August 2015 South Georgia Edition by ITG Next Magazine

august 2015 Table of contents

Retired educator is Brooks County’s Number one fan

11 Colquitt Co. Packers

2015 Packers looking for their own identity

13 Lowndes vikings

Vikings look to regain focus of early 2014

15 Valdosta Wildcats

Wildcats aim to answer the bell this season

21 Tift Co. Blue Devils

Tift rebounds in ’14, gets new coach for ‘15

23 Lee Co. Trojans

39 Cook Hornets

New Coach, Same Goal: State Title

41 Coffee Co. Trojans

Trojans motivated by memory

47 Clinch Co. Panthers

Panthers return tremendous experience, talent for 2015

51 Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes Firmly established, Strickland and the ‘Canes aim for another run at a title

57 Tiftarea Panthers

Small in size, big at heart

Panthers look to build on first playoff berth

29 Valwood Valiants

59 Crisp Co. Cougars

Business as usual

31 Brooks Co. Trojans

Brooks County trying to get over week 14 blues

33 TCC Yellow Jackets

Once again, injuries contribute to premature end to Yellow Jackets’ season

37 Thomasville Bulldogs

Coach Ryals: ‘2014 was disappointing, we could have done something special’

69 Worth Co. Rams

09 Top 10 Players to Watch

71 Pelham Hornets

16 The Heart of TitleTown: Bazemore-Hyder Stadium Valdosta High School

For the Worth County Rams, consistency is key Pelham Hornets: Strive to finish

73 Atkinson Co. Rebels

ATCO Rebels make playoffs for first time since ’07, head coach resigns

75 Hamilton Co. Trojans

Stebbins ready to continue Trojans’ success

77 Lanier Co. Bulldogs ‘New day, new dawg’ in Lakeland

19 Technology changing high school football – for the better 34 In The Life of a football wife: megan henderson Valwood School 42 The Georgia Bridgemen Marching to the Beat of Their Own Drum

New cougar coach ready to reach new heights

79 Sherwood Eagles

63 Bainbridge Bearcats Bearcats aim to build on playoff berth

81 Deerfield-Windsor knights

Knights ready to build on previous success

60 Titletown Titans bring pop warner to valdosta

65 Cairo Syrupmakers

87 GA Christian Generals

72 Understanding ACL Injuries

89 Brookwood Warriors

85 Mason Hodge Senior Bulldog Boasts Brains and Brawn

New staff, no problem

67 Irwin Co. Indians

Coach Nobles building a contender withcharacter

Eagles aim to remain at the top

Generals making their presence known quickly Brookwood Warriors: “Be who we are”

* All South Georgia Area Team Schedules - Page 90

53 A Cheerleader’s game day

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

From the Publisher

Tell us your thoughts! Email us at info@inthegamemagazine.com to let us know what you thought of the June edition of itg!

Contributors

t’s that time of year again. All of our sports are special and all teach valuable life lessons that have the potential to change the lives of young people for the better. In South Georgia, however, there’s just something different about high school football. Nothing brings a community together and inspires a sense of community pride like a Friday night football game. As I sit here and write this, it’s late June, and football season is still quite a ways off. However, putting this issue together makes the season feel as though it’s much closer than it really is. I can already feel the excitement, the tension, and the rivalry. The storylines interwoven

through our various communities this season are among the most intriguing I’ve experienced in all the years we’ve published this magazine. Of course, the biggest question involves the Colquitt County Packers: will the Pack repeat as Class 6A state champions? They are loaded with talent, have a senior class that tops 35, and have depth at all positions. Winning two in a row in any classification in Georgia is hard. At the highest level, it’s a rarity. The Packers have to be the favorites heading into the season, but it’s not a gimme by a stretch. Lee County may have the best quarterback in the area, and they’ve shown they can compete at the 6A level. Lowndes has revamped its program and, after a dismal season in 2014, appears ready to stake a claim as the region’s top team. Valdosta is on the hot seat this year; the Wildcats can’t afford another first round playoff exit. The good news for the ‘Cats is they have some excellent football players that have come through the program over the last couple of years. Several of them are ready to see action at the varsity level, so it should be an exciting season for Wildcat fans. Tift has a new coach and will hopefully be able to build off the success

the Blue Devils enjoyed a year ago. Among the smaller schools, Brooks, Fitzgerald, and Clinch appear in good shape, as do Thomasville and Thomas County Central. Coffee County had a 10win season that included a home playoff win for the first time in over three decades. The Trojans ought to challenge Ware again for a region title. These are but a few of the fascinating stories we will watch unfold during the 2015 football season. In addition to our preseason football coverage, we have features on four area cheerleaders, three members of Lowndes’s celebrated Georgia Bridgemen, and Gladys Lee, Brooks County’s “superfan”. Mrs. Lee taught Brooks County head football coach Maurice Freeman when he was in high school; you will definitely want to see what she said about Coach Freeman as a young high school student. This is a great time of the year to be a sports fan. We have the best fans, players, coaches, and atmosphere anywhere in the country. We are looking forward to a fantastic fall!

Publisher Mark Dykes Editors Mark Dykes Sarah Turner Graphics Sarah Turner Cover Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Lindsi Jones Feature Writers Robert Preston Jr. James Washington Copy Editor James Washington Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com Rachel Thrasher rachel@inthegamemagazine.com Carrie Terry carrie@inthegamemagazine.com Website Manager Cole Parker

For advertising information call: 888-715-4263

Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, GA 31603

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 2015 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Top 10 Players to watch 2015

ach year, South Georgia high school football teams feature some of the best players in the state. This year is no different. Our teams have elite-level players at all positions, from quarterback to defensive line. College programs from across the country make regular trips to the flatlands of South Georgia in search of three-, four-, and five-star recruits. And we have them in droves this year. Here is a look at a few of the top football players in our coverage area:

1. Chauncey Manac, defensive end, Clinch County. The most exciting player in South Georgia this year can be found in Homerville at Class A Clinch County. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has 6’3”, 225-pound defensive end Chauncey Manac listed as the state’s sixth-ranked high school player and a legitimate four-star recruit. Manac is a fast, physical player with tremendous upside. He needs to put on a few pounds, but his 6’3” frame can handle the extra weight. He’s effective against both the run and the pass and should terrorize Class A this season. He’s committed to Georgia, where he will likely play outside linebacker. Manac also has a younger brother at Clinch County, Ashton, who is a fine football player in his own right, so we’ll be hearing more from the Manacs for years to come.

Camden sat at home during the playoffs. They won their firstround playoff game. And Morrell’s performance throughout the season earned him a ton of postseason recognition, including the John Reynolds Player of the Year Award. According to The Albany Herald, he threw for over 2,600 yards and 26 touchdowns. Morrell will play for the Marshall Thundering Herd in college.

2. Garet Morrell, quarterback,

Lee County. Colquitt head coach Rush Propst calls Garet Morrell the best quarterback in Region 1-6A this year. Morrell stepped into an unenviable spot at Lee County. He followed Stephen Collier under center, who led the Trojans to a Region 1-5A title his senior year. Collier then signed with Ohio State and left the quarterbacking duties to Morrell, then a junior. Morrell also had to lead the Trojans in their first-ever season in Region 1-6A. How well did he do? The Trojans finished third in the region, while perennial powers Lowndes and

Chauncey Manac

Clinch County DE

3. Kiel Pollard, wide receiver,

Colquitt County. What can you say about Pollard that hasn’t already been said? He’s been on recruiting boards for several years and has at least 15 scholarship offers. Pollard, 6’2”, 207, had 68 catches for over 900 yards last season.

4. Dee Walker and Ja’Quain

Blakely, linebackers, Colquitt County. Is it a copout to list two players from the same team in one place? Maybe. But these two kids are among the most talented players the Packers have had in recent years. Given the level of talent that’s come through the program lately (and even on this year’s team), that says a lot. Both are 6’2” and 210 pounds, and have offers from most ACC and SEC schools. All told, they have over 50 scholarship offers between the two of them.

5. Tray Eafford, wide receiver,

Lee County. If you’re a receiver,

Garet Morrell

Lee County QB

it helps if your quarterback is the best in the region. Such is the case with the 6’0”, 200-pound, three-star receiver from Lee County. He’s a big, fast, athletic receiver who is a reliable target for quarterback Garet Morrell. With Morrell slinging the ball his way this year, Eafford should have a monster season.

6. Seth Shuman, quarterback, Valdosta High. Shuman, 6’1”, 180, is one of the 2015 Wildcats’ biggest assets. He started most of Valdosta’s games as a sophomore and all 11 games last year. Shuman has a great arm, tremendous athletic ability, and all the intangibles a quarterback needs to succeed. He’s also a great baseball player with a bright future ahead of him in either sport. In head coach Rance Gillespie’s offense, the quarterback is key, and Shuman is exactly the kind of signal-caller Gillespie likes. 7. Chris Barnes, offensive line,

Lee County. Barnes, a 6’5”, 270-pound offensive tackle, is a three-star prospect, according to 247sports.com. Big and strong, with good footwork and mobility, Barnes is a big buffer between opposing defenses and quarterback Garet Morrell. Barnes has committed to Georgia.

8. Todd Bradley, linebacker,

Valdosta. Bradley, at 6’0”, 210 pounds, is a punishing linebacker who will be called upon

Kiel Pollard

Colquitt County WR

to lead the Wildcats’ defense this season. The ‘Cats ought to be playing with a strong sense of urgency this year, and nowhere will that urgency be more profound than on the defensive side of the ball. Graduation took its toll on Valdosta’s defense, and Bradley, who has committed to Georgia, will have to step up and lead the Wildcats. He’s a very versatile player and will also see some time at running back.

9. Maysoe Wiley, receiver,

Valwood. The 6’4”, 205-pound Wiley is one of the area’s top wide receivers. He’s been a big reason why the Valiants have been one of the best programs in GISA recently. He has all the tools necessary to succeed at the next level and has plenty of Division I programs vying for his skills.

10. Chase Parrish, quarter-

back, Colquitt County. For the defending state champions, everything starts and ends with their quarterback. Parrish has played on the biggest stages a high school football player in Georgia can play on, and he’s performed like a true champion every time. The 6’0”, 185-pounder threw for over 2,800 yards and 29 touchdowns last year. Having a quarterback returning with his experience and his skillset is an enormous advantage.

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

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Colquitt Packers

2015 Packers looking for their own identity Colquitt County head coach Rush Propst isn’t one to dwell in the past. The undefeated, state championship season of 2014 is already a distant memory for the decorated Packers head coach. He refuses to look back, instead choosing to focus on what lies ahead. Which, hopefully, will be a second consecutive state championship for the Packers. “That’s the mindset I have to get into. When we get to spring ball, we don’t want to look back,” says Coach Propst. Now his goal is to solidify his starting lineup and begin steering those kids to develop their own identity. He doesn’t want the 2015 Packers to live off the legacy of the 2014 state championship team. He firmly believes that looking over your shoulder prevents future success. “You’ve got to re-establish a new identity. You win differently each season and you’ve got to develop a new identity in order to do so,” he says. “You can’t hold on to last year.” While the 2015 Packers are still searching for that identity, it’s worth noting that they have a few advantages over last year’s team. One is sheer numbers. Coach Propst has always said that he believes at least 30 – and preferably 32 or 33 – seniors are needed to win a state title in the highest classification. Last year, Colquitt won the state championship with 28 seniors, an anomaly according to Propst’s formula. For 2015, that won’t be a problem. Colquitt has 38 seniors, far and away the most he’s had since he has been in Moultrie. The program also has 115122 kids showing up for summer workouts. “Our strength this year will be in sheer numbers,” says Propst. The other advantage that this season’s Packers

have is talent. They are absolutely loaded this year and have several of the state’s best players. Colquitt has three elitelevel defensive backs with close to 100 college offers among them, maybe Georgia’s best kicker (he’s never missed an extra point in his career), and a top-notch quarterback. The Packers will open the season in the top 10 in several national polls and indeed have a target on their backs all season long. For Propst, it all starts with his quarterback. Chase Parrish returns in 2015. The 6’, 185pound senior threw for over 2,800 yards and 29 touchdowns a year ago. He also rushed for over 400 yards and seven more scores. In the state title game, he was 18-for22 with over 200 yards passing. “He’s played on the biggest stage and been successful,” says Propst. Kiel Pollard, a 6’2”, 207-pound senior, returns at wide receiver. He had 68 catches for over 900 yards in 2014. Ty Lee, Colquitt’s slot receiver, 5’8”, 162, is back as well. He has about 10 scholarship offers as well. The Packers have a huge hole to fill at running back. With Sihiem King gone, the primary ball-carrying duties will go to junior Ty Jones, a 5’7”, 160-pound lightning bolt whose physical style of play be-

lies his 160-pound frame. The line is in good shape and will be anchored by Trae Johnson and Daniel Brinson, two big seniors who will have their work cut out for them. On defense, Propst has two linebackers with over 50 scholarship offers between them: Dee Walker and Ja’quain Blakely. Both are 6’2”, 210, and are major college prospects. The secondary is as deep and talented as the Packers have had during Propst’s run. Landon Scott (5’9”, 165), Rakeem Hightower (6’, 190), and Quan Walker (5’10”, 160, the only junior starting on defense). Yeah, the Packers are

Region:

GHSA 1-AAAAAA

2014 Region Record:

5-0

2014 Overall Record:

15-0

Head Coach:

Rush Propst

loaded. Just about every starter will play somewhere in college if he so chooses. And about seven or eight are major conference players, SEC and ACC type players. The rest are mid-major players and Division II guys. Playing Colquitt is almost like playing a college team, and Propst approaches his program just like it’s a college team. But that doesn’t mean that the Packers are going to march to a second-straight

title without any challenges. “There’s a lot of parity in Georgia. It’s a grind, and that parity makes you work your tail off all year long. Tradition can cause entitlement. Entitlement causes complacency. And I hate that word more than any other word in the English language – complacency. It’s hard to repeat in Georgia. We’ve moved on. We’re talking a new season and new goals,” says Propst.

Colquitt’s ace in the hole just might be senior kicker

Luis Martinez

He hasn’t missed an extra point and is accurate from a long way out. Propst calls him the best kicker in the state. photography by Alan Cortez (left) & Sarah Turner (right)

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Lowndes Vikings

Vikings Looks to Regain Focus of Early 2014

photography courtesy of Lowndes High School

The Lowndes Vikings opened the 2014 season on a tear, winning their first five contests by an average of 19 points per game (18.6). Region play was a different story, however, as they would proceed to drop four of their next five games, eventually missing the playoffs.

Did you Know? Since 1968, Lowndes is 17-33 against Valdosta High School, but the Vikings have won eight of the last 10 matchups.

“Ending the season that way has definitely fueled the preparation for this year,” said Vikings head coach Randy McPherson. “Turnovers down the stretch in big games cost us. I expect us to get better each and every day and compete for the region title.” A region title is an understandable goal; in 2014, the Vikings’

sole region win came in a 27-21 win at home against Camden County (Kingsland, Ga.). “The key to our season is winning region games,” Coach McPherson said. “Each and every team is tough, and we are going to have to play our best football each and every Friday night to win. We have begun preparing that by

Region:

ghsa 1-AAAAAA

2014 Region Record:

1-4

2014 Overall Record:

6-4

Head Coach:

R. Mcpherson

practicing and working on execution.” McPherson’s coaching staff will feature a few new faces in new roles this fall as well. Tucker Pruitt (offensive coordinator), David Shores (defensive coordinator), Tommy Watson (offensive line/special teams coordinator), and Jackson Dean (receivers coach) will all be entering their first season in their respective positions. Also joining the staff are two former Vikings: Darriet Perry (Class of 2008, running backs coach) and Jermel Demps (Class of 2006, cornerbacks coach) have

returned home to help lead their alma mater. While every game on the schedule is a big one, the long-standing tradition with crosstown rival Valdosta High School is quickly circled on the Vikings’ calendar every year. This season, the matchup will take

place at the Concrete Palace, as 8,000 fans will witness the latest installment of the Winnersville Classic against the Wildcats on October 30. “The rivalry is huge,” Coach McPherson said. “It is an exciting game to be a part of.”

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Valdosta Wildcats

Wildcats aim to answer the bell this season

photography by Michael Chapman

The 2014 season started out so well for the Valdosta High Wildcats. The most storied football program in the nation won its first seven games then dropped two of its last four. After winning nine games and finishing second in the region to eventual state champion Colquitt County, the Wildcats yet again suffered a first-round loss in the playoffs, this time at home to Newton. It was the fourth straight first-round loss for Valdosta and it has everyone – players, coaches, and fans alike – ready to exorcise those game 11 demons.

There is some urgency this year for the Valdosta program. The last time the Wildcats went beyond Week 11 was in head coach Rance Gillespie’s first year (2010), when the ‘Cats posted an 11-2 mark and advanced to the quarterfinals. That kind of playoff record is uncharacteristic for Valdosta; at no point in the post-Nick Hyder years have the Wildcats lost in the first round four straight seasons. Make no mistake about it – the ‘Cats must answer the bell this season. It won’t be easy. Colquitt is loaded. Lowndes has revamped its program and should be an elite team in Region 1-6A. Lee County is also stacked. Camden won’t have the same kind of season it had in 2014 again. So things aren’t

getting any easier in the region and Valdosta can’t afford to have an off-night at any point during the year.

107 26 Total Players

Seniors

The Wildcats are in good shape numberswise. They’ve got some talent from their ninth graders up to their senior class. And they’ve got some elite-level offensive players back.

The Wildcats have five starters back on offense and defense, and they’ve got a good group of younger kids who will be ready to play as well. The Valdosta middle program has been loaded with athletes over the last couple of years, and many of those players are about to step into the varsity spotlight. Among the offensive starters returning are quarterback Seth Shuman, 6’1”, 180, and two running backs, the 5’10”, 175 Tim Griffin and the 5’8”, 178 Deangelo Williams. Shuman is one of the ‘Cats’ biggest assets. He started most of Valdosta’s games as a sophomore and all 11 games last year. “He has a really good arm and is very athletic. He has all the intangibles that everyone talks about in a quarterback,” says Coach

Region:

GHSA 1-AAAAAA

2014 Region Record:

4-1

2014 Overall Record:

9-2

Head Coach:

RAnce Gillespie

Gillespie. Three linemen – Zack Lloyd (5’10”, 240), Davis McCranie (6’4”, 260), and Aaron Graham (6’, 225) will protect Shuman and the stable of running backs. One wideout, Jamarcus Tyson, 6’3”, 200, saw significant playing time last year and will be a reliable target for Shuman. Maybe the biggest question marks for Valdosta are on the defensive side of the ball. The returners are spread throughout the defense – two linemen, a linebacker, and a couple of kids in the secondary. That gives Valdosta some experience on each unit

but also leaves some big holes to fill, particularly at linebacker. The two linemen are junior Devonnsha Maxwell and senior Tyrese Doe. The lone starter back at linebacker is the 6’, 210-pound Todd Bradley, who also doubles as a running back at times. Rashay Marsh (5’10”, 180) and Antwon Kincade (5’11”, 185) will anchor the secondary. The pressure is on. The Wildcats need a monster season. It won’t be easy but they’ve got the talent, the coaching, and the tradition to get it done.

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

The Heart of TitleTown

A new high school doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean a new stadium for the Valdosta Wildcats, but with its size, atmosphere, and winning history the field has seen, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better place for a Cat than

Bazemore-Hyder Stadium

Capacity: 11,249

written by James Washington photography by Micki K Photography

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

“Our current stadium definitely meets our needs. We are proud of the tradition maintained within that facility.” - Jennifer Steedley, VCS Public Relations Director

In January of 2017, construction will begin on the new site of Valdosta High School. The current facility, located on North Forrest Street, is over 40 years old, having opened its doors in 1972. The school will encompass 126 instructional units, 15 science labs, and many other accommodations for future Wildcats to use to their advantage. One addition, however, will be noticeably absent: a football stadium. “The first phase of construction does not include a new football field or stadium,” said Jennifer Steedley, Valdosta City Schools Public Relations Director. “But there is room in the master plan for future growth and expansion to include one.” The current venue, Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, sits just off Patterson Street,

and it is a venue that football fans around the country have come to know and respect as the home of the most storied team in the nation. “Our current stadium definitely meets our needs,” Steedley said. “We are proud of the tradition maintained within that facility.” Bazemore-Hyder Stadium at Cleveland Field, built in 1922 and opened in 1924, is every bit as historic as the legendary football team that calls it home. Between these lines, the Valdosta Wildcats have claimed 41 region, 23 state, and six national championships. In 2008, Valdosta, Ga., was crowned Titletown, USA by ESPN; it is only fitting that a stadium of such legacy be nestled deep in the heart of the city. The field itself is named in honor of

longtime Valdosta City School System superintendent, Dr. A.G. Cleveland. In 1996, the stadium was given the current name, paying tribute to two of the most storied and successful coaches in the school’s history. Wright Bazemore (1941-42, 1946-71) and Nick Hyder (1974-1995) gave nearly 50 years of their lives to the program, bringing home a collective 21 state titles. They also combined to win all six of the Wildcats’ national championships. Sitting alongside the field is the Wildcat Museum, named in honor of David S. Waller, who was involved with the school system for nearly 70 years. Within the museum are trophies, photographs, and other memorabilia that chronicle the unforgettable road that the Wildcats have taken to the present. ITG

Technology changing high school football – for the better

by Robert Preston Jr.

Technology. It’s changed everything about our culture. Everything. Few areas of our lives are untouched by computers or some such electronic device. Even the way I write and research stories for In the Game has changed dramatically over the last few years. Despite all the changes, though, I had given little – if any – thought to how technology has altered the high school sports landscape. After a conversation with Jamey DuBose, the head football coach at Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, for the Columbus Valley edition of In the Game, it finally hit just how significant of an impact technology had made at the high school level. DuBose is a decorated football coach with four state titles --- two as an assistant and two as a head coach – and comes from a coaching tree that includes Colquitt County’s Rush Propst. As a coach for 22 years, he’s seen quite a few changes. One of the topics he spent several minutes discussing when we talked revolved around technology. I asked him a question I pose to most coaches who have a couple of decades under their belts: What are some of the ways you have seen your sport change over the course of your career? DuBose didn’t hesitate. Technology, he said. I knew that computers, the web, film editing, and things like that had made an impact on the game. What I didn’t realize is just how far-reaching that impact had become. DuBose said that in years past, when he and the rest of the coaches would analyze film on Saturday morning after a game, they would often see mistakes made that were quite fixable – if only they had noticed them during the game. Now, coaches are able to break down film almost in real time as the game is happening. One thing you often hear coaches discuss is the importance of making adjustments, particularly at halftime. With new technology, coaches and players don’t have to wait until halftime; they

can make changes from quarter to quarter, almost from play to play. It gives teams with the resources to invest in that kind of equipment a big advantage. “Used to, when we’d look at film, we’d say, ‘If only we had seen that in the third quarter last night.’ Now, we can,” said DuBose. In some ways, coaching and analyzing film in real time is almost like playing a video game. The concept is the same yet, the stakes are much higher. Coaches can see how their players react to their opponent’s game plan and re-position their players accordingly. It’s almost like they’re moving characters around on a game. At the same time, however, they can see how their strategy plays out in the real world. It’s a fascinating development in high school athletics and it adds to the complexity of the game. For elite-level teams at all classifications, football is already complex enough. Coach Propst has said that the days of high school football being a seasonal sport are over. “It’s a year ‘round job, and you’ve got to approach your program like it’s a college program,” he states. Advances in nutrition, training, the proliferation of the various spread offenses, injury prevention, and the like have made significant differences in the game. Technology, in particular the use of in-game film analysis and sideline communication, will continue to push the boundaries of high school football. Technology has vastly improved the way we teach our children in school. It’s also changing – if it hasn’t already – the way we teach our kids athletics. ITG In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Tift County Blue Devils

Tift rebounds in ’14, gets new coach for ‘15 The Tift County Blue Devils enjoyed their first winning season and first playoff appearance in six years in 2014. It was a long time coming for a program that fairly recently – 2006 – went all the way to the semifinals. Former head coach John Reid made steady improvements to the program during his three years in Tifton. After last season, though, he left for Rome, Ga., leaving an opening for Ashley Anders, Tift’s assistant head coach since 2013, to take over the program.

Region:

GHSA 1-AAAAAA

2014 Region Record:

2-3

2014 Overall Record:

7-4

photography by Sarah Turner

Head Coach:

Anders is a tremendous coach with an impressive resume. According to a press release issued by the Tift County School System upon Anders’s hiring, he has served as the defensive coordinator at Murray State University (2010-2013), Georgia Southern University (2007-2009), Valdosta State University (20022007), and Holmes Community College (20002002). The Tift position is his first as head coach.

Along with a measure of inexperience at the head coaching spot, the 2015 Blue Devils are an inexperienced team as well. They’ve got 96 total kids and just 19 seniors. “We’re young. But we’re working, we have goals, and we want to go back to the playoffs,” says Coach Anders. Things won’t change much for the Blue Devils schemewise. Some of the offensive terminology will change but they’ll still run a spread attack and

be as multiple as possible. The defense will be the same as well. “It ought to be an easy transition,” states Anders. Tift will rely heavily on running back Barry Bennett, a 5’10”, 180-pound bruiser who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season. Bennett holds a 3.9 grade point average and is being heavily recruited. The Blue Devils are strong at wide receiver, with four starters coming back plus a playmaker who transferred

in from Irwin County. Senior Quay Duggins (6’, 175, seven touchdown catches in ‘15), senior R.J. Merriweather (5’11”, 175), junior Tyberus Polk, and senior Malik Johnson (5’7”, 160) all give Tift a measure of depth at the receiver position. Cully Jones, a 6’5”, 220pound senior who came over from Irwin, had a tremendous spring and is expected to be a big playmaker for Tift this season. The offensive line has some question marks with only one returner back – senior guard Cody Tucker. The Blue Devils also have to name a new quarterback. At the time of this writing, two underclassmen were fighting for the job – junior Brant Watson (5’11”, 180) and sophomore Griffin Collier (6’, 170). Defensively, Tift has more experience returning. The Devils have four linebackers, three defensive backs, and two linemen back. The linebackers are junior Cody Thompson, senior Geoffrey Davidson (5’9”, 170), senior Bobby Miller, and junior Elvin Coney. Two big kids are back to on the line

Ashley Anders – senior J.T. Graydon (5’10”, 200) and senior JuJu Watson (6’2”, 307). The secondary has some good athletes who will be starting but there’s not a lot of depth should a devastating injury happen to one of them: junior Brenton Jones (5’8”, 170), senior Wendel White, junior Montreal Henry (5’9”, 155), and junior Eric Atkins. Tift also has a new punter, senior Drew Harrison, and a great placekicker in sophomore Fernando Ramirez (5’8”, 160). Tift has its work cut out this season. The region is, of course, loaded. Tift has been in a rebuilding period for several years. Now the Blue Devils have to start again with a young team and a new head coach. But the kids are hungry; they tasted a little success last year and aren’t ready to let go of what they accomplished. “Our seniors last year had been through a lot. But they bought in to what we were doing and it paid off. Our younger kids saw that and it made an impression. They want to continue what we started in 2014,” says Coach Anders.

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

lee County Trojans

Small in Size, Big at Heart

photography by Diana Glover

The Lee County Trojans are a prime example of the age-old adage that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the size of the dog in the fight, but rather the size of the fight in the dog, that matters. As the smallest school in Class AAAAAA, the Trojans finished the 2014 season with an 8-3 record and made it to the second round of the playoffs before falling at the hands of eventual state runner-up Archer High School (Lawrenceville, Ga.).

Their impressive efforts kept the Trojans ranked throughout the season. They finished the year ranked sixth in the state, and over the course of the season, they reached as high as third. Entering his seventh season over the Lee County football

program, head coach Dean Fabrizio has only experienced two losing seasons in his previous six (2009, 2011). The Trojans are returning 12 starters (four on offense, eight on defense); among them are All-State lineman Chris Barnes and

quarterback Garet Morell on the offensive side of the ball. Barnes was a second-team honoree, while Morell received honorable mention. Ac-

companying them are All-Region members Tray Eafford (wide receiver), Collins Tensley (defensive end), and Otis Reese (defensive back).

College Prospects: Chris Barnes (OL) William Bryant (DB) Tray Eafford (WR)

Region:

GHSA 1-AAAAAA

2014 Region Record:

3-2

Collins Tensley (DE)

2014 Overall Record:

8-3

Ronald Wilson (LB)

Head Coach:

Dean Fabrizio

Garet Morell (QB)

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

#SUPERFAN

Retired educator is Brooks County’s Number one fan

“My interest in sports evolved over time. But I’ve always loved football. It’s full of excitement, and the athleticism of the players is amazing. It’s been said that the spirit of the team is within me, and I believe that. They play better when they hear my milk jug ringing. They know I’m there,” says Gladys Lee, a retired teacher in the Brooks County School System who is the Trojans’ number one fan.

photography by Micki K Photography written by Robert Preston Jr.

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Lee was born in Brooks County and taught high school science for 43 years. Not all teachers like athletics. It doesn’t matter whether you’re talking about high school or college; many schools have an uneasy relationship between academics and athletics. That has never been the case with Gladys Lee. Throughout her years teaching, she was always a huge football fan. She’s at every game, encouraging the players and cheering for the team. The players and coaches know she’s there, and she never gets discouraged. Since Lee retired in 2007, her passion for sports has only grown. During her teaching years, she had thousands of students pass through her classroom. One in particular was Brooks County head football coach Maurice Freeman. She describes Coach Freeman as a quiet, self-controlled young man who always seemed to be in deep thought. “He looked like he always had something on his mind. I told him he would be the first person in his family to graduate from college, and he was. I have an awesome sense of pride when I see how he has grown and evolved. He’s an outstanding parent, head coach, and athletic director. I can still see him walking to class. He had a very perceptive mind, and you could see the potential for greatness. I’m as proud of him as I would be if he was my own son,” she says. Coach Freeman, however, remembers things a little bit differently. “When she was my science teacher, she was mean as a snake,” he laughs. “I didn’t think she even liked me.” During Freeman’s years at Brooks County, Lee has been a rock upon which Freeman and the team have stood. “She’s extremely inspirational,” Coach Freeman says. “She’s powerful in her belief of the success of Brooks County football. Her belief motivates me. She comes to practice, staff meetings, and she’s welcome in the locker room. She has full access, and she can come to anything we do.” He also recalls that Lee just may have been the reason why one of the best football players Georgia has ever turned out ever stepped onto the field. “When I first came to Brooks, she told me about a kid she had in her class. She said he thought he was a basketball player, but Mrs. Lee wanted him

“The players see me on my knees, praying for them in the stands. I call on the Lord all the time for them. When they see me, they say, ‘She’s praying again’,” laughs Lee. on the football field. She told me to get him out there.” That young man was Marcus Stroud. And, as Freeman puts it, “the rest was history.” (Stroud would go on to play for the University of Georgia Bulldogs and spend ten years in the National Football League as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills after being selected 13th overall in the 2001 draft.) Throughout the years, Lee has seen so many big moments and games that’s it’s hard to pick just one. There have been all the great players that passed through the Brooks County program. There was the state championship in 1994. Then there’s the recent success the Trojans have had. But when asked about one particular moment that stands out, Lee didn’t hesitate. She couldn’t recall the year, but she remembered the names and place well. “We were playing Toombs County in Toombs. Decameron Williams, #60, hit a player from Toombs County. I could feel it in the stands. It was heard around the world. When he hit that boy, I said, ‘Oh, Jesus!’ He got up, but it took a while. I can still see it and feel it today,” she says. (According to the Georgia High School Football Historians’ Association, Williams was an All-State linebacker in 1994, the same year that Brooks beat Toombs in Toombs County 19-7 in the quarterfinals of the state playoffs en route to the Trojans’ only state title.) Williams’ hit certainly wasn’t the first time Lee had uttered the name of her

Savior from the stands. She says she prays often for the team, and she is convinced the prayers work. “The players see me on my knees, praying for them in the stands. I call on the Lord all the time for them. When they see me, they say, ‘She’s praying again’,” laughs Lee. She recalls one time in particular playing Jefferson County, Florida, in Monticello. It had to be around 1995. Tommy Jackson was quarterback (he was named All-State that year) and he took a nasty hit from the defense. Coach Freeman took him out of the game. Lee immediately started praying – the Trojans’ best chance to win was with Jackson in the game, she felt. “I prayed, ‘Lord, please let him go back in’,” states Lee. It wasn’t long before Jackson went back in the game and Brooks County ended up winning. So what does Lee do if the Trojans have a down year? She remains positive and supports the kids and the coaches no matter what. “I love the kids, regardless of whether they win or lose. I love them unconditionally. It’s not about winning, but having the desire to win. If I see the heart and desire to win in them, it motivates me. They are a part of me,” she says. But Lee is quick to admit that winning is a lot more fun than losing. And she always has the same expectations every year. “I always say this will be the year we win a state championship. That’s all I want – a state title for my Brooks County Trojans. And I know they will deliver.” ITG

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Valwood Valiants

Valwood Valiants: Business as Usual For the 2014 GISA Region 3-AAA Champion Valwood Valiants, this season will be best summed up with three words: business as usual. “The goal is always the same,” head coach Ashley Henderson says. “We are aiming to compete and win a state championship. I have a lot of confidence in our guys. They know what it takes to be successful both on and off the field.”

photography courtesy of Valwood School

“We have to replace not only good football players, but good leaders and great young men,” Coach Henderson says. “We are trying to put our guys in situations where they have to lead. You have some vocal leaders and some leaders by actions. It’s good to have a mix in there.”

Did you Know? When the 2015 season begins, Valwood will have 14 football players that have graduated within the last three years that are active on college rosters.

The Valiants gave an impressive effort in the 2014 season, finshing 10-2 on the season, including an undefeated 7-0 run through Region

3-AAA, but their title chase ended in a narrow 35-34 loss at the hands of Milledge Academy Trojans (Milledgeville, Ga.) in the second

Region:

GISA 3-AAA

2014 Region Record:

7-0

2014 Overall Record:

10-2

Head Coach:

A. Henderson

round of the GISA Class AAA Playoffs. Although the team didn’t finish the year in the fashion it had hoped, Coach Henderson and the Valiants are anxious for redemption in the upcoming season. “We came up a little short last year,” he says. “We got hit by the injury bug late, but that’s part of the game. No excuses, we just came up

short.” Coach Henderson and his staff are working to replace a talented crop of 2015 graduates, headlined by Region 3-AAA Player of the Year Parker Bonner and 2014 touchdown and interception leader Marik Merine, both of whom will don the red and black of the Valdosta State University Blazers this fall.

In the eyes of the Valiants, the biggest game on the schedule at the moment is the season opener against Memorial Day Academy on August 21 in Savannah, Ga. And, just like their preparation, their reasoning for selecting this game is simple. “That’s the next one,” Coach Henderson says. “You’re only as good as your last game…our guys are hungry.”

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Brooks County Trojans

Brooks County trying to get over Week 14 blues

photography by Alan Cortez

It’s hard to be disappointed with a 14-game season. Yet when you talk to Brooks County head coach Maurice Freeman about the 2014 season, you can detect a little sadness in his voice. The Trojans went 10-4, entered the playoffs as a second seed, and advanced to the semifinals before losing to Benedictine, the eventual state champions. Their losses were scattered throughout the season – non-region losses to Ware and Madison (Florida), one region defeat at the hands of Fitzgerald (which cost them the #1 seed in the playoffs), and then the season-ending loss to Benedictine in the playoffs. “That’s the second year in a row that we’ve lost in Week 14. We’ve got to play better in the semifinals. We’ve just got to,” says Coach Freeman.

It’s clear that Coach Freeman expects his 2015 team to be in a position to repeat the success of the last two years. Since he returned to Quitman, the Trojans have not played fewer than 12 games in a season. Over the last three years, Brooks has played 41 football games – that’s over an extra season squeezed into three years. That kind of volume builds confidence and football fitness that players won’t find anywhere else. And that

gives this year’s group of players a tremendous advantage heading into the season. The Trojans have seven returning starters on offense (all seniors) and five on defense. Among the returners on offense is Demontay Jones, Brooks’s versatile and talented quarterback. At 6’1”, 190, Jones runs hard and is capable of ripping off huge chunks of yards. At the same time, he has a great touch when he drops back to pass. He needs to work on

his accuracy a bit, which is what Freeman and his staff are doing with Jones this summer. Two linemen are back, Chris Williams (5’10”, 240) and Austin White (6’4”, 315), along with running back Devon Wims (5’7”, 170) and three receivers (Nathan Vick, 6’4”, 175; Jarrick Cody, 5’11”, 160; and Terrell Lamons, 5’10”, 165). Defensively, Brooks has two linemen, a linebacker, and two cornerbacks returning. Each one will be required to

Region:

GHSA 1-AA

2014 Region Record:

5-1

2014 Overall Record:

11-4

Head Coach:

Maurice Freeman

play key roles on the Trojans’ defense this year: James Silas (defensive line, 6’, 230), Thomas Bryant (linebacker, 6’, 215), Michael Raiford (corner, 5’10”, 165), Jarrious Rose (corner, 5’8”, 170), and Chandler Poore (defensive end, 5’11”, 215). The Trojans like where they’re at right now. They have a program with a legacy of success, a solid group of players coming back, and a fire in their bellies from a disappointing (albeit a 14-game) season a year

ago. Brooks County ought to be positioned for another great season. “We’ve got to minimize our mistakes on defense and tackle better. We just gave up too many points in the playoffs. On offense, we’ve just got to put more points on the board. It’s that simple. We’re in a tough region. If we can be one of those top four teams at the end of the year, we should be in good shape,” says Coach Freeman.

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Thomas Co. Central yellow jackets

Once again, injuries contribute to premature end to Yellow Jackets’ season

photography courtesy of Thomas Co. Central High School

A year ago, in this very space, I discussed how injuries brought a premature end to the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets’ previous season. More specifically, it was an injury to Adam Choice, TCC’s Clemson-bound quarterback, that contributed directly to the Jackets’ defeat in the first round of the playoffs. Last season, something eerily similar happened. And it quite possibly kept TCC out of the playoffs for the first time in Coach Bill Shaver’s head coaching career. Austin Bryant, the Yellow Jackets’ big defensive end who also signed with Clemson, broke his foot right before TCC’s game against Cairo. The Jackets had won five straight after losing the opener to the Valdosta Wildcats. Things were going pretty well for Thomas County Central, and the Cairo game was supposed to solidify the Jackets as a region contender. Then Bryant went down with his injury, ending his season. His absence disrupted the Yellow Jackets’ defense and likely altered overall team chemistry. They lost to Cairo and went on to drop two of their last three games. “I felt good about the start of our season. We were off to a good start and our young offense was playing well. Then we lost the Cairo game. We were both undefeated in the sub-region. But we had some costly turnovers and they were the better team that night,” says Coach Shaver. “It was the second time in two years that a Division I player didn’t finish the season. After he got hurt, we didn’t play well the rest

of the season.” Thomas County Central lost the play-in game to Bainbridge in week 10 and missed the playoffs. It was another disappointing end to what should have been a great season. Shaver and his staff, however, are optimistic that the lessons they learned the last two seasons will pay off this year. It doesn’t hurt that nine offensive starters are back and there is a new group of gifted coaches joining the staff. The coaching changes at TCC are interesting in and of themselves. Shaver has six new coaches on the defensive side of the ball alone; in seven previous years as head coach, he had only hired three assistants total. Among the new coaches are Jason Butler, former head coach at Bartow, Florida and defensive coordinator in Lakeland, Florida; and Taz Dixon, Lowndes High’s former defensive coordinator. Leonard Dykes also returns home to coach quarterbacks. Dykes was the Yellow Jackets’ quarterback when they won state titles in 1996 and 1997 and was 29-1 in the same offense TCC runs today. “It’s great to have him back in Thomasville,” says Coach Shaver. The nine offensive starters returning are all talented players who can make a difference

by themselves. Together, they have the potential to dominate opposing defenses. Leading the way is junior quarterback Kelias Williams, a 5’9”, 185-pound junior who rushed for 503 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. He’s had a tremendous spring and summer, and is the kind of versatile athlete that Shaver’s split back veer demands. With Williams in the backfield is Nick Patterson, a 5’9”, 200-pound senior who tallied 888 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns a year ago. Protecting Williams and Patterson are four returning linemen: Mason Lawing (5’11”, 220, senior), Demarious Walker (5’11”, 240, senior), Xzontae Green (5’8”, 230, junior), and Bailey King (5’9”, 250,

Region:

GHSA 1-AAAA

2014 Region Record:

6-2

2014 Overall Record:

7-4

Head Coach:

Bill Shaver

junior). Williams’s tight end is back (Noah Harnevious, 6’1”, 205, senior) as are two solid wide receivers (Zack Johnson, 5’11”, 160, senior and Roman Gilliard, 5’11”, 160, senior). With just four returning starters on defense, the Yellow Jackets will have some work to do. Those who are back are talented and are capable of making big plays. However, it’s going to take some time for everyone to come together on that side of the ball. Coach Shaver has one lineman (junior Reid Ansley, 6’1”, 245, 31 tackles), a linebacker (junior Dominique Arrington, 5’8”, 224, 80 tackles),

and two safeties (juniors Derrick Brock, 6’3”, 200, 83 tackles and Earnest McCormick, 5’11”, 170, 41 tackles). In addition, Coach Shaver’s punter (senior Zach Hester, 33.5 yard average) and placekicker (senior Conley Wilhelm, seven of nine on field goals) are back. So what does this mean for the Yellow Jackets? They will need some time for the defense to grow and develop. Their potent offense will have to put up enough points to keep opponents at bay. Last year’s 10-game season was an anomaly and Thomas County Central ought to be ready for deep playoff run in 2015.

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Wife

In the Life of a Football

Megan Henderson Valwood School

written by James Washington photography by Micki K Photography

In 2012, Ashley Henderson took over as the head coach of the Valwood Valiants. In his first two seasons, he took the team to a GISA Class AA State Championship (2012) and an appearance in the title game in 2013. Prior to leading the Valiants, he served as an assistant coach at Valdosta High School. Valwood fans are faithful; they never turn their backs on their team, no matter the outcome. But one fan in particular carries a much more special title than the rest; her name is Megan Henderson. As the head coach’s wife, she has never missed a game. “Before Ashley and I got married, other coach’s wives would joke with me and ask if I was ready to be a ‘football widow’,” Mrs. Henderson says. “I quickly realized that the term ‘football widow’ is no joke! During football season, I take over all non-football related duties (around the house). I don’t think that people really understand just how much time and effort it takes to prepare for the games on Friday nights. There are a lot of hours spent away from home and away from families, and on days that he is able to get home early, he’s still working

until late hours of the night.” Because they have attended the same church since their youth, Mrs. Henderson and her husband had known each other for a while, but they actually became friends about eight years ago. This December will make five years that they have been married, and they have a twoyear-old son named Charlie. “In six years of football seasons, I think I have maybe missed two (games),” Mrs. Henderson says. “The only reason I missed those games was because they were so far away, and I wasn’t able to leave town in time to make the game.” To say her life has changed is quite the understatement. Prior to meeting her future husband, Mrs. Henderson admits that, not only did she never watch football; she knew close to nothing about the game at all. “Now, I’m obsessed,” she says. “When your husband eats, breathes, and dreams football, it’s all you can do to become obsessed too…I look forward to Friday game days every week!” Anyone that knows Coach Henderson or follows his coaching career knows that he prides himself on routine. He will be

the first to tell you that every game day is handled the same way, whether it be a home or road contest. Apparently, the concept is the same throughout the family. “Every game day is exactly the same for Charlie and me,” Mrs. Henderson says. “I work until noon on Fridays, and then Charlie and I pick up lunch and take it out to Ashley. We stay long enough to eat and for Charlie to make his rounds in the athletic building, and then I take him home for a nap (because game days turn into late game nights). We usually arrive at the field about two hours before the start of the game; Charlie walks on the field with Ashley at the beginning of warm-ups.” “I’m always cheering the team on,” she

photography by Micki K Photography written by James Washington

“When your husband eats, breathes, and dreams football, you can’t help but to become obsessed too…I look forward to Friday game days every week!”

says. “I’ve also been known to get pretty heated during games. I’ve even cried at a game before! And after almost every game, I’ll offer advice and criticism. Ashley usually just listens quietly until I get it out of my system.” Through every moment of Valiant football, whether it is a win or loss, one thing never changes. Megan and Charlie Henderson will be there, seated on the 50-yard-line (about four rows up), cheering for the Valwood Valiants. “I’ve learned the more involved I become during the season, the more fun it is,” she says. “While there are sacrifices made during football season, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” ITG

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Thomasville Bulldogs

Coach Ryals: ‘2014 was disappointing, we could have done something special’ A quick look at the Thomasville Bulldogs’ 2014 record hides some surprising facts. At first glance, the 6-5 mark looks very atypical for a Thomasville team. A 2A school with five state titles, 21 region titles, and eight NFL players rightly expects to do better than 6-5. And when you talk to head coach Leroy Ryals, you get the idea that he is unimpressed with how last year turned out. “Yeah, it was disappointing. I thought we had a chance to do something special. We play a tough schedule and we had some injuries. When you’re a 2A school, you’ve got to stay healthy,” he says.

photography courtesy of Thomasville High School

Senior lineman Mason Hodge spent his summer visiting Ivy League schools such as Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Read more about him on page 85!

The Bulldogs started out the season with three straight losses – to West Laurens, Cairo, and Valdosta. The Valdosta game in particular was a tough pill to swallow. The mighty Wildcats edged Thomasville 10-0 in Valdosta. After that loss, the Bulldogs won five straight games before losing by 10 to Brooks County with the region championship on the line. Had Thomasville won the game, the Bulldogs would have taken the region championship. With the loss, however, Thomasville ended up in a three-way tie for first with Brooks and Fitzgerald. The Bulldogs lost the tiebreaker and had to travel for the first round – to Savannah

to play eventual state champions Benedictine. “We just didn’t play well enough to win against Brooks. And that put us on the road against Benedictine,” says Coach Ryals. The Bulldogs are left with a lot of question marks heading into 2015. Graduation decimated the offense, leaving just two returning starters. But they’re good ones and they’re in key positions – the offensive line. Senior Mason Hodge (6’3”, 265) and junior Thomas Rayburn (5’9”, 260) are big, strong kids who can move well and keep defenders at bay. They will play a vital role in leading the rest of the line and protecting the

skill guys behind them. Under center this year will be a sophomore – J.T. Rice (6’2”, 180), a talented young man who has a very bright future ahead of him. Coach Ryals will use several different running backs but all are fast, powerful runners. The defense, however, is another story. The Bulldogs have some depth on that side of the ball. All the linebackers are back and the line is solid. The secondary is where the trouble spots are. The entire secondary is gone and Coach Ryals and his staff will have to “be creative” when filling those positions. Key defensive players include Gavin Hiers (LB, 5’10”, 190),

Tyler Lowe (LB, 5’11”, 185), Jacobi Hayes (LB, 5’11”, 200), and Tahja Porter (nose guard, 6’1”, 270). “The rest of the front seven got a lot of playing time last year so we should be OK there. The secondary? That’s where our question marks are. But it’s up to us as coaches to answer those questions,” says Coach Ryals. This year, Coach Ryals expects his team to work hard and be in the mix at the end of the season. Since he’s

been at Thomasville, his teams have lost just two region games – both times against Brooks. They need to figure out a way to beat Brooks County without overlooking anybody else in the region. “There will be no excuses. Not here at Thomasville. We’ve got to find a way to play well. And we play in a tough region. There are no gimmes here,” he says.

Region:

GHSA 1-AA

2014 Region Record:

5-1

2014 Overall Record:

6-5

Head Coach:

LeRoy Ryles

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

COOK HORNETS

New Coach, Same Goal: State Title

photography courtesy of Cook High School

Hornets’ head coach Bobby Jones is entering his first year with a team that went undefeated in region play (6-0) in 2014. After taking home the Region 1-AAA title, the Hornets stormed into the playoffs with a decisive 42-14 victory over the Central Chargers (Macon, Ga.). However; their title run would come to an end in the second round in a low-scoring loss to Hart County (Hartwell, Ga.). The team will be returning ten starters in 2015; eight on offense and two on defense. And after a strong outing last year, the expectations are just as high. “We want to contend for a region champion-

ship,” Coach Jones said. We want to make the playoffs and contend for a state title.” In preparation for the season, Coach Jones actually took a step back with his team, in hopes that energy can be prop-

erly stored for opening night and beyond. “We went from four workouts a week in the summer to three,” he said. “It should help our kids not to burn out.” Coach Jones is not the only new face in Adel;

upon accepting his head coaching position, he retooled the coaching staff, hiring five new faces for the fall. We want our boys to play hard,” he said. “We

want them to be disciplined in what they do, and we want them to buy into our program. We have to take these games one at a time if we want to be successful.”

Region:

GHSA 1-AAA

2014 Region Record:

6-0

2014 Overall Record:

9-3

Head Coach:

Bobby Jones

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Coffee County Trojans

Trojans Motivated by Memory The Coffee County High School Trojans had their share of ups and downs over the course of the last year. They completed an impressive 10-2 season (7-1 in Region 3-AAAAA) that included an eight-game win streak that carried them into the second round of the GHSA Class AAAAA State Playoffs.

photography by Robert Preston Jr.

Leading Passer: Tyree Paulk (136-210, 1,543 yards, 18 TD) Leading Rusher: Demetrius Davis (134 carries, 862 yards, 10 TD) Leading Receiver: Anthony Fussell (41 receptions, 441 yards, 3 TD)

On the down side, however, the Trojans suffered a loss that can never be replaced or repaired. On May 17 of this year, the community lost one of their beloved Trojans to kidney cancer at the tender age of 18. Malik Sparkman, an upcoming senior linebacker in the Coffee defense, had been recruited by Florida State University for his talents and abilities on the gridiron, and his passing was

tremendously felt by all that ever crossed his path. “I’m proud of our team’s togetherness after losing Malik,” says Coffee County head coach Robby Pruitt. “This year, he will be our motivation.” The Trojans have a solid foundation for the season, returning a total of 11 starters on both sides of the ball (five on offense, six on defense). Leading the way offensively will be last year’s

leading rusher, Demetrius Davis, and offensive lineman Hunter Spivey. “Last season was a good building block,” Coach Pruitt says. “We have to take that next step. Hopefully, we will improve during the course of the season. We need to improve weekly, get the most out this

team, and be consistent.” The Trojans look to continue their push to a title in the 2015 season

as they open the year at home against North Oconee High School (Bogart, Ga.).

Region:

GHSA 3-AAAAA

2014 Region Record:

7-1

2014 Overall Record:

10-2

Head Coach:

Robby Pruit

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Lowndes High School has plenty to be proud of when it comes to their football program. In its storied history, the team has won five state titles (1980, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007), they have been crowned region champion ten times, and have completed undefeated seasons on multiple occasions. However, the talent of Lowndes High extends well beyond the football team. Before the games, the blaring sounds of the marching band fill the air. During halftime, thousands of fans are treated to a group of hundreds of musicians, cheerleaders, and dancers as they thrill the crowd with their unmatched artistic abilities. But, most importantly, win or lose, the marching band leaves the Concrete Palace with their heads held high, proud of the fight that their companions put forth on the field. The Lowndes Vikings are a force to be reckoned with. But they wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the same without the Georgia Bridgemen. In this issue of In the Game, we spotlight three of the members of the legendary program to see just what it takes to be a member of the Bridgemen, and what takes place on a typical game day.

I absolutely love the football games! There is nothing like being in front of the crowd and entertaining them. I have a lot of pride in my school, and our football team is one of the best around. - Kelsie

written by James Washington photography by Micki K Photography

Mason McGeehan Class: Senior Instrument: Baritone Mason McGeehan is in his final season of high school marching, and he has been rewarded for his hard work by being selected as a section leader for the group of 45 baritones marching this fall. This only adds to his list of accolades; this will be his second year as a section leader, with his first coming as a junior. “There will be three section leaders for the baritones,” Mason says. “It will be second year as a leader, and I really appreciate the honor.” Many people underestimate the amount of hard work and dedication that goes into being a member of the marching band, and the Georgia Bridgemen are certainly no exception. “We practice on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday,” he says. “Before the games on Friday nights, we meet behind the band room and run through the part of the show that we’re doing that night, and then we head to the field for pregame.” Mason’s talent extends beyond the marching field; he also participates in band programs throughout the year at Lowndes High, where he is also gifted with the ability to play the trombone. While he just started playing the baritone in high school, he has been performing on the trombone since his sixth-grade year at Lowndes Middle School. “I’ll miss everything about the Bridgemen,” he says. “I like to go all the places that we do, I enjoy the games, and I enjoy all of our contests. We’re like one big family.”

Kelsie Davis Class: Senior Section: Color Guard Kelsie Davis is a rather unique member of the Bridgemen. She has experience in the band, as she began playing the flute as a sixthgrader; but during football season, she dazzles the crowd, not with her instrumental ability, but rather with her skills as a color guard captain. “I absolutely love the football games,” Kelsie says. “There is nothing like being in front of the crowd and entertaining them. I have a lot of pride in my school, and our football team is one of the best around.” Kelsie explains that the color guard, on game day, arrives early, peps the team and the school throughout the day. Prior to the game, they hype the crowd and, in special moments of unity and camaraderie, they chant and cheer as the band performs songs to pump up the team. “The team loves to hear ‘All I Do is Win” and “Big Things Poppin’,” she says. “Those are two of their favorites. Kelsie’s talents have earned her various acknowledgements throughout her high school years. She was the captain of Lowndes High’s first JV Winter Guard during her freshman year. In her junior year, she was named co-captain of the varsity Winter Guard.

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Brayden Grantham Class: Junior Section: Trumpet Brayden Grantham is a rare breed in the world of marching band. He is a member of the Georgia Bridgemen, where he will have the distinct honor of being a section leader of the trumpets. As a junior, leading the group of 50-plus players is both a rarity and an

earned privilege. “My freshman year, I was third chair trumpet,” Brayden says. “For my sophomore season, I moved up to second, and this year, I have reached first chair. We have a great relationship with the football team. After pregame, as we leave the field, we jump on the players, we bump them, and we shout at them to tell them how great they are and

that we’re always behind them. I’m just so proud to be a member of a group that’s 400 strong, and I’m honored to be a part of such a group with such a deep and strong heritage.” Heritage is an understatement when it comes to Brayden; his mother, Lee, was a member of the Bridgemen in their early stages as well. During her tenure as a Viking, she served as a section leader for the clarinets. “We talk about her experiences all the time,” Brayden says. “She likes to give me pointers and advice for when I’m out there on the field.” Brayden’s strong will and focus pushes him far beyond his marching; he is a first-chair trumpet in the concert band, he is a pitcher for the Vikings’ baseball team, and he is also holding down a 4.0 grade point average. “I give all the credit to God for what I am accomplishing,” he says. “I am organized and disciplined because of Him, and I make sure to lead by example. I want everything that I do to be a testament to my faith in God and to be an example to others.” ITG

C Clinch County Panthers Panthers return tremendous experience, talent for 2015

photography by Wes Sewell

A couple of years ago, in this very space, Clinch County Panthers head coach Jim Dickerson said the next few years could be lean for his football team. They had experienced tremendous success but many of those athletes had graduated. And, like most high school teams have to do from time to time, the Panthers needed to rebuild. The 2012 season was a dismal one; it was Clinch’s first losing year since the mid-80s. They rebounded with a 12-game season in 2013 and an 11-game campaign last year. Still, for a team four years removed from a state title, those weren’t great records. Throughout it all, Coach Dickerson has remained positive, particularly regarding last year. “Our record in 2014 wasn’t indicative of the year we had. We lost some non-region games early on. Then we won five out of our last six regular-season games. I thought we were going to be in a position to make a strong playoff run,” he says. They drew Commerce in the first round. Unfortunately, Clinch picked Week 11 in which to play its worst game of the year. “I don’t want to take too much away from them. They played a great game. But we played our worst game of the season that night. It was really disappointing. They beat us soundly – it was like we didn’t even show up,” states Dickerson. While last season was very frustrating at times, Coach Dickerson feels much more optimistic about this year’s team. It looks like that rebuilding period might be coming to an end and the Panthers should be ready to hit their stride again. Clinch graduated just three players from last year’s team, and the Panthers have a group of 10 seniors suiting up for 2015. “We only had three last year and five or six the year before. Ten is a good number for a

Read more about Manac in the September issue of In the Game!

Region:

GHSA 2-A

2014 Region Record:

5-2

2014 Overall Record:

6-5

Head Coach:

jim dickerson

program of our size. The three we graduated were all defensive backs. At every other position, we have just about the entire team back. We have a lot of experience at every position,” says Dickerson. The most exciting player for Clinch this year is Chauncey Manac, a 6’3”, 225-pound defensive end/tight end who has committed to the University of Georgia. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Manac is a four-star recruit and Georgia’s sixthranked overall prospect. Manac will also see some time at inside linebacker. He’s a game-changer whose presence alone will make a huge difference on Friday nights.

The Panthers also return Shannon Young, a 200pound junior running back who rushed for over 1,300 yards last year. Young is a powerful, fast runner who will be the Panthers’ go-to back in 2015. Trezman Marshall is a young man Dickerson praises but maybe just a little reluctantly. A 14-year-old freshman upon whom Dickerson doesn’t want to put too much pressure, Marshall already stands 6’1” and weighs 212 pounds. A running back/quarterback prospect, Marshall led the Clinch middle school program to three straight undefeated conference championships. In the spring, he threw a ball 72 yards in the air

and is already one of the most physically imposing players Clinch has. “He’s one of the top four or five athletes on our team. He will probably start for us but he’s still very green. He’s got a lot to learn but he’s going to be a very good player,” says Dickerson. Other key players include a pair of linemen, Ryan Moore (6’4”, 310) and John Gray (6’2”, 250). Both are talented, tough kids who have a ton of potential. Linebacker Marcus Hodges, a twotime All Region selection, led Clinch in tackles each of the last two years and will be back one more time. Charles McClelland is penciled in as the Panthers’ quarterback but he’s going to be competing with Marshall as the season nears. Marshall has a stronger arm but McClelland is more polished under center. Two other important players are Ashton Manac, Chauncey’s younger brother, and junior Octavious Morris. Both will compete at defensive end. However, Dickerson states that both will play somewhere. “They are just too good not to be on the field,” he says. One challenge the Panthers will have to overcome is the loss of two assistant coaches. Rance Morgan, former secondary coach, and

Jeremy Edwards, former wide receivers coach, both left Clinch after last season. The school board didn’t replace either one (in fact, the Clinch BOE didn’t replace any teacher who left the system or retired), leaving the Panthers with just four coaches on staff. “Those were quality coaches and I hated losing them. But we’ve taken some financial hits throughout the school system. I always have mixed emotions when we lose coaches. I like it that they’re able to better themselves and their families but at the same time, I hate to see good coaches leave. Those two are great coaches and we’re going to miss them,” says Dickerson. “We’ll hit the field with two fewer coaches and the four of us will just have to coach on both sides of the ball. There won’t be any more specialization from a coaching standpoint.” Despite losing a pair of assistants, the Panthers ought to be positioned to have an excellent season. They’ve got one of the best players in the state – in any classification – on the 2015 team. They also have tremendous experience, speed, and a team full of kids who want to win. The upcoming season is looking pretty good from the Panthers’ point of view.

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Fitzgerald purple hurricanes

Firmly established, Strickland and the ‘Canes aim for another run at a title

photography courtesy of Fitzgerald High School

Will the fourth year be the charm? That may seem like a silly question to ask about a team that has only one state title to its credit – and that championship came way back in 1948. But the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes have a legacy of great football. Several of their teams have come oh so close to winning a state championship in recent years. And the 2014 team came about as close as any Fitzgerald team. Fitzgerald head coach Jason Strickland came to town four years ago. He had big shoes to fill – replace Robby Pruitt, who left Fitzgerald for Coffee County. Coach Pruitt was a larger than life figure, widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the state. Succeeding him would not be easy. Strickland, however, was up to the task. In his first season, the ‘Canes went 10-3. Another playoff year followed in 2013. Then last year, Fitzgerald went all the way to the semifinals but lost to Greater Atlanta Christian by a field goal. “I feel like we’re establishing our own legacy here in Fitzgerald,” says Coach Strickland. “Coach Pruitt did such a good job. We didn’t have to overhaul anything, just build on what he accomplished.

The community welcomed us and we’ve had great support from the administration.” That’s what success will do for you – bring you out of the shadow of a legend and into your own. That’s where the Purple Hurricanes are right now. They had a great season last year. But they’re hungry for more. And they’ve got a team built for another deep playoff run. “I was happy with what we accomplished last year. We had some question marks – we didn’t know what we had on the offensive line. Our quarterback had never taken a snap. But our seniors were determined that we’d have a great season. And we did,” says Coach Strickland. Graduation took 14 players from last year’s

semifinal team. But for Strickland, it’s more of who graduated than how many. The ‘Canes lost a lot of players with great character, good kids who led by example and willed their teammates to win. It’s easy to plug someone in a vacant position; it’s much more difficult to find leaders who don’t mind laying everything on the line for the team. Thankfully for the Fitzgerald faithful, several kids are ready to step up and shoulder the responsibility of leading the 2015 Purple Hurricanes. Coach Strickland mentioned three different players whom the ‘Canes will definitely lean on this year. The first is fullback J.D. King, a 5’11”, 205-pound junior. King has been offered by Georgia Southern and

is an excellent leader, both on the field and in the classroom. “We’re really excited about J.D. He’s a great all-around player,” says Strickland. One of Fitzgerald’s most important position on offense is the center. He is the anchor of the offensive line and the center in Strickland’s version of the wing-T has tremendous responsibility. Kobe Burch, a 6’1”, 225-pounder, will fill that position for this year’s Purple Hurricanes and Strickland is expecting big things from the big, athletic lineman. Senior linebacker Buck Lundy will set the tone for the rest of the defense. The 5’10”, 215-pounder is starting for the third year in a row. “He understands the role he will have to play and we’re going to

ask a lot out of him,” says Coach Strickland. The Purple Hurricanes will look similar to what they have the previous three years under Strickland. There won’t be any significant changes and Strickland and company would like to pick up where they left off last year – winning games, contending for a region title, navigating the playoff bracket through November and into December. It won’t be easy given what they lost last year. However, Coach Strickland has a proven formula for success, the kids in Fitzgerald are always up for a gridiron challenge, and the community is behind the kids all the way. It ought to be another great year for the Purple Hurricanes.

Region:

GHSA 1-AA

2014 Region Record:

5-1

2014 Overall Record:

13-2

Head Coach:

Jason strickland

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

South Georgia Area Football Cheerleading 2015

A Cheerleaderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

GAME DAY!

by Robert Preston Jr. photography by Micki K Photography

Cheerleading has certainly changed over the years.

At one time, a cheerleaderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job was simply to stand on the sidelines, wave pom-poms, and look pretty. As the game of football has evolved, so have the requirements and roles of cheerleaders. Once more of an activity, cheerleading is now a bona fide sport, and the athletic ability required to be a sideline cheerleader is on par with that of sports like basketball, softball, soccer, and others. Cheerleaders also have specific requirements for game day. Cheering is equal parts performance and athletic competition, and it takes tremendous preparation to get ready for the Friday night lights. We spent a few minutes with cheerleaders from Lowndes, Tift, Valdosta, and Lee County in order to gain a better understanding of what is required of cheerleaders on game day.

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Jennessee Niehanke Lowndes High

“It’s intense. But it’s also fun. We’re all friends, and what we do is an extension of the team.”

also go to the field house and begin putting up signs before the game. These are tasks they perform throughout the school day. Cheerleaders are also responsible for selling raffle tickets until the pre-game festivities begin. There are two raffles – a 50/50 raffle and a raffle for a large gift basket. Everything they do is a way of supporting the program and letting the players know that they appreciate the sacrifices they make for the community and school. “We are always there for the players whether we win or lose. We set the mood for the team, and we get the crowd involved,” she says. Once the game begins, the girls stay positive and do their best to keep the spirits high in the stands. They are smiling, positive, and they make sure they acknowledge the players by name and number. “That motivates and

Tylar Fallow Lee County High

Jennessee Niehanke has been a varsity cheerleader for the Vikings for three years. She first made the varsity squad as a sophomore and has been on varsity every year since. She began cheering when she was seven years old, and from sixth grade to eighth grade, she was a sideline cheerleader and competition cheerleader. Since she has been in high school, she has been a sideline cheerleader only. “I just always wanted to be a cheerleader. It’s all I wanted to do,” she says. At Lowndes, a cheerleader’s work on game day begins before school even starts. Cheerleaders help do the morning announcements and they help feed the players before school. The junior and senior cheerleaders get ready together before the game; their moms prepare a meal, and they all eat together. They

“We are always there for the players whether we win or lose. We set the mood for the team, and we get the crowd involved.”

inspires them. They appreciate what we do for them. We’re there to encourage them and keep them motivated,” says Niehanke. For Niehanke, cheering has done as much for her as

Tylar Fallow made the varsity team for the first time as a junior. This will be her second year on varsity, but she has several years of competition experience. At Lee, girls can be on both the sideline and competition teams; Fallow has been a competition cheerleader since she was a sophomore. The girls have a pretty normal day at school on game days. After school, however, they are busy until the game ends. They eat together after school then get everything ready – coolers, snacks, drinks, and they put their mats out on the field. They also put up signs and posters around the stadium. “We get together and we stay together after school,” she says. Fallow and her teammates don’t see the players before the game; the players are going through

it has for the football team. “Cheering has made me who I am. It’s made me more outgoing and friendly. I would be a very shy person if I didn’t cheer,” she says.

their own preparation as well. Once they have all their equipment ready and the stadium signs in place, they are ready to perform. “We keep smiling, we keep cheering, and we have a lot of fun,” she says. One thing that Fallow didn’t understand was how difficult cheering would be. “It’s intense. But it’s also fun. We’re all friends, and what we do is an extension of the team. It comes naturally to us.” During the football season, Lee’s competition team may have a competition on Saturday. Those weekends are pretty tough. “When we have a good game on Friday then a competition on Saturday, it’s not so bad at all. Our competitions don’t start until after lunch so we have time to get ready,” she says.

Courtney Cook is a senior at Tift County who has made the varsity squad three straight years. As a freshman, she was on the competition cheerleading team, but decided she wanted to be a sideline cheerleader for her remaining years in high school. “I like the atmosphere of football more. It’s also more fun for me to be on the sidelines. I like being on the football field more than I like being on the floor,” she says. And since a young lady can’t be both a competition cheerleader and sideline cheerleader at Tift, she chose football. Game day is a pretty typical school day for the cheerleaders – unless there’s a pep rally. On pep rally days, the schedule changes to accommodate the rally. “Rallies are fun. It’s great to get the players and students involved before a game,” states Cook.

“I want us to go to the playoffs again. It was such a great experience last year.”

Courtney Cook Tift County High After school, the cheerleaders meet and begin getting ready for the game. They get dressed together, eat to-

gether, and prepare mentally. Cook says that it takes them hours to adequately prepare. Once they are ready, they get

to the stadium 90 minutes before game time and place their signs. “Before we go out on the field, we say a prayer together. That’s an important part of what we do before each game,” she says. During the game, the cheerleaders treat their work as both a performance and a way of supporting the team. “We keep up the spirits of the students. At the same time, we’re putting on a performance in front of the entire crowd. We’re dedicated to the students and the team. It’s an honor to be a cheerleader. It’s made my experience in high school great,” she says. And what would she like to see the Blue Devils accomplish this season? “I want us to go to the playoffs again,” she says. “It was such a great experience last year. I want us to come together as a family and win more games.”

Dawson West Valdosta High Things are a little different at Valdosta High. The tradition, the legacy, and the pomp and circumstance that surround the Valdosta High football team extend to the cheerleaders as well. “My brother was a Wildcat. I grew up going to Wildcat games. I always wanted to be a Wildcat cheerleader,” says West. Game day at Valdosta High is just different than any other day of the year. “We wake up happier and everyone has a different attitude,” says West. The cheerleaders give goody bags to the players that morning. During homeroom, they begin putting up signs around Valdosta High. After school, much like has already been discussed, the girls get ready for the game together. They go the stadium at 5:30. At 6:15, the Cat Walk takes place. Once the game begins, it’s like nothing else in town. “I can’t describe it. It’s so much fun. We are performers, but we are also there to support the team and pump up the crowd. We’re not there for us; we’re there for the crowd. We want the players to know we’re there to cheer them on,” she says. For West, the benefits of being a cheerleader are too numerous to list. But maybe the most important part is being a part of the Wildcat tradition. “We know the game and we love football. We want to go out of our way to make the game more spirited. It’s a great experience knowing you’re a part of the team and you went out of your way to make the game more fun,” she says.

“We know the game and we love football. We want to go out of our way to make the game more spirited.”

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

TIFTAREA PANTHERS

Panthers Look to Build on First Playoff Berth

photography courtesy of Tiftarea Academy

The 2015 Tiftarea Panthers look to continue their winning ways this season, and they have good reason to be confident in their abilities moving forward. Last year’s team accomplished what no other had done in the school’s history: making the playoffs in GISA Region 3-AAA.

“We go hard, no matter the location,” says newly appointed head coach, Tully Payne. “Last season was a great momentum change for this team, and I believe this team will do great

things this year.” The team will be fairly fresh, returning only three starters (one on offense, two on defense), but Coach Payne believes that, with determination and

community support, the Panthers can return to the postseason once more. “We have great support from administration, our athletic director, our booster club,

Region:

GISA 3-AAA

2014 Region Record:

3-3

2014 Overall Record:

7-4

Head Coach:

TULLY PAYNE

and others,” he says. “We have added several people to our coaching staff. All I ask is that our boys play hard, play fast, and have fun. It is my job to personally motivate them in any way that I can.” Leading the way under center will returning quarterback Logan Carswell. Although he will be commanding a virtually brand-new offense, Coach Payne is convinced that the perseverance of his locker room will carry the Panthers a long way. “As long as our players do the best they can, the season is a win,”

he says. “I want them to do their best, and I want them to expect to win. It’s all about confidence.”

THE CHULA DOME

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Crisp County Cougars

New Cougar Coach Ready to Reach New Heights With the exception of one, the coaching staff of the Crisp County Cougars is brand new. Although the staff has changed, and many key players have been lost to graduation, new head coach Shelton Felton believes that consistency and attention to detail will help to improve on the team’s 3-7 finish from a season ago.

photography courtesy of Crisp County High School

“We just want to be physical and sound,” Coach Felton says. “This year’s seniors have never gotten to experience playoff football. I believe that if we focus, play fast, and play hard, we can make that happen.” The Cougars open their season with their work definitely cut out for them, as their first two games are on the road against Lee County, and 2014 playoff team, and Colquitt County, the 2014 GHSA Class AAAAAA State Champions.

“Our entire offensive line is returning,” Coach Felton says. “I just want these boys to play hard. If our hard work and words of encouragement are where they should be, then I believe the rest will take care of

itself. After two tough road games to open the season, the Cougars get to return to their home, the Cougar Den, for a home opener against Worth County. “It’s key for the fans and the community to

come to games,” Coach Felton says. “The kids love looking up and hearing the fans cheering them on. We look forward to our first home game. It’s a new day in Cougar football, and we’re ready to show that to our community.”

Region:

GHSA 1-AAAA

2014 Region Record:

3-5

2014 Overall Record:

3-7

Head Coach:

Shelton Felton

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Titletown Titans bring Pop Warner football to Valdosta

photography by Lindsi Jones written by Robert Preston Jr.

Much like the other football teams in the area, the Titletown Titans, Valdosta’s Pop Warner football affiliate, are preparing for the upcoming season. The Titans field seven different teams, from Tiny Mite (ages 5, 6, and 7) to Midget (12, 13, 14, and 15). The kids on the various teams in the program play teams from the South Georgia region – Moultrie, Thomasville, Albany (two different programs), and Lee County. They also play teams from outside of the area throughout the season. The players on each of the teams within the Titans organization learn the same principles of hard work, setting goals, working together as a team, and never giving up. In the process, they learn the game of football and prepare themselves to be better players at the middle school and high school level. Each team is unique and possesses its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The Junior Pee Wee Titans (9, 10, and 11 year olds), however, are a particularly interesting group. These players have a state title to their credit (2013) and many are in their last year of the program. They have truly come together as a team and grown as football players. Here are a few of the kids who will play pivotal roles on the 2015 Junior Pee Wee squad.

Wyatt Tedder: The Titans’ center, Tedder, 11, is another threeyear starter. He’s a brilliant kid who already knows how to read defenses. Tedder isn’t a big player – he’s only about 85 pounds – but he moves well and has great footwork. He sets the tone for the rest of the Titans’ offensive line.

JaDarian Rhym: A three-year starter at running back, the 11year-old Rhym is the best in a stable of excellent running backs on the Junior Pee Wee Titans. He’s fast, quick, and capable of breaking big runs from anywhere on the field. He’s also a hard-hitting linebacker on defense. He averages about 10 touchdowns per season and ought to do the same this year.

Ty Bridges: A 2014 All-American Scholar, Bridges is an 11-year-old quarterback who will be a threeyear starter. A coach on the field, Bridges is a tremendous leader with a huge arm. He knows the game, is very elusive, and he is the kind of kid who doesn’t come around often. Bridges is also an excellent baseball player and, if he continues to work and further learn the game, will be an incredible high school football and baseball player.

Canyon Hebb: Another 2014 AllAmerican Scholar, Hebb, 11, is a two-year starter at tight end/ defensive end. Hebb is a great blocker and the most aggressive offensive lineman on the team. He received the Best Offensive Lineman award at the annual banquet and is a very smart player.

Jordan Gatlin and Alijah McKeithern: A pair of 10-year-olds, both will be expected to play huge roles for the Titans this year. Gatlin, last year’s Offensive Player of the Year, is a hard-hitting running back and linebacker. He plays a lot heavier than his 72 pounds dictate. McKeithern is a defensive end/linebacker who impresses coaches and fans alike with his style of play. Last year’s Defensive Player of the Year, he is a tremendous athlete who strikes fear in his opponents. Though they are both 10, this will be their third year in the program.

Bainbridge bearcats

Bearcats Aim to Build on Playoff Berth

photography courtesy of Bainbridge High School

The Bainbridge Bearcats finished with a winning record, going 6-5 over the 2014 season, but according to head coach Jeff Littleton, that record could have easily been different.

“We lost two overtime games,” he says. “But overall, we were close in all the games that we played. We just have to pay attention to the little things in planning and preparation.” Overall, the Bearcats saw their share of success last year. As the number-three seed from Region 1-AAAA SubRegion B, they defeated

Sub-Region A’s numbertwo seeded Thomas County Central Yellowjackets in the Region Play-in game to earn a berth in the Class AAAA State Playoffs. Coach Littleton believes that his team can improve and see more success in the 2015 season. “I expect our team to play with passion and give great effort,” he says.

“We should compete, day-in and day-out, and accept all challenges. And last, but not least, I expect our players to trust one another. If we can do that, we will be in good shape.” The Bearcats are primed to make an impact in the 2015 season, and they open their schedule against the Early County Bobcats

Region:

GHSA 1-AAAA

2014 Region Record:

5-4

2014 Overall Record:

6-5

Head Coach:

Jeff Littleton

(Blakely, Ga.) in front of their home fans at Centennial Field. “We look forward to playing in front of our

home crowd,” Coach Littleton says. “It is very important for our fans to cheer our players at the games.”

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Cairo syrupmakers

New Staff, No Problem There’s a simple mantra in Cairo: If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. There will be many changes on the sideline for the Syrupmakers: seniors have graduated, the coaching staff boasts new faces, and the school has even welcomed a new athletic director and principal. But, on the gridiron, success will come from repetition.

GHSA 1-AAAA

2014 Region Record:

6-1

2014 Overall Record:

9-2

Head Coach:

Steve devoursney

one constant that the Syrupmakers can rely on: their fans. “The support of our community is vital to the success of our program,” Coach DeVoursney says. “Our fans are the ‘12th man’.” The coaching staff looks to build on a strong outing last season, and they fully understand that it has to happen on week at

a time. As of now, they are eyeing one game on the schedule, and one game only: their season opener against Thomasville High School. “Home or away, preparation is the same,” Coach DeVoursney says. “We want to develop quality athletes physically, mentally, and spiritually. We want to keep the Syrupmaker tradition going.”

photography courtesy of Cairo High School

Region:

“We had a good year last year, and we will continue to build on that success,” says first-year Cairo Syrupmakers head football coach, Steve DeVoursney. “We are playing a lot of young kids, a lot of new faces… It should be a fun and exciting year watching these players develop.” The new players that Coach DeVoursney speaks of are walking

into a locker room with a strong history; last year’s team made it to the second round of the GHSA Class AAAA State Playoffs. He credits their intense work ethic and their pride in their school tradition as key factors behind their success. And, although there are a few changes throughout the locker room, he expects the same intensity in his first

season in charge. “We lost a lot of seniors this past season,” he says. “Our returning players are going to have to step up and fill some big positions and be leaders on and off the field.” The team will be returning seven starters; three on offense and four on defense. While the players and schemes may change, there is

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

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IRWIN COUNTY INDIANS

Coach Nobles Building a Contender with Character The Irwin County Indians were a mere ten points away from a championship victory in 2014. After going undefeated in Region 2-A (7-0), they reeled off three impressive wins in the postseason before ultimately falling in the GHSA Class A State Championship to the Hawkinsville Red Devils (Hawkinsville, Ga.), 15-6.

photography by Sarah Turner

After a Week Four loss to Fitzgerald High School (4012), the Indians reeled off ten straight wins (including playoff victories) before falling to Hawkinsville High School in the GHSA Class A State Championship Game at the Georgia Dome.

“Our kids played as well as they could have,” says Indians head coach, Buddy Nobles. “They did everything we ask of them, in season and out of season. We are approaching this season with the same preparation.” The team will be without 2015 graduates Jakyron Young and Robert Moore, who carried the rushing load for the

Indians. However, Irwin County is returning nine starters, led by junior quarterback Zach Tolar and running back DJ Pollard. Away from the gridiron, the team and the coaching staff acknowledge that their fan support is a major factor in their success. “Our fan support from the school and the community is great here

in Irwin County,” Coach Nobles says. “That pride that is shown helps us as a team each Friday night. It feels good to know that we have the support of the entire community.” Coach Nobles has done an exceptional job leading a contender in the Irwin County Indians, but he has done just as good of a job teaching his players

about the importance of character building and positive attitudes away from the game. “We expect all of our players to have character at all times, at school, in the commu-

nity, and at home,” he says. “In teaching them this, we hopefully will help them develop into men that our community and our country need at such a vital time.”

Region:

GHSA 2-A

2014 Region Record:

7-0

2014 Overall Record:

11-2-1

Head Coach:

BUDDY NOBLES

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Worth County Rams

For the Worth County Rams, Consistency is Key Entering his third season over the Worth County Rams, head coach Jason Tone is looking to build on the strong season that the Rams completed in 2014.

photography courtesy of Worth County High School

The Worth County Rams are returning seven offensive starters, including five running backs.

“Last season was a turning point for our team,” Coach Tone says. “We were fortunate enough to go 6-2 in the region. Although we didn’t perform like we wanted to in the playoffs, we are looking to use this momentum to carry us to the next level. We want to use last year to help us compete for a region championship.” Worth County only dropped two region games, both to eventual region champion Cairo. In order to remain in the hunt for a region title, Coach Tone says that repetition is going to be extremely important. “Consistency is a big lesson from last season,” he says. “We must be

consistent week-in and week-out if we are going to step up to the next level in Region 1-AAAA. We stick to the same plan regardless of home or away. The warm up time might change a little as far as pregame goes, but the overall plan is the same.” The Rams have a strong running attack to lean on this year. Last year’s running core, which led the region, is returning five key members. “Offensively, we want to run the football on offense and make them pay with play action passes when they come up to defend the run,” Tone says. “ Defensively, we want to establish a physicality on defense

so that the other offense can’t dictate to us what they want.” As with any football program, wins are desired in Sylvester. But Coach Tone knows that victories are gained through much more than the final score indicates. “You are always defined on wins and losses,” Tone says. “That’s why they keep score. But I would just like us to get better every week. If I can see improvement from week to week, and we can grow as a team, I will consider that a winning season. A lot of the time, the scoreboard will take care of itself if the players come together and play as one.”

Region:

GHSA 1-AAAA

2014 Region Record:

6-2

2014 Overall Record:

6-4

Head Coach:

Jason Tone

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Pelham hornets

Pelham Hornets: strive to finish

photography courtesy of Pelham High School

Last season, the Pelham Hornets finished with a record of 4-6 (1-5 in Region 1-AA). Their record left them in last place in the region, but newly appointed head coach Dondrial Pinkins is looking toward the future.

“Last year, the Hornets were in position to win three more games entering the fourth quarter,” Coach Pinkins says. “This year, we will strive to finish each game winning the fourth quarter.” As far as experience, the Hornets are limited; they are only returning a total of seven starters (four on offense, three on defense). But the coaching staff believes

that, through a complete team effort, success can be achieved. “The best motivator is being hands on with workouts, conditioning, drills, and plays,” Coach Pinkins says. “When a player understands that you can do what you are asking them to do, it is encouraging. This makes players want to be better because, as a coach, you are not just telling them what to do.

They will respect you more and want to play if they know you are willing to put sweat in the bucket with them.” The Hornets will open the 2015 season with hopes of reaching the top of Region 1-AA. While a goal of seven or more wins is the key, the team knows that it is a long process. “Our preparation will be consistent,” Coach Pinkins says. “We plan

to have the same mindset at home and on the road. We will look to improve and take the

season one week at a time.”

Region:

GHSA 1-AA

2014 Region Record:

1-5

2014 Overall Record:

4-6

Head Coach:

Dondrial Pinkins

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Injury Care

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

Understanding ACL Injuries The knee joint provides mobility and stability for the leg during walking, running and other activities. If the joint is injured, these important functions can be compromised. A common but serious injury is a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee. What makes up the knee joint? The cartilage-covered surfaces of three bones: the femur (thighbone), the patella (kneecap) and the tibia (shinbone).

Additionally, four ligaments stabilize the knee by helping resist side-to-side or forward and backward motion. The ligaments work with the medial and lateral menisci (crescent-shaped cartilage) within the joint as well as the leg muscles to allow them to generate the power needed for activity. The ACL lies inside the knee joint and limits forward and backward motion. It consists of strong collagen fibers that function like the strands of a rope and provides most of the support that keeps the tibia from slipping forward against the femur. Normally, the ACL can handle large forces with little problem. But when the knee receives highmagnitude forces during a fall or a sudden change in direction and the muscles cannot help absorb the stress, the ACL may take the entire load and tear, with the

knee momentarily sliding out of place. Often, there is swelling and pain within the first hour after injury. If you injure your knee, apply ice immediately and seek medical attention. Do not try to walk on it. What are your options for rehabilitation if you tear your ACL? If you engage

in generally low-demand activities, you may not need surgery â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you might be able to use crutches, wear a brace and have physical therapy. With a more active lifestyle, you may need surgery to reconstruct the ligament and recreate a maximally stable joint that will meet the demands of work and play.

Kevin J. Collins, MD s Affiliated Orthopedic Surgeon with the Hughston Clinic and SGMC s Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon s Board-Certified in Sports Medicine s Doctor of Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine s Medical Internship and Residency, Louisiana State University Health Sciences s Medical Residency, Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport, Louisiana s Sports Medicine Fellowship, The Hughston Foundation * Some or all of the health care professionals performing services in this hospital are independent contractors and are not hospital agents or employees. Independent conÂtractors are responsible for their own actions, and the hospital shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any such independent contractors.

Atkinson county rebels

ATCO Rebels make playoffs for first time since ’07, head coach resigns

photography courtesy of Atkinson County High School

The Atkinson County Rebels enjoyed their best season in seven years in 2014, going 6-5 and making the postseason for the first time since 2007. In then-head coach Kip Hall’s second year, the turnaround bordered on the miraculous. Then Coach Hall resigned; he lived in Glynn County and commuted 180 miles ‘round trip every day to Pearson. He left Atkinson after the 2014 seasons to take a job closer to home. That opened the door for Dave Parker, an assistant on Atkinson’s staff, to land the head coaching job. This is Parker’s first head coach position; however, he hopes he can provide some continuity and continue the success the Rebels enjoyed last year.

The challenges in Pearson are the same challenges any small school faces: Numbers. In a community as small as Atkinson County, it’s hard to

get enough players to come out. Over the last few years, the Rebels have done a good job of boosting participation. This year, about 50 kids will be on the

Region:

GHSA 2-A

2014 Region Record:

3-4

2014 Overall Record:

6-5

Head Coach:

Dave parker

sidelines on Friday nights. Likewise, the coaching staff has grown as well. Last season, the Rebels only had four coaches. This year, they have six – not an optimal number but one that’s headed in the right direction. The Rebels have some good skill players for 2015 but they’re thin on the offensive line. There is no margin for error, no room for

injuries. The kids have to stay healthy – there’s just no other way to put it. Atkinson has six returning starters on offense, five on defense. Only one offensive lineman, Dakota Russ, is back. They also have a running back (the speedy McCallun Lanier), two linebackers (Keegan Meeks and D.J. Lawton), and a defensive lineman/fullback (Jakeem Mimnor).

This year could be a bit of a rebuilding year in Pearson. After a long stretch of wins in the zero to three per year range, the Rebels turned a corner in 2014. Losing their head coach and then nearly all of both lines is a big obstacle to overcome, especially at a small school like ATCO. But the kids tasted a little success a year ago and Coach Parker should be able to continue what his predecessor started. With a little luck and an injury-free year, the Rebels will have a shot to return to the postseason.

OPEN

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Hamilton County Trojans

Stebbins Ready to Continue Trojans’ Success For the Hamilton County Trojans, the 2014 football season marked the end of a legacy. After a 36-year coaching career, Hamilton County’s Blair Armstrong has retired. Taking over the lead of the team is Seth Stebbins, who formerly served as the line and running back coach for Suwannee High School (Live Oak, Fla.). Before his time as a Bulldog, he was an offensive coach and associate head coach at Branford High School (Branford, Fla.).

Region:

FHSAA Class 1A (district 5)

2014 Region Record:

3-0

2014 Overall Record:

10-4

Head Coach:

Seth Stebbins

photography by Kara Smith Photography

“We lost a few guys (on our coaching staff) and added a few,” Coach Stebbins says. “It will not change anything we do. Our goal is to compete every Friday night.” The Trojans are no strangers to competing; last season, they finished with a 10-4 record, making it all the way to the FHSAA Class 1A State

Championship Game. “We’re slightly altering the team’s approach this season,” Coach Stebbins says. “We are looking to be a more downhill football team. We want to be physical. I think that we will surprise some folks.” The Trojans are still a force to be reckoned with offensively, returning key players Kentwan Daniels

and Malik Randolph. “Consistency will be a challenge,” Coach Stebbins says. “We have been stressing the fact that we must do everything right, every day.” As with any other coach, Stebbins understands that a major component of being in charge of a team is the preparation of the young

student-athletes for life beyond high school. He believes that winning in life is a goal that is just as important as winning on the gridiron. “We have three major goals for this season,” he says. “We want to compete, and we want to have fun. But most importantly, we want to develop young men. We

stress the importance of being good young men in the hallways and the importance of being at practice so that they will understand the importance of always going to work. A true ‘win’ for us is when, twenty years from now, all these kids have jobs and are productive members of society.”

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

lanier county Bulldogs

‘New Day, New Dawg’ in Lakeland

photography courtesy of Lanier County High School

The Lanier County football program is a relatively new one; the 1997-98 school year was the first season that a Bulldogs team took to the gridiron. Getting accustomed to new challenges is commonplace in Lakeland, and the team will be under a new head coach entering the 2015 campaign.

“This game is about routine,” says new head coach Carl Parker. “We are still learning what it takes to be successful. But teams that embrace their routine experience the most success. We are building our schemes to fit our athletes, not the other way around. Our motto this year is ‘Deserve to Win’. This applies to the field, the classroom, and the community.” The 2014 Bulldogs

finished their season winless in Region 2-A and claimed one win overall (a 39-6 victory over Wheeler County in Week Four). Although they did not see as much success in the win column as desired, wins and losses are not the only thing that defines a winning season in Lakeland. “We expect our team to ‘deserve to win’,” Coach Parker says. “Before we begin to count

the wins, we have to put in the work. Winning is a by-product of doing the right things. We are not concerned about averages. We are more concerned with developing better players who will play better.” Coach Parker wants to make the game more enjoyable for his players. He says that with enjoyment comes a desire to be successful. This will translate to all areas of life for his play-

ers, as well as support in the stands. “For us, it is about Lanier County, not our opponent,” Coach

Parker says. “Right now, we have to get better, regardless of who we are playing.”

Region:

GHSA 2-A

2014 Region Record:

0-7

2014 Overall Record:

1-9

Head Coach:

Carl Parker

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Sherwood eagles

Eagles Aim to Remain at the Top

photography courtesy of Sherwood Christian Academy

At the end of the 2014 season, the Sherwood Christian Academy Eagles were able to add an exemplary descriptive to their name: Champions. After a 21-13 victory over the Knights of Calvary Christian School (Columbus, Ga.), the Eagles capped off an 11-1 season (along with an undefeated 5-0 region record) by hoisting the GICAA Division 1-AA State Championship trophy.

Region:

GICAA 1-AA

2014 Region Record: 5-0 2014 Overall Record: 11-1 Head Coach:

They head into this season with a new head

Chad Evans

coach (Chad Evans), but the expectations are the

same for the program. “We need to be able to vary our offensive tempo according to game situations,” Coach Evans says. “We had a fairly balanced offensive attack last year. Our goal is to maintain that balance and take advantage of every possession. We just want to build on the foundation that Coach

Covington (former SCA head coach) has laid.” The team only suffered one defeat last year, a 2013 loss at the hands of Abbeville Christian Academy (Abbeville, Ala.). Coach Evans believes that this year’s team is more than ready to fix the small mistakes that got in the way in 2014. “Our strength and

conditioning program is preparing us to go into the fourth quarter and play harder than we did in the previous three,” Coach Evans says. “We are striving to maximize our varsity roster, while at the same time developing the talent in our younger programs.”

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Deerfield-Windsor Knights

Knights Ready to Build on Previous Success

photography courtesy of Deerfield-Windsor School

In 2014, the Knights of Deerfield-Windsor School put on an impressive showing, posting a perfect 6-0 home record and going 7-3 overall in the regular season (4-2 in Region 3-AAA). Their run continued into the postseason, but eventually fell short at the hands of the eventual state champion Westfield Hornets in the third round of the GISA Class AAA State Playoffs.

“This season, we want to maximize our effort,” says head coach Alan Lowe. “We want to keep the game in perspective while we maximize our effort; that will allow us to maximize our results.” The Knights should have little trouble keep-

ing the pace of last year’s outing, as they are returning a total of 15 starters (nine on offense, six on defense). The main goal of this season is to build on the success of last year’s team. In particular, they are determined to beat one

team in particular: the North Florida Christian Eagles (Tallahassee, Fla.) on August 28. “It’s a big game for us,” Coach Lowe says. “We have never beaten them.” While the football has seen their share of victories over the last

Region:

gisa 3-AAA

2014 Region Record:

4-2

2014 Overall Record:

9-4

Head Coach:

Alan Lowe

few seasons, for Coach Lowe and his staff, wins are defined by much more than numbers on a scoreboard. “To me, a winning season is one in which we maximize our abilities, individually and as a team,” he says. “It is a

season where our players can learn life lessons from playing a game that they love. I want them to learn what it is like to be a part of something that is bigger than the individual.”

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Mason hodge

Senior Bulldog Boasts Brains and Brawn

written by James Washington photography by Micki K Photography

On the football field, there are few players that hold more value than offensive linemen. If the ball is handed off to a running back, it is the job of the linemen to open holes, create gaps, and make room for the running back to explode in efforts to reach the end zone. If the ball is going through the air, the linemen are responsible for protecting the quarterback, keeping him upright, and giving him enough time to throw the ball where it needs to be thrown. They are often underestimated because they don’t end up on highlight reels or seek the attention or the glory. But offensive linemen are a dime a dozen. Anyone can be big. Anyone can be quick on their feet. Anyone can be strong. But not many are the perfect combination of all three, while also possessing incomparable intelligence and wit to command the rest of his line in the heat of battle. It is for this reason that the Bulldogs of Thomasville High School have grown to know and love senior Mason Hodge. “I want everyone at Thomasville High to remember me as well-rounded,” Mason says. “I get things done, whether it’s on the field or in the classroom.” Mason is hard to miss on the gridiron. Standing at 6’2” and weighing in at around 255 pounds, he is quite the imposing figure when you’re lined up on the opposing side of the line of scrimmage. “This fall, I just want to make our fans and community proud,” he says. “I want to, hopefully, win our region (Region 1-AA), and I want to go as deep as possible in the playoffs.”

Region 1-AA is no slouch when it comes to football in Georgia; the region includes the likes of the Pelham Hornets, the Brooks County Trojans, the Berrien Rebels, the Early County Bobcats, the Seminole County Indians, and the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane. In 2014, the Bulldogs went 5-1 in the region, with their sole loss coming at the hands of Brooks County. “I really want to beat Brooks (County). We haven’t beaten them during my time here, and I didn’t play so well against them last season. I owe them one.” What makes Mason so impressive, however, is that his imposing physical stature on the field pales in comparison to his imposing intellectual stature in the classrooms of THS. It is for this reason that Mason spent his summer visiting Ivy League schools such as Cornell, Carnegie Mellon, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). “I love science, physics, and math,” he says. “After high school, I would love to study engineering in college, wherever I go. My goal is to eventually become a mechanical engineer.” Mason loves the game of football. He began playing around the age of ten, and his senior year will be his fourth season with the Bulldogs. As much as he loves the game, however, he loves education and career advancement that much more. Because of that, he is unsure as to whether he will pursue athletics at the next level. “I haven’t made a decision as to whether or not I will play college football,” he says. “I would like to, but it depends on my academics. Those come first.” ITG In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Georgia christian generals

Generals Making their Presence Known Quickly

photography courtesy of Georgia Christian School

2013 was the first time that the Georgia Christian Generals fielded a football team since 1966. In only their second season back, head coach Kent Copeland led the team to an impressive 9-4 record.

“Community support has been great for our school, as well as the football program,” Coach Copeland says. “Georgia Christian football will only continue to grow.” The team has earned the respect and admiration of the community; in only

their second full season in nearly half a century, they charged into the GISA Class AAA Playoffs, where they made it to the second round before narrowly falling to the eventual statechampion Memorial Day Academy Matadors (Savannah, Ga.). Returning seven players on each side of the

ball, hopes are high that experience can lead to stronger production and output for the newlyreformed Generals. “Our football IQ hurt

us in some games,” Coach Copeland says. “We can only get better in that area as our kids continue to improve.”

Region:

GiSA 3-AA

2014 Region Record:

2-0

2014 Overall Record:

8-4

Head Coach:

Kent copeland

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

Brookwood warriors

Brookwood Warriors: “Be Who We Are”

photography courtesy of Brookwood School

The Brookwood Warriors made quite the statement in the GISA during the 2014 season. After opening the year with a nine-game win streak, they charged into the playoffs eyeing a state title. Although their dream fell short with a second round defeat at the hands of eventual Class AAA Champion Westfield School (Perry, Ga.), the Warriors went into the offseason with a unified mindset: Be who we are.

“Last year, we had a great run,” says Shane Boggs, head coach of the Warriors. “I have found that success breeds success. Our success last season has led to higher participation rates and investment. We have a strong group of (incoming) seniors that have played in some big games.” Brookwood enters the 2015 campaign loaded with returning players, including last year’s leading rusher, Cale

Deese. The quarterback position is up for grabs, and three players (Cale Deese, Jud Jones, and Alfonzo Spencer) are competing for the role. “We keep our players motivated by setting goals that are measurable,” Coach Boggs says. “Our plan on the offensive side of the ball is to force the defense to have to cover the entire field. Defensively, we will look to take away what each team does best, whatever that

Region:

GISA 3-AAA

2014 Region Record:

5-1

2014 Overall Record:

11-2

Head Coach:

Shane Boggs

may be.” The Warriors enter the season with three key goals in mind: prepare to win, promote a positive image of the school, and give great effort in class. Coach Boggs believes that it takes focus in the classroom and community, as well as on the

field, to keep the team top-notch. “We use each and every day to prepare for success,” he says. “One common theme on our team is that our situation will not effect our focus on effort.”

In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015

BSN Sports Colquitt County Packers

Valdosta Wildcats

Lowndes Vikings

Lee County Trojans

8/22 8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/30 11/06

8/21 8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/30 11/06

8/21 8/28 9/04 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/30 11/06

@ North Gwinnett Plant (Tampa Fla.) Crisp County Enterprise High School (Enterprise, Ala.) Pelham @ Lowndes @ Lee County Valdosta Tift County @ Camden County

@ Norcross @ Thomas Co. Central Swainsboro Thomasville Veterans Camden County Tift County @ Colquitt County @ Lowndes Lee County

@ Roswell Bayside High (Palm Bay, Fla.) Drew Rockdale County Newton Colquitt County @ Camden County Lee County Valdosta @ Tift County

@ Westover Crisp County @ Worth County Terrell County Mitchell County Tift County Colquitt County @ Lowndes Camden County @ Valdosta

Valwood Valiants

Tift County Blue Devils

Coffee Trojans

Clinch County Panthers

8/21 8/28 9/04 9/18 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/23 10/30

8/21 8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/30 11/06

8/21 8/28 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/30 11/06

8/21 8/28 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/06

Memorial Day Acad. Westfield @ N. Florida Christian Tiftarea Academy Southland Academy @ Westwood Terrell Academy @ Brookwood @ Deerfield-Windsor

Henry County Cook Luella Baldwin Alcovy @ Lee County @ Valdosta Camden County @ Colquitt County Lowndes

North Oconee Savannah Ware County @ Glynn Academy Effingham County @ Statesboro South Effingham @ Brunswick Richmond Hill @ Bradwell Institute

@ Calhoun County Brooks County Berrien @ Irwin County Wilcox County @ Atkinson County Turner County @ Lanier County Charlton County @ Telfair County

Albany Indians 8/28 @ Mitchell County 9/04 @ Terrell County 9/11 @ Laney 9/18 Americus-Sumter 9/26 @ Dougherty 10/02 @ Crisp County 10/09 Thomas Co. Central 10/15 @ Monroe 10/30 Cairo 11/06 Region 1-4A Play In

TCC Yellow Jackets

Crisp County Cougars

8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/06

8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/09 10/23 10/30 11/06

Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane

Cairo Syrupmakers

Westover Patriots

Bainbridge Bearcats

8/21 8/29 9/04 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/06

8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/09 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/06

8/21 9/04 9/10 9/18 9/25 10/08 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/06

8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/30 11/06

Brooks County Trojans 8/21 8/28 9/04 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/23 10/30

Ware County @ Clinch County Madison Florida @ Perry Pelham @ Berrien Seminole County @ Fitzgerald Early County @ Thomasville

Worth County @ Heard County @ Irwin County Macon County Early County @ Thomasville Brooks County @ Pelham @ Berrien Seminole County

@ Thomasville Bainbridge West Florida Westover @ Worth County Crisp County @ Thomas Co. Central Monroe @ Albany Region 1-4A Play In

Valdosta Riverdale @ Americus-Sumter @ Bainbridge Monroe @ Albany (M) Cairo @ Crisp County Worth County Region 1-4A Play In

Lee County Jonesboro Northside, Columbus @ Cairo Monroe Americus-Sumter @ Worth County Dougherty @ Bainbridge Region 1-4A Play In

@ Lee County @ Colquitt County Worth County Dougherty @ Bainbridge Albany @ Cairo Thomas Co. Central @ Monroe Region 1-4A Play In

Early County @ Cairo @ Monroe Thomas Co. Central Crisp County @ Americus-Sumter Worth County @ Dougherty Westover Region 1-4A Play-In

Worth County Rams

Cook Hornets

Pelham Hornets

Thomasville Bulldogs

8/21 9/04 9/11 9/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/06

8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/23 11/06

8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/09 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/06

8/21 8/28 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/30 11/06

@ Fitzgerald Lee County @ Crisp County Cairo Dougherty @ Bainbridge Westover @ Americus-Sumter @ Thomas Co. Central Region 1-4A Play In

@ Tift County @ Berrien @ Pierce County Islands Brantley County @ Tattnall County Toombs County @ Appling County Dodge County Region 1-3A Play In

Baconton @ Mitchell County @ Miller County @ Colquitt County @ Brooks County Thomasville @ Early County Fitzgerald @ Seminole County Berrien

@ West Laurens Cairo @ Valdosta @ Baldwin Seminole County Fitzgerald @ Pelham @ Berrien Brooks County @ Early County

Atkinson County Rebels

Tiftarea Academy Panthers

Georgia Christian Generals

Berrien Rebels

8/21 8/28 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/06

8/21 8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/16 10/23 10/30

8/21 8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/23 10/30

8/28 9/04 9/11 9/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/06

@ Brantley County Jeff Davis @ Baconton Charlton County @ Lanier County Clinch County Telfair County @ Turner County Irwin County @ Wilcox County

@ Crisp Academy Georgia Christian @ Frederica Academy Pinewood Christian @ Valwood Deerfield-Windsor Westwood Brookwood @ Southland Academy @ Terrell Academy

@ David Emanuel Acad. @ Tiftarea Academy Brookwood First Presbyterian CA Trinity Christian Munroe (Quincy, Fla.) Terrell Academy @ Piedmont Academy Crisp Academy Aucilla Christian @ SW Georgia Acad.

@ Irwin County Cook @ Clinch County Bleckley County Brooks County @ Early County Thomasville @ Seminole County Fitzgerald @ Pelham

Deerfield-Windsor Knights

Irwin County Indians

Brookwood Warriors

Lanier County Bulldogs

8/21 8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/09 10/23 10/30

8/21 8/28 9/04 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/06

8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/23 10/30

8/21 8/28 9/04 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/16 10/23 10/30 11/06

Maclay North Florida Christian @ SW Georgia Acad. @ Westfield School Westwood @ Tiftarea Academy Brookwood @ Southland Academy @ Terrell Academy Valwood

@ Early County Berrien Fitzgerald Clinch County Telfair County @ Charlton County @ Lanier County Wilcox County @ Atkinson County Turner County

Maclay @ Georgia Christian @ John Paul II Catholic SW Georgia Acad. Southland Academy @ Deerfield-Windsor @ Terrell Academy @ Tiftarea Academy Valwood Westwood

Randolph-Clay @ Bacon County Wheeler County @ Wilcox County Atkinson County @ Turner County Irwin County Clinch County @ Telfair County @ Charlton County

Hamilton County (Fla.) Trojans 8/21 8/28 9/04 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/02 10/09 10/16 10/23 10/30

Florida State University Union County @ Taylor County Fort White North Florida Christian @ Bradford Bell @ Madison County @ Jefferson County Potterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House Christian Lafayette

Good luck to all South Georgia area teams! In the Game Preseason Football Edition 2015