South Georgia Aug/Sept 2019 Edition by ITG Next Magazine

Presented by:

PRESEASON AUG/SEPT 2019

MORE THAN A GAME

ITG Next | 1

• Hughston’s quality patient care has kept us #1 in orthopaedics for 70 years • Organizing preparticipation physicals since 1976 • Covering over 1,500 local sporting events each year • Saturday morning injury clinic • Researching and implementing concussion management software for local athletes

LOCATIONS Albany Auburn Columbus Dothan

Dublin LaGrange Macon Moultrie

Phenix City Thomaston Thomasville Valdosta

6262 Veterans Parkway • Columbus, GA 31909

1-800-331-2910 • 706-324-6661 2 | itgnext.com

www.hughston.com

ITG Next | 3

FIVE DECADES. THREE GENERATIONS. ONE FAMILY. Seven franchises in Four South Georgia communities.

All 100% Committed to You. Prince of Albany 2701 Ledo Road

Albany

(229)432-6271

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Prince Automotive Prince Ford 1410 Hwy. 82 W. 109 Westgreen Hwy.

Tifton

(229)382-2525

Douglas

Prince Automotive 4550 N. Valdosta Rd.

(912)384-2600

www.princeauto.com

Valdosta (229)242-3311

Who's Next?

ITG Next Friday night lights are coming. Are you ready? Do you have what it takes? Are you In the Game?

Anna Limoges EDITOR

ITG Next | 5

Our Certified Athletic Trainers Are Keeping Over

2,500 Student Athletes In the Game...

Are You on the Vereen Team?

Scott Romanowski, PT, OCS, OMPT

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Britney Mobley,

PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS

Jaclyn Donovan,

MBA, MS, LAT, ATC, CSCS

Marcus Wells, PT

Tony Sheffield, PT

Brandon Smith, PT, DPT, OCS

BACK IN THE GAME Jon White

Colquitt County

Heather Pierce

Hayley Widman Colquitt County

Zach Schiffer

Mitchell County

Marissa Elam

Turner County

Worth County

Jessica Hayles Berrien High

Hayden Burch Pelham High

Dylan Baker

Brooks County

Rachel Maher

Thomas County Central

Colton Bowser

Thomas County Central

ITG Next | 7

4 North Carter Street Lakeland, Georgia 31635 (229) 482-3585

978 Valdosta Highway Homerville, Georgia 31634 (912) 487-1200

202 W. Washington Ave. Nashville, Georgia 31639 (229) 686-9451

1201 S. Patterson Street Valdosta, Georgia 31603 (229) 244-3585

3303 Inner Perimeter Road Valdosta, Georgia 31605 (229) 244-3585

www.fmb.net

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Member FDIC

ITG Next is available for FREE pickup! You can get your copy of ITG Next magazine at one of these locations in South Georgia. Adel

Chula

Cook Medical Center Cook HS

Tiftarea Academy

Albany

Surcheros Colony Bank Crisp Regional Hospital El Girasol 16 East Crisp Co. HS Crisp Academy

Deerfield-Windsor School Pearly’s Restaurant Phoebe Memorial Hospital Surcheros Synovus Bank Colony Bank

Alma

Bacon Co. HS

Ashburn

Carroll’s Sausage & Country Store Colony Bank Turner Co. HS

Cordele

Dasher

Georgia Christian School

Darien

McIntosh Co. Academy

Douglas

Leesburg

Lee Co. HS DogOnIt Hotdogs Big Chris Catering and Takeout Synovus Bank

Moultrie

Beans & Strings Crystal Pharmacy CVS Surcheros Colquitt Regional Medical Center Vereen Center J. Harvey’s Country Buffet Colquitt Co. HS

Nahunta

Brantley Co.HS

Nashville

Memorial Hospital First National Bank Flint River Outfitters The Bean Cafe Bainbridge HS

Johnny’s New York Style Pizza Fireside Pizza Shop CVS Coffee Regional Medical Center Colony Bank More Than Graphics Coffee HS

Berrien HS SGMC, Berrien Campus

Baxley

Fitzgerald

Atkinson Co. HS

Bainbridge

Pineland Bank Appling Co. HS

Blackshear

Jerry J’s Country Cafe Pierce Co. HS

Brunswick

Tipsy McSways Surcheros Synovus Bank Ameris Bank Brunswick Country Club South Coast Bank College of Coastal Georgia Optim Healthcare Summit Sports Medicine Brunswick HS Glynn Academy

Camilla

Mitchell Co. HS Westwood School

Cario

First National Bank Grady EMC Cario HS

CVS Fitzgerald HS Dorminy Medical Center Colony Bank

Folkston

Charlton Co. HS

Hahira

Valwood School

Hazelhurst

Jeff Davis HS

Homerville

Clinch Co. HS

Kingsland

Synovus Bank Pineland Bank Camden Co. HS

Lakeland

Lanier Co. HS

Ocilla

Irwin Co. HS

Pearson Pelham

Pelham HS

Perry

Cherokee Pines Golf Club Oil Lamp Restraunt Perry HS Westfield School

Quitman

Lee & Pickels Drugs Brooks Co. HS Brooks Co. Hospital

Statenville

Echols Co. HS

Thomasville

Brookwood School Grassroots Coffee The Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar Henderson’s Restaurant Southern Interventional Pain Center Thomasville HS CVS Thomas Co. Central HS

Tifton

Tift Co. HS Tift Regional Medical Center CVS Wing Addiction Surcheros

Valdosta

Lowndes HS Chick-fil-a (St. Augustine) Valdosta Dry Cleaners Student Union, VSU Odum Library, VSU CVS Valdosta HS Carter’s Produce Surcheros Valdosta County Club Kinderlou Forest Golf Club

Warner Robins

Colony Bank Morris Bank Lowe Toyota Flint Energies Middle Georgia Orthopedics South Landings Golf Club Northside HS Warner Robins HS Houston Co. HS

Waycross

Surcheros Jerry J’s Country Cafe Walker Jones Costal Pines Memorial Satilla Health Ware Co. HS

St. Simons Island

Frederica Academy

Sylvester

Fat Boy’s Backyard BBQ Carroll’s Sausage Colony Bank Worth Co. HS

ITG Next | 9

GSHA AAAAAAA Camden Co. Wildcats 26 Colquitt Co. Packers 29 Lowndes Vikings 30 Tift Co. Blue Devils 33

AAAAA

GSIAA

Bainbridge Bearcats 62

Berrien Co. Rebels 104

Georgia Christian Generals 127

Thomas Co. Central Yellow Jackets 65

Brooks Co. Trojans 107

Veterans Warhawks 67

Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane 108

Warner Robins Demons 76

Thomasville Bulldogs 111

Ware Co. Gators 77

Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets 112

AAAAAA

Wayne Co. Yellow Jackets 82

Coffee Co. Trojans 40

AAAA

Houston Co. Bears 43 Lee Co. Trojans 44 Northside (WR) Eagles 49 Valdosta Wildcats 50 Bradwell Institute Tigers 53 Richmond Hill Wildcats 53 Brunswick Pirates 54 Glynn Academy Red Terrors 57

Deerfield-Windsor Knights 128 Westwood Wildcats 129 Brookwood Warriors 130 Tiftarea Panthers 131

Mitchell Co. Eagles 112

Valwood Valients 132

Americus-Sumter Panters 83

Clinch Co. Panthers 116

Frederica Academy Knights 134

Cario Syrupmakers 85

Irwin Co. Indians 117

Westfield Hornets 134

Perry Panthers 86

Charlton Co. Indians 118

Westover Patriots 87

Turner Co. Rebels 119

AAA Cook Hornets 92 Crisp Co. Cougars 95 Worth Rams 96 Pierce Co. Bears 98

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GISA

Pelham Hornets 121 Brookstone Cougars 122 Lanier Co. Bulldogs 123

Football Extras Top 10 High School Recruits of 2020 19 91 Coaching Changes 27 Columbus Area Preview 78 Southeast Area Previews 88

Be Inspired Unified Teams Fosters Inclusion at Bradwell Institute Zamier Rice

Player Profiles

Extended Content

Daijun Edwards, Colquitt Co. 25

Pro Previews

Jaheim Bell, Valdosta 38

Jacksonville Jaguars 22

Tylon Chambers, Veterans 61 Jaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Cyais Credle, Carver 80 Avery Jernigan, Pierce Co.

Atlanta Falcons 23

College Previews University of Georgia Bulldogs 36 University of Florida Gators 37

Florida State University Seminoles 42

Jaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Marquis Johnson, Berrien 103

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 52

Kendrick Patterson, Pelham 115

Summer and Fall FCA Events 55

Boone Utley, Tift Co. 124

Georgia Southern Eagles 58 Valdosta State University Blazers 59 Albany State Rams 113

Football Extras Top 10 Games to Watch

Top 10 Players in Georgia

A special thank you to Southside Baptist Church for allowing the use of their facilities for our Player Profile shoot. ITG Next | 11

Chase Busby, St. Simons Island, Ga.

Care that’s a world apart, but just down the road. Last year, more than 800 children from South Georgia made a very important trip. Some were just a few days old; others were kindergartners or teens. But they all received top-ranked care from one of the best children’s hospitals in America: Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Care that’s a world apart, but just down the road. more 12Learn | itgnext.com

at wolfsonchildrens.com

Football is back, and we at ITG Next could not be more excited! We bring you the most comprehensive high school football previews from across South Georgia. Inside this issue, you’ll find your school, the area’s top athletes, and the best games to watch this season. For more football-related content, check out our Preseason Extended Edition, available only online at itgnext.com. Follow our newest Instagram account, @itgnext.georgia, to get exclusive South Georgia content. Do you know someone who #LivesInTheGame and has a story worth sharing? Head to our website to nominate them to be featured in our next issue! And we’re not just looking for athletes. You can #LiveInTheGame in all areas of life, and we want to help those people tell their stories too.

WANT MORE FOOTBALL? We have you covered. 2019 Preseason - Extended Edition only available online at

itgnext.com

ITG Next Apparel @ITGNext

Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Anna Limoges Graphics Mandy Douthit Annabelle Scott Cover Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Player Profile Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography Eric Vinson Dreaming Wild Photography Feature Photography Dezmond Kimbrough Jesse Taylor Eric Vinson Dreaming Wild Photography Caleb Carswell Beth Welch George McDuffie Cindy Rewis Michael Brinson Feature Writers Phil Jones Kyle Grondin Jon Nelson Copy Editors Anna Limoges Cody Gatts Advertising/Marketing Andrew Pipkin andrew@itgnext.com Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com Digital Manager Mandy Douthit

Tell us what you thought about the June/July issue of ITG Next magazine! info@itgnext.com

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Friday Night Lights T-Shirt

Go to

Next Level T-Shirt

www.itgnext.com to Live In the Game today!

ITG Next magazine is published bi-monthly. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Media Group LLC makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2019 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

ITG Next | 13

Our Team

Andrew Pipkin Account Executive

Mark Dykes

Mandy Douthit

aNNA Limoges

Chief Executive Officer

Creative Director

editor

Founder Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the ITG Next vision. Back in 2007, Mark set out to create a company that captured the passion, intensity, and unrivaled commitment toward high school athletics in the South Georgia area. Today, that vision has become a reality, and he continues to be the leading influence in what lies ahead for In the Game, despite his annual prediction that UGA will win the National Championship.

As a Pine Mountain, Georgia, native, Mandy’s move to Valdosta has brought enhanced artistry and intricacy to the ITG Next design team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in art with a concentration in graphic design. Her artistic nature has allowed her to use graphic design to win national and international design competitions, all of which are meant to serve as diversions and coping mechanisms for Alabama’s loss in the National Championship.

After four years as an interdisciplinary studies major at Valdosta State University and three semesters as an ITG Next intern, Anna has remained a member of the team as Editor. Since her start in early 2016, she has devoted her editorial eye and organizational prowess to the ITG Next team. More importantly, although she claims to be a fan of the New Orleans Saints, there is fortunately no other sign of such irrational fandom.

Kendra Ehrenberg Video Coordinator

Halie Rash

Alex Dunn

Marketing Coordinator

Contributing Writer

A native of Tampa, Florida, Kendra is a recent graduate of the University of North Florida (Swoop!). Playing soccer most of her life, she is excited to work for a company that highlights student-athletes. She is currently living her dream of combining her love of sports and journalism into one career. When Kendra's not busy crying over the Bolts’ loss to the Caps last year, she is a dog mom to her sweet pup Sandy.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Halie Rash is a graduate of the University of North Florida with a degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations. Right after graduation, Halie jumped into the realm of marketing and is excited about her time here with ITG Next as the Marketing Coordinator.

Alex is a VSU graduate and contributing writer for ITG Next. After interning for a year, she decided to continue writing for ITG Next after graduation. Now, she works for the Marietta Daily Journal, where she proofreads and designs page layouts for their publications. She uses her experience as a copy editing intern for ITG Next to help with the sports pages the most, while also using her freelance to keep her writing skills fresh. However, she only knows how well the Braves are doing when she is placing the game finals on the pages.

Phil Jones began lending his voice to ITG Next in 2017. He serves as a radio station manager and host of two daily radio shows: “The Phil Jones Show” on WJHC Talk 107.4 and “The Afternoon Sports Drive” on WJEM AM-FM and on WJHC FM. Jones is a 20year veteran of the newspaper business, serving as manager of marketing and distribution for newspapers in Tifton, Albany, and Atlanta. He was recognized by the Georgia Press Association as Georgia’s Top Newspaper Circulator in 2003.

Micki Krzynski

Eric Vinson

Marque Milla Reese

Jon Nelson

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Writer

When it comes to loyalty to ITG Next, it is hard to top Micki. Since the very beginning of, Micki has provided strong, creative, and highly professional photos. Consequently, Micki and her son/ assistant, Jake, have become our goto photo duo. With enough talent, equipment, and experience to make her dangerous, she continues to push ITG Next’s photography forward.

Eric Vinson is a native of Lowndes County and a graduate of Valdosta High School. He recently got his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Valdosta State University in mass media. Eric loves taking photos, watching sports, and producing music.

Milla was born a humble, ambitious child on the south side of Tifton, Georgia. He has always see things differently than others as he drew on his imagination, and he went through numerous potential career choices before finding “the one”: the dream of becoming a photographer. With the helpful hand of his wife, Rebekka, Milla is living out that dream as a key contributor of ITG Next. With that said, the cries of “War Eagle” from them both have fallen strangely silent since 2010.

Jon has been in TV for 27 years based in Atlanta. He graduated from Florida State with a B.S. in political science. Twenty-four of those years have been at GPB as a host and senior correspondent. He’s also written five books with more on the way! He is blessed with a far prettier wife, Patty, and his two furry children- a Pekingese named Trooper and a cat that acts more like a dog, Trouble. His avid following of every sports team in existence is a ploy to mask the shame of being a FSU graduate.

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Born and raised in South Georgia, Andrew attended Valdosta State University where he obtained a degree in marketing and business. He is passionate about sports, especially high school football (Go Cats!). Andrew’s focus is to develop and cultivate relationships with businesses all around South Georgia. Like so many other Georgia Bulldogs fans, his hopes of a national championship increase every year, but in the end they are just long lost dreams.

Phil Jones

Dezmond Kimbrough

Jesse Taylor

Graphic Design Intern

Photography Intern

Annabelle Scott is a senior public relations major at Valdosta State University. She is originally from Live Oak, Florida, and is currently pursuing her passion for strategic design as an intern at ITG Next. She is a competitor at heart and is always working to set and exceed her life goals. A Georgia fan by marriage, Annabelle can be found on any given Saturday in the fall quietly reading a book while her husband, Aaron, cheers on them Dawgs.

Dezmond was born in Columbus, Georgia, but raised in both Columbus and Atlanta throughout his life. He has always loved the creative side of life, from audio arts to visual, with photography being his connecting point. Moving around more than most when young contributed to his photography, allowing him to observe the different perspectives through the lens. Put your bet on him; he won’t let you down like his Falcons do him.

Jesse Taylor is a senior at Valdosta State University where he is working towards his bachelor's in communications. As an art enthusiast, Jesse pursues his passion for culinary arts, musical theater, and photography extensively. He joined ITG Next during the summer of 2019 as a photography intern where he hopes to inspire people to pursue their passions and exceed their own expectations. Loyal, optimistic, and composed are characteristics Jesse has, which are required as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan.

Cody Gatts

Kyle Grondin

Journalism Intern

Cody is a senior at Valdosta State University and is majoring in language arts with a minor in journalism. He is engaged to his gorgeous fiancée, Diana; has a furry Pomeranian daughter named Cocoa; and loves reading books from any genre. He is currently writing a novel and hopes to have many more to come! He moved to Valdosta when he was 14 and went through Pine Grove Middle School and Lowndes High School, ultimately ending up at VSU.

Kyle is a senior at Valdosta State University working toward a Bachelor of Arts in English with a track in journalism. He transferred to Valdosta with his wife from UCF and hopes to become a world class sports journalist. Most days, Kyle is taking his dog Stella for walks or playing sports at the local gym. Kyle is a bigtime UCF Knight fan, so you know he’s willing to claim himself the national champion of everything with little evidence supporting his cause.

Want to Join the Intern Team? Apply online at itgnext.com

Graphic Design

Journalism

Social Media

Photography

Marketing

Videography

BE IN THE GAME

Annabelle Scott

ITG Next | 15

itgnext.com

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ITG Next | 17

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HIGH SCHOOL RECRUITS OF 2020

Written by: Kyle Grondin

Courtesy of usatodayhss.com Courtesy of usatodayhss.com

Bryan Bresee • Defensive Tackle

Zachary Evans • Running Back

Damascus (Damascus, MD) 6’5”

North Shore (Houston, TX) 5’11”

200lb

290lb

Commitment: Clemson

Commitment: Undecided

Coming off a dramatic 6A state title win, Zachary Evans will look to lead North Shore back to the promised land in 2019, as well as show off the incredible athletic gifts that landed him atop the 2020 recruiting class rankings. Blessed with an incredible combination of size, speed, and elusiveness, Evans could step into any program in the country and be a difference maker. He ended last season with over 1,700 total yards from scrimmage and 27 touchdowns rushing. He’ll need to continue to learn to find the holes and follow his blockers, as he is sometimes overly reliant on his pure athletic ability. Regardless, Evans is a future Heisman candidate for any school lucky enough to earn his commitment.

The Maryland football Gatorade High School Player of the Year, Bresee is a versatile defensive lineman who will fit right in to the deep front four at Clemson. Bresee can play both inside and outside; he’s big enough to line up at the tackle position, but quick enough to get by offensive tackles from the defensive end position, as he finished with 12.5 sacks to go along with 36 tackles for loss last season. Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables will be salivating at the thought of adding a player of Bresee’s talents to his defensive line.

Justin Flowe • Inside Linebacker

Upland (Upland, CA)

6’2” 225lb

Commitment: Undecided

Courtesy of sportzet.com

An absolute menace on the field, Flowe is a huge linebacker with a nose for the ball. With almost 145 tackles in only 12 games, to go along with five sacks, Flowe showed an incredible ability to shed blockers and get upfield on defense. Not only does his athleticism stand out, but his passion and energy make him a natural born leader on the field. Flowe has shown the ability to lead a defense with his play as well as his personality. ITG Next | 19

Julian Fleming • Wide Receiver Southern Columbia (Catawissa, PA)

6’2”

199lb

Commitment: Ohio State The top wide receiver in the 2020 class, Fleming is a three-sport star at Southern Columbia, standing out in basketball and track and field. Fleming finished his junior year with 1,524 yards and 22 touchdowns, and he already has many of his district’s records for receiving with still a year to spare. His physical gifts stand out, as he has some of the best hands on tape and is truly a natural athlete. He also plays defense, punt and kick returner, and punter for his school. Courtesy of cbssports.com

Sav’ell Smalls • Defensive End

Kennedy Catholic (Burien, WA) 6’3”

230lb

Paris Johnson Jr. • Offensive Tackle Princeton (Cincinnati, OH)

6’8”

Commitment: Undecided

His last name may be Smalls, but there’s nothing small about Sav’ell Smalls on the football field. A defensive end with the size to also play at the tackle position, Smalls has incredible physical tools at his disposal, as he’s also played linebacker, tight end, and wide receiver to go along with his normal position at defensive end. He ended last year with seven sacks to go along with seven touchdowns on offense. Still considering all his offers, Smalls said he looks to cut his list down to six teams by the end of the summer.

295lb Commitment: Ohio State

As the blind side protector, Johnson is an athletic lineman who can get up the field in a hurry and is light on his feet while he gets to the second level and takes out smaller defenders in his path. Standing at 6’8”, Johnson can tower over any lineman and bully them into submission, as he has a bit of a nasty edge that stands out on film. He’ll be able to step in right away in Ohio State’s fast-paced offense in 2020, but will need to continue to get stronger to unlock his full potential.

Myles Murphy • Defensive End

Hillgrove (Powder Springs, GA)

6’5”

260lb

Commitment: Clemson A raw athlete, Murphy has the physical tools to be one of the best defensive ends in the country. After finishing last season with 53 tackles and 10 sacks, Murphy shows that he can and will chase anyone down in the backfield; he shows a great motor in getting after runners and filling the gaps on the line. His pure strength stands out, as he can quickly and effortlessly shed blockers in his path. He uses his long arms to keep his offensive lineman at a distance and wrap up runners in his path. Murphy looks to be another future Clemson standout on the defensive line.

Kelee Ringo • Cornerback

Saguaro (Scottsdale, AZ)

6’2”

Commitment: Undecided

Courtesy of cbssports.com

Jordan Burch • Defensive End

Hammond School (Columbia, SC) 6’5”

250lb

Commitment: Undecided

A big defensive end who also plays running back, Burch may be one of the best pure athletes in the 2020 class. With room to grow, he sits at 250 pounds and can move like he’s 50 pounds lighter. Quick off the edge and into the backfield, Burch ended with 14 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and 25 touchdowns rushing as he helped Hammond win a state championship in South Carolina. A consistently dominant player who can play almost every down, the only questions surrounding Burch have to do with the level of competition he sees weekly at Hammond, as they dominate their district almost every year.

205lb

With shades of Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Ringo is a lockdown manto-man corner who plays with a physicality that stands out on film. Ringo uses his size to his advantage to try and outmuscle his opponents, but also has top end speed. In fact, Ringo registered the eighth fastest time among juniors in the 100-meter dash in the whole country, running his best time in 10.43 seconds. He’ll have to learn to stay more disciplined on the field, as his eagerness to be physical with receivers can lead to some mistakes, but Ringo can start as a true freshman wherever he commits for 2020.

Arik Gilbert • Athlete

Marietta (Marietta, GA)

6’6”

245lb

Commitment: Undecided An athletic anomaly, Gilbert stands out when you see him on the field. He plays both tight end and defensive end, his soft hands and quick feet allowing him to effortlessly make plays on both sides of the ball. Gilbert finished his junior year with 54 tackles and six sacks on defense, while offensively having 1,210 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns. He’ll have to spend his final season at Marietta refining his technique and picking his position for the future, but his physical gifts should allow him to stand out at either position.

Outfitting Teams Since 1997

WE ARE YOUR TEAM SPORTS EXPERTS

ITG Next | 21

Written by: Kyle Grondin

Jacksonville

Jaguars The Jacksonville Jaguars will be looking to resemble their 2017 season rather than their 2018 season. Injuries to the offensive line and Leonard Fournette caused the Jags to struggle through a 5-11 season. But theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve now hit the reset button on that tumultuous 2018 season, and with Nick Foles now at quarterback, Jaguars fans have cause for optimism again. The schedule makes the outlook tougher, as the division is stronger with the Texans and Colts looking competitive, as well as tough games against the Chiefs, Saints, Chargers, and Falcons. The defense was still great last year, but the regression was expected as they dropped to the fifth best defense in the NFL. First round pick Josh Allen will help the pass rush, but questions remain at safety and their ability to stop the run. With the holes in the defense, cornerback Jalen Ramsey has to be a Defensive Player of the Year caliber player for this defense to truly become special again. On offense, Foles is a step up from Blake Bortles, but the concern is that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to get the average regular season Nick Foles rather than the Super Bowl Nick Foles. The offense still seems overly reliant on Fournette, who has yet to stay healthy for a full season and only averaged 3.3 yards per carry when on the field. The talent is evident, but the finished product will leave a lot to be desired.

PREDICTION: 4-12, 4th in AFC South

2018 STATS Team Leaders Blake Bortles

2,718 Yds Passing

Carlos Hyde

571 Yds Rushing

Dede Westbrook

717 Yds Receiving 100 Tackles

Telvin Smith Jalen Ramsey

3 Interceptions

5-11 4th

overall record division place AFC south

points allowed

316

points scored

245

tiaa bank stadium

67,164

2019 STATS Head Coach: Doug Marrone Years with team: 4 Record with team: 16-18

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Players to watch DJ Clark Leonard Fournette

WR RB

Written by: Kyle Grondin

atlanta

falcons Cratered by injuries on defense last season, the Atlanta Falcons couldn’t continue their playoff streak, finishing 7-9 on the season. On offense, the Falcons are absolutely loaded, with the best receiving duo in the league in Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley, as well as tight end Austin Hooper and Devonta Freeman, giving Matt Ryan plenty of pieces to work with. However, despite being sixth in the NFL in total yards, the Falcons were only 10th in the league in points scored. A lot of eyes will be on offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian if they struggle to score points like they did last season. The recurring theme with the Falcons seems to be their struggling defense, which has been outside the top 20 for four years in a row, but this group has a chance to be special. Finally healthy and with talent at all three levels, the Falcons should fly around the ball on defense, led by Keanu Neal and Desmond Trufant in the secondary. Overall, the Falcons may be one of the most talented teams in football, but this coaching staff is on the hot seat. Dan Quinn came to Atlanta as a defensive specialist, but since he’s been head coach, he hasn’t improved the defense, and Sarkisian has paled in comparison to the great Kyle Shanahan years as offensive coordinator. With a tough schedule and little change to the formula, I think the Falcons may be the odd one out in the NFC South.

2018 STATS Team Leaders Matt Ryan

4,924 Yds Passing 800 Yds Rushing

Tevin Coleman

1,677 Yds Receiving

Julio Jones

94 Tackles

De’Vondre Campbell Damontae Kazee

7-9 2nd

7 Interceptions

overall record division place NFC south

points allowed

423

points scored

414

mercedes-benz stadium

80,000

PREDICTION: 8-8, 3rd in NFC South

2019 STATS Head Coach: Dan Quinn Years with team: 4 Record with team: 36-28

Players to watch Julio Jones Matt Ryan

WR QB

ITG Next | 23

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What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date? When I scored my first touchdown my freshman year.

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DAIJUN EDWARDS RUNNING BACK Height

Weight

5’11”

205

COLQUITT CO. PACKERS

ITG Next | 25

Camden Co. Wildcats

1-7A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Michael Brinson

2018 STATS Points 210 Allowed

Bob Sphire continues his job of rebuilding Camden County’s storied football program as he enters season No. 3. After a 3-7 finish in his first year, Sphire put Camden back in familiar territory – in the playoffs – with a third-place finish in Region 1-7A. The Wildcats lost in the first-round playoff matchup against Walton County, but the good news for Camden fans was that they were back to their winning ways. Sphire and Camden will try to keep things going in the right direction. The coach feels good about his team catching on to his way of doing things. “This is our second offseason, and our players and coaches are now familiar with my approach to practice, game day, and everything we do,” Sphire said. Camden will return two players on defense, but six starters are back on offense, including their two young, outstanding running backs: Daryl Williams and Jamie Felix. Felix is considered by most recruiting services to be the top running back in the class of 2022 and currently has offers from LSU, Purdue, and Mississippi State. Quarterback Logan Watson is also back to run Sphire’s spread offense. Camden defeated Charlton County 21-8 in their spring game earlier this offseason, and Sphire likes what he sees. “We’re going to be more balanced this year,” Sphire said.

AUG @ West Forsyth

Team Leaders Logan Watson

1,831 Yds Passing 738 Yds Rushing 795 Yds Receiving

Jamie Felix Shawn Hardy Jamie Felix

8 Touchdowns

Roninn Wright

2 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch Daryl Williams Jamie Felix Logan Watson

Head Coach Bob Sphire RB RB QB

Years at school: 3 Record at school: 10-11

Returning Starters Offense: 6

Defense: 2

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Wren (SC)

Locust Grove

Richmond Hill

Brunswick

@ Glynn Academy

@ Colleton (SC)

Colquitt County

Lowndes

@ Tift

Team Leaders

26 | itgnext.com

Season record 7-4 1-2 Overall Region

AUG

2018 IND

318 Scored

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Stephen Calvert 3,068 Yds QB

Frankie Hickson 1,032 Yds RB

Andy Isabella 1,698 Yds RB/WR

Bryton Barr 140 LB

Jessie Lemonier 10 DL

Jalen Elliott 4 S

91. Usually, that’s a pretty good test score for anyone on an exam.

But most years here in Georgia, that’s about the average number of coaching changes that you have when it comes to high school football. It comes out to around 18-20 percent of all the 400-plus schools making some kind of a change – be it from retirement or just the coaching carousel. It’s like the old movie “Logan’s Run” had in its big scene at the beginning: “Welcome to Carousel. Now is the time for renewal.” And we get it every year. Traditionally, I like to do one of those connect-the-dots stories involving all the movement at the beginning of each season. But this one may even be a challenge for our graphics department when it airs on Georgia Public Broadcasting this fall. You could be starting the discussion in a place like Clinch County where Don Tison replaces Jim Dickerson to keep continuity in the 1A Region of Doom. It could be up the road in Waycross where Jason Strickland goes from Pierce County down to Ware to take over for Franklin Stephens. Stephens returned to metro-Atlanta to take over a McEachern program that is now missing Kyle Hockman. Hockman and his wife love the beach, have had a home off the Atlantic near Savannah for quite some time, and are now at New Hampstead – shocking the Savannah high school ranks bringing his pedigree. Rich McWhorter leaves Charlton County after almost three decades of success and goes to Jackson County in Northeast Georgia. And no one (sorry, NO ONE) saw that one coming. You can’t really rank the changes without talking about what is going on in Moultrie at Colquitt County

Coaching Changes Written by: Jon Nelson

as Justin Rogers, who built Jones County (just northwest of Macon) into a playoff team, takes over for Rush Propst. And the Rogers departure creates another whole pocket of change. Mike Chastain took Warner Robins to consecutive state title games, and he now moves to Gray. Warner Robins promoted from within. Then, you look at Cartersville (where Joey King moved on to Coastal Carolina), Calhoun (where Hal Lamb retired), and Buford (where John Ford left). All three of those powerhouses promoted from within as well. Grayson brings Adam Carter from Creekview, so on, and so on. You see where I’m going here.

This has been, and I can say this with a great deal of certainty, the most movement of high-powered programs and coaches that has happened as far back as I can remember. It’s like someone took a big jigsaw puzzle, shook the box with all the pieces in it, and dumped it out onto a table in your kitchen. We only have a few more weeks to get it all sorted out before the wins and losses are to count for real in 2019. Find your favorite seat and find a seat belt. This season is going to be a fun one. Play it safe, everyone. I’ll see you soon!

ITG Next | 27

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Colquitt Co. Packers

1-7A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Aaron Musgrove

2018 STATS Points 156 Allowed

590 Scored

Season record 14-1 3-0 Overall Region

Team Leaders Jaycee Harden

2,498 Yds Passing 1,480 Yds Rushing 604 Yds Receiving

Daijun Edwards Lemeke Brockington Daijun Edwards

26 Touchdowns

Jay Ward

6 Interceptions

2019

Players to watch Daijun Edwards Jaycee Harden Carter Boatwright

RB QB TE

Tyler Walker Desmond Davis Lemeke Brockington

WR WR WR

Head Coach: Justin Rogers

After an offseason filled with distractions surrounding former head football coach Rush Propst, Colquitt County will try to put those issues behind them and move forward this season. What happened with Propst has been well chronicled, and much of what the long-time coach has been accused of is still under investigation. Jones County coach Justin Rogers has been hired to take over the mighty Packer program. The question that everybody is asking: Can Rogers keep it going in Moultrie? Despite what you may think about Propst, the coach came in and built the Colquitt County football program into one of the most respected high school programs in the nation. Because of that, Rogers will have some of the finest facilities to work with, from the weight room to the 100-yard indoor practice facility and more. He’ll also have some pretty good football players to work with. Returning to help the new head coach get acclimated is running back Daijun Edwards, who in three years has rushed for over 50 touchdowns. The Pack also returns quarterback Jaycee Harden, who will have receivers Tyler Walker, Desmen Davis, and Lemeke Brockington back as his main targets, along with emerging tight end Carter Boatwright. Despite the talent returning, one player that Rogers and Colquitt won’t have back is a big-time weapon who has meant a lot to the Packers the last couple of years: kicker Ryan Fitzgerald. The All-American has taken his talent to Tallahassee, where he’ll kick for the Seminoles. It’s safe to say that Colquitt County will be a force to be reckoned with this upcoming season, and that should make Rogers feel a little more comfortable.

First year at school

AUG

@ North Gwinnett

SEPT

OCT

Thomasville

@ Valdosta

Warner Robins

Grayson

Alcovy

OCT

Trinity Christian @ Camden Academy (FL)

OCT

NOV

Tift County

@ Lowndes

ITG Next | 29

1-7A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 269 Points Scored: 518 Region Record: 1-2 Overall Record: 10-4

Team Leaders 679 Yds Passing

Andrew Koenemann Travis Tisdale

1,903 Yds Rushing

Ghetti Brown

351 Yds Receiving 23 Touchdowns

Travis Tisdale Tiberius Drocea

4 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch Jacurri Brown Gary Osby

QB RB

Returning Starters Defense: 10

Head Coach: Randy McPherson Years at school: 17 Record at school: 157-45

If you’re a fan of the Vikings, there’s a lot to be excited about heading into 2019. Lowndes and head coach Randy McPherson will see the majority of their key contributors from last year’s semifinal squad return this season, with just a few notable exceptions. Gone to graduation is running back Travis Tisdale, the Region 1-7A AJC Player of the Year, who takes his talents to the University of Kentucky. Lowndes will also be forced to replace outside linebacker Jamari Hill, center Parker Brogdon, defensive lineman Darrell Stewart, and kicker

Lowndes Vikings

Ashton Musgrove. While those players will certainly be missed, there are quite a few returning from last season. Among them are starting quarterback Jacurri Brown and running back Gary Osby. Both will be a force running the football. Brown, even as a quarterback, can hurt opponents with his running abilities as much as his passing talents. Osby utilizes both speed and a hard-nosed style of rushing, punishing runners head on or running around them. Osby will also see time on the defensive side at linebacker. Speaking of defense, Lowndes is in great shape there, with 10 starters returning. Coordinator Byron Slack will have a veteran group back to give Lowndes one of its most talented units in years. That experience and talent showed in this year’s spring game versus Class 5A runner-up Warner Robins. In two quarters of varsity play, the Lowndes No. 1 defense held the Demons to only a field goal in a 14-3 win.

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Milla Creationz Photography

AUG Drew

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Champagnat Catholic

Parkview

@ East Coweta

Miami Northwestern

Valdosta

@ Ware County

@ Tift County

@ Camden County

Colquitt County

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1-7A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 231 Points Scored: 373 Region Record: 1-2 Overall Record: 8-5

Team Leaders 1,442 Yds Passing

Patrick Felton

Tift County surprised a lot of people last seaAs far as quarterback goes, Anders is givson. The Blue Devils finished fourth out of the ing former Lowndes High School product four teams in Region 1-7A and appeared to be in and transfer Joe Almond a look, as well as Jajeopardy of missing the playoffs. But, because of cob Beach, Weston Clamp, and Azaria Smith. the GHSA’s Power Ranking system, Tift secured (Smith could see time at receiver, also). Youngthe “at large” playoff spot, the final playoff spot er player Tyler Parker may see some time unin Class 7A. Tift went on a nice run, advancing der center. Look for the speedy Jeremiah McKto the quarterfinals, marking the first time in Tift innon to get a shot at receiver this year, behind County High School football history that the Blue Zach Carter. Devils had reached the quarter finals in consecDefensively, Tift will welcome back key playutive seasons. ers J.D. Bengston and Wendell McClain this With expectations sky high heading into the season. Bengston will also see time on special 2019-20 season, head coach Ashley Anders and teams, returning kicks and punts. Tift County must ready themselves for another Despite missing several key players due to season in what many consider to be the toughest their involvement in spring sports, Tift County region in the state of Georgia. rolled over Fitzgerald in their spring football If Tift is to keep up their winning ways in the game by a 36-16 final score. playoffs, they’ll have to find a replacement for a key player or two, among them running back Mike Jones. He recorded the majority of carries for Tift the last two years. Right now, Tift is running back by committee, with Deshawn Hurley, Zach Carter, and Walter Jackson all expected to see time running the football. Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

Mike Jones

1,187 Yds Rushing

Tyler Ajiero

837 Yds Receiving

Mike Jones

14 Touchdowns

Deontae Overstreet

4 Interceptions

Players to watch Deshawn Hurley Zach Carter Walter Jackson Joe Almond JD Bengston Wendell McClain

RB RB RB QB LB/WR FS

Head Coach: Ashley Anders Years at school: 4 Record at school: 37-12

Tift Co. Blue Devils

AUG Warner Robins

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Valdosta

Worth County

@ Crisp County

@ Parkview

Bainbridge

Miller Grove

Lowndes

@ Colquitt County

Camden County

Where Fords and Lincolns Cost Less ITG Next | 33

Unified Teams Fosters Inclusion at Bradwell Institute Written by: Kyle Gordon | Photography by: Jesse Taylor

Zamier Rice has always dreamed big. Even as a young child in Massachusetts, when Rice was winning every race in the Special Olympics competitions, to now, playing high school football at Bradwell Institute, he always has worked hard to best everything in his path. Rice has an intellectual disability, but that hasn’t stopped him from making a difference on and off the field. He has been playing football since he was 12 years old. In middle school, he played safety and a little bit of wide receiver and played wide receiver again as a sophomore.

“Zamier has always been very fast,” said Maria Taylor, Rice’s mother. “When they moved him to receiver, they wanted to use his speed to make plays. But he was so nervous to catch the ball at first.” Rice was always nervous when he first started to play football. He did not know how to acclimate himself initially, but now Taylor says he isn’t afraid to tackle or do anything on the field.” Rice has continued to grow and learn more on the football field. As the Special Olympics has adopted its Unified Teams program, unifying Special Olympic athletes and their Unified Partners, he has grown on the field. Now, he’s playing alongside his classmates as he continues to see more and more opportunities.

I want to continue to do better. If I can continue to improve and work harder at focusing in school and sports, I hope to get a scholarship in sports so I can go to college and keep playing. — Zamier Rice

Unified Teams make it possible for athletes to play on a competitive level while also creating a space for inclusion during school activities. Not only do the student-athletes become part of a team, but the partners learn more about what an intellectual disability is; what it looks like; and how to learn, work, and play with individuals with disabilities. Rice has shown how important a program like United Teams can be, as you don’t even suspect anything different about Rice when he’s on the football field. He just wants to go out there, make plays, and play the sport he loves.

“The team really gets behind Zamier. It is really neat to get to see Zamier on the field. He is really attentive and works very hard to get better every day. Zamier is very conscientious about making sure he does everything right on the football field, and the other players really encourage him out there every day.”

— Kyle Adkins

“The special education program has done a great job of making him feel comfortable and confident that he can accomplish anything,” Taylor said. “He’s been told so many times before that he can’t do something, but there’s no difference between him and anyone else. He works so hard, and he loves football. He is constantly proving people wrong about his limitations.” New head coach for Bradwell Institute Kyle Adkins has already taken notice of Rice’s work. He said that Rice “makes a huge difference for the football team,” Adding on that the other kids on the team rally behind his passion and spirit for

the game. “The team really gets behind Zamier,” Adkins said. “It is really neat to get to see Zamier on the field. He is really attentive and works very hard to get better every day. Zamier is very conscientious about making sure he does everything right on the football field, and the other players really encourage him out there every day.” At 16 years old, Rice has continued to play football and become a better student. He’s grown more comfortable at Bradwell and continues to work to focus more on becoming the best student he can be.

“He just likes to learn everything,” Taylor said. “On the football field, he cares about learning the plays and being more comfortable on the field.”

As for Rice, his focus for next season is just to get better on and off the field. Bradwell had an up and down season last year, finishing the season with a 5-7 record and a second-round exit in the state playoffs. He is planning on switching to play safety next season and hopes to prove his talents to his new coach. “I want to continue to do better,” Rice said. “If I can continue to improve and work harder at focusing in school and sports, I hope to get a scholarship in sports so I can go to college and keep playing.”

ITG Next | 35

Written by: Kyle Grondin

georgia

bulldogs Can Georgia finally get over the Alabama-sized hill and win a national championship? Since Kirby Smart took over, Georgia has always looked the part of a contender, but it has fallen short two years in a row. With Jake Fromm now having two years under his belt and generating Heisman buzz, it seems this may be the season for Georgia to finally put it all together. Last season, Fromm threw for 2,749 yards and 30 touchdowns to only six interceptions, while the running back tandem of D’Andre Swift and Elijah Holyfield rushed for 2,067 yards combined. Georgia’s receivers took a big hit, and Holyfield is gone as well, but graduate transfer Lawrence Cager has the look of a No. 1 receiver (he led Miami in touchdown receptions last year). Sophomore James Cook could be a big play machine in the backfield, as he averaged 6.9 yards per carry in a limited role last season. Defensively, the Bulldogs lost a lot of talent and their defensive coordinator, but the hype around freshmen linebackers Azeez Ojulari and Nolan Smith make this defensive group feel special. Overall, the pieces are in place, and Georgia should expect nothing less than a championship.

PREDICTION: 11-1, SEC East Champions, College Football Playoff

2018 STATS

Team Leaders Jake Fromm D’Andre Swift Riley Ridley

2,761 Yds Passing 1,049 Yds Rushing 559 Yds Receiving

D’Andre Swift

13 Touchdowns

JR Reed Tae Crowder Deandre Baker

2 Interceptions

Head Coach: Kirby Smart Years at school: 4 Record at school: 32-10

7-1 conference record 11-3

overall record

points allowed

269

sanford stadium

points scored

2019 STATS

92,746

530

Players to watch Jake Fromm D’Andre Swift

QB RB

Written by: Kyle Grondin

florida

gators One year into the Dan Mullen era, the University of Florida has a lot of reason for optimism. Fans are eager for what’s next after their Peach Bowl victory against Michigan. This season will come down to the continued development of quarterback Felipe Franks. While he put together a solid year last year, throwing for 24 touchdowns to only six interceptions, fans will be quick to call for Emory Jones if it seems like Franks can’t get them over the hump. Mullen continues to work his magic in grooming quarterbacks, but with all the talent returning on offense, anything short of a superb season from Franks isn’t going to cut it. The Gators lost several key contributors on defense, including three of their top four leading tacklers. But a combination of a top 10 recruiting class in the country and transfers has this defensive line loaded with pass rushers, as they should have one of the strongest groups in the country. Expect this team to get after the quarterback every down. Gator fans should expect progress, but this season could come down to two games: Oct. 12 at LSU and the Nov. 2 game against UGA in Jacksonville. This team will be competitive in both, but I don’t think very good will be good enough against the elite.

PREDICTION: 10-2, New Year’s Six bowl game

2018 STATS Team Leaders Feleipe Franks

2,457 Yds Passing

Lamical Perine

826 Yds Rushing

Van Jefferson

503 Yds Receiving

Lamical Perine

8 Touchdowns

Chauncey Gardner

4 Interceptions

Head Coach: Dan Mullen Years at school: 2 Record at school: 10-3

5-3

conference record

points allowed

10-3 overall record

2019 STATS

260

ben hill griffin stadium

points scored

88,548

455

Players to watch Feleipe Franks Van Jefferson

QB WR

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Coffee Trojans

1-6A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Micki K Photography

2018 STATS In 2017, Coffee and Lee County squared off in a battle for the GHSA Class 6A state title. Lee edged out Coffee by one score in overtime, making 2017 the closest Coffee has ever come to claiming a state title in football. To begin the 2018 campaign, head coach Robby Pruitt seemed to have his Trojans back on the path to Atlanta. Coffee won their first six games out of the gate; during that stretch, the Trojans outscored their opponents by a combined score of 206-33. Coffee was looking strong going into their region schedule. Region 1-6A has been known to humble even the most talented teams, and this is exactly what happened to Coffee in 2018. They went 1-3 in region play, getting outscored 90-119, before securing a tough No. 4 seed. The Trojans were victorious in Rounds 1 and 2 on the road, but their aspirations of getting back to the title game were cut short when they lost in Round 3 at Lanier. 2018 seemed to end prematurely for the Trojans. However, 2019 is a new year, and every team is different.

AUG @ Brunswick

Season record 9-4 1-3 Overall Region

Team Leaders AJ Wilkerson

1,207 Yds Passing 652 Yds Rushing 340 Yds Receiving

Josiah Killiebrew Kenneth Davis AJ Wilkerson

10 Touchdowns

Azi Johnson

3 Interceptions

Quinton Flowers

97 Tackles

2019 Players to watch

Head Coach: Robby Pruitt

AJ Wilkerson Josiah Killiebrew

Years at school: 7 Record at school: 47-24

QB RB

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Salem

Ware County

Taravella

Miller Grove

Godby (FL)

Northside (WR)

Valdosta

@ Houston County

@ Lee County

2018

SEC Team Leaders 40 | itgnext.com

Points 203 368 Allowed Scored

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Tua Tagovailoa 3,966 Yds QB

Trayveon Williams 1,760 Yds RB

AJ Brown 1,320 Yds WR

Devin White 123 LB

Josh Allen 17 LB

Grant Delpit 5 S

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Written by: Kyle Grondin

florida state

seminoles 40 years. That was how long it had been since Florida State had a losing season. Willie Taggart’s first year probably couldn’t have gone any worse than that. Fans hope for, or rather expect, a bounce back season for the Seminoles. FSU’s strength was in its defense, which was pretty good last year, and still has a lot of talent on the side. Defensive tackle Marvin Wilson and safety Jaiden Lars-Woodbey have the look of future NFL pros, and they finished with the 37th best defense in the country despite having a lot of youth on the roster. They should be even better next season, but the biggest issue with the defense was the offense setting up to fail time and time again. Quarterback James Blackman showed significant improvement by the end of the season, including a four-touchdown performance against North Carolina State. His development and new offensive coordinator Kendal Briles should produce an improvement in the offense from day one. The Seminoles will be better, but fans want more than better from Taggart and company.

PREDICTION: 6-6, Bowl Eligible

2018 STATS

Team Leaders Deondre Francois Cam Akers Nyqwan Murray Cam Akers Tamorrion Terry Stanford Samuels III

2,731 Yds Passing 706 Yds Rushing 744 Yds Receiving 8 Touchdowns 4 Interceptions

Head Coach: Willie Taggart Years at school: 2 Record at school: 5-7

3-5conference record 5-7overall record

points allowed

378

doak campbell stadium

points scored

2019 STATS

79,560

263

Players to watch James Blackman Tamorrion Terry

QB WR

1-6A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 368 Points Scored: 202 Region Record: 0-4 Overall Record: 2-8

Team Leaders Max Rigby

1,552 Yds Passing 507 Yds Rushing

Eric Williams Isaia Harris

442 Yds Receiving

Jaylen Mills

6 Touchdowns

Antuan Adams

99 Tackles

2019

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a tough couple of years for the Houston County Bears football team. Last year the Bears won two of their first three games, but wound up dropping their last seven contests to finish with a 2-8 overall record and winless in Region 1-6A. It marked the second straight two-win season. Armed with seven returning starters on offense and nine on defense, the 2019 edition of the Bears will look to rally behind that experience. That offensive experience returning includes quarterback Max Rigby and receiver Isaia Harris. They will miss last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s starting center Scott Akin. Defensively, the Bears bring back every starter from a season ago including senior defensive lineman Daniel Armendariz

Houston Co. Bears and senior linebackers Antuan Adams, a three-year starter, and Wesley Steiner, who will also see time over on offense at running back. In the secondary, the Bears will have senior Keaunte James, along with juniors Cam Stewart and Jalen Colvard. The returning experience has head coach Ryan Crawford hopeful and excited that things will finally turn around for the Bears in 2019.

Returning Starters Defense: 9 Offense: 7

Players to watch Max Rigby QB Isaia Harris WR Daniel Armendariz OLB Antuan Adams OLB/MLB Wesley Steiner LB

Head Coach: Ryan Crawford Years at school: 3

PROOF 23

AUG @ Perry

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Central (Macon)

Rutland

Peach County

Veterans

Warner Robins

@ Valdosta

Coffee

Lee County

@ Northside (WR)

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1-6A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 120 Points Scored: 638 Region Record: 4-0 Overall Record: 15-1

Team Leaders Kyle Toole Shaundarious Kimbrough Chauncey Magwood

1,204 Yds Passing 444 Yds Rushing 453 Yds Receiving

Shaundarious Kimbrough

15 Touchdowns

Zach Mason/ Tavian Mayo

2 Interceptions

2019

Lee Co. Trojans Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

Players to watch Kyle Toole QB Chauncey Magwood WR James Hopson II WR Preston Simmons RB Marlon Brown FB/TE Baron Hopson MLB/OLB

Head Coach: Dean Fabrizio Years at school: 10 Record at school: 81-36

AUG

Dougherty Life Christian (ASU) Academy (VA)

Replacing a lot of graduating seniors is not anything new for coach Dean Fabrizio and Lee County. In 2017, Fabrizio and his staff lost 41 seniors to graduation. This past season is no different, as Lee lost 42 seniors. Half of those will be playing college football this fall. Of course, all is not bad at Lee County as they’re coming off back-to-back state championships, and they’ll have a few key pieces back to lead the troops in 2019. On offense, Fabrizio will have experience back at quarterback in senior starter Kyle Toole. The signal caller had 34 touchdowns last year against only two interceptions. Toole will have two big time receivers back this season in Chauncey Magwood and James Hopson II. Other key players returning on offense include running back Preston Simmons and fullback Marlon Brown, who will also play tight end. Defensively, Baron Hopson will return. He was the team’s leading tackler last year and is considered one of the top linebackers in the country. He will be back to lead a stingy Lee County defense that only gave up an average of 5.1 points per game last season.

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Peach County

AmericusSumter

Southwest

Thomson

Nothside (WR)

@ Valdosta

@ Houston County

Coffee

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Northside (wr) Eagles

1-6A

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

2018 STATS

2019 Player to watch

Nathan Trevino

Points 262 453 Allowed Scored

Head Coach: Kevin Kinsler Years at school: 9

Season record 9-6 2-2 Overall Region

2018 Team Leaders Jadin Daniels Jadin Daniels Daniel Neal

1,677 Yds Passing 1,568 Yds Rushing 660 Yds Receiving

Jadin Daniels

17 Touchdowns

William McCall

8 Interceptions

Deshaun Maine

AUG Centennial

117 Tackles

The Eagles are heading into this season with the momentum of playing for a state title still fresh in the minds of coaches, players, and fans alike. While Northside didn’t win the championship (losing to Lee County 14-0), the fact that they finished the regular season at 5-5 and third in their region says a lot about the determination of the Northside program. It also speaks volumes about head coach Kevin Kinsler and his ability to bring out the best in his players, especially when it counts the most. Kinsler will have to use every ounce of his leadership abilities if his Eagles are to make it back to the state championship game. Kinsler must find a way to replace quarterback Jadin Daniels, a dual-threat passing and running signal caller who led Region 1-6A in rushing yardage in 2018, finishing with over 1,600 yards. Daniels was also the AJC Player of the Year from Region 1-6A. Also leaving are top running back Eric Smith and receiver Daniel Neal. Defensively, Northside will lose some big-time talent in their secondary, with the entire starting unit graduating. The departing talent includes threeyear starter at defensive back William “Tubby” McCall, along with fellow defensive back Kentrez Anthony, a two-year starter. Leading tackler Deshaun Maine will be missed, as will his 90 tackles in 2018. The trio contributed to an overall 18 team interceptions, a Northside school record. Defensive lineman Nathan Trevino, an All-Region selection from 2018, will return. Kicker Cory Munson is another key piece not returning in 2019. The AJC Special Teams Player of the Year made 12 of 18 field goal attempts last season, including a 53-yard attempt. Munson was also the team’s punter, averaging 40.5 yards per punt.

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Peach County

@ Jones County

@ Whitewater

Baldwin

@ Warner Robins

@ Coffee

@ Lee County

Valdosta

Houston County

2018

ACCTeam Leaders

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Ryan Finley 3,928 Yds QB

Travis Etienne 1,658 Yds RB

Kelvin Harmon 1,186 Yds WR

Ryan Guthrie 107 LB

Clelin Ferrel 12 DE

Andre Cisco 7 DB Hamp Cheevers 7 DB

ITG Next | 49

Valdosta Wildcats

1-6A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Milla Creationz Photography

2018 STATS After a 2018 season that saw the Wildcats finish 8-5 with a trip to the third round of the state playoffs, there still remains plenty of work to be done for the Wildcats heading into 2019. That would begin on defense for second-year coordinator Justin Montgomery, whose squad surrendered 55, 63, and 71 points in three of their losses. Expect to see head coach Alan Rodemaker become more involved with the unit on that side of the ball during game weeks in 2019. The head coach will be able to do that without worrying too much about his offense, which averaged 428 yards and 37 points per game last year (compared to just 18 points per game in 2017). The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cats will be in good hands with returning All-State quarterback Tate Rodemaker. The senior signal caller set a school record for yards passing with over 3,500 yards through the air and 31 touchdowns passing. He may put up even bigger numbers this season, as heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have some big-time targets to throw to this year. That group includes leading receiver Jaheim Bell, along with standout wideouts Javonte Sherman and Tarrell Roberts. Sherman actually was voted top receiver at the MVP camp earlier this year. Leading rusher Rajaez Mosley graduated and will be missed, but expect Roberts to get several looks at running back, along with Terrell Denson and Shavious Wright. Defensively, Valdosta should be better with nine returning starters, including Jylon Bennett, Isaiah Holland, and Maxwell Cherelus.

Points 441 Allowed

Season record 8-5 3-1 Overall Region

Team Leaders Tate Rodemaker

3,539 Yds Passing 1,132 Yds Rushing 785 Yds Receiving

Rajaez Mosley Aalah Brown Jaheim Bell

3 Touchdowns

2019 Players to watch

Tate Rodemaker Jaheim Bell Jylon Bennett

QB WR DT

Javonte Sherman Tarrell Roberts Isaiah Holland

Head Coach: Alan Rodemaker

WR WR FS/SS

Returning Starters

Years at school: 4 Record at school: 26-14

473 Scored

Defense: 9

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Jackson (ATL)

Tift County

Bradwell Institute

Colquitt County

Beaufort (SC)

@ Lowndes

Houston County

@ Coffee

Lee County

@ Northside (WR)

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Written by: Kyle Grondin

georgia tech

yellow jackets Goodbye, option offense. This isn’t your father’s Georgia Tech, as new head coach Geoff Collins brings in a new system and philosophy, including a spread offense. Paul Johnson had Tech looking competitive each year, but Yellow Jacket fans were seemingly ready for the team to enter the 21st century with its offense after Johnson announced his retirement. While a new philosophy can be refreshing, such a drastic change will bring hardships to Georgia Tech. Quarterback Lucas Johnson Jr. has the qualities of a dual-threat quarterback who could fit nicely in Collins’ system, but the changes could be a lot to take in, and the Yellow Jackets only completed 44 percent of their limited passing attempts last season anyway. They’ll still be heavily reliant on the run game, but without a respectable passing game, they could struggle to generate enough yards on offense from the spread. On top of all these changes, Georgia Tech has two factors that could limit growth in 2019: a pass rush that held the defense back from being truly elite and a grueling schedule. They dominated the time of possession last season, averaging almost 33 minutes a game, which allowed the defense to be good in limited minutes. A lack of pass rush while being on the field more will prove difficult to manage. Never mind that Tech has to play the defending champ Clemson in Week 1, followed by a grueling back half of the schedule and capped off with their yearly game against UGA. Georgia Tech fans will need to show patience, as this looks to be a multi-year rebuild to get their offense where it needs to be.

PREDICTION: 4-8, Not bowl eligible

2018 STATS

Team Leaders TaQuon Marshall

900 Yds Passing

TaQuon Marshall

971 Yds Rushing

Brad Stewart

268 Yds Receiving

Tobias Oliver

12 Touchdowns

Malik Rivera Tariq Carpenter

2 Interceptions

Head Coach: Paul Johnson Years at school: 11 Record at school: 83-60

5-3conference record 7-6overall record

points allowed

381

bobby dodd stadium

points scored

2019 STATS

55,000

437

Players to watch Jordan Mason Tre Swilling

RB CB

2-6A

add us @ITGNext

Bradwell Institute Tigers 23

AUG

@ Dodge County

The Tigers of Bradwell Institute will say hello to a new head coach coming in to lead the football program this season. Kyle Adkins takes over for the departed Ross Couch, who left to take the same position at Americus-Sumter. Couch spent two seasons at Bradwell Institute, where he led the Tigers to an 11-11 record. Adkins arrives from Campbell High School, where he led the Cobb County school to a 1-9 record last season. Returning is senior receiver Quin Chapman, a 6-foot-3 wide receiver who had 22 receptions last season for 330 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 15 yards per catch. Senior quarterback Dariuse Cooper will run the offense this season, although Cooper has some big shoes to fill. He replaces Region 2-6A Offensive Player of the Year Vencent Gilbert. Others returning are sophomore running back Michael Prince and highly recruited defensive lineman E.J. Togia. Kicker and punter Kenneth Lockhart will give the Tigers experience back in their kicking game. Players who will not be back include Region 2-6A Player of the Year running back Kevin Harris, who is now playing at South Carolina. Cornerback and receiver David Spaulding will be missed. After being recruited by up to 20 different college programs, Spaulding signed with nearby Georgia Southern.

2019 Players to watch

Head Coach: Kyle Adkins

Quin Chapman Dariuse Cooper

WR QB

First year at school

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Liberty County

@ Valdosta

@ Tattnall County

Long County

@ Wayne County

Effingham County

Richmond Hill

@ Brunswick

@ Glynn Academy

2-6A

2019 Players to watch

Head Coach: Matt LeZotte

Joe Fusile Jalen Rouse

Years at school: 5 Record at school: 49-36

T RB

Richmond Hill Wildcats

As head coach Matt LeZotte enters his fifth year as the head coach of the Wildcats, he’s looking to replace some big time talent from last year’s 5-6 squad. But, as LeZotte sees it, that’s a great opportunity for several players to accept the challenge this season. “The story of our team this year will be our junior class,” LeZotte said. “We had a ton of sophomores last year and several seniors who, of course, have left us.” The head coach said his offense will be the biggest question mark heading into this season. “We are going to have a lot of unproven guys on offense, but I’m looking forward to seeing who will step up,” he said. “We played a lot of different personnel on offense last year, so we had a lot of guys play all over the place.” The Wildcats will have to replace quarterback Aaron Bedgood this year. He is now with Coastal Carolina. LeZotte said that the quarterback situation is a little bit of a concern right now. Senior running back Jalen Rouse will get a lot of carries this season. The offensive line is going to be solid, according to LeZotte, with the return of tackle Joe Fusile. The 6-foot-5 lineman suffered a broken ankle this offseason but is expected to be fully recovered and ready to go with the start of the regular season. “Joe is very big and is very competitive,” LeZotte said. While LeZotte said his offense has a few things still to iron out before the season begins, that’s not necessarily the case with the Wildcat defense. Returning to lead the defense will be several key components of last year’s unit, including senior linebacker Timmy Fortson, junior defensive back Jordan Clark, and junior defensive linemen Nathan Vickers and Shaquan Brooks. The three juniors were First Team All-Region selections last year.

AUG

Grovetown

AUG

Written by: Phil Jones

SEPT

OCT

Wayne County

@ Camden County

New Hampstead

@ Liberty County

Bluffton (SC)

Brunswick

Glynn Academy

OCT

NOV

@Bradwell @ Effingham Institute County

ITG Next | 53

2-6A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 276 Points Scored: 188 Region Record: 0-4 Overall Record: 3-7

Team Leaders KJ Lee

929 Yds Passing

Jalen Trimmings

737 Yds Rushing

Marlon Carmena

325 Yds Receiving 5 Touchdowns

Xavier Bean

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 9

Players to watch Devin LaFayette Freddie Towns AJ Wilson Ryne Buckley

CB/FS CB/SS LB LB

Head Coach: Sean Pender Years at school: 3 Record at school: 10-10

The Pirates are coming off of a tough season that saw Brunswick finish 3-7 overall and 0-4 in region play. Head coach Sean Pender begins his third season leading the Pirates, and to shore up the defense, he has brought in new defensive coordinator Thomas Tedder from New Hampstead High School. Tedder is hoping that his new defensive scheme will make Brunswick better on that side of the ball. Last season, the defense gave up an average of 27.6 points per game. Tedder has installed a 4-3 defense, which preaches more of an attacking style. Brunswick will return nine players who

Brunswick Pirates

saw significant playing time on defense last season, including some good experience in the defensive backfield. Devin LaFayette and Freddie Towns will patrol against opposing receivers; they are good coverage guys and solid against the run. Joining them in the secondary is Trevon Smith, a senior. At linebacker, AJ Wilson, Octavius Butler, and Ryne Buckley all bring experience to Tedderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unit. Wilson, LaFayette, and Towns are all being recruited by several college programs. On the offensive side, Pender is hoping to get two of his quarterbacks healthy before the season gets going, as both Anthony Mountain and K.J. Lee are recovering from knee injuries. A sophomore backup, Jeff Waye, has been taking most of the snaps at quarterback this offseason. Pender brought over Ty Jones from his receiver position to take snaps and learn the position.

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Michael Brinson

AUG Coffee

54 | itgnext.com

AUG

SEPT

Bartram McIntosh County @ Camden Trail (FL) Academy County

SEPT

OCT

@ New Hampstead

@ Monroe

OCT @ Richmond Hill

OCT

NOV

Effingham County

@ Glynn Academy

Bradwell Institute

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Summer and Fall FCA Events The camp theme for FCA for summer 2019 is Let’s Go! As stated in Matthew 28:1920, God commands us to go and make disciples. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes exists to spread the love of Jesus Christ to everyone we come in contact with. Southeast Georgia FCA has approximately 20 teams that will attend FCA camps in various locations this summer. July 11 in Clinch County will be Faith in Football with four to six teams and around 300 students in attendance. FCA cheer camp will be July 22-25 at Valdosta State University. Campers have the opportunity to hear about Christ’s love and are presented with the gospel message. Each person in attendance will also take home an FCA study Bible as a gift. These camps are sure to make an impact on those who attend. Valdosta High School football players along with head football coach Alan Rodemaker and staff will attend a leadership camp at Epworth by the Sea in St. Simons Island, Georgia, on Aug. 3. Approximately 30 players will participate in the ropes course and trust exercises that will help build character in each player, but also build trust and momentum amongst the team as a whole. FCA leadership training will be held on Sept. 14 at Wild Adventures Theme Park. There is always a guest speaker, great worship, and a chance for huddle leaders and students learn how to grow their huddle, learn about Christ, and how to spread the gospel in their schools. The annual Christ Makes Winners Rally will be held on Sept. 25 at First Baptist Church in Downtown Valdosta. This phenomenal event is held during the week of the Winnersville Classic football game between Valdosta High School and Lowndes High School. This is a time for the coaches, players, and students to come together to worship and praise Jesus and be unified as one body of Christ. We are excited to announce that for the FCA Brooks County Banquet, the guest speaker will be Tommy Bowden, son of former Florida State University head coach Bobby Bowden and former head football coach at Clemson and Auburn universities. The banquet will be held on Oct. 3 at the old Brooks County High School (J. H. Wells Center). We are looking forward to a great evening. Please continue to pray for FCA and the ministry and that we continue to do what God would have us to do. Thank you to everyone who helps play a part in the success of the ministry throughout the year!

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

ITG Next | 55

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2-6A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 213 Points Scored: 318 Region Record: 4-0 Overall Record: 8-4

Team Leaders TJ Lewis

336 Yds Passing

Quantavious Bostic

463 Yds Rushing 179 Yds Receiving

Sam Wagner Quantavious Bostic/ TJ Lewis

The Red Terrors will have head coach Rocky Hidalgo back for a seventh season, and that’s got to be great news for the players and fans of Glynn Academy. Hidalgo has been one of the more successful coaches in the state of Georgia since his time at Glynn Academy, winning 49 games and losing just 17 during that span. But because of that success, Hidalgo is one of the most sought after coaches every offseason, and this year was no different. However, internet rumors forced Hidalgo to come out and stress to the team and its fans that he wasn’t going anywhere. With that behind them, Glynn Academy can return to the matter at hand, which is a deeper run in the state playoffs in Class 6A. Last season, Glynn Academy lost to Valdosta in Round 2 after winning the Region 2-6A title and entering postseason as a No. 1 seed. Returning to lead the Red Terrors at quarterback will be T.J.

Lewis. He will have running backs Nolan Grant and Caden Hutchinson behind him to carry the football this year. Offensive lineman Drez Wilcox will pave the way for the rushing attack, as well as pass protection for Lewis. Wilcox will also play on the defensive line this year. Joining him on the defensive front will be James Dyal and Jordan Swain. In the defensive backfield, Byron Bacon is a great cover man with good speed.

5 Touchdowns

2019 Players to watch TJ Lewis Nolan Grant Caden Hutchinson Byron Bacon

QB RB RB FS/SB

Head Coach: Rocky Hidalgo Years at school: 7 Record at school: 49-17

Glynn Academy Red Terrors

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Michael Brinson

AUG @ Fort Dorchester (SC)

AUG

SEPT

OCT

Washington

@ Groves

Wayne County

Ware County

Camden County

OCT @ Richmond Hill

OCT

NOV

Brunswick @ Effingham County

NOV Bradwell Institute

IT’S HARD TO STOP A TRANE AND THE RED TERRORS! ITG Next | 57

Written by: Kyle Grondin

georgia southern

eagles

Georgia Southern struggled in a year and a half under coach Tyson Summers, unable to find a real identity. When head coach Chad Lunsford took over the Eagles after an 0-6 record in 2017, fans wanted a return to glory for Southern. Now with a full season under his belt as coach, Lunsford has the Eagles offense soaring to new heights through their running game. With the option offense officially restored last season, Georgia Southern became the first team in FBS history to not throw an interception all season. The Eagles turned the ball over five times all season and finished with a 10-3 record and a dramatic bowl victory over Eastern Michigan 23-21. Quarterback Shai Werts, MVP of the Cameila Bowl with two rushing touchdowns, returns and leads a strong offense that racked up over 3,700 yards on the season and averaged about 30 points a game. Werts accounted for over 2,000 yards of total offense and 25 total touchdowns. While losing running back Wesley Fields hurts, expect running backs Wesley Kennedy III and Logan Wright to step in and compete right away for carries. The Eagles returned as a strong contender for the Sun Belt conference, including beating a ranked team in Appalachian State last season 34-14. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be a tall task to repeat their turnover numbers from last year, but this is still a three-team race between Southern, Appalachian State, and Troy for a conference championship.

PREDICTION: 8-4, 3rd in the Sun Belt

2018 STATS

Team Leaders Shai Werts

987 Yds Passing

Wesley Fields

1,050 Yds Rushing

Wesley Fields

237 Yds Receiving

Shai Werts

15 Touchdowns

Kindle Vildor

4 Interceptions

Head Coach: Chad Lunsford Years at school: 2 Record at school: 10-3

6-2conference record 10-3overall record

points allowed

280

points scored

2019 STATS

paulson stadium

24,300

396

Players to watch Shai Werts Kindle Vildor

QB CB

Written by: Kyle Grondin

valdosta state

blazers National champions. Undefeated season. Record-setting offense. Last season’s success will be difficult to replicate for the Blazers, but many of the pieces will return, and Valdosta State is primed to compete for another national championship. This starts at quarterback, where Harlon Hill Trophy runner-up Rogan Wells returns to an offense similar to what he ran under previous head coach Kerwin Bell. He lit up the league, throwing for over 3,000 yards and 38 touchdowns. He had six total touchdowns in Valdosta State’s national championship game victory. New head coach Gary Goff will be tasked with deploying all the offensive weapons returning to Valdosta State, including Jamar Thompkins, who led the Gulf South Conference in rushing as a freshman last season. Much of the offense that averaged 52 points a game will be returning this season. Overall, Valdosta State should be competing for a national championship once again. Most of the talent has returned, and if Goff can get the team off on the right foot, it could come down to a handful of big games – against Florida Tech at home and on the road at University of West Georgia – on whether this team makes it back to competing for a national championship.

PREDICTION: 10-0, Back to the Playoffs

2018 STATS

Team Leaders Rogan Wells Jamar Thompkins Lio’undre Gallimore

3,075 Yds Passing 828 Yds Rushing 900 Yds Receiving

Rogan Wells

12 Touchdowns

Alex Brown

4 Interceptions

Head Coach: Gary Goff First year at school

NCAA Division II

National Champions

points allowed

316

points scored

2019 STATS

bazemore-hyder stadium

11,249

728

Players to watch Rogan Wells Jameon Gaskin

QB LB

60 | itgnext.com

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Bainbridge Bearcats

1-5A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

2018 STATS Points 279 359 Allowed Scored It has been a crazy last 12 months for the Bainbridge Bearcats and head coach Jeff Littleton. After finishing the regular season at 5-5, including four straight losses in the heart of the schedule, the Bearcats entered the GISA Class 5A state playoffs as the No. 2 seed with hopes of a respectable run in the postseason. Bainbridge won five straight playoff games, starting with Jones County and ending in a rematch against Warner Robins in the state championship game. After three overtime periods and a bit of controversy, Bainbridge put the final touches on an improbable run to a state championship with an exciting 47-41 victory over Warner Robins. It’s back to work for Littleton and his team. They’ll have six starters returning on both offense and defense, including junior quarterback Quayde Hawkins; junior running back Caleb McDowell; senior Jaheim Jenkins, who will also play defensive back; and senior deffensive lineman Vick Wimberly. Bainbridge will miss All-State defensive lineman Roman Harrison, who signed with the University of Tennessee, and Aaron Spivie, their leading receiver from a year ago. Littleton said that, naturally, fans and players alike are looking forward to this season. “Expectations are high coming off our state championship run,” Littleton said. “This team has the necessary talent, but it will take great senior leadership and unselfish play from the rest of the team in order to make another deep playoff run.”

AUG Seminole

Season record 10-5 3-1 Overall Region

Team Leaders Quayde Hawkins Caleb Mcdowell Aaron Spivie

1,695 Yds Passing 964 Yds Rushing 555 Yds Receiving

Caleb Mcdowell

16 Touchdowns

Deyon Bouie

6 Interceptions

Randy Fillingame

123 Tackles

2019 Players to watch

Quayde Hawkins Caleb McDowell

QB RB

Jaheim Jenkins Vick Wimberly

Head Coach: Jeff Littleton

Returning Starters

Years at school: 6 Record at school: 47-27

Offense: 6

AUG

SEPT

OCT

@ Cairo

North Miami Beach

Brooks County

@ Crisp County

@ Tift County

@ Veterans

Warner Robins

2018

CUSATeam Leaders 62 | itgnext.com

DB DT

NOV

Defense: 6

NOV

@ Harris Thomas County County Central

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Mason Fine 3,793 Yds QB

Devin Singletary 1,348 Yds RB

Adrian Hardy 1,145 Yds WR

AJ Hotchkins 126 LB

Jaylon Ferguson 18 DE

Wesley Bush 6 DB

“Your Kind of Bank” 819 E. Shotwell St. Bainbridge, Ga 39819

ITG Next | 63

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1-5A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 234 Points Scored: 248 Region Record: 0-4 Overall Record: 5-5

Team Leaders Adam Tedder

774 Yds Passing

Quay Edwards

746 Yds Rushing 429 Yds Receiving

Dennard Wyche

Thomas Co. Central Yellow Jackets

Thomas County Central is looking forward to the upcoming season, as head coach Ashley Henderson begins his second year leading the Yellow Jackets. In his debut last season, Henderson led TCC to a respectable 5-5 overall record, but missed the postseason. Henderson is hoping his Jackets continue to improve enough to compete for a playoff spot. “I am very excited about our upcoming season,” Henderson said. “We’ve had a great spring, our numbers are way up, and our kids are much further along than we were last year.” He’ll have six offensive starters and six defensive starters returning, with some good experience back at key positions. That includes their leading receiver from a year ago, Dee Wyche; Kai Brown, whom Henderson said can play either wide receiver or tight end; and Tykeem Wallace, who is a shutdown type

AUG @ Early County

of cornerback but will also get a chance to play offense, according to Henderson. Other key returners include linebacker Rashun Jackson; defensive back Javasse Thomas; and linemen Garrett Harrell, Alkevius Bryant, and Dekhariez Ivey. Henderson will miss quarterback Adam Tedder from last year’s squad. Tedder also was the team’s punter. Sophomore Pearson Taylor and junior Kalique Guyton could both split time this year at quarterback.

Quay Edwards

8 Touchdowns

Tykeem Wallace

6 Interceptions

Ra’shun Jackson

58 Tackles

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 6 Offense: 6

Players to watch Dee Wyche Kai Brown Tykeem Wallace Rashun Jackson

WR WR/TE CB LB

Head Coach: Ashley Henderson Years at school: 2 Record at school: 5-5

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Thomasville

Cook

@ Monroe

@ Brooks County

Worth County

@ Warner Robins

Harris County

Veterans

@ Bainbridge

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Veterans Warhawks

1-5A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

2018 STATS Points 216 294 Allowed Scored Season record 8-3 2-2 Overall Region

Team Leaders Sebastian Verger

1,066 Yds Passing 1280 Yds Rushing 409 Yds Receiving

Cyrus Zuell Cordelle Clark Cyrus Zuell

14 Touchdowns

Hyson Holiday

1 Interception

2019 Players to watch

Sebastian Verger Cyrus Zuell

QB RB

Cordelle Clark Hyson Holiday

WR DE/DT

Head Coach: Milan Turner

Returning Starters

Years at school: 2 Record at school: 8-3

Offense: 2

AUG Upson-Lee

Defense: 2

When your region sends two teams to the state championship game, it’s safe to say that every other team must work harder in every area: the weight room, the film room, the summer camps, spring practice… every phase. That’s what Milan Turner and his Veterans War Hawks football team, as well as every other team in Region 1-5A, faces heading into this season after watching Warner Robins and Bainbridge finish as the top two seeds and advance to the state title game. Last season, Veterans finished with eight wins against three losses with a 2-2 region record, earning the No. 3 seed and a trip to the state playoffs, where they lost to Stockbridge High School. Turner will have just two starters returning to the multiple spread option offense. Defensively, however, the ‘Hawks will have all but two starters return to the 4-2-5 scheme. According to offensive coordinator Josh Ingram, his unit will likely have juniors at each of the 11 starting positions. The experience on defense could be the key to Veterans’ success in 2019, according to Turner. “Our team has to come together and mesh quickly,” Turner said about his team’s offseason preparations.

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Bleckley County

Baldwin

@ Statesboro

@ Houston County

Perry

Bainbridge

@ Harris County

@ Thomas County Central

Warner Robins

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ITG Next | 67

Top 10 Games to Watch Written by: Kyle Grondin

Tensions can run deep in South Georgia football. Whether it's your crosstown rival youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve hated since birth, a game with 100 years of history, or a game of two dominant programs, the entire state pays attention when these teams match up. Here are South Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top 10 rivalry games of 2019.

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#10

Backyard Brawl Mitchell Co. VS Pelham Nov. 8 @Mitchell Co. These two regional teams typically play each other for their last regular season game of the year. It is usually important for two reasons: These schools are about 12 miles apart from one another, and this game typically decides who wins the region. The past few years, Pelham and Mitchell County have gone into this game undefeated in the region and playing for that title. Last season, Pelham defeated Mitchell 34-13 to complete their undefeated regular season. They were undefeated until they lost in the state semifinals to Irwin County, and they will have a chip on their shoulder to get back into a position to win a state championship. Standing in their way will be Mitchell County, who will be eager again to play spoiler just as they had two seasons ago, when they knocked off Pelham and won the region themselves.

Irwin Co. VS Clinch Co. Sept. 20 @Irwin Co.

This is not your traditional rivalry matchup, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a game to circle on the schedule for the 2019 season. Clinch County is back-to-back state champions and have won three of the last four state championships. Irwin County in the last two years has beaten Clinch in the regular season and looked like the team to beat in the Class 1A state tournament. Each year, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found themselves losing to Clinch County in the state championship game. This makes a compelling matchup between two powerhouses. Clinch County is going into this year without longtime head coach Jim Dickerson, but they have the swagger and pride of state champions to try and get one back on Irwin County.

Pierce Co. VS Appling Co. Nov. 1 @Pierce Co.

Regional rivals who both happen to be consistently near the top of their standings always make for a compelling matchup. That is no different when it comes to the Pierce County Bears and Appling County Pirates. Both teams play a big, physical brand of football. Keep an eye on Pierce County junior quarterback Jermaine Brewton this year. He threw for 1,914 yards and led the Bears to a 13-1 record last season; he is the x-factor in this important regional matchup.

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Hardaway VS Columbus Oct. 25 @Hardaway Midtown rivals, the Columbus Blue Devils and Hardaway Hawks matchup is one of the must-watch games in the city. Last year, they played one of the best games of the year, as Hardaway upset Columbus with a game-winning pick six with 40 seconds left on the clock to win 14-7. It was a classic game of great defense stopping a great offense, as the Hawks had one of the best defenses of the region last season. Both teams will look to gain bragging rights and an advantage in the region standings in 2019.

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Valdosta VS Colquitt Co. Sept. 13 @Valdosta While this doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have quite the same hype as Valdosta versus Lowndes, Valdosta versus Colquitt County is still one of the oldest and most competitive rivalries in Georgia high school history. Valdosta started playing Moultrie High School back in 1913. When Moultrie changed its name to Colquitt County High School, the rivalry was renewed, and these two teams have faced off against one another every year since 1978, sometimes even twice a year when it came to state tournaments. They have played 47 times since 1978, and Valdosta has a 28-19 record in those matchups. Colquitt County has won five straight games against Valdosta. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have to adjust to new head coach Justin Rogers, but the team is still one of the strongest programs in the area.

Battle for the Jug St. Anne-Pacelli VS Brookstone Oct. 4 @St. Anne-Pacelli

The two largest private schools in Columbus battle for the Broocelli Jug, a red and blue milk jug that has the scores of games past painted on it. Brookstone picked up their 30th win in the series last season, beating Pacelli 61-14. Brookstone now holds a 30-16-1 record in a game that has been played annually since 1972.

Heritage Bowl

Spencer VS Carver (Columbus) Aug. 30 @Spencer This is one of the biggest games in Columbus, pitting longtime rivals the Carver Tigers against the Spencer Greenwave. Two years ago, Carver was on the verge of a two-decade winning spree with 19 straight wins against Spencer. Spencer shocked the state by upsetting Carver, and the winning streak was ended in one of the biggest wins in Spencerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school history. Carver got back to its winning ways last season, defeating Spencer 17-10; they had a strong offense headed by leading rusher Khiari McCoy and Georgia top 100 recruit JaCyais Credle, who led the team in receiving last season. Carver should be considered heavy favorites again to start a new streak.

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#3 Thomas Co. Central VS Thomasville Aug. 30 @Thomas Co. Central One of South Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most competitive rivalries, these two teams played for the 50th time last season, and each team has won 25 games apiece. Thomasville was the dominant school for many years, but Thomas County Central has been on an incredible run of late, winning 16 of the last 19 matchups. Thomasville dominated last season, winning the game with a score of 39-7, but they will have to replace star quarterback Chad Mascoe. Expect this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game to be much closer.

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#2 Showdown at the MAC Warner Robins VS Northside (Warner Robins) Sept. 27 @Warner Robins The Northside versus Warner Robins game attracts nearly 20,000 spectators every year. Both teams made it to the state championship game in their respective classifications last year (both finished as runners-up), and they are both perennial powers of the area. These teams have played every year since 1967, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not very often they are outside the top three in the region, which makes this a highly important affair with state rankings on the line. Warner Robins has been a strong team for decades, but Northside has started closing the gap lately, becoming one of the strongest forces in the region. In last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Showdown, Warner Robins held on to win 39-34 despite a late comeback attempt from Northside.

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Winnersville Classic Valdosta VS Lowndes Sept. 27 @Lowndes

When Lowndes plays against Valdosta, a whole town stops. Not just in the state, this is considered one of the biggest rivalries in the country, pitting two hugely successful and skilled teams against one another. Valdosta was a longtime powerhouse in the state of Georgia; theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve won 24 state championships and are considered one of the winningest schools in the U.S. However, Lowndes has dominated this series of late, winning 10 of the last 14 games, including a 71-35 win in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classic. You can always expect fireworks when these two match up.

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1-5A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 285 Points Scored: 559 Region Record: 3-1 Overall Record: 12-3

Team Leaders Dylan Fromm

4,352 Yds Passing

Jahlen Rutherford

1,074 Yds Rushing

Marcayll Jones

2,046 Yds Receiving

Marcayll Jones

4 Touchdowns

Jatavious Bryant

4 Interceptions 129 Tackles

Demarcus Robinson

2019 Players to watch Demarcus Robinson Marcayll Jones Jahlen Rutherford Jatavious Bryant

MLB WR/FS RB CB/WR

Head Coach: Marquis Westbrook First year at school

Warner Robins Demons Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

During the 2018 regular season, Warner Robins went 8-2 and 3-1 in region play, securing the Region 1-5A title for the second time in two years. Warner Robins used home field advantage to easily defeat their first three postseason opponents leading up to the semifinals. The Demons’ semifinal road win over the reigning state champions, the Rome Wolves, made their hopes for a state title even more confident. Their opponent in that state title game was Bainbridge, the Demons’ Region 1-5A rival. In the third overtime, the Bearcats defeated Warner Robins 4741, crushing the Demons’ hope at a state title for the second consecutive season. Moving forward, Warner Robins will try to write a new chapter. Former coach Mike Chastain is out; head coach Marquis Westbrook is in. Besides losing Chastain, the Demons also lose the Fromm brothers and a couple of crucial leaders on defense. It may be fair to assume Warner Robins will be run heavy in 2019. Running back Jahlen Rutherford was a thousand-yard rusher last year. He returns and is joined by running back Deandre Duehart, who accrued roughly 700 yards rushing in 2018.

AUG

SEPT

OCT

@ Tift County

Locust Grove

Baldwin

@ Colquitt

Northside (WR)

@ Houston County

Harris County

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OCT

Thomas @ County Central Bainbridge

NOV @ Veterans

Ware Co. Gators

2-5A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Michael Brinson

2018 STATS Points 167 308 Allowed Scored Season record 8-4 3-1 Overall Region

Team Leaders Thomas Castellanos Chris Jones

Thomas Castellanos

1257 Yds Passing 804 Yds Rushing 508 Yds Receiving

Thomas Castellanos

15 Touchdowns

Kevin Weatherspoon

5 Interceptions

Logan Braucht

110 Tackles

2019 Players to watch

Thomas Castellanos Laderic Castellanos

AUG

QB RB

Head Coach: Jason Strickland First year at school

Ware County will look to a new leader to guide the Gators. Former Pierce County head football coach Jason Strickland was hired in the offseason to fill the head coaching vacancy when former coach Franklin Stephens left to take the head coaching position at McEachern. Strickland brings a high scoring offensive mindset to Ware County. Last year, his offense averaged 39 points per game at Pierce. There’s certainly no guarantee that his new team will be able to repeat the same offensive output of his former team, but he’ll have some key pieces to work with. Strickland will surely begin his offensive planning with his quarterback at Ware, Thomas Castellanos. Quite a bit of young talent returns this season at Ware County, and it starts with the sophomore signal caller. With Castellanos guiding the team on offense last season, Ware County finished 8-4 and advanced to the second round of the state playoffs. He passed for 1,257 yards and threw for 11 touchdowns. A familiar face will line up in the backfield with him. Brother Laderic Castellanos moved from linebacker to running back last year, and though he only rushed for 375 yards, the year of experience at running back should pay off this year. It should especially pay off in Strickland’s spread offense with an emphasis on running the football. Strickland has a career coaching record of 9939-1 in 11 years as a head football coach.

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Burke County

@ Coffee

@ Jonesboro

@ Glynn Academy

Lowndes

@ Statesboro

South Effingham

@ New Hampstead

Wayne County

2018

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Kyler Murray 4,361 Yds QB

Alex Barnes 1,355 Yds RB

Tylan Wallace 1,491 Yds WR

Kenneth Murray 155 LB

Jordan Brailford 10 DE

Adrian Frye 5 DB

Rockledge (FL)

big 12Team Leaders

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Columbus Area 78 | itgnext.com

Preview The Columbus area has several strong teams, which should make the 2019 season an intriguing one. Marion County returns as the top team, as they finished the 2018 season with a record of 12-1 (50). They return starting quarterback Trice McCannon, who has a cannon for an arm: He threw 2,002 yards passing last season. He’ll have to build on that without running back Travon Mathews, who’s 28 touchdowns last season led the region, but who has since graduated. McCannnon will have to take on a heavy burden for the Eagles offense to replicate last year’s success. The defense will get another season out of linebacker Kendrick Hawkins, who had a nose for the ball last season, making an insane 152 tackles. Expect another big year from Hawkins and the Eagles defense that was second in the region, surrendering only 243 points on the season. Carver High School finished the season 9-2 (7-1) in 2018. Region 1-4A Player of the Year running back Khiari McCoy returns after rushing for 1,227 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns. He’ll be an explosive tandem with wide receiver Ja’Cyais Credle, a top 100 recruit in the state of Georgia. The biggest task head coach Corey Joyner will have is replacing his quarterback, Jaylen Joyner, to unlock the potential of his offensive weapons. If they can find a suitable replacement, Carver could be a strong contender in the region. We could see a rebuilding year at Columbus High School. The team battled to a 7-5 (5-3) finish last year and goes into 2019 without star quarterback Donovan Carter and leading tackler Bryce Owens, who made 111 tackles last season. Without their leaders on both sides of the ball, Columbus may take a step back in 2019. Watch out for the toughness at Hardaway High School. The Hawks had the best defense in the region last season, giving up only 197 points on the season. Defensive back JQ Hardaway is a player to watch this season. He was All-Region Honorable Mention last year as a freshman and can have a big impact for Hardaway again this season.

TOP

2018 Area Leaders Jaylen Joyner

G. W. Carver

Travon Mathews Josh Rodgers

Marion Co. Marion Co.

2244 Yds Passing 1586 Yds Rushing 883 Yds Receiving

Travon Mathews

Marion Co.

28 Touchdowns

Carlos Dunovant

Chatahoochee Co.

No. 1 Player to Watch: Ja’Cyais Credle Ja’Cyais Credle from Carver High School is a strong candidate for 2019 Region 1-4A Player of the Year. He finished last season on the First Team All-Region and is now rated as the 69th ranked recruit in the state of Georgia. Credle stands out with a 6-foot-4, 200-pound frame with speed that has caught the eyes of a lot of coaches in the area. He is considered a raw talent to build on, with the ability to go up and get any ball and the ability to make plays after the catch. Last season he finished with 792 yards receiving, and he will look to build on that in his senior season. His ability has drawn interest from a host of schools, including Oregon, Tennessee, and South Carolina. He’ll be the top player to watch as Carver looks to supplant Marion and win the region this season.

6 Interceptions

2019 Rivalry Games The AJC listed the Heritage Bowl, the yearly matchup between Carver and Spencer, as the eighth best rivalry in the state. This year’s matchup is sure to produce plenty of fireworks, as Carver looks to build upon a 9-2 season last year. Carver bounced back last season, beating Spencer 17-10, after Spencer had ended Carver’s 19-year winning streak against Spencer in 2017. The Greenwave will look to play spoilers again this year. They may share the same stadium, but there’s no love lost between the Shaw Raiders and the Hardaway Hawks. Shaw upset Hardaway last season by a score of 30-28, and Hardaway will try to avenge that loss this season.

Carver @ Spencer, Aug. 30 Shaw @ Hardaway, Oct. 3

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JA’CYAIS CREDLE WIDE RECEIVER

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Height

Weight

6’4”

200

CARVER TIGERS

Football Banquet 2019

ITG Next | 81

2-5A Wayne County is looking to capitalize on last year’s success while at the same time forgetting a season that ended way too early for the Jackets. Wayne County won the Region 2-5A championship for the second straight season, finishing undefeated at 10-0, and entered the state playoffs as a No. 1 seed and favorite to possibly win it all in Class 5A. In the second round of the playoffs, Wayne County lost to the team that did go on to win it all, Jeff Littleton’s Bainbridge Bearcats. Head coach Ken Cribb will try to put his Yellow Jackets right back in position to make another run at it. They’ll have to do it without some good talent lost to graduation, including running back M.J. Fuller and receiver Ashley Cribb. The good news is that Wayne County returns some special talent from last year’s squad, including starting quarterback Shamar Taylor and linebacker Jalen Barnum. Wayne County also lost standout offensive lineman Weston Franklin, who transferred out of Wayne County to the vaunted IMG Academy School in Bradenton, Florida. Cribb has the folks in Wayne County excited about football, as they should be. It will be interesting to see if the Jackets can get over that hump in 2019.

2019 Players to watch

Wayne Co. Yellow Jackets 30

AUG Long County

SEPT @ Richmond Hill

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2018

Shamar Taylor Jalen Barnum

Team Leaders QB LB

Shamar Taylor MJ Fuller Ashby Cribb

Head Coach: Ken Cribb

MJ Fuller

Years at school: 2 Record at school: 20-3

1,689 Yds Passing 1,254 Yds Rushing 748 Yds Receiving

13 Touchdowns

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Beaufort (SC)

@ Glynn Academy

@ Appling County

Bradwell Institute

Statesboro

@ South Effingham

New Hampstead

@ Ware County

Americus-Sumter Panthers

1-4A

Written by: Phil Jones

2018 STATS Points 250 179 Allowed Scored Season record 3-7 3-5 Overall Region Photo courtesy of albanyherald.com

Team Leaders Kierston Harvey

1,931 Yds Passing 527 Yds Rushing 509 Yds Receiving

Montrellis Wilson Quevolia Willoughby Montrellis Wilson

8 Touchdowns

2019 Players to watch

Trevian Thomas Kanova Willoughby

Head Coach: Ross Couch

DB QB

First year at school

Class of 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees

Champ Bailey CB Ty Law CB

Ed Reed S

Gil Brandt Contributor

AUG Crisp County

Kevin Mawae

Tony Gonzalez TE

Johnny Robinson S

The Panthers are hoping their game of head coach musical chairs will come to an end with their latest hire. Ross Couch is the new head football coach at Americus-Sumter, the third in as many seasons. He replaced Larry Harold, who accepted an assistant coaching position at Kentucky State University. Before Harold was Eric Soliday, who left two seasons ago to take the head coaching position at Tiftarea Academy. Couch comes from Bradwell Institute, where he spent the last two seasons and is credited with turning around a fledgling football program. He will now try to get Americus-Sumter back to its winning ways, which was only two seasons ago in 2017, when they finished 9-3 and won the Region 1-4A title. The Panthers fell back to 3-7 last year, losing five of their final six games. Couch will miss some key members of the Panthers who have graduated, including All-Region quarterback Kierston Harvey, who leaves with 4,500 yards passing in his career at Americus. His replacement will be 6-foot-1 senior Kanova Willoughby. Other key personnel who are gone include receiver Sam Crumbley and dual-threat receiver and running back Montrellis Wilson. Wilson and linebacker Michael Fleming will continue to be teammates as they both signed with Mesabi Range Junior College in Minnesota. On defense, Americus-Sumter will have highly recruited senior defensive back Trevian Thomas back this year. He will be Couchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader and on-the-field coach on defense.

Pat Bowlen Owner

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Dougherty

@ Lee County

Shaw

Hardaway

Columbus

@ Northside (Columbus)

Cairo

@ Westover

@ Carver

2018

sun belt Team

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Justice Hanson 3,447 Yds QB

Darrynton Evans 1,187 Yds UT/WR/RB

Kirk Merritt 1,005 Yds WR

Bryan London 109 LB

Ronheem Bingham 9 DE

Cedarious Rookard 5 S

Leaders ITG Next | 83

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Cairo Syrupmakers

1-4A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

2018 STATS Points 144 420 Allowed Scored Season record 10-3 8-0 Overall Region

Team Leaders Ronnie Baker

803 Yds Passing 778 Yds Rushing 494 Yds Receiving

Tay Solomon Cameron Goosby Nick Gosier

13 Touchdowns

Jarion Carter

2 Interceptions

2019 Players to watch

Noah Jones Matthew Peters

K/P QB

Tay Solomon Derrick Simmons

Head Coach: Steve DeVoursney

Returning Starters

Years at school: 3 Record at school: 18-3

AUG @ Thomasville

RB LB

Offense: 7

With 16 straight appearances in the state playoffs, the Cairo Syrupmakers are hoping that the upcoming season will produce another Region 1-4A regular season championship and another postseason trip. Like any good football coach, Steve DeVoursney is both excited but guarded about his team’s chances for the upcoming season. “We do have several starters returning this year, but we’ll be young on defense,” he said. “Hopefully, we can grow up fast in some spots.” Cairo advanced to the state quarterfinals in 2018 before being ousted by Troup County. The Syrupmakers finished 10-3 overall last season and ranked seventh in the state’s final 4A state rankings. But, with seven starters returning from an offense that averaged 294 yards per game last season, they should be right back in the hunt this year. That group includes quarterback Matthew Peters, running back Tay Solomon, and wide receivers Marquill Lovejoy and Nick Gosier. Up front, Cairo returns a big body in lineman Griffin Stalvey. However, Devousney and Cairo will certainly miss offensive lineman Daniel King, a Class 4A First Team selection from a year ago. A youthful defensive unit will benefit from the return of several contributors from last year, including linebackers Derrick Simmons and John Carter. Defensive back DeVario Smith and defensive end Calvin Isaac will also be back. Special teams will return a major weapon in AllState and All-American kicker and punter Noah Jones, a junior. His punting average last season was an incredible 41 yards per punt. He successfully connected on 48 of 49 extra point attempts and finished with 10 field goals out of 19 attempts, including his season long 47-yard kick. Devoursney said the goal this season is pretty straight forward: “With several of our starters back, we hope to have a chance to compete for a region championship again.”

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Bainbridge

Northside (Columbus)

@ Hardaway

Westover

@ Columbus

@ Carver (Columbus)

@ AmericusSumter

Shaw

Dougherty

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2-4A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 297 Points Scored: 286 Region Record: 2-3 Overall Record: 6-5

Team Leaders Lane Rucker

3,004 Yds Passing 351 Yds Rushing

Makeil Kendrick Davion Ross

983 Yds Receiving

Davion Ross

10 Touchdowns

Jermaine Lee

3 Interceptions

Jordan Thompkins

117 Tackles

2019 Players to watch Lane Rucker Makeil Kendrick Tyrell Owens Tyren Mobley

QB RB RB FS/WR

Perry Panthers Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

Head Coach: Kevin Smith Years at school: 3 Record at school: 11-10

AUG Houston County

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Northeast

@ Westside (Macon)

Monroe

@ Veterans

@ UpsonLee

@ Howard

Spalding

Mary Persons

@ West Laurens

2018

PAC-12 Team

Leaders

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The Perry Panthers of 2018 became the first Panther football team in five years to qualify for the GHSA postseason bracket. Perry finished with a region record of 2-3, good enough for the fourth and final seed in Region 2-4A. The Panthers went on the road in Round 1, but they were unable to pull off the upset against the top seeded Baldwin Braves. In Kevin Smith’s second season as head coach, Perry finished 6-5 overall, giving Smith a total record of 11-10 in his two seasons at Perry. Going into this year’s campaign, Smith and company look to put together another winning season for Perry; if they are successful, then it would be the Panthers’ first back-to-back winning season since 2012. If they are to be successful, Perry will need to address leadership on both sides of the ball. Senior linebacker Jaylen Johnson and senior wide receiver Davion Ross have both graduated, leaving glaring holes on both sides of the ball. Perry returns starters at key positions including quarterback and running back along with a core of defensive starters.

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Gardner Minshew 4,779 Yds QB

Eno Benjamin 1,642 Yds RB

Dillon Mitchell 1,184 Yds WR

Ben Burr-Kirven 176 LB

Porter Gustin 8 LB/DE

Jaylinn Hawkins 6 CB/S

1-4A

Westover Patriots

With one year under his belt, head coach Olten Downs is beginning to settle in nicely at Westover High School, leading the school to its best record in nearly three years in 2018. They return a lot of talent and experience at the skill positions that could see them take another leap in 2019. Quarterback Cameron Hopkins leads the offense, returning after a strong 2018 season. His best game of the season was in a loss, as he accumulated over 400 yards of offense and three touchdowns passing in a 27-25 loss to Cairo. He is joined by class of 2021 standout Jordyn Williams, who has garnered interest from the likes of Tennessee, Florida State, and Alabama. That duo will be expected to put up big numbers in 2019 for the Patriots. Their defense had several strong performances in 2018, holding teams to under 20 points in seven of their 11 contests. Westover’s biggest task will be replacing the 11 players who went on to sign football scholarships last season (a school record). With losing almost half of their starters, the Patriots hope the younger talent can step up and help them improve in 2019. With Downs and the staff having a little more experience under their belt, they should be able to make a leap into being contenders in a tough region for 2019.

2019 Players to watch Cameron Hopkins Jordyn Williams

Written by: Kyle Grodin

AUG Cook

Head Coach: Olten Downs Years at school: 2

QB/WR WR/CB

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Monroe

Columbus

@ Northside (Columbus)

@ Cairo

@ Shaw

@ Carver (Columbus)

@ Dougherty

AmericusSumter

Hardaway

— DREAMING WILD PHOTOGRAPHY —

Contact info: cevinson9216@gmail.com dreamingwildphotography

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Southeast Area

Preview Southeast Georgia comes in to the 2019 season with every team looking to make a run toward the playoffs. As the No. 2 seed in Region 2-2A last year, Vidalia comes in as strong contenders to repeat, finishing last season with a 9-2 record, 5-1 in the region. They scored a region-high 370 points off a heavy rushing attack led by Chris Gay, who rushed for 992 yards and 15 touchdowns on the season. This team has a lot of capable running backs on the roster and will look to use that depth to their advantage for the 2019 season. They’ll have to fight off the up-and-coming Toombs County, who finished 5-6 (3-3) last season. They return the region’s leading passer in Trey Cloud, who passed for 1,546 yards, and do-it-all athlete Derrick Mincey, who rushed for 768 yards and scored 15 touchdowns last season. Other teams face a lot of questions. Liberty County finished last season third in Region 2-3A with an 8-4 (3-2) record on the season, but will have to replace superstar running back Kris Coleman. Coleman broke several records during his time with Liberty and rushed for 1,809 yards and 22 touchdowns last year. That sort of production will be hard to replace. For sleepers in the area, keep an eye on Brantley County. Head coach Geoff Cannon has a full year with the Herons under his belt now. He had a well-balanced offensive attack last season led by returning quarterback Bradson Bowers, who threw for 1,246 yards last season, but they struggled to finish drives and score at times last season. If they can figure out their scoring woes, Brantley is a team that could be poised to make a jump this season. Appling County remains a team on the outside looking to break in. They made the state playoffs but finished the season at 6-5. However, four of their five losses last season were by eight points or less, including a one-point, overtime loss to rival Pierce County, who went undefeated on the season. Their defense will keep them in any game, and if they can pull out a few close games, they can make a good state tournament run this season. Elsewhere in the region, McIntosh County, Bacon County, and Long County will look to see improvement in 2019. It’s transparent where these teams struggled last season, as they had some of the lowest point totals and lowest rushing totals in the region in 2018. They’ll have to find some consistency in the ground game to catch up to some of the favorites in the region.

TOP

2018 Area Leaders Trey Cloud

Toombs Co.

Kris Coleman Chandler Lynn

Liberty Co. Toombs Co.

Kris Coleman

Liberty Co.

24 Touchdowns

Brandon Adams

Appling Co.

3 Interceptions

2019 Rivalry Games Toombs-Vidalia week leads up to the much-anticipated Toombs County versus Vidalia matchup. This season will be the 33rd matchup between the two schools, and the entire county eagerly awaits the game. Other games to look forward to include Liberty County’s game against Brantley County and Vidalia’s yearly matchup with Bacon County, which typically happens toward the end of the season.

Toombs County @ Vidalia, Oct. 18 Liberty County @ Brantley County, Nov. 1 Bacon County @ Vidalia, Nov. 8

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1541 Yds Passing 1809 Yds Rushing 892 Yds Receiving

ITG Next | 89

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What advice would you give to a younger player who aspires to be where you are today? Just to work hard and not get caught up in where they are today. To not worry if they aren’t there yet because if they continue to work they will make it.

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AVERY JERNIGAN LEFT TACKLE Height

Weight

6’3”

305

PIERCE CO. BEARS

ITG Next | 91

1-3A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 293 Points Scored: 191 Region Record: 1-2 Overall Record: 3-8

Team Leaders 543 Yds Passing

Tre Williams Jamarion Walker

1,212 Yds Rushing

DJ Tuff

131 Yds Receiving 9 Touchdowns

Jamarion Walker

71 Tackles

Da’mon Tippins

2019 Returning Starters: Defense: 9 Offense: 9

Players to watch Jamal McMillan Keyshawn Lucy Trey Williams Jamarion Walker

CB/WR RB/QB QB RB

Head Coach: Jamie Rodgers First year at school

AUG @ Westover

AUG

SEPT

@ Turner County

Early County

The Cook High Hornets are coming off a 3-8 record, their worst finish since 1997. Cook did qualify for a playoff spot but lost in Round 1 to Westside of Macon 32-18. Soon after the season ended, coach Bobby Jones resigned. After an exhaustive search to find their new coach, Jamie Rodgers was hired to take over the Hornets program. Rodgers comes from Baker County in MacClenny, Florida, where he led the Wildcats to a 29-9 record in three seasons, which included a trip to the state title game in 2017. Now, Rodgers will try to repeat that same success at Cook, and he’ll have some good talent to help him get started. Cook will have nine starters returning on each side of the ball, which should be a welcome sight for fans and coaches. Included in the group are Jamal McMillan and Keyshawn Lucy. The two standout players are fielding several offers from big time college programs, including Central Michigan, which has offered them both scholarships. According to Rogers, McMillan will play both offense and defense this year: On defense, he will move from safety to cornerback, and he’ll play primarily receiver when he is with the offense. Lucy will be used at multiple positions, but will take snaps at the quarterback position along with Trey Williams, as Rodgers and Cook

SEPT @ Thomas County Central

Cook Hornets Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

abandon the single wing offense. The Cook football program seems to find a top notch running back every year, and this season is no exception. Jamarion Walker will be the guy getting most of the carriers this season. Senior Tyrec Miley will see time at running back as well. Rodgers likes what he sees so far. “Our kids have been open to change,” he said. “This summer will be very important to us. We are going to focus on training their bodies for what they’ll go through in August, September, and October. By November, we’ll be ready for the playoffs.”

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Appling County

Thomasville

@ Berrien

@ Worth County

Monroe

Crisp County

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Crisp Co. Cougars

1-3A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

2018 STATS Points 167 Allowed

210 Scored

Season record 7-4 3-0 Overall Region

Team Leaders AJ Lofton Marquise Palmer Tubby Spivey

558 Yds Passing 721 Yds Rushing 207 Yds Receiving

Marquise Palmer

11 Touchdowns

Sirad Bryant/ Tubby Spivey

4 Interceptions

Christopher Paul Jr

94 Tackles

2019 Players to watch

Colton Oliver AJ Lofton

G/NG QB

Marquez Palmer

RB MLB/FB

Chris Paul Jr.

Head Coach: Brad Harber

Returning Starters

Years at school: 3 Record at school: 16-6

Offense: 8

AUG @ AmericusSumter

Defense: 8

The Cougars finished 7-5 last season, including a 3-0 mark in Region 1-3A. That was good enough for the regular season region championship and No. 1 seed heading into the state playoffs. Their hopes for a deep run through the playoffs ended with an upset defeat at home at the hands of No. 4 seed Pike County in a hard fought 9-3 overtime loss. Crisp has had the offseason to forget about what was and focus on the upcoming season. This season could put them on track as a favorite in Class 3A this season, with eight starters returning on both offense and defense. That group includes two-time GACA All-State Player Colton Oliver, starting quarterback A.J. Lofton, and Marquez Palmer at running back. The receiver corps will also all return. Defensively, Region 1-3A Player of the Year Chris Paul Jr. returns along with defensive teammates Sirad Bryant at defensive back and Preston LaVant at linebacker. Along the line, the defensive front seven should be the strength of the team, according to head coach Brad Harber. “With our secondary intact and our defensive front returning, we expect to compete at a very high level this year,” Harber said. Harber added that he certainly plans on his team playing just a bit longer than they did last season. “We hopefully will (still) be playing when it’s really cold outside,” Harber said. GHSA state championship games are usually played in December, in case you were wondering.

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

West Laurens

Duchtown

Tift County

South Gwinnett

Bainbridge

@ Thomasville

@ Monroe

Worth County

@ Cook

2018

american Team

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Brady White 3,296 Yds QB

Darrell Henderson 1,909 Yds RB

James Proche 1,199 Yds WR

Austin Robinson 127 QB/S/LB

Nate Harvey 12 RB/LB

Richie Grant 6 DB

Leaders ITG Next | 95

Worth Co. Rams

1-3A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

2018 STATS Points 314 108 Allowed Scored

After taking over a winless Worth County team last year, head coach Frankie Carroll arrived in Sylvester knowing that rebuilding the once proud program in Sylvester would take a little time. In his first season after taking over for Ben Simmons, Worth County showed slight improvement, winning one game to finish 1-9. However, there are bigger hopes for the Rams heading into the 2019 season. “Our kids and coaches have worked extremely hard this offseason, and we are stronger and faster,” Carroll said. “We are looking for great improvement this season.” Carroll hasn’t put an exact number on how many games he expects to win, but with seven starters returning on both sides of the ball, one can only assume that Worth County hopes to take some major steps toward getting their fans excited about Worth County football once again. That starts with several key starters returning this season. On the offense will be quarterback Jordan Curry and running back David Wilcher, who will be forced to carry more of the rushing load with running backs Carsten Goodwin and Tevin Thrower having graduated. On the offensive line, Ladarius Curry is back. Defensive backs TayShaun Shipp and Eren Brown return in the secondary, while linebacker Joseph Jones also returns. The Rams will miss defensive tackle Gavosky Peterson and linebacker Jotavious McCullough, who are both lost to graduation.

AUG Turner County

Season record 1-9 0-3 Overall Region

2019 Players to watch

Jordan Curry David Wilcher

QB RB

Ladarius Curry TayShaun Shipp

OLB DB

Head Coach: Frankie Carroll

Returning Starters

Years at school: 2 Record at school: 1-9

Offense: 7

Rivalry Games: SEC

Alabama vs. Tennesee Oct. 19, 2019

Defense: 7

Alabama vs. LSU Nov. 9, 2019

Florida vs. Georgia Nov. 2, 2019

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Dooly County

@ Tift County

Early County

@ Rutland

Fitzgerald

@ Thomas County Central

Cook

@ Crisp County

Monroe

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2-3A

2019 Players to watch Avery Jernigan Jermaine Brewton

Pierce Co. Bears

Head Coach: Ryan Herring First year at school

LT QB

The Pierce County football team will be faced with the task of replacing key playmakers from last year’s 13-1 squad. Of course, that’s an accepted part of fielding a football team. When you talk about replacing head coaches, that’s a bit of a different story, and that’s exactly what Pierce County is facing this year as coach Jason Strickland leaves the friendly surroundings of Blackshear to assume the head coaching duties at Ware County. Replacing Strickland will be Ryan Herring, who comes from Oxford High School in Alabama. Herring’s wife, Maggie, is from Blackshear, so the coach and his family will be moving to an area they are familiar with. Herring and the Bears go into this season with aspirations of returning to the GHSA Class 3A playoffs. If they are to do that, the Bears will have to find replacements for nine key contributors from last year’s squad. That begins with finding a back to fill the shoes of the 2018 Region 2-3A Player of the Year, running back and defensive back John Jones. His mate in the offensive backfield, Dee Bethea, also departs by way of graduation. Others who are moving on are top receiver Parker Peagler, tight end Dakota Long, and kicker Greg Benfield. Returning to this year’s team are offensive linemen Deon Bell and Avery Jernigan and defensive linemen Jorge Perez and Bivonge Scriven. The Bears’ quarterback will be Jermaine Brewton, who took most of the snaps at the signal caller position as a sophomore last season.

AUG

McIntosh County Academy

Written by: Phil Jones

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Bacon County

Beach

@ Bradford (FL)

South Effingham

Brantley County

@ Long County

@ Tattnall County

Appling County

@ Liberty County

Written by: Kyle Grondin

Image courtesy of sportingnews.com

Myles Murphy • Defensive End

Hillgrove (Powder Springs, GA) 6’5” 260lb

A raw athlete, Murphy has the physical tools to be one of the best defensive ends in the country. After finishing last season with 53 tackles and 10 sacks, Murphy shows that he can and will chase anyone down in the backfield; he shows a great motor in getting after runners and filling the gaps on the line. His pure strength stands out, as he can quickly and effortlessly shed blockers in his path. He uses his long arms to keep his offensive lineman at a distance and wrap up runners in his path. Murphy looks to be another future Clemson standout on the defensive line.

Commitment: Clemson ITG Next | 99

Image courtesy of dawgnation.com

Arik Gilbert • Athlete

Marietta (Marietta, GA) 6’6” 245lb Long, quick-footed lineman Broderick Jones was also a basketball player at Lithonia, and he’s used those tools to become a top-level offensive tackle. His length and ability to control defensive linemen with his arms stands out among anything else, as he can easily keep them at bay. Jones is incredibly quick and gets out of blocks well in run protection, and he is able to get upfield faster than most other tackles. He’ll need to continue to fill out his frame and work on his technique, but he has all the physical tools to be a future NFL stalwart. 100 | itgnext.com

An athletic anomaly, Gilbert stands out when you see him on the field. He plays both tight end and defensive end, his soft hands and quick feet allowing him to effortlessly make plays on both sides of the ball. Gilbert finished his junior year with 54 tackles and six sacks on defense, while offensively having 1,210 yards receiving and 14 touchdowns. He’ll have to spend his final season at Marietta refining his technique and picking his position for the future, but his physical gifts should allow him to stand out at either position.

Commitment: Undecided

Image courtesy of dawgnation.com

Broderick Jones • Offensive Tackle

Lithonia (Lithonia, GA) 6’5” 275lb

Commitment: Georgia

Hinton is a big kid who plays with that level of physicality, able to bully around a lot of opposing defenses. The son of former Indianapolis Colts great Chris Hinton, he comes from a family of athletes, and he stands out as someone who is just naturally bigger and stronger than everyone else. He’ll need to continue to fill out his frame well and gain a little more athleticism to block at the second level in the running game, but Hinton is one of the best pass protectors in the 2020 class.

Myles Hinton • Offensive Tackle Greater Atlanta Christian School (Norcross, GA) 6’6” 308lb

Commitment: Stanford

Image courtesy of ruleoftree.com

A former tight end with an elite offensive tackle frame, Ratledge possesses one of the highest upsides in the 2020 class. He is a coach’s son who combines a high football IQ with a combination of long arms and athletic frame. He has great balance as both a pass and run blocker, controlling the edge and create lanes for running backs. He has a tenacity that stands out. He plays a physical brand of football. Most of the improvements in Ratledge’s game has to do with the step up in competition. Coming from a small school, there are question marks on how ready he’ll be to play, but he clearly has the skills to dominate the line of scrimmage.

Tate Ratledge • Offensive Tackle Darlington School (Rome, GA) Image courtesy of dawgnation.com

6’7” 311lb

Commitment: Georgia

An athlete who is still a little undersized for his position, Webb has some of the best pass rushing abilities in the state. With an ability to just sprint straight off the edge, Webb can get after the quarterback and can probably step into most schools right away as a third-down pass rushing specialist. However, Webb will need to get bigger while also developing more moves in both pass rushing and contributing to the run game if he wants to see his full potential. Right now, he seems overly reliant on using his speed to get around tackles every time. He needs to learn how to engage and shed lineman if he is to become an every-down lineman. His best skill is his athleticism, and it’s better than almost everyone else in the 2020 class.

Phillip Webb • Outside Linebacker Lanier (Buford, GA) 6’4” 210lb Commitment: Undecided

Image courtesy of gwinnettprepsports.com ITG Next | 101

A big running back who’s been nominated for just about every accolade in the state, Bigsby was the AJC’s Class 2A Player of the Year. His stats back up the accolades, as he rushed for 2,221 yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior, including an astounding over 700 yards rushing in the state playoffs. He can play multiple positions and is great at catching the ball out of the backfield. Bigsby has the size and explosiveness to compete right away. He can burst through holes and attack smaller defenders with his strength. He does a great job of making defenders miss in open space, but he will need to improve his top end speed at the next level.

Tank Bigsby • Running Back Image courtesy of Kevin Eckleberry via twitter

Callaway (Hogansville, GA) 6’0” 206lb Commitment: Undecided

A linebacker and running back in high school, Steiner probably has more upside on defense, where he can cover a lot of ground and get upfield with relative ease. His speed stands out on defense as well. He is a rare linebacker who can get to the quarterback one play and defend the slot on the next, just like a modern NFL-style outside linebacker. His closing speed may be one of the best in the 2020 class, and he uses it with a clever ability to time opposing snap counts, which makes him a high-level pass rusher. He will need to continue to develop his abilities in the run game and get more reps at linebacker to develop the natural instincts of the position, but his upside is as high as anyone in the class.

Wesley Steiner • Athlete Houston County (Warner Robbins, GA) 6’0” 220lb Commitment: Undecided

Image courtesy of ollegeandmagnolia.com

Hudson is a player with great natural instincts who’s able to go up and get balls well and read opposing coverages to find openings. He did so well that they switched him to quarterback his junior year, but his upside is probably at wide receiver in the future. He is a big receiver who isn’t afraid to play physically against corners to get open. He needs to develop more athletically, as his combine numbers are a little below average. His top end speed probably won’t make him a vertical receiving threat, but he can use the sidelines to his advantage to create space and win 50-50 balls. His football IQ and instincts will allow him to be a great college player at any position, but unlocking his full potential is determined by his athletic development.

Kobe Hudson • Wide Receiver Troup County (Lagrange, GA) Image courtesy of lagrangenews.com

6’1” 186lb Commitment: Auburn

Beck is a pro-style quarterback who helped lead his team to the Florida 8A state championship. he threw for 39 touchdowns on the season and has shown the ability to throw at different angles and get the ball out quickly. He will improve even further as football becomes his full-time sport and as he can continue to improve his deep ball and vertical passing game. He shows the skill to be a good runner when necessary, can play as a bit of a gunslinger with the ball, and is unafraid of taking risks. Overall, Beck has a bright future and looks to be the heir apparent to Jake Fromm at Georgia.

Will Anderson • Defensive End Dutchtown (Hampton, GA) 6’3” 233lb Commitment: Undecided 102 | itgnext.com

Image courtesy of rollbamaroll.com

What is something you hope to improve on over the course of this season? Just handling situations better and playing smarter, plus improving my game.

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BERRIEN REBELS

ITG Next | 103

Berrien Rebels

1-2A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

2018 STATS Berrien County returns this year to brand new facilities, including a new stadium and a new field house. The new field house includes a new weight room and locker room. The Rebels also have new concession stands. The game day experience will no doubt be much better for players and fans alike. It will be even better if Berrien County can get to the playoffs and host a postseason football game at their new home stadium. It appeared that the Rebels were headed there last season after a 5-1 start to the season, including an exciting come-from-behind win over main rival Cook High School. However, the Rebels couldn’t capitalize on the win and went on to lose their next four games, finishing the season at 5-5. Now, second-year head coach Tim Alligood will look to build on the momentum of the first half of last year without dwelling on what happened in the final four games. The Rebels will look to sophomore quarterback Justin Cribb to fill the shoes of departing starter Tanner Adams. The new starter will have experience with him in the backfield, as Berrien returns last year’s leading rusher Ken Bennett and Gerrick Johnson at running back. They’ll have returning linemen Rusty Hiers and Jaden Walker to run behind. Berrien’s top prospect, Ja’marquis Johnson, will understandably play everywhere for Alligood this season, including cornerback and receiver.

AUG Irwin County

Points 253 164 Allowed Scored Season record 5-5 0-4 Overall Region

Team Leaders Tanner Adams

918 Yds Passing 834 Yds Rushing 607 Yds Receiving

Ken Bennett Ja’marquis Johnson Ken Bennett

7 Touchdowns

Titan Blevins

107 Tackles

2019 Players to watch

Justin Cribb Ken Bennett Gerrick Johnson Ja’marquis Johnson

QB RB RB ATH

Head Coach: Tim Alligood Years at school: 2 Record at school: 5-5

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Atkinson

Bacon County

@ Wilcox County

@ Brantley County

Cook

Fitzgerald

@ Thomasville

Early County

@ Brooks County

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1-2A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 194 Points Scored: 350 Region Record: 4-0 Overall Record: 9-3

Team Leaders Ni’tavion Burrus

1,072 Yds Passing 552 Yds Rushing

Omari Arnold Deon Fountain

668 Yds Receiving

Jacolby Brown

18 Touchdowns

Jacquez Jackson

5 Interceptions

BJ Smallwood

Brooks Co. Trojans

You can bet if Maurice Freeman is at the helm of the Brooks County football team, the Trojans will always be knocking on the door of a state championship. That’s seemingly been the case for as long as Freeman has been head coach, including last season. In 2018, the Trojans won the region title with a perfect 4-0 record in the always competitive Region 1-2A. Brooks finished with a 9-3 overall record, including 1-1 in the state playoffs, where they lost to Washington County in Round 2. Freeman and his Trojans return five starters on offense and six on defense, and the head coach is counting on a few good men to step up and be leaders this year. That starts with returning quarterback Ni’tavion Burrus, a junior who split time at the position last season. According to Freeman, Burrus has had a great spring. He’ll take snaps behind a big offensive line that includes Jacobee Mitchell, Zachary Gardner, and Chris Mickens. Freeman expects leadership from Tyrek Thomas, a defensive back, and for him to be a vocal coach on the defensive side of the ball for Brooks this season. Senior Earnest Whitfield will be moving from linebacker to free safety as Freeman tries to take better advantage of his size. Before he can do anything, though, Earnest must

AUG @ Mitchell County

19664 Valdosta Hwy Suite A Valdosta, GA 31602

recover from an offseason ATV accident in which he suffered 64 stitches. “He’ll be ok,” Freeman said. “We expect him to be fully recovered by the start of Game 1.” Freeman said he will be looking to the senior outside linebacker as “The Guy” on defense. “He must lead his teammates this year,” Freeman said. “I expect him to do great things for us.” If there’s a concern heading into the season, it’s special teams. Freeman said that unit may have cost his team a game or two last year, and that’s an area he expected to see a lot of work in over the summer.

SEPT

Clinch County

@ Bainbidge

Dublin

SEPT

OCT

Thomas County B.E.S.T. Central Academy

61 Tackles

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 6 Offense: 5

Players to watch Ni’tavion Burrus Tyrek Thomas Earnest Whitfield Jacobee Mitchell

QB DB FS T/DT

Head Coach: Maurice Freeman Years at school: 15 Record at school: 200-99

OCT

NOV

@ Thomasville

@ Early County

@ Fitzgerald

Berrien

302 E Screven St Quitman, Georgia (229) 263-4061

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1-2A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 267 Points Scored: 439 Region Record: 3-1 Overall Record: 10-4

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 5 Offense: 4

Head Coach: Tucker Pruitt Years at school: 3 Record at school: 17-8

Head Coach Tucker Pruitt will have a little bit of work to do with his offense heading into this season. With only four starters returning, the Hurricane head coach has been forced to look for replacements for important positions over the offseason. Fitzgerald lost almost every skill position player, including their starting quarterback, running backs, and every wide receiver from last year’s 10-4 squad that advanced to the state semifinals in Class 2A. The story on defense isn’t much better, as Pruitt and his staff look to replace over half of the starting 11 heading into the season. The losses include pretty much the entire secondary. There will be five starters/ contributors from last year’s squad who will be back to lend some stability to the Fitzgerald defense. According to Pruitt, the offseason has been a tryout of sorts to see who can step up and fill the many holes facing the Purple Hurricane. “We will be very inexperienced and young on both sides of the ball,” Pruitt said. “We’re looking for some of our younger guys to step up and grow up quickly.”

Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane Pruitt and his staff had a chance to see some of those younger guys in action in May of this year as Fitzgerald went up against Class 7A opponent Tift County in the spring contest. The game featured a look at the Hurricane freshmen and junior varsity in the first half, with the varsity squad for both teams going against each other in the second half. Fitzgerald lost the spring scrimmage by a final of 36-16.

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Bacon County

@ Irwin County

Dooly County

@ UpsonLee

Dodge County

@ Worth County

Berrien

Thomasville

@ Early County

Brooks County

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Thomasville Bulldogs

1-2A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

2018 STATS Points 242 348 Allowed Scored

After a 12-win season in 2017 and a 7-5 record last year, Thomasville head coach Zach Grage will enter this season forced to replace a lot of production and experience on both sides of the ball. Only eight of the 22 starters from a year ago are back, and Grage acknowledged that the Bulldogs will have to rely on their younger guys to grow up in a hurry. “We’ll have a lot of spots filled with guys who do not have a lot of Friday night experience,” Grage said. “But, they’ll bring a lot of excitement and effort, as well as a high potential of talent.” Lost to graduation are quarterback Chad Mascoe and running backs Tan Gelin and Ma’Lek Miller. The bulk of the offensive line will have to be replaced as Tevin Rayfrod, Javonte McGriff, and Larry Williams all graduated. It’s not as if the cupboard is empty in Thomasville. Key returners on offense include receivers Ricardo Johnson and Kevin Cochran; offensive linemen William McBride and Grant Conger; and tight end Payten Singletary, who will also play defensive end. He will be joined by returning defensive teammates Jashawn Thornton at linebacker and Ka’Darius Johnson at defensive back. Hurston Waldrep will return as kicker. Grage said the goal this year is simple: “A region championship and a deep run in the playoffs with an opportunity to compete for a state title should be the goal for these young ‘Dogs.”

Season record 7-5 2-2 Overall Region

Team Leaders Chad Mascoe

2,253 Yds Passing 871 Yds Rushing 786 Yds Receiving

Tan Gelin Jakarius Tillman Tan Gelin

12 Touchdowns

Karey Lee

6 Interceptions

Marc Davis III

101 Tackles

2019 Players to watch

Ricardo Johnson Kevin Cochran

WR WR

William McBride Payten Singletary

G TE/DE

Head Coach: Zach Grage

Returning Starters

Years at school: 4 Record at school: 24-11

Total: 8

AUG Cairo

AUG @ Thomas County Central

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Colquit County

Everglades (FL)

@ Cook

Crisp County

Brooks County

@ Fitzgerald

Berrien

@ Early County

Stephen Gainous, Agent 229-226-7656 stephen@rosecitysf.com 117 W Jefferson St Thomasville, GA 31792

Auto Home Life Health Bank ITG Next | 111

2-2A

2019

After jumping out to a 5-1 start last season, things were looking good for Jeff Davis. The previous season Players to watch saw the Yellow Jackets make the state playoffs for the first time in 16 years. But, the Yellow Jackets suffered Britt Metts QB road losses to region opponents Vidalia and SwainsJashuan Kirby RB boro. They rebounded with wins over Toombs County and Metter. The win over Metter sent Jeff Davis into the state playoffs with a 7-3 record, and it appeared that Head Coach: Lance Helton coach Lance Helton’s team would have a shot at adYears at school: 3 vancing deep into the 2A state playoffs. Unfortunately Record at school: 13-10 for Helton and his Yellow Jackets, the playoff run lasted only one week, with a loss against Dodge County 39-21 in the first round. Despite the loss, last year marked progress. After so many years of no playoff football to look forward to, Helton and Jeff Davis have two consecutive years of postseason experience, and it’s something they like. Now, heading into the 2019 season, the big question will be if the Jackets can make three consecutive playoff appearances. That depends on if Helton can find replacements for several key players who have been a big part of the two-year playoff run for Jeff Davis. That group includes running back Emanuel Rumph, offensive lineman Ty Padgett, and defensive lineman Cody Ewing. Returning key contributors include a solid group of starters: quarterback senior Britt Metts, junior running backs Jashuan Kirby and Austin Wood, junior offensive lineman Christian Ray, and junior defensive back and receiver Cade Walters.

AUG Glenn Hills

Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets

Written by: Phil Jones

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Windsor Forest

East Laurens

@ Brantley County

Bacon County

@ Bryan County

Vidalia

@ Toombs County

Swainsboro

@ Metter

Mitchell Co. 2018 STATS Eagles

1-1A

AUG

Region Record: 8-1 Overall Record: 8-3

Written by: Phil Jones Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

Points Allowed: 144 Points Scored: 408

2019 STATS

Players to watch James Thomas Jaylin Clayton

Head Coach: Deshon Brock QB/P/K Years at school: 3 MLB Record at school: 18-5

The Mitchell County Eagles hope to keep flying high this season after three consecutive seasons of reaching the state playoffs. Head coach Deshon Brock is back for his third season in Camilla after spending over a decade coaching at Long County. In his first two seasons, the Eagles have gone a combined 18-5, including a 10-2 finish in 2017 and last season’s 8-3, which ended in a heartbreaking 35-33 loss at home against the Commerce High School Tigers. Brock will have seven starters returning on offense, including several highly recruited players. Among them is quarterback James Thomas, a three-year starter at Mitchell County and the reigning Region Player of the Year in Region 1-1A. Thomas, who is 6-foot-2, also serves as the team’s kicker and punter. He will have wide receiver Rodney Jones as a primary target. Jones is another top recruit that opponents will have to look out for. Tackle Lance Robinson will anchor the offensive line. He stands at 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds. Defensively, five starters return, including nose guard Hector Rios; middle linebacker Jaylin Clayton; and strong safety Kentrell Williams, who will also see time at wide receiver. According to Brock, the goal remains the same for his Eagles: win the region, go further in the state playoffs, and shoot for a state championship.

AUG

SEPT

Brooks @ Chattahoochee County County

112 | itgnext.com

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Miller County

@ Baconton

Stewart County

Calhoun County

@ Seminole County

Terrell County

@ RandolphClay

Pelham

albany state

rams

Albany State showed improvement this past season, earning a chance to compete for the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship as the best team in the conference at 7-3. Unfortunately for the Golden Rams, the season ended with an upset loss at the hands of Miles College, a team they had beaten earlier in the year. Coach Gabe Giardina and the Golden Rams pride themselves on a tough, aggressive defense, and the group looked impressive again in the spring. In fact, the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success is largely predicated on the defense, as five of their seven wins came in the games where they gave up fewer than 20 points. On offense, the rushing game reigns supreme, as the team ran for 3,035 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Quarterback Kelais Williams is tasked with managing the game, as he had 19 total touchdowns on the season, nine of them rushing. Despite completing almost 60 percent of his passes, he will have to be better at limiting the turnovers, having thrown seven interceptions last season. The Golden Rams have a difficult start to the season, including games against defending champions Valdosta State University and University of West Georgia. Another undefeated conference season isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t out of the question, though.

PREDICTION: 6-4

2018 STATS

Team Leaders Kelias Williams

1,031 Yds Passing

Tracy Scott

190 Yds Rushing

Mike Green

553 Yds Receiving

Kelias Williams

9 Touchdowns

Tyler Scott Coemba Jones Aaron Davis

6 Interceptions

Head Coach: Gabe Giardina Years at school: 2 Record at school: 13-8

6-0conference record 7-4overall record

points allowed

240

points scored

2019 STATS

albany state university coliseum

10,000

275

Players to watch Kelias Williams Antonion Leroy

QB LB

itgnext.com

114 | itgnext.com

What is the most memorable moment of your sports career to date? Nov. 2 when we played Mitchell County. I ran the ball in from the 50yard line, then turned around and caught an interception.

Top offers

KENDRICK PATTERSON QUARTERBACK | WIDE RECIEVER | DEFENSIVE BACK Height

Weight

6’4”

215

PELHAM HORNETS

ITG Next | 115

Clinch Co. Panthers

2-1A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

2019

Players to watch

When experienced head football coach Jim Dickerson announced his retirement after last season, there was an overall sense that the powers that be in the Clinch County School System wouldn’t go looking too far to fill the vacancy. That was indeed the case when, about a week after Dickerson announced his retirement, it was announced at a meeting of the Clinch County Board of Education that Clinch County High School Principal Denise Brown had selected Don Tison to be the new head coach. Tison was a long-time assistant coach under Dickerson, serving as his offensive coordinator from 2010 to 2018. Now that Tison has been named head coach, the work begins to fill Dickerson’s shoes. He must keep the machine known as Panthers football competing for state titles, and that begins by starting with the defense of last year’s title. In his first season, Tison will inherit five starters on offense and five on defense. That includes his quarterback from a year ago, Tyler Moorehead. He’ll have his running back returning in Michael Walker, and another skill position player will return in wide receiver Jeremiah Johnson. On defense, Clinch County and Tison will have linebacker Darius Dorsey returning, along with defensive tackle Craig Harris.

AUG Herbon Christian Academy

Tyler Moorehead Michael Walker Jeremiah Johnson Darius Dorsey

2018 STATS

QB RB WR LB

Points 212 Allowed

Returning Starters Offense: 5

483 Scored

Season record 13-1 6-1 Overall Region

Defense: 5

Head Coach: Don Tison First year as head coach at school

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Brooks County

@ Dooly County

@ Irwin County

Wilcox County

@ Atkinson County

Turner County

@ Lanier County

Charlton County

@ Telfair County

2018

MAC Team Leaders 116 | itgnext.com

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Tyree Jackson 3,131 Yds QB

AJ Ouellette 1,306 Yds RB

Scott Miller 1,148 Yds WR

Malik Fountain 153 LB

Sutton Smith 15 LB/DE

Alvin Davis 4 CB

2-1A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 136 Points Scored: 548 Region Record: 7-0 Overall Record: 13-1

Team Leaders Zach Smith

421 Yds Passing

D.J. Lundy

365 Yds Rushing 141 Yds Receiving

Jamorri Colson

10 Touchdowns

D.J. Lundy Gabriel Benyard

2 Interceptions

2019 Coach Buddy Nobles and his Irwin County Indians are coming off a season that saw them win every game of the regular season and of the playoffs… except the last one. That was the state championship game versus Clinch County, and it marked the second straight loss to Clinch in the title game. Nobles and his squad of Indians aren’t feeling sorry for themselves; instead, they’re looking to get back to a third straight championship game, and they’ll have some key contributors back to help them get there. “We technically have four returning starters on offense, but we played a lot of kids with either injuries or blowouts on that side of the ball, so we’ll have a good bit of experience back on that side of the ball,” Nobles said. Defensively, Nobles will have eight starters back this season, including Jyquez Marshall, Kevon Carver, and Ramont Edge. Among the contributors on offense will be

AUG @ Berrien

Irwin Co. Indians

Returning Starters Defense: 8 Offense: 4

Players to watch DJ Lundy Eric Anderson Jamorri Colson Jyquez Marshall

Head Coach: Buddy Nobles Years at school: 5 Record at school: 54-13-2

signal caller Zack Smith, running backs D.J. Lundy and Eric Anderson, and receiver Jamorri Colson. One area of concern for Nobles is the offensive line. “We lost a ton of offensive linemen from last year’s team, but our kids have had a great offseason,” he said. “Hopefully, with a great summer, we can begin to rebuild our offensive line and get ready for 2019.”

RB RB WR TE/DE

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Fitzgerald

@ Mt Paran Christian

Clinch County

Telfair County

@ Charlton County

@ Lanier County

Wilcox County

@ Atkinson County

Turner County

ITG Next | 117

2-1A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 254 Points Scored: 332 Region Record: 5-2 Overall Record: 8-4

Team Leaders Raykwon Anderson

318 Yds Passing

Raykwon Anderson

114 Yds Rushing

Seaquon Clark

181 Yds Receiving

Seaquon Clark

2 Touchdowns

Randy Nelson

2 Interceptions Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

2019 Players to watch Grayson Carter Tony Cobb Seaquon Clark Randy Nelson

G/T RB WR/CB WR/OLB

Head Coach: Russ Murray First year as head coach at school

AUG Frederica Academy

There are few places in Georgia that are as special on Friday nights during high school football season as the place they call The Swamp in Charlton County. It’s been the home of the Bailey brothers, Champ, Boss, and Ronald Bailey, as well as Larry Smith, Chris Milton, and many more stars who’ve gone on to play collegiately and professionally. It was also the home of Rich McWhorter, the former head coach who led the Charlton County football program for 29 years. McWhorter recently announced that he was leaving the Indians program for the head coaching position at Jackson County in Northeast Georgia. Stepping in to fill the big shoes left behind by McWhorter is Russ Murray. He has been an assistant coach under McWhorter since 1995, holding the title of assistant

Charlton Co. Indians head coach, so he’s familiar with the Indians’ winning tradition. He will need to find a way to replace a huge graduating senior class that includes the entire line on both sides of the ball. In all, Murray and Charlton lose 15 seniors, which, for a Class 1A program, is a big deal. Among those 15 is three-time All-State performer Raykwon Anderson, who played receiver and corner for Charlton last year. He has committed to Appalachian State. Returners include 6-foot-6 offensive lineman Grayson Carter, who tips the scale at 270 pounds, and running back Tony Cobb.

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Brantley County

Appling County

@ Atkinson County

@ Turner County

Irwin County

@ Wilcox County

Telfair County

@ Clinch County

Lanier County

2018

MWCTeam Leaders

118 | itgnext.com

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

Tackles

Sacks

Interceptions

Cole McDonald 3,875 Yds QB

Alexander Mattison 1,415 Yds RB

Preston Williams 1,345 Yds WR

David Woodwards 134 LB

Tipa Galeai 10 DE/LB

Aaron Wade 4 S

Turner Co. Rebels

2-1A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

2018 STATS Points 204 Allowed

215 Scored

Season record 6-5 4-3 Overall Region

Team Leaders Demarcus Barnes Demarcus Barnes Trent Henderson

787 Yds Passing 497 Yds Rushing 342 Yds Receiving

Demarcus Barnes

9 Touchdowns

Jaterrious Morris

1 Interception

2019 Players to watch Demarcus Barnes Keonvay Clark

Head Coach: Nick Hayes QB WR

The Turner County Rebels will enter the 2019 season with a new leader roaming their sidelines this fall. Nick Hayes was hired during the offseason as Turner County’s new head coach, replacing former coach Leroy Hood, who left the Rebels to take over the head coaching position with Pebblebrook High School. Hayes was the offensive coordinator at Putnam County prior to joining Turner County. He will become the fifth head coach in Ashburn over the last seven years. Despite the heavy coaching turnover, Turner County has enjoyed moderate success in the tough Region 2-1A, including three trips to the state playoffs over the last four years. Hayes will inherit a Rebel program that lost quite a few seniors and key contributors from last year’s 6-5 team. He will have some key offensive playmakers returning, including last year’s starting quarterback Demarcus Barnes, who as a junior was the team’s leading rusher with nine touchdowns. He had seven touchdowns passing as well. Barnes will have primary target Keonvay Clark returning at the receiver position, as well as returning running back Elijah Stevens. Hayes has two key players returning this year in the defensive backfield: Jaterrious Morris and Aerian Stephens. Morris was named All-Region Honorable Mention last year, while Stephens was named First Team All-Region.

First year at school

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Worth County

Cook

@ Taylor County

@ Telfair County

Charlton County

Lanier County

@ Clinch County

Atkinson County

Wilcox County

@ Irwin County

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For all your Insurance & Financial needs ITG Next | 119

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Pelham Hornets

1-1A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

2018 STATS Points 151 640 Allowed Scored

The Pelham Hornets are becoming quite a force to be reckoned with under head coach Dondrial Pinkins. Last season, Pinkins led the Hornets to an undefeated regular season, on a trip through the Class 1A Public state playoffs, and into the semifinals. There they met Buddy Nobles and his Irwin County Indians, who handed the Hornets their first loss of the season. Pelham finished the season at 12-1. Pinkins was named the AJC Georgia Class 1A Public Coach of the Year. Pinkins will lead his Pelham squad into this season with the goal of repeating as region champions and of earning a state championship. If Pelham is going to make it to the promise land of GHSA Class 1A Public, they’ll have to do it without three key members of last year’s team. Lost to graduation are Malik Mango; Treun Pace; and Javoris Williams, who was recognized by The Albany Herald as their Player of the Year. Williams was Pelham’s leading rusher last season with 941 yards. He added 265 yards receiving as well. Defensively, Williams was Pelham’s leading tackler, with 91 solo tackles. Pace and Mango also starred on both sides of the ball last season. Returning to lead Pelham on offense this season is Kendrick Patterson. Patterson is a threeyear starter at quarterback. He finished last year with 18 touchdowns passing and 1,168 yards passing. Patterson also rushed for 738 yards on 94 carries for an average of 8 yards per carry. This will be his fourth year leading the Pelham offense. Returning alongside Patterson is athlete Darrell Starling, who will be all over the field this season offensively and defensively.

Season record 12-1 9-0 Overall Region

Team Leaders Kendrick Patterson

1,168 Yds Passing 941 Yds Rushing 725 Yds Receiving

Javoris Williams Jordan Bennett Kendrick Patterson

23 Touchdowns

Kendrick Patterson/ Darrell Starling

4 Interceptions

Javoris Williams

150 Tackles

2019 Players to watch

Kendrick Patterson Darrell Starling

AUG @ Macon County

Head Coach: Dondrial Pinkins

QB WR/FS

SEPT RandolphClay

Years at school: 4 Record at school: 30-6

SEPT

OCT

Baconton

@ Terrell County

@ Miller County

Stewart County

OCT

Chattahoochee @ Calhoun County County

NOV

@ Seminole County

@ Mitchell County

Connecting our

COMMUNITIES.

www.cnsnext.com ITG Next | 121

Brookstone Cougars

4-1A

Written by: Kyle Grondin | Photography by: Beth Welch

2018 STATS Points 313 453 Allowed Scored Brookstone finished with a solid season last year, ending with a 7-5 record. The Cougars reached the state playoffs for the first time since 2008, but they lost in the second round to North Cobb Christian 20-17. They were a tough, physical team that was built on the ground last season. Running backs Rylan Cowart and Clark Smith combined to rush for 1,272 yards and 11 touchdowns. Combining that with a tough defense, Brookstone outmuscled several opponents and controlled the clock. They will look to continue that physicality this season with returning leading tackler Branche Sheffield, who finished with 81 tackles, four sacks, and two forced fumbles last season. Offensively, Brookstone dominated on the field last season, averaging almost 38 points per game, including scoring 61 points against Jordan last season. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll look to build upon that with running back A.J. Harris and quarterback Trey Sanders, who are protected by a strong offensive line in Charlie Gilliam, Parker Hicks, and Wes Hicks. Coach Blair Harrison sees a lot of experience in key positions that should be integral to the Cougarsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; success in the 2019 season;. However, Brookstone lacks a lot of depth, so injuries could hurt their outlook for the season.

Season record 7-5 4-1 Overall Region

Team Leaders Benjamin Sloan Jeremiah Burgess Chris Edmonds

772 Yds Passing 1,140 Yds Rushing 513 Yds Receiving

Jeremiah Burgess

20 Touchdowns

Jeremiah Burgess

5 Interceptions

Branche Sheffield

81 Tackles

2019 Players to watch Andrew Newton Charlie Gilliam Wes Pahl Parker Hicks

LB OLB P/K OLB

AJ Harris DJ Jones Sam Kilgore Trey Sanders

Head Coach: Blair Harrison Years at school: 11 Record at school: 89-46

AUG Montgomery Academy

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Jordan

@ First Presbyterian

@ Greenville

@ St AnnePacelli

Marion County

@ Manchester

Central (Talbotton)

Region Crossover

@ Region Crossover

Kevin Buffington, Agent 706-563-8949 www.kevinbuffington.com 3861 Miller Rd Columbus, GA 31909 122 | itgnext.com

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RB DE SE/DB QB

Lanier Co. Bulldogs

2-1A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Cindy Rewis

If second-year head football coach Kurt Williams can find a little defense this season, he may very well be on his way to turning things around at Lanier County. Even though his team went winless last season, scoring points wasn’t the problem. The Lanier offense averaged 33.6 points per game against opponents in 2018. For most teams, that should be enough to win a few games during a 10game regular season. The only problem is that Williams’ defense gave up an average of 48.5 points per game. Upcoming juniors Rashod Brockington and Andreas Anderson will be two players to keep an eye on this season. Brockington returns as a three-year starter at quarterback, while Anderson will start at cornerback on defense. On offense, he’ll be part of a running-back-by-committee approach by Williams. Senior Anelius Dean is a 6-foot-2, 285-pound lineman who’ll give Lanier some size up front on both sides of the ball.

2019 Players to watch

Head Coach: Kurt Williams

Andreas Anderson Rashod Brockington

Years at school: 2

CB QB

Team Leaders Rashod Brockington

621 Yds Passing 89 Yds Rushing 211 Yds Receiving

Josiah Hill Ej Brown Tyquan Baker

AUG

4 Touchdowns

AUG

@ Union County Montgomery (FL) County

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Hamilton County (FL)

@ Wilcox County

@ Atkinson County

@ Turner County

Irwin County

Clinch County

@ Telfair County

@ Charlton County

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Georgia Christian Generals

GICAA DII South

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

2018 STATS Season record 1-9 0-4 Overall Region

The Generals are a relatively young program and are still looking to put together consecutive winning seasons. After finishing 8-4 in their first season of fielding a football team in 2014, the Generals fell back to a 3-9 record the following year. After finishing 2-9 in 2016, Georgia Christian took a step toward establishing a consistently winning program two years ago with the hiring of Crosby Tuck. He led the Generals to a 6-5 record and playoff appearance in 2017. Then, Tuck abruptly left after one season, leaving Georgia Christian searching for his replacement. With the 2018 season approaching fast, athletic director Willis Colson assumed the role of head coach on an interim basis until he and school administration could find a more permanent replacement. It looks like the Dasher school has indeed found their man heading into this season with the hiring of Chuck Knapp as their new head football coach. Knapp comes to Georgia Christian from Montgomery Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Faulkner University, where he has been coaching since 2007. Knapp has 15 years of experience coaching football, including 13 years of college ball. Knapp will attempt to restore that winning formula in Dasher and will have a few key pieces to build around. Returning from last year is quarterback Sam Wheeler, who will be a senior. He took his lumps last season, but with a year under his belt, Wheeler should benefit from the added experience. Other returners include junior wide receiver and defensive back Christian Johnson, James Hill, and Noah Pettigrew.

2019 Players to watch Sam Wheeler Christian Johnson James Hill

Alabama vs. Auburn Nov. 30, 2019

Head Coach: Chuck Knapp First year at school

QB WR/DB WR/DB

Rivalry Games: SEC

Ole Miss vs. Mississippi Nov. 28, 2019

Georgia Tech vs. Georgia Nov. 30, 2019

AUG @ Skipstone Academy

AUG

SEPT

OCT

Calvary Christian

Sherwood Christian

Aucilla Christian

Griffin Christian

Hancock Academy

Lafayette Christian

OCT

@ St Johns @ Fullington Country Day Academy

@ITGNext #StayInTheGame with #ITGNext

by following us on each of our social media platforms!

ITG Next | 127

GISA 1-3A 2018 STATS Points Allowed: 205 Points Scored: 140 Region Record: 0-4 Overall Record: 5-5

2019 Returning Starters Defense: 8 Offense: 2

Players to watch Parker Jones Evans Plowden

QB LB

Head Coach: Allen Lowe Years at school: 27 Coaching record: 256-128-3

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

Deerfield-Windsor Knights

After leading the Knights to the playoffs for 26 consecutive seasons, Deerfield-Windsor head football coach Allen Lowe saw his team on the outside looking in at other teams making the GISA state playoffs in 2018. Deerfield-Windsor finished 5-5 overall and went winless in region play in the always tough GISA Region 3-3A. Needless to say, it was a rarity for the man whose team last missed the playoffs in 2001. Lowe enters season No. 33 as a head football coach, 27 of those with the Albany school. But, like most veteran coaches, Lowe understands that teams will have a bump in the road from time to time. The trick is to bounce back, and for Lowe and his Knights, there will be some challenges entering 2019. Offensively, Deerfield returns only two starters, having lost their starting quarterback, rusher, and receiver from a year ago. Junior Parker Jones takes over behind center, and Lowe likes what he sees from him as well as

AUG

SEPT

@ Westfield

Glenwood

@ Heritage

Creekside

128 | itgnext.com

SEPT

OCT

the unit surrounding his quarterback. “Jones is athletic and smart,” Lowe said. “Team speed is going to be better as well.” Lowe said that the Knights played a lot of sophomores last year, and he’s hoping that pays off in 2019. “With so many young guys seeing action last season, I’m hoping that’s going to create more skill and depth than we’ve had recently,” Lowe said. Defensively, the news is better. Deerfield returns eight starters on that side of the ball, including last year’s leading tackler Evans Plowden. “Our defense should be much improved,” Lowe said.

OCT

Blountstown @ Loganville @ Christian Brookwood

OCT

NOV

Southland

@ Tiftarea

Valwood

GISA 2-2A

2018 STATS

Westwood Wildcats

Region Record: 0-2 Overall Record: 2-9

Points Allowed: 337 Points Scored: 134

2019 STATS Players to watch Slater Stringer Jamyez Thompson

Head Coach: Earl Ford WR WR/CB

First year as head coach at school

The Westwood Wildcats are searching for some stability in their football program, and maybe they have finally found it in new head coach Earl Ford. He will be the third different coach in as many years at Westwood. Longtime head coach Ross Worsham left two years ago, opening the door for former Tiftarea Academy coach Jimbo Hale to take over. Hale decided to return home to the Gainesville area to take an assistant coaching position with Chestatee High School in Hall County after just one season in Camilla. That created yet another opening, so Westwood looked inward and decided to go with Ford, who has been with the Wildcats for 26 years. Despite coaching experience that spans almost three decades, this will be Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first year as a head coach. He inherits a program that won two games in each of the previous two seasons. Returning are five starters whom Ford said will be the core leaders of turning things around in 2019. They are linemen Maston Colins and Fletcher Sheffield, along with wide receivers and defensive backs Slater Stringer and Jamyez Thompson. Linebacker Caleb Griner completes the returning starters. Westwood and Ford will have newcomer Beau Shirah join the team in 2019. He will play running back and linebacker.

AUG

SEPT

@ Georgia Robert Toombs Christian Christian

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Piedmont Academy

@ Trinity Christian

@ Gatewood

Southwest Georgia

@ St Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Flint River Academy

Terrell Academy

@ Pataula

ITG Next | 129

GISA 1-3A

2019

Coming off a 6-6 season in 2018, Brookwood Warriors head coach Shane Boggs is looking at replacing Players to watch 16 key contributors from last year’s team. Of those 16, Boggs said 13 started on offense or defense or kicked. Landon Hall LB For a GISA team, those are losses that can spell trouble. Nick Knifer WR/CB According to Boggs, it’s been quite some time since the Brookwood football team has been faced with so many positions up for grabs. Head Coach: Shane Boggs “Its been since 2004 that we’ve had so many open Years at school: 12 positions,” Boggs said. Record at school: 85-55 Those players lost to graduation include three-year starting quarterback Joe Parker, who passed for over 5,000 yards during his career at the Thomasville school. Parker was selected as an All-State performer last season. One of Parker’s main targets, tight end Kurtis Brown, also an All-State selection, has signed with the University of the Cumberlands. Running back Bridger Middleton and linebacker Colin Grimsley will also have to be replaced. The good news is that Boggs has four starters returning on offense and five on defense. They include linebacker Landon Hall, lineman and linebacker Jacob Hilson, receiver and cornerback Nick Knifer, receiver Jacob Lauderdale, linebacker and lineman Ethan Myers, and safety Marcus West. Despite the key losses to graduation, Boggs likes the core group he has returning and is looking forward to the battles to claim positions on the field. “I’m looking forward to the competition that will continue in the summer and into fall camp,” Boggs said.

Brookwood Warriors

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Dezmond Kimbrough

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

@ Lafayette

@Terrell Academy

@Southwest Georgia

Loganville

Heritage

@ Southland

DeerfieldWindsor

@ Tiftarea Academy

Valwood

@ Creekside

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Tiftarea Panthers

GISA 2-3A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography courtesy of Marley Marloe

2018 STATS Points 137 464 Allowed Scored

Tiftarea Academy enjoyed their most successful season in years in 2018, finishing with an 11-1 record. Led by new head coach Erik Soliday, who left Americus-Sumter to come to Tiftarea, along with a standout group of players including Logan Crosson, Brandon Mullis, Spence Massey, and Adam McKinney, the Panthers finished the regular season undefeated and won their Region 3-3A with a perfect 4-0 record. That was good enough to secure the No. 1 seed heading into the state playoffs. Once in the playoffs, the Panthers advanced to the GISA Class 3A semifinals, where they lost to the John Milledge Academy Trojans by a 2417 score, their only loss of the season. Tiftarea and Soliday will try to recapture some of that same magic from last year with a few returning starters from that one-loss squad. The second-year head coach will have returning quarterback Logan Crosson, running backs Adam McKinney and Ben Matt, and defensive linemen Will Ross and Jaden Jones. However, there will be some major shoes to fill. Tiftarea will miss Mullis, receivers Casen Royal and Bo Cunningham, and running back Dalton Jones. The biggest loss for Soliday will without a doubt be Spence Massey, who started all four years of his high school career. He played quarterback and running back on offense and safety on defense. Following in the footsteps of his father, standout Tiftarea football player Robert Massey, he received a scholarship to play football at Georgia Tech.

Season record 11-1 4-0 Overall Region

Team Leaders Logan Crosson

1,840 Yds Passing 1,360 Yds Rushing 615 Yds Receiving

Spence Massey Bo Cunningham Spence Massey

20 Touchdowns

Colby Grant

7 Interceptions

Dalton Jones

105 Tackles

2019 Players to watch Logan Crosson Adam McKinney Ben Matt Will Ross Jaden Jones

Head Coach: Erik Soliday QB RB RB DL DL

Years at school: 2 Record at school: 11-1

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

Terrell Academy

@ Frederica Academy

@ Westfield

Loganville

@ Valwood

Heritage

Brookwood

DeerfieldWindsor

@ Southland

Where New And Used Vehicles Cost Less ITG Next | 131

Valwood Valiants

GISA 2-3A

Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Mary Ann Clark Miller

2018 STATS Points 313 Allowed In his first season as a head coach, Justin Henderson led Valwood to a 9-4 season, including a first-round playoff victory on the road as the No. 3 seed out of GISA Region 3-3A. The Valiants saw their season come to an end the following week versus eventual state champion Frederica Academy. Heading into his second season as head coach, Henderson will work on getting Valwood back to another championship. Even though he loses some experienced players who were multiple-year starters, he’ll have some good talent coming in by way of transfers. That includes former Valdosta receiver Aalah Brown, who has multiple Division I offers and was one of the Wildcats’ leading receivers in 2018. Another transfer, Pate Hogan, will likely be the starter at quarterback. He’ll replace Caleb Burns, a two-year starter. Michael Brown, who has received an offer from Colorado University, transferred from Berrien County, and he is considered an athlete and cornerback. Junior wide receiver Jaheim Sapp will return to the Valwood lineup this season.

AUG

SEPT

Frederica @ North Florida Academy Christian

132 | itgnext.com

SEPT Heritage

SEPT Miami Christian

340 Scored

Season record 9-4 2-2 Overall Region

Team Leaders Caleb Burns

1,552 Yds Passing 681 Yds Rushing 404 Yds Receiving

Willie Roberson Jaheim James Ashton McNeil

11 Touchdowns

Jaheim James / Luke Eager

3 Interceptions 103 Tackles

Eli Joyner

2019 Players to watch

Head Coach: Justin Henderson

Aalah Brown Pate Hogan Michael Brown Jaheim Sapp

Years at school: 2 Record at school: 9-4

WR QB ATH/CB WR

OCT

NOV

Tiftarea Academy

@Creekside Christian

Southland

Loganville

@ Brookwood

@DeerfieldWindsor

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GISA 2-3A Even though the Frederica Academy Knights started last season at 0-2, their players and head coach knew they were better than the slow start showed. They never gave up, and that resolve led them into the state title game in Macon, where the Knights won the state championship over John Milledge in easy fashion. The championship was their second overall and first title in six years. Now, head coach Brandon Derrick will be forced to replace 11 seniors, including several players who have been three- and four-year starters. That starts with Auburn signees Jaylin Simpson and Jashawn Sheffield, who have been standout players and leaders of the Knights during their time at the St. Simons School. Simpson, the team’s quarterback, threw for over 1,400 yards in his senior season and 15 touchdowns. He also ran for another seven touchdowns. Sheffield accounted for a ton of yardage himself along with 11 touchdowns in his senior season. Defensively, Derrick must replace linebacker Harry Veal, who lead

Frederica Academy Knights 30

the team in tackles and sacks last season. Veal has received an offer to walk on at Auburn, giving Sheffield and Simpson a familiar face coming with them to the Plains. Also moving on is leading rusher running back Isaiah Jackson, who ran for close to 1,500 yards with 26 touchdowns. Derrick and his staff will have five returning starters on offense and five on defense, along with many younger players who gained a lot of game experience last season. “We have a ton of kids with game experience returning,” Derrick said. Among those coming back are Denver Anthony, a defensive back and running back, as well as fellow running back Deke Jernigan, who Derrick said will also play some at linebacker this season. While Frederica did lose several key members of last year’s state championship team, Derrick isn’t ready to wave the white flag just yet. “We will be young in some areas, but I think we can be very competitive,” he said.

2019

Head Coach: Brandon Derrick

Players to watch Denver Anthony Deke Jernigan

DB/RB RB

AUG

SEPT

OCT

@ Valwood

Tiftarea Academy

@ Bethlehem Christian

Augusta Prep

Pinewood

@ Westfield

Years at school: 6 Record at school: 42-25

OCT

NOV

@ Trinity @ John Milledge Bulloch Christian Academy Academy

GISA 2-3A

2019 Players to watch

Westfield Hornets

Head Coach: Bruce Lane

Michael Fitzpatrick Robert Kinnas

P/K/LB/TE DB

First year at school

The Westfield Hornets have been in a bit of a transitional period over the last three seasons. After decades of fielding winning football teams under longtime head coach Ronnie Jones, things took a bit of a turn following the 2015 season. Jones retired after a stunning 40 years at Westfield, including 23 of those as head coach, where he led the Hornets to two state championships. The following season, the Hornets began a serious rebuilding effort. The team had to replace over 20 departing seniors, many of whom had been three- and four-year starters under Jones. Westfield finished a combined 7-25 over the 2016, 2017, and 2018 seasons under coach Jamey Watson, a former Hornet player himself and longtime assistant who succeeded Jones. This offseason, Westfield hired new head coach Bruce Lane, who replaces Watson. Lane has previous coaching experience at John Milledge Academy and Augusta Christian, but comes to Westfield from Rosehill Christian in Tomball, Texas. Lane, who took over the job at Westfield on April 1, said even though he hasn’t had a lot of time to work with his new team, he likes what he sees. “We’ve got a good group,” Lane said. “We have been devoting a good bit of time to weight training, and I’ve held a team building exercise called ‘A week of champions.’” Lane will have several key returners from last year, many of whom will play both offense and defense. That includes All-Region and All-State punter and kicker Michael Fitzpatrick, who will also see time at linebacker and tight end. Brothers Chris and Robert Kinnas, who each play defensive back, will be back. One player Lane is going to miss is departing quarterback Tyler Malakius, who is headed to The University of Georgia as a preferred walk on.

AUG

SEPT

DeerfieldWindsor

@ Southland

Tiftarea

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SEPT

@ Bulloch @ John Milledge Academy

OCT @Trinity Christian

OCT

Fredrerica @ Bethlehem Christian

OCT

NOV

Augusta Prep

Pinewood

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