Southeast Georgia September 2018 Edition by ITG Next Magazine

SENIOR DEFENSIVE BACK RISES ABOVE ALL OTHERS Michael Freightman, Richmond Hill

ECHOLS LEADS THE WAY

IN THE

GAME SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

September 2018

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e u s s I s i h t T n I 8.

FIREPOWER

Faith, Family, & Football

Camden Defensive Back Hits â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Em Hard

Wayne County Volleyball

Echols Leads the Way

Early Road Warriors are 2-2

In The Game Media Day

33 36

Geoff Cannon, Brantley Co. High School Cade Loden, Camden Co. High School

Logann Echols, Wayne Co. High School Brings Us One Step Closer to the New Season

Senior Defensive Back Rises Above All Others Michael Freightman, Richmond Hill High School

Assistant Terror

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Wayne Co. High School Ware Co. High School

Wicker Builds Bears for Strong Season Pierce Co. High School

Making Gains at Caney Bay Brantley Co. High School

Jayden Drayton, Glynn Middle School

Thank you American Legion Post 166 for allowing In the Game to shoot the Firepower Cover at their post on St Simons Island. In The Game | 5

FROM THE PUBLISHER

If you need your sunglasses after dark these days, it just might be the Friday night lights. They’re shining all over SEGA as football shifts into high gear. In a change for 2018, we had 13 schools play a game during zero week compare to only four schools that played zero week last season. So many schools all over the state moved games up that the GHSA stepped in and moved back the first week schools can play in 2019, so watching how it all plays out next season will be interesting. Weather, as always, wreaked havoc all over SEGA, forcing delays, cancelled games, and moved game sites. Softball was hit especially hard along with almost all the outdoor practices. Keep up with the latest shifts and changes right here in the pages of In the Game. “Offensive Firepower” is an appropriate title for this month’s Player Spotlight. Kevin Harris burst on the scene as a sophomore and is committed to South Carolina. John Jones played middle school football with my son, so I’ve enjoyed watching him for years. M.J. Fuller was the In the Game Middle School Player of the year in 2014, so he’s been on everyone’s radar his whole high school career. Last but not least, Raykwon Anderson as a freshman was holding an offer from Florida, but with the coaching change in Gaines-

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ville he has since committed to North Carolina. These are all big-time players ready to make their marks their senior season. Sometimes football is in your blood. This is certainly true in the case of Camden senior safety Cade Loden. The Lodens have a strong tie to the University of Florida: Two grandparents, his father, and his mother were all Gator athletes. His older brother is currently on the roster at Kennesaw State, and his younger brother plays for the Wildcats alongside Cade. You can tell football is a huge part of Cade’s life, and he’s a huge part of the Camden County defense. He’ll play a pivotal role for the wildcats, and they’ll be counting on him as they march toward the playoffs. ‘You can’t go home.” Don’t tell that to new Brantley County head coach Geoff Cannon. Cannon is elated to be back in SEGA as the head man of the Herons. He and his family spent the better part of 12 years in the Brunswick area; in fact, all four of his kids were born in Brunswick, so he considers Brantley County home. This is Cannon’s first head job after 12 years in the coaching ranks. Brantley County could not have made a better selection in my opinion. Good luck, coach. And good luck, Herons. “Dynamite comes in small packages,” and “Never judge a book by its cover,” are phrases all too familiar to Richmond Hill Wildcat Michael Freightman. He’s heard them all, but it doesn’t faze him. He just keeps on tackling ball carriers. Head coach Matt LeZotte said he couldn’t remember Freightman ever missing a tackle. That is impressive for anyone, regard-

less of stature. Freightman has had to battle his whole life, but it made him the young man he is today. A strong, confident, lead-by-example, tough football player any coach would want on the team. The Golden Isles produced several quality Division I football players over the last few years. Deejay Dallas, star running back for the Miami Hurricanes, comes to mind, and the next one to follow in his shoes may already be at Glynn Middle. Jayden Drayton is already turning heads and starting comparison conversations to some of the Golden Isles greats. He and his team won the area championship against Jane Macon last season, so it will be fun to follow along in his final season at Glynn Middle to see if they can go back-to-back. 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 itgnext.com and Facebook at www.facebook. com/itgnext. Follow us on Twitter @SEGAInTheGame and on Instagram at inthegamesega. Keep a look out for some exciting news coming soon on new online programming via our online radio station inthegameradio.com. While you’re online, don’t forget to nominate a deserving student-athlete or coach for one of our feature articles. You’ll be glad you did.

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Contributors

Publisher Shawn Smoak Editor Mark Dykes Graphics Mandy Douthit Cover Photography Michael Brinson Feature Photography Michael Brinson Jennifer Carter Johnson Feature Writers Rob Asbell John DuPont Phil Jones Shawn Smoak Copy Editor Anna Limoges Advertising/Marketing Shawn Smoak shawn@itgsportsnetwork.com Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com Website Manager Mandy Douthit SEGA Prep Sports P.O. Box 2960 Waycross, Ga. | 31502 Corporate Office: Dykes Media Group LLC P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, Ga. | 31603 In the Game is published monthly (excluding July). The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group, LLC 2018 makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2015 Dykes Publishing Group, LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

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They bring excitement to the game. They are the offensive firepower that brings crowds to their feet on Friday nights — strong, speedy athletes who can break open a game in an instant. And all of them have at one time or another, whether it was a few yards to put the team ahead or a big play that demoralized the opponent and led to victory. Each has had his explosive play when he could not be stopped short of the end zone. Raykwon Anderson of Charlton County, Kevin Harris of Bradwell Institute, John Jones of Pierce County and M.J. Fuller of Wayne County: All of them were listed among In the Game's Top 10 Players to Watch in 2018. Some of them have been on recruiters’ radars since they started high school, while others have just started to make names for themselves. Like most young men, each got started in the recreation leagues before the days of high school glory. “I started playing football at the YMCA when I was 5 years old, and it all began from there,” said Harris, a power running back who is also known as “The Train.” After graduation his future lies in Columbia at the University of South Carolina. All have attended camps to show their abilities to college coaches and have generated a great deal of interest. Two are already committed to Power Five conference schools, and the other two are still being considered for college offers. For now they have completed summer practices and are in the meat of their regular season schedules, each of them focusing on the task at hand: winning football games. “As the huddle breaks, scoring is the mission,” Jones said. “I’m ready to do whatever it takes to put points on the board for my team — rushing, blocking, receiving — any way possible.” Coaches count on that drive to give their teams the advantage on game day. Because once they get on the field, it is their time to shine as they provide the firepower to light up Friday nights.

Kevin Harris — “The Train” Senior Running Back Bradwell Institute Tigers Hinesville, Georgia

Height: 5’11” Weight: 229 pounds 40-Yard Dash: 4.56

Academics:

Harris broke Bradwell Institute’s single-game rushing record last season with 306 yards (four TDs) in a victory over Southeast Bulloch. Two weeks later, he broke his own record by rushing for 331 yards (two TDs) against Tattnall County. “Thanks to my linemen,” Harris said.

Coincidence:

He is not the only highly-recruited Kevin Harris in Georgia. The other plays defensive end for Grayson and is committed to Alabama.

Coach’s View:

“Kevin is the kind of player you want in your program," said Ross Couch, Bradwell Institute head football coach. "He works his butt off in the classroom and on the field, and he is just an all-around great kid. On the field, he is the epitome of a power back, and he loves to get downhill fast. He has a high football IQ, and his motor doesn't quit. When we need a big play, he steps up and makes it.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“I like the big crowds and the doubters. It’s fun to prove people wrong. I like getting the ball, so I stay ready.”

Senior Running Back Wayne County Yellow Jackets Jesup, Georgia

Height: 5’9” Weight: 210 pounds 40-Yard Dash: 4.5

Academics:

GPA: 3.6 Intended Major: Architecture

Factoid:

Morris Fuller — “MJ”

GPA: 2.8 Colleges looking: Kentucky, South Carolina, Middle Tennessee, Citadel, and Albany State Intended Major: Undecided

Most Explosive Play:

February 10, 2018 — War of the Border — Folkston, Georgia “I was playing in an all-star game, and it was about 7 or 8 yards to score, but I broke like four or five tackles,” Harris said. The film of the 2017 Georgia-Florida all-star game shows Harris taking the ball and trying to go right, only to be hit in the backfield. He bounces off but stumbles and is hit again. He regains his balance and continues charging, but is hit again and again before springing free to score.

5 Things to Know About Kevin Harris

1. Committed to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks 2. Last year, rushed for 1,691 yards and 16 touchdowns 3. Became a starter the third game of his freshman year against Richmond Hill 4. Wears No. 3 because No. 20 was already taken 5. Had college offers from Army, Tulane, Navy, Air Force, Cornell, Wofford, The Citadel, Elon, Furman, Mercer, Kennesaw State, and Middle Tennessee

How It Began:

“I played in middle school, and I started in rec football,” Fuller said. “It has been in my life since I was a baby.” After middle school, he became a starter for the Yellow Jackets his freshman year and ran for more than 1,200 yards as a sophomore. He was All-Region his junior year.

Most Explosive Play:

“I’ve got to score or get positive yards."

Sept. 1, 2017 — Valdosta Wildcats — Valdosta, Georgia Fuller’s most explosive play came on the hallowed ground of Bazemore-Hyder Stadium on the road against the Valdosta Wildcats. “It was 95 yards, and I scored, and what made it so explosive was because it was a hook and lateral,” Fuller said. A quick pass to Cooper Martin turned into a big play as the receiver pitched the ball to Fuller coming around the left side. Fuller took the ball and outran the secondary, barely breaking a shoestring tackle at the 10-yard line for a Jackets touchdown.

Coach’s View:

Why do you wear #29?

What goes through your mind when you know the ball is coming to you?

“M.J. Fuller is a 5'9", 210-pound beast with vision and elite top-end speed," said Ken Cribb, Wayne County head football coach. "I'm really excited to see this kid take his game to another level his senior year. M.J. is confident and hungry. Expectations are extremely high.”

On the Field:

In high school, Fuller has rushed for 1,690 yards and 16 touchdowns. He averages 5 yards per carry.

“That’s the number the coach gave me and I kept it.”

5 Things to Know about MJ Fuller 1. He loves to go hunting. 2. He eats Skittles before every game. 3. Returned two kicks for touchdowns last year. 4. First team All-Region running back in 2017. 5. He runs the 100-meters and 4 x 100 relay for the Yellow Jackets’ Track team.

In The Game | 9

Raykwon Anderson — “Deuce” Senior Wide Receiver Charlton County Indians Folkston, Georgia

Height: 5’9” Weight: 167 pounds 40-Yard Dash: 4.47

Where is the coolest place you have visited? “Chapel Hill, North Carolina.”

What goes through your mind just before you get the ball? “Just score.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“Being able to compete and being out there with my teammates.”

Coach’s View:

“You can watch him play just a few plays and tell he is a great player, but what you can't see from the stands is what a great kid he is," said Rich McWhorter, Charlton County head football coach. "For the Indians, he no doubt is our team leader. He always gives a great effort in the weight room and at practice.”

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Height: 5’9” Weight: 170 pounds 40-Yard Dash: 4.49

GPA: 3.0 Colleges looking: Valdosta State, Albany State, and Middle Tennessee Intended Major: Engineering Auto

GPA : 3.1 Intended Major: Sports Medicine “I started playing football when I was 5 years old,” Anderson said. He played in the recreation leagues until middle school. He made in impact the moment he stepped on the field in high school. “I started my ninth-grade year,” he said.

Senior Running Back Pierce County Bears Blackshear, Georgia

Academics:

How It Began:

John Jones — “Bookie”

Most Explosive Play:

October 27, 2017 — Clinch County Panthers — Homerville, Georgia “A 91-yard kick return for a touchdown against Clinch County,” Anderson said. He ran left to catch the ball as the deep man on the kick return. He started to run but nearly fell. “I slipped, looked up and saw a hole, then took it to the house,” he said. Anderson even had the presence of mind to direct his blockers downfield once he had cleared the first level of defenders. Then it was a matter of outrunning one last man to the endzone.

5 Things to Know About Raykwon Anderson

1. Committed to the University of North Carolina prior to his senior year 2. Scored 25 touchdowns in 2017 3. Received offers from Maryland and Florida before his sophomore year 4. Ran a 10.9 in the 100-meter dash as a freshman on the Indians’ track team 5. Scored a touchdown in the first game of his freshman year

How It Began:

Jones started playing football when he was 10 years old in the recreation league. He played football for Waycross Middle School as a running back and linebacker. “I developed passion and love for football while in middle school,” he said. He became a starter for the Bears his junior year when he ran for 1,162 yards.

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“Friday night lights. I love being in front of what feels like the whole community with a group of guys who are family trying to accomplish setting new standards.”

Coach’s View:

“He’s a fantastic kid," said Jason Strickland, Pierce County head football coach. "He’s quiet, and he’s got a good temperament. He is extremely competitive. When Friday night comes around and things aren’t going so well, you hand him the ball and things could change in a hurry. He runs really well. He is extremely physical. Depending on where he winds up (in college), folks will want to see him with the ball in his hands.”

Most Explosive Play:

Aug. 25, 2017 — Bacon County Red Raiders — Alma, Georgia In his first official game as a Bear, it all came together on the second play from scrimmage as Jones went off right guard up the middle and never looked back.He went 80 yards untouched for a score. “Big shout out to my line," he said. "They left me with a pretty nice hole. I say most explosive because everything as a unit was perfect.”

5 Things to Know About John Jones

1. Wears No. 9 because it is a family tradition 2. All-Region 2-3A running back in 2017 3. Lives in Bristol, Georgia, a small area north of Blackshear 4. Listed among In the Game’s Top 10 Players to Watch in 2018 5. Has been offered a scholarship to play for the Valdosta State Blazers

WAYNE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL WAYNE COUNTY VOLLEYBALL Written by Naomi Collipp and Olivia Jern | Photography courtesy of Wayne Sports Online/ Davontay Wilson Photography Wayne County volleyball has two new coaches for the 2018-19 season. Naomi Collipp is the head varsity coach, and Olivia Jern is head JV coach. Collipp grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to Jesup in 2015 to spend time with family and gain teaching experience. She currently teaches physical education at Martha Rawls Smith Elementary School and previously taught at Jesup Elementary School for three years. Collipp is in her first season as head girls volleyball coach and continues to coach girls soccer at Martha Puckett Middle School. Jern is originally from Hiawassee, Georgia, but has been at Wayne County High School for 10 years, making this her 13th year in coaching and education. Jern has coached softball, basketball, and boys and girls tennis while at WCHS. She played intramural volleyball in college but never dreamed she would coach it one day. Volleyball is entering its third season at Wayne County High School, and the team is making great strides each day. The season had a slow start due to several injuries and sickness; however, the team is steadily gaining momentum. After getting a few wins under their belt, the team is striving to increase their record from the previous year. Both varsity and JV are playing a full schedule and building skills through practice and play. Collipp and Jern are excited about the opportunity to continue to build the volleyball program at WCHS. Moving forward, they hope to ignite a passion for volleyball in the school, community, and especially the younger athletes as the program continues to grow.

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In The Game | 11

Faith, Family, & Football Written by: John DuPont Photography by: Michael Brinson

Having worked for three schools in the last full calendar year, Geoff Cannon is ecstatic about re-rooting his family in Southeast Georgia. Brantley County High School plucked its new head football coach fresh from Cobb County, though Cannon is far from a stranger to these parts. The veteran assistant departed for Allatoona High School after 12 seasons in the Golden Isles, a move he’d hoped would ultimately lead to a head coaching job. He was right.

12 | itgnext.com

“God brought us back,” Cannon-

said. “We love it down here, and we wanted to be back. We just thought for sure it would be two or three years. The opening for Allatoona got posted in mid-May, which is unheard of. So, I’m hired by June and gone for the summer. We sold our home down here on the family compound and bought a house in Paulding County right next to Allatoona. We had a great football season, and then a couple

of weeks into December, I’m the new head football coach at Brantley County High School.” The wait has been long for Cannon, perhaps one of the best kept secrets in the local coaching ranks. Allatoona marked a homecoming for Cannon and his wife, Jessica, both Cobb County natives. In the late 90s, he started as an offensive lineman at Walton High School in Marietta, playing for current Winder-Barrow head coach Ed Dudley. A devout Christian, husband, and father of

four, Cannon has always been secure in those roles, but there once was a time when he was unclear about his professional role. After graduating from Auburn University, he spent two years working in the accounting field before embarking on his true calling.

“Geoff was born to coach,” Jessica Cannon said. “He's been calling plays in his sleep since we were newlyweds! He has such a heart

for his players. He wants them to learn football, of course, but even more than that, he wants them to grow up to be good men, good husbands, and good dads who love the Lord.” Starting as an assistant at Marietta’s Kell High in 2002, Cannon learned how to build a startup program. There, he served as the head ninthgrade coach and head girls lacrosse coach. Like everything else, lacrosse

was also being molded from scratch, and he also helped start the boys program there. In 2005, he headed south to Glynn Academy. “I promised Jessica I would come down here and check,” he said. “Her grandfather, Charles Thrower, was on the Glynn school board for 17 years. So I went to a clinic in Atlanta where (former GA coach) Rob Ridings was for the sole purpose of putting a resume in his hand. I sat at the back of a Wing-T clinic and waited. Six weeks later, I was hired.”

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During Cannon’s eight-year stint at Glynn Academy, the Red Terrors earned seven state playoff berths, including two Sweet 16 appearances. He coached both sides of the football and special teams, served as sub-varsity head coach, and was the varsity’s academic coordinator during his tenure. He also served as the boys head track coach, boasting several multiple state qualifiers and medalists.

When Glynn Academy offensive coordinator Brandon Derrick was hired as the head coach at Frederica Academy in 2013, he brought Cannon as the Knights offensive coordinator and assistant head coach. The Knights earned three state playoff berths in Cannon’s four seasons on St. Simons Island, including a region title, a quarterfinals appearance, and a region runner-up finish. As head track coach, Cannon coached the Frederica boys 4x100-meter relay team to a state title. “When we came across the causeway to Frederica, I remember our first spring,” Cannon said. “They had never had spring practice there before. So at our first practice, I think we had 14 kids, and we were trying to teach them how to put pads on. We were able to build a competitive program and fundamentally change what it means to be a scholar-athlete. Brandon Derrick is still the best coach I’ve ever worked for. He’s a great man, a great friend, and a great football coach.” Returning to GHSA football this past season, Cannon helped Allatoona to a 9-4 mark. The Buccaneers made it to the quarterfinals before bowing to Tucker. For Cannon, the experience included reuniting with head coach Gary Varner, with whom he’d worked early in his career at Kell. “I had a great opportunity to serve under one of the best football coaches in the state,” Cannon said. “I couldn’t pass it up. Before the season

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“Geoff Cannon is one of the best leaders I have ever coached on the field. He has succeeded at faith, family, and football. Brantley County football is in good hands.” — Ed Dudly, Winder-Barrow head football coach

302 Screven Avenue Waycross, Ga 31501

“I've worked with Coach Cannon for eight years. He's extremely organized, structured, and thoughtful. He is a great coach and an even better human being. Brantley County couldn't have chosen a better person to lead and shape these young men.” — Brandon Derrick, Frederica Academy head football coach started, Coach Varner looked me right in the eye and said, ‘This is going to be a rebuilding year, so maybe that means second or third round.’ That’s just how they do it up there. And it was impressive to be around.” Cannon said the plan was to get back to Southeast Georgia within a few years. Varner, along with the athletic director and principal at Allatoona, were all sympathetic to those plans. So when Brantley offered Cannon the job in December, he was released from his contract in Cobb County. By January, he was on the job in Caney Bay.

“God took care of it in a semester, and it’s unbelievable,” Cannon said.

Spending the rest of the school year in the weight room, Cannon got to know his Herons well. Strength and conditioning numbers soared. He saw 62 players gain over 11,000 pounds on three different lifts, an average of 50 pounds per lift, per player. “We were maxing every four weeks because I had to show them there’s fruit to this labor,” he said. “Administrators and teachers told me it was nice to see the boys limp around the hallways sore. We have to be at that level to play the kind of game we need to play. We don’t have that much speed, but we’ve got great kids. The kind of student-athlete that we get is a hard-nosed, physical, tough, hard-working kid.” Veteran assist and longtime colleague Ben Burkett joined Cannon on the Brantley staff this fall. Several members of the previous staff remained, much to Cannon’s delight. “They are great guys,” Cannon said. “They know football. They can coach football. I want guys that are teaching science. I want guys that are teaching math. I want guys that are teach14 | itgnext.com

ing EOC. The best coaches I’ve been around are the best teachers I’ve ever seen, and that’s what I want.” Cannon described the Herons’ philosophy as such: “We’re going to have short memories, good or bad. An average football play takes four to six seconds. That’s what we are focusing on: playing the next play. Then get ready to play the next one.” Long a supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Cannon has served as an FCA huddle leader for many years. Three quarters of his roster took part in an FCA camp this past summer at Georgia Southern University. He said it was the only OTA (organized team activity) for BCHS in the offseason. “The reason we went was not for football,” he said. “It cost over $10,000. Local churches and individuals who knew what we were doing donated the funds. We raised 100 percent of the funds, and it cost Brantley County zero dollars. I took 49 kids, and seven of them made decisions. That’s what matters. That’s why we do it.” Named Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Cannon relishes his role as a math teacher, a post he’s held for 16 years. Though working full-time in the weight room this fall, he will teach Algebra 2 in the spring. Even more passionate about his Christian walk, Cannon and his family are members of First Baptist Church in Brunswick. The Cannon children include: Kirkland,12; Charlie, 10; Philip, 8; and Ella, 18 months. Ella, who joined the family via adoption, became a forever Cannon on Aug. 10. That same day, her dad’s team took the field against Clinch County in a preseason scrimmage, marking his debut as a head coach.

“Sitting at the feet of some very successful head coaches, being an assistant head coach, and holding various coordinating positions for 16 years covering all aspects of the game has given me insight on how to successfully build a winning football program,” Cannon said. “We’re building something for our players to be part of — something special.”

In The Game | 15

Camden Defensive Back Hits ‘Em Hard Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Mike Brinson

If there was ever a young man born to play football, it’s certainly Camden County free safety Cade Loden. He was born to parents who were involved in football at the high school and collegiate levels. His mother was a Gator cheerleader at the University of Florida, while his father was on the field playing strong safety for coach Galen Hall and the Gators. Both of Loden’s grandfathers also played at UF. Loden’s older brother plays football at Kennesaw State University, and his younger brother is on the Camden roster too. His father was also a defensive backs coach at Camden from 1999-2004. So, you can see that the football influence surrounds Loden from all directions.

16 | itgnext.com

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“I think we have a really good chance to do well this year. I really like our team, and I love playing for Coach Shores and Coach (Bob) Sphires.” — Cade Loden While football is important, academics are a big part of Loden’s life as well. His parents are now educators in the Camden County school system, as Steve Loden is a deputy principal at Camden County High School, while Gretchen Loden is a language arts teacher. It should come as no surprise that when Loden isn’t running through opposing ball carriers and receivers for coordinator David Shores’ defensive unit, he is putting forth quite an effort in the classroom. You see, as important as football is to Loden, he is on quite a run with his grades. He is attempting to maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA since he has been playing football at Camden County High School. Loden is proud of his grades and said that social studies and math are his favorite subjects. Loden uses those smarts along with his physical abilities to be another coach-type set of eyes and ears on the field for Camden. “Cade is a very intelligent young man,” Shores said. “He has the ability to grasp the multiple coverages and concepts that we run here at Camden. He’s like another coach for us on the field. I cant say enough good things 18 | itgnext.com

about Cade Loden, and his human qualities far outweigh his athletic attributes… and they’re pretty darn good. He’s a joy to coach.” Steve Loden is obviously proud of his son and added that he could see Loden becoming the typical defensive back growing up playing football. “He certainly was surrounded by a lot of influences growing up," Steve Loden said. “We took him to Gator games growing up — he has family on both sides that played a lot of football — and Cade has the perfect body type to play safety. He is tall, lean, has good speed and good instincts for the ball.” Loden is hoping that he and his Wildcat teammates can turn things around this upcoming season. “I think we have a really good chance to do well this year,” Loden said. “I really like our team, and I love playing for Coach Shores and Coach (Bob) Sphires.” Loden has some pretty specific goals in mind for his future. “I would like to play with my brother at Kennesaw State," he said. "But if that doesn’t work out, I’d like to play at Valdosta State University.” Of course, one gets the feeling that if Loden doesn’t get the opportunity to continue playing football at the school of his choice, chances are those same schools are going to be just fine with his academic transcripts. Either way, Loden figures he’ll follow in his fathers footsteps one way or another: on the football field or in the field of academia. A bright future awaits.

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In The Game | 19

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WARE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL EARLY ROAD WARRIORS ARE 2-2 Written by: Shawn Smoak | Photography courtesy of Shawn Smoak

China Carter

Latreona "Lay Lay" Holmes

The Lady Gators softball team is 2-2 on the young season. Mother nature has not been kind to softball is SEGA as the Gators have yet to host a home game. Battling the weather and constantly trying to get the field ready for play only to see additional rains come in has been frustrating in the early season. “It’s been a challenge,” said head coach Rebecca Kirkland. The 2018 team is led by seniors Valerie Ortiz, China Carter, and Latreona “Lay Lay” Holmes. The Lady Gators play in tough Region 2-5A with 2017 state runner-up Wayne County. Ware started out the season with a big win against 7A Tift County by a final score of 4-3. “It’s always good to get the win in the season opener,” Kirkland said. The Lady Gators traveled across the river for Game 2 to take on the Pierce County Bears. Ware came up short after giving up the lead late to eventually lose by a final score of 6-5 after giving up two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. We all know the weather has played havoc this fall with high school sports, and the torrential down pours were too much for the Ware home field to handle. The Aug. 14 game scheduled as a home game for the Gators was moved back over to Pierce County. The second time was the charm for the Lady Gators as they defeated the Lady Bears 6-3 in an 11-hit output by the offense. Region play opened in Jesup as the Lady Gators took on Wayne County. Despite out-hitting the Jackets 14-11, the Lady Gators came up short in the run column, losing the game by the final score of 7-4. “There were several positives in the game,” Kirkland said. “China Carter had a big home run in the game, and any time you rack up 14 hits at the plate you’re swinging the bats well.”

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(L-R) Valerie Ortiz, China Carter, and Latreona "Lay Lay" Holmes

In The Game | 21

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WICKER BUILDS BEARS FOR STRONG SEASON Written by: Braydan Kirland | Photo courtesy of Jennifer Carter Johnson

When it comes to the sport of football, strength and conditioning is essential to the players’ development. The Pierce County Athletic Department is fortunate to have Coach Jason Wicker leading the charge to assist athletes in becoming stronger and more physically fit. Receiver of the prestigious Teacher of the Year award and considered one of the best coaches in the region, Wicker also heads the weight training class at Pierce County High School. “Oh, it’s the greatest job in the world,” he said. “I absolutely love it. The kids have bought into our system, and they’re working really, really hard. We’ve had some really, really big gains this offseason, and we’re starting to see it on the field.” Wicker started out in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “I went to Redbank High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, (then) played football in college at Carson Newman College,” he said. “I kind of worked my way down to Georgia as a football coach.” He’s been coaching for 15 years and has made Georgia his home through the years. “I started coaching in 2003,” Wicker said. “My first year coaching was my first year with Coach Strickland, and we parted ways for a few years, but we’ve been together since 2008.” When asked if he liked coaching football, Wicker gave a reply that showed his passion for the sport: “Oh, I love it. I love it. I absolutely love it.” Wicker always keeps a positive outlook on the job, and his expectations are always rising. “I don’t think as a strength coach or football coach you could ever be satisfied,” he said. “I think it’s always a process. In the weight room, if a kid gets a number, breaks a new record, gets a new record, you know, that’s great. But then, all right, let’s get the next record. If you win eight games one year, well your goal next year, let’s get better. You know, if you make it to the semifinals or you win a state championship, well now your goals are even higher. I think you can be satisfied for a couple days after a big accomplishment, but after that I think the process starts all over again.” The Bears are looking to have another great season led by the seniors in the pack. With wins against Charlton in preseason and McIntosh in regular season by a landfall, the Bears anticipate improving last season’s record. Wicker and the other coaches of the team are leading the charge to a successful season and maybe a state title. One thing’s for sure: The Pierce County Bears are seeing to it that their players are training in preparation for the season, and Wicker will make sure that everyone is outfitted in physical prowess to outlast any threat that comes their way during the season.

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In The Game | 23

Echols Leads the Way

Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

It was a classic David versus Goliath battle on the softball diamond. Looming large was Buford, winners of 10 straight state championships. Across the basepaths was Wayne County, led by shortstop Logann Echols.

That day, the Lady Jackets played giant-killer with an 8-2 victory over the Buford Lady Wolves thanks to strong hitting, great pitching, and a team and coaching staff who pulled together in the aftermath of defeat. “We had just gotten beat by Locust Grove 14-2, so turning around playing Buford and coming out with a win was big for Wayne County,” said Echols, shortstop and lead-off hitter for Wayne County. Now a senior, Echols will serve as the Lady Jackets captain this season and hopes to lead the team to another deep run in the state playoffs.

“The bigger the game, the brighter she shines,”

Dave Madray, softball coach, said. “Logann is loaded with God-given athletic abilities, and over her career she has polished a skill set that is second to none.” A no-nonsense, hardnosed player who competes to win, Echols enjoys playing softball and works hard year-round to always improve and be at her best come game time. She is versatile and has played several positions on the diamond, including catcher, third base, shortstop, and even outfield. “The summer of her eighth-grade year, I asked Logann to consider transitioning to the catcher position,” Madray said.

The Lady Jackets had immediately excelled. two catchers set to gradHer first big hit came uate, and they needed as a freshman against Peran athletic catcher who ry High School. In a Game could get it done at the 3, winner-take-all situation plate. in the state playoffs, she “Logann earned the slapped a game-winning starting spot behind walk off hit to beat the the plate and excelled Lady Panthers 5-4 and there for two seasons,” advance to the Sweet 16. Madray said. She gave a repeat perAs a junior she moved formance the following to shortstop, where she season when, as a sophled Wayne County to the omore, she hit a two-run shot to beat Woodland state finals. While she stands out High School and, once defensively, her efforts again, advance the Lady in the batter’s box are Jackets to the Sweet equally impressive. She 16. Last season it was a has a .405 career bat- walk-off homer in the sevting average and led the enth inning to beat Ware Lady Jackets last year County 5-2 in region play. in slugging percentage But the semifinal at .668, total bases, and game of last year’s state home runs with 11. When playoffs against Buford is she steps up when Echols, to bat, she is and the concentrating. Wayne Coun“Stay foty team, really cused and hit shined. strikes,” Echols The Buthinks to herford softball self. team had won With her a state title in dad working each of the as director of past 10 seathe Wayne sons across County Recrefour classifiation Departcations. The ment, Echols Lady Wolves got an early were the epitstart playing ome of domsoftball. inance and “I grew up seemed un— Logann Echols at ball fields beatable once and gyms,” again. All that she said. stood in their way of an Echols played all three unprecedented 11-peat years of middle school, was a group of young lathen became a varsity dies from Jesup, Georgia. starter for the Lady JackThe Lady Jackets ets her freshman year and faced the daunting chal-

“I like competing and winning. I believe sports also teaches life lessons. You might fail at something, but it's how you handle it and make yourself better.”

5 Things to Know About Logann Echols: West Georgia, Georgia Southern University, and College of Coastal Georgia are recruiting her.

She helps with “Buddy Ball,” a program for special needs children at the Wayne County Recreation Department.

She has traveled to New York, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Missouri to play for the Gold Coast Hurricanes.

She wears No. 13 because it was her dad’s number.

She started playing softball at 3 years old.

In The Game | 25

Sports Honors: 2015 - All Region 2-5A Catcher, Jackets make the Elite Eight 2016 - All Region 2-5A Third Base, All-State Utility Player, Team MVP Award 2017 - All Region 2-5A Shortstop, All-State Utility Player, Team Offensive Player of the Year, Jackets are state runners-up

lenge of playing Buford with the winner advancing to the 2017 state finals. It seemed to be a formidable task, but the Lady Jackets knew what was at stake. Echols started the game with a single and then scored to give the Lady Jackets a 1-0 lead. The wheels fell off for Buford after that. Wayne County just kept pouring it on: three runs in the first, two more in the second. “In the top of sixth inning, I singled two RBIs then scored,” Echols said.

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It ended with an 8-2 victory over the once-Goliath Buford. Echols was 2 for 3 at the plate with two RBIs and two runs scored. As soon as softball season ended, Echols headed for the hardwood. She had played basketball in middle school and decided to pick it up again as a junior in high school. “I like competing and winning," she said. "I believe sports also teaches life lessons. You might fail at something, but it's

how you handle it and make yourself better.” The daughter of Speck Echols and Christy Lamb, Echolscarries a 3.8 GPA and is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She would like to do something in the medical field after college. “I would like to major in chemistry and career in pharmacy,” she said. This will be Echols’ final season of high school softball. Next year she will play collegiately

but has not yet decided where. Several schools, including West Georgia, Georgia Southern, and College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, are giving her looks and may be ready to offer scholarships. For now, she is focused on wearing No. 13 in black and gold one more year.

“She has been a pleasure to coach and a true asset to Wayne County softball,” Madray said.

BRANTLEY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL MAKING GAINS AT CANEY BAY Photography by: Kathy Hendrix

Written by: Landi Winder The football program at Brantley County High School is done flying under the radar. This year begins a new era for the Herons. For too long there has been a negative perception of the football team and its ability to win games. For too long the players have accepted a losing fate for themselves. This year, that mindset changes. This shift in attitude begins in the weight room, as it is the foundation from which strength, both mental and physical, is built. “If any team doesn’t commit to the weight room, they don’t really stand a chance," Geoff Cannon, head football coach, said. "Overall strength, speed, and most importantly injury prevention are the benefits of a sound weight training program. All schools we face are committed to the weight room. We might not always be as big or as fast, but soon we will always be just as strong, if not stronger.” This dedication to a foundation of weight training led Cannon to obtain new equipment for the weight room upon his arrival in January. The football program has undergone quite a few changes since Cannon and defensive coach Ben Burkett joined the team. However, these changes are not solely cosmetic; they are, in large part, cultural. Cannon and Burkett, along with the other coaching staff, work diligently to create an atmosphere in which the team can thrive. This atmosphere is tangible and can be felt among players and community members alike. Beau Bennett, Bryson Flowers, and Josh Davis have played football together since middle school and are currently in their culminating season together. They’ve experienced the program as it was, and they share similar sentiments concerning where it’s going. Flowers, RB/DL, said: “As a team, we have become a lot more close knit, like a family unit. We have also become more of a physical and intense group than we have been in the past. Coach Cannon’s coaching style is different from what any of us have ever had. He has pushed us harder than we have ever been pushed. He expects more out of us, and we have guys reaching their capabilities.” Bennett, DL, said: “The weight lifting program is really great; it has made us stronger and faster. I feel like we have become closer as a team. Coach Cannon connects with us and is energetic. He came into the school system, took control, and showed that he could be a head coach.” Davis, MLB, said: “I think they made a lot of good changes in the weight room starting in January, and that was kind of the foundation. We are more physical in the way that we play, and the culture is changing.” As for where these changes will lead the Brantley County Football program in the future, there is a mutual desire and

Photography courtesy of Dr. Ben Horner determination that the Herons will no longer be overlooked on the schedule as unworthy competitors but that they will be seen for who they are, a force to be reckoned with. “I want other teams to see us on the schedule and think, ‘Man, we’re about to get hit in the mouth next week,’” Flowers said, echoing the hopes of his team and community.

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In The Game | 27

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Written by: Rob Asbell Photography by: Jennifer Carter Johnson

For years, people have known Browning’s Pharmacy as the drug store by the hospital on Alice Street in Waycross. Emory Browning Jr. opened the doors in 1964 and owned the pharmacy for24 years when Kenny McCarthy bought the business in 1988. Now the banner of customer service has passed down to Holly and Matthew Tanner, both Doctors of Pharmacy, who are the new owners of Browning’s Pharmacy. “We would like to be looked at as a family based pharmacy whose doors are always open to anyone in our community,” said Holly Tanner. “We want to offer you fast, accurate, and friendly service.” The Tanners say they are honored to take over from McCarthy who owned the pharmacy until his passing last year. Mr. Kenny made Browning’s a family environment for workers and patients. McCarthy put a priority on giving back to the community and always put his patient's, employee's, and town's best interest first. “We want to carry on his traditions and also welcome any suggestions from our customers and from the community on what they would like to see at Browning's,” Holly Tanner said. “We hope to build upon these traditions and also move our store into the future with new and exciting offerings.” The new owners have already installed a $4 medication list which will save customers money. They promise to meet or beat almost any price for patients without insurance and do their best to save you money and time. Browning’s will soon offer Medicare Part-D enrollment assistance to anyone who needs assistance. “Medicare plans can be very confusing but we can help pick a plan that saves you money and make sure that they do not force you into mail order.” The Tanners will also be offering flu, pneumonia, and shingles vaccinations along with Medicare billing for diabetic testing supplies. “We at Browning's love the opportunity to provide our patients with a stress free pharmacy experience. We will solve problems before hand so you do not have to. This gives us time to get to know every customer on a more personal level.” Browning’s Pharmacy is always happy to help answer any questions about medications, insurance, and anything healthcare related to anyone who needs help, even if they are not Browning’s customers. Stop in and let them help. The staff at Browning's will always go the extra mile to help people every day. Kenny McCarthy was known throughout the area for his unwavering support of the Georgia Bulldogs and with two University of Georgia graduates now at the helm at Browning’s, nothing will change. “We are happy to be known as the ‘Georgia’ pharmacy around town.” Browning's Pharmacy is in the business of dispensing medications, but also of taking care of people. The local feel, right down to their support of the Ware County Gators, comes from a sincere concern for each patient and the community. While Browning's is a full service pharmacy, you can also find UGA merchandise, Watkins products, Rodan and Fields, the Magnolia Lane Collection, and Melissa and Doug Children’s Toys. Open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm. Browning's Medical Arts Pharmacy is located at 1919 Alice Street, across the street from Memorial Satilla Health. Call them at (912) 283-5504, like them on Facebook or find them online at browningsmedicalarts.com. You can even get the Browning’s Rx app.

As Holly, Matthew and Truett Tanner say, "Our family caring for your family."

In The Game | 29

In The Game Media Day Brings Us One Step Closer to the New Season Written by: Shawn Smoak Photography by: Michael Brinson

It was a picture-perfect day the last Saturday of July as players and coaches from all over Southeast Georgia gathered on St. Simons Island for the Fourth Annual In the Game Media Day sponsored by Coastal Pines Technical College. Fans and media were on hand to hear what the coaches had to say about the upcoming 2018 season, and several did not disappoint. Coastal Pines Technical College was on hand as the Title Sponsor of the event with information for the student-athletes about their Duel Enrollment Program. Dr. Glenn Deibert started the show off by welcoming everyone and sharing a few details about how students can graduate high school with college credit for free. Several students took advantage of the information and enjoyed the free giveaways Coastal Pines had on hand at their booth, attended to by Shannon Riggins, admissions counselor/recruiter for the Golden Isles Campus in Brunswick.

30 | itgnext.com

Coach Matt LeZotte of Richmond Hill led off the coaches on the dais as he had a prior commitment for later that morning. One of his players, Jackson Bixler, was receiving an Eagle Scout Badge from the Boy Scouts of America. LeZotte spoke of the upcoming season and how his Wildcats were determined to get back to the 6A playoffs after falling to the eventual 6A state champions in Round 1 in a close ballgame. Several coaches followed before the first break, all with unique perspectives of the upcoming season. Coach Rich McWhorter took time out to personally thank In the Game publisher Shawn Smoak for getting him up at the crack of dawn on a Saturday morning (tongue-in-cheek of course) but spoke to all the student-athletes in attendance about the pitfalls of social media. McWhorter spoke of a specific situation that cost one of his DI athletes a scholarship due to his ill-advised use of social media. Each coach brought his own

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With In the Game Coaches PODCAST

Brantley County With Head Coach Geoff Cannon

Brunswick High School With Head Coach Sean Pender

Frederica Academy With Head Coach Brandon Derrick

Glynn Academy With Head Coach Rocky Hildalgo

Pierce County With Head Coach Jason Strickland

Ware County With Head Coach Franklin Stephens

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

In The Game | 31

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS.

coaching style to the microphone, and all brought positive messages to the student-athletes. Blake Smith with BSN Sports was on hand offering much-coveted door prizes to the audience in attendance as a sponsor of this year’s event. BSN Sports wowed three lucky coaches at the end of the day by giving away three sets of $300 shoulder pads to the winning coach’s program. Rusty Gibson and Gibson Animal Clinic were on hand for the second year in a row as a Media Day sponsor. You’d be hard pressed to find a more die-hard sports fan in SEGA who puts his money back into the community and the student-athletes of SEGA. New this year was Kim Smoak, licensed REALTOR ® with Crossway Realty, as a sponsor. She is a member of the MLS of both South Georgia and the Golden Isles and can help you with all your Real Estate needs all over SEGA. Anchoring our associate sponsors for the fourth year was LANG Bar-B-Que Smokers. Ben Lang once again made one coach happy and 18 envious at the end of the annual cornhole tournament. John Moore, meanwhile, was manning the Lang Cooker Smoker right outside the Strickland Center at Epworth By The Sea. The aroma of the Wainwright Sausage cooking on the Lang Bar-B-Que Smoker was almost too much for the attendees to bare but all was well as soon as Moore walked in with the first tray. Players and fans alike were hooked instantly on the Wainwright sausage complimented by the delicious Lang Bar-B-Que sauces and dry rub seasonings. This year’s event was no different than last years as the most anticipated event of the day was the annual coaches’ cornhole tournament. This year’s event was played on beautiful, matching In the Game Cornhole Boards made by Corn Hole Boards by Blake out of Douglas, Georgia. (Find them on Facebook.) We started with 16 but quickly narrowed the field to two as the finals pitted last year’s runner-up, Bob Spires of Camden, against Franklin Stephen of Ware. The pressure of playing in the finals last year must have paid off as Spires came through in the end to win the Lang Bar-B-Que Smoker 36 Series. Check out all the Lang Cooker Smokers at langbbqsmokers.com. Stephens did not leave empty handed as he took home a set of the In the Game Corn Hole Boards built by Corn Hole Boards by Blake, and the other set went to our lucky player whose name was drawn, Johnny Cummings of McIntosh County Academy. It was a great event this year made possible by a list of great people. I want to thank Kim Smoak, my beautiful wife who keeps everything flowing in the right direction; Evan Smoak, my son who handled emcee duties like an old pro; Michael Brinson, who had no idea he’d be working as hard as he did knocking out photo assignments for the next three issues of In the Game; and, last but least, Candy Asbell, who greeted everyone with a smile at the door, and Rob Asbell, who hosted and recorded players and coaches on inthegameradio.com. If you missed us in 2018, make plans to be there next year as we try to top ourselves in 2019.

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