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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE
Southeast Georgia Edition
November 2013
19 7 Georgia High School Football Rivalries & Legends Jon Nelson, GPB Sports Correspondent
10 Academic Athlete Jamez Davis Charlton County High School
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Player Spotlight The Receivers
Schools Bacon County High School Jeff Davis High School
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Pierce County High School
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Bradwell Institute
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Wayne County High School
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Southeast Georgia Schools
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Coach’s Corner Welton Coffey
Camden County High School
32 Rising Star Tahj Williams Waycross Middle School
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• 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 •
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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE
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GPB Sports Correspondent
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From the Publisher In the immortal words of Jim Mora, “Playoffs… playoffs?!?” It’s time in SEGA to start the road to the Georgia Dome. We have several teams that, by the time you read this, will have region titles under their belts. The Ware County Gators and Wayne County Yellow Jackets have both clinched their respective region and sub-region, and the Camden County Wildcats and Appling County Pirates have earned a showdown on November 8th for their respective regions in the “winner takes all” match-ups. Several teams will make the playoffs as various seeds, but all will have a ticket for the ride to the Dome – the trick is to stay on the bus until it arrives. Charlton, Glynn, Liberty, and Pierce all are invited, and I for one hope to see them all in Atlanta. Stay in touch every step of the way with In the Game Magazine, via Facebook or the ITG radio show as we bring you all the action. I’ve said it all season to anyone that will listen: there’s a ton of talent in SEGA for this 2013 season, more so than in years past. One such deep talent pool is that of wide receivers. In this month’s Players Spotlight, we take a look at five guys who will play on Saturdays. Take a look at what they have meant to their respective teams and maybe more importantly, the havoc they’ve wreaked on their opponents. All five receivers have offers with one already making his verbal commitment. I look forward to seeing these guys play at the next level as they represent SEGA with pride. Ever met someone that can just light up a room with a smile? If you’ve ever meet Charlton County’s Jamez Davis you know exactly what I’m talking about. I was around this young man for less than an hour and “impressive” is the one word that comes to my mind. His academic resume speaks for itself, with a 1400 SAT and a 21 on the ACT. His kindness is something to behold as he takes care of ailing family members and his commitment to one day becoming a doctor is second to none. He’s one young man whom I have no doubt will achieve his goals lighting up several rooms along the way. Your predecessor won three state titles in the previous nine years but hey, no pressure. If there was a man who could follow that act, it’s Camden County’s new head coach, Welton Coffey. Coach Coffey has quite the resume himself. He holds the distinction of winning the only Florida state title ever won by a public high school in Jacksonville, coaching Raines to an undefeated 15-0 season in 1997. He’s a coach of the three F’s: Faith, Family, and Football. He knows them all very well as is evident by his Camden County Wildcats’ playing for back-to-back Region 1-AAAAAA titles. Look for that trend to continue. It wasn’t the season he hoped for in 2013. Coaching changes and a losing record were not how Tahj Williams wanted to end his football career at Waycross Middle School. However, the two-way star doesn’t dwell on missed opportunities. In his words, it just shows, “you have to practice harder and get better.” The spread option quarterback is looking forward to becoming a Ware County Gator and being a part of one of the state’s perennial football programs. He’s unsure where he’ll fit in, because he’s talented on both sides of the ball. Who knows, Ware has had its share of great two-way players in the past including William Golden, Xavier Tobler, and now WMS alumni Dedrick Mills. Maybe Tahj Williams is next. 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 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.
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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 2013 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
Georgia High School Football
Rivalries & Legends by Jon Nelson, GPB Sports Correspondent
Someone once asked me who my favorite high school football team was when I was at work… I know this will be hard to believe, but I want every school to do well. It creates civic pride for the town or county that supports the academics and athletics of its closest high school. It means that young adults are learning a lot of great core values that they can carry with them through their adult lives and share with others. And it makes for great conversation and great stories 365 days out of the year. So, when schools like North Springs, Jordan, and Atkinson County break long losing streaks, I think it’s the coolest thing I can show on GPB’s Football Fridays in Georgia. Because, simply, it means a lot to a lot of people. There are also those rivalry games where towns are split in half. Northside and Warner Robins and the “Winnersville Classic” immediately come to mind. There are hands full of them around the state: Washington-Wilkes and Lincoln County, Brookwood-Parkview, most of Region 6-5A, the Columbus and LaGrange schools, and I’m sure you have one that you circle on the calendar every season. I have done stories on both the Warner Robins city matchup and the Winnersville game. The mayor of Warner Robins, Chuck Shaheen, is a Warner Robins grad. You can imagine how that plays out. Police cars have front license plates with the corresponding school’s logo that ties with the officer’s alma mater. A blue “N” for Northside and a red “R” for Warner Robins. Bryan Way, Warner Robins head coach, and his counterpart
at Northside, Kevin Kinsler, admit that it’s their most hectic week of the year. And if you ask, both adults and students alike, they will tell you that they don’t like each other. The athletes don’t hang out with each other, and this has gone on for generations. When it comes to “Winnersville,” Valdosta Head Coach Rance Gillespie tells me it’s a different animal from anything that he’s been through in the college and high school ranks. Lowndes High Head Coach Randy McPherson came from Florida and got a crash course in the game a little over a decade ago. He told me there’s nothing like it. There are old wives’ tales, unconfirmed stories, and hearsay about these rivalry games that is the stuff of legend and memory. Here’s one of my favorites: there is a game (I won’t say where) that involves neighboring counties. The police officers have in the past (allegedly) camped out at the county line and pulled over visiting fans heading to the game to slow down their progress and make sure that the officer’s home team was better represented at the rival game. And supposedly it happened both ways, year after year, for decades. I’m told it has happened recently in the rivalry. If there’s one rivalry game that I need to come see, let me know which one and why, because I also know that games aren’t just Friday night. It takes a lot of work during the week to make them happen so that both sides can enjoy the game—short of the final score, of course, where only one side gets to brag for the next year. Play it safe, everyone, and I’ll see you next time.
Jon Nelson, GPB Sports Correspondent
Dear reader,
What’s your favorite rivalry and why?
Let us know here either by responding on Facebook, reaching out on Twitter, or commenting via e-mail. It’s always fun for me to get feedback from all of you on how things break down across the state
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Bacon County Red Raiders Morris Johnson Stadium • Capacity: 2,500 • Alma, GA • www.bcraidersfootball.com Lady Raiders’ Softball Sets Winning Pace For School college level,” says Bacon County High School Softball Head Coach Stephen Tyre. “But the way the team has managed to keep being successful is playing as a team. They lean on one another. When one player is down, another steps up to fill the void.” From year to year Tyre and his coaches adjust their teams to strengthen their players. “We don’t change our game plan, we just use each player to her full potential in the position she plays best. Each player accepts her role on the team, and it builds a good core for the team… Two years ago we had power hitters and set some homerun records; this year we depended on defense and pitching.” Tyre says that the entire school system, parents and recreation department must also use teamwork in order for the season to go as planned. “I would say we have the best parent support in Georgia softball. Like the players, they support the team as a whole, not just their child. They enrich our program, travel with the team, and are always willing to help in any way possible,” he says. “We have many girls who play 10 months out of the year on all levels. They play on travel ball teams, take hitting lessons and work hard to get better. All of this takes parental support.” Coach Tyre then addresses the dedication of the staff: “I have to commend the several men and women assistant coaches who have bought into our program and sacrificed their time to work with the girls. We are more like a family that a high school team.” He went on to add
Bacon Middle School Football Building Foundation On Faith And Skills
Photo By DeBra tanner t
If you ask Bacon County Middle School Football Coach Steve Owens, fifth year in Bacon, how he feels about this year’s middle school program, he smiles. He has reason too, because this fall he had 57 kids turn out to get a position on not just one middle school team, but two. In the group, he says, are some potential power players for the Raiders. He says he has a coaching staff that has really bought into his program and he feels that help make the team a success. Assistants this year were Rubin Woodbury and George Roberts. “I can’t give them enough praise.” The school fielded two separate middle school teams this year. “I believe the reason we had so many players turn out
is the fact we had a sixth and seventh grade team as well as and eighth grade team,” says Owens. “The younger guys know they will get some playing time and want to take part.” The eighth graders were 3-4, losing a heart breaker to Ware in the closing seconds in one game and the younger boys were 3-1. Owens believes the setup will really benefit our eighth grade games in the future where we will have guys who already have two years experience while the teams we play only have an 8th grade team. He says some key players went down early in the season but with the numbers he had turn out they were able to fill the caps. Even with the injuries he had 50 boys complete the year. “I have 32 seventh graders coming back while 18 players will be moving to the JV level,” he says. Owens also feels his now serving as a teacher at the middle school gives him the opportunity to get to know the players. “Coach Chuck Woodall (BCHS wrestling coach) teaches at the elementary school
Bacon County 2013 Middle School Football team
that these high school players have set a standard for others to follow. “Our players are not only on the softball team, but also are at the top of their classes, and they encourage those who aren’t to work harder to stay on the same level on the field and in the classroom. More than anyone else, our kids hold themselves accountable.” Coach Tyre does not want the credit for the Lady Raiders success: “When I came into this program seven years ago, Skip (Wells) and Rodney (Wilson) had set in place the work ethics and expectations for the program. Any coach could have come in here and won with the kids we’ve had over the past few years.” Coach Tyre says, “I don’t want the highlight of these kids’ lives to be something they did on this softball field; I want this to a lesson in life, and hopefully they will move on from here to find success in life.” So far he has several players who have matched his expectations. Photo By DeBra tanner t
In the wide world of high school sports, where the men generally rule, at Bacon County High School the Lady Raiders’ Softball team sets the pace for excellence. Since 2006, the Lady Raiders have not only been in the top of their region, they have been in the thick of things on the state stage. In true tribute to their team motto, “Tradition Never Graduates” the girls have set high standards for future teams to match. In 2006 they were Sub-Region Champs and third in Region 1A and made the Sweet 16; 2007 Sub-Region Champs, Region 1A Runner-Up, and Sweet 16; 2008 Sub-Region Champs, Region 1A Champs, Elite I, and ranked sixth in the state; in 2009 Sub-Region Champs, Region 1A Champs, Elite 8, and ranked fifth in the state; 2010 Sub-Region Champs, Region 2A Champs, Sweet 16; 2011 Sub-Region Champs, Region 2A Champs, Elite 8; 2012 Sub-Region Champs, Elite 8; and in 2013 they made it back again in Sweet 16, dropping two of three to Cook County to end their season. The highlight of the three games was in the third and final game; Macey Chancey, the team’s only senior made her first career homerun. As one of the smallest school in AA, they have proven that dedication, hard work, loyalty to each other, concentration on individual qualities, and team building, overcomes the size of the school. “Over the years we’ve had what some people would call superstars, with several going on to play on the
by Gail Fiveash
Bacon County 2013 lady Raiders’ Softball team
by Gail Fiveash and looks out for potential players in the fifth grade and encourages them to take part,” added Owens. Owens adds that the off season weight lifting program has helped his teams improve and sees track (Owens coaches track) as another building block for the teams. “We had to share the weight room with the high school and it limited our time, but once the new school is complete we will have our own facilities.” Owens says his game plan does not focus on the scoreboard but is based on a focus on faith and a love for one another. “We work to make it a real family atmosphere.” Owens also is the sponsor of the Bacon County School System Fellowship of Christian Athletics and works to encourage his players to follow those principals, on and off the field. “We have a group of great kids,” he says.” “We have great support from the parents—they are just crazy about the teams. They fed the teams after every game. They took care of it all themselves.” “It’s great for the kids to look in the stands and see all the support they get,” says Owens. “It’s at this point in the players’ lives that they form character, and the support really helps.”
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Academic Athlete
“You won’t find a single person in Charlton County that will have anything negative to say about him. I’ve been blessed to have two great daughters, but if I had a son, I’d want to have Jamez Davis.” – Coach Rich McWhorter
Jamez Davis Charlton County High School
Going Beyond the Call by John DuPont
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welfth graders typically spend their idle moments dreaming of homecoming, prom, grad bash, and other events that define the last days of the best years of their lives. While Charlton County High School senior Jamez Davis enjoys those same trappings of youth, he also makes time to prepare for his life’s calling. Davis, the son of Oliver and Jacqueline Davis, has plans to become a medical doctor. According to those in his inner circle, the idea is not at all farfetched. “I’ve been around a lot of really outstanding kids and Jamez is right up there, as good as any I’ve had,” says CCHS Head Coach Rich McWhorter. “So much 10
photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson of this is due to his parents and the way they raised him. Kids will tell you they are going to do this and that even if they’re not preparing to do it. But when Jamez tells me he’s going to be a doctor, there’s no doubt he will be and he’ll be a great one.” Last summer, Davis attended the National Youth Leadership of Medicine, a 10-day seminar at Emory University. He will attend the second part of the experience when the school year ends. Inspired by several relatives who have suffered debilitating illnesses, Davis has made it his medical mission to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. “It started when I was little,” Davis explains. “On
my mom’s side, relatives have had diabetes and it struck me to ask ‘Why does that happen?’ That got me on board with medicine. I would like to see myself as a neurosurgeon. The brain is interesting. Coaches have always told me how football is a mental sport and how the brain controls every aspect of your body, even the little stuff you don’t think about.” At 5’8” and 185 pounds, Davis isn’t your prototypical offensive lineman. He worked diligently in the weight room over the years and eventually battled his way into the lineup. These days, he benches 285 pounds, cleans 265 and squats 450. “When Jamez came to us, he was really a little guy,” says
McWhorter. “But he really understood what needed to be done. He got after it in the weight room and turned himself into a starter, and that goes back to his intelligence.” The winner of numerous awards for anatomy, history and language arts, Davis topped 1400 on the SAT and scored 21 on the ACT. He currently maintains an A average in English 1101 and 1102 at Okefenokee Technical College. Not surprising, his favorite class is anatomy. “We dissected cows’ eyes and we had people talking about how bad it smelled, but I just had a blast,” beams Davis, who discusses his Emory experience with equal enthusiasm. “It was amazing. The first day I got there I was nervous and didn’t know anybody. There were all these people from different places around the world, but we all had the same goal. We all became a family in those 10 days and we still stay in contact. It was a great way to interact with people you don’t normally see in your circle around town.” The inner circle for Davis includes his parents and three siblings: older brothers Jeronte and Justin, as well as younger sister Elzaria, a cheerleader at Charlton County Middle School. Davis also looks to teammates Drake Gillis, Will Gowen, and Antonio Tarpley, who help push him to greater heights, none more so, however, than best friend Tanner Morgan.
also makes time for community service projects, which include working with elementary school students and helping clean Okefenokee Swamp Park. He and his family attend First African Baptist Missionary Church in Baxley. There, Davis serves on the men’s usher board and sings with the youth choir and mass choir. “My mom always tells me just to keep working,” says Davis. “She always tells me, ‘You can’t impress everybody. There are going to be times when some people may not like where you’re going.’ She tells me to stay strong with who I am and where I want to be, to let God be my guide.” Davis already exhibits a bedside manner befitting a physician. He spends time with Elzia and Marilyn Hayes, his mother’s parents, as well as his grandmother on his father’s side, Wynell Davis. All require some degree of medical care, but Grandmother Davis, an Alzheimer’s patient, merits particular care. “Jamez is not embarrassed to help take time with an older grandparent who has Alzheimer’s,” notes Jacqueline Davis. “He just steps in and does what needs to be done. He makes sure she is fed and when we’re not able to be here, he gives her medicine and makes sure she is in bed. She is a retired schoolteacher and Jamez will sing songs to her and sit out on the porch in a rocking chair with her. He
“I’ll always remember how hard our coaches pushed us to do more and be more than we could normally be. In the weight room, you do weight that is heavy and you’re thinking ‘I can’t do any more.’ But you have a coach beside you saying, ‘Do one more’ and I think that can carry on into life - to do more and to be more.
– Jamez Davis
“Tanner is bigger than me,” notes Davis. “Every day at practices we go against each other to see if my technique beats his strength. Every once in a while it does.” “Jamez playing football was something he wanted to do,” says Davis’s father. “He is not your big lineman but he is very good at what he does. During the week when he’s getting ready, he looks at the defense and the guy that is going to be over him and he looks for a weakness. Against Clinch, their nose guard was pretty good and he was bigger than Jamez, but a couple of times Jamez put him down.” During the winter, Davis competes on the CCHS wrestling team, for which he crafted a 4-2 record last season. In the spring, he throws the discus and participates in relays for Charlton’s track team. He
just doesn’t see it any way other than that she is his grandmother.” Though he doesn’t necessarily see himself playing football at the next level, Jamez Davis welcomes an opportunity to do so, citing the brotherhood engendered by the sport. His immediate goals after graduation include a return to Emory University, where he will attend the National Youth Leadership of Medicine as an alumni student. Davis has yet to determine a permanent college home, but his wish list included Morehouse and Duke. “With everything Jamez does, he just puts his whole heart into it,” says his mother. “He knows the power of prayer and we have instilled that within him. He goes beyond the call of duty. When he was born, I knew he was special and he has lived up to that billing.” ITG
All About Jamez: Organizations: National Honor Society, Beta Club, Student Council Awards: Certificate of Merit (2012-13), President’s Education Award (2012-13) Special Recognitions: Senior Superlative Most Likely to Succeed, Mr. CCHS Favorite TV shows: The Doctors, Grey’s Anatomy
The winner of numerous awards for anatomy, history and language arts, Davis topped 1400 on the SAT and scored 21 on the ACT. He currently maintains an A average in English 1101 and 1102 at Okefenokee Technical College. Not surprising, his favorite class is anatomy.
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Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets Hazlehurst, GA • www.jeff-davis.k12.ga.us Jeff Davis Senior Softball Player leadership skills and responsibility from playing. Last season, the Lady Jackets won region, and as of September 30, they have a region record of 15-1. This incredible record has them currently ranked as first in our region. Herndon plans to attend Florida State University after graduation in May, and she desires a future career in the area of forensics. She says she will miss the
Senior Football Players
Senior Balie Herndon
by Brittany Mason degree in videogame development. He hopes to one day work with his uncle in California at EA Videogame Company. Chaney has gained friendships, a sense of respect, and discipline from football. He says he will miss his friends. “The experience is something I will never forget and will look back on when I get older,” he says. Aside from football, Chaney swam for two years and wrestled for one year. Ross Dubberly, number 7, is a linebacker for the Yellow Jackets and has played for nine years. Now a senior, Dubberly describes the feeling as a little sad but exciting at the same time. He feels the Jackets’ season started off rough; however, he states, “We have seen some good things, and the season is looking bright.” He has acquired discipline, leadership abilities, and numerous life lessons through this sport. He says he will miss the friends he has made and the games on Friday nights. Throughout his high school career, he has received the Claude P. Cook (MVP) Award, the Jacket Pride Award, was named Second Team All-Region, Running Back All-Region, Linebacker All-Region, and received the Head Hunter Award. Although undecided on what college he wants to attend, Dubberly hopes to go into the field of healthcare. Outside of football, Dubberly is involved in the Jeff Davis 4-H program and is a BETA club member. Curt Harper, number 50 and an offensive lineman for the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets, began playing twelve years ago. When asked how it feels to be a senior, Harper says it feels good because a lot of the guys look up to him. He states, “I have learned to work as a team and trust the people around me and how to be a good leader… I will miss playing and being with my team.” Harper says that he wants to continue his career in football after high school if it is a way to help pay for his education and aid in expenses for college. He wants to become an engineer in the future. His ninth grade year, Harper received the Most Promising Freshman Award, and last year he was given the MVP Offensive Line Award. He has also received All-Region Honorable Mention and Academic All-Region. Aside from football, Curt has been wrestling since seventh grade and was a state placer last season. He is also a member of the BETA club. Josh McClendon, known by his friends as J Mac, plays on the defensive line for the Yellow Jackets. He is number 73, and he has been playing ever since he was old enough to go into recreational football at age five or six. McClendon is glad that he has been committed to the sport for so many years. He gained friendships and leadership skills through football. He plans to attend college after he graduates and has a goal of going into some area of engineering. “I will miss the friendships I have made and the camarade-
rie and bond of a team. I just hope that I was a positive example to others while I was on the team.” He feels he is a part of a building program this year and hopes to finish the season strong. Number 9, Brandon Sanders, plays as corner back and defensive back for the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets. He started playing football when he was in second grade; however, this is his second year playing for Jeff Davis. He says it feels good being a senior on the team because he has more leadership opportunities. Sanders feels football has taught him responsibility, and most importantly, how to have a good attitude. He wants to go to Georgia Southern after he graduates to play football, and he wants to go into the Navy in the future. Sanders says he will miss his friends, some of the coaches, and the good times he has had after he graduates. He has received an MVP defensive back award and a second team all-region award in his football career. Sanders also plays basketball and runs track. Reggie Thomas, number 45 for the Jackets, is a middle linebacker and has been playing football for three years now. As a senior, Thomas says the feeling is good but sad at the same time. He says that he has gained leadership from football. “I’ve made some good friends, and I’ve learned how to get close to others,” he states. Thomas plans to attend either Georgia Southern or Valdosta State after graduation to continue his career in football. He has received an honorable mention award at the region level before. When he is not lifting weights or practicing during the season or summer, Thomas is involved in track. These young men have been a strong leadership force for Jeff Davis, not only leading on the field but in the classroom as well. Jeff Davis can be proud of our strong senior players, and we wish them all well in the future.
Jeff Davis HigH scHool
The senior football players this year have proven to be exceptional leaders and strong players. Jaime Almazon, number 54 and defensive tackle for the Jackets, has played football for the Yellow Jackets for five years. Almazon, like most of the other seniors, describes the feeling of being a senior on the team as amazing but also sad. “I will miss the game itself, my brothers, and the adrenaline rush,” he says. He has gained strength, wisdom, and maturity throughout his football experience, and he is proud to have once received the Pride of the Jackets Award. Almazon plans to attend South Georgia State College after he graduates to pursue a degree in nursing. A multiple sport athlete, he has also wrestled for five years on the Yellow Jacket Wrestling Team. Hunter Beck, number 12 and quarterback for the Jackets, has been playing since he began flag football when he was five. To him, it’s hard to believe he is a senior. “It just seems like it has flown by.” He believes that one of the most important things he has gained from football is the realization that the sport is important but that what the coaches put them through and the mental challenges they face will help prepare the guys for adulthood. Beck says that the atmosphere on Friday nights is what he will probably miss the most about high school ball after graduation. Sidelined for the remainder of the season because of injuries, Beck continues to be a strong leader as well as an excellent example to the younger players. Throughout his high school football career, he has received a Most Valuable Offensive Player Award, the Coaches Award, and was named All-Region Honorable Mention. He wants to become a physician’s assistant in the future but has not decided where he would like to go to college. Another multi-sport athlete, when not playing football, Beck is playing baseball. Cameron Calhoun plays wide receiver for the Yellow Jackets. He is number 6 on the team and began playing in seventh grade in Perry, Georgia. He moved to Jeff Davis in the eighth grade and has been playing here ever since. He says that being a senior feels great but sad in a way. “I’ve gained a sense of leadership and a lot of wonderful friends,” Calhoun says. He hopes to play football at Valdosta State or Georgia Southern if given the opportunity and wants to become a marine biologist in the future. Calhoun says he will miss being out on the field having fun with his friends after he graduates. Tyler Chaney, number 55 on the JDHS team, is a first-time football player. He plays defensive tackle. As a senior, he feels like a leader and as if the younger players look up to him. “I wish I would have played before… It’s a good feeling, but I’m sad because it’s my last year,” he states. If given the chance to play college ball, he would love to; however, he wants to go to Full Sail University in Florida to get his Bachelor’s
sport of softball after high school. Outside of softball, Herndon also serves as an FFA officer for her chapter.
Photo by NelsoN & ComPa P Ny Pa
Balie Herndon is the Jeff Davis High School Lady Jacket Softball team’s only senior. She played recreation ball when she was younger and has now been playing softball for eight years. She is a designated player and an exceptionally talented hitter, once receiving a “best offensive player award.” Herndon says it feels good being a senior; she says that she has gained
by Brittany Mason
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Pierce County Bears
Definition Of A Drum Major
by Ivy Young
Photo by Serenity PhotograPhy
The drum major is the person that directs the marching band. For the Pierce County High School Sound of Silver Marching Band, the drum major is a leader, friend, and positive role model. All of these qualities and more are found in Anna Carter, PCHS Sound of Silver drum major. “Being drum major for the Sound of Silver Marching Band has allowed me to acquire more confidence,” says Carter, “… that will enable me to meet more of my dreams and goals.” During this marching season Carter wishes to have highest drum major scores at one or more of the competitions this year and to also be a difference maker and positive role model. Carter strives to help the band be the best band Pierce County has seen. Carter’s goals for the band include the band reaching their highest potential and for them to make all superiors at competitions. It has taken Carter years to prepare for the role of drum major. Carter has been in band since the sixth grade playing French horn. Since ninth grade Carter has marched in the band and played French horn in symphonic band. Besides school band, Carter has participated in in leadership and band camps at UGA and has taken music history, con-
Coach Jenkins Impacts Pierce County Sports 2011 when Jenkins was an assistant coach helping with offense line, Pierce had eight wins and three losses; in 2012 they had 10 wins and two losses. This year, Coach Jenkins is assistant coach for the outside linebackers. He states, “I enjoy teaching players to be students of the game. I am always looking for ways to improve their game.”
ducting, and music theory classes. Carter also makes district and region honor bands. Carter’s father, Mike Carter, Pierce County Middle School band director, was a major influence in her desire to audition for drum major. He showed her what being a leader really is. God has placed numerous musical influences in Carter’s life, including her father and aunts. “My biggest supporters are my Lord, my family, my friends, and my church,” says Carter. Outside of band Carter excels in academics with a 4.0 GPA. She takes all honor classes and two AP classes. She is president of student council, a beta club member, a member of the First Southern Bank Junior Board of Directors, and an active member in her youth group. After high school Carter plans on attending UGA and majoring in music therapy. She also plans on getting a degree in occupational therapy at the Medical College of Georgia. “I will NEVER forget my first half-time performance as drum major. I could just feel my face light up with the largest smile,” Carter says.
by Maggie Santana Pierce county HigH ScHool
Pierce County High School is glad to have Tucker Lee Jenkins, 28, on board. Coach Jenkins is a Valdosta State University graduate; he has a degree in Health and Physical education. He has coached in Crisp County one year and has been a faithful Pierce County Bear for three years. Coach Jenkins is from Moultrie, Georgia, where he played offensive lineman at Colquitt County High School. Coach Jenkins states the following: “I enjoy coaching, I love the relationships I build with my students and athletes, guiding them to be successful. I coach the boys’ soccer team and also the outside linebackers in football. I love seeing how my students progress from the beginning of the season, especially in soccer and football, learning new things and becoming teachers of the game.” Furthermore, in the soccer records from 2012, they had ten wins and five losses and made it to second round of the playoffs. In 2013, the boys’ soccer team had 10 wins and five losses and one tie and made it to the third round at the playoffs. This is the farthest the boys’ soccer team has ever made it in state playoffs. On the other hand, in
Blackshear, GA · www.pchs.pierce.k12.ga.us
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Pierce County Bears
Lady Bears Vs. The Lady Raiders
by Brittany Howell The balloons were gold with gold ribbons and were released in honor of all those fighting or that have won their fight against this disease. Pierce and Bacon are for sure rivalry teams, but on this night they joined together. When it got dark the two teams released hot air balloons into the night sky. It was a beautiful and breathtaking sight for all that were
able to attend this marvelous game. It was amazing to see the kids and adults enjoying themselves alongside the players from Pierce and Bacon. Seeing smiles on the faces of warriors and making them feel special is enough to give anyone hope that one day we will strike out cancer once and for all.
Photos by Jennifer Carter Johnson
The Lady Bears welcomed the Lady Raiders to Pierce County on September 24. The Bears came out of the game with an outstanding win with a 5-3 victory against Bacon. The two teams joined together on this day to not only play ball, but to also “strike out cancer.” All of the fans were there to support not only their team, but the brave fighters we had with us on this night. We were lucky enough to have seven special guests that helped us throw out the first pitch to “strike out cancer.” We honored those who have fought the battle, those who are winning the battle, and those who have won the battle against this horrific disease. “Each year we have the privilege of honoring these brave warriors here on the softball diamond, but it really falls way short of being able to express how much we truly admire and love them,” says Pierce County’s coach Robbie Spires. “In our eyes, they shine brighter than any diamond we’ll ever find.” Ms. Kelly Popwell was there to help us throw out the first pitch, and she was escorted by her husband Keith Popwell. Mrs. Susan Brauda was there in memory of Pierce County’s own beloved Chase Brauda. Brandi Windgate ushered her brother Austin King, and Coleman Lee was guided by his mother Anna Norris and grandmother Melba Deen. Amris Bedford joined us and was shepherded by Marlee and Ross Bedford. Caleb Teabow was accompanied by Megan and Taylor Barber, and Sara Griner was escorted by her mother Jenifer Griner. These lucky individuals helped us throw out the first pitch, and then everyone stood to celebrate the brave warriors in their fight against cancer. In the right and left field there were signs out for everyone to see representing all forms of cancer. At the game there was a releasing of balloons.
Blackshear, GA · www.pchs.pierce.k12.ga.us
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Player Spotlight sponsored by:
The Receivers Southeast Georgia Schools
Going Vertical H
by John DuPont and John Wood
photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson
eading into the 2013 football season, the Southeast Edition of In the Game featured on paper perhaps its finest array of talent to date. Some of those players were highly ranked by the major scouting services while others were on the cusp. As the season progressed, a number of those prospects proved themselves worthy of such accolades. This month, In the Game High School Sports Magazine tips its cap to the area’s finest receivers. 19
Sennua Lawson Pierce County High School 6’1”, 198 lbs. Coach: Sean Pender
Parents: Richard and Robbin Lawson Colleges interested: Mercer, Middle Tennessee State, UT-Chattanooga, and Vanderbilt
The Skinny: Lawson is a viable commodity at the next level thanks partly to his speed (4.65) and strength (bench and cleans 275, squats 405), athletic qualities that actually run in his family. Lawson’s father played football at Florida A & M while his mother ran track at Tennessee State. Younger sister Nailah plays golf and basketball. Stat line: Lawson played his first two seasons at Crisp County High School in Cordele. As a freshman, he had 10 receptions for 80 yards and one touchdown. The following season he logged 25 catches for 270 yards and a score. He turned heads last season at PCHS with his blocking ability and route running, winding up with 43 catches for 681 yards (15.8 avg.) and 10 touchdowns, all of which rated second on the team. Through the first nine games of this season, Lawson led the Bears in receptions (39), yards receiving (570) and touchdown catches (five) while averaging 14.6 yards per catch. Academic angle: Lawson is in position to be an honor graduate with a 3.68 GPA. His favorite subject is social studies. “There’s just something about that I love,” he says. “My dad has always taught me about military stuff and geography.” The blue-chipper admits his college choice ultimately hinges on academic particulars. “They have to have the major I want - International Business,” says Lawson, who gleaned an interest in that field through an aunt who works as a business entrepreneur. Favorite highlight: “Probably the coolest play I’ve ever done was in 10th grade. I took a slant to the house for 60 yards against Houston County for the game winner (14-13, Crisp).”
“Sennua is a very unselfish kid that definitely puts the team first,” says PCHS Head Coach Sean Pender. “Whether it’s a pass or a run, he always puts in the same amount of effort and he does not shy away from contact.”
Krenwick Sanders Wayne County High School 6’2”, 195 lbs. Coach: Jody Grooms
Parents: Chandra Height, Reggie Sanders. Colleges interested: Verbally committed to Wisconsin
The Skinny: Sanders clocks a time of 4.58 seconds in the 40-yard dash and boasts weight totals of 295 pounds in the bench press and 300 in power cleans. In October, he became the first Georgia prospect landed by Wisconsin in 10 years. “I really like the family atmosphere at Wisconsin and the coaching staff,” says Sanders. “I like the facilities, too. It just really feels like home.” Stat line: Through the first eight games of 2013, Sanders helped lead the Jackets to a 7-1 mark and topped his team’s receiving charts with 37 grabs for 731 yards, averaging 19.8 yards per catch. He also led the team with 17 touchdowns (13 receiving, four rushing) and tallied 837 all-purpose yards (including an average of 8.0 yards per carry on nine totes). In Wayne County’s lone loss to date against Burke County (32-28), Sanders blistered the Bears for 145 yards on four catches (36.3 avg.) and two touchdowns with a long effort of 68 yards. Academic angle: Sanders maintains a 3.5 grade point average and he topped 1200 on the SAT. When he gets to Madison, he plans to use his affinity for math to help carve out a career path. “My favorite subject is math,” says Sanders. “I just like working with numbers. I guess it’s because I started out liking money a little too young. I want to major in civil engineering. That is something I’ve been thinking about since middle school.”
Sanders on team philosophy: “In town, they’ve got shirts that say ‘We believe.’ We are really a small town here, but we have really big dreams. We can really accomplish a lot if we want to.”
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Living in the limelight: Sanders de-committed from the University of Georgia this past summer, eventually choosing Wisconsin from among 14 suitors at college football’s highest level. Consequently, he is among the most highlycoveted interviews among blue chippers in this part of the state. “I try to hold it (interviews) off until Saturdays and Sundays and during the week I try to stay focused on football,” he says. “My grandmother, Harriet Taylor, helps keep me in line.” “Krenwick has established himself as the premiere receiver in the state of Georgia,” notes WCHS Head Coach Jody Grooms. “The young man has over 150 receptions in his high school career and has always been a key component in our weekly game plan. He has added strength, body control, and excellent route running skills over the past four years. He’s an excellent student and competes daily in the weight room. Players like him simply do not come around often.”
Brian Saunds McIntosh County Academy 5’10”, 165 lbs. Coach: Keith Gosse
Parents: Brian and Karen Saunds Colleges interested: Harvard, Middle Tennessee State, Liberty University, Miami
The Skinny: Saunds is intelligent and he works hard to play the game and gets the absolute most out of his ability. “We break the huddle, I’ve got the play. I know I am ready to make the big play. I want to make the big play but before I can I know have to run the perfect route, I have to put my foot into the turf make the correct cut and create separation and catch the ball. If I don’t run the perfect route though, if I round off somehow, I am not going to be able to get to the ball,” Saunds said. Saunds, is proud to be the vocal leader of the Buccaneers, and his best friend is Darry Harrington, also his quarterback. Stat line: A slot receiver that is also a threat to run the ball. This season Saunds has 26 catches for 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. When the Buccaneers know that they need to convert on third down, Saunds is Harrington’s likely target. “Buzz wants the ball in his hands and I gave it to him too. He’s been my go to guy all during high school. When he calls his play he goes up and gets it. He’s clutch,” Harrington said. Most high school receivers spend the majority of snaps stalk blocking. Saunds worked hard on his technique moving up from 53% to grading out recently at 88% blocking. One of the teams most vocal leaders, Saunds will start at quarterback against Long County. Academic angle: 3.91 GPA says it all. Saunds favorite subject is math and economics. An Ivy league target, Saunds, plans on majoring in education and coaching football. His position coach, Coach Petterson, also the baseball coach has been one of the most inspirational figures in his high school career. “I remember I had a disagreement with him one time but after that I have learned so much from him, he has been one of the best coaches I have had and I’ve gotten closer to him than any coach I have had,” Saunds said. Favorite highlight: Saunds had 8 catches for 140 yards to win the WTOC Player of the Week. He beat out Bendictine receiver Brad Stewart for the honor. Stewart, who is the grandson of BC legendary coach Jim Walsh, Sr. is part of the new Cadets that have restored BC to the head of Savannah football. Undfeated in the region, Saunds and Bucs will face BC in 2 weeks. Saunds also guards Stewart in basketball and plays against him in baseball too. “He is an explosive player that makes a ton of plays despite being one of the smallest guy on the field many times. We call him the sand gnat know matter how may time you try to swat him away he is always there,” Coach Gosse says.
Desmond Vail Brunswick High School 6’1”, 160 lbs. Coach: Victor Floyd
Parents: Scotty Vail and Marcella Jones Colleges interested: Mercer, Furman, Wofford
The Skinny: Desmon Vail is the reason that coaches, fans, and players love this game. Vail was 5’5” the first time he put on pads for the Brunswick Pirates. “When I first came out as a freshman I wasn’t sure how committed I was but then I decided I wanted to be the best regardless of size and I absolutely loved the game of football, I started working harder with older players and got serious in the weight room. I was supposed to start as a junior but got sidelined with a hip injury,” Vail said. The summer before his junior year he hit a growth spurt which made him a stronger target. Vail understands the absolute importance of technique and knows along with hard work that helped him have a good senior year. “I am already undersized against a lot of defensive backs and outside linebackers so I have to run a perfect route keying on footwork to be able to create separation so I have a chance to get the ball. My favorite route is a fade stop. I caught one for a two point conversion against Lowndes, but also ended up with a concussion that game too,” Vail said. Stat line: Vail’s catching ability has helped lead to a resurgence in Pirate football in one of the toughest regions in the southeast United States. Vail has 23 catches for 317 yards and an amazing 13.4 yards per catch. Academic angle: A 3.6 GPA, Vail is a strong student that uses the same hard work on the football field in the classroom. He hopes to major in engineering. “We have a thing this year with the receivers corps, Top Flight. To be the player that goes up and gets the ball. To be the best receiver on the field catching every ball thrown to you. Top Flight isn’t about just being the best on the field it’s also about being the best in the classroom and in life,” Vail said. Favorite highlight: He grabbed five catches for 81 yards including one for 41 yards against Lowndes; “I caught an important two point conversion in the Lowndes game, I really think if I didn’t have to go out of that game, we would have won it,” Vail said. “Desmond has worked hard to get where he is. He was probably one of the smallest players when he first came out but he hit a growth spurt and he has worked really hard. He is a good route runner and has good hands and is an intelligent player and his work ethic and grades should get him an opportunity to play at the next level,” Floyd says. 21
Emmett Thomas Glynn Academy 6’0”, 165 lbs. Coach: Rob Ridings
Parents: Quinette Gant Colleges interested: Appalachian State. Middle Tennessee State University, Florida A&M, FAU, IU
The Skinny: A true hybrid receiver that loves to run the football. He has breakaway speed and is a threat on special teams for the Glynn Academy Red Terrors. Thomas has good speed and size but even more important he has strong technique which allows him to get open and catch the ball. Stat line: Working out of the spread offense, Thomas’ favorite play is 28 jet or 49 jet. “When we leave the huddle I know I am getting the ball and I am ready. I take my steps feel the ball from the quarterback find the opening and go,” Thomas said. He has broken the jet for a 60 yard romp this season along with 10 catches and has scored 6 touchdowns in a combination of rushing and receiving. Defensively, he is a thr--eat for the Red Terrors earning All Region Honors as a Defensive Back. Academic angle: Emmett uses the same work ethic on the field as he does off the field. Thomas continues to advance as a student and an athlete. His favorite subject is math and he plans to major in business. A threat on all sides of the ball, he also is a very strong student and leader. “Emmett shows heart on the field, he’s a true 4 year starter and knows the game of football really well. As a quarterback, Emmitt is no doubt a go to player. He’s a game changer and can take it the distance with just a little opportunity! I would trust Emmitt with the ball if it came down to the last second. He shows leadership on and off the field and is a team player,” Glynn Academy Quarterback Zach Lamper. Favorite highlight: So far Thomas has 10 catches for 181 yards and a startling 18.1 yards per catch average and 20 carries for 214 yards and three touchdowns. “I want to finish up the regular season and get us back to the playoffs,” Thomas said. Last season had a 100 yard return for a touchdown against Richmond Hill last season. “Emmett Thomas is a big time player who makes big time plays. Emmett is a crunch time player who can spark his team with a catch, a run, or returning kicks,” Coach Rob Ridings says.
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Bradwell Institute Tigers Olvey Field • Capacity: 9,000 • Hinesville, GA Bradwell’s Seniors Win First Ever Homecoming Game 64-yard run that put the Tigers up, 35-32, in the fourth quarter. The Tigers won the coin toss, kicking off to H.V. Jenkins to start the game. Bradwell junior linebacker Isaiah Barnes had a pair of big tackles, forcing the Warriors to punt during its first series. Anthony led the Tigers first offensive series, alternating between handoffs and running the ball on his own. Bradwell’s running game was Friday night, keeping the Tigers in short distances for second and third downs which allowed them to gain 13 first downs. Anthony took the ball on fourth and one and picked up a new set of downs, setting up the Tigers’ first score from Hubert Anderson off of a 1-yard run. Robert Miller added the PAT to put the Tigers up, 7-0. Jenkins responded with a scoring drive, tying the game 7-7 at the end of the first quarter. Bradwell was up 21-7 late in the second quarter, when Jenkins scored back-to-back touchdowns in the final five minutes, to cut the Tigers’ lead to 21-19. Though the Tigers received the ball after deferring the opening kickoff, it was the Warriors who struck first in the third quarter. “We didn’t want the Jenkins’ quarterback to be the player that beat us so we had a strong focus on him. We stopped him some, but we also made some big mistakes on defense being out of position and busted
coverage which he was able to take advantage of and score off of some long passes,” Carter says. Bradwell grabbed the lead back with from Jenkins with a six-yard run from Anderson, going up 27-26, and then added the two point conversion for a 29-26 lead. Jenkins scored again in the fourth quarter to take a 32-29 lead before Anthony gave the Tigers the permanent lead off of his long run. Anderson iced the game, late in the fourth quarter, when he scampered for 66 yards and his fourth touchdown of the game. Anderson rushed for 130 yards on 13 carries for four touchdowns. Tyreque Young forced a safety for the Tigers’ final score of the game. Photos By John Wood
Bradwell Tigers Head Coach Adam Carter’s halftime speech was limited to explaining to his team that it was time to learn to win, and the Tigers heeded his advice, rallying for 24 second half points and a 45-32 Region 3-AAAAA win against Jenkins. “I told them the reason we didn’t win last week in Effingham County was because we didn’t know how to win. We were up 21-7, then let Jenkins back in the game. When we didn’t hem up the quarterback they went behind the coverage for a score, and then they scored right before half off of a short field when they forced us to kick from our own end zone. We came out though and kept battling, and we are learning how to win,” Carter says. The Tigers’ offense rolled for 420 total yards off of 71 plays with 5.9 yards per carry. “We ran the ball well tonight, but as the season goes on and we play tougher teams we have got to be able to throw the ball more. Jenkins had eight in the box basically daring us to throw the ball. That is one thing that will be important to us during region play,” Carter says. Bradwell Institute senior quarterback LaBaron Anthony was going to take it on himself to do everything he could to win the homecoming and region game against Jenkins. Anthony, who was also elected homecoming king, racked up 125 yards for two touchdowns including a
by John Wood
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Coach’s Corner sponsored by:
Welton Coffey Camden County High School
Coaches at all levels have inspired Coffey, beginning with his first coach Mike Holman. Holman cared about Welton, not as a player on a team, but as a person.
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A Higher Purpose by John Wood
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aith and sports, specifically football, have long been book ends of strong lives. It’s a common sight to see scripture quotes lining the walls of high school, college, and professional locker rooms. Football coaches and preachers, at least inspirational ones and definitely the more fiery ones, could have interchangeable roles, especially in the South. Players, coaches, administrators, and parents know where they stand with Camden County head football coach Welton Coffey. It is as simple as looking at the verse of scripture under the columbia blue and white Camden football. The verse is Hebrews 12:11, and it states “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” For actual application, consider the psyche of a football player working hard to get a final rep in the weight room or trying to block or tackle a tough opponent. If the player is persistent, he might see the fruits of his discipline, such as a trip to the state playoffs or even winning a state championship, as Coffey has as an assistant at Camden and a head coach at Raines High School in Jacksonville. After winning the state title at Raines, his alma matter, Coffey ended up back at Camden. Former Camden County head football coach Jeff Herron, who had won three titles in the 2000s at the coastal school, decided to step down, shocking the entire state. When the job opening was announced, Camden County had applicants from all over the country. The adminstration found Herron’s successor on staff in Coffey, then the Wildcats’ offensive coordinator. “Coach Coffey is a great coach and person and has his priorities in order. The players respect him and play hard for him,” says Herron, Prince Avenue Christian School head football coach. Coffey credited the Camden County administration and the entire school system for ensuring a smooth transition following a legendary coach like Herron. “Coaching just like anything in life is not a one man show. If you are successful in anything, you must have quality help. Our kids are prepared because we have quality men preparing them. They love the game, but they love the players more. That is the number-one priority for me as a head coach, do you love the total child, not just the athlete. It will show in their coaching every time. We lost a number of very good coaches last season, 11 total including Herron. They went on to be head coaches and coordinators in other programs. That is a great thing… that means that you are hiring the right people. The blessing is that we were able to hire at least seven, eight-men, and they have been working great with the nucleus of men that stayed when I was blessed with the head coaching duty,” Coffey says. Succeeding a coach like Herron has not been an easy task, but Coffey looks to his faith to help him be successful. “I have said this many times, I am doing God’s work. This situation was not in my life plan, nor was I looking. It is incredible how God will put you in situations, that is what I love about serving Him. His [God’s] expectations are much higher for me then I ever thought. Coach Herron is an outstanding coach, but more importantly an outstanding man. I am honored to follow behind a person like that, as well as the other coaches that have come
photography by Jeffrey Griffith before me! The expectations should be high, but that will not affect what I do in this great football program. I know who I am and I am not naïve to the expectations. I believe (and love) in the violence of the game and what young men learn by being part of the team,” Coffey says. Coffey also uses the examples of his coaching mentors to shape his program. Coaches at all levels have inspired Coffey, beginning with his first coach, Mike Holman. Holman cared about Welton, not as a player on a team, but as a person. Coffey learned about loving the game and winning with humility, from Raines High School football coach Freddie Stephens, who he eventually replaced. One of his greatest inspirations isn’t from the gridiron but the baseball diamond. “Coach Douglas White, Raines High School Head Baseball coach, probably (along with his family) had the greatest impact on me and many others. I wanted to be just like him when I grew up. I mean everything from his wife (she is awesome), number of children, coaching style, everything. My junior college baseball coach, Howard Roey, taught me one of the most important qualities for a coach: have fun, literally. You don’t have to always be stone-faced to coach and to build a winning program,” Coffey says. A perrennial power, Camden has been a fixture at the Corky Kell Classic in the Georgia Dome, which features the best of the state to kick off the football season. Though Camden didn’t fare as well against a tough North Gwinnett team as he would have liked, the Wildcats have bounced back and are playing solid football. “People have no idea what it takes to run a program period, much less one the size of Camden County. To keep it simple, 6 am to 9 pm on weekdays, Fridays I (or we) will not get home until 1 am, and for away games it is much later. Weekends I will spend at least five to seven hours a day doing something football related,” Coffey says. Being the head of a high-powered high school program can be really tough, but Coffey has some great assistants. He also has a very understanding family in wife Keenya B. Coffey and daughter Kelsey, a CCHS freshman. “They are my rock and reality check. If I start feeling myself a little too much, they will bring me down to earth, quickly. They have really embraced my new job and are a great help. I love them both dearly. We are very active in our church. I was ordained a deacon this past summer, and I am truly humbled by that experience and the duty. My service to God comes before everything else, and this football program is part of my ministry,” Coffey says. ITG
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Date 08/16/2013 08/23/2013 08/30/2013 09/06/2013 09/13/2013 09/20/2013 09/27/2013 10/04/2013 10/11/2013 10/18/2013 10/25/2013 11/01/2013 11/08/2013
Opponent Bradwell Institute (Scrimmage) Brunswick Appling County Open Glynn Academy Butler Academy of Richmond County Burke (Senior Night) Open South Effingham Liberty (Homecoming) Statesboro Region Play-In
Place Away Home Home
Time 7:30 PM 8:00 PM 7:30 PM
Away Home Away Home
7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM
Away Home Away TBA
7:30 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM TBA
Wayne County Yellow Jackets Jaycee Stadium • Capacity: 4,500 • Jesup, GA Wayne County Readies For Battle With Statesboro, AAAA Playoffs Some people don’t believe in de ja vu, but most high school football coaches would probably agree and at some point you are going to encounter it. Of course if you end up on the wrong side hopefully you can make the proper adjustments. As the Wayne County Yellow Jackets come down to the end of the 2013 football season, it’s starting to look very similar to the way the 2012 season ended. Wayne’s offense has been averaging 25.6 per game, posting early non conference wins against Brunswick, Appling, and Glynn Academy. The victories against Brunswick and Appling set the course for a season that many Wayne County fans have been waiting for. Anticipation for the season has been at a fever pitch even since the Yellow Jackets lost to Burke County, 32-28. As you drive through the city of the Jesup and into the rural areas you start to see the landscape dotted with signs that are the Black and Gold of the Wayne County Yellow Jackets. From the banks on Cherry Street out to Poppell Farms in Odum the people
of Wayne County believe that these 2013 Yellow Jackets could be a team that has an opportunity to continue the journey that was started when Wayne lost to Stockbridge in the second round of the AAAA playoffs. Yellow Jackets’ Head Football Coach Jody Grooms has coached some good teams in his time at Wayne, but this could be the one that makes a lot of noise but they have to overcome some mistakes first. “We just didn’t play as well as we should have against Liberty. We missed tackles and didn’t take care of the ball as well as we should have,” Grooms says. Wayne had a strong lead in the fourth quarter, but Liberty kept chipping away with a combination of running and passing the ball and cut the score to 28-20. Wayne had a good return, setting up a score at the end to put them ahead by two touchdowns. Grooms’ knows that he has some things to fix before he heads up the road to take on Steve Pennington’s Blue Devils.
by John Wood “We gave up some big plays, our kick coverage wasn’t as solid as it needed to be, and we had some three and outs because of silly mistakes,” Grooms says. Despite the problems that Wayne and every other experience, the Yellow Jackets have a high powered offense led by quarterback Florida State signee Malique Jackson and his favorite target to throw to Krenwick Sanders, a former Georgia commit that will become a Wisconsin Badger. Sanders won’t have to brave those cold Madison winters alone as he will be joined at Camp Randall with Yellow Jacket teammate senior defensive tackle Jeremy Patterson. “In the game of football nothing goes right all of the time. But when we do make mistakes we have the offensive potential to fix it. We just have to be more consistent on offense, defense, and special teams. We can’t always be a big play team because this time of the year you start to play against other teams that can counter with their same big plays,” Grooms says. Photos By Jeffrey Griffith , old ld Goa Goat PhotoGraPhy
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Rising Star sponsored by:
Tahj Williams Waycross Middle School
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Williams, an Eighth grade quarterback at Waycross Middle School, is certainly excited By the prospect of attending Ware County High School next year.
William is Ready to Apply Lessons Learned At Waycross Middle by John Wood
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iddle school athletics are about teaching the fundamentals of a sport and for players to find out if they like a sport before the real commitment comes to a varsity program once they enter high school. When you have a varsity program like Ware County High School, middle school football players are having fun while learning that fundamentals are paramount, but athletes can peek at what could be a very memorable future. The middle school players see how the hardwork and dedication that the varsity program has put in has led to a berth in the AAAAA state title game. Despite losing that game, the Gators won back-toback region championships and are planning for a long run in the playoffs. The development of athletes at all levels has added to the overall favorable sports climate in Ware County. Ironically one loss kept Waycross Middle School from reaching the middle school playoffs, and despite a strong season, Tahj Williams doesn’t dwell on the loss but wishes he could have done more to help get his team to the playoffs. Williams, an eighth grade quarterback at Waycross Middle School, is certainly excited by the prospect of attending Ware County High School next year. “We had a pretty good season this year, but we lost a game which kept us from going to the playoffs which hurt, but we just have to work harder,” Williams says. Williams runs the spread offense for Waycross, and if given the choice, he would rather run the ball than throw it. “I love taking the snap, finding the seam and going,” Williams says. His athleticism affords him the opportunity to be just as effective on the defensive side of the ball. “On defense I play three different positions: rover, which is like a strong safety/outside linebacker; safety; and middle linebacker. My favorite position is middle linebacker because I like going in the hole and stopping the runner,” Williams says. His desire to play linebacker is evident when Williams revealed that his favorite player is recently retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. Playing football for Waycross, Williams has learned that even middle school quarterbacks have expectations for success. Williams has also experienced some of his first growing pains in becoming a leader, which is a necessary asset for a successful high school student athlete, especially a quarterback. “My teammates have been really great this year. We have worked hard. I am not able to find openings and run the ball if we don’t block. My teammates always blocked for me and we made tackles on defense,” Williams says. Williams also credits the coaches that he has been fortunate to have that made him a better player and person. “Starting with Coach Everette Sharp, and Coach Fred King helped me so much I am really grateful to them. They have been trying to make me the best since day one,” Williams says.
photography by Jennifer Carter Johnson After football season, Williams trades the gridiron for the mat. He weighs 142 pounds and wrestles in the 150-pound weight class. Wrestling isn’t necessarily a sport you find quarterbacks in, but Williams has gained valuable experience from wrestling that has helped him on the football field. “First of all, wrestling teaches you how to use your body more and the leverage helps with taking and giving hits. It also has taught me to be more physical on the football field, which has helped me more,” Williams says. Though he is not as fast he wants to be Williams runs track for Waycross Middle School in the spring. “Right now I run a 4.8 but I know the [harder] I work, I can keep bringing that time down the older I get,” Williams says. Williams works hard in the classroom the same way he works on the field and the mat. His favorite subject in school is math, which is an asset considering the many uses of numbers and angles in all of the sports in which he competes. Williams wants to be the same type of leader off the field as he has started to progress to on the field. “Sometimes there is a lot of pressure to lead but I have some great teammates…I have to be a good example to my teammates on the field and off the field,” Williams says. Williams’ parents, Thomas Scott and Keisha Taylor, are two of his biggest supporters. Williams has more than half of his eighth-grade year remaining, with wrestling and track season yet to come. When the Georgia heat suddenly increases 20 degrees in one day and the sun takes away the need for Friday night lights, Williams will be going through spring football with Ware County High School. “It will be a big change this spring since I am going to be doing spring ball with the high school, but I am really excited and can’t wait to be the best player and teammate I can be,” Williams says. ITG
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