January 2014 Southeast Georgia Edition by ITG Next Magazine

in the

game

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

In This Issue:

SouthEAST Georgia

January 2014

CONTENTS

07 Under Armour All-America Game In the Game Stars Represent Southeast GA 10 On the Cover

Charlton County Indians At The Dome

13 Academic Athlete Summer Lee

Brantley County High School

19 Player Spotlight Makhala Jackson

McIntosh County High School

22 ITG Annual Football Awards Banquet

32 Coach’s Corner E. B. Price

Also Inside

38 Rising Star Brandon Foster

Bacon County High School

Camden County High School

Jeff Davis High School

Pierce County High School

Bradwell Institute

Wayne County High School

Pierce County High School

Ware Middle School

32 38

Catch all the latest action of high school sports! Listen to John and Shawn Every Thursday night at 6:00 PM on WWUF 97.7 The Wolf 2

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game

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

SouthEAST Georgia January 2014

From The Publisher Happy New Year everyone! It's 2014, and In the Game High School Sports Magazine is jumping in with both feet as we brave the cold weather and dive right into winter sports. Whether you like a little round ball on the hardwood or some grappling on the mats, In the Game has you covered on all fronts. This month’s Player Spotlight takes a look at McIntosh Academy basketball star Makhala Jackson. The standout is just shy of six feet, but ask her opponents and they'll tell you she plays much bigger. She is a defensive machine, blocking shots and grabbing rebounds, not to mention the returning Region Player of the Year. If MCA makes another deep run in 2014, expect Makhala to be a big part of that reason why.

Publisher Shawn Smoak

Editor

Everyone who spent any time around SEGA high school sports in the last 25 years knows E. B. Price. Heck, many of you reading this have either played for him or played against him at some point. Well, Coach Price has dusted off the basketball shoes and decided to come out of retirement to take over the boys’ basketball program at Pierce County High School. It's great to see a man who's devoted so much of his life to the betterment of our young men and women continuing to share his knowledge today.

Mark Dykes Kaitlynn Passmore

Graphics Jennifer Alexander

Cover Photography Tammy Bell

Feature Photography Jeffrey Griffith

Old Goat Photography

Bo Carter

Bo’s Sport Photography

Jennifer Carter Johnson

Jennifer Carter Johnson Photography

John Wood Tammy Bell John DuPont John Wood Rob Asbell

Copy Editors Crystal Hubbard Ashley Dailey

Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak shawn@inthegamemagazine.com

Mark Dykes

mark@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Kaitlynn Passmore

SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 • Waycross, GA 31502

For distribution and subscription information contact: info@inthegamemagazine.com For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 Corporate Office: Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, Georgia 31603

It seems the words “character” and “commitment” get thrown around when describing student athletes. If you look up these two words in the dictionary, don't be surprised if you see a picture of Ware Middle School wrestler Brandon Foster, A young man dedicated to his craft that doesn't know the word “quit”. He's not unbeatable, but he is unbeatable twice, never having lost to the same opponent in a rematch. I'd say an eighth grader who has the fortitude to look inward and see what went wrong is impressive. What does he have to change to make sure it doesn't happen again? If that's not character and commitment, what is? Every team that starts the football season has one goal: get to the Dome and bring home a state title. Charlton County had that goal in sight, making it all the way to the Class-A “Public” championship game. Read all about their journey to the Dome for the 2013 season.

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

Contributors

The football-loving fans of SEGA are very lucky when it comes to having talent to watch on the football field. We have two out of the top 90 players in the entire county right in our backyard that had the chance to play against the best of the best in the Under Armour All-American game in St. Petersburg, Florida, January 2. See how Liberty County's own Raekwon McMillan and Camden County's Kalvarez Bessent fared against the elite field of Division-I players.

Feature Writers

Summer “Can You Feel The Heat" Lee. Man what a cool nickname! She is a great basketball player, a perennial honor roll student, and has a smile that will light up any room; I'd call that a three pointer for the Brantley County senior. Summer is coming off back-to-back seasons of All-Region (First Team) honors, and she looks to use her leadership skills to guide Brantley deep into the state playoffs for 2014.

Area Schools

in the

In the Game SEGA hosted the fourth Annual Football Awards Banquet on December 16, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved for making the event an overwhelming success. Our sponsors are Crosby Cadillac GMC Nissan, Crosby of Camden, Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia, PrimeSouth Bank/Walker Jones/FlashFoods, Okefenokee Technical College, and Mayo Clinic Health System of Waycross and C & C Sports. Without their support the evening would have not been possible, and we truly appreciate their support of the banquet as well as the magazine all year long. Thanks also go to former Georgia Bulldog Troy Sadowski for delivering an insightful message that resonated with the student athletes; Toby Crews, Director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, for delivering the invocation; John DuPont, the evening’s emcee for going above and beyond the call of duty and doing an excellent job; and Bonita Tanner, a.k.a. “Sister Fun,” for providing the P.A. system and the delightful background Christmas music for the evening. Thanks to Rob Asbell, John Wood, Freddy Willis, and WWUF for broadcasting live from the event while Mr. and Mrs. Larry Dickson, Kim and Brooke Altman, and Evan Smoak all helped in decorating and making the room look festive for the occasion. Thanks to Mark Steedley and the gang at Jimbo’s for catering the event and delivering an exceptional meal. Last but not least, I want to thank everyone who attended: players, coaches, parents, advertisers, and special guests. I appreciate everyone taking time out of their busy Christmas schedules to help make the evening a huge success, and we look forward to a bigger and better event next year.

Rob Asbell, Features

John DuPont,

Features & Commentary

We hope you enjoy reading In the Game as much as we enjoy producing and publishing it. We are always open to suggestions as well as story ideas or ways you think we can improve our magazine. Please visit our website at www.inthegamemagazine.com and our facebook at www.facebook.com/ inthegamemagazine. Join us every Thursday evening live from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm as we broadcast live “In the Game on the Radio” on WWUF 97.7 FM, or stream the show live on www.waycrossradio. com. We have an excellent opportunity for fundraising whether for your sports team, organization, or booster club. Please give us a call at 888-715-GAME, or email us at info@inthegamemagazine.com for details. While you’re online, don’t forget to nominate a deserving student-athlete or coach for one of our feature articles. You’ll be glad you did. Shawn Smoak,

Southeast Georgia Publisher

In the Game High School Sports Magazine is published monthly excluding July. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2014 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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In The Game Stars Represent Southeast Georgia On a National Stage by John Wood

uke surprised Texas A&M in the Chickfil-A Bowl. Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel asked the defense to keep fighting after being down nearly three touchdowns, and they did. It was Manziel’s attitude and athleticism that brought the Aggies back. It is evident that at an event such as the Under Armour All-America Game that the teams are balanced, and you cannot thrive and certainly not win on talent alone. Former Liberty County linebacker and current Ohio State Buckeye Raekwon McMillan found out that attitude is most important for success in college ball. “Raekwon’s decision to embrace [his position] as an outside linebacker… set the tone for practices. Everyone needed to understand the attitude they need to have towards the team concept,” former NFL Head Coach Herm Edwards says. Winning almost every award a high school linebacker could garner, McMillan was the Okefenokee Technical College Defensive Player of the Year in addition to the Hinesville Ford Liberty Defensive MVP. The first day McMillan arrived in Tampa he was already named number one as outside linebacker. “As the number one middle linebacker, I came into the meeting room, and my name was under the OLB slot on the first day. My decision to go along with it dictated how my whole week went. Coach Herm (Edwards) told me that he was proud of me for playing out of the position and that my attitude will enable me to have a long career. Attitude—no matter how good you are— you have to have a great attitude because things aren’t always going to go your way,” McMillan says. McMillan recorded five tackles total, four solo and one assist (including one for a three yard loss), for Team Nitro. McMillan’s former high school coach, Kirk Warner from Liberty County High School, was coaching tight ends for Team Nitro. “It was great and a little emotional. It’s hard to see the greatest player Liberty County has produced leave. But it was a blessing that I could be on the sideline with him for his last high school game. I told him that on each level he has to reset his goals to meet higher

Special Feature

photography by John Wood

expectations. His work ethics will have to increase from high school to college to hopefully NFL. If he does those things and keeps God first, he will continue to make us proud in Liberty County,” Warner says. Only a few days after the Under Armour AllAmerican Game McMillan will enroll as a freshman at Ohio State University. “The highlight of the week was getting to play against great competition. Every great thing that you hear about it is true. They treat us players like kings during the week. It was an experience that I will never forget. It helped me get a feel for how fast the game will be in the future,” McMillan says. Nitro lost 31-21 to Team Highlight. Camden County defensive back Kalvaraz Bessent was on the winning Team Highlight. Highlight lived up to its name, coached by former 49ers’ head coach Steve Mariucci. Former Seminole, Falcon, Brave, and Cowboy star Deion Sanders and Atlanta Falcons and Under Armour alumni Julio Jones were buzzing Highlight’s sidelines. Bessent, who shocked everyone by breaking his verbal commitment to Alabama and committing to rival Auburn December 9th, says, “This has been a very good experience for me being around some of the most talented players in the country.” Bessent was very focused during pregame and the game against Team Nitro. He had an assist and broke up a touchdown pass in the third quarter. Bessent could be joining the final BCS National Champions in the fall. Maybe the most important lesson instilled in the players that week was from former Chiefs’ and Jets’ head coach Herm Edwards. He said, “I hit them on this we grow up in a world where we are goal driven, but a goal without a plan is a wish. They need to have a plan for life. This football thing is not a career for anyone; it’s an opportunity. Every time you touch this football field and your name is on the back of this jersey, you represent yourself, the university, and your parents; don’t lose sight of that. This is a little bit of your life, and it’s not who you are—it’s what you do. You need to be men of integrity, where your words and lives match up, you need to live lives that make differences,” Edwards says. 7

Bacon County Red Raiders Morris Johnson Stadium • Capacity: 2,500 • Alma, GA • www.bcraidersfootball.com Raiders Set To Move To New Stadium we’ll have a visitors’ and home entrance.” There are mixed emotions in regards to the opening of the new school and the closing of the current; however, excitement far exceeds all others. The excitement of the new stadium has expanded well beyond the small Bacon County community as 92 coaches have applied for the position of head coach. “Other schools in the area looking for head coaches are getting 30-40 applicants, but we may reach 100,” says Cohen. “We feel the prospect of building a team in a new stadium may be an incentive. “We have a committee that is helping us narrow down the search, but the board will make the final decision on the next coach. We feel we have some good candidates.” History has not been good for Bacon County Football as they have never made it beyond the region playoffs. Many true fans feel the inspiration of a new stadium could bring a spark to the team.

The current field is located adjacent to the current Bacon County Middle/High School. It is the only home field any member of a Raider team has ever played. The Raiders played their first football game November 16, 1951 at Morris Johnson Stadium (then Lions Field) when they lost to Wacona 42-0. They closed the books on playing at that location on November 1, 2013 on a cold rainy night. They, however, went out winning. They defeated Atkinson County 26-7. When the Raiders take the field next season, they will be under the leadership of the 24th coach in Bacon County history. Raider fans are looking forward to the first game. Most have faith that the new combination will launch their team into many winning seasons in the future. New school, new stadium, and new coach, how can they not succeed? The new Bacon County High/Middle School is located on US 1 just south of the Alma city limits. Bacon County high School

Could the new school, new stadium, and new coach set the stage for the dawning of a new era in Bacon County football? That’s the hope of both players and fans. The Bacon County School Board plans to open the new high/middle school in the fall of 2014 and play the 2014 football season at the new field. “We are on track to have the 201415 school year at the new location,” says Bacon County Board of Education Chairman Mark Cohen. “Barring any unforeseen disaster, that’s the plan.” In addition to the new stadium, in the new school is a 1,000 seat high school gymnasium and a smaller, seating on one side, middle school gymnasium. Each is located on the end of their prescriptive wing. The middle school is located on the north and the high school on the south end of the expansive new school. Located on the campus, just 200 yards south of the high school is the new football field. The stadium will feature home side bleachers that are almost twice the height of the current site. Raider red chair back stadium seating will occupy the center of the bleachers with 600 reserved seats and total seating for 2600-2700 home and visiting fans. There will be no bad seats on the home side, says Cohen. The bleachers are located from the 30 yard-line to the 30 yardline. “Although the stadium is located near US 1, it will share the entrance with the school,” he says. “It will be located north of the stadium and parking will be available in the school parking area.” Fans will enter the stadium from the north school end zone of the fenced facility. In addition to the entrance from the main highway, a back exit will be added to Townsend Road where it intersects with Radio Station Road. The rear of the home side bleachers faces the highway, so the board is planning on putting a screen on the back to make it more attractive from the road. “We will have one large concession stand on that end of the field as well,” says Cohen. “As we have at the current stadium

by Gail Fiveash

Bacon County Raiders 2014 Stadium

orrents of sweat drip through the facemasks and ear holes of the Charlton County Indians as they begin the 2013 football practice in the Swamp in the sultry August heat. Pads sticking to their bodies, the Indians’ players couldn’t have imagined that 90 plus days later they would be playing for the Class A Public School State Championship on Saturday, in the Georgia Dome, December 7, 2013 at 11:30 am against Marion County.

Charlton Indians Storm the Georgia Dome by John Wood

he Indians are certainly no strangers to the Georgia Dome. Charlton County Head Coach Rich McWhorter led a team to the title in 1999. The Georgia Dome became the adjunct of the Swamp North when the Indians won three titles in a row in the mid-2000’s in Class AA. Changes in region and division as well as due to graduation have impacted Charlton County. Though the football team hasn’t been the state power they once were, Charlton’s baseball team won a state baseball title last spring and finished runner up in 2012. Coming off of an uncharacteristic 5-6 season, McWhorter was unsure of what to expect from the 2013 season. The well wasn’t necessarily dry this season for the Indians, but the pump was still in the process of being primed. “Finishing my junior year at 5-6 helped us come back strong the next year. Nobody wanted to have another year like that again, especially the veterans. We worked hard over the offseason going through summer workouts and camp. We were determined to have a better season than the year before, so it was kind of a momentum builder for the year to come,” Indians’ senior quarterback Trae Harrington says. Sophomore running back Andrew Lee was expected to play a significant role in the Indians’ offense this season, but a broken arm derailed those plans. “My career as a Charlton County quarterback has had ups and downs, but it’s been fun. Having the starting role for a little bit at the end of the season was a fun experience as a sophomore. And as each year passed I could feel myself getting better each year. Charlton County is a great place and a great community to play high school football. The coaches were really supportive and helped me 10

photography by Tammy Bell

to become a good quarterback,” Harrington says. Charlton opened the season against rival Brantley but then hit a brick wall in the Indians’ annual contest against nearby AAAAA power Ware County. Ware dominated every phase of the football game blanking Charlton, 49-0. The Indians learned the power of resilience, earning a 38-25 road victory against an upstart Bradwell Institute and then experienced its second loss of the season in a battle against traditional South Georgia power Fitzgerald. Sitting 2-2 as the Indians went into region play, Charlton County started to show signs of life, winning five region games and setting up a showdown on November 8 against Irwin County. Irwin County was considered one of the best teams in Class A this year and handed the Indians a heartbreaking 29-26 loss, forcing the Indians to become road warriors for the Class A state playoffs. Harrington threw for 1,778 yards this season and also handled the punting duties. Lee returned to the lineup for the Indians after the midway point of the season. In six games played, Lee rushed for 985 yards and scored 14 touchdowns. “I’d like to give everybody credit on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. As an offense, we built great chemistry with each other and were comfortable with what our plan was as a team. I’d also like to give our defense credit because they had faith in me and my offense,” Harrington says. Charlton posted a first round win at Commerce which set up a trip across southwest Georgia to number one seed Seminole County. The Indians absolutely shocked everyone in the state, including themselves, shutting out the Seminoles, 42-0. The next week Charlton got a chance that most

On The Cover

teams never get—a chance to play a team that beat them just three weeks ago. Irwin County was the only thing that stood between Charlton and going back to the Georgia Dome. “We worked hard the week going into Charlton. The early part of the season obviously didn’t go how we wanted it to, but we hung in there and kept fighting. This gave us an opportunity to win some games, and the loss to Irwin made us a lot hungrier during the playoffs,” Charlton County Indians Head Coach Rich McWhorter says. Ever the motivator, McWhorter came up with a phrase that he sold to his team, and they adopted it and lived by the idea of playing a “Great 48” during region play and the playoffs. “We knew if we could just play a great 48 minutes for ourselves, everything else would take care of itself, but we had to be great on both sides of the ball and special teams. We had been tested during the playoffs, having to play on the road. We were excited about getting a second chance at Irwin County,” McWhorter says. Charlton’s second attempt would become part of the legend of Indian football. Lee rushed for 210 yards on 26 carries, scoring four touchdowns, the last one to retake the lead late in the fourth quarter. I-rwin was on the ropes but still punched in another score in the final seconds of the game. Playing every minute and second of a great 48 minutes, the Indians blocked the extra point, securing a 34-33 victory and a trip to the Class A Public School title game at the Georgia Dome. Later the Indians would learn that their opponent would be Marion County, who was the team that put Charlton out in the second round the previous year. “Probably the biggest difference maker was being able to run the ball. Sophomore running back Andrew Lee helped out our offense a lot with our game plan going into the game. And our defense stepped up big to the challenge of playing a team as good as Irwin, and we were really determined and focused on

what we needed to do to win,” Harrington says. Though it had been a few years since the Indians entered the Dome Week practice, Charlton settled into the week like the veteran program it’s been under McWhorter for the last 24 years. Though wide-eyed as any other team, the different turf, the outline of the NFL hashes, and the mere size of the Georgia Dome didn’t affect the Indians the way it does some teams in their first trip. “We hit dome week, and at that point the way the season had gone, we were over the awe that usually hits teams. We started the week with preparing to win the game not just to be there,” McWhorter says. This trip to the dome was even more special for McWhorter, because his daughter was a senior cheerleader and wanted the opportunity to cheer for her school and her Dad’s team in the Georgia Dome. “She started asking me last summer about being able to cheer in the Dome, and I told her I just don’t know because it’s tough to get there, and I didn’t know how good we were going to be. It was great for her to be able to realize her dream,” McWhorter says. McWhorter’s even keel philosophy towards the state championship game was shared by his players. “Practicing for the dome was fun. We had a really focused and determined

week of practice. And we, as the seniors, were just trying to tell our guys that this was just another game on another football field, and we just had to go out there, have fun, and do what we’ve been doing,” Harrington says. The Indians prepared and boarded the buses for the trip north to Atlanta on Friday morning. “Just being in the dome was an awesome feeling. Walking the field and getting dressed in the locker rooms was almost unreal. Then you run out of the tunnel before the game, and you’re just like wow. It was truly amazing just to be in the dome and getting to play for the state championship,” Harrington says. Since the teams had played before, a twitter and social media war ensued during dome week. Both sides were expecting a large ground game from Lee and Marion County’s double threat running attack of Johnny Royal and Lorenzo Smothers. The game’s deciding factor was the kicking game. Charlton’s only points came off a 25-yard field goal from Thomas Johnson, giving the Indians their only lead in the first quarter. Marion County tied the game 3-3 in the second. The Eagles’ punter A.J. Wells nailed punt after punt, forcing the Indians deep into their own territory. One of those punts put Charlton in such a hazardous field position, Marion was able to record a safety in the third quarter for a 5-3 lead. The Eagles put the game away in the fourth quarter, scoring their only touchdown. It was the eighth time that Marion had held a team to a touchdown or less this season. Marion has only been playing football for eight seasons. Charlton will return several underclassman at key positions on both sides of the ball. “I know people have talked about the future of this team, and it looks good. This senior group that I have had this year, they have worked hard their entire careers, and I am so proud of them to see how they got here this year. I am going to miss this bunch,” McWhorter says. ITG 11

Academic Athlete sponsored by:

Summer Lee

Brantley County High School

Summer Time in Brantley by Rob Asbell

t’s not hard to find Summer Lee’s name on the Brantley County High School honor roll; it’s usually near the top. A member of the National Honor Society, she usually makes A’s with an occasional B. She’s not hard to find on the basketball court either. Look for the ball; chances are, she is somewhere around it. Whether she is bringing the ball up court, draining three-pointers, or leading the break after a steal, the Herons’ senior is a leader on the court. The crowd cheers at home games when she is introduced as “Summer ‘Can You Feel the Heat’ Lee” as the team runs onto the floor. Lee is the third of Norman and Tammy Lee’s seven children. “In the old house we had five bathrooms, so it wasn’t so bad,” Lee jokes. Lee and her youngest sister, who is now playing

photography by Bo Carter

in middle school, are the athletes of the Lee family. In her first recreation league game at 10 years old, Lee blistered the nets for 19 points, much to the surprise of her parents and the referees. “They were asking if we had just moved to town because they had never seen her play before,” says Lee’s mother. Lee had never played organized basketball until that day. The following season playing softball, Lee recalled her first big hit during the game that would determine who would play in the state playoffs. With her team two runs down with two runners on base, Lee hit a triple to the left field fence, scoring the two runs, and then scoring the go-ahead run moments later on a base hit. Coming up in the recreation leagues had a

major impact on Lee, who has already started to pay it forward by working with young athletes at the Brantley County Recreation Department in basketball and softball. This season, her 11and12-year-old basketball team made it to the state finals. Now in his seventh year as coach of the girls’ basketball program at Brantley County High School in Nahunta, Dean Horne has seen Lee progress as a leader on and off the court. “She gives us outstanding leadership,” Horne says of the four-year starter. “She is a great scorer and a great defender, too.” Lee was named to the All-Region first team in her sophomore and junior seasons. Her mother recalls being amazed at seeing Lee shooting over a 6’3” Appling County player during a game that season. In a game with the 13

Toombs County Bulldogs, Lee made the most memorable shot of her young career. With the score tied and only three seconds left to play, she took an inbound pass and tossed up the winning shot to make it 44-41. In her 11th grade year, Lee averaged 18 points per game for the Herons to go with seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists per contest, and an 81 percent average from the free throw line. This season has been a little more difficult for the 5’6” guard with more opponents double teaming her when she touches the ball. In the fall, Lee swaps sneakers for cleats to take to the softball diamond, where she plays shortstop and carried the Herons’ highest batting average in her sophomore year. Brantley County went on to win the region championship in 2011, and Lee was named to the second team AllRegion squad. She was named first team AllRegion in her junior and senior years, leading the Lady Herons to the state playoffs three straight years. Lee puts on her tennis shoes in spring and takes to a different kind of court for the Herons’ tennis team, where she helped the team make it to the Elite Eight of the state playoffs in 2013. Away from school, Lee plays with her dog, a Dalmatian named Nike, and she constantly reads books on her Kindle at her home in Hoboken. The next step for Lee will be college and a future as a marine biologist. Several smaller schools have been actively recruiting her, including the LaGrange College Panthers just north of Columbus. Playing at the next level should be no problem for Lee, whose mother credits sports with teaching Lee a great work ethic and how to be a team player. Those attributes should get her where she needs to go, according to Horne. “She is constantly working on improving herself. Plus, she understands the game. ITG

Summer’s Accomplishments: Organizations: National Honor Society Sophomore year: Softball - Second team All-Region - Highest batting average - Region champions - State playoffs (Elite Eight) Basketball - First team All-Region Junior year: Basketball - Averaged 18 points/ seven rebounds per game - First team All-Region

Softball - First team All-Region - State playoffs Tennis - State playoffs (Elite Eight) Senior year: Softball - First team All-Region - State playoffs

Camden County Wildcats Kingsland, GA • www.wildcat.camden.k12.ga.us/ The Wildcat Wrestling Team The Wildcat Den of the Camden County High School wrestling boys is full of sweat and determination as the wrestlers prepare for the upcoming season. Head Coach Jess Wilder explains how his goals of having the best team in the region will ensure participation and a championship in February. “I want our team to improve athletically and be successful,” Wilder states.” As individual athletes, I want them to have a plan, especially the seniors. Hopefully, this will have some sort of pathway. Whether that is going to college or the military, having that plan will set them up to have a successful life.” From the athlete’s perspective, senior Alex Diaz, junior Aaron Galegor, and sophomore Knute Jones explain what goes on behind the scenes for a high school wrestler. Motivated to pursue wrestling through family or other wrestlers before them, Diaz, Galegor, and Jones illustrate why the sport of wrestling is essential to their lives. “Wrestling live would be my favorite part about

by Kate Slattery

the whole sport,” Diaz admits. “It is so energetic. You get that feeling of winning after you got a take down while beating up your opponent.” For Galegor, it is the family bond that makes being a part of wrestling worth all of the pain that is included: “Even if you are not blood family, you become closer than an actual real one.” Being honest with his wrestlers, Coach Wilder wants to create a relationship that will enable them to be successful every day. “Just being honest at a fault balances everything we work on,” he says. “I’m not saying that I am right. I am saying that with the experience that I have and seeing the same group over and over, teachers can get a certain gauge of how that kid needs to improve.” On the mat, practices are very intense. Both coach and athletes agree with that statement. Coach Wilder has very high expectations for his practices. The wrestlers waste no amount of time. Galegor says the hardest part of practice is wrestling with Coach Wilder. “He may look out

of shape, but he is pretty agile for an old man,” Galegor says jokingly. Work ethic is the most important aspect that Coach Wilder wants to convey to his wrestlers. “The older you get, the better you improve,” he says. “My number one goal is to take the boys I get in ninth grade and transform them into men by the time they graduate. With this, they will be spectacular wrestlers and wonderful men. I am always willing to listen to my guys. If they have any problems, I urge them be on familiar terms with the fact that they can come to me, other coaches, or their teammates for help they need in school and in life. I want my wrestlers to know and understand that when they reach high school, no matter where they come from, they can be successful. If they are not happy with the way their life is going, they can change that. The wrestling room can help with ensuring that. The wrestling room is a safe place where different athletes can be brothers.” Camden County High School

Player Spotlight sponsored by:

Dominating In Darien by Rob Asbell photography by Jeffrey Griffith

atching the McIntosh County Academy girls’ basketball team, one’s eye is immediately drawn to the Buccaneer’s center. She is a defensive force and grabs rebounds at will on both ends of the court, but it is her ability to handle the ball that is most impressive and often sends a shiver of fear down an opponent’s spine. Makhala Jackson started attracting attention the moment she took the high school stage as a freshman at MCA. Jackson was a nervous wreck in her first game but managed to calm herself after scoring her first goal. Following her first season, the National Women’s Basketball Insider listed her among its Frosh Elite, saying she was “a strong forward... gifted athletically and has good skills.” In her sophomore year she was honored as WTOCTV Savannah’s Player of the Week after scoring 31 points and grabbing 25 rebounds in a 64-55 victory over Calvary Day School. She went on to earn first team All-Region honors and Region Player of the Year. And there was no sign of nerves earlier this season when Jackson launched a buzzer-beater to tie Bradwell Institute and send the game into overtime.

Makhala Jackson

McIntosh County High School

Although she is known as the 6” center who dominates the middle for the Lady Buccaneers, rejecting shots and snatching rebounds, the soft-spoken standout is not quite six feet tall…yet. Opponents will say she plays much bigger and is a force in the paint. Basketball experts see her playing “smaller,” going from the five spot at center to the three spot at small forward in college because of her shooting and ball handling skills. Those skills have caught the eye of college scouts and recruiting services who sift through prospects looking for future stars. It is a world where players are scrutinized and positions numbered. Playing at the high school level, Jackson’s 5’11” usually has her playing center or power forward for Darien’s Lady Buccaneers. “She can play like a three now,” says MCA girls’ basketball coach Jessica Ross. “She has the ball control of a guard.” Like a good small forward, she has dribbling skills and the ability to post up. Defensively, she has the height and strength to cover taller players and the agility to guard smaller shooters. On the floor she looks for ways to get points on the board, whether it’s from shooting, passing from the low post, or put backs from rebounds. Last season, Jackson averaged 19.7 points per game to go along with 10.5 rebounds. She led the Lady Buccaneers to a 22-7 record, including a run of 15 consecutive wins. A perfect 13-0 region record earned the Bucs the 2-AA championship and a first round victory in the state playoffs. Jackson was a big part of the winning season her second year, taking on a leadership

role after the Bucs lost six seniors from last year’s playoff team. Her guidance on and off the court has helped the Bucs in the tough region race. Working to be a Blue Chip prospect has not been easy for Jackson. Like many top players, she has committed herself to basketball year round, playing AAU basketball during MCA’s offseason. The extra time on the court with the Georgia Queens and other squads has paid off with contact letters already coming in from major universities interested in finding out more about the Townsend phenomenon. Despite the interest in her basketball skills, Jackson has not made up her mind as to what college she will attend. For now she wants to keep up her A/B average in the classroom because she would like to eventually earn a business degree. “In 10 years, if I’m not playing pro ball, I want to be a math tutor,” she says. Her uncle, Tony Jackson, has been one of her primary influences, keeping her focused on her goal of going to college. A former standout at MCA himself, Tony Jackson encourages his niece to concentrate on getting good grades. And when she is not on the court or in the classroom, Makhala Jackson, the youngest of three children, does what most teenagers do: she plays video games, though she likes to stay with the basketball theme in games like NBA 2K 13-14. She also enjoys playing the piano. She can be found on social media sites, one of which proclaims her love of basketball. A love, she hopes, that will combine with hard work on the court and in the classroom to earn her a college scholarship. ITG

cIntosh County Academy’s Makhala Jackson has had numerous high scoring games and averaged nearly 20 points per contest last season. But she still recalls her first big play and the game that took her from nervous newcomer to confident player. Jackson had just stolen the ball and was leading her first fast break for the Lady Buccaneers. “I was so nervous bringing the ball up,” she recalls. Instead of passing, Jackson took the layup but was fouled in the process. The ball went in, and she got to take a shot from the free throw line. “I got the ‘and one.’” After hitting the free throw, Jackson’s nerves started to fade. “After that they were gone. I was just in it.” And she has been in the game ever since with a bright future ahead.

2013 South High School Footba D

by John DuPont

ecember truly is the most wonderful time of the year. The days leading up to Christmas included a celebration of the 2013 high school football season as In the Game High School Sports Magazine (Southeast) hosted the Fourth Annual Southeast Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet. The Railway Express Agency Building in downtown Waycross once again served as the venue for the December 16 gala. A capacity crowd of some 200 guests gathered once more for the festivities which included a keynote address by former University of Georgia tight end Troy Sadowski. A 1987 selection to the Walter Camp AllAmerica team, Sadowski spoke to players about choices and consequences. He also enthusiastically discussed his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In one of the evening’s touching moments, Sadowski was reunited with former Georgia teammate and current Liberty County head coach, Kirk Warner. “You have a very godly man leading your program,” Sadowski told the Liberty contingent. Coverage area schools participating in the banquet included Appling County, Ba-

con County, Bradwell Institute, Brantley County, Brunswick High, Camden County, Charlton County, Frederica Academy, Glynn Academy, Liberty County, Long County, Pierce County, Ware County, and Wayne County. Scheduling conflicts unfortunately prohibited Jeff Davis and McIntosh County Academy from attending. However, players and coaches from several of the coverage area’s middle schools were in attendance, anxiously anticipating presentation of the coveted trophy for the top player from the middle school grades. Toby Crews, area director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, delivered the opening prayer before the banquet goers sat down to enjoy the evening meal prepared by Jimbo’s Catering of Homerville. Bonita Tanner, aka “Sistah Fun,” provided deejay entertainment. ITG (Southeast) writers Rob Asbell and John Wood provided live radio coverage via WWUF 97.7 FM (Waycross). “It was a great night in South Georgia,” says Shawn Smoak, publisher of ITG’s Southeastern Edition. “And as always, it was a perfect night to celebrate high school football.” ITG

Fellowship, Fun, Food, and Football! Congratulations to the following award recipients:

Crosby of Camden ~ 2013 Middle School Player of the Year Randon Jernigan - Risley Middle School Despite being targeted each game and often being pulled early when his team had a big lead, Jernigan accounted for over 1,100 combined offensive yards in just eight games. He scored 14 touchdowns and threw for five scores. His scoring total also included a kickoff return for a touchdown and a “pick six” return. On defense, he intercepted five passes and made 54 tackles as a head-hunting defensive back.

Bone & Joint Institute of South Georgia ~ 2013 Academic Player of the Year Jamez Davis - Charlton County Davis helped lead his team to a 9-5 record this past season, which ended just shy of a state title in the Georgia Dome. Davis, who carries a 4.0 GPA, scored 21 on the ACT and over 1400 on the SAT. His resume includes membership in Beta Club, the National Honor Society, and numerous other accolades. Davis has yet to pick a college, but after graduation, he will return to Emory University to continue a seminar he began last summer in preparation for a planned career in the medical field.

Crosby Cadillac GMC Nissan ~ 2013 Special Teams Player of the Year Darius Foreman - Pierce County In his final regular-season high school game, Foreman successfully kicked his first career extra point, making him the only player in his school’s history to score seven different ways. He had previously scored touchdowns by way of rushing, receiving, kickoff return, punt return, interception return, and fumble return. Opposing teams often kicked away from Foreman or opted for “squib” or “sky” kicks that produced short fields for his team’s prolific offense to exploit. 22

heast Georgia all Awards Banquet photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson

Okefenokee Technical College ~ 2013 Defensive Player of the Year Raekwon McMillan - Liberty County

McMilllan verbally committed to Ohio State earlier in the day, this after helping Liberty County achieve back-to-back winning seasons for just the second time in school history, including an all-time best total of eight wins (including two shutouts) this season. His 2013 defensive totals included 8.5 sacks, an interception, several forced fumbles, a remarkable 35 tackles for loss, and over 150 total tackles. For his career, McMillan tallied over 450 stops.

PrimeSouthBank/Walker Jones/Flash Foods ~ 2013 Offensive Player of the Year Krenwick Sanders - Wayne County Sanders committed verbally to Wisconsin last September so he could concentrate on his senior season. Subsequently, he helped lead the Yellow Jackets to the semifinals in recording the school’s first 11-win season in 20 years. The Yellow Jackets lit up opponents with an average of 35 points per game. On the field, Sanders averaged nearly 20 yards per catch while scoring more than 20 touchdowns. In the classroom, he carried a 3.5 GPA and scored 1200 on the SAT.

C & C Sports ~ 2013 Coach of the Year Rich McWhorter - Charlton County

Charlton County was the only school from the southeast coverage area of In the Game Magazine to play for a state title in 2013, with the latest title shot on the heels of McWhorter’s only non-winning campaign in 24 seasons. The Indians finished the regular season 6-4 and reeled of road wins against Commerce, Seminole County, and Irwin County before falling short against Marion County in the Georgia Dome. Under McWhorter, Charlton boasts a ledger of 251-61-2, with four state titles in six championship tries.

Mayo Clinic Health System ~ 2013 Humanitarian Award Todd Veal Presenter Clay Thomas of Mayo Clinic Health System offered a heartfelt tribute to Veal for being a model sports parent. Veal and his wife Kelly have two sons, Dillon and Rhett, both of whom have played high school football at Pierce County High School. Over the past several seasons, Veal has put in countless hours filming sports events in providing clips for team evaluation, college scouting, fan viewership, and other projects. Close friends Jimmy Lydon, John Green, and Tracy Harris also attended in support of Veal.

Congratulations to the offensive and defensive award recipients:

Veron Dasher, Offense Appling County Appling Motors Kubota

Derrix Henry, Defense Appling County Appling Motors Kubota

Anthony Florence, Offense Bacon County

Wheeler Agency Inc. COUNTRY Financial

Droell Greene, Defense Bacon County

Wheeler Agency Inc. COUNTRY Financial

Hubert Anderson, Offense Bradwell Institute Hinesville Ford Company

Shawn Maschino, Defense Bradwell Institute Hinesville Ford Company

Anthony Turlington, Offense Brantley County Bennett’s Hometown Pharmacy

Kole Clark, Defense Brantley County Bennett’s Hometown Pharmacy

Trae Harrington, Offense Charlton County Andrew H. Gowen-Farm Bureau

Lance Thompson, Defense Charlton County Andrew H. Gowen-Farm Bureau

Shaun Tatum, Offense Frederica Academy Coastal Georgia Trailways

Brandon Blake, Defense Frederica Academy Coastal Georgia Trailways

Vanda Vereen, Offense Long County Hinesville Ford Company

Nick Stock, Defense Long County Hinesville Ford Company

Tyler Harris, Offense Pierce County Bennett’s Hometown Pharmacy

Marquise Foreman, Defense Pierce County Bennett’s Hometown Pharmacy

Cory Dixon, Offense Brunswick High Coastal Georgia Trailways

Jacari Williams, Defense Brunswick High Coastal Georgia Trailways

Dalton Sikes, Offense Camden County Coastal Georgia Trailways

Marcus Jordan, Defense Camden County Coastal Georgia Trailways

Kenneth Cross, Offense Glynn Academy Coastal Georgia Trailways

Jeremiah Coffee, Defense Glynn Academy Coastal Georgia Trailways

Jordan Waters, Offense Liberty County Hinesville Ford Company

Raekwon McMillan, Defense Liberty County Hinesville Ford Company

Jamar Johnson, Offense Ware County Browning’s Medical Arts Pharmacy

Neel Enriquez, Defense Ware County Browning’s Medical Arts Pharmacy

Malique Jackson, Offense Wayne County COUNTRY Financial Shaun O’Quinn

Taylor Heflin, Defense Wayne County COUNTRY Financial Shaun O’Quinn

2013 Southeast Georgia High School Football Awards Banquet

We would like to thank all of the Fine Banquet Sponsors; Keynote Speaker Troy Sadowski; All the Southeast Georgia Football Coaches, Players, and Support Staff; And last but not least, The Southeast Georgia Area football Fans and Readership of In the Game High School Sports Magazine.

Without a collaborated effort from all of you, this annual event would not be possible. See you all next year!

Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets Hazlehurst, GA • www.jeff-davis.k12.ga.us Senior Cheerleaders Take On New York! Allison, Molly, and Katelyn were very excited to march in the parade, and they made some great memories in New York! Visiting Chinatown, seeing Cinderella on Broadway, and attending a performance of the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall were among the highlights of their trip, aside from the parade itself. The temperature difference was quite a shock to these Georgia girls, as they lined up for the parade at 5:30 Thursday morning in 31 degree weather! The Varsity Spirit Cheer Team was represented by cheerleaders from all over the country, and Jeff Davis High School is proud to have had three senior cheerleaders on that team. This is the third year the Yellow Jackets have participated in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and according to Coach Beth Davis, it will not be the last!

photo by Katelyn Carter

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marks the beginning of the holiday season every year, and 2013 was certainly no different. On November 28th, the 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade marched down 6th Avenue in New York City with more than 8,000 participants, including three of Jeff Davis County’s own varsity cheerleaders. Allison Smith, Molly Strickland, and Katelyn Carter travelled to New York the week before Thanksgiving to practice and rehearse with the 647 other varsity cheerleaders from around the country. They were made eligible to participate in the parade by trying out for the All-American Varsity Cheerleading team in July at Shorter University, demonstrating their skills in the areas of cheer, dance, and jumps.

by JoAnna Moseley

photo by Sharie Smith

Our Varsity Spirit Cheer Team: Molly Strickland, Allison Smith, and Katelyn Carter

Allison Smith, Katelyn Carter, and Molly Strickland

Coachâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner

Price Points Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in physical education, Georgia College Assistant coach for state football champion Waycross Bulldogs (1977, 1981) Umpired high school baseball and softball, 1972-98 Inducted into Ware County Sports Hall of Fame, 2001

E.B. Price Pierce County High School

Back In The Saddle Again by John DuPont

uty called and once again, E.B. Price answered. Price, who had been a familiar face in Ware County basketball circles for years, was happily enjoying the fruits of his labors when school started in August. But when Chris Webber resigned as the boys’ coach at Pierce County High just weeks into the school year to accept a position in Florida, Price’s name wound up at the top of a very short list of replacements. Consequently, it didn’t take PCHS Athletic Director Sean Pender long to issue an invitation to the veteran hoops coach. “I had worked with Sean at Ware County and Brantley County,” says Price, who initially retired in 2006 following a 35-year career. “Sean is a student’s coach, and an excellent motivator who has the perspective of all sports in hand. He asked me several times to do the job. Finally I said, ‘Yes, we’ll see what we can work out.’” Changes in education during his teaching hiatus created concerns, but Price says PCHS principal Dara Bennett created a smooth transition. The job’s academic duties included supervising the InSchool Suspension (ISS) program. “I had taught PE, science, health, driver’s education, and math,” says Price. “But ISS - I’d never done that before. ISS is a treat every day because you never know what is going to happen.” Price found his basketball legs quickly as the Bears got out of the starting blocks with three straight wins before dropping three in a row. However, PCHS rebounded with a home victory over West Nassau, Florida, just before Christmas break, giving the team a 4-3 mark in the first seven games. “Versus West Nassau we had five guys in double figures scoring, and that’s the first time that has happened,” says Price. “We really emphasize the three Ds: desire, determination, and discipline, not only in basketball, but in school and in life.” That philosophy has been the hallmark of Price’s success, stemming from his days as a prep athlete at Johnson County High School in Wrightsville. A defensive standout, Price earned All-Middle Georgia (First Team) honors on the gridiron and also competed in track. He subsequently attended Georgia Southern College, earning a degree in health and physical education in 1971. His first teaching and coaching gig came later that year in Houston County at Northside Junior High, coaching football, girls’ basketball, and track. Waycross High School hired Price in 1975, an opportunity that included his first head varsity job as girls’ basketball coach, along with assistant football duties. It turned out to be a defining career moment. “When I got into the business, I had an ambition of being a head football coach,” Price says. “But when I got to Waycross, I didn’t want to leave. Coach Dale Williams (head football coach and AD) hired me as the secondary coach. During that time I learned I was going to be a girls’ varsity basketball coach, and they had won state the year earlier. I knew I would need some training, so I called Coach Norman Carter (Taylor County) and said I would stay a day or two up there. I wound up coming back about

photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson

five weeks later.” Price continued shadowing some of the most respected names in basketball, and his team remained a dominant force. The WHS girls marched to a state runner-up finish in 1976 before winning the state AA title in 1978. From 1976-82, the Lady Dogs also won five region titles while rolling up a 148-17 record. “If I had to give credit to anybody for my basketball knowledge, it would be Coach Carter, J.B. Bearden (Franklin County), George Eaves (Stockbridge), and Jane Williamson (Haralson County),” says Price. “I learned my basketball from old-school, fundamental coaches. I believe you have to learn fundamentals to play the game.” Over the next 24 seasons, Price’s teams racked up another 450 wins, starting with a two-year stint in Brantley County, where he coached both the Herons and Lady Herons from 1982-84. He returned to Waycross High in 1985 as head boys’ coach and guided that year’s Bulldogs to 29 straight wins before falling to Central Carrollton in the state finals. WHS lost just half a dozen games over the next five years as Price’s squads hung five region titles in the ensuing years. Price maintained a standard of excellence into the 1990s, when he oversaw the merger of Ware

County and Waycross boys’ basketball. Price made the Final Four in 1999 with a Gators’ team that included Tre Hill, the current Ware boys’ coach. Hill is among three of Price’s protégées to become head coaches (along with Lisa Pollar and Keith Davis). “That team in ’99 was probably the last group that really loved the game, played the game, hung out together, and socialized together,” Price says. “It was just such a good group to be around.” In 2006, Price retired as a high school teacher, but he remained active as a health and physical education instructor at Waycross College (now South Georgia State College) from 2008-11. He also continued work in the driver’s education field. Price and three other retired educators wrote a grant through the driver’s education at Brantley County High and continued that instruction for another two years. When the grant expired, Price and former BCHS principal Randy Yonz opened the Waycross-based Driver Academy, which they still maintain. “We are a certified DDS company that teaches students how to drive correctly and comply with Joshua’s Law so they can get their licenses,” says Price. “Some afternoons I drive and then come to basketball practice. Classes last about a week in the classroom and driving is spread out over maybe a month, broken into twohour sessions. We try to instill some good fundamentals into what the kids need to know.” Recent years have seen Price quench his competitive thirst by playing several rounds of golf per week. He still works as an event coordinator at the Lakes of Laura Walker and carries a 10 handicap. He also enjoys dove and duck hunting and shares his affinity for fishing and traveling with his three daughters: Shelley Price Paul, Brittini Price (a senior at Ware County High School), and Elexis (a sophomore at WCHS), as well as his grandchildren: granddaughter Savannah Paul, 19, and six-year-old twin grandsons Mason and Miles Paul. Price occasionally toyed with the idea of a return to the hardwood in applying for area jobs, but each time he ultimately nixed the idea of resuming 110-hour weeks. Then the Pierce situation presented the optimum situation, and Price also brought assistants Jerome Lincoln and Alvin Thrift aboard. Together, they manage a roster of 12 players, with eight or nine of those manning the floor on any given night. Price says the early success demonstrates players buying into the concept of ball sharing and team play, and he is grateful to Pender and PCHS principal Dara Bennett for the opportunity to coach again. Price stops short of calling it an interim gig. “I have a passion for coaching,” Price says. “I like working with kids and seeing them grow. It’s not the wins and losses and championships; it’s 10 to 15 years later when kids come back and say ‘Thanks for all you’ve done.’ All that matters is that phone call or seeing a former player who simply says, ‘Thank you for making me the person I am today.’” ITG 33

Pierce County Bears

Remembering Coach Buddy Dowling

by Maggie Santana photo courtesy of Cindy Dowling

On October 12, 2013, Pierce County lost a coach, a Bears fan, fisherman, hunter, Papa, and most importantly, a dad. Buddy Dowling was an unselfish man who would do anything for anybody. His son, David Dowling states, “He was truly the last cowboy. Have you ever seen Josie Wales? Well, if so that was my daddy in his lifetime. He was a devoted man in every single aspect of his life.” Buddy Dowling was also a great boss to work with. He was co-owner with Cindy Dowling, his wife, of Lollipop. He worked alongside many people who saw him as a father figure. The Pre-K teachers of Lollipop stated the following: “Mr. Buddy took his many years of coaching and applied them to all aspects of life. Mr. Buddy was the safety net, provider of security, and an all around team player. Mr. Buddy gave many young men the opportunity at the first championship or first experience working as a team toward a common goal. Many of Mr. Buddy’s mentees are now leaders in the community, coaches, and outstanding fathers, who were all led by his example.” Mrs. Angela stated that “he was a like a dad to her and he was the greatest. He will be missed, especially his laugh, smile, jokes and his talks”. Mrs. Tanya, in the baby class, stated, “We love Mr. Buddy. He wasn’t just an owner, but he was like a father and he treated all the kids as his own, and he is looking down on us in every room.” Hosanna Hodges stated, “It was to be around Mr. Buddy and how he could light up a room with his big smile. Mr. Buddy Dowling will never be gone, he will never be far way because he lives in the hearts of his family, wife, sons daughters, granddaughters, and grandson as well as in the heart of so many Pierce County residents.” “My husband was my best friend, we did everything together,” said Cindy Dowling. “We had a love story that has lasted for forty-seven years. We first met when I was in the sixth grade and

Blackshear, GA · www.pchs.pierce.k12.ga.us

Buddy was in the eighth grade. He would pass me love notes and tell me not to tell the principal. I still have all of his love notes in a box. Years passed and we became husband and wife on June 4, 1966. Buddy always protected our family and made us all feel very safe. He supported our children and grandchildren in their sports and activities. He attended every football game, cheerleading competition, soccer, and baseball game.” Mr. Dowling was proud to be part of the Pierce County Bear Nation. He always sat in the North end zone of the football field. He liked sitting there because he could see the action and it would all happen in front of him. “The last time we sat there was on Friday, October 11, when Josh Henderson caught “the pass” from Tyler Harris. Buddy looked at me and said, ‘See Cindy, that’s why I like to sit here. We just saw the best catch I have ever seen in a high school football game,’” exclaimed Mrs. Dowling. Mr. Buddy started coaching at the recreation department in the early 70’s. He coached his two sons, as well as Mr. Shawn Smith (current recre-

ation director), and many other men who are great leaders in the community. Mr. Dowling taught them to put 110% effort in every single attempt. In fact, this helped the 7-8 year old White Bears win the 1st annual Buddy Bowl Championship. Mr. Smith states, “Mr. Buddy was a great man who helped a lot in the community. He coached me and helped me become the man I am. I’m glad to have David and Brian Dowling as part of my program to carry on their father’s legacy.” David Dowling states, “Daddy had four wonderful grandchildren: Meg, Allie, Drake, and Caroline. These four did no wrong in his eyes. Daddy was a true Bear Fan. This started in the 80’s when Brian played, and the mid 90’s when I played, then the awesome state championship run that Meg had (cheerleading). He loved all sports. I would consider him a #1 Fan. It is evident that Buddy’s Corner was his place. Thanks to the awesome people from Pierce County and the Pierce County Touchdown club for dedicating this corner to our daddy. Thank you, God, for allowing me and my family to witness such a great husband, daddy, Papa, coach, and boss.”

Pierce County Bears Blackshear, GA · www.pchs.pierce.k12.ga.us

Cheer Bears Make it Back-to-Back State Titles

Photo by Pam Rowell

The Pierce County High School competition cheerleaders accomplished their goal of having another undefeated season. Winning a second state title is what the girls had been working for all season. The girls scored a 285 out of a possible 300 at the state finals in Columbus November 16, placing first in the class AAA division. Cartersville, placing second, scored a 279 with Central Carroll placing third with a 276. Pierce County also had the highest score out of all divisions in the morning session. This team of cheerleaders was the first team in Pierce County history to win a cheer state title, let alone back-to-back state titles. In order to win a state title you have to “wow” the judges with the full degree of difficulty and perfection –and the Cheer Bears did just that! This season concludes with seven seniors, six of

whom have cheered the competition squad all four years. As one of the outgoing senior cheerleaders myself, it has definitely been an exciting journey and one of the things I have personally learned is that hard work and perseverance definitely pay off. Several factors go into being a state champ such as long hours of countless practices, but more importantly it is that team effort. When a group of seniors are together for four years, you definitely begin to know each other and a bond is created. Coaching is also at the top in order to be a state champ and coaches like Mrs. Amy Nimmer and Mrs. Lindy Wright pushing us to be our best and always making sure we kept our eye on our team goal made success that much more attainable. Most of the seniors are planning on attending col-

by Josie DuPont lege in the fall of 2014, and we can all look back with no regrets and a feeling of pride and accomplishment. Lane Rowell, captain of the team, says, “The only thing better than winning state is winning state twice, and it’s only by the grace of God and hard work.” Our CoCaptain, Mary Frances Ratliff stated, “I love ending my senior year with an undefeated season and another state championship. As a team, we could not have done any better.” Being a repeat champ is a great feeling and accomplishment. I’m excited for next year’s Cheer Bears as they too should be state material. Go, Bears!

Pierce County Bears

Katie Dixon Finds Passion on Rodeo Circuit It all started when Katie Dixon’s parents got her a pony. Since the beginning Katie has always had an attachment to horses. As time passed she had a knack for riding and later fell in love with showing horses. “I have always been told to leave it all in the arena. Each rodeo I strive to do my best,” said Katie. Not only was the rodeo in her blood it was also her sport. Some love the Friday night lights of football games, but not Katie. She loves the Friday and Saturday night lights of local rodeos. It was not easy starting out, but it all became worth it as time went on.

After competing in rodeos around the area through elementary and middle school she was finally able to join the Georgia High School Rodeo Association her sophomore year. She was one of the two from Pierce Country her sophomore and junior year. Now in her senior year she is the only one that represents Pierce County High School. Katie stated “Without my parents and my palomino quarter horse, Diamond, I would not be who I am today” She appears in rodeos from Cleveland, Tennessee to Andalusia, Alabama and all through the peach state. Without her parents and her palomino quarter

Blackshear, GA · www.pchs.pierce.k12.ga.us by Brittany Howell horse mare, Diamond, Katie would not be who she is today. Katie and her horse, Diamond, have been a team for almost six years now. They have competed in barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying. Through the years Katie and Diamond have been to the 4’H state show in Perry, Georgia for five years and competed in the Georgia High School Rodeo Association State Finals in goat tying and pole bending this past May. The event was held in Perry, Georgia. After graduation Kate plans to continue being active in rodeos and showing horses. She is going to strive for her best and successfully achieve her dreams.

Photo by JD Photography, Lafayette, GA

Rising Star