Turn It Around Long County Blue Tide

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Bradwell Institute Tigers

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Terrors Want Another Deep Run Glynn Academy Terrors

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Wildcats Reload for 2018 Richmond Hill Wildcats

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Raiders Hope for Rebound

Bacon County Red Raiders

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Jackets Working for Playoff Return Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets

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Bulldogs Strong Again

Toombs County Bulldogs

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Indians Senior-Heavy in 2018 Vidalia Indians

43

Gators Face Tough Road

Jackets Strong Again

Glazer Looking to Smooth the Ship

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44

McIntosh County Buccaneers

Indians Continue Tradition Charlton County Indians

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Quest for Excellence

Logan Braucht, Ware County High School

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Growing Up at the Ballfield

Kellon Middleton, Brantley County Middle School

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Football Extras

In the Game Top 10 Players 17 Football With a View

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51

Appling County Pirates

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15

Games of the Week

Tomberlin Comes to Baxley

Brantley County Herons

Tony Glazer, McIntosh County Academy

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Herons Have New Coach, New Hope

His Year to Shine

Jalen Trimmings, Brunswick High School

In the Game Preseason Football Rankings

Ware County Gators

Wayne County Yellow Jackets

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Patience Pays Off for Glazer

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Brunswick Pirates

Final Season for Fantastic Frederica Duo

Jaylin Simpson and Jashawn Sheffield, Frederica Academy

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Tigers Seek Playoff Spot

Pender’s Pirates Part 2

Be Inspired

Knights Look for Big Year

Frederica Academy Knights

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

12 “Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun.

Shine on you crazy diamond.”

I think the words of Pink Floyd are apropos for this time of year because it’s time to let the BRIGHT FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS SHINE! It’s football season in Southeast Georgia, and if you’re not excited, I suggest you check your pulse. This time of year, every team has identical records, a fan base talking about the playoffs, and a team with the hope of a state championship all in front them.

We have some real contenders here in SEGA. The Wayne County Yellow Jackets were an injury away from making some real noise in 5A. They already have a date with Ware for the final game of the season that could be for a region championship. Glynn looks to be strong right out of the box with a defense that could decimate their opponents, but they’ll have to contain the high scoring offenses of Brunswick and Richmond Hill.

Liberty County has a chance to win three region championships in a row if they can thwart Appling and Pierce. There’s going to be some great football played in SEGA, and you can catch all the action right here in the pages of In the Game.

In 2014 we featured this dynamic duo as our Rising Stars, not knowing what their future held as far as where they’d play their high school football. We knew they were special, and most thought they’d end up at Glynn or Brunswick, but the duo had other plans.

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They opted to drive across the causeway and play for coach Brandon Derrick at Frederica Academy.

The more time passes, the more things stay the same because Frederica Academy seniors Jaylin Simpson and JaShawn Sheffield have opted to play their collegiate ball together at Auburn University.

I first met Logan Braucht as a freshman, but I thought he was an upperclassman. Strong and lean, the son of Ware County offensive coach Robert Braucht, Logan looked the part. He’s been on the field for the Gators for the last three years playing many different positions because he can.

This season he’s moved to middle linebacker for the Gators, which is his natural position. Logan gets it done on the field for the Gators at whatever position. Coach Franklin Stephens will have a hard time replacing him.

Let’s face it: McIntosh County Academy has been a revolving door since long-time coach Robby Robinson was let go the first time back in 2010. The Buccaneers will be on their fifth head coach in the last eight seasons as new head coach Tony Glazer takes the team on the field this season.

Glazer is a long-time coach under Kirk Warner and the Liberty County Panthers. Glazer served as thed coordinator for the last four years at Liberty, so he knows a little about talent and winning. He coached Raekwon McMillian and Richard Lecounte and has two region championships under his belt. I expect he’ll bring that same winning attitude to the ship.

Being the youngest of 4 siblings you tend to be picked on, but there’s a side effect to that good-natured ribbing. You be-

come much TOUGHER. Meet Brantley County Middle School two-sport star Kellon Middleton.

Kellon is a star on the hardwood and the gridiron for the Herons.

He plays both sides of the ball at linebacker on defense and quarterback on offense. If he follows in his brother’s footsteps, Kellon will be a good one for coach Geoff Cannon next season when he gets to high school.

No coach likes to face the fact that he must replace 31 graduating seniors. However, that is the unenviable task of Brunswick High Pirates coach Sean Pender. Pender can rest a little easier knowing he has young men like Jalen Trimmings to step up and fill some of that missing leadership the Pirates graduated. Trimmings was already a premier running back as a junior, and now as a senior it’s his time to shine. I have a feeling he won’t disappoint.

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.itgnext.com and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/itgnext. Follow us on Twitter @SEGAInTheGame and on Instagram at inthegamesega. Keep a look out for some exciting news coming soon on new online programing via our online radio station inthegameradio.com. While you’re online, don’t forget to nominate a deserving student-athlete or coach for one of our feature articles. You’ll be glad you did.

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Contributors

Publisher Shawn Smoak Editor Mark Dykes Graphics Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Michael Brinson Feature Photography Michael Brinson Jennifer Carter Johnson Feature Writers Rob Asbell John DuPont Phil Jones Evan Smoak Copy Editor Anna Limoges Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak shawn@itgsportsnetwork.com Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com Website Manager Mandy Douthit SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 Waycross, Ga. | 31502 Corporate Office: Dykes Media Group, LLC P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, Ga. | 31603 In the Game is published monthly (excluding July).

The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group, LLC 2018 makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2015 Dykes Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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Final Season for

Fantastic Frederica Duo Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Michael Brinson

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Who would’ve though that a girls basketball game back in 2014 between Jane Macon Middle School and Frederica Academy Middle School could’ve made such a difference in the lives of two impressionable young student-athletes? That’s exactly what happened in that basketball season of 2014.

The location was Frederica Academy, a college preparatory private school on St. Simons, at the time known mostly for its academia and not so much for its football. The game featured head football coach Brandon Derrick’s daughter, Riley, who Derrick was there rooting on.

At some point during the contest, an assistant coach that Derrick knew from Jane Macon middle school came walking up with two young men. The coach introduced the two eighth-graders to Derrick, who invited them to sit with him and watch the game.

But the basketball game was not the only thing on Jaylin Simpson and

Jashawn Sheffield’s minds, The two middle schoolaccording to Derrick. ers from Jane Macon liked “They started asking me what they saw and stayed in a lot of questions about touch with Derrick and his Frederica,” the coach said. staff over the remainder of “They wanted to know more the school year. about our football program, According to Simpson, but they they knew “We were ready also wantabout Fredto go in a different ed to know erica, but about our wanted to direction, and we academics, were just ready to take know more. too. During “ W e a different path than ( S i m p s o n the course of our conand Shefeveryone else." versations, field) had a — Jaylin Simpson few friends I discovered that they had led their that went to Frederica, so middle school football we knew a little bit about team to a championship the the school,” Simpson said. previous season.

“We talked about going "So, I quickly found out over there to talk to somejust from talking to them one. That’s when one of and their coach that Jay- our coaches at the middle lin and Jashawn were two school introduced us to pretty special athletes. They Coach Derrick at the basasked if I would show them ketball game. We asked around the campus after Coach a lot of questions, the game. Jashawn asked and we liked what he had about the new weight room to say. Coach showed us and locker room that they around the campus, and had heard we were build- we liked it.” ing, so we showed them According to Simpson, how far along we were on he and Sheffield talked that project." about maybe making the

jump from the Glynn County school to the St. Simons private school after the visit with Derrick.

“We were ready to go in a different direction, and we were just ready to take a different path than everyone else,” Simpson said.

The two friends decided to attend an open house at Frederica with their parents along for the visit. Then in February of 2015, Simpson and Sheffield officially enrolled at Frederica as freshmen.

Once at Frederica, Simpson and Sheffield made an impression right away on the football field.

Simpson became the team quarterback and safety, while Sheffield was running back, receiver, and cornerback. In their first year, the 2015 season, the two freshmen led Frederica to a seven-win season. (The year before, the Knights won just three games). Suddenly the word was out about two exceptional athletes at Frederica Academy. It did not take long for college programs to discover Simpson and Sheffield.

A look at their career numbers at Frederica (with their senior season still to go), gives a glimpse into why colleges are so interested in these two four-star athletes.

Sheffield, as a three-year starter, played several posi- and kickoffs for anothtions on offense, including er 383 yards. That gives wildcat quarSheffield terback, run- "I told Jaylin that over 3,000 ning back, he would be my all-purpose and receivso far. quarterback, and yards er. He has MeanI would be his rushed for while, Simp1,778 yards receiver, and we son, also a so far on 223 t h re e - y e a r decided then carriers in his starter, has that we would career with played quar22 rushing terback and always stay touchdowns. and together…and receiver As a receivhas been a we have.” er, he has 57 major part of catches for the Knights — Jashawn Sheffield 784 yards offense over with eight touchdowns. the last few seasons.

He also returned punts As a quarterback he has

62 completions in 140 attempts for 916 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a running quarterback, Simpson has 845 rushing yards on 131 carries for 10 touchdowns.

As a receiver, Simpson has 39 catches for 526 yards and seven touchdowns.

His all-purpose yards total almost 2,300 so far.

Simpson said his first offer came early in his second season at Frederica, when he was a sophomore.

“Ohio State was the first college to offer me a scholarship,” Simpson said. “But the very next day, I received an offer

from Tennessee. Then that same day, I received an offer from (the University of) Florida. It was crazy.”

Things continued to get crazier for Simpson, with a total of 19 offers rolling in.

Armed with a lot of offers from great programs, Simpson and Sheffield made their second visit to Auburn in April of this year.

Right after that visit, Simpson made his decision.

“It just felt like home,” he said of Auburn. “Being around their staff, their people, just felt different than everyone else.”

For Sheffield, the offers began amazingly early with two offers coming right after his freshman season began. A dozen or so more offers came in before his first season of high school football was complete, and they continued throughout the next two years.

After that last visit to Auburn with Simpson, Sheffield visited The Plains once more, when he and his mother made an official visit two months later.

It was then that Sheffield made his commitment to Auburn University. According to Sheffield, Auburn felt like THE place, but Mama had to have a look.

“My mom has been a big part of my success, and I didn’t want to make a decision without her looking at the school, too.," he said. "But when she and I visited Auburn, she looked at me and asked if I liked it, and I told her that this was where I wanted to go.”

If you think it’s no coincidence that these longtime friends made the decision to attend the same school, then you would be right.

“We always talked about wanting to stay together in college,” Simpson said. “I think most of them (college recruiters) kind of got the idea that we were going to be a package deal.”

Sheffield talked about the moment when the two friends decided they would do what good friends should always do: stick together.

“It was in the eighth grade, and me and Jaylin just finished playing in a game where Jaylin scored five touchdowns," he said.

"The coach told us that if the two of us kept at it, we would have a good shot of playing D1 one day. So, I told Jaylin that he would be my quarterback and I In The Game | 9

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would be his receiver, and we decided then that we would always stay together… and we have.”

While Simpson and Sheffield have been recruited for their superb offensive abilities and accomplishments, the two standout athletes have been recruited for and will most likely play defense at Auburn.

Derrick knows he and the team have been blessed by these two young men in more ways than one.

“Jashawn and Jaylin have certainly won a lot of games for Frederica Academy; there’s no doubt about that,” Derrick said with a slight chuckle. “But they’ve done so much for this school that will have a lasting effect and impression on any other young men who want to consider coming here, whether for a chance to play sports or just for the education."

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In The Game Preseason Football Rankings Written by: Evan Smoak

Football season is upon us, and it's time for me to throw in my two cents.

These rankings are based on my projections on how teams will do in their respective classifications. I’m not declaring Team A would beat Team B, rather that they will perform better inside their own classifications.

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6.

2.

7.

3.

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GLYNN ACADEMY RED TERRORS - Coach Rocky Hildago and his Red Terrors return this fall hungry for another championship run after a devastating loss to Lee County in the 2017 GHSA 6A semifinals. I expect them to bounce back nicely and continue their road toward a state championship WAYNE COUNTY YELLOW JACKETS - With the arrival of new coach Ken Cribb last fall, the Yellow Jackets improved tremendously while capturing a Region 2-5A title and a Sweet 16 berth. I predict a lot of the same for Wayne County this fall as they look to move past the second round.

WARE COUNTY GATORS - Last fall, the Gators experienced an underwhelming year with a record of 5-6 and an early exit from the playoffs while also graduating three Division I signees. However, Ware County, led by a mix of veteran and young playmakers across the field, will persevere and push Wayne County to the brink for the region title.

LIBERTY COUNTY PANTHERS - After back-to-back region titles in spite of losing Division I players both years, who's to say coach Kirk Warner’s bunch can’t do it again. The Panthers will have to win in a tougher region, but with 13 returning starters, don’t be surprised if the Panthers three-peat.

5.

PIERCE COUNTY BEARS - Last fall, new coach Jason Strickland led the Bears to a losing 5-6 record, but do not be fooled.

Strickland did an amazing job in a short time. This fall with a full year at the helm, I expect Strickland and his Bears to make the improvements necessary to compete for the region title.

FREDERICA ACADEMY KNIGHTS - Coming off back-to-back playoff years, the Knights are poised to make another deep run. Returning 16 starters led by dual Auburn commits Jaylin Simpson and Jeshawn Sheffield, the Knights might be able to finally return the GISA 3A state championship back home to St. Simons.

JEFF DAVIS YELLOW JACKETS - After a surprising 6-4 record last fall, Jeff Davis made the playoffs in a rare mini-game play in. Entering his second season this year, Lance Helton has his team ready to make a sting in Region 2-2A. CHARLTON COUNTY INDIANS - Entering his 29th year as head coach, 31st with the program, McWhorter and the Indians look to continue their winning ways, building on their quarterfinal loss to ECI and avenging their region losses to Clinch and Irwin.

Led by highly recruited athlete Raykwon Anderson and 10 returning starters, Charlton looks to return to Atlanta in hopes of another state championship.

VIDALIA INDIANS - After a down year in Vidalia, coach Lee Chomskis and his tribe of Indians look to return to their winning ways. Vidalia returns 11 starters this season, and with Benedictine moving to Class 3A, the Indians hope to knock off cross-county rival Toombs County en route to a region championship and a deep run in the GHSA 2A playoffs.

10.

RICHMOND HILL WILDCATS - Matt LeZotte’s Wildcats are now all his as he enters his fourth year as head coach; he will graduate his first full class in 2019. After pushing eventual state champions Lee County to the brink of elimination in the first round last year, the Wildcats look forward to competing for a region championship and beyond in 2018.

In The Game | 11

His Year to Shine Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

Remember the name Jalen Trimmings. A part-time starter at running back for Brunswick High School last year, 2018 could be his breakout season as he becomes the featured back in the Pirates’ high-powered offense.

“Whenever I get the ball in my hand, (I ask myself), 'Am I going to make a big play, or is the big play going to be made on me?'” he said. “I started many games throughout my junior season, but now I’m the starter my senior year.”

At 5’10” and 196 pounds, Trimmings is a strong runner who can break tackles but also has the speed to break away from the secondary. He has the ability to find holes inside but is also able to bounce outside for big yardage.

“He really is due to have a big year,” Sean Pender, Brunswick head coach, said.

Although the Pirates are know for spreading the field, Trimmings brings an additional weapon to the offense with his ability to run between the tackles.

“My favorite part of football is having the ball in your hand making plays and winning games as a team,” Trimmings said.

Winning is what Brunswick did in 2017, going 7-3 and making the playoffs. Since the end of last season, Trimmings has worked hard to improve himself by putting time in the weight room and making the people around him better. When Pender arrived in Brunswick last season, Trimmings was recovering from surgery on his ACL. He met the new coach in a weight training class.

“During the course of rehabbing his ACL Injury, he was working hard,” Pender said. “He started getting muscles, and the baby fat was disappearing.”

The plan was to use Trimmings as a blocking back, but circumstances required Pender to use him more after one running back broke his toe and another moved away. Over the summer, Trimmings also improved his speed.

12 | itgnext.com

“He is significantly faster," Pender said. "He’s made a huge jump in one year with no effects from the ACL injury. His work ethic is what brought him to where he is today.”

Along with Pender, Trimmings credited Brunswick running backs coach Kregg Richardson with helping him improve his ball carrying abilities.

“He (Richardson) helped me by telling me to always — in your head and your heart — know whoever you are going against, no matter the size or strength, that you can beat them.," Trimmings said. "By him saying that, it’s always motivated me to go hard on every down no matter what.”

People began to notice Trimmings in the fourth game of last season, when Brunswick faced Camden County at Chris Gilman Stadium in Kingsland. The Pirates took home a 16-point victory on a big night for Trimmings.

“It was my first game I got over 100 yards with 15 carries and two touchdowns,” he said.

Trimmings ran for 118 yards that September night as Brunswick defeated the Wildcats for the first time in 18 years.

As a sophomore, Trimmings was playing on the junior varsity when he got his first taste of being in a big game. It was against cross-town rival Glynn Academy, and the Terrors had controlled the game, taking a 20-0 lead before the JV Pirates made a dramatic comeback.

“We went for the two-point conversion to win the game,” Trimmings said.

But before they could get the play started, a penalty flag moved Brunswick back 15 yards. Determined to make the conversion, the Pirates sent all of their receivers into the end zone on score routes. The quarterback let the ball sail in Trimmings’ direction.

“I caught the ball over three defenders to win the game,” he said.

Jalen Trimmings, “J.T.” for short, grew up playing football. He started playing for the Glynn County recreation leagues when he was 6 years old. He played for the Needwood Warriors his seventh- and eighthgrade years.

Trimmings said he wants to take his gridiron talents to the next level, where he can study marketing in the pursuit of becoming an entrepreneur.

His academics and well-rounded abilities as both a runner and blocker will help attract college scouts.

The son of Sharon Grant and James Trimmings, one of his cousins is Allen Bailey, defensive end of the Kansas City Chiefs who graduated from McIntosh County Academy before attending the University of Miami.

Trimmings carries 3.0 GPA and is attracting the attention of schools like Georgia Southern University.

When he is not at practice or studying, Trimmings likes to hit the beach with friends, but he spends most of his spare time working on footwork drills or in the weight room.

In the summer before his senior season, Trimmings had not yet received any solid offers to play collegiately. He hopes his hard work in the offseason will lead to a big year and with it, scholarship offers.

“None so far, but I’m looking forward to them rolling in,” he said.

My favorite part of football is having the ball in your hand making plays and winning games as a team.

In The Game | 13

Patience Pays Off for Glazer Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Michael Brinson

Patience may indeed be a virtue; however, it's not always best practiced by those in the coaching profession, especially those that coach high school football in South Georgia. But patience is something that Tony Glazer already knows a little something about and may still come to understand the true defini-

tion of as he embarks on his new challenge in the world of coaching high school football.

Glazer was named head football coach at Macintosh County Academy in March after a long wait. It is Glazer's first head coaching job after spending 10 years as an assistant, including the last four as defensive coor-

dinator at Liberty County.

While this will be Glazer's first head coaching position, it will be the Buccaneers' fifth coach in the last seven seasons. The revolving door of head coaches at MAC doesn’t seem to faze Glazer.

“There’s a great opportunity to establish a legacy here at Macintosh,” he said. “They have

a big-time fan base here, and they love their Buccaneers. There’s a lot to build on here.”

Glazer should know.

While he was defensive coordinator at Liberty, his Panthers played Macintosh Academy a number of times, according to Glazer.

“Yeah, I got to know the type of kids that played here (at Macintosh)," Glazer said. "We saw them a good bit, and I knew they were a scrappy bunch of hard-nosed football players.”

Glazer talked about the interview process and how he knew right away that this was the job he wanted.

“I interviewed just twice via the phone and once face-to-face," he

said. "The truth is I wasn’t really too eager to leave Liberty County. Yes, I’ve always wanted to be a head coach, but I wanted to make sure it was the right job, and there’s no doubt in my mind that this is it.”

Glazer admitted that his first season as the Bucs head coach may very well be a transition year — not only for him, but for the program itself.

“There’s a few guys returning with some experience, but we mainly have a lot of younger underclassmen on the roster,” Glazer said. “That, along with the fact that we have everyone learning a new scheme on offense and defense means that we’re

These kids have welcomed me with open arms, and they’ve worked hard.

— Tony Glazer In The Game | 15

WAYCROSS probably going to have a bit of a transition this season.”

But don’t mistake that for not expecting a lot from the Bucanneers, Glazer said.

Speaking of a new system, Glazer said he wants to run the spread offense, but with a stronger emphasis on running the football.

According to the head coach, “We want to be about 60/40 run to pass (ratio).”

Glazer brought in Wade Peterson from Wayne County to run his offense. His new defensive coordinator will be Pat Marshall, a holdover from the previous staff at MCA. Defensively, Macintosh will look a lot like Liberty’s defense, running basically the same scheme that Glazer ran as a coordinator with the Panthers.

“We’ll run a basic three- and four-man front, some 3-4-4 depending on what the offense shows us," he said.

In addition to the youth Glazer inherited this season, he also inherits a smaller roster than what he’s accustomed to.

“At Liberty, we were a 3A team, so we had anywhere from 60-90 kids to work with overall," he said. "Here, as a Class 1A school, we have a roster of about 40 players to work with.”

Despite the lower numbers, Glazer raved about his new team.

“These kids have welcomed me with open arms, and they’ve worked hard,” he said.

One of the first things Glazer emphasized was getter bigger and stronger, and that means a

16 | itgnext.com

lot of time in the weight room and in conditioning.

“We’ve put in a lot of hours in our offseason conditioning program, and those types of things, that type of mentality, wins games as the season goes on,” Glazer said.

The first real game-type situation came quickly for the new head coach and his team as Macintosh played Richmond Hill and Bryan County in a spring jamboree, where each team plays the other for two quarters. In Game 1, Richmond Hill blanked the Bucs 24-0, while MCA came back and played Bryan County to a 7-7 tie. More important, Glazer said, was the game-type experience many of the younger guys received.

Overall, Glazer is pleased with everything he has seen so far from his young Bucs.

“We’ve got a few new players and a few experienced guys coming back this year, but for the most part we have a lot of younger underclassmen who simply need playing time and guys who want to be a part of a winning program,” he said. "They are disappointed with last year's threewin season, and everyone around here remembers two years ago (when Macintosh played in the Class 1A state title game). There’s a strong desire to return this program to its winning ways" It may not be this year, but you get the feeling with a little patience, something Glazer knows a thing or two about, he may just have the folks in Darien thinking state titles once again.

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In the Game Top 10 Players Written by: Evan Smoak

Jaylin Simpson QB /ATH Frederica Academy Jaylin Simpson was a beast for the Knights last season. Simpson played primarily at quarterback, throwing for 761 yards and rushing for 741 yards. Last spring, Simpson made the verbal commitment to play at the next level for the Auburn Tigers but will look to help lead Frederica to a GISA 3A state title before he moves west in 2019.

JaShawn Sheffield RB Frederica Academy JaShawn Sheffield has been on everyone's radar for a while now. In the Game featured him as part of our underclassmen cover back in 2015 as well as an honorable mention in last year's Top 10 players. Sheffield has not disappointed since. He recently made the verbal commitment to join teammate Jaylin Simpson in Auburn next fall. Expect a lot of fire on the plains in 2019 and on the island this fall.

Warren McClendon OT Brunswick High School Warren McClendon is an O-line coach’s dream. McClendon is a 6’5”, 300-pound, four-star offensive tackle who recently committed to Georgia after agonizing over whether to pick the Bulldogs or family in South Carolina.

However, coach Pender and the Pirates sure have to be pleased that they have another year with this anchor on their offense.

Kevin Harris RB Bradwell Institute After having two average seasons for the Tigers, Kevin Harris burst on the scene last year with 1,680 yards and 16 TDs. Earlier this summer, Harris committed to playing football at South Carolina next fall. However, before he leaves, Harris wishes to lead his streak of Tigers back to the playoffs.

Logan Braucht LB Ware County High School Logan Braucht has been a defensive machine for the Gators. Braucht spent the last two years as a defensive end, but coach Stephens decided to move him back to his natural middle linebacker position, which he last played during his freshman year. With offers already from the Citadel and Valdosta State, expect huge numbers and more offers for Logan this fall.

Raykwon Anderson RB Charlton County High School College coaches have an old saying: “You can’t teach size or speed.” The latter applies to Raykwon Anderson. Anderson’s 4.47 40-yard dash helped him record a blazing 2,051 all-purpose yards and 22 TDs for the Indians last season. Anderson recently committed to North Carolina. Expect Chapel Hill to thank Folkston in a couple years.

MJ Fuller RB Wayne County High School M.J. Fuller has been a beast on the field ever since middle school. In the Game featured him as one of our rising stars back in 2014. Now as a senior, Fuller looks to finish the job. After leading the Jackets’ rushing attack the past two seasons, Fuller looks to cap off another great year with back-to-back region championships and an opportunity to play football at the next level.

David Spaulding DB Bradwell Institute Another beast for Bradwell and coach Couch to use will be David Spaulding.

This 6’2” cornerback racked up 35 tackles and three turnovers last year for the Tigers but is poised for a huge year this fall. Spaulding has offers from many Divison I schools such as Appalachian State and East Carolina. I predict a lot of headaches for offensive coordinators caused by this heavy hitter.

Logan Berryhill WR Camden County High School Logan Berryhill is a 6’4”, 182-pound wide receiver who came out of nowhere last fall. The Wildcat caught five TDs while also snagging 384 yards. Berryhill has offers from seven schools, including Mercer and South Florida. Berryhill looks to be a cornerback’s nightmare in 7A this fall.

John Jones RB Pierce County High School John Jones ran his way into Bears fans’ hearts last season as he rushed for 1,162 yards. A Ware County transfer, Jones was an All-Region running back in 2017. With an offer already from Valdosta State, Jones will look to not only help the Bears chase a state title, but help his chances of playing football in college.

Honorable Mentions DeMarco Gibson DB Ware County High School

Jalen Trimmings Brunswick High School

Marlon Taylor Glynn Academy

Jeremiah O'Hara ATH Ware County High School

DT

Ashby Cribb WR Wayne County High School

912-381-2734 210 Peterson Ave S. Douglas, Ga 31533

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Quest for Excellence Written by: John DuPont Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

Playing football on gives his effort all the time the next level is a dream and plays with a passion.” for most, but for Logan Braucht, the son of Braucht, it is a must.

Robert and Michelle “I don’t Braucht, have a prefhas already erence where been offered it’s at,” said

by Valdosta the Ware State University, and County senior, who he’s bound garnered his to gain more second colinterest still. lege offer At 6’0” and the weekend 215 pounds, before IndeBraucht is pendence optimally Day. “I just built to play got back linebacker from my on defense second visit and H-back to the Citaon offense. del, which He also thankfully has the ideended with al blend of an offer. I If not for football, my speed and got a more college visits would strength p e r s o n a l probably be more local. I required tour of the don’t know if the military for those c a m p u s , colleges would be the positions, talked with choice, but without with weight the position football I think it would room maxcoach, and still be a good alternative. es of 525 it all pretty (squats), — Logan Braucht much lined 365 (bench), up with the and 325 way I play: downhill, phys- (power cleans). The Air ical football by a guy that Force Academy has 18 | itgnext.com

I’ve never heard someone say they don’t like something they are successful at, and I have always been successful at that. With math, I’m able to see it and solve it in my head sometimes. It definitely plays a part at linebacker, reading the offense. If they have a bunch of people on the left side of the center, I am able to read the play on the go and know where the ball is going or even know if it is going to be a pass play.

also shown interest, and Braucht hopes an offer is forthcoming once his latest SAT scores come back.

“Military options interest me,” he said. “I’ve always had it in the back of my head. Citadel’s programs are not mandatory for you to go into the military. For the Air Force, you have to go into the

Air Force after your studies. It’s a great opportunity. If not for football, my college visits would probably be more local. I don’t know if the military colleges would be the choice, but without football I think it would still be a good alternative.”

Being on the radar of a military academy, as

anyone knows, means being near the top of the class, and Braucht fits the bill. With a 3.55 GPA, he is currently ranked 34th among the class of 2019 and is on an honors track.

A National Honor Society member, he started fall semester with eight hours of dual enrollment. That’s in addition to the almost

two years’ worth of college already banked.

"Logan is the epitome of a student-athlete,” said WCHS Principal Bert Smith. “He has already successfully completed over 15 dual-enrollment classes while maintaining success on the field. Logan has a strong moral compass with great family support, and we are proud of his accomplishments and how he represents the Gator Nation."

In addition to his 42 hours of college credit, Braucht’s resume also includes accolades as a 2017 First Team All-Region football selection. Such dual success is no surprise to teachers like Donna Godwin, AP Psychology instructor at WCHS. “Logan is a dedicated student whose thirst for knowledge is equal to his quest for excellence in athletics,” Godwin said.

Although he has played varsity football all four years of high school, Braucht first showed up

on radar as a sophomore. In 10 games that season, he tallied 13 total tackles (nine solos, four assists) with one fumble recovery.

Offensively, he was near the top of his team’s charts with 15 pancake blocks. Then last season, Braucht totaled 56 tackles (27 solo, 29 assists) with six sacks for 43 yards lost, a team-leading 10 tackles for loss, 15 quarterback hurries, one fumble recovery, and one caused fumble. Those numbers earned Braught a slot in this past year’s Georgia Junior Bowl.

“Throughout everything I do, I always feel like I can make plays,” Braucht said, trying to pick a favorite highlight. “There are, I think, exactly two from my last year’s highlights when I’m going across the line of scrimmage, across the center, and I’m just laying the kid out. I think that explains how explosive I can be in just a few steps.”

For Braucht, who lists math as his favorite subject, the academia is somewhat a means to an

end in that it helps him with probdoesn’t just want the quick fix to lem solving on the field. an injury," Roberts said. "He wants “I’ve never to understand heard somehis injury, its mechanism, one say they don’t like how to preLogan is the epitome of a coach's vent it in the something son. He is an extremely hard future, and they are worker in all areas of a studentwhat else can successful athlete's life. He possesses great he be doing at, and I have character, work ethic, selflessness always been to get back and an incredible belief system as quick as successful at that allows him to be highly possible. He that,” Braucht productive within our program. We wants to resaid. “With are very fortunate to have Logan math, I’m turn quickly, within our program. able to see it and he wants and solve it to be able to — Franklin Stephens, Ware County in my head compete at his head football coach best level.” sometimes. It definitely plays a part at linebacker, Braucht worships at New Life reading the offense. If they have a Church in Blackshear, where he is bunch of people on the left side active in the youth program. His of the center, I am able to read the faith and family have been vital to play on the go and know where the his success. So too have been his ball is going or even know if it is gohead coach – Franklin Stephens – ing to be a pass play.” and the many other coaches that Track has also been a plus have influenced him along the way. for Braucht, who has run the 40“So many people have helped, yard dash in 4.73 seconds. He but the person who has led me has competed in the 200 methroughout this all more than anyters, 4 x 400 relay, and 4 x 100 one would be my dad,” Braucht relay each year except his junior said. “If I ever don’t understand campaign, when he was rehabanything – football or school – he bing from knee woes. That exis always there to help guide me. perience gave him insights into When I was a young sophomore, a potential post-football career. my dad told me, ‘It’s going to be “Our trainer, Ms. Jenn Roberts, is difficult, it’s going to be hard, but fantastic and gives great treatment it’s going to put you on top.’” to our guys,” he said. “She helped Summarizing, he said: “My take care of me when I got my knees faith is probably the difference banged up. I am interested in physmaker between me and maybe ical therapy, so there are a few maothers. Honestly, it’s the jors that could go along with that. I leadership and guidance of would have to see what colleges coaches around me and my have a major that correspond, and father and my own strength physical therapy is at the forefront from my lord and savior, just of that right now. I think I want to being able to push through. I help make people healthy and help guess I would just want people make my community better.” to remember that I am a godly Roberts said Braucht has the man in Christ — and then a right mindset for the trade. football player.”

“Logan is one of the few who

REGION 1-7A

Camden co.

Wildcats

Cats Want Playoff Return

SCHEDULE

Photography by: Michael Brinson

Chris Gillman Stadium Capacity: 10,000 8/17

-

West Forsyth

8/24

@

Wren, SC

8/31

-

Locust Grove

9/7

@

Richmond Hill

9/14

@

Brunswick

9/28

-

Glynn Academy

10/5

-

Colleton, SC

10/12

@

Colquitt County

10/19

@

Lowndes

11/2

-

Tift County

Head Coach: Bob Sphire Years at School: 1 Record at School: 3

2017 Overall Record

7

Players To Watch

OT

DE

S

Micah Morris

Detarius Glover

Roninn Wright

WR

LB

Logan Berryhill

Derrick Senegal

3-7

Despite a new coach and a new offense, it was still a tough season for the Wildcats. Camden managed only three wins in 2017 and lost all of their region games, causing them to miss the playoffs once again.

Now in his second season at the helm in Kingsland, coach Bob Sphire has brought his wide open offense from North Gwinnett High School, a major change as Camden had always used the Wing-T offense. Originally from Kentucky, Sphire took over at North Gwinnett in 2006. The Bulldogs made the quarterfinals in six seasons and were state runners-up in 2007 and 2013. In addition, the Bulldogs made the state quarterfinals in 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2011 and were region champions five times.

The Wildcats will have just seven starters returning, but they hope to build around the nucleus of team leaders that includes seniors Ronnin Wright at safety and Logan Berryhill at wide receiver.

Camden will open the 2018 football campaign at home against the West Forsyth Wolverines. The following week they will travel to Macon to play the Wren Hurricanes at Mercer University. A home game against Locust Grove is next then a trip to Richmond Hill. A trip to Brunswick is followed by a visit from Glynn Academy and then the Colleton County Cougars from Walterboro, South Carolina. The regular season closes with Region play at Colquitt, then at Lowndes, and ends with a visit from Tift. Win one of the last three games, and a playoff berth awaits.

Team Leaders Brooks Bryan

2017 Region Record

Jaen Dixon Logan Berryhill

0-3

Logan Berryhill Jeremiah Compton Devin Howard

Returning Offensive Starters:

2017 STATS leading passer Yards: 1,262 leading rusher Yards: 533 leading receiver Yards: 384 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 5 leading tackler Total Tackles: 80 interception leader Total Interceptions: 3 Points Scored: 179

Returning Defensive Starters:

Points Allowed: 285

In sports, performance is everything. We return you to play.

A strategic affiliate of Southeast Georgia Health System

sghs.org/summit 20 | itgnext.com

Brunswick Medical Plaza 3025 Shrine Rd. Suite 390 Brunswick 912-466-7340

Wellness Way Medical Office Complex 7000 Wellness Way Suite 7110 St. Simons Island 912-466-5570

Camden Medical Plaza 2060 Dan Proctor Dr. Suite 1400 St. Marys 912-576-6355

7/2017 Š 2017 SGHS

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In The Game | 21

22 | itgnext.com

Tigers

Tigers Seek Playoff Spot

SCHEDULE

Photography courtesy of amazonaws.com/

Olvey Field

Capacity: 6,083

Players To Watch

RB

DB

Kevin Harris

QB

David Spaulding

Vencent Gilbert

DL

DL

Brendan Bittingham

Michael Hagerty

2017 Overall Record

6-4 Team Leaders Vencent Gilbert Kevin Harris O'Brien Nobles Kevin Harris KJ Milner Marquise Leach

2017 STATS leading passer Yards: 769 leading rusher Yards: 1,680 leading receiver Yards: 255 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 16 leading tackler

2017 Region Record

0-4

Total Tackles: 66 interception leader Total Interceptions: 5

Returning Offensive Starters: Returning Defensive Starters:

8/17

-

Dodge County

8/24

-

Liberty County

8/31

@

Valdosta

9/14

-

Tattnall County

9/21

@

Long County

9/28

-

Wayne County

10/5

@

Effingham County

10/19

@

Richmond Hill

10/26

-

Brunswick

11/2

-

Glynn Academy

REGION 2-6A

Bradwell Institute

One of the Cinderella stories of the 2017 season was the success of Bradwell Institute.

First-year head coach Ross Couch got the Tigers back on the winning path in 2017 but just missed the playoffs. Bradwell won the first six games of the year, including the season opener against crosstown rival Liberty County. Unfortunately, that was followed by four consecutive losses to region opponents ,which kept them out of the postseason.

Couch is a former assistant head coach for Bradwell and defensive coordinator for Windsor Forest High School in Savannah. Last season he introduced a new multiple spread offense and a 4-3 defense to the Hinesville school.

With a strong nucleus of players returning this year, there are high hopes in Hinesville for the Tigers. Twelve starters and a host of parttime players return for the Tigers this season. Among the returners is 225-pound running back Kevin Harris, who ran for 1,691 yards and16 touchdowns last season. He already has offers from Tulane, Army, Navy, Air Force, Cornell, Wofford, Middle Tennessee, Furman, the Citadel, and Kennesaw State.

On defense, David Spaulding returns after registering 47 tackles last year. He has offers from six schools already.

The Tigers open the season at home against the Dodge County Indians before hosting the Commissioner's Cup against Liberty County. Bradwell then travels to Bazemore-Hyder Stadium to face the Valdosta Wildcats.

After games against Tattnall, Long, and Wayne, the Tigers start region play against Effingham County, Richmond Hill, Brunswick, and Glynn Academy.

Points Allowed: 276

Head Coach: Ross Couch

Points Scored: 218

Years at School: 1 Record at School:

6

4

Magazine Visit our website to Stay In the Game! www.itgnext.com In The Game | 23

REGION 2-6A

Brunswick

Pirates Pender’s Pirates Part 2

SCHEDULE

Photography by: Michael Brinson

Glynn County Stadium Capacity: 12,500

Players To Watch

8/17

@

Coffee County

8/24

@

Bartram Trail

8/31

@

McIntosh County Academy

9/14

-

Camden County

9/21

-

New Hampstead

9/28

-

Monroe

10/5

-

Richmond Hill

10/12

@

Effingham County

10/19

-

Glynn Academy

10/26

@

Bradwell Institute

A new coach and a big turnaround was the story for the Brunswick Pirates in 2017. Coach Sean Pender brought in a new system, and the Pirates put up big numbers in most of their games. After losing their opener to eventual state runner-up Coffee, Brunswick won their next four, putting up 204 points. A tough loss in the Brunswick City Championship to Glynn Academy was followed by three more big wins to close out the season. The Pirates took the No. 2 seed and hosted powerhouse Northside (Warner Robins) in the first round, losing a heartbreaker 24-21.

Pender came to Brunswick in 2017 from Pierce County, where he had been successful with the Bears for six seasons, posting a record of 54-18 including three straight 10-win seasons. He made the playoffs every year in Blackshear and had two appearances in the state quarterfinals. He also led Brantley County to its first ever playoff appearance in 2006.

The Pirates open the season with three road games: in Douglas against Coffee County; in St. John’s, Florida, south of Jacksonville to play the Bartram Trail Bears; and then to Darien to take on MCA. The home opener is Sept. 14 against Camden, then a home game against Savannah’s New Hampstead Phoenix, at Liberty County, at home against Richmond Hill, at Effingham in Springfield, followed by the City Championship against Glynn Academy Oct. 19. The Pirates close against Bradwell at Glynn County Stadium before an expected playoff run.

2017 Overall Record

2017 Region Record

7-3

3-1

OL

RB

OL

Warren McClendon

Jalen Trimmings

AJ Kirkland

DB

DL

Stacy Young

Justin Akria

Team Leaders Jamarius Stevens Shaq Robinson

Head Coach: Sean Pender

Alonzo Brown

Years at School: 1 Record at School:

Shaq Robinson

7

3

All-time Record:

100

1 74

JaGaryon Marcus Jaylen Jackson

2017 STATS leading passer Yards: 2,718 leading rusher Yards: 568 leading receiver Yards: 956 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 12 leading tackler Total Tackles: 47 interception leader Total Interceptions: 3

Points Allowed: 224

Returning Offensive Starters:

Returning Defensive Starters:

Points Scored: 423

In sports, performance is everything. We return you to play.

A strategic affiliate of Southeast Georgia Health System

sghs.org/summit 24 | itgnext.com

Brunswick Medical Plaza 3025 Shrine Rd. Suite 390 Brunswick 912-466-7340

Wellness Way Medical Office Complex 7000 Wellness Way Suite 7110 St. Simons Island 912-466-5570

Camden Medical Plaza 2060 Dan Proctor Dr. Suite 1400 St. Marys 912-576-6355

7/2017 © 2017 SGHS

Terrors

Terrors Want Another Deep Run

SCHEDULE

Photography by: Michael Brinson

Glynn County Stadium

For the fourth time in four years, the Glynn Academy Red Terrors made a deep run in the playoffs. Coach Rocky Hidalgo led them all the way to the state semifinals in 2017. Glynn went 6-3 in the regular season and won the region championship, their second in two years. The Terrors downed Wayne, Ware, and Brunswick but fell to Richmond Hill. In the playoffs, GA beat Valdosta, Heritage, and Harrison before falling in a heartbreaker to eventual state champion Lee County in Leesburg.

Hidalgo came to Glynn Academy in 2014 and has led the Terrors to deep runs in the playoffs in each of his four seasons, including a trip to the state championship game in 2015 when Hidalgo was named In the Game SEGA's Coach of the Year.

Each year the Red Terrors have gone to at least the quarterfinals under his guidance.

The Terrors will face an out of state team to start the 2018 season. The Fort Dorchester Patriots out of North Charleston will visit Glynn County Stadium in mid-August. In Week 2, the Washington Bulldogs make their way to Brunswick from Atlanta.

That’s followed by a visit from the Groves Rebels. The Terrors spend September on the road with trips to Wayne County, Ware County and Camden County. Then it's October at Glynn County Stadium with Richmond Hill at home, at Brunswick, and a visit from Effingham County. The regular season ends with a trip to Hinesville to take on Bradwell Institute.

SCHEDULE

13

81

31

Fort Dorchester, SC

-

Washington

8/31

-

Groves

9/14

@

at Wayne County

9/21

@

at Ware County

9/28

@

Camden County

10/12

-

Richmond Hill

10/19

@

Brunswick

10/26

-

Effingham County

11/2

@

Bradwell Institute

RB

S

Marlon Taylor

Nolan Grant

Byron Bacon

Years at School: 4 Record at School: 41

-

8/24

DT

Head Coach: Rocky Hidalgo

QB

OT

Shane Wells

TJ Lewis

Capacity: 12,500

8/17

Players To Watch

REGION 2-6A

Glynn Academy

2017 Overall Record

9-4 2017 Region Record

All-time Record:

Team Leaders Randon Jernigan Caine Crews Andrew Delaney Caine Crews

3-1

2017 STATS leading passer Yards: 439 leading rusher

Points Scored: 375

Yards: 726 leading receiver Yards: 277 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 8

Points Allowed: 250

Returning Offensive Starters:

Returning Defensive Starters:

In sports, performance is everything. We return you to play.

A strategic affiliate of Southeast Georgia Health System

sghs.org/summit

Brunswick Medical Plaza 3025 Shrine Rd. Suite 390 Brunswick 912-466-7340

Wellness Way Medical Office Complex 7000 Wellness Way Suite 7110 St. Simons Island 912-466-5570

Camden Medical Plaza 2060 Dan Proctor Dr. Suite 1400 St. Marys 912-576-6355

7/2017 Š 2017 SGHS

In The Game | 25

REGION 2-6A

Richmond Hill

Wildcats Wildcats Reload for 2018

SCHEDULE

Photography by: Charles E. Smith

Wildcat Stadium Capacity: 3,500 8/17

@

Grovetown

8/31

@

Wayne County

9/7

-

Camden County

9/14

-

New Hampstead

9/21

-

Liberty County

9/28

@

Bluffton, SC

10/5

@

Brunswick

10/12

@

Glynn Academy

10/19

-

Bradwell Institute

11/2

-

Effingham County

Players To Watch

ATH

DB/WR

OL

Aaron Bedgood

Ronald Fuselier

Lachlan Holt

ATH

P

Kollins Pettaway

Matt Daniel

2017 Overall Record

7-3

The Richmond Hill Wildcats started out fast in 2017 with seven straight wins, including a victory over Glynn Academy in Brunswick to put them in the hunt for a region championship. Coach Matt LeZotte’s defense got shutouts over Brantley County and Lakeside, and there were big wins over Grovetown, South Effingham, and Bradwell Institute. Then came region loses to Brunswick and Effingham County. The Wildcats made the playoffs as the No. 4 seed from Region 2-6A. In the first round they traveled to Leesburg, where they fell in a close game to eventual state champion Lee County.

LeZotte is now in his fourth season at Richmond Hill after rebuilding the program at Aquinas High School in Augusta. His weapons this year include 10 returning starters and a strong group of seniors, including Aaron Bedgood. The Richmond Hill kicking game is strong once again with punter Matt Daniel leading the group.

The 2018 season will start near Augusta as the Wildcats travel to play the Grovetown Warriors. Week 2 is on the road again as they face Wayne County in Jesup. Three home games follow as Camden County, New Hampstead, and Liberty County come to town in consecutive weeks. A trip to Bluffton, South Carolina, to play the Bobcats comes next before the start of region play in October. The Cats will make two consecutive trips to Glynn County Stadium as they face Brunswick then Glynn Academy. Home games against Bradwell Institute and Effingham County end the regular season.

Team Leaders 2017 Region Record

Kasey Green Maurice Smith Sam James

2-2

Maurice Smith

Head Coach: Matt LeZotte

Nico Decosta

Years at School: 3 Record at School:

DJ Lewis

16

Returning Offensive Starters:

14

2017 STATS leading passer Yards: 1,912 leading rusher Yards:1,119 leading receiver Yards: 905 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 16 leading tackler Total Tackles: 110 interception leader Total Interceptions: 2 Points Scored: 335

Returning Defensive Starters:

Points Allowed: 208

Magazine Visit our website to Stay In the Game! www.itgnext.com 26 | itgnext.com

In The Game | 27

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REGION 2-5A

Ware Co.

Gators Gators Face Tough Road

SCHEDULE

Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

Memorial Stadium

Capacity: 12,000

Players To Watch

DB Demarco Gibson

ATH Jeremiah O'Hara

LB Logan Braucht

OLB OLB Ken Standley

Ladedric Castellanos

2017 Overall Record

2017 Region Record

5-6

3-1

-

Pine Ridge, Deltona FL

8/24

@

Burke County

8/31

-

Coffee

9/7

-

Jonesboro

9/21

-

Glynn Academy

9/28

@

Lowndes

10/12

-

Statesboro

10/19

@

South Effingham

10/26

-

New Hampstead(D)

11/2

@

Wayne County

The Ware County Gators started last season with four consecutive loses, but remained in the Region 5A top 10 most of the year. Those loses were to powers Glynn Academy, Lowndes, Coffee, and Northside (Warner Robins).

They got back on track with three straight wins but then fell in the eventual region championship to Wayne County. The Gators took the No. 2 seed into the playoffs and hosted Harris County in the first round of the playoffs. Ware fell in Round 2 to Stockbridge on the road.

Coach Franklin Stephens is going into his fifth year in Waycross and has built a competitive program. He started his career at Tucker, where he won two state championships. Since taking the Gators head job he has made the playoffs every year with a trip to the semifinals in 2015 and a trip to the quarterfinals in 2016. Ware has a good nucleus returning on the offensive line, and senior Logan Braucht will help anchor the defensive line.

This year the Gators will open at home against the Pine Ridge Panthers from Deltona, Florida. Week 2 brings a trip to Burke County and then back home to face the Coffee County Trojans. The Jonesboro Cardinals come to Waycross followed by Glynn Academy. The Gators then have a road trip to play Lowndes in Valdosta, then Statesboro at home, then to Guyton for a region game against South Effingham. New Hampstead visits next, then there's the season finale in Jesup against Wayne County.

Returning Offensive Starters:

Returning Defensive Starters: Points Allowed: 216

8/17

Head Coach: Franklin Stephens Years at School: 4 Record at School:

35 Points Scored:203

14

All-time Record:

126

1 22

In The Game | 29

REGION 2-5A

Wayne Co.

Yellow Jackets

Jackets Strong Again

SCHEDULE

Photography by: Jeffrey Griffith

Jaycee Stadium Capacity: 7,000 8/24

Players To Watch

@

Long County

8/31

-

Richmond Hill

9/7

@

Beaufort

9/14

-

Glynn Academy

9/21

-

Appling County

9/28

@

Bradwell Institute

10/5

@

Statesboro

10/12

-

South Effingham

10/20

@

New Hampstead (P)

11/2

-

Ware County

It was southeast Georgia’s Cinderella story for 2017. The Wayne County Yellow Jackets embraced their new coach and came out firing on all cylinders. They charged out to four straight wins to start the year, including a victory over Valdosta on the hallowed ground of Bazemore-Hyder Stadium.

Following a loss to Class 6A semifinalist Glynn Academy, Wayne County went on to defeat all four region foes, including Ware County in the season finale for the region title and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. The Jackets beat Thomas County Central in the first round at home, but fell to Jones County in the second. The Jackets finished the regular season 8-1, with one game lost due to Hurricane Irma.

Coach Ken Cribb came in last year from Bluffton, South Carolina, in 2017 and revitalized a program that had floundered the past few years. He was named the 2017 In the Game Southeast Georgia Coach of the Year.

The Yellow Jackets will open the 2018 season in Ludowici against the Long County Blue Tide. Then comes a home game against Richmond Hill and a road trip to Cribb’s old stomping ground at Beaufort High School in South Carolina. Ware will then welcome Glynn Academy to Jaycee Stadium followed by Appling County. Road trips to Bradwell Institute and Statesboro follow with a home game against South Effingham, then a road trip to New Hampstead. They finish the regular season against the Ware County Gators in Jesup.

2017 Overall Record

2017 Region Record

9-2

4-0

Head Coach: Ken Cribb

2

All-Time Record:

178

Returning Offensive Starters:

OL

FB

David Vann

Weston Franklin

MJ Fuller

WR

SB

Ashby Cribb

Demaurio Nelson

Points Allowed: 155 Points Scored: 327

Team Leaders

Years at School: 1 Record at School:

9

OL

Atlanta

Falcons

114

Passing Rushing Receiving Matt D. Julio Ryan Freeman Jones

Returning Defensive Starters:

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REGION 2-3A

Appling Co.

Pirates

Tomberlin Comes to Baxley

SCHEDULE

Photography by: Rob Asbell

Jimmy Swain Stadium

Capacity: 5,000 8/24

-

Vidalia

8/31

-

Charlton County

9/7

@

Dodge County

QB

9/14

-

Cook

9/21

@

Wayne County

Tyler Jones

10/5

@

Long County

10/12

-

Liberty County

10/19

@

Brantley County

10/26

-

Pierce County

11/2

@

Tattnall County

Players To Watch

LB

DL/TE

Zack Mayer

Henry Dasher

RB/DB

DB/WR

Matt Nails

Chris Sanders

Team Leaders Tyler Jones Tyler Jones Al Lewis Tyler Jones Zack Mayer James Jones

2017 STATS leading passer Yards: 728 leading rusher Yards: 608 leading receiver Yards: 269 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 13 leading tackler Total Tackles: 68 interception leader

2017 was another unusual season for Appling County. Hopes were high with a new head coach coming in, but the rebuilding process was difficult. The Pirates lost three in a row before notching their first win under coach Jon Lindsey. The highlight of the season was defeating rival Pierce County 13-11. Despite a 3-5 record to end the storm-shortened regular season, Appling County made the playoffs but fell in the first round. During the offseason, Lindsey announced that he was resigning after one year to accept the offensive line coaching position at Coffee County. After a brief search, it was announced in April that legendary coach Rick Tomberlin would take over the Appling County football program.

In 32 seasons as a head coach, Tomberlin led eight teams to a record of 246-119 with 10 region titles and three state championships. In 2012, after 31 years, Tomberlin retired after guiding the Effingham County Rebels to the playoffs. He came out of retirement the first time in 2016 to lead Savannah private school Calvary Day to a perfect 10-0 season only to retire again after one year. His decision to come out of retirement a second time to take on the head job at Appling County caught many by surprise.

The Tomberlin era in Appling County will begin Aug. 24 at home against the Vidalia Indians.

The following week, two legends collide when Appling County hosts coach Rich McWhorter and the Charlton County Indians.

2017 Overall Record

2017 Region Record

3-6

3-2

Head Coach: Rick Tomberlin 1st Year at School All-time Record:

246

118

Total Interceptions: 2

Points Allowed: 281 Points Scored: 182

Returning Offensive Starters:

Returning Defensive Starters:

In The Game | 31

REGION 2-3A

Brantley Co.

Herons

Herons Have New Coach, New Hope

SCHEDULE

Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

Heron Field 8/24

@

Charlton County

8/31

@

Atkinson County

9/7

@

Jeff Davis

9/21

@

Berrien

9/28

-

McIntosh County Academy

10/5

-

Pierce County

10/12

@

Tattnall County

10/19

-

Appling County

10/26

@

Liberty County

11/2

-

Long County

Team Leaders John Pollard John Pollurd Angel Estrada John Pollurd

2017 STATS

2017 Overall Record

leading passer Yards: 329 leading rusher Yards: 497 leading receiver Yards: 235 leading TD scorer

1-9

Total Touchdowns: 5

Head Coach: Geoff Cannon 1st Year at School

Players To Watch 2017 Region Record

Points Scored: 136 Points Allowed: 330

Returning Offensive Starters:

After making the playoffs in 2016, there were high hopes for the Brantley County Herons last season. Unfortunately, after losing their star quarterback to graduation, the Herons could only manage a single win in 2017. As a result, coach Mark Walker resigned after eight seasons at the helm, and Geoff Cannon was brought in to help rebuild the program. Cannon came in from Allatoona High School in Acworth and has also been an assistant coach at Glynn Academy and the assistant head coach at Frederica Academy.

He brought in defensive coordinator Ben Burkett, who held the same position at Frederica. They will be joined by offensive coordinator Clent Cannon, who remains on staff.

The Herons have 10 starters returning from last year, including seniors C.J. Prescott and Josh Davis, who will join Jaylin Williams, who is better known as a highly recruited basketball player. Junior running backs Jamel Smith and Clifford Patten will also be back.

Brantley’s new coach will open the season with four road games. First they will travel to the Swamp in Folkston to take on Charlton County. That’s followed by trips to Atkinson County, Jeff Davis County, and to Nashville to face Berrien County. The home opener is Sept. 28 when McIntosh County Academy comes calling. The following week is Pierce County and then a trip to Tattnall County. Appling visits Caney Bay, and then the Herons travel to last season’s region champs, the Liberty County Panthers. The season ends with a home game against Long County.

1-4

WR

RB/DB

TE/DE

Jaylin Williams

Jamel Smith

CJ Prescott

OL/LB

RB

Josh Davis

Clifford Patten

Returning Defensive Starters:

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Bears Season 2 for Strickland

SCHEDULE

Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

Bear Stadium Capacity: 3,200

SCHEDULE Times were tough at the beginning of the season in Bearville as Pierce County lost three of their first four games under new coach Jason Strickland. Now in his second year at Pierce County, Strickland is beginning to make believers of the faithful in Blackshear and the surrounding area.

In his first season, Pierce made the playoffs as a No. 2 seed and beat Monroe of Albany in the first round. The Bears fell to highly ranked Peach County in the second round on the road.

Strickland has been a head coach for 10 years. He spent four seasons at Lamar County and then five seasons at Fitzgerald before taking the Pierce County position. Strickland led Fitzgerald to the state title game in each of his last two seasons. Prior to becoming head coach at Lamar County, Strickland was an assistant at Westside Macon and for coach Rich McWhorter at Charlton County.

The Bears will open in Darien against McIntosh County Academy before returning home for a three-game stand in Bearville.

First it's the Bacon County Red Raiders, then the Beach Bulldogs, then the Randolph-Clay Red Devils out of Cuthbert, Georgia.

That's followed by a visit to South Effingham and to Nahunta to face Brantley County. Then the Bears are at home against Long and Tattnall, then comes a road trip to Baxley to face the Appling County Pirates. The regular season closes at home against twotime defending region champion Liberty County.

Team Leaders Jermaine Brewton John Jones Parker Peagler John Jones

2017 STATS leading passer Yards: 1,027 leading rusher

8/17

@

McIntosh County Academy

8/24

-

Bacon County

8/31

-

Beach

9/7

-

Randolph-Clay

9/21

@

South Effingham

10/5

@

Brantley County

10/12

-

Long County

10/19

-

Tattnall County

10/26

@

Appling County

11/2

-

Liberty County

Players To Watch

RB

OL

WR

John Jones

Avery Jernigan

Parker Peagler

OL

DB

Luke Williams

Deon Bell

REGION 2-3A

Pierce Co.

2017 Overall Record

5-6 2017 Region Record

Yards: 1,162 leading receiver

3-2

Yards: 500 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 9

Returning Offensive Starters: Points Scored: 230 Points Allowed: 263

Returning Defensive Starters:

Head Coach: Jason Strickland Years at School: 1 Record at School:

5

6

In The Game | 35

REGION 2-3A

Liberty Co.

Panthers

Panthers Want 3-peat

SCHEDULE

Photography courtesy of amazonaws.com

Donnell Woods Stadium Capacity: 5,000 8/24

@

Bradwell Institute

8/31

@

Statesboro

9/7

-

Evans

9/14

-

Cross Creek

9/21

@

Richmond Hill

10/5

@

Tattnall County

10/12

@

Appling County

10/19

-

Long County

10/26

-

Brantley County

11/2

@

Pierce County

Players To Watch

2017 was another big year for the Liberty County Panthers, although it started out looking bleak.

Liberty lost their season opener in ugly fashion to cross-town rival Bradwell Institute. Three close games followed with a two-point victory over Statesboro, a two-point loss to Jenkins, and a one-point win over New Hampstead. A big loss to Effingham County opened the doors to high-scoring wins and a repeat as Region 2-3A champions that was sealed by a 41-14 victory over Pierce County. Georgia state playoff wins over Dougherty and Westside-Macon followed before falling to Calhoun in the third round.

Liberty head coach Kirk Warner is one of the elder statesmen of Southeast Georgia football.

He has been at the Hinesville school for 16 years, and the former University of Georgia tight end has led the Panthers to back-to-back quarterfinal appearances. But gone is long-time defensive coordinator Tony Glazer, who is now head coach at MCA. Warner will count on seniors Kris Coleman at running back, Karrington Warner at defensive back, and Jaleel Gilbert at wide receiver.

The 2018 schedule starts with the Commissioner's Cup against cross-town rival Bradwell Institute on Aug. 24. A trip to Statesboro follows, then games against Evans and the Cross Creek Razorbacks. They then face a three-game road stand against Richmond Hill and region foes Tattnall County and Appling County. Next are Long and Brantley at home. The regular season ends in Blackshear against Pierce County.

2017 Overall Record

9-4

2017 Region Record

5-0

Head Coach: Kirk Warner Years at School: 16 Record at School:

84

88

LB/ATH

RB

DB

Markel Johnson

Kris Coleman

Karrington Warner

WR

OL

Jaleel Gilbert

Brock Pavo

Team Leaders Keannon Taylor Kris Coleman Jaleel Gilbert Kris Coleman Markel Johnson Markel Johnson

2017 STATS leading passer Yards: 1,119 leading rusher Yards: 1,787 leading receiver Yards: 473 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 23 leading tackler Total Tackles: 114 interception leader Total Interceptions: 4

Points Allowed: 234

Returning Offensive Starters: Points Scored: 401

36 | itgnext.com

Returning Defensive Starters:

Blue Tide Blue Tide Working to Turn It Around

SCHEDULE Veteran's Stadium

2017 was a tough season for the Long County Blue Tide.

Under new head coach J.T. Pollock, Long played several close games but still ended the year winless. It started with a one-touchdown loss to Islands High School of Savannah. Two weeks later they came within three points of defeating Windsor Forest. Then came a three-point loss to a reinvigorated Bradwell Institute team.

Pollock hopes to turn around the Blue Tide’s fortunes this season. After spending 12 years at Appling County, Pollock moved over to Ludowici last year in an attempt to rebuild the Long County program. He is pleased with the work players put in during the offseason and said each player gained an average of 15 pounds of muscle in the weight room. Christian Bass signed to play football collegiately last year, so Long County will count on new team leaders like seniors Dazon Mills, Kendall Lovett, and Reece Wigal. Junior Dom Roschman will be taking snaps at quarterback for the Blue Tide.

This year the Tide will have another tough schedule to deal with. They open in Guyton at South Effingham. Wayne County then visits Ludowici before a trip to Bryan County. Three home games follow with Vidalia, Bradwell Institute, and Appling County paying a visit. Road trips to play Pierce County and two-time defending region champ Liberty are up next. Tattnall County comes calling after that, followed by a season-ending road trip to Nahunta to face Brantley County.

Team Leaders Eric Crawford Eric Crawford Jamel Sloan Eric Crawford Jaylen Bryant Anthony Jones

Returning Offensive Starters:

2017 STATS

0-10

leading passer Yards: 281 leading rusher Yards: 654 leading receiver

Capacity: 1,841

SCHEDULE

2017 Overall Record

REGION 2-3A

Long Co.

8/17

@

South Effingham

8/24

-

Wayne County

8/31

@

Bryan County

9/14

-

Vidalia

9/21

-

Bradwell Institute

10/5

-

Appling County

10/12

@

Pierce County

10/19

@

Liberty County

10/26

-

Tattnall County

11/2

@

Brantley County

Players To Watch

LB

QB

TE

Kendall Lovett

Dominic Roschman

Dazon Mills

OL

DB

Chris Robinette

Reece Wigal

2017 Region Record

Yards: 181 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 4 leading tackler Total Tackles: 72 interception leader

0-5

Total Interceptions: 1

Returning Defensive Starters:

Head Coach: JT Pollock Years at School: 2 Overall Record: 82

2

59

Magazine Visit our website to Stay In the Game! www.itgnext.com In The Game | 37

Football With a View Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

Food, football, and friendship were the fare of the evening at the Ninth Annual Coaches’ Kickoff Dinner on a June Thursday night. In the Game Southeast Georgia’s official start to preseason football brings together coaches from 19 area high schools to talk football over one of the finest meals on the coast.

“What a great way to kick off the preseason," said Shawn Smoak, publisher of In the Game's Southeast Georgia edition. "Seeing the coaches get together over some great seafood lets me know that football is almost here."

The coaches have been busy with summer conditioning drills, the weight room, and 7-on-7 passing leagues since school ended, but took a break to join the In the Game staff and sponsors for some incredible food served up at Coastal Kitchen.

Restaurant owners Niles Paden and Chef Archie Prince have quickly turned Coastal Kitchen into a favorite with island tourists and locals alike.

“This was really a treat," Smoak said. "Niles and Chef Archie outdid themselves, and nobody left hungry. And when you get a bunch of hungry football coaches together, they can eat.”

Coaches took turns discussing their upcoming seasons with inthegameradio. com, while others chatted with old friends they rarely see unless they are across the field from them on a Friday night. Of course, one of the unspoken rules is to never admit who you have coming back to an opposing coach.

A coincidence of seating found coach Rich McWhorter of Charlton County at a table next to coach Brandon Derrick of Frederica Academy; the two men will meet again on St. Simons Aug. 17 in the season opener for both teams.

“Both of us have been over there talking about how we have nobody returning,” McWhorter said, joking during his interview with inthegameradio.com.

New McIntosh County Academy head coach Tony Glazer was at the event along with former boss Kirk Warner of Liberty County. Other head coaches attending included

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J.T. Pollock (Long County), Kyle Langford (Bacon County), Franklin Stephens (Ware County), Rocky Hidalgo (Glynn Academy), Jason Strickland (Pierce County), and Matt LeZotte (Richmond Hill).

The ninth Annual Coaches’ Kickoff Dinner was sponsored by the Bone and Joint Institute of South Georgia, Prime South Bank, Southeast Georgia Health System, BSN Sports, Coastal Georgia Trailways, Coastal Pines Technical College, and Gibson Animal Clinic.

This was the first year the event was hosted by Coastal Kitchen. Known for serving fresh seafood from dock to table as well as the amazing view of the St. Simons Sound, Coastal Kitchen is located at 102 Marina Drive at the east end of the Torras Causeway just before you reach St. Simons Island. Call them at 912638-7790. You can also like them on Facebook or check out their website at coastalkitchenssi.com.

Keep Up With All The Action

THIS FOOTBALL SEASON

With In The Game Coaches PODCAST

Brantley County with Head Coach Geoff Cannon

Brunswick High School with Head Coach Sean Pender

Frederica Academy with Head Coach Brandon Derrick

Glynn Academy with Head Coach Rocky Hildalgo

Pierce County with Head Coach Jason Strickland

Ware County with Head Coach Franklin Stephens

Just visit inthegameradio.com or click the link on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to listen to the coaches show. New episodes air Tuesdays at noon.

In The Game | 39

REGION 2-2A

Bacon Co.

Red Raiders

Raiders Hope for Rebound

SCHEDULE

Photography by: Debra Tanner

Morris JohnsonStadium Capacity: 3,200 8/17

-

Fitzgerald

8/24

@

Pierce County

8/31

@

Berrien

9/7

@

Telfair County

9/21

-

Jeff Davis

9/28

@

Toombs County

10/5

-

Swainsboro

10/12

@

Metter

10/26

@

Bryan County

11/2

-

Vidalia

Players To Watch

QB

QB

LB

JP Peterson

Cooper Brown

Garrett Anderson

K

FS

Ronaldo Juarez

Shamad Brinson

2017 Overall Record

6-4

The Bacon County Red Raiders came within a play of making the state 2A playoffs last season. Jumping out to a 4-0 start for the first time in school history, the Raiders looked strong coming out of the gate. But then came four straight losses all to region opponents. The result put Bacon into a three-way tie for the final playoff slot in Region 2-2A. Two mini-playoff games were held on a neutral field with Bacon, Jeff Davis County, and Swainsboro. Jeff Davis won the toss and got to sit out the first game. Bacon played Swainsboro in the first game, which was two five-minute halves with a two-minute halftime. The game was close, but Swainsboro won it with a breakaway run at the end of the game. Jeff Davis went go on to defeat Swainsboro in the second game to claim the fourth seed in the playoffs.

Coach Kyle Langford is in his third year as head man at Bacon County. He spent two years as the Red Raiders defensive coordinator before taking the top job in 2016.

This season the Raiders start at home against the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane. Then come three road trips to Pierce County, Berrien County, and Telfair County before the big rivalry match with Jeff Davis County in Alma on Sept. 21. Bacon will then visit Toombs County , host Swainsboro, and then travel to Metter and Bryan County before ending the season at home against Vidalia.

Team Leaders Dawson Jewell

2017 Region Record

Anthony Madison LaGondric Snell

3-4

Anthony Madison KJ Brown

Head Coach: Kyle Langford LaGondric Snell

Years at School: 2 Record at School: 8

leading passer Yards: 670 leading rusher Yards: 1,370 leading receiver Yards: 581 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 14 leading tackler Total Tackles: 70 interception leader Total Interceptions: 6

13 Points Scored:258 Points Allowed: 214

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Contract your abs, bend and draw your knees into your chest, and raise your hips slightly off the floor. Slowly lower back to the start position.

Repeat 8 times, for 3 sets total.

40 | itgnext.com

2017 STATS

Returning Offensive Starters:

Returning Defensive Starters:

Yellow Jackets Jackets Working for Playoff Return

SCHEDULE

Yellow Jacket Stadium (The Pinelands)

2017 was an exciting year for the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets.

Led by head coach Lance Helton, the Jackets earned a playoff berth by virtue of a three-team mini playoff to determine the region’s fourth seed.

Jeff Davis County went 6-4 in the regular season with big wins over Atkinson County, Long County, and Brantley County to open the season. They also had region victories over Metter, Bryan County, and Swainsboro to go 3-4 in Region 2-2A play. This put the Yellow Jackets in a three-way tie with Bacon County and Swainsboro.

To decide the region’s fourth and final playoff spot, two mini-games were played in Vidalia. Jeff Davis won the coin toss and played the winner of the Bacon/Swainsboro game.

Each game was two five-minute halves with a two-minute halftime. Swainsboro won the first game and played Jeff Davis in the second mini-game. Jeff Davis went on to defeat Swainsboro in the second game and claimed the No. 4 seed.

Second-year head coach Lance Helton came to Hazlehurst from Dublin last year, where he was the assistant head coach.

His new system was learned quickly and made the Jackets strong contenders. Ten starters return this year, including junior quarterback Britt Metts who had 778 yards passing last year. He will be looking for senior wideout Sam Snell, another strong returner. Jeff Davis will open the season in Augusta to take on the Glenn Hills Spartans.

Players To Watch

WR

DB

DL

Sam Snell

Emmanuel Rumph

Roderick Lewis

QB Britt Metts

FB Jashaun Kirby

REGION 2-2A

Jeff Davis

Capacity: 3,500

SCHEDULE 8/17

@

Glenn Hills

8/24

-

Windsor Forest

8/31

@

East Laurens

9/7

-

Brantley County

9/21

@

Bacon County

9/28

-

Bryan County

10/5

@

Vidalia

10/19

-

Toombs County

10/26

@

Swainsboro

11/2

-

Metter

Points Scored: 311 Points Allowed: 228

2017 Overall Record

Team Leaders Britt Metts

leading passer Yards: 778 leading rusher

Alex Sanders

6-5

Jaylene Kirby

Yards: 1,021 leading receiver

Alex Sanders

leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 16 leading tackler

Willy Waters

2017 Region Record

2017 STATS

Total Tackles: 22 interception leader

Willy Waters

Total Interceptions: 2

Rushing Yards

3-4

2017 Leaders

Kareem Hunt 1327 yrds CHIEFS

Returning Offensive Starters:

Returning Defensive Starters:

Head Coach: Lance Helton Years at School: 1 All Time Record:

6

Todd Gurley II 1307 yrds Rams

Le’Veon Bell 1291 yrds Steelers

5 In The Game | 41

REGION 2-2A

Toombs Co.

Bulldogs

Bulldogs Strong Again

SCHEDULE

Photography courtesy of Will Fuller

Booster Stadium "The Pit" 8/17

-

Twiggs County

8/24

-

Hancock Central

8/31

@

Savannah Christian

9/7

-

Claxton

9/21

@

Metter

9/28

-

Bacon County

10/5

@

Bryan County

10/11

-

Vidalia

10/19

@

Jeff Davis

11/2

-

Swainsboro

Players To Watch

C/WR RB/OLB Ashlee Ashley

The Toombs County Bulldogs were a strong team in 2017, charging out to six straight wins to start the year on their way to a 10-win season. The season started with victories over East Laurens, Twiggs County, Telfair County, Bacon County, Jeff Davis County, and Bryan County before they fell to eventual region champion Benedictine.

Big wins over Metter, Swainsboro, and county rival Vidalia followed.

The Bulldogs entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed from Region 2-2A and hosted a first-round game with Fitzgerald that they won. The second round was a little tougher as Toombs fell to Screven County on the road in the playoffs for the second year in a row.

Coach Richard Marsh enters his third season in Lyons. He was head coach of Thomasville for eight seasons and was the defensive coordinator at Valdosta prior to that.

This season, Region 2-2A loses perennial power Benedictine due to special realignment in the offseason.

Toombs County will open this season against the Twiggs County Cobras at home in the Pit. Hancock Central visits in Week 2, then the Bulldogs go on a road trip to Savannah Christian. They will then host Claxton, travel to Metter, host Bacon County, and visit Bryan County. This all leads up to the big rivalry game against Vidalia in the Pit Oct. 11. A road game in Hazlehurst to face region foe Jeff Davis County comes next, and then Toombs will close the regular season against Swainsboro before an expected playoff run.

2017 Overall Record

10-2

Demetrius Owens

C

FB/LB

Trey Wiggins

Caleb Hartley

S Tyler Smith

Returning Offensive Starters: Returning Defensive Starters:

2017 Region Record

6 -1

Head Coach: Richard Marsh Years at School: 2

Tom Brady, 4577 yrds

Record at School:

16

6

All-Time Record: Points Allowed: 196 Points Scored: 338

42 | itgnext.com

69

47

Philip Rivers, 4515 yrds Matthew Stafford, 4446 yrds

Indians

Indians Senior-Heavy in 2018

SCHEDULE

Photography by: emanuelcountylive.com

Buck Cravey Stadium

REGION 2-2A

Vidalia

Capacity: 6,000

It was another playoff year for the Vidalia Indians. In 2017, veteran coach Lee Chomskis guided the tribe to a 5-5 regular season mark, but fortunately, all of their wins were over region opponents.

After dropping four of their first five games, there was concern that the Indians might be in a rebuilding mode. But then Vidalia won four of their next five games to close out the season at .500. They were the No. 3 seed in Region 2-2A and had to face Brooks County, who ended their playoff run in the first round.

Chomskis has been the head coach at Vidalia since 2007.

Perennial playoff contenders, the Indians made the state quarterfinals in 2014.

Vidalia will be a strong senior-heavy team this year. Six will return on offense, including Jaylen Clements and Robert Brown on the line and Johnathan Moody and Chris Gay in the backfield at running back. Five starters return on defense, including senior linebackers Nyshun Bell and Cailyn Jordan.

The Indians will open on the road in Baxley against Appling County and new coach Rick Tomberlin. They return home to face 1A power ECI and then Tattnall County. Road trips to Long County and Bryan County follow before Jeff Davis visits. Oct. 11 is the date for the inter-county rivalry with Toombs at the Pit. Home games against Swainsboro and Metter follow before Vidalia ends the regular season in Alma at Bacon County.

@

Appling County

8/31

-

Emanuel County Institute

9/7

-

Tattnall County

9/14

@

Long County

9/21

@

Bryan County

10/5

-

Jeff Davis

10/11

@

Toombs County

10/19

-

Swainsboro

10/26

-

Metter

11/2

@

Bacon County

Returning Defensive Starters:

Returning Offensive Starters:

2017 Overall Record

8/24

Head Coach: Lee Chomskis Years at School: 12 Record at School:

Players To Watch

OL/DL

LB

LB/RB

Jaylen Clements

Cailyn Jordan

Nyshun Bell

RB/FS

OL/DL

Chris Gay

Robert Brown

85

5-6

39

Points Scored: 164 Points Allowed: 218

2017 Region Record

Offensive Sacks Leaders Chandler Jones

5-2

17 Sacks

Calais Campbell

14.5 Sacks

Cardinals

Demarcus Lawrence

Jaguars

14.5 Sacks

Cowboys

Magazine Visit our website to Stay In the Game! www.itgnext.com In The Game | 43

REGION 3-1A

McIntosh Co.

Buccaneers

Glazer Looking to Smooth the Ship

SCHEDULE

Photography by: Michael Brinson

The Ship

Capacity: 2,500 8/17

-

Pierce County

8/31

-

Brunswick

9/14

-

Jenkins County

9/21

@

Calvary Day School

9/28

@

Brantley County

10/5

-

Savannah Country Day

10/12

@

Savannah Christian

10/19

-

Claxton

10/26

@

Portal

11/2

-

Region Crossover

Team Leaders Denver Anthony JP Palmer Michael Campbell JP Palmer Jamri Jones, Elijah Ellison

2017 STATS leading passer

2017 Overall Record

Yards: 1,231 leading rusher Yards: 663 leading receiver Yards: 361 leading TD scorer

4-6

Players To Watch

Total Touchdowns: 10 interception leader Total Interceptions: 1

2017 Region Record

Head Coach: Tony Glazer 1st Year at School

Points Scored: 233

Just one season removed from playing for a state championship and the McIntosh County Academy Buccaneers were in turmoil. Off field legal issues had them searching for a new coach, which they found in defensive coordinator Terel Toomer.

After winning their first game of 2017, the Bucs lost three in a row and eventually went 4-6 on the season, missing a playoff spot. Toomer stepped down after the season was over, and MCA started searching for another coach. This time they looked north to pick up coach Tony Glazer to take over the Ship.

Glazer was defensive coordinator for the Liberty County Panthers the past five years and coached Division I signees Richard LeCounte, Raekwon McMillan, and Tramel Walthour. Glazer has coached for 10 years, and this is his first stint as a head coach.

This year the Bucs will start the season with three home games in Darien beginning with the Pierce County Bears for the first time in seven years. After an off week, the 6A Brunswick Pirates pay a visit to the Ship, and after another week off, Jenkins County will come to Darien. MCA will then travel to play Calvary Day School in Savannah and then renew its old rivalry with the Brantley County Herons in Nahunta. A home game against Savannah Country Day follows, then a trip to Savannah Christian. Closing out the regular season are Claxton at home and a trip to Portal. A region crossover game then determines playoff seedings.

RB/LB

LB

RB/DB

Isaiah Jason

Josh Amerson

Johnny Cummings

1-4

DL

OL

Nick Carter

Stanley Rush

Points Allowed: 253

Returning Offensive Starters:

Returning Defensive Starters:

In sports, performance is everything. We return you to play.

A strategic affiliate of Southeast Georgia Health System

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Brunswick Medical Plaza 3025 Shrine Rd. Suite 390 Brunswick 912-466-7340

Wellness Way Medical Office Complex 7000 Wellness Way Suite 7110 St. Simons Island 912-466-5570

Camden Medical Plaza 2060 Dan Proctor Dr. Suite 1400 St. Marys 912-576-6355

7/2017 Š 2017 SGHS

Indians

Indians Continue Tradition

SCHEDULE

Photography by: Tammy Bell

SCHEDULE 8/17

@

Frederica Academy

8/24

-

Brantley County

8/31

@

Appling County

RB/LB

9/14

-

Atkinson County

9/21

-

Turner County

Michael Elliott

9/28

@

Irwin County

10/12

-

Wilcox County

10/19

@

Telfair County

10/26

-

Clinch County

11/2

@

Lanier County

Players To Watch

ATH

WR/QB

Raykwon Anderson

Brantley Sloan

DE/T

LB

Lance Carter

Travis Ray

Team Leaders AJ Bell

2017 STATS leading passer Yards: 2,728 leading rusher

AJ Bell Raykwon Anderson Raykwon Anderson Travis Ray Seaquon Clark

Indian Field Capacity: 3,000

Yards: 706 leading receiver

The Charlton County Indians made another deep run in the playoffs in 2017, making it to the third round of the state 1A tournament. The Indians went 7-2 on the regular season, with their only two losses coming to state champion Clinch County and state runner-up Irwin County.

They won their first four games and had a strong season going into the playoffs that included a first round 49-46 shootout against Montgomery County at the Swamp. Charlton County then downed Commerce before falling to ECI in the quarterfinals.

Coach Rich McWhorter is now in his 31st year at the school, his 29th as head coach. A past In the Game SEGA Coach of the Year, he has led his team to the playoffs in all but one of those seasons.

This year the Indians will start the season under the oaks on St. Simons Island as they take on private school Frederica Academy. The Brantley County Herons will then visit Folkston followed by a road trip to Baxley to play Appling County and new head coach Rick Tomberlin. Atkinson County will then come calling, followed by Turner County. The Indians will then travel to Irwin County before hosting Wilcox County. A visit to Telfair will come before the annual Swamp War against Clinch County, this year being hosted by Charlton. A trip to Lakeland to play Lanier County will close out the regular season.

Charlton has 10 starters returning for the 2018 season, including highly-recruited athlete Raykwon Anderson.

2017 Overall Record

2017 Region Record

Yards: 941 leading TD scorer Total Touchdowns: 22 leading tackler Total Tackles: 35 interception leader

REGION 2-1A

Charlton Co.

9-3

5-2

Head Coach: Rich McWhorter Years at School: 28 Record at School:

280 2 75

Total Interceptions: 3 Points Allowed: 276

Returning Offensive Starters:

Returning Defensive Starters: Points Scored: 387

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GISA 3A REGION 2

Frederica Academy

Knights

Knights Look for Big Year

SCHEDULE

Photography by: Michael Brinson

The Candler Complex Capacity: 1,500 8/17

-

Charlton County

8/24

-

Valwood

8/31

@

Lanier County

9/7

-

Bethlehem Christian Academy

9/14

@

Augusta Prep Day

9/28

@

Pinewood Christian

10/5

-

Westfield School

10/12

-

Trinity Christian

10/19

@

Westminster School

10/26

-

John Milledge Academy

11/2

@

Bulloch Academy

Head Coach: Brandon Derrick Years at School: 5 Record at School:

2017 Overall Record

32

22

Players To Watch RB/WR/FS

QB/WR/ OLB/DB

QB/WR/DB

JT Elliott

Jaylin Simpson

Patrick Brunson

RB/WR/ OLB/DB

TE/HB/MLB

Jashawn Sheffield

Harry Veal

7-4

Although they are the only private school football team in the Southeast Georgia area, Frederica Academy will dip its toe into GHSA waters this year with two games against public school opponents.

The Knights start with perennial powerhouse Charlton County and legendary coach Rich McWhorter for the season opener on St. Simons Island. Two weeks later, the Knights will travel to Lakeland to face the Lanier County Bulldogs. In between the two GHSA games is a visit from always tough Valwood, the school that beat Frederica in the state semifinals last year.

The Knights went 6-3 in the 2017 regular season but still had an outstanding showing with a strong junior class leading the way. Those juniors are now seniors and include two of the most recruited players in the state in JaShawn Sheffield and Auburn-commit Jaylin Simpson. Other seniors to watch include running back Patrick Brunson, linebacker Harry Veal, defensive back Isiah Jackson, and quarterback J.T. Elliott.

The Knights return 16 starters, including most of their skill players, but must stay healthy and avoid turnovers to make it to the state championship this season.

Coach Brandon Derrick is going into his sixth season at Frederica Academy and has built a successful program since arriving on St. Simons Island. Prior to that he was offensive coordinator at Glynn Academy for four years.

Team Leaders Jaylin Simpson

2017 Region Record

leading passer Yards: 761 leading rusher

Jaylin Simpson

Yards: 741 leading receiver

Jashawn Sheffield

Yards: 334 leading TD scorer

Jaylin Simpson

3-1

2017 STATS

Harry Veal

Total Touchdowns: 9 leading tackler

J. Wetzler, A. Cobb, J. Elliott Jr., S. Clark

Total Interceptions: 1

Total Tackles:35 interception leader Points Scored: 383

Returning Offensive Starters:

Returning Defensive Starters:

Points Allowed: 240

In sports, performance is everything. We return you to play.

A strategic affiliate of Southeast Georgia Health System

sghs.org/summit 46 | itgnext.com

Brunswick Medical Plaza 3025 Shrine Rd. Suite 390 Brunswick 912-466-7340

Wellness Way Medical Office Complex 7000 Wellness Way Suite 7110 St. Simons Island 912-466-5570

Camden Medical Plaza 2060 Dan Proctor Dr. Suite 1400 St. Marys 912-576-6355

7/2017 Š 2017 SGHS

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Creating Permanent Memories Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Michael Brinson

His photographs have graced the cover of In the Game magazine as well as the walls of families throughout Southeast Georgia. Mike Brinson Photography has become the go-to photographer extraordinaire for preserving important moments in pictures.

Based in the Golden Isles, Brinson takes photos for senior portraits, special events, and sporting events. For him, it is a labor of love.

“I do what I do for the love of the kids,” he said. “I enjoy creating those permanent memories for these families because you can’t go back and recreate those moments. Life is short.”

Photography started with a graduation present and has evolved into a creative outlet for Brinson, who has been taking photos for more than 30 years.

“I have an artistic background; drawing was kind of my deal,” he said of his early years.

While in high school, he decorated his car and won first place in the homecoming parade.

“When I graduated my parents bought me a

camera, a 35mm film camera,” Brinson said.

That’s when it started as a hobby. It became an outlet for him and eventually blossomed into a part-time profession. After a tough day at work, he would go out and take pictures. He started with landscapes because it helped him get away from everyone. As time went on, Brinson bought a digital camera when his children were born to capture their formative years. He occasionally took pictures for his church and later started taking sports photos. That’s when people began to take notice, telling him he had an eye for taking pictures. Then, he started taking photos for In the Game magazine.

“My first cover was Glynn Academy coming out of the smoke,” he said of the dynamic January 2015 cover.

It was obvious that Brinson had the ability to capture the moments in a photograph, and as more people saw his work, he started getting requests to do senior portraits and other events.

He found that with creative lighting, exposure, and angles, he could make a photo come to life. He can also use editing software to con-

trol the colors and contrast to give it even more depth.

“For me, its art; it’s not a snapshot,” Brinson said.

He gave the example of shooting a violin in which he would use a smoother technique. But if he were photographing a wrestler, he would use rougher lighting.

“Beauty is all around you," he said. "You just have to look for it. We have to think outside the box sometimes to get that special photo.”

He enjoys the interaction with people and capturing their essence in pictures.

“The people around me have given me the confidence in my work to do what I an doing now,” he said.

Call Mike Brinson Photography at (912) 2702489 or view some of Brinson’s photos at glfclbs.smugmug.com or on his Facebook page at facebook.com/glfclbs. He also has accounts you can like or follow on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, and Tumbler.

In The Game | 49

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GAMES OF THE WEEK Written by: Evan Smoak

Week 0 (Aug. 17) - Charlton County vs. Frederica Academy The In the Game football season kicks off as the Indians travel to St. Simons Island. A lot of Saturday talent will be on the field that Friday night, so expect an exciting beginning to the 2018 season.

Week 1 (Aug. 24) - Liberty County vs. Bradwell Institute The Commissioner’s Cup has been dominated recently by the always strong Liberty County Panthers, but the Bradwell Institute Tigers were able to upset them last year. Will Kevin Harris and David Spaulding be able to defend the cup at their house this year?

Week 2 (Aug. 31) - Brunswick vs. McIntosh County Academy The end of August will feature a coastal clash as coach Pender and his Pirates travel north to Darien. Will new head coach Tony Glazer be able to defeat a huge rival early on in his coaching career at MCA?

Week 3 (Sept. 7) - Camden County vs. Richmond Hill The first weekend of high school football in September will feature the Wildcats taking the ride north to Richmond Hill. With both teams feeling like they underachieved in the 2017 season, expect this battle to be a pivotal game for each team’s return to success.

Week 4 (Sept. 14) - Vidalia vs. Long County Coaches J.T. Pollack and Lee Chomskis face off in this battle of coaching legends. Each team is down on talent over previous years, so expect a coach's chess match to transpire in Ludowici.

Week 5 (Sept. 21) - Glynn Academy vs. Ware County After five straight losses to the Red Terrors, coach Stephens and his Gators are starving for a victory against Glynn. This battle in the Swamp has all the right ingredients for an instant classic.

Week 7 (Oct. 5) - Pierce County vs. Brantley County The always hyped Pierce County versus Brantley County returns to Nahunta Oct. 5. New coach Geoff Cannon takes the helm this fall for the Herons and will look to start his career in this rivalry 1-0.

Week 8 (Oct. 11) - Vidalia vs. Toombs County In a special Thursday-night game, the championship of Toombs County returns to the gridiron. Similar to Hinesville’s city championship, Vidalia has dominated the series as of late, but Toombs County was able to steal a win last year. Can the Bulldogs defend the trophy at their house this year?

Week 9 (Oct. 19) - Toombs County vs. Jeff Davis The week after their county championship, the Bulldogs travel to Hazlehurst to face off against Lance Helton’s Yellow Jackets. This late season clash will have big impacts on the standings of Region 2-2A.

Week 10 (Oct. 26) - Pierce County vs. Appling County In a recent rivalry, coach Jason Strickland’s Bears travel to Baxley to face off against the Pirates. Previously this game would decide the region champion, but as of late, it's only decided seeding for the Pirates and Bears. With coach Rick Tomberlin taking over for the Pirates, don’t be surprised if this game has the some old value to it.

Week 11 (Nov. 2) - Ware County vs. Wayne County In a twist of events last year, Wayne County not only defeated the Gators but won the region championship by doing so. Fast forward to this fall, and the consensus is this game will be a de facto region championship. Expect a wild finish to In the Game regular season football in Jesup this November.

Week 6 (Sept. 28) - Glynn Academy vs. Camden County A week after the heavyweight bout against Ware, the Red Terrors go back on the road to face coach Bob Sphire’s Wildcats. In this long and historic rivalry, expect another exciting chapter this fall.

In The Game | 51

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Growing Up at the Ballfield Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

Kellon Middleton has tility to both sides of the been around sports his en- ball on where we can put tire life. The Brantley Coun- him and is not limited to ty Middle School athlete one position,” said Max was in the stands while he Stieve, BCMS head footwas still in diapers. ball coach. “He has the “My experience with ability to make something sports activities pretty much big happen at any mobegan the day I was born,” ment on the field.” the eighth-grader said.

Middleton started Middleplaying ton is now a “The strongest f o o t b a l l , basketball, multi-sport part of Kellon's and basephenom, leading the game is by far his ball as soon football and he was work ethic and as basketball old enough teams for knowing the game for the rec the Nahunta leagues of football.” school. and has — Max Stieve As the played ever youngest of since. He four children, he has nev- has also played on travel er known a time when he teams in basketball and wasn’t watching or play- baseball. He made the alling some type of sport. star team for the 8U age Middleton’s older broth- group and scored the winer and sister were playing ning touchdown against year-round in the recre- the Pierce County team ation leagues and, later, to qualify for the state’s travel teams.

Elite Eight. By the time he “Growing up my first was in the 10U group, he four or five years, I pretty scored five touchdowns much lived at a ballfield in one game against the or a gym even before I Brunswick Sharks. could play myself,” MidLast season, playing dleton said. free safety for Brantley He credited being the County Middle School, family’s youngest for mak- Middleton had a game ing him tougher and faster. in which he recorded 11 On the football field, tackles — seven of them he plays safety and line- solos — and three touchbacker on defense and down-saving tackles. In running back and quar- another game, he took terback on offense. over at quarterback and “Kellon brings versa- scored two touchdowns

to go along with a pick-six at defensive back.

When he moved into middle school, he gave up baseball and started playing tennis to go along with basketball and football.

To improve himself as a player, he works hard in the weight room and makes sure to complete his reps and never cheat.

Middleton follows a strict dietary regimen high in carbohydrates and protein.

He is also careful to stay hydrated and get enough sleep. At home he jumps rope and does pushups,

pullups, and situps.

“The strongest part of Kellon's game is by far his work ethic and knowing the game of football,” Stieve said.

Middleton is the type of player who gives everything he has for his team.

He has become a leader on and off the field and responds well to coaching.

His favorite part of playing football?

“The intensity,” he said.

When he takes to the field, he is focused on the play at hand. On

defense he wants to find the ball and “hit somebody," he said.

"On offense: Secure the ball, execute the play, and score.”

While he is an outstanding football player, Middleton is also strong on the hardwood. He once scored 31 points in a basketball game. He was on the 2013 8U district champion and state runner-up team, and two years later his team went on to win the 10U district championship and In The Game | 53

made it to the Elite Eight in the state. Last year, they were the 12U district runner-up and state runner-up in basketball. This year they finished as 12U district champions and made the Final Four in the state.

The son of Lance and Kristie Middleton, he carries a 4.0 GPA and prefers social studies class.

He would like to pursue a career in the medical field but is not yet certain what he would like to study: either physical therapy or pharmacy. Middleton hopes to job shadow in these areas to learn more before making a decision.

“I would love to get a full-ride scholarship to play football for the Georgia Bulldogs and then be drafted by the Atlanta Falcons,” he said.

Away from the classroom and practice, Middleton likes to spend time fishing, hunting, and camping with family and friends.

“I also enjoy playing my PS4,

especially sports games and Fortnite,” he said.

A natural risk taker, he has gone swimming with sharks in the Gulf of Mexico and once jumped off of the pier in Daytona with his sister and her friends.

“Boy did we get in trouble for it though,” he said.

Middleton is expected to contribute at the high school level next fall.

“I see Kellon contributing early on for new (Brantley County) head coach Geoff Cannon at the high school,” Stieve said.

That will work out fine for Middleton, who plans on playing for the Brantley County Herons when he reaches ninth grade. For now, he can still be found in the stands at Caney Bay Stadium on Friday nights cheering on his future team.

In The Game | 55

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