ITG Next South Georgia December/January 2023-2024 Magazine

A Game 50 Years in the Making: Valdosta Wildcats, Massillon Tigers Finally Meet in Historic Matchup

Valdosta High Defensive End Eric Brantley Taking Explosive Talents to Colorado Westside Macon’s Risper Brothers Overcome Expectations and Genetics

DEC/JAN 23-24

Brookwood QB Rodge Waldrop Closes Record High School Career

The David VS Goliath Story of Georgia High School Football

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Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes

Feature Stories 7

The David VS Goliath Story of Georgia High School Football

10

Westside Macon’s Risper Brothers Overcome Expectations and Genetics

12

Top 10 Georgia High School Baseball Teams: 2024 Preseason Rankings

Graphic Design Mandy Rodriguez

17

Brookwood QB Rodge Waldrop Closes Record High School Career

Player Spotlight Photography Sean Perry Jycobi Williams

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A Game 50 Years in the Making: Valdosta Wildcats, Massillon Tigers Finally Meet in Historic Matchup

27

Frederica Academy Standout RB Jordan Triplett Becomes Georgia’s All-Time Leading Rusher

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4 Questions With Savannah Country Day Football Coach John Mohring

Feature Writers Phil Jones

31

Valdosta High Defensive End Eric Brantley Taking Explosive Talents to Colorado

Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com

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4 Questions With GPB Sports Journalist Jon Nelson

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4 Questions With “Behind the Bench” Podcast Host Gary “Coach Sly” Sylvestri

Editor Anna Limoges Copy Editors Phil Jones Anna Limoges Allen Allnoch

Feature Photography Sean Perry Jycobi Williams Jessica Humphreys

ITG Next is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher.

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The David VS Goliath Story of Georgia High School Football Savannah Country Day Written by: Phil Jones Photos submitted by: Mac Tamminen

When John Mohring took over as head football coach at Savannah Country Day in 2021, the school was a GHSA Class A Private program. Mohring was aware that the Hornets had enjoyed some success at the A level, and he expected to build on that momentum.

“I was looking forward to coming into a small school environment, taking over a Class A independent school with a small roster of players, and building some stability and consistency,” Mohring said.

The Hornets had achieved 10-win seasons in 2017 and 2019. However, they had also gone through four head coaches in the four seasons prior to Mohring’s arrival, and that was why the new head coach knew stability was the first thing he needed to establish.

Savannah Country Day had finished 3-7 in 2020. Mohring showed modest improvement in his first season, leading the team to one more win with a 4-7 record.

“We had a really good team that first year, but some injuries to a couple of key players kept us from realizing their full potential,” he said.

Still, Savannah Country Day won a playoff game against Stratford Academy, a football team it had lost to in the regular season, so there was objective improvement Mohring could point to.

“Our record showed us at 4-7, but we felt pretty good about where we were headed,” said Mohring.

Then came the news that the Class A program Mohring had taken over was about to change. The GHSA introduced a “multiplier,” which would essentially count any out-of-zone student attending a private school as three students. The new policy was an attempt to mitigate any advantage that private (and some public) schools might have from drawing a higher percentage of their overall enrollment from outside the primary school zone.

Mohring’s world had just changed. Bigtime.

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“We have roughly 370 kids in our upper school [grades 9-12], and half of those students are girls,” Mohring said. “So when the multiplier hit, it really affected us.”

Throw in the fact that Savannah Country Day is a high academic school, and suddenly the overall number of available students interested in playing football was reduced even more.

Now, with the multiplier in effect, Savannah Country Day would move from Class A Private to Class 3A, which would mean playing opposing schools with much higher overall enrollments.

Savannah Country Day wouldn’t be the only school affected. Dozens of smaller GHSA private and public schools would be affected. Still, Mohring’s responsibility was his Hornets football team, and now his goals of building a consistent and winning program would be that much tougher.

But in his second season overall, and first as head coach in a classification with teams whose overall enrollment were double and triple that of his own, Mohring was able to keep Savannah Country on that path to consistency.

The Hornets improved to 5-5 as a member of Region 3-3A in 2022, just missing the playoffs – with a 3-4 region record, they were one win away from the No. 4 seed.

In 2023, Savannah Country Day enjoyed its best finish under Mohring, going 7-3 in the regular season and securing the No. 3 seed in region play, marking the school’s first playoff appearance as a member of Class 3A. Savannah Country Day’s first-round opponent was Upson-Lee, a team with a roster twice as large as the Hornets. Mohring said his team went into the game as a 28-point underdog.

“We took a playing roster of around 30 players against their larger roster,” he said.

Still, Mohring’s team played like it belonged and looked as if it would pull an upset. The Hornets took a lead into halftime and was ahead 45-30 with around 8 minutes left in the game. But the lack of depth ultimately took its toll, and the Hornets couldn’t maintain the two-touchdown advantage. They lost a heartbreaker, 46-45.

Despite the loss, Mohring saw what his Savannah Country Day football team was capable of in that game – and what it means moving forward into next season.

“I can’t even really be mad,” he said. “The multiplier has a big impact on us, plus we are a high academic school, but we have showed that we can compete.”

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Paul and Silas Risper are a big reason for the success of the Westside Seminoles football program. Westside is 7-2 overall through the first nine weeks of the season, and – as they are every year – the Seminoles are in the hunt for a playoff spot in the tough Region 2-4A. They are 3-2 in the region, with a key matchup coming up against Howard to decide the final playoff seeding.

The Risper brothers have seen it all before. In fact, there’s not a whole lot they haven’t experienced growing up in a family of athletes, including football players and coaches. Their father is Seminoles head coach Shedrick “Spoon” Risper, which right off the bat leads to high expectations for Paul and Silas.

But the two brothers can handle it. They have been playing football

since they were in kindergarten, and according to their father, they have been surrounded by the sights and sounds of the game throughout their lives.

“Paul and Silas were typical coaches kids growing up,” Coach Risper said. “They were around football 24/7. My wife, Demetria, would pick them up after school and bring them both to the school every day so they could come see me at practice. They would run around the locker room and the practice field every day, so they grew up around it and they loved it. They were introduced to the game at a very early age.”

While Paul and Silas grew up surrounded by a lot of positive influences, which gave them an advantage, Coach Risper said they had to work very hard to overcome

some natural challenges and obstacles that stood in their way.

“They had to work extra hard to overcome the family genetics,” Risper said. “We are not the biggest, strongest and fastest people. But, you can’t substitute hard work and discipline. They made up a lot of what they weren’t blessed with in genetics with hard work and discipline.”

Not only were Paul and Silas forced to overcome the lack of great family genetics, there are also comparisons to family accomplishments that the brothers will always be judged by. Their older brother, Shedrick Risper Jr., is the namesake of his father and former coach, and he was a standout receiver at Westside.

Shedrick (better known as “Scooter”) received an offer to play for West Georgia upon grad-

Westside Macon’s Risper Brothers Overcome Expectations and Genetics Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Jycobi Williams

uating in 2018. He played there and graduated early, then he transferred to Mercer via the Transfer Portal and is now playing for the Bears while working on a masters and specialist degree.

Paul and Silas have an older sister, Shemetria Risper, a 2020 graduate of Westside who was a cheerleader for the Seminoles.

Shemetria, also known as “Peachy,” is attending Georgia

Southern University. She is studying to be a teacher, and like her brother Scooter, she will graduate early, in just three years.

Their father, in addition to making a name for himself as the Seminoles head coach, was the first quarterback ever to play for Upson-Lee High School. He graduated in 1992 and went on to play football at West Georgia for two seasons, then played professionally for the Macon Knights Arena League team, whom he helped win the Arena League Championship in 2003. Risper became the Westside head football coach in 2009, and he was elected to the Thomaston-Upson Hall of Fame in 2018.

Risper’s brother, Prentice Risper, is the Westside offensive coordinator. He too was a high school quarterback, as

was their father. There is little doubt that Paul and Silas Risper have heard about the accomplishments of their family, but according to their father, they are doing their own thing.

“Paul and Silas are really hard workers,” he said. “They do well in school, they help out in the community, and they help out other kids and their teammates.”

As much as the boys are alike, their father said there are distinct differences. Silas is the older brother, and he holds Paul accountable, like a good big brother should.

Silas has followed in the footsteps of his older brother by playing wide receiver. According to Coach Risper, Silas has offers from Reinhardt University and GardnerWebb.

Paul, on the other hand, is just a sopho-

more, and he has turned out to be a renegade of sorts within the Risper family.

“We have had three generations of quarterbacks in the family, with my father, me, and my brother all having played [the position],” Risper said. “Then we have two wide receives with Silas and Shedrick Jr, but Paul broke the trend. Paul is a safety, and he is the physical one in the family.”

So much for the genetics and expectations having an effect on Paul and Silas. Sounds like they are doing just fine.

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The 2024 Georgia high school baseball season will be here very soon, and ITG Next will again be ranking the top teams. We’ll present a composite list of teams chosen from all classifications, just as we have in the past. But this year we’ll make it even more selective as we give you our 10 best teams.

Last year saw the Lowndes Vikings capture the Class 7A state title, knocking off the favored Parkview Panthers. Coach Ryan Page’s Vikings and Chan Brown’s Panthers likely will be in the mix again in 7A. Lowndes returns seven starters from last year’s championship squad, including Georgia Tech commit and middle infielder Carson Page, along with 3B Tate Sirmans, P/SS Ashton Bohler, P/DH Noah Thigpen, RF Coleman Lewis, C Nate Slaughter, and P/INF Cason Fletcher. The Vikings also have added pitcher and Auburn commit Matthew Kerrigan to their talented roster.

Parkview returns several key players as well, including its top three pitchers: No. 1 starter Thorpe Musci, No. 2 Ford Thompson, and LHP Porter Berryman at No. 3. RHP Kason Gleaton, standout 3B Cade Brown, and C Ethan Finch also are back.

Houston County also brings back several key contributors, including Mercer commit Eli Stephens, a catcher. Twenty-two players in all, including 10 seniors, were part of the 2022 HoCo varsity roster.

That’s a look at what we believe are three of the top high school baseball teams in Georgia entering the 2024 season. Here’s the complete preseason Top 10: 1. Houston County 2. Lowndes 3. Parkview 4. Buford 5. Pope 6. North Oconee 7. North Cobb Christian 8. Loganville 9. Appling County 10. Cartersville

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Top 10 Georgia High School Baseball Teams: 2024 Preseason Rankings Written by: Phil Jones

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Brookwood QB Rodge Waldrop Closes Record High School Career Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Sean Perry

Brookwood School senior quarterback Rodge Waldrop has had quite the high school career. His four years at the Thomasville school saw him break several Brookwood records and a state passing record, and along the way, throw for a ton of yards.

The state record that now belongs to Waldrop occurred in an October meeting between the Warriors and Deerfield Windsor. In that October 6 contest in Albany, Waldrop completed 42 of 66 pass attempts for 698 yards passing and 9 touchdowns.

That’s not a typo. Waldrop passed for 698 yards and 9 TDs. He threw no interceptions, and he averaged 16.5 yards per completion in the 59-56 win.

Waldrop’s 9 passing TDs tied a single-game record set by North Whitfield quarterback Ed Staten in 1962. His 698 passing yards shattered the previous mark of 595 passing yards in a single game held by Lee County QB Justin Walker, whose accomplishment came during in the 2010 season.

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The tall southpaw set numerous Brookwood school records, including:

Career Pass Attempts: 1,239 Career Passing Yards: 10,147 Career TD Passes: 110 Single-Season Pass Attempts: 427 Single-Season Passing Yards: 3,408 Single-Season TD Passes: 40 “Rodge is a competitive kid who grew into a 6-foot, 5-inch, 205-pound frame,” said Brookwood head football coach Shane Boggs, who has watched Waldrop develop since his middle school days. “He has a big-time arm, and the product of that competitive nature and his God-given ability is a bunch of broken records along the way. I am definitely proud of Rodge and all that he has accomplished.”

It’s easy to see where Rodge gets his athleticism. He is the son of Thomasville’s Heather and Mike Waldrop, who both were standout athletes.

Mike was a pitcher at Irwin County High School and Georgia Southwestern College. Heather played multiple sports at Brookwood, where she recently was inducted into the Brookwood School Athletics Hall of Fame. She was a fiveyear starter in softball and basketball, and she also lettered in soccer and track and field, and served as captain of the Brookwood cheerleading squad. She earned multiple honors in each sport.

The Waldrops are local chiropractors and the owners of South Georgia Spine and Joint Center, with three locations including Thomasville.

Mike said their son has always played multiple sports. He was a three-sport athlete as he grew up, and that love of competition continued through his high school career at Brookwood.

But it was football that Rodge seemed to be really drawn to more than baseball and basketball.

“He was a really good baseball pitcher, and of course being a left-handed pitcher, he had a natural advantage there,” said Mark Waldrop. “With his height, he has always been a very good basketball player too, but Rodge has always wanted to be a quarterback. That’s always been the number one thing with him. He loves being a quarterback.”

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Destined for Greatness It was around Rodge’s sixth and seventh grade years when his father and his coach began to notice that he was developing into a special football player.

“I know that [Boggs] first noticed Rodge earlier than I did, around the sixth grade,” Mark said. “For me, it was around the seventh and eighth grade that I could tell how good he was. He was throwing the football better than the other quarterbacks. I just noticed that he had God-given talent.”

As a freshman, Waldrop saw limited playing time, but he still put up solid numbers. The 2020 season saw him complete 25 of 70 passes for 377 yards and 2 touchdowns. The next year, as Rodge took over primary QB duties, he completed 215 of 427 passes for 3,172 yards and 32 TDs. But he also threw 19 interceptions that season, something he knew he would have to work on.

As a junior in 2022, Rodge completed 178 passes of 326 attempts for 3,190 yards and 36 TDs. Perhaps the most impressive stat was his turnovers, or lack thereof – his interception total fell drastically, from 19 to just 6.

In his recently completed senior season, Waldrop completed 246 of 416 pass attempts for 3,408 yards and 40 touchdowns – the most of any year of his high school career. He finished his career with staggering passing numbers: 10,147 yards and 110 touchdowns.

Rodge is considered a pro-style quarterback, which means he is more of a pocket passer who doesn’t run much. He relies instead on solid blocking by his offensive line to protect him, thus giving him more time to find the open receiver. It’s everything a college scout could want. Right?

Where are the College Recruiters?

With a 6-foot, 5-inch, 205-pound, left-handed quarterback putting up those kind of numbers, you would think the college scouts are lined up at the Waldrops’ door, waiting to sign the standout signal-caller.

So far, however (through early December 2023), only Samford University has made an offer, and Mike Waldrop said that’s only for a PWO (preferred walk-on) status. PWO means Rodge is offered a spot on the football team, but without the benefit of a scholarship. He can accept the offer, perhaps secure playing time right away, and possibly earn a scholarship if he makes a good enough impression on the coaching staff – but there are no guarantees.

Mike said coaches have told him that the transfer portal has hurt his son’s chances of receiving a scholarship offer already. The quarterback position, they said, is probably impacted by the portal the most.

“The college coaches have told us that quarterback is the hardest position to receive a scholarship offer since the transfer portal took effect,” Mike said.

Rodge’s head coach agreed.

“Recruiting has always been maddening, and it’s worse now than ever from the perspective of how it has negatively impacted high school prospects,” Boggs said. “I am convinced that 10 years ago, Rodge would have had 20 offers. I am shocked that he doesn’t have at least five right now.”

Coach Boggs added that Rodge still has a shot at getting signed by someone.

“It’s not over yet, as the portal will close and colleges will go back to recruiting high school guys to finish their recruiting class,” he said.

So stay tuned. Rodge Waldrop may yet get that well-deserved scholarship offer. He certainly has earned it.

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A Game 50 Years in the Making:

Valdosta Wildcats, Massillon Tigers Finally Meet in Historic Matchup Written by: Phil Jones | Photos from ITG Next Archive

A game that Massillon Tigers head football coach Nate Moore called “50 years in the making” took place on August 19, 2023, when his team hosted the Valdosta Wildcats on the hallowed grounds of Paul Brown Stadium. The environment was everything you would expect – and maybe more – for a historic game that had so much anticipation and buildup. The possibility of such a contest had been talked about for decades but never materialized until it finally became official with the announcement in early 2023 that the Mas-

east Ohio, where an estimated Massillon, Ohio, 16,000 fans would had a “countdown gather for the hisclock” in the heart toric event. of its downtown When Valdosta and that displayed the Massillon finally began days, hours, min- the historic showdown, utes, and seconds it was the visitors from Georgia who came until the Tigers and out roaring the loudWildcats would est, scoring on a 16face off. Valdos- yard touchdown pass ta players, coach- that was set up by a es, and a bus full long run on the opening play. According of fans departed to coach Moore, his the VHS campus defense was caught on Wednesday af- off guard by an unbalternoon of game anced offensive line week to make the from Valdosta.

“It was a perfect all-night, 14-hour storm of bad,” Moore journey to North- said, describing the sillon and Valdosta would finally meet.

series of events that

led to the long run to start the game.

Leading 7-0, Valdosta added to the lead on its next possession as the result of another big play, a 65-yard pass and run after the catch. The extra point made it 14-0.

Despite the early deficit, Moore said there “was no panic in our guys at all. I simply told the team to stay calm, and settle in, and that’s exactly what we did.”

In the second quarter, Massillon finally got its offense going and cut the lead to 14-7 on a touchdown

run from Dorian Pringle. That’s how the first half ended, with Massillon still trailing by a TD. In the second half, the tide began to turn, and it didn’t take long.

The Tigers struck on the first play to start the third quarter, when RB Daone Edwards took it 70 yards for a TD. Just like that, the two teams were even at 14.

With the momentum now with the home team, the Tigers scored to go up 21-14, and it was a lead they would not relinquish.

The Wildcats managed to cut the lead to 2117, but the Tiger put the game away with a fourth-quarter TD to ITG Next | 23

make the final score 28-17.

Coach Moore said he thought the difference in the game came down to conditioning: “I think our guys could have gone another quarter, to be honest.”

Tigers Booster Club president Rob Maylor said he was glad the two teams finally were able to meet, and that he was proud of the welcome that his team, the town, and the fans showed everyone.

ta Touchdown Club Board of Directors and curator of the David Waller Wildcat Museum, said the atmosphere was as good as it gets.

“The fans up there are very classy and very invested in their program,” said Holcombe. “It was a top-notch atmosphere for high school football.”

Of course, with the historic game in the books, the question everyone has now is will Valdosta and Massillon meet again?

Moore said he sure hopes so.

“This is what we do,” Maylor said.

“We are just very proud of our history of Tiger football.

It was great to see “I’m jealous of the Valdosta fans Valdosta and what and their tents. It was a very special they were able to do with the bus night.”

Lifelong Wildcat trip and all that,” fan Johnny Holcombe, Moore said. “I who serves as pres- want our team to ident of the Valdos- be able to expe-

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rience that going down there.”

ITG Next was there to film the historic game, so you can watch highlights and get a behind-thescenes look at both the Valdosta and Massillon sides at YouTube. com/@ITGNext.

We want to thank Valdosta head coach Shelton Felton and Massillon’s Moore for allowing us locker room access.

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Frederica Academy Standout RB Jordan Triplett Becomes Georgia’s All-Time Leading Rusher Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Jessica Humphreys

The all-time leading rusher in Georgia high school football history is Jordan Triplett. If you aren’t familiar with this talented running back, let us fill you in on some details from his recently completed career at Frederica Academy on St Simons Island: • Triplett is the state’s all-time leading rusher. He ran for 9,028 yards over his four-year career, breaking the 23-year-old record previously held by Monty Williams of Commerce.

• He tied the record for most single-season rushing yards in Georgia high school history. His 3,172 yards in 2023 equaled the total put up by Washington-Wilkes RB Daccus Turman in 2000.

• He set the state record for most career carries with 1,252.

• His 115 career rushing TDs puts him at No. 3 on the all-time list.

• His career offensive yards total was 10,250, and he scored 132 TDs, including several via kick return and interception return.

• He is the only player in Georgia high school football history to have three 400-yard rushing games.

This season Jordan had 439 carries and 41 rushing touchdowns. He averaged a staggering 264.3 yards rushing per game and scored 254 points in 2023. He even threw the ball some, too, completing 23 of 56 attempts for 396 passing yards and 5 TDs. His total yardage (passing, rushing, special teams) was 3,568, and his total TD count was 46 for the 2023 season.

Whoa.

“He is probably the best running back I have coached in my 25-year coaching career,” Frederica head football coach Brandon Derrick said. “He worked extremely hard to achieve these goals because of his offseason workouts and disciplined training plan.”

Derrick was just as complimentary of Jordan off the field, too: “He is one of the most humble kids you will ever meet and was always about the ‘team, not me’ attitude.”

Jordan is the son of Mark and Rebecca Triplett. His father’s career has led the family to live in various spots around the country.

In fact, Mark thinks that’s one of the reasons Jordan turned out to be such a great talent.

“Everywhere we lived, Jordan played for various teams, and they all won some kind of championship,” Mark said. “He truly dominated everywhere he played, from the very beginning when he first played.”

In Montana, Jordan’s youth team won the Missoula School League championship and the Missoula Youth League. Then, in Colorado, Jordan’s middle school team won the championship, and his travel league team also won its league title. The family ultimately moved to coastal Georgia, and Jordan enrolled at Frederica in the eighth grade. He joined the Knights’ varsity basketball team and helped them win the region championship. Mark Triplett said it was during these various moves that he knew his son was a special talent.

What’s next for Jordan? He has been a three-sport athlete during his time at Frederica, playing basketball and baseball in addition to football, but he’s undecided if he will play those winter and spring sports as a senior. Jordan currently has a football offer from the Air Force Academy, which Mark said has already sent Jordan a letter of intent. South Carolina also has shown interest.

“They have offered Jordan a preferred walk-on [PWO], which could turn into a scholarship offer, but we will see what happens,” Mark said.

Whatever the future holds for this outstanding player, Jordan is grateful.

“I am blessed for what God has done for me,” he said. “I have the most unselfish teammates and great coaches, and I can’t thank them enough.”

ITG Next | 27

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Q: A:

4 QUESTIONS With Savannah Country Day Q: Football Coach A: John Mohring

Coach Mohring, before we ask about the coaching part of your life, tell us about your time as a player. Where did you play football in high school and beyond the prep level?

I played my high school football at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers, Florida. I went to Georgia Southern and was a two-time All-American at linebacker. I had some free agent opportunities in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Bucs and the Buffalo Bills. I played for the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL for one season and won a Grey Cup Championship. I also played for the Iowa Barnstormers and Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League.

Let’s talk about your current situation. You have done a great job of leading the Savannah Country Day football program since taking the job three years ago. How has the GHSA “Multiplier” affected your program over that time?

Being a small, academic private school, the multiplier had a big effect on us. We only had 41 kids in our school who lived in our service district. So, most of our students counted as a (x3) according to the GHSA multiplier, which resulted in us playing in 3A. We traveled 30 kids to our playoff game versus Upson-Lee, and we only have about 48 total in grades 9-12.

Q: A: Savannah Country Day head football coach John

Written by: Phil Jones Photos submitted by: Mac Tamminen

Mohring is this week’s guest in our ITG Next Georgia 4 Questions with the Coach feature. Coach Mohring has just completed his third season at the private school, where he led the football program to another successful campaign.

The 2023 season ended with a heartbreaking onepoint loss, 46-45, to Upson-Lee, but the Hornets have shown improvement in every season and every area of the program on Mohring’s watch. When he arrived, Savannah Country Day had finished 3-7 the prior year.

Mohring led the team to four wins in year one, then in his second season, the Hornets finished 5-5, and this year saw the team finish the regular season with a 7-3 record. The playoff loss gave Mohring’s Savannah Country Day football team a 7–4 final record. For more on the coach and where his team is headed, let’s catch up Savannah Country Day’s John Mohring.

I mentioned the tough loss to Upson Lee last week in the opening round of the Class 3A state playoffs. That game had some crazy turn of events, right?

The game versus Upson Lee was a wild one for sure. As 28-point underdogs, our team battled for four quarters and took it down to the wire. Upson-Lee jumped out to a 14-point lead, but we were able to block a punt for a TD to get some momentum. We also had a first-half scoop-and-score defensive TD to take a 28-22 halftime lead. We came out hot in the second half, building a 45-22 lead in the third quarter.

But, credit to Upson-Lee, they were able to claw their way back into the game. The Upson Lee kicker was out of the game due to injury, which we thought was an advantage we had going into the game, but it wound up being what hurt us the most. The Upson Lee staff went 5-of-6 on 2-point play calls, which ended up being the difference. They ran a muddle huddle, reverse pass, Tim Tebow-style jump pass, and a tackle-eligible throwback for the walk-off 2-point play. I can’t even really be mad, as we weren’t close to stopping any of them. It was definitely an instant classic of a game.

Q: A:

What will your Savannah Country Day football team look like next season? How many starters and contributors from this year’s seven-win team return?

We lose some key contributors on offense and defense, but we still bring back seven starters on offense and roughly seven starters on defense. We will have some big shoes to fill replacing some of our offensive and defensive lineman, but we had 20 freshmen on our team this year who will need to have a great off-season in the weight room. Our goal is to improve each year, and the plan won’t change. Next year’s seniors were my freshman when I started at Country Day, and I look forward to sending them out the right way. Go Hornets!

ITG Next | 29

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Valdosta High Defensive End Eric Brantley Taking Explosive Talents to Colorado Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Jycobi Williams

Eric Brantley has nothing left to prove at the high school level. His work is done, and as most fans and coaches – both his own and those on opposing teams – would agree, he leaves behind quite a legacy as one of the most dominant defenders to ever take the field in Georgia high school football.

Opposing teams tried everything they could think of to neutralize the Valdosta High defensive end, including double teams, and in some cases, even triple teams. It didn’t matter. Brantley was going to get his tackles and sacks.

In his final high school game, against Carrollton in the GHSA state playoffs, Brantley came out like a man possessed.

“I had 9 tackles in that first half,” Eric recalled. “I was definitely trying to help us win that game. I felt like I did a good job, but coming up short of a state championship definitely leaves me with some unfinished business. I was definitely trying to prove a point.”

It’s safe to say that most of those playing against him got the point. Loud and clear.

“I would describe his play as insane explosiveness,” said Richmond Hill head football coach Matt LeZotte, whose team faced Brantley and the Wildcats the last two seasons. “I have never seen a guy be able to attack as quick and with such precision as he is able to. He’s a special player whose ceiling is as high as he is willing to work for.”

It wasn’t just Brantley’s defensive prowess that impressed LeZotte.

“He lined up at Wildcat quarterback against us for a couple of snaps and showed how fluid he is in the open field as well,” LeZotte said. “He is a true student of the game, and you can see how he analyzes the field each and every play.”

ITG Next | 31

Lee County head coach Dean Fabrizio, whose team played Valdosta in 2021, called Brantley “one of the most disruptive defensive players we have had to go up against during my time here at Lee County.”

Brantley’s own coach, Shelton Felton, will no doubt miss Brantley as he moves on to play collegiately.

“Eric was one of the most dominant players I have ever had the honor of coaching, and he can play any position on the field,” Felton said. “We put him at tight end, running back, and we even put him at receiver some.”

Felton added that while some players are more ready to go than others, there was never any doubt about Eric’s preparedness.

“You knew every Friday night that Eric was going to bring it and change the game for us with his play,” he said. “Eric is just that kind of player.”

While Brantley wishes he could have led his team further in the postseason, it’s time to move on. He will graduate early in December, then head out to join his new teammates at Colorado, where a full scholarship and coach Deion Sanders await. Eric said he is looking forward to this next step in his life.

“I can’t wait to get out there and get on the field early,” he said.

Brantley said he has realistic expectations about the opportunities that await him.

“If I learn the playbook and do what I’m supposed to do, then I feel like I have a great shot at playing as a freshman,” he said.

He’ll have that chance to make his point. Again.

32 | itgnext.com

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ITG Next | 33

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4 QUESTIONS With GPB Sports Journalist Jon Nelson Written by: Phil Jones | Photos from ITG Next Archive

This “4 Questions” guest isn’t actually a coach, but he might as well be, considering how many he has spoken with over his long career as a sports journalist. Jon Nelson is a sports anchor and senior correspondent with GPB (Georgia Public Broadcasting) who has spent the past two decades in the Atlanta area covering everything from soccer to golf to major league baseball to even the Summer Olympics.

But Jon is perhaps best known for his work with high school football. He appears throughout the GHSA season, providing insight on GPB’s Game of the Week and “Football Fridays in Georgia.” He is undoubtedly the most visible sports personality on GPB Sports. Jon doesn’t slow down in the offseason; that’s when he hits the road for the “Southern Swing,” a segment in which he and a GPB crew ride the highways and backroads of Georgia and visit with coaches across the state. Let’s learn more about Jon Nelson of GPB.

Q:

Jon, thank you for joining us this week. Let’s start by asking about your background.

While I know it’s not the only thing you have done, have you always covered high school athletics?

A:

This, believe it or not, is my 30th year covering high school sports at GPB. I’ve been in network television and local television, so I got the chance to cover World Series, Super Bowls, Grey Cups, the Indy 500, and some other “big-ticket items.”

But those jobs were balanced out with high school sports. I’ve been incredibly blessed.

Q:

I think most people in Georgia probably equate you with high school football, but you have a strong interest in soccer too, right?

A:

Absolutely! With Atlanta United, I get the chance to let everyone know what’s going on in pre-game and halftime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as well as work with their second team. Then there’s the work of building the Soccer Down Here morning show and SDH Network. It’s a full slate, for sure.

Q:

I am on the record saying that this 2023 high school football season was the most unpredictable and entertaining I have ever witnessed. What is your assessment of this season to date?

A:

It’s been crazy!

But at the same time, it should show the rest of the country how deep the state is when it comes to quality. I mean, when you have four of the top teams, nationally, knocked out in the 7A quarterfinals, that should tell you a lot. We have classes that are stacked where any number of teams can win, then you have all the upsets. Glad I fill my bracket out with an eraser!

Q:

Things will look much different next season with the GHSA reclassification reducing the overall number of classifications from eight classes to seven.

Regions will be bigger and tougher across the board. What are your top three most intriguing storylines as you look ahead to next season?

A:

How these teams adjust to their new regions and how non-region games are determined. You won’t have to find seven non-region games anymore, but you’ll have to travel, in some cases, in lower classifications.

Ask Bowdon and Manchester about that one! I want to see how the new dance partners adjust to having more games in region mean that much more overall, if that makes any sense.

Bonus Q:

Where can GPB viewers and other Georgia high school sports fans find Jon Nelson on TV, online and other outlets?

A:

@OSGNelson on the 280-character app, Soccer Down Here daily radio (downloadable app as well), and everything GPB Sports. Pick a social media platform and we’re there!

ITG Next | 35

Honoring South Georgia’s Top Athletes

16th Annual South Georgia High School Football Banquet Presented by:

Guest Speaker Brent Key

Georgia Tech Head Football Coach

36 | itgnext.com

December 2023

Top Offensive & Defensive Players From 30+ South Georgia Teams Presented by:

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ITG Next | 37

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4 Questions With “Behind the Bench” Podcast Host Gary “Coach Sly” Sylvestri

In this “4 Questions” spotlight, we catch up with Milton player development coach Gary “Coach Sly” Sylvestri.

Coach Sly previously served as the athletic director for Milton High School for 11 years. He recently announced his retirement from that position, but he still works closely with the football program as an assistant coach on head coach Ben Reaves’ staff.

ITG Next is proud to have Coach Sly involved with our operation as well. He hosts the “Behind the Bench With Coach Sly” podcast twice monthly, speaking with guests from all areas of the high school sports world, including coaches, players, administrators, and many more personalities who are or have been involved with Georgia high school sports. Coach Sly joins us here to talk about his Milton career, as well as an exciting stint in law enforcement before he entered the safer environment of high school athletics.

Written by: Phil Jones Photos from ITG Next Archive

ITG Next | 43

Q:

Coach Sly, I mentioned that you have just left the day-to-day responsibilities of AD at Milton High School, but you are staying very active with the Eagles athletics program.

What exactly are you involved with now that you have formally retired?

A:

It is an honor to be a part of your “4 Questions With the Coach.” I am mostly working behind the scenes as player development coach, even though I am on the sidelines on game nights. Some people refer to me as “the Fireman;” my job on game night is to keep players and coaches relatively calm. Anyone who knows me, knows that this is a new realm for me, since I am usually the fiery one.

I also set up speakers and help with leadership development, and I am involved in the new NIL compliance. It’s a blessing to be able to share the sidelines with my son Vinny, who is the running backs coach and special teams coordinator, and to help my wife, Alisha, who is the director of football operations.

Q:

I teased parts of your past life in the above introduction, including your time in law enforcement. Can you talk about that, as well as the path into athletics that brought you to Milton High School as the athletic director?

A:

I was a law enforcement officer in South Florida for 21 years. I served on road patrol, undercover narcotics, organized crime, homicide, major crimes, gangs, SWAT, internal affairs, and K9. During most of my police career, I also coached football at numerous schools down there. A few of the schools were Boyd Anderson, Stranahan and Plantation, among others.

After my fourth knee surgery and repaired shoulder, I decided to retire and go into education full-time. My family and I had an opportunity to come to Georgia and open West Forsyth High School, where I started the criminal justice program, was the assistant head football coach and assistant AD, and served as the FCA Leader. I finished my graduate work during this time at Georgia State University. After three years at West Forsyth, I had the opportunity to come to Milton, where I taught special education and was the running backs coach. In 2012 I became the AD, and the rest is history!

Q:

Coach Sly, you oversaw one of the state’s most successful athletic programs at Milton. While most people are drawn to the football side of things – and for good rea44 | itgnext.com

son, as the Eagles won a state title under your watch as AD – but there were, and still are, other championship programs at Milton. The Lacrosse program there is nationally renowned, as is the basketball program, just to name a couple. You had a lot of hats to wear, with many tasks to juggle each day while overseeing the athletic department at Milton, right?

A:

I was blessed to oversee 24 varsity sports, each of them successful. During my time as AD, we won 21 state championships and had 10 state runner-up finishes in various sports, along with numerous region championships.

I am very proud those included girls and boys programs. Along with my AD duties, I also oversaw busses, parking, custodians, facilities, and clubs. I always say AD stands for All Day, After Dark, All Duties!

Q:

Our last question has two parts: 1) Besides your part-time work at Milton, you are working with us here at ITG Next by hosting a podcast, Behind the Bench with Coach Sly, which we are absolutely thrilled to have you on. Is podcasting something you had been wanting to do for some time, and how are things going with it so far? 2) What are your future plans other than the podcast? I do not really see you as a guy that is going to slow down anytime soon!

A:

1) My cousin, Frank Branca, always told me that I should do a podcast when I retire from the AD world. ITG Next was gracious enough to help me start my podcast career. Having you as a mentor has been huge in directing and guiding me in this process. The Behind the Bench idea came from knowing the thought process of the game within the game. We try to pull back the curtain on different topics that relate to Georgia athletics. I also want to be able to celebrate other people’s careers and accomplishments. The cast is doing well as we’re seven episodes into it!

2) I am involved with Milton Football, I love growing the podcast, and I am working with Leaf and Limb Tree Company as a sales rep and volunteering at my church! I love being outside and meeting people, so all these things I am doing are right up my alley. I would be remiss to say my number-one thing is being able to spend more time with my wife and family now that I am not working 80 hours a week!

ITG Next | 45

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