December 2013 South Georgia Edition by ITG Next Magazine

in the

game

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

In This Issue:

SOuTh GEORGIA

December 2013

CONTENTS

Top Ten GA Football Recruits

13 Fitness

Injury Prevention

17 Five Nutrition Foods To Eat,

Three Foods To Avoid

19 500th Strike-Out Anna Laine Brock

Sherwood Christian Academy

21 Academic Athlete

Maci Williams

Deerfield-Windsor School

25 Book Review

Seasons, by Ryan Sprague

27 In The Stands 31 Player Spotlight Zack Copeland

Lowndes High School

Also Inside

09 Recruitment In GA

Is It Time To Limit Full Contact Football Practices?

Georgia High School Football All You Can Do Is Smile

Valdosta High School

Valwood School

Colquitt County High School

Tift County High School

Thomasville High School

Irwin County High School

Fitzgerald High School

Open Bible Christian School

FCA

Berrien County High School

35 Player Spotlight Mario Cherry

Thomasville High School

39 Running Back Duo Nelson Herring Malcolm Joseph

Valdosta High School

44 Coach’s Corner Richard Andrews Clifford Fedd

Brooks County High School

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in the

game

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

SOuTh GEORGIA

December 2013

Publisher

Mark Dykes

Editor

Mark Dykes Kaitlynn Passmore

Graphics

Jennifer Alexander

Cover Photography

Connie Southwell Southwell Sports Photography

Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography

Connie Southwell Southwell Sports Photography

Feature Writer

Robert Preston, Jr.

Contributing Writers Jon Nelson Corey Dowlar Ryan Sprague

Copy Editors

Crystal Hubbard Ashley Dailey

Advertising/Marketing

Mark Dykes mark@inthegamemagazine.com

Website Manager Kaitlynn Passmore

From The Publisher It is the last month of 2013. Area basketball teams are practicing. The Christmas tournaments are just a few weeks away. Wrestling is underway. Swim teams are in the pool. And yet we are still talking about football. We’ll get to the other sports in short order (along with tennis, golf, soccer, baseball, and track). Right now, however, it’s all about the football playoffs. In this edition of In the Game High School Sports Magazine, we take a look at what very well could be our final round of football athlete spotlights. The playoffs will be well underway when this edition hits the streets. A few of our teams will likely already be eliminated. But maybe, just maybe, some of our teams will still be in the running for a state championship. We will cover the playoffs in January; right now, we are still spotlighting several standout players from the area. We have a dual Player Spotlight feature this month: Thomasville running back Mario Cherry and Lowndes defensive tackle Zack Copeland. Cherry should be no stranger to football fans around South Georgia. He has been one of the better running backs for a couple of years now. During the regular season, he fell just shy of 1,200 rushing yards and scored 17 touchdowns. Cherry has been a big part of a resurgent Bulldogs’ program and has played very well under new Head Coach Leroy Ryals. The second member of our Player Spotlight duo, Zack Copeland, is a proven playmaker on the Lowndes defensive line. He plays well in big games and has a passion for football unrivaled by any player in the area. Both of these talented young men will play on Saturdays.

Contributors

Robert Preston, Jr.,

Features & Commentary

Mark Dykes, Publisher

Speaking of running backs, the Valdosta Wildcats have a pair of backs who have put up some pretty impressive numbers over the last several years. Nelson Herring and Malcolm Joseph have totaled nearly 3,500 yards in the last two seasons and have helped the Wildcats to 13 wins and consecutive playoff berths over that same time period. The two enjoy playing with each other, are unselfish, and best of friends. We cover these two talented young men in a special feature this month. If it seems like we’re working in twos this month, it’s because we are! We feature two Brooks County assistants, Defensive Coordinator Richard Andrews and Offensive Coordinator Clifford Fedd, in our Coach’s Corner feature. These two coordinators have helped orchestrate a stingy Trojan defense and high-octane offense that led Brooks County to a region championship in 2013. Both coaches are from Florida and eventually ended up at Valdosta State University. From there, they found their way to Quitman and have enjoyed a great run with the Trojans. As we close out 2013, we look forward to an exciting new year. The next few weeks will be a transition period; with schools closed for the latter part of December and the first part of January, sports will be in a bit of a holding pattern. Once school re-opens for the second semester, in spite of very cool temperatures for another couple of months, the spring sports will be in full swing. And In the Game High School Sports Magazine will be right there for all the action! See you in 2014. Have a great Christmas season!

For distribution or subscription information contact: info@inthegamemagazine.com For advertising information call: 888-715-4263 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. P.O. Box 812 Valdosta, GA 31603

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In the Game High School Sports Magazine is published monthly excluding July. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2013 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

www.inthegamemagazine.com

Tucker, GA

At 6-foot-5, 295 pounds, Shaw is going to cause problems in the run game for opposing offenses. For the moment, he’s undeclared, but Alabama, Georgia and Ole Miss are in a fierce battle for his services. Georgia probably holds a slight edge.

9 Demarre Kitt

Parrish is a little on the smaller side at 5-foot-9, but at cornerback, he uses his athleticism to make up for it. Parrish is committed to the University of Georgia.

8 Dontavius Russell

photo by Radi Nabulsi, EspN

The 6-foot-1, 182-pound receiver stars on a very good team at Sandy Creek. Clemson will hope that continues at the next level as Kitt is committed to play for Dabo Swinney and the Tigers next fall.

Malkom Parrish Quitman, GA

Tyrone, GA

Nick Chubb

photo courtesy of 247sports.com

An enormous prospect at 6-foot-3, 300 pounds, Russell is just what Georgia defensive coordinator Todd Grantham loves to have in his 3-4 defense. Russell is committed to the Bulldogs.

7 D. J.

Smith Marietta, GA

At 5-foot-11, 216 pounds, Chubb is a powerful running back that fits the Georgia Bulldogs offense well. He’ll be heading to Athens and will be continuing a long tradition of excellent running backs. Photo by tony hauck, Student SP SPort ortS S/eSP SPn nG Go o

Carollton, GA

Cedartown, GA

6 Kalvaraz Bessent

Kingsland, GA

Photo courtesy of studentsP studentsPorts.com

Bessent fits Alabama’s defense as a 6-foot cornerback, a physical trait that coach Nick Saban loves. Bessent chose the Crimson Tide over Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee.

Deshaun Watson Gainesville, GA

A dual-threat quarterback, Deshaun Watson has spent this season methodically destroying defenses en route to huge passing numbers. He’ll fit right in at Clemson, the place he’s heading, and might have a shot at winning the starting job once Tajh Boyd leaves.

Photo courtesy of sP sPortstalksc.com

There will be a recruiting war over Smith as we get closer to national signing day. Clemson is probably the team to beat for the 6-foot corner, but Tennessee is right behind them.

RecR Rec Ruitment

Photo by Micki k Photogra PhotograP Phy

10 Elisha Shaw

Raekwon McMillan hinesville, GA

Arguably the top inside linebacker prospect in the country, McMillan will be a force on the inside at the next level. He’s undeclared at the moment, but Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State appear to have the inside track.

Lorenzo Carter

by Corey Dowlar, ESPN Twitter @cdowlar

eorgia’s reputation as a cradle for FBS football talent is well established. And it only has gotten stronger over the last five years. The 2014 class is no exception. It is about as deep as any other state, and the quality at the top can go toe to toe with most. Here is a look at the top 10 football prospects in the Peach State for this recruiting cycle.

Norcross, GA

At 6-foot-5, 232 pounds, Carter’s size is ideal for defensive ends in today’s game. He’s long and quick which serves him well in keeping offensive linemen away from him and that’s why some of the biggest schools such as Alabama, Florida, Florida State and Georgia are after him.

Is it Time to Limit Full Contact Football Practices? by Robert Preston, Jr.

hen you read the title to this story, your first answer was probably an emphatic “Absolutely not!” or something similar. But it may be time to take a long, hard look at how football teams practice. If you are even a casual football fan, you are very familiar with the ongoing concussion/traumatic brain injury discussion that has dominated the gridiron landscape of late. You should also know that much of this dialogue has taken place with regard to the college and professional ranks. High school, middle school, and youth football haven’t been mentioned much. But they should be. As I write this, there is a headline on news sites across the country announcing that Charles Youvella, a senior at Hopi High School in Keams Canyon, Arizona, has died of injuries sustained in a high school football game against Arizona Lutheran. Youvella scored the only touchdown for Hopi in the 60-6 loss. Youvella’s death will almost certainly bring the issue of traumatic brain injuries among younger players into the national discourse. And it should; TBI is something that we have only recently acknowledged, much less taken great steps to understand. One thing is certain, however: TBI is real, and it is a threat to football players of all ages. The younger a player is when he suffers such an injury, the greater the chance of sustaining another such injury, and the greater the potential long-term effects. Throughout the country, many parents and players are growing weary of football. Participation in football among youth, including high school students, is decreasing nationally. We are one of the few areas in which football remains wildly popular. Kids still want to play, and their parents want them playing. That could begin to change if the TBI issue isn’t addressed quickly and aggressively for younger players. You can never eliminate contact in football. Hitting is the very essence of the sport, and the ever-present on-field violence highlights the

athleticism of the players. At the same time, we must protect our kids from injuries. If we know something can cause permanent, debilitating injury (and we all know football can), we should do everything we can to limit the possibility of such injuries occurring. One interesting step worth looking into is limiting the amount of contact allowed in football practices. There is actually a precedent for this, and it’s found in the NFL. At the highest level of the game, players are too big, too fast, too strong, and are paid too much money to go full speed at practice every day. The NFL doesn’t allow offseason full-contact practices anymore. During the season, most time is spent conditioning and watching film. Teams practice in pads a couple of days a week, and usually only involve contact. Most college programs limit full-contact practices during the season but not in the offseason. In high school, it’s the same thing; spring practice is, for the most part, a full-contact affair. Most practices during the high school season are fullcontact as well. I also understand that coaches need to see kids in pads. Going full speed in pads and hitting/getting hit is a part of the game, and coaches must see how their players react in game situations. But I think the issue of limiting full-contact practices in the off-season (and maybe even during the season) should be something that high school athletics’ governing bodies should look at carefully. College and pro players aren’t the only ones bigger, faster, and stronger than they used to be; high school players are benefitting from better training and nutrition, as well. And there can be quite a difference in skill level and physical maturity on high school teams—how many times have 15 year olds lined up against 19 year olds in practice? A fine line exists between making kids tough and putting them at risk. High school athletic associations need to look at this issue carefully yet urgently. We certainly don’t want the next such headline to come from our area, do we? ITG

Photo By of Scott ASh

The Associated Press and espn.go.com contributed to this story.

Four Tips for Warming Up Before a Workout

Fitness

Injury Prevention: 1. Warm up with the same activity you’ll use to train If you’re going to run, do a five to 10 minute warm-up jog. If you’re swimming, do some light swimming. If you’re playing basketball, run drills on the court. You want to warm up the primary muscles you’ll be using the most during your exercise, and this is the best way to make sure that happens.

2. Allow a rest/stretching period after the warm-up After you do a warm-up, take time to rest, allowing for your blood circulation to increase. You can spend this time stretching muscles and getting your muscles and joints limber. Your body will have time to acclimate to the activity started in the warm-up, making your actual workout easier to start with less risk of injury posed.

3. Activate your whole body — not just your primary muscles Focus on loosening up your entire body—not just the body parts you’ll use most often during your workout. Even if you’re running, for example, loosening your shoulders can improve comfort and running efficiency.

4. Match your warm-up with a cool-down As important as warming up often is, a cool down is a great complement. Cooling down lets your body ease back down after a period of intense activity. This includes your heart, which benefits from being eased back to a resting pace. Cool-downs only need to be five or 10 minutes in length, but they can help prevent muscle tightness and spasms, among other post-workout discomforts.

by Jonathan C.

Serious athletes understand the effect proper training can have on their performance. But not everyone is as willing to give warming up its proper credit. Among some individuals, warming up is seen as a frivolous aspect of training that doesn’t contribute to improved athletic performance. The greatest benefit of warming up, though, relates to your body’s ability to avoid injuries. A single injury—even a minor one—can derail your training and set you back in your physical progress, making an effective warm-up routine one of your best allies. Here are four tips to help you improve your warm-up routine and, ultimately, your athletic abilities.

Georgia high School Football

All You Can Do Is Smile by Jon Nelson, GPB Sports Correspondent

The coolest thing my work allows me to do is travel the state to see how friends and families wrap themselves around their teams, students, and programs 12 months out of the year. When someone gets to experience a win for the first time, all you can do is smile. For example, David Bruce left Warner Robins high to start up the program at Veterans high School in houston County. They started their season with non-region losses to Warner Robins, Northside, and harris County (three 5A schools). But non-region schedules are for seeing where you are as a team. Following those losses, the Warhawks experienced seven straight wins and obtained their first-ever region title, earning their first-ever playoff home game. Seeing “first-evers” like that and the one at Westover are just plain sweet to see, as teams that have “never” finally “get to.” There are more examples of triumphs: houston County made a trip to the playoffs for the first time since 2006; Rutland had their second-ever winning season, and their first playoff appearance in six years; Eagle’s Landing had their best regular season since the school opened in 1982; and McIntosh’s last winning season until 2013 was 1995. Region 1-5A needed a slide rule and a calculator to figure out the top three seeds, and Regions 1 and 4-2A needed a mini-game. Warner Robins won its first region title since 2004. North Paulding won its first-ever region title. Alexander was back in the playoffs for the first time since 1997. The B.E.S.T. Academy Eagles and the Sonoraville Phoenix made it for the first time. West hall and Southeast

Bulloch went to the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Seminole County went undefeated in the regular season for the first time in 40 years, and for Aquinas, it was the first time in 50 years. Calvary Day got their first region title since 1996. Reader, here’s a question for you: what was the coolest thing to you about this season? Is there a team you’re proud of or a great story you’ve came across? Did you experience a “first-ever”? Let us know by messaging us here at In the Game through our website, Facebook, or Twitter, and we’ll share your answers next month! Now, looking forward… The enrollment numbers have come out, and the 450 member schools in the GhSA have discovered if they’re moving up, moving down, or just getting new partners for the next two seasons (201415 and 2015-16). here’s what will likely happen (“likely” because there’s always the chance of an appeal; the final calls will be made midJanuary): • Tucker may go to 6A • Coffee may drop to 5A • Carver-Columbus and Buford may end up in AAAA • Calhoun could be a triple-A school • Seminole County, Irwin County, and the Savannah schools could all be heading toward AA Reader, what do you think about these possible rivalries? It will certainly give us something to talk about in the winter. Play it safe, everyone, and I’ll talk to you soon!

Jon Nelson, GPB Sports Correspondent

Dear reader,

what do you think about these possible rivalries? Feel free to reach out to me personally on the Facebook page or on our Twitter feeds, if you’d like to carry on this conversation. It would be fun!

Five Foods to Eat While Training • Chicken, Turkey, and Fish These lean meats not only provide athletes with a complete protein source filled with the essential amino acids they need, foods like chicken and fish come without high amounts of saturated fats and cholesterol.

• Avocado This superfood is an excellent source of sustainable energy for athletes that train for hours on end. In addition, avocado is a great compliment to many other foods in terms of taste, not to mention it provides athletes with healthy unsaturated fats and tons of essential vitamins to fight off sickness.

• Almonds

• Rice Not a complete protein source by itself, however, when mixed with a legume or another incomplete source of protein, rice can contribute some of the essential amino acids needed as the building blocks of muscle maintenance, repair and growth.

• Berries, Applesauce, and Honey For a less active person, foods with substantial amounts of sugar are largely considered bad. However, such foods can be essential to athletes. Foods like applesauce and honey that are easily digestible, and provide quick energy, can be invaluable to athletes. What’s more, these foods are vital post-workout as they quickly replenish the glycogen stores in the muscle.

Another great source of unsaturated fat for sustainable energy, almonds also have a significant amount of protein. While they may not be complete, almonds can be combined with other incomplete protein sources to garner all of the essential amino acids an athlete needs.

Three Foods to Avoid • Energy Drinks Often marketed directly toward young athletes, energy drinks are filled with stimulants that can be extremely dangerous for teens with bodies that are still growing. High amounts of caffeine, taurine, and many other additives in energy drinks can have dangerous repercussions for athletes, especially when consumed in high amounts.

• Candy

NutritioN Nutritio N

To Eat or Not to Eat

• Artificially-Flavored Protein Powders Also marketed toward young athletes, and often portrayed as healthy, many types of protein powders contain large quantities of fillers and artificial ingredients to make them look and taste appealing. Instead, athletes that insist on protein supplements should buy powder without any artificial ingredients and mix with a smoothie for better taste.

by Jamison H.

Sports nutrition plays a vital role in the development of every athlete. Take any professional—from a baseball player like Buster Posey, to a tennis player like Serna Williams—they all know how crucial eating the right foods can be. While the spectrum of food that is best for an athlete may vary quite significantly based on variables like the sport, position, and gender of the athlete, there are a number of foods that are generally considered good for training, and others that can prove to be counterproductive. Here are five foods athletes should eat, and three they should avoid.

Candy is often made of no less than massive amounts of high glycemic sugar. To the athlete it may initially seem that candy provides needed energy for their training, however, there is usually a subsequent crash that occurs often in the middle of a game or workout. Additionally, for the amount of calories, candy provides very little nutritional value.

Sherwood Senior Pitcher Sets School Strikeout Record by Robert Preston, Jr.

“R

eaching 500 strikeouts had been a goal of mine. I had wanted 100 strikeouts a season ever since I started pitching. I wanted to get number 500 at the start of my senior year,” recalls Sherwood Christian Academy senior pitcher Anna Laine Brock. At the beginning of her senior season, Brock knew she was close. She had been pitching for Sherwood’s varsity softball team since eighth grade and had averaged more than 100 strikeouts a year. She just didn’t know exactly how many she had. Thankfully, there were folks keeping count. When Sherwood made the short trip across town

photography submitted by Brock Family & Kim Russell, K&R Photography

each one getting her closer and closer to 500. After her 499th strikeout, she felt no pressure, no nervousness. She didn’t know she was one strikeout away. She used a drop and a rise to get two strikes. Seeing how the rise worked so well on the second strike, she went with the same pitch. The batter went down on strikes. The stands erupted. “I didn’t know what everybody was cheering for. Then I saw a sign in the stands that said ‘500.’ I heard the announcer mention it to the stadium. They stopped the game, the umpire gave me the ball, all that. It was very nice of them to do that for me,” she says. Sherwood would go on to win the game.

Anna Laine Brock

Anna Laine Brock began playing softball when she was nine years old. After sixth grade, she started taking pitching lessons. Her coaches picked several girls to throw a few pitches to see which ones had the most potent potential. potentia a Brock was one of those chosen chosen. She was to told d she had good natura mechan cs Brock attr butes that to her years as a ba er na! From age three to 10 she took ba et The sk s she mastered as a young ba er na carr ed over nto softba Once she started tak ng essons her p tch ng on y mproved eventua y he p ng her become one of the most pro f c p tchers n Sherwood h story Deerfield W ndsor School

to play rival Deerfield-Windsor in late August, the countdown was underway. And Brock had no idea. Everyone around her kept it a secret. When she took the field that August afternoon at Deerfield-Windsor, she noticed an unusually large crowd in the stands. She just figured they were there because of the rivalry. Brock went through her pre-game routine, same as always. When the game began and she took the mound, she focused on each batter as usual, trying to remember what her coaches had taught her all these years. “I have always been taught to get ahead early and be confident. I try to remember the little things on each pitch, making sure I do everything the same each time,” she says. On that particular day, Brock noticed that her stuff wasn’t dominant. She was getting people out and doing what she needed to in order to keep the Eagles in the game. But she wasn’t overpowering. Through the first couple of innings, Brock recorded a few strikeouts,

Brock would go on to strike out 109 more batters this year. The Eagles made it to the playoffs but lost in the second round. Brock’s softball career ended with that playoff loss. She has opportunities to play softball in college but has decided not to do so. “I want to focus on academics. I could play in college but I’m not going to,” she says. Brock will attend Samford University in Birmingham where she will pursue a degree in physical therapy. “I already know a lot about physical therapy - I’ve had enough of it from playing softball,” she laughs. As Brock transitions into the next phase of her academic career, she will take with her the lessons she learned on the softball field. “I’ve learned humility, how to work hard to achieve your goals, and how to maintain schoolwork in the face of many distractions. I’ve also realized just how blessed I am. All these gifts come from the Lord. These aren’t things I can do on my own,” she says. ITG 19

Academic Athlete Cheerleading, Dancing, Studying Keeps DeerfieldWindsor Senior Very Busy

by Robert Preston, Jr. photography by Connie Southwell, Southwell Sports Photography

Maci Williams Deerfield-Windsor School

y the time many high school students reach their senior year, they are ready to pull up on the reins and take a little celebratory break as they coast toward graduation. Maci Williams isn’t a typical high school student. Instead of taking it easy, she is working even harder in an effort to get the most out of her senior year and pave the way for a successful transition into college. For Williams, grades have always been a priority. From the first little quiz she took early in elementary school to the brain-crushing exams in her Advanced Placement classes today, she has always strived to do her very best. She knew from an early age that those red letters and numbers her teachers scribbled on returned papers were important. Her parents encouraged her when she was in elementary school but it didn’t take long for her to start motivating herself to do well. “I always knew I was going to college,” says Williams, “and I knew I had to make good grades to get there.” In ninth grade, Williams made up her mind to get her high school career off to a good start. She made excellent grades that year, which made things easier on her as she moved from grade to grade. In the midst of her academic work, Williams got involved in a number of extracurricular activities, including cheerleading, basketball dance line, and the annual spring musical. In addition, she dances with the Pritchett-Pippen School of Dance in Albany. Balancing all those

Maci’s Favorites: Sport you wish you could play: Baseball Movie: Remember the Titans Food: Pizza activities with schoolwork isn’t easy but it’s a schedule to which Williams has become accustomed. “I’ve learned to focus on one thing at [a] time and put 100 percent into it. Once I get finished with one activity, I move on to the next one,” she says. As In the Game spoke to Williams, she was transitioning from football cheerleading to basketball dance line. In all honesty, she was adding basketball dance line to football cheerleading. The Knights were preparing for their first-round playoff game against Mount de Sales but basketball was about to begin. As long as Deerfield-Windsor was in the football playoffs, she would be a very busy young lady. Of all the activities in which she participates, the basketball dance line is her favorite. Drawing upon her formal dance training, the dance line is an opportunity for Williams and

her teammates to cut loose and entertain in a more relaxed environment than a studio recital. The dance line performs during the half time of the boys’ basketball games, and it’s a time for the girls to relax and have fun. “We can be confident and just enjoy ourselves. We can put the academic schoolgirl stuff aside and almost be somebody else out there,” she says. “We try to give 100 percent and put on a good show.” Williams has applied to the University of Georgia. When she gets to college, whether it be Georgia or another institution, she isn’t sure if she will continue dancing and/or cheering. “I don’t know about that. It would be fun but I’m just not sure,” she says. Williams is considering a career in pharmacy, though once again, she isn’t entirely sure. “It seems like a good fit. I’m pretty good in math and science,” she laughs. ITG

Place to travel: New York (been there several times) or somewhere in the tropics (never been) Coke or Pepsi? Coke Dogs or cats? Dogs Person to meet: Kate Middleton

Entertaining is something Maci Williams loves to do. She enjoys cheering on Friday nights, she loves dancing during half time of the basketball games, and she has a blast onstage during Deerfield-Windsor’s spring musical. Practice begins in January, so her rehearsals overlap with basketball season. Williams isn’t a trained vocalist but she can hold her on when she’s performing. “I just enjoy being involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible,” she says.

- opening paragraph

Seasons: What College Athletes Need to Know about Their Future By Ryan Sprague: Ryan was the starting tight end on Florida State’s 1999 undefeated national championship team, and he’s written this book to help athletes transition from high school to college and from college to the rest of their lives. Seasons is a unique book, full of excellent advice thoughtfully written as a story that’s both compelling and helpful. After receiving Seasons, the University of Georgia’s Mark Richt said, “It deals with issues today’s student athlete must address, but it does so in a way that attracts the attention of the student-athletes. By using the conversational setting, Seasons is able to convey timeless wisdom without ever lecturing. Bringing all the different characters into the story allows this book to connect with students of all different backgrounds where the singular voice of one communicator might struggle to create the same resonance. Today’s student athlete wants to have a voice, to be a part of the conversation. Seasons gives them that opportunity, while at the same time providing enough structure to lead them where they need to go and get them talking about all the elephants crowding the room. In that sense, it’s a lot like coaching because a good coach has to get players to do things they may not want to do in order to lead them to where

Book Review

“I

used to live for Friday nights. Years before I ever put on a uniform, I’d go over to Shaw Field for Cougars games, but I never watched from the bleachers. Bleachers are for the band, or fans, or parents, but players belong on the field and because I knew I would wear the green and gold one day, the field was where I stood. And I didn’t just watch the games, I dissected them. Don’t get me wrong, I was the biggest fan in Shaw, but I was a student of the game first. I knew the players’ warm-up routine by heart and when Tyler, my younger brother, was old enough, I taught him so we could play pretend games in our backyard. By the time I graduated the eighth grade, the tension on my life’s sling shot was at its peak, and I launched into Columbia County high school on a mission.”

they want to go. This book is a good coach.” While targeted at student athletes, Seasons is a book that benefits anyone who reads it. Tackling issues like decision making, identity, money management, facing adversity, relationships, leadership, and integrity, Seasons transcends the sporting arena and overflows onto the fields of life. No matter your season in life, you’ll value this book. One reader, a professional woman with no athletic ties, saw the far reaching benefits, “Finally finished your book with happy tears in my eyes… everyone can benefit from reading Seasons.”

For more about Ryan, to order Seasons, or to invite Ryan to speak to your group, visit ryanspraue.com.

Henry Matney honing his skills for the Packer future

Colquitt Packers at the “Concrete Palace” playing the Lowndes High Vikings on Friday, Sept. 27

The 50th Regiment Band, always there to support the Pack, rain or shine!

Carly Jackson and Kate Summerlin Back the Pack!

These young ladies were honored at Senior Night, Oct. 25

Voice of the Packers! Durwood Dominey, Jim Turner, and Darrell Strange

CCHS USMC JROTC proudly presents the colors

Colquitt County Sheriff Deputies: Todd Myrick, Nate French, Tim Barnes Keeping Packer Families, fans, students, and players safe. Thanks, gentlemen for all you do!

In the Game interviewing Coach Propst after a big win.

The young Southwell looking to Dani el Mobley possibly with the thought: “I’m gonna be a PAC KER just like you!”

Photos provided by Connie Southwell, Southwell Sports Photography.

When he started playing football, it was just a game for Zack Copeland, another way to hang out with friends and kill some time. As he grew older, he realized that he was pretty good at the game he loved so dearly. After his sophomore year, Copeland got really serious about football. “That’s when it started clicking for me. I got my first letter - it was from Georgia - and at that point I thought I could play in college. I just had to keep working,” he says.

Player Spotlight Presented by:

Zack copeland

Lowndes High School 31

Lowndes County’s Big Defensive Tackle Weighs His Future Options by Robert Preston, Jr.

photography by Micki K Photography

ootball can be a hard sport to love. While there is nothing like the roar of the crowd on Friday nights, the sport is just plain hard. It takes a toll on its participants physically and mentally, and the pressure to perform can be suffocating. For Lowndes High’s Zack Copeland, none of the seeming negatives matter. He absolutely loves football. It’s been his life since he was five years old and there is nothing else he would rather do. It doesn’t hurt that he has been blessed with the physical tools and work ethic to become one of the most dominant defensive players in the region. Copeland is a 6’2”, 240-pound defensive end. He’s been the Vikings’ starting end for two years. While he has the ability to play other sports, he’s never done anything but play football. “I haven’t played any other sports. It’s always been just football. I love it too much to do anything else,” he says. In the offseason, which for a football-only guy can seem interminable, he does everything he can to stay in shape. Copeland runs and lifts incessantly, in that neverending quest to get bigger, stronger, and faster. The work and dedication has served Copeland well. He has had a solid career at Lowndes, winning 16 regular-season games as a starter and making the playoffs every year. In the process, he has several college programs vying for his services. Entering his senior season, Copeland wanted to get the best out of his team and himself, make good grades, and put his team in position to make a run through the playoffs. When In the Game spoke with Copeland, the Vikings had finished their regular season and had a week off before the playoffs began. He had the opportunity to reflect on his season and evaluate his performance. Though the Vikings ended up 7-3 and a third seed heading into the postseason, Copeland feels like he accomplished his goals. “I did what I wanted to do,” he says. “I think things are falling in line.” Playing football at Lowndes High means performing on some of the biggest high school football stages in the state. None is bigger than the annual Winnersville Classic, the showdown between Lowndes and the Valdosta High Wildcats. The last few Winnersville games have been nothing short of epic. To play well at Winnersville is to validate oneself as one of the region’s top players. This year, Copeland made his case and he did so emphatically. Despite being behind to Valdosta in almost every statistical category, the Vikings managed to pull ahead in the only one that counts - the score-

board. And the Lowndes defense is a big reason why. Every time the Wildcats looked like they were going to put up points, the Vikings stood up and kept the ‘Cats off the board. Valdosta missed two field goals and had another blocked. And they never found the end zone. Lowndes won, 3-0, and Copeland recorded 11 tackles and forced a fumble. He was named Most Valuable Player for the game. “We had to play our best. We had to shut them down. I said a prayer before the game and asked to be able to make tackles and help our team win,” he says. Copeland wants to make the most of the opportunities he is given. Last year, Lowndes didn’t make it out of the first round of the playoffs despite playing its firstround contest at home. This season, the Vikings must go on the road. Their task will not be easy but Copeland believes he and his teammates are ready for the challenge. “We’re going to practice hard and play every game hard. You never know which game will be your last,” he says. It doesn’t really matter whether Copeland’s season ended November 15 or whether they are still playing when you pick up this edition of In the Game. Copeland will almost certainly have a lot more football to play. Much like he pursues opposing ball carriers, several schools are pursuing him, hoping that he will be on their rosters next year. Among those are Middle Tennessee State, Troy, and Georgia Southern. A couple of major programs have contacted him as well. “I’m going to make my decision after the season. I’m being recruited as a defensive end. The biggest thing is that I just want to go somewhere and play,” he says. ITG

Zack’s Favorites Sport to watch on TV: Florida State football Player: Timmy Jernigan Sport you wish you could play: Basketball Best movie: Transformers: Dark of the Moon Food: Shrimp and fries Place to travel: Spain 33

Mario Cherry

Player Spotlight Presented by:

Thomasville High School

Mario Cherry is also a member of Thomasville’s track team. He runs the 100 meters and 4x100 relay. His best 100 time is 10.7 seconds. Last year, he finished fifth in region and didn’t advance. His best region finish is third, which he accomplished as a sophomore. Cherry advanced to sectionals but didn’t make it to the state meet. This year, he would like to improve his times enough to get to state. 35

Super Mario Leads Bulldogs Into Postseason by Robert Preston, Jr.

photography by Connie Southwell, Southwell Sports Photography

ew coach. New system. New hope. And a new result. After finishing 3-7 last season, the Thomasville Bulldogs reversed those numbers and ended the 2013 regular season 7-3, earning the second seed in the state playoffs. One of the big reasons for their success is running back Mario Cherry, a 5’8”, 185-pounder who finished the season with 1,187 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. “I wanted 1,200 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns,” he said prior to the Bulldogs’ final regular season game against Pelham. Cherry amassed 150 all-purpose yards, only 80 of which were on the ground. He didn’t get to 1,200 in the regular season but he is perfectly content with the way he finished the first 10 games of his senior year. Cherry is a complete running back who has been an important part of Thomasville’s offense in the three years he has started for the Bulldogs. He can run, he has good vision, and he can block. And he doesn’t mind doing whatever he needs to in order to win ball games. “If I need to run, I’ll run. If I need to block, I’ll block. It’s whatever is best for the team,” he says. In 2013, what’s been best for the team is getting the ball in Cherry’s hands. He blew through 1,000 yards before the regular season ended. He rushed for more than 200 yards and two touchdowns against the Cook Hornets, his most prolific performance of the season. On that night, Thomasville High School was celebrating its centennial and the place was packed with alumni. “A lot of the old coaches and players were there. I felt like I owed them something. I wanted to show them that I appreciated the foundation they had set for us,” says

Cherry. He carried the ball 36 times, a career high, on his way to 213 yards. Cherry and the entire Thomasville program have flourished under new head coach LeRoy Ryals. Ryals has made the playoffs every year he has been a head coach and he didn’t want that streak to end in Thomasville. After not making the playoffs last year, Cherry wanted to start another playoff streak for the Bulldogs. Mission accomplished. “Coach Ryals is preparing us for the next level. There’s a collegelike atmosphere here. He has us working hard and getting ready for what is coming down the road. It’s been a great experience this year,” says Cherry. Several colleges have expressed interest in Cherry but he doesn’t have any scholarship offers yet. A couple of Division-I programs have contacted him, and he recently visited Middle Tennessee. He is waiting patiently. He knows the scholarship offers will come. At whatever college he attends, Cherry plans to pursue a degree in graphic design. “I want to do creative artwork - designing signs, logos, things like that. I have an artistic mind but I could be better at drawing,” he laughs. ITG

Team: Georgia Bulldogs Mario was recently honore Player: Todd Gurley d as a Southeastern Federal Cre dit Union Subject: Math Outstanding Performer Least favorite: Science Best movie in the last year: White House Down Person to meet: Adrian Peterson What would you do if you won $1 million: Put it in the bank Biggest lesson football has taught you: “Never quit. Always keep fighting.”

Special Feature

Nelson Herring Malcolm Joseph Valdosta High School

Wildcats’ Running Backs Help Lead Valdosta to A Fifth-Straight Playoff Appearance by Robert Preston, Jr.

ootball, often called the ultimate team sport, can still be very selfish. Playmakers want the ball - every down, every play, every series. They don’t always like to share and they want to be in the spotlight. Unless you’re talking about the Valdosta Wildcats backfield. For the last several years, the ‘Cats have had two of the best running backs in the region splitting time. Seniors Nelson Herring and Malcolm Joseph, best of friends on and off the field, complement each other well in Valdosta’s offense. They are unselfish, enjoy playing together, and don’t mind sharing playing time. The two running backs have tallied almost 3,500 rushing yards in the last two seasons and are a big reason why the Wild-

photography by Micki K Photography

cats are returning to the playoffs for the fifth straight season. Herring is a 5’8”, 165-pound speedster. More of a finesse back than Joseph, Herring would rather run around a defender than run him over. Don’t let that last statement fool you - Herring doesn’t mind contact and won’t hesitate to lower his head when he has to. Herring has amassed about 850 yards rushing and nine touchdowns this season, including a 223-yard game (on just seven carries) against Thomas County Central in the first game of the season. He also scored the game-winning touchdown to give the Wildcats a 28-24 victory. “I felt like I was patient that night. I was waiting on the big run to open up,” he says. Herring’s playmaking ability has attracted the attention of several college programs. He

plans to attend Marshall, where he hopes to figure prominently in the Thundering Herd’s fast-paced, no huddle offense. At 5’10” and 187 pounds, Joseph is more of a power back. He is confident in his ability to make big things happen and he believes he can turn a game around every time he touches the ball. Despite his belief in his talent, he doesn’t come across as cocky or arrogant. He is simply convinced that every time the ball is in his hands, he can make a big play. His confidence received a big boost when, as a sophomore, Joseph earned a starting spot in the Wildcats’ line-up. That Joseph was even there as a sophomore is a minor miracle itself. After his freshman season, Joseph left Valdosta for Cypress Lake High School in Fort Myers, Florida. He spent the second 39

Malcolm

semester of his ninth grade year in Fort Myers before returning to Valdosta for his tenthgrade season. Herring was one of the reasons for Joseph’s return. “The coaches called me but Nelson did, too. He kept calling me and asking me to come back. He said he wanted me on the team with him,” recalls Joseph. He relented and came back to Valdosta. Even after he returned, he had his detractors. “A lot of people didn’t think I would start. But I knew I could start that year. I ended up starting and surprised a lot of people,” says Joseph. Coming back home was a good decision for the running back. Over the last two seasons, Joseph has rushed for around 1,800 yards. This year, he has 960 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has committed to Georgia State, though other schools are still courting him. “Colleges started contacting me during the summer before my junior year. It surprised me. I always heard I wasn’t good enough to play in college,” he says. “When I started getting those letters, I knew I could play at the next level. It also inspired me to get bigger, faster, and stronger.” Herring and Joseph are always pulling for each other. They want each other to play well and they pay attention to what the other is doing. There is no jealousy, no animosity between them. They genuinely want the other

to do well. When asked about Joseph’s most impressive moment, Herring doesn’t hesitate. It happened last season against Colquitt County. The ‘Cats and Packers were playing in Valdosta and Joseph broke an almost impossible run of 73 yards. He crisscrossed the field, going left then back to the right. Eventually, he outlasted the Packers defense for one of his three touchdowns that night. Valdosta won that game, 28-26, over a Colquitt team that advanced to the semifinals. For Joseph, Herring’s biggest play came this year against Newton. Herring took the ball up the middle and was immediately swarmed by the Rams defense. The players away from the line of scrimmage thought the play was over and started getting ready to huddle for the next play. All of a sudden, Herring broke through the pile for a 75-yard touchdown. Herring and Joseph entered the season hoping to win a region championship then make a strong run at Valdosta’s first state title since 1998. The ‘Cats didn’t win region. They finished 6-4 and entered the playoffs as the fourth seed. Their first game was against Langston Hughes. “We don’t compete against each other. There’s no animosity and we feed off each other,” says Herring. Perhaps they can feed off each other for five more weeks. ITG

Nelson 41

Coach’s Corner Presented by:

Richard Andrews Clifford Fedd Both men are from Florida and made their way to Brooks County through Valdosta State University. Richard Andrews graduated from Dunnellon High School in Dunnellon, Florida. He played college football at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Minnesota. After one year at Lindenwood, he left school and eventually graduated from VSU. Clifford Fedd graduated from Paxon Senior High School in Jacksonville, Florida, and made the aforementioned trip to Riverside Community College then to VSU. Now the Florida natives are leading one of the best high school football teams in Georgia. 44

Brooks County High School

Brooks County Coordinators Orchestrate Region-Winning Schemes by Robert Preston, Jr.

eading into the 2013 season, the Brooks County Trojans were favorites to win the 2A state title. They returned a very talented nucleus of players, including All-Everything quarterback/defensive back Malkom Parrish. Complementing Parrish was a group of skill guys who possessed ample talent of their own, making the Trojans one of the most formidable teams in the state in any classification. Then, just as things really got going in preseason workouts, The accident happened. There is no need to rehash the tale or the outcome. Everyone knows it by now. It left a team, a community, an entire region stunned and saddened. Football was the farthest thing from people’s minds. The most pressing concern was for DeVron Whitfield, the accident’s lone survivor. A close second was the well-being of the rest of the Trojans. Something like this leaves an indelible imprint on young people. How would they respond, not only on the football field but also in their everyday lives? Coaches spend a great deal of time in training. They attend coaches clinics and are always looking for another perspective, another way of tweaking their systems to make them more efficient and

photography by Micki K Photography

successful. Those clinics, however, don’t teach how to deal with tragedies such as this. There is no blueprint, no study manual. These are lessons that must be learned in the moment. In the wake of the July tragedy, the players turned to their coaches first and foremost. The staff was on the front lines. The way they reacted to the accident would determine in large part how the players reacted. “In the aftermath, we communicated with the kids. Head Coach Maurice Freeman met with everyone as a team and asked the kids what they wanted to do, if they wanted to play or if they wanted to take the season off. All of them said they wanted to play. They wanted the rest of that week off but they wanted to play,” recalls Offensive Coordinator Clifford Fedd. Once the players were ready to get back to practice, the coaching staff had to set as much of a tone of normalcy as possible. It was important not to put too much pressure on the kids, to not make them feel as if they had to play for their lost teammates. Instead, the coaches told them to play hard for their fallen comrades, and to remember them in everything they did on and off the field. “Sometimes we still get together and talk. We

have to let the kids express themselves, let them say how they feel. We involve those guys we lost in everything. They are still very much a part of our team,” states Fedd. Freeman believes in letting his coaches coach. When the Trojans were ready to get back down to business, it was up to the coaching staff, most notably Fedd and defensive coordinator Richard Andrews, to make sure the players refocused on football and played the game the way they had been taught. It wasn’t easy but Fedd and Andrews were dealing with a veteran group of players, athletes who had been in the system since they were freshmen and knew exactly what to do. The defensive unit was familiar with Andrews’s 4-4 scheme and the offense knew Fedd’s spread inside and out. They just had to perfect what they had been taught for three years. Andrews, a native of Florida, came to Brooks County from Rabun County. Before that, he was at Putnam County for seven years. He is in his sixth year with the Trojans; his arrival in Quitman coincided with Freeman’s. The 4-4 Andrews runs is a simple one. It’s easily adapted to defend the spread when needed. Though it may change from time to time, the differences aren’t huge and the players can follow the changes easily. “We don’t try to overload our kids with schemes. We try to put them in the right places and let them run. If we do that, they’ll make the plays,” he says. The Brooks County defense has allowed 193 points this season - a 19.3 average - and that includes the 50 points that 6A Valdosta hung on the Trojans early in the season. Take out that game and the Trojans have allowed just 143 points, a 16-point per game average. Brooks has played solid defense all year but hasn’t shut anyone out. “We’re going to find a way to let a team score six points. No matter what we do, that’s going to happen,” says Andrews. A football team never wants to give up points. But if you’re going to give up a point or two, it’s nice to have the kind of offense that can score seemingly at will. And the Trojans can do just that. The Brooks County offense has averaged over 34 points per game in 2013. When you’re giving up fewer than 20 and scoring more than 30, that’s a pretty good ratio to enjoy. The Trojans run a spread attack that gets the ball in the hands of their playmakers. Originally a pro-I option offense, Freeman wanted to change things around a couple of years ago. Fedd, who had experience playing quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive back in college, came to Brooks County

as a quarterbacks coach, and he knew the spread well. After playing two years at Riverside Community College in Riverside, California, Fedd played a year at Valdosta State until an injury ended his career. He knew the spread from VSU. After graduation, he worked at Berrien County under former head coach and VSU teammate Ryan Branch, who utilized the same kind of spread in his offenses. Together, Fedd and Freeman worked out the details of the spread. When the offensive coordinator position came open after the 2012 season, Fedd stepped in. His first year as coordinator has been quite an experience. The players adapted to the spread well. Now, after a couple of years in the system, they know it well. And having a player like Parrish running the offense doesn’t hurt. “This is a special group. A lot of times, our practices run themselves. We just guide them through. After all this time, they know the system,” says Fedd. Both coaches believe in working hard while building relationships with their players at the same time. They don’t want to push the players so hard that they alienate them. Playing football at Brooks County can be a pressure cooker. Expectations are high and the level of play had better match those expectations. “We expect to make a run every year. It doesn’t matter who we have or who we play. Next year, we’re going to lose a lot of players and a lot of people aren’t going to give us a chance. But we’re not going to lower our expectations,” says Andrews. “My job is to love, discipline, and show them the right way to do things. If I do those things, the kids will respond. I treat them like they’re my own sons.” “The thing I always ask myself is, am I doing my best to prepare these players? Have I prepared myself? I listen to the players and try to let them do what they like. If they’re doing what they enjoy, they’ll make plays,” says Fedd. Andrews and Fedd would one day like to test the head coaching waters but they aren’t looking for a job anytime soon. They recognize that they have a good thing at Brooks County and they want to enjoy it and keep it going for as long as possible. “Would I like to be a head coach one day? Sure. But I am very happy where I am right now. I’m happy with the players, the staff, my head coach, my athletic director, everyone,” says Andrews. Fedd agrees. “I’m not in a hurry to do anything. If the opportunity comes up, I’ll consider it at that time. But right now, I’m the offensive coordinator at Brooks County High and I enjoy it immensely. ITG

Valdosta Wildcats Wildcat Softball Season Comes To A Close With fall well underway, the Valdosta High School softball season came to a close in the first days of October. The close-knit group of girls ended the season as a family after coming together well before the beginning of this school year. Preparations for the 2013 softball season began last spring, after a large group of interested students crowded the first meeting for the upcoming season. Over time, the group dwindled to a tight group of around twenty committed girls dedicated to playing softball for Valdosta High School. Conditioning for the girls began immediately after the first interest meeting, with the team meeting almost each day after school to run miles and sprints to increase the stamina and endurance necessary for the softball games beginning in August. Stamina and endurance are critical to build up as the girls sometimes play two games in one day. Conditioning in the spring led the way to full practices over summer vacation. Team members reported to the Valdosta softball field promptly

by Aneesha Chowdhary

each day over the two-and-a-half-month long break from school. Under the direction of Head Coach Powers, the team continued to train for the upcoming season. Coach Powers was aided by Assistant Coaches Land, Doughty, and Hill. Under their supervision, the girls proved their dedication to Wildcat softball by practicing under the glaring South Georgia sun over the course of the hottest months of the year. After a long two months, the girls returned to school refreshed and ready to tackle the upcoming season. The Wildcat softball season began almost immediately following the return of Valdosta students to the halls and walkways of the high school. The team, consisting of students from each grade, was eager to finally begin the season after a long period of months of only conditioning and practices. Senior softball players included Kennedy Broomberg and Danielle Harrigan. Over the course of the season, with five Wildcat wins, the girls grew closer as a team and learned values of teamwork, dedication, time-management,

The Catfish Dive Into a New Season

and sportsmanship. As junior player Mackenzie Snyder says, “The team felt much closer this year than any other year I’ve been a member. Team bonding was stressed much more, and the team worked better together this year as a result.” Despite the team just barely missing the playoffs for the 2013 softball season, Head Coach Powers and all of the assistant coaches are incredibly proud of the softball team and the growth and improvement they witnessed in their players. The team even concluded the season with a 21-0 rout of an Albany team. Next season, players and coaches hope to earn more wins and make the playoffs. For now, the Wildcat softball players are having a rest, but only until the spring, when a group of students, veterans and newbies alike, will once again meet in a classroom to discuss the future season.

by Kameron Watson, Tanisha Bhavanani, Mackenzie Snyder, and Lorna Chitty for ten minutes to increase leg stamina. Finally, to cool down, the Catfish swim 100 meters of their competition event. As individuals, the swimmers have to also put time and dedication in the offseason workouts. In and out of the pool, the Catfish have focused on strengthening their arms and legs by strenuous sessions of P90X and weightlifting. Typically, the swimmers have a high carbohydrate intake for energy purposes. Sophomore Cecilia Carroll, a swimming veteran, is also thrilled for the upcoming season. She has a personal goal of hitting the 1:14 mark in her strongest event, the 100 breaststroke. Carroll is enthusiastic about the new coach, saying, “He doesn’t have as much experience with swimming, but he is incredibly invested in learning the sport and helping the team grow as a whole.” Junior Katelynn Kenworthy gets pumped for a meet by playing “music that is loud and fast, such as rap. [Her] teammates’ cheering [her] on also inspires and encourages Valdosta HigH scHool

The Valdosta High School swim team is ready to plunge into a victorious season. With a new coach on board, the swimmers, also known as the “Catfish,” have several goals in mind that they would like to reach this season. The main goal that everyone can agree on is getting as many individuals to qualify for the state competition as possible. Last year, the Catfish were seconds away from qualifying, a fact that drives them to succeed in the upcoming months. Another change for the Catfish is the new head coach, Joseph Wilson. He has been stressing the importance of a strong boys’ team, as well as team bonding. They hope to accomplish this by practicing daily at the YMCA after school to strengthen dedication and build technique. In order to prepare for the rigorous season ahead, each practice is crucial. The average layout for a practice consists of a 400-meter freestyle for warmup, followed by sets of 50 to 100 meters for build up, and a long set of five 200 meters. Practice winds down with kickboards

Valdosta, GA • www.valdostafootball.com

[her] to perform [her] best.” Senior Olivia Clements expresses her inspiration for swimming, which comes from Natalie Coughlin. She explains, “Natalie is a great swimmer, and I’ve learned numerous tips from her ever since I have been swimming at a young age.” Seniors this year include Olivia Clements, Kate Ganas, Tiffani Huff, Fowler Perry, Claire Kirkpatrick, and Nadine Fares. Other standouts consist of Cecilia Carroll, Katelynn Kenworthy, and Samantha Kielma. The first swim meet of the season kicked off on November 16, and the Catfish will continue through February. An important date to look forward to for the Catfish is the region meet on January 25, where they will be competing against Coffee, Colquitt, Lowndes, and Tifton. The coveted state championship is held on February 7 and 8 in Atlanta, which the Catfish have their minds set on attending. Although the individuals on the team have separate goals, every member agrees on one thing: the Catfish are willing to work for recognition for the 2013-14 season.

Valwood Valiants

Goddard Field • Capacity: 750 • Valdosta, GA • www.valwood.org

Valiants’ Athletics playoffs and make some noise in postseason play. “This should be a good year for us,” says Jones. “We’ve got a solid group here that plays well together, and we are looking forward to making a good run and a chance to play in the state tournament.” Power forward Lanier Langdale agrees with her coach that the Valiants are a different team and states that the commitment level is the reason why. “Most of our team has played together for a while, and our main goal after last year was to make a commitment to this team,” says Langdale. “We had a great showing at the summer workouts and summer camp.” The Valiants return four starters from last year, led by junior All-Region selection Ginnie Bree Hunter. The point guard has a good feel of the game and is the spark that drives the offense. Freshman Sarah Godwin, who is a quick guard with a good feel of the game, will back-up Hunter. Joining Hunter in the backcourt is freshman shooting guard Ashley Manwell. The newcomer has excellent athleticism, and Coach Jones believes she will be a major factor in how far the Valiants can go this year. “Ashley will be arguably one of the best players in the region as a freshman,” says Jones. “She gives tremendous effort on the court every time out, has a great passion for the game, and is a solid shooter.” Experience will not be an issue in the backcourt as all three starters return in Langdale, Hollis Waldron, and Amanda Lupo. Langdale, who averaged 12.1 points per game and is the leading returning scorer from last season, will get the bulk of the playing time at small forward, while Amanda Lupo will be the force at center. Lupo will be counted on for points in the paint, but the Valiants will also need her strong rebounding skills and solid defense if they want to make a playoff push. The rebounding duties will also fall to sophomore Hollis Waldron, who led the team with 7.8 rebounds last year. Waldron’s most natural position is power forward, but she is the most versatile player on the team and will see action at all five spots. Junior Allie Maxwell, sophomore Shana Morman, and freshmen Maggie Smith will provide depth at both the guard and forward positions, while sophomore Regina Carson and eighth grader Ellie Stark are forwards that will provide a spark coming off the bench.

Valwood School

Valwood basketball is tipping off at the beginning of December and expectations are high for both the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams. Each squad has experience and depth, a recipe that usually leads to wins and a spot in the playoffs. On the boys’ side, the Valiants return 12 players, including three starters, from last year’s 13-9 squad that captured the Region 3AA Championship. With that success comes higher goals, according to Coach Chad Gallahan, who is back for his second year at the helm. “I was proud of how well we played last year, but I am expecting more out of each player,” says Gallahan. “I want more competition, more desire, and more of a will to finish strong, not only on the basketball court but in the classroom, as well.” Leading the charge will be two-time All-Region selection DeAndre Lambert. The senior forward averaged ten points and eight rebounds per game and brings an enthusiasm and leadership quality to the Valiants that can’t be measured. “DeAndre has already begun to show his dominance on the court and take the role of the leader in the preseason,” says Gallahan. Also returning in the frontcourt will be junior Joe Stark, who did not see much varsity playing time last year, but excelled in B-team games, leading that team in scoring and rebounding. Stark should see a large amount of playing time this season, giving Valwood two solid players in the post. Junior Anthony Folkerts and Senior Carter Elliott are also back for the Valiants but will join the team once their football season ends. Both are tall, physical players who will add scoring and solidify the paint on the defensive side of the ball. Seniors Gary Cannon and Jordan Winston return in the backcourt. Cannon will handle much of the point guard duties and will be asked to not only take care of the basketball, but also spark the offense and score when possible. Winston is an incredible athlete who uses his speed and slashing skills to drive to the basket. He will be the go-to player for any breakaway chances the Valiants get. Seniors James Braswell and Char Merine, along with junior Marik Merine, will join Cannon and Winston in the backcourt once football is over. The Valwood girls’ team is looking to rebound from a tough 1-18 record last year. Despite having no seniors on the roster, Head Coach Carlos Jones thinks his team has the makeup to not only increase the wins, but also to qualify for the

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Colquitt County Packers Mack Tharpe Stadium • Capacity: 10,000 • Moultrie, GA • www.colquitt.high.schooldesk.net/Football A Look At How Far She Has Come boundaries to boost her talent as a basketball player. “The past three summers have opened up doors for her. She has been to Washington D. C., Virginia, and almost across the United States. She has been a lot of places,” says Coach Williams. Ponder also plays for the Georgia Metros, who travel the country to play basketball as an opportunity for young athletes to be seen and recognized by colleges and national franchises. “Makeba is the best shooting guard South of Macon. Her fierce competitiveness only proves that she is one of the best. I wish I had her for another two or three years,” Coach Williams also says. As a student, Ponder sets herself in tough classes to better prepare her for the next level. In addition, she was awarded 2013-14 Homecoming Queen for the Class of 2014 which is an honor be-

News From The Sport Of Swimming With one of the most dignified facilities in the state of Georgia, most would believe that the Colquitt County Packers have a top-notch competitive swimming and diving program. With years of successes and victories, it is apparent they do; however, with the seniors gone to college, and the freshman stepping in and competing for starting positions, how will the Packers fair in the 2013-14 season? Without a doubt, Colquitt County has the talent and coaching to be successful. “I am so glad that the program has continued to grow each year, and I think we’re going to have a great season,” says Head Coach Sydney Earley. “I have definitely seen progress with the individual swimmers and the team as a whole.” Last year, Sydney Earley led the team in her second term as Colquitt’s head coach. With all the hype and success of last year’s team, such as Colquitt’s all-star

stowed upon her by fellow classmates. With the remainder of her season still in the forefront, she has big plans to finish out strong. “I plan for us as a team to win region and go deep in the state playoffs. For me, I want to break more records,” she says. Like many aspiring athletes, Ponder plans to further her basketball future at Georgia State University and major in special education. In light of the fact that her senior year is at hand and her graduation is looming in May, Ponder says that she will miss her times at Colquitt County. “The best thing about basketball to me is just having fun and playing with your friends that you have been with your whole life. I’m going to miss that and my coaches when I have to leave Colquitt County.” Colquitt County HigH SCHool

Since last year’s appearance in the fall article for In the Game, senior Makeba Ponder has been more than an outstanding student. When Lady Packer basketball comes to mind, most fans and the community definitely put her name and basketball together. Not only does her athleticism on the court and her academic nature in the classroom earmark her as a winner, her humble and honest spirit makes her as a star leader. “It is amazing to watch her work. I’ve always told her, ‘Makeba, set goals for yourself and achieve them. She has truly opened the doors for Colquitt County girls’ basketball,” says Head Coach Rondesha Williams. As a freshman, Makeba Ponder battled her way to the varsity spot. Through her stay at Colquitt, that place has not been given up. Ponder has far exceeded the basketball persona. As a shooting guard, she currently has 1433 total points, a record unheard of in Gladys Espy Gym. Since her title as a starter, Ponder has over 20 wins with very few losses and has been named Region 6A Co-player of the Year, an Atlanta Journal Constitution AllState team member, a GACA All-State team member, and a GACA South All-Star team player for the 2012-13 season. “I think Coach Williams and my teammates really helped me win those goals. I appreciate their support and cannot thank them enough,” says Ponder. During her career as a Colquitt County Packer, Ponder has also ventured outside the school

by Garrett May

by Garrett May swimmer Austin Vines, expectations are high for this year’s team. Such excitement can make or break such a young team, but with Coach Earley’s knowledge and fierce practice tactics, what more could be done to enhance the team? In addition to all this, Coach Savanna Griswold (who is relatively new to the sport of swimming) will be an assistant coach to this season’s team. Even though she has little experience in swimming, her kind “know-how” as a teacher at Colquitt County only aids Sydney Earley’s leadership as a coach. “Miss Griswold has been an awesome help thus far, and she is willing to do anything for both the team and myself. She has jumped right in as my assistant coach and really has taken charge of the kids,” says Earley. “She brings an enthusiastic attitude to the team as well as a desire to learn about the sport and the kids themselves.”

The two coaches are not just acquaintances but also friends and co-workers at Colquitt County High School. When Griswold came to the high school, she worked under Earley in the Spanish Department. It was only by chance that Griswold came into the school wearing a swim shirt and was offered the job. “It was just by chance that I got the job. It means a lot to me, and it is something I have always wanted to be a part of,” states Griswold. “When I was growing up, I didn’t have the opportunity to swim. So for me, it is a chance to learn. For the kids, knowing that I didn’t have the chance to swim, but that I am still out there—it really motivates them.” With the new team assembled and practices underway, Coach Earley can see a bright future. “My goals are to have several swimmers make it to state, as well as win some trophies at the invitationals throughout the season,” she says.

Tift County Blue Devils Brodie Field • Capacity: 10,000 • Tifton, GA • www.tiftcountyfootball.com For Senior Sam Douglas, Football Is More Than Just A Game starter.” Douglas not only gained playing time on the Brodie, but also gained a second family. Each year the team’s traditions remained constant, while the players changed. Spending every day at practice together, sharing meals, enduring workouts, and coming together for challenging games, the boys bonded and came together as one. They were one family that had one common love: football. As Douglas’s senior football season kicked off, the Devils gained their first victory against Westover. During the first quarter, Douglas’s skills and leadership held the team together. Unfortunately during the second quarter on a defensive play, Douglas completely tore his ACL and bruised his bone. Due to swelling, fluid also developed around his joint. Douglas says, “I have torn ligaments, broken bones, and had plenty of other injuries, but this injury was different.” However, Douglas ignored the pain and stayed on the sidelines to support his team. He says, “When the doctor gave me the diagnosis, it really hit hard that four years of hard work could be for nothing.” Not until after the last play of the Tift versus Westover game did Douglas worry about himself instead of the others on the team. After a late night at the hospital, Douglas decided nothing was going to stop him from playing the game he loved; he was going to do whatever it took to get back on the field with his team. Surgery was postponed and a brace was ordered. Douglas was not able to play for three weeks. With no control of the outcome, Douglas feared a loss for the team. Douglas’s brace came in, and he began playing with a new perspective. Douglas says, “You really don’t know what you have until it’s gone; from a game, to a quarter, to a down, nothing is being taken for granted. I will literally play every down like it is my last, because it could be.” Douglas enjoyed everything from the traditions of the Devils to the fans in the stands, on his first Friday night back. Douglas says, “There could never be another feeling like stepping out onto the Brodie on a Friday night with the guys that are going to sacrifice everything for you, and you for them. That is football, and football is life.” Douglas did exactly this for his game and subsequently tore his meniscus. Not only did Douglas sacrifice his senior season, but he also gave up his entire career. Douglas may not have been able to play, but his dedication stayed on the field with his teammates. The Blue Devils fought hard the entire season to honor the hard work and leadership of Sam Douglas. Throughout Douglas’s football career, he realized the many life lessons he could gain from the game he loves so much. Humbled by his injury, Douglas

is reminded that he is not promised tomorrow, so he will take what he has today and pursue it with the utmost passion, whether that be another down of football or taking the next steps in his life. The life lessons Douglas has attained from football will carry on with him throughout his life. Football became an instrument for Douglas to become a leader and allow others to see his dedication. Douglas says, “I don’t know what I’d do without football; my love for the game is immeasurable.” Football will forever be with him and the lessons he has learned will allow him to be successful during the rest of his life. Being taught such things as selfdenial, a phenomenal work ethic, and perseverance will allow Douglas to conquer whatever he sets his mind to. TifT CounTy HigH SCHool

Vince Lombardi once said, “Football is like life; it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority.” Beneath the Friday Night Lights, senior Sam Douglas embodies these characteristics. To Douglas football is not a game; it is life. Douglas’s leadership on and off of Brodie Field speaks volumes of his character and devotion. Beginning his senior year, Douglas was faced with an ACL tear. Douglas courageously preserved through this injury and played two games with a supportive brace, only to be hurt again during the second game. He is not boastful or prideful, but he is a hardworking individual who puts everything he has into his team. Douglas’s love for football began at a young age. Douglas explains, “I was raised in the atmosphere where I always had a football in my hands.” The dream to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps by competing at a collegiate level and possibly one-day coaching became evident very early on. Douglas grew up in a neighborhood where the dream for all little boys was to be exceptional at the game of football. The neighborhood pack’s bragging rights and pride came from the scrapes and injuries gained from the rough tackle ball on the hot black asphalt of the street. For Douglas these games were more than just simple child’s play. The game defined him. Recreation football was the next step in Douglas’s football journey. Having a heart for the game, Douglas’s practices were gratifying, and his success followed. He won three league championships and came in second once. All five years he was selected to be on the all-star team and won the Turkey Bowl. His talent and dedication launched him into his school ball career. At the start of seventh grade, Douglas’s years as an official Blue Devil began. Middle school coaches noted Douglas’s hard work. He was rewarded by starting both his seventh and eighth grade year. Douglas found he and his teammates were able to gain self-discipline and respect for authority throughout the seasons’ games and practices. He began to build a bond with the boys he could possibly play with for the next six years. During Douglas’s freshmen football season, he maintained a positive attitude and enhanced his skills on both offense and defense. At the end of the season, he was selected to play with the varsity football team. Douglas began on the Brodie feeling accomplished. He reached a major milestone in his football career. Douglas says, “For the first time I experienced Friday Night Lights; nothing can compare to the feeling I had stepping onto the field on my first Friday night game. Every season since, I have been a varsity

by Brooke Cottles

Sam Douglas

Thomasville Bulldogs Veterans Memorial Stadium • Thomasville, GA • www.tvillebulldogs.com

Cross Country Team Takes The Lead tember 14, the varsity boys’ team placed third, and the varsity girls placed fourth. Top ten individual winners for the boys were Will White in fifth place and TJ Witherspoon in seventh with Rachel Smith in second place for the girls. At the Lee County Invitational on September 21, varsity boys placed fifth, only four points behind the third place team, and the varsity girls earned a third place trophy.

Thomasville high school

Thomasville High School Varsity Cross Country boys’ and girls’ teams ended their season by bringing home both first place trophies from the Region 1-AA Championship meet in Blakely, Georgia. The girls region champion, first-place girl is senior, Rachel Smith. For the boys, senior Will White placed second, and junior TJ Witherspoon placed third. At the Bainbridge Bear Cat Invitational on Sep-

by Hunter Miles Thomasville High School Cross Country teams captured two team wins out of nearly 20 teams as they hosted their home meet, THS Quail Trail at Pebble Hill Plantation on September 28th. The boys’ team placed second with Will White (sixth overall), TJ Witherspoon (eighth overall), Neil White, Ian Ward, and Keldren Reddick scoring for the boys. The girls’ team placed second as well with Rachel Smith (second place), Rebekah Smith (ninth place), Jacara Hayes, Mareike Haaren, and Rebecca Jane White scoring for the girls.

Thomasville Cross Country Region 1-AA Champions

Bulldogs Intend To Tip Off Winning Tradition

Thomasville high school

Thomasville High School girls’ and boys’ basketball teams kicked off their pre-season with their first official practice in late October although they participate in conditioning year-round. The THS girls’ basketball team, under the new leadership of Coach Antonio Wade, are working

very hard to have an even more successful year than they did last year. Key plays from their 2013 seniors and former coach, Thomas McAboy, led the Lady Dogs to a region championship title and a spot in the final four game of the state playoffs. This year, the girls are expected to go even further. Wade, who comes to Thomasville High School after four years at Forest Park High School, has a very good attitude for the Lady Dogs this year. “I expect to continue the winning tradition of the Lady Dogs’ Basketball program,” says Wade. ”As a coach, it is my personal goal to get to know every young lady we have in our program and to ensure that every senior in my program graduates and attends college.” Although the Lady Dogs have a few younger players, they also have some upperclassmen players that are expected to step up as leaders this year. Lady Dogs starting point guard, Ricarsha Johon says, “Our goal this year is to have an undefeated season, win back-to-back region championships, and get a nice look in state.”

by Andrew Parker In addition to the Lady Dogs having high expectations, the THS boys’ basketball team is expected to have a great season as well. Under the leadership of Coach Ben Tillman, the Bulldogs continue to develop a culture of hard work and determination. Only losing three seniors, the Bulldogs have secured most of their players back from the previous year. “My overall goal is to be at our best in the fourth quarter; we can put ourselves in a position to win one more game than last year,” says Tillman. Not only is Coach Tilman expecting a good fourth quarter of every game, he also is expecting his five seniors to step up as leaders to guide the team to many victories. Senior Jakezmine King says, “As a senior, my job is to be a leader, and that means setting a good example for the younger kids on and off the court.”

Ocilla, GA • www.irwincountyindians.com

The 1-A Area State qualifying cross country meet was held in Ellaville at Schley County High School. ICHS’s young cross country team did very well, some members posting their best times for this season. Irwin’s team placed second, just behind first place Hawkinsville, followed by third Schley Co., and fourth Telfair Co. Individuals in the top ten were: Luke Gamble seventh, Grant Hudson ninth,

and Daniel Smith 10th. The team has only one girl, Dakota Newmans who finished fifth overall. She, too, has advanced to the state meet which will be November 9 at Carrollton High School. Coach Chuck Folker says, “I am really proud of this team. They have worked hard this season. We have no seniors this season, so they will all be back next year.”

IrwIn County HIgH SCHool

Irwin Cross Country Advances To State Meet

Front: Collin Vickers, Summer Pridgen, Dakota Newmans, and Landon Rowe. Back: Leroy Stewart, Grant Hudson, Luke Gamble, Daniel Smith, Michael Griffin, and (not pictured) Wyatt Leverett.

The ICHS Football Competition Cheerleaders completed their regular competition with a great season. They added four new trophies to the cheer case, placing second at Worth Country’s Last Chance Competition. Head Coach Jeanne Pujadus says, “Their energy and sharpness paid off. The girls had a 6:30 practice Friday morning, cheered in the rain at the beginning of Irwin’s big win over Wilcox Friday night, and then represented ICHS at the Worth Competition Saturday morning. One cannot help but recognize the Red Hot’s dedication to their sport.” Irwin’s Lil Hots, the middle school cheerleaders, had an outstanding cheer season, also.

They competed in five competitions and placed in each competition, including two firsts, two seconds, and one third place. All middle school classifications compete as one, and only a very few single A schools compete. Irwin is extremely proud of its girls who competed against schools as large as 6A. A salute to the Lil Hots: Chelsea Champion, Hannah Clayton, Morgan Edge, Caroline Lindsey, Destin Mixon, Tamia Walker, Savannah Johnson, Maggie McCranie, Melanie Payne, Madison Royal, Jazmine Walker, Lauren Merritt, Lizzie Morgan, Lillyann Raffield, Allison Roberts, Isabella Rowe, Sydney Snyder, and Preslee Walters.

IrwIn County HIgH SCHool

Irwin “Red Hots”

Irwin’s 2013 Competition/Football Cheerleaders. Diana Yawn, Mariah Walker, Dru Hudson, Jayden Jankiewicz, Sydnee Tyson, Autumn McLoughlin, Kady Padgett, Maribeth Portier, Kenyota Paulk, Kendra Smith, Madison Thompson, Heather Stephens, Kelby Smith, Savannah Howell, Logan Freeman, and Maggie Clayton.

Irwin’s Football Team good; the offense has been good; and our kickers have done a great job. I am proud of our team.” The Indians have had the luxury of many good running backs. They have been able to really mix it up each week. Quarterback Kyle Posey has passed more in the second half of the season, and one never

knows who the receiver may be. The Indians are fortunate to have a large variety of plays and capable players to make them. No one is really predicting the future for the 2013 Indians, but Indian supporters have high hopes for a successful postseason.

#1 Jakyron Young protects, and #3 Kyle Posey holds for #43 Eric Contreras’ extra point.

#1 Jakyron Young, #56 Chandler Taylor, #29 Willie Harris, and #52 Nathan Tucker make the opening for #15 Ryan Peterson.

#3 Kyle Posey passes with protection from #20 Robert Moore

IrwIn County HIgH SCHool

It has been an outstanding season for the team and coaches. Due to the all-out efforts of the starting team, the junior varsity team has seen third and fourth quarter playing time to earn valuable competition playing time for the future. Not enough can be said for the offensive and defensive lines, the defensive backs, and the running backs who have more than done their jobs on Friday nights. Head Coach Jon Lindsey has repeatedly said, “Our team is a real team. Our success is due to the concentrated team effort of each player. The defense has been

Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane Jaycee Stadium • Capacity: 5,000 • Fitzgerald, GA • www.purplehurricane.com Great Finish to a Great Race much improved season but unfortunately did not qualify for state. The placement for the boys has qualified them for the state meet which they have not accomplished since the 2011 season. The top seven boys, Justin Kitchens, Logan Turnmire, Chase Eckler, Greg Turnmire, Willie Montel, Ross Wynn, and Ronald Garcia, hope to gain experience and improve their personal records on November 9 in Charlton County for the state meet. None of the team’s success would have been possible without the help of Coach Cheryl Turnmire. Coach Turnmire has been the head coach for four years of the FHS Cross Country team and has watched each runner grow and improve after each practice. She dedicated her time and effort to making the team the

Dedication is Key Cheerleading consists of sacrifice, teamwork, and commitment. The Fitzgerald High School Purple Girls demonstrate these values throughout the competition season. This experienced

best as she could, and for that the entire team thanks her. She will be traveling to Charlton with the team to cheer on and support the boys for this final race of the season. Good luck Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes. Fitzgerald HigH ScHool

Fitzgerald HigH ScHool

This year’s cross country season for Fitzgerald High School has been filled with anticipation and excitement. This season has been the one seniors Logan Turnmire, Greg Turnmire, and Chase Eckler (three of our top five runners) have been looking forward too. This year the boys placed fourth at the regional race at Early County on October 29, 2013. The girls’ team has had a

by Jake Sellars

by Tyler Martin competition cheerleading team consists of 19 girls; 15 who compete with two being freshmen and five being seniors. Dedicated coach Christy Jacobs not only teaches the Purple Girls a cheer routine, she also encourages them to work hard and never give up. With two first places, two second places, and one third place in regular season, the FHS Purple Girls are prepared to bring home the gold at the region and state competitions. They will compete in the region competition on November 9 at Worth County High School. If they win, this will be the 13th year in a row. Senior cheerleaders Leah Ward and Natalie

Yarbrough happily accepted the positions of being in the Top 40 cheerleaders across the state. The girls were chosen based on their GPA, community involvement, and coaches’ recommendations. Leah Ward was granted the honor of being chosen for the Top 16. Ward says she was “excited” when she received this honor. “I feel like this was a great conclusion to the six years I have been cheering. To me, it’s an allaround award for my dedication to cheerleading and school,” Leah says. Photos By sGAsPoRts.NEt

Open Bible Christian Valdosta, GA â&#x20AC;˘ www.openbiblechristianschool.org OBCS Player Profile 2013 Soccer Team Darkness is settling in, but the intensity of the moment is far from fading out. With fans on their feet, players struggling to stay off their knees, and an even score of 1-1, it was no longer a battle of talent or preparation, but of tenacity and resolve. As the gridlocked score withstood overtime after overtime, the coveted title of state champion was to be awarded through the most psychologically and precision-oriented test of all: penalty kicks. Each team had five shots, and on the tenth and final shot attempt cheers arose as the ball barely found its way into the back of the net. Unfortunately, the cheers were not erupting from the dedicated Open Bible fans, but from the Killian Hills Christian School, and the Warriors were awarded the second place state championship trophy. That was last year. Now, Open Bible proudly holds the title of GCAA Soccer Region and State Champions with a record of 10-1. The season was successfully completed with 11 strong seniors at the helm. They led their team all the way back to state, but this time at their home field, ready to take the victory. Although the difficult defeat was painful to experience last year, it served as a new inspiration to play harder, stay focused, and come

back stronger. With over half the team composed of seniors, leadership was not lacking, and determination for winning could not have been stronger. Taylor Alvarez, David Brandon, Alex Brunot, Eddie Garcia, Sean Harrell, Logan Ireland, Tyler Phillips, Joey Ruse, Daniel Sullivan, Gamaliel Vendrell, and Victor Woodall were the talented seniors who staunchly held positions everywhere from defense to midfield to forward. The majority of these driven athletes also represent Open Bible in other sports programs the school has to offer, while maintaining their grades in the classroom and even involving themselves in fine arts. The hardworking team had the privilege to be coached by Mr. Peter Smith and Craig Jenkins and be assisted by Setu Patel. It took each and every player on the team to triumph this season. Each game built upon the previous one and brought the team closer together and closer to ultimate victory. When the fateful day arrived, Open Bible already had two victories against their final opponent, Killian Hills Christian School, during the regular season. Each of these games were only decided by a one point margin, and the intensity and talent that Killian Hills played with was definitely not a force to be taken lightly.

by Joseph Ruse As the game approached (and throughout the entire season), the Open Bible soccer program was blessed with an unparalleled amount of student, faculty, booster club, and parent support, and the state championship was no exception. After a school pep rally, much preparation, and plenty of prayer, the Warriors stepped onto the field of battle. It was a valiant effort by both teams from the starting whistle to come away with a victory, but when the time ran out the Warriors were on top. With a final score of 4-1, Elijah Bird (voted the games MVP) scored two goals for Open Bible, along with Colton Jenkins and Logan Ireland each adding a goal to the final tally. Goalie David Brandon had multiple close saves, and there were strong plays by both the defensive line and the offensive line. Expertly placed passes by the midfield, and well-timed runs by forwards placed the trophy in the hands of the home team. The sportsmanship and chivalry expressed by Killian Hills was impressive throughout the season and aftermath. For Open Bibleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior class, it was a bittersweet moment, representing the conclusion of an era but also the establishment of a legacy. Open bible Christian sChOOl

I would be remiss if I neglected to say that this time of year is a time to celebrate the one most important birth that has or will ever happen: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! In the midst of celebrating bowl games, shopping frenzies and road trips to spend time with family, it’s the One in our midst that matters most. Catchy phrases like, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” have almost become more of a frontal assault than a reminder of a fact. So I deduced that sharing a family tradition of ours may be apropos. When my wife Kim and I started our journey together, we wanted to make some poignant traditions of our own. Christmas was one of the times that we really decided to spend some creative thought making sure we were creating traditions we would enjoy for a lifetime. Here is a glimpse into the traditions that have made the 20 year journey: One present each on Christmas Eve. It’s usually pajamas for the girls to wear the next morning (because we’re taking pictures...pretty smart, huh?) Birthday cake for Jesus. Yes, really. We even sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. Reading of the Christmas story from a child’s Bible story book that is now falling apart.

Three presents per child: two-fold reason, 1. Jesus only got three, and 2. We have four daughters, and we ain’t stupid! Kim usually has some creative breakfast put together so that we are not just operating on cake, AND it’s always very good! Finally, after all the presents have been opened, Kim has all of us spread our presents out and takes pictures of them. Why tell you about our family traditions? Because if we lose site of what’s really important: Jesus and our loved ones, then we wind up miserable all year or maybe for eternity. Merry Christmas y’all!

Danny R. Broyles SEGA Area Director (229) 245-1717 Office www.segafca.org

SEGA FCA

@SEGAFCA

www.segafca.org

Berrien Rebels Raymond Jones Memorial Stadium • Nashville, GA • www.berrienrebels.com/football BHS Competition Cheer Squad Takes Home First Place

Berrien County HigH SCHool

The Berrien High School competition cheer squad took home first place at the Southern Spirit

Showdown at Lowndes High School last weekend. It was their first competition of the year, and the girls were ready to perform. Berrien beat Fitzgerald 210192 to take home first place in the AA division. It was their first time ever beating region rival Fitzgerald. Also, seniors Lollie McMillan and Taylor Karvonen tied for second place in the jump off against girls from all six classifications. Madison Heath and her group of Lauren Harrell, Jessica

Rebelettes Finish Fourth In State

Berrien County HigH SCHool

The Berrien High varsity softball team traveled over to Columbus last week to compete in the state tournament. The best eight AA teams in the state took the field for the double elimination tournament. Berrien opened up the state tournament with the top seeded Calhoun Yellow Jackets. Berrien scored first on Allyson Dowdy’s homerun in the fourth inning to give the Rebelettes a 1-0 advantage. The score remained that way until the sixth inning when Calhoun scored two late runs to win the game 2-1. The Rebelettes loaded up the bases with one out in the seventh on a double off the fence by Stefanie Scurry, but Berrien was

by Jarrett Luke Steward, Lollie McMillan, and Haley Ray came in second place in the lib off as well. Tift Co (6A) won the jump off and lib off. The Berrien High School competition cheer squad took home first place at the Blue Devil Cheer Classic at Tift Co High School last weekend. It was their third competition of the year, and Berrien has now won two out of three. Berrien scored 230 to take home first place in the AA division. Bacon Co came in second, and Fitzgerald finished in third place. Also, senior Taylor Karvonen tied for second place in the jump off against girls from all six classifications. The competition squad consists of Lollie McMillan, Jessica Steward, Haley Ray, Madison Heath, Shaliegne Kaufman, Darby Cowart, Chloe Kimble, Taylor Karvonen, Jordan Hanson, Shai Sweat, Lauren Harrell, Sarah Browning, Jessica Griffith, Alyssa Meeler, Tekerriyah Thompson, and Hana Gaskins. The team is coached by Jenny Hurd.

by Jarrett Luke thrown out at the plate trying to score the tying run. Calhoun eventually won the state tournament 7-0, Berrien giving Calhoun their closest game of the tournament. However, the Rebelettes did not quit, facing Bremen in a loser bracket game. Bremen scored first in the second inning, taking a 1-0 advantage, but Berrien answered right back on a homerun by senior Stefanie Scurry, tying the game at 1-1. Berrien then went ahead 2-1 in the third inning and extended their lead to 4-1 in the fourth inning. That was all the runs Berrien needed because senior Sierra Johnson pitched a great game, allowing only one unearned run. Berrien next faced Dade Co, the defending state champions, with the winner advancing to the state Final Four. Dade Co scored a run in the top of the first, taking a 1-0 advantage, but the Rebelettes shut them out the rest of the game. With Berrien down to their final nine outs, the Rebelettes rallied with a run in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI single by Sarah Jewell. Berrien won 2-1 over Dade Co and advance to the Final Four. Senior Sierra Johnson picked up her 20th win of the year on the mound against Dade Co. The Rebelettes faced Harlem in the

Final Four. Harlem took an early 2-0 advantage by scoring two unearned runs in the first inning. Berrien fought back in the fourth inning when junior Allyson Dowdy hit her second homerun of the tournament. (It was her 10th homerun of the season which broke the school record.) Berrien trailed 2-1. The Rebelettes tied the game at 2-2 in the fifth on a sacrifice fly from senior Haley Harrell. The game remained tied heading into extra innings. In the top of the eighth, Berrien went ahead 3-2 when sophomore Amber Dowdy hit an RBI single, allowing her sister junior Allyson Dowdy to score. However, Harlem scored two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to win 4-3. Harlem finished second in the tournament to Calhoun. The Rebelettes would go 2-2 in the state tournament as their only two, one-run losses were to the top two teams in the state. It was only the second time in the short history of fast pitch that Berrien has reached the Final Four. The Rebelettes finished in second place in the state in 2007 when they fell to Buford in the state championship game. Berrien finishes the year with a 27-12 record. Berrien was coached by Head Coach Michelle Jones and assisted by Jarrett Luke and Calem Ray. The Rebel Nation is proud of the Berrien varsity softball team as they won the region championship and advanced to the state Final Four.