In the Game South Georgia November 2016 Edition

Lowndes County

One Mile at a Time, Lowndes High School Sets Standards For South Georgia Running Columbus Valley

Archery Program Hits Bullseye With State Championship

New Year, Same Mission: Clinch County Standouts Aim to Bring Home Another Title

GAME SOUTH GEORGIA

$4.00 / Issue

IN THE

NOVEMBER 2016

Shannon Young Trezman Marshall Charles McClelland

2 | itgsportsnetwork.com

THE

HUGHSTON DIFFERENCE YESTERDAY.

•

Providing you, for over 60 years, with research, education, and treatment

•

Organizing preparticipation physicals since 1976

•

Covering over 1,500 local sporting events each year

•

Saturday morning injury clinic

•

Researching and implementing concussion management software for local athletes

TODAY. TOMORROW.

LOCATIONS Albany Auburn Columbus Dothan LaGrange

Moultrie Phenix City Thomaston Thomasville Valdosta

Hughston Clinic 706-324-6661 6262 Veterans Parkway, GA 31909 1-800-331-2910 / www.hughston.com

In The Game | 3

4 | itgsportsnetwork.com

In The Game | 5

Your Orthopedic Specialist

Be a part of

every precious moment

Urgent & Acute Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

3527 N. Valdosta Road, Valdosta, GA 31602 | 229.247.2290

6 | itgsportsnetwork.com www.voa-online.com

Oscar E. Aguero, Jr., M.D. John P. Kendrick, M.D. James R. Goss, D.O. Charles W. Sanderlin, Jr., M.D. John Eric Gee, M.D. Michael A. Clark, M.D. Eric C. Stiefel, M.D. Paul Lane, M.D. David Hermansen, P.A. Darin Melvin, ANP-C

Our Surgeons specialize in: *Sports Medicine *Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement *Arthrosopic Surgery *Arthritis Treatment *Joint Pain and Injuries *Fracture Care *Operative and Non-Operative Back and Neck Conditions

09. Publisher’s Letter

Finally Fall 17. New Year, Same Mission: Clinch County Standouts Aim to Bring Home Another Title

S. Young, T. Marshall, C. McClelland Clinch County 20. United as One: Chris Beckham Brings the Area Together Through the Power of the Airwaves 22. For the Love of the Game

Tamorrion Terry | Turner County 24. Blood is Thicker Than Football 33. Archery Program Hits Bullseye With State Championship

Calvary Christian School 34. One Mile at a Time, Lowndes High School Sets Standards for South Georgia Running

Lowndes High School 38. Rothschild Quarterback Looking for Repeat Title

Jaylin Sellers | Rothschild Leadership Academy 42. Giving Their All: Duo of Hardworking Stars Look to Take Lanier County to New Heights

Matt White, Matthew Hardy | Lanier County 46. Muscogee County Teacher of the Year Gives Father Credit

Stefan Lawrence 48. Stealing Home: Lowndes Vikettes Look to Shift the State Power to the South

Sophie Sumner, Rylin Hedgecock Lowndes High School 52. New Chapter Being Written in Three-Sport Athlete’s Life

Houston’s Fromm Stakes Claim as One of Nation’s Elite Passers

Jake Fromm | Houston County

28

Madison McPherson | Marion County 56. Bicycle Motocross Becoming Increasingly Popular Among South Georgians

Fast Breaks 15. It’s Time for a National Tournament to Determine High School Football Champion 45. I’m Going to Go a Little Off Script This Time Around 59. Colin Kaepernick: Taking a Knee for the National Anthem or Taking a Stand for Justice?

In The Game | 7

At Farah & Farah, the name of the game is never stop fighting for our clients. We are proud to provide you and your family with the expertise and dedication that your case deserves. Our Valdosta office faithfully serves the South Georgia area with care and determination.

229-200-0000 8 | itgsportsnetwork.com

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Contributors:

In the Game 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 Media Group LLC makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2016 Dykes Media Group LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 1945-1458.

Publisher Mark Dykes Editor Cole Parker Graphics Brittany K. Wyche Cover Photography Marque Milla Reese Feature Photography Micki Krzynski Micki K Photography Marque Milla Reese Milla Creationz Photography George McDuffie Jerry Christenson Feature Writers James Washington Jacob Dennis Shane Thomas Zack Pine Beth Welch Jon Nelson Sarah Turner Copy Editors Cole Parker Anna Limoges Beth Welch Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgsportsnetwork.com Cole Parker cole@itgsportsnetwork.com Miranda Moore miranda@itgsportsnetwork.com Website Manager Cole Parker

Tell us what you thought about the October issue of In the Game! info@itgsportsnetwork.com It’s More Than Football WALTER GRANT

Red Devil standout looking to join club of champions Jaxton Carson

Hard Work Pays Off: Cairo Syrupmaid Turns

Diamond Success Into Big-Time College Scholarship Mackenzie Puckett

vALDOSTA High IN THE

GAME SOUTH GEORGIA

CHECK OUT OUR FAST BREAKS THE EVOLUTION OF OFFENSE CONCUSSIONS IN FOOTBALL OMG, IMG JOINING THE TREND: south Georgia building Volleyball competition

$4.00 / Issue

ideals. Read on to learn more about Calvary Christian School bringing home a state championship, Jaylin Sellers eyeing a repeat title at Rothschild, a Teacher of the Year naming a Father of the Year at Muscogee County, and Madison McPherson’s approach toward being a three-sport athlete.

These stories, and more, pack the pages of this November edition of our In the Game South Georgia Magazine.

Our mission is to inform, inspire, and connect you with our content and your community. We relentlessly strive to discover, document, and display captivating, sports-inspired stories in a way that accurately represents and honors those involved while actively engaging those not involved.

How do we do that? We at In the Game Sports Network seek to embed ourselves into strong communities that recognize the value of sports tradition by providing extensive coverage and recognition for local student-athletes, coaches, and fans.

So if you know of a player, coach, or fan that is deserving of recognition, head to our website and officially nominate that story!

We are looking for people that understand what it means to passionately persevere, inspire, and strive for greatness in all areas of life. In short, we are looking for people that understand what it means to BE In the Game.

So the question is: Are you in?

OCTOBER 2016

With an overwhelming sense of relief, we have been saying “Finally, football,” around our In the Game offices for quite some time now.

However, with almost as much gusto and eagerness, that phrase has now switched to “Finally, FALL!” For the veteran South Georgians, it is no surprise that I am just now talking about fall in November, but for you rookies out there, get ready for a warm “winter.” But that is not to be negative; it’s finally fall! The weather has finally turned from the sweltering heat to a light, brisk cool air. Fall sports are now into the meat of their seasons, and for some of them, determining state champions. The holidays draw ever nearer, meaning family, fun, and a whole lot of food.

So as always, it is a great time for high school sports, and in this edition, we sought to encapsulate the atmosphere of this season.

Gracing the cover is the quarterback on pace to break Georgia passing records, Jake Fromm of Houston County High School. He talked to us about what it is like to be so heavily idolized, scrutinized, and recruited

as he plans on taking his talents to Athens next fall. Then we faced the three-header monster of the Clinch County offensive onslaught, featuring Shannon Young, Trezman Marshall, and Charles McClellon. We also revisited with Tamorrion Terry of Turner County, discussing how he has developed as a player and young man.

And wrapping up our South Georgia football players, we learn from the leadership and work ethic of Matt White and Matthew Hardy of Lanier County.

But there is more to football than just the players. The Posey family, who hasn’t missed a University of Georgia home game in going on 20 years, knows the value behind sports tradition and family tradition.

Chris Beckham, one of the leading radio personalities in the state, also embodies that fact, and he took the time to tell us what got him into the business, what keeps him so invested in athletics, and what it is about local athletics in particular that makes them so special.

Outside of the football world, Lowndes is wreaking havoc on other fall sports. Their cross country team continues to strongly compete in the region and the state, while their softball team, led by a young group, is eyeing the coveted state title. In both of those sports, it is very rare for a South Georgia team to win state, but these Vikings are looking to defeat the odds through talent, hard work, and comradery. Speaking of which, the Curry family walked us through how they view the growing sport of BMX as more than a sport, but as a tool of bonding father and son, and beyond.

Not to be forgotten, our Columbus Valley content boasts of these same

In The Game | 1

In The Game | 9

Contributors

Mark Dykes

Cole Parker

Brittany k. Wyche

Mandy Douthit

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Operations Officer

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designer

Founder and CEO Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the In the Game vision. Back in 2007, Mark set out to create a company that captured the passion, intensity, and unrivalled commitment towards high school athletics in the South Georgia area. Today, that vision has become a reality, and he continues to be the leading influence in what lies ahead for In the Game Sports Network.

As a recent Cornell University graduate, Cole dove head first into the working world by taking on a leadership position with In the Game. As the Chief Operations Officer, he has come on board to manage all business operations, digital development, and company expansion.

Combining his experience in entrepreneurship and marketing with his extensive sports background, Cole is looking forward to further establishing and growing In the Game Sports Network.

It takes a lot of talent and drive to handle the graphic design workload here at ITG, but we found the perfect fit in Brittany. Starting her collegiate career as a soccer player at ABAC, she decided to transfer to Wiregrass in order to study Design and Media Production.

Since then, she purchased her own design computer for freelance, but ITG has provided her the perfect opportunity to combine her love for sports and art.

Mandy recently made the move from Pine Mountain, Georgia, to Valdosta in order to join the ITG corporate team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design.

Her artistic nature has allowed her to use graphic design to win national and international design competitions, and now she will be bringing those skills to In the Game.

James WAshington

Jacob dennis

Shane Thomas

Zack Pine

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Contributing Writer

Joining the staff in July 2014, James brings his passion for sports writing and research to the In the Game Sports Network. After earning a B.A. in English (Journalism Emphasis) from Valdosta State University in 2013, he also just earned his M.A. in Communication Arts.

James brings his experience of writing for various collegiate and professional publications, as well as having played for numerous basketball teams throughout his educational career, to the ITG team.

Jacob Dennis is a senior Business Management major and Journalism minor at Valdosta State. As the winner of a national sports writing contest and a Thomasville native, he brings a diverse skillset and knowledge of the area that will only help In the Game Sports Network continue to grow. From social media to marketing to actually writing articles, Jacob does a little bit of everything.

Shane Thomas is a journalist with a jump shot looking to make his name.

So not only is Shane one of our basketball experts, he is also an award-winning author that has hit the ground running with his contributions to In the Game. While his journey started as a player, it has now taken a turn towards giving his unique perspective on the sports world with vivid story telling and strong reporting.

In May of 2016, Zack Pine received his B.A. in History and joined our staff at In the Game. After graduation, Zack decided to stay in Valdosta to pursue his M.A. in Teaching and to write for our South Georgia region. He hopes to use his time at ITG to focus not just on athletics itself but also the bigger picture issues in athletics. We look forward to his interesting writing for South Georgia.

Micki Krzynski

Marque Milla Reese

George McDuffie

Jerry Christenson

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Marque “Milla” Reese was born a humble, ambitious child on the south side of Tifton, Georgia. He has always had a vision to see things differently than others as he drew out his imagination, and he went through numerous potential career choices before finding “the one”: the dream of becoming a photographer. With the helpful hand of his wife, Rebekka Reese, Milla is living out that dream as a key member of ITG.

George may have retired from the Muscogee County School system in 2013, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t staying busy. With a background in Business Management, a love for the Auburn Tigers, and knack for photography, George has been able to capture amazing sports shots for our Columbus Valley schools. We are always excited to have George’s photos featured in our magazines!

In an area as expansive as the Chattahoochee Valley, covering it with great stories and photography is no easy task. Thanks to Jerry, however, In the Game continues to be able to do each story justice. Teaming up with Beth Welch, the Area Editor, he is part of the tag team that makes it all happen.

Jerry’s experience in photography and familiarity with the local sports scene make him a vital piece of the ITG puzzle.

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

10 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Columbus Area Editor Beth has been a part of the ITG Team since 2009 when she began writing for the Columbus Valley edition of In the Game. Now, she heads up all of the Chattahoochee Valley content as Area Editor. Having children who participated in sports in local high schools and later were collegiate athletes, Beth has been involved in athletics in the area for many years, making her the perfect fit for her current role.

aNNA Limoges Copy editor Anna is a senior Interdisciplinary Studies major at Valdosta State University. She started working with In the Game Sports Network in early 2016 and lends her editorial eye to the words that grace ITG’s pages. She enjoys the meticulous process of copy editing and plays an important role in making each story and magazine the best it can be.

Daniel Horne Lead videographer Daniel joined the ITG Team as an intern in August of 2015, but due to his clear drive to better himself as a professional, he worked his way into a full time position by January 2016. Since then, he has used his passion and talents to lead our videography department; so when you see our ITG videos on TV, DVD, or social media, you can than Daniel for that.

BE IN THE GAME

Beth WElch

In The Game | 11

TAKE YOUR TAI TO THE

12 | itgsportsnetwork.com

ILGATING GAME E TOP!

Shop Smart Shop Local

1515 East Jackson St - Thomasville, GA 31792

1 800 255 1282 www.thomasvilleford.com

In The Game | 13

14 | itgsportsnetwork.com

FAST BREAK Written by Jacob Dennis

It’s time for a change in high school football, and it’s time to get every school on the same page. Every year, coaches of large programs preach one ultimate goal to their respective teams: winning a state championship. But what if there was more? For teams like the 2014 and 2015 versions of Colquitt County, who won 30 games in a row and were simply more talented than every team they matched up against during that streak, winning a national championship is achievable. It is similarly achievable for schools like Katy (Texas), Bishop Gorman (Nevada), De La Salle (California), and several others. The disappointing news, however, is that there is no one true, official postseason format to determine who is the best amongst these juggernauts. As a result, teams claim “mythical” national titles, and none of the fans truly know who has the best team in the country.

For example, Colquitt County absolutely dismantled its competition a season ago, but saw Maxpreps.com jump Katy from #3 to #1 to win that site’s national title after the Packers had already gone undefeated and won the state championship in Georgia’s highest classification (Colquitt did, however, win the High School Football America national title).

Had there been an appropriate format in place, it would not have been left up to computers to decide which team was the best.

There have been several proposals over the course of the last few years to put some sort of playoff in place, but discussions have not advanced far enough to make this a real possibility. Let’s set aside the monetary possibilities, which are, by the way, expansive due to football’s popularity; the idea is just fun.

Can you imagine what it would have been like for the fans of Colquitt, Bishop Gorman, Katy, and others to see their schools on a stage bigger than a state championship can provide?

Admittedly, it would take years to implement a system that every school might agree upon, but here is one possible solution to the problem: an eight-team playoff. In this playoff, the state champions from Georgia, Texas, Florida, and California would all receive an automatic bid to the tournament. So would the defending national champion from the previous year. The final three spots would be determined by the next three highest-ranked teams in a predetermined poll, regardless of what state those teams hail from. This would mean that, although Nevada would not receive an automatic bid, Bishop Gorman would be almost guaranteed an

at-large bid. It might also mean that Georgia, Texas, Florida or California could be represented by three teams.

Under this system, it would be nearly guaranteed that the eight most talented teams in the country had a shot at winning a national title. This would put an end to multiple schools claiming national championships from the same season, make high school football more like NCAA and NFL football, and give collegiate coaches a great opportunity to evaluate big-name talent on the field against college-like competition.

The logistics of putting a tournament together would be difficult, which is probably why there isn’t a system like this in place. But from the perspective of a high school sports lover, just the idea of such a tournament is incredibly exciting.

The thought is almost movie-like, really.

The most pure form of football, where the kids that play simply compete for the love of the game and not for money or accolades, would be thrust even further into the national spotlight for a brief period of time.

Those who oppose the idea will likely argue that an extension to the season could lead to more injuries and is more dangerous for the players, but the two schools that make it to the championship will have only played three extra games. With the facilities and level of athletic training involved in even making it into the eight-team tournament, playing three extra games is feasible.

The most legitimate argument against such a tournament would be that high school football isn’t meant to determine which team is best; rather, it is simply meant for kids to have fun, compete, and develop. While this is undoubtedly true and a main reason why high school football is so popular in the first place, the postseason tournament would only affect eight teams. Besides, after a finish like we had last season, where three of the top four schools were 15-0 or better, fans seem to be dying to know who is best, which, currently, leads to arguments with no answer because there is no true way of finding out.

The notion of getting schools like Colquitt County, Katy, Bishop Gorman, and IMG Academy onto the same field in late December and early January is exciting. There are undoubtedly drawbacks and logistical difficulties associated with the idea, but the bottom line is this: The tournament would net a large sum of money; fans would have a blast watching the best high school talent in the country; and the sport could finally have one true, undisputed champion.

In The Game | 15

Prince of Albany 2701 Ledo Road

Prince Automotive 1410 Hwy 82 W.

Prince Ford 109 Westgreen Hwy

Prince Automovite 4550 N. Valdosta Rd

(229) 432-6271

(229) 382-2525

(912) 384-2600

(229) 242-3311

Albany

16 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Tifton

Douglas

www.PrinceAuto.com

Valdosta

THE BIG THREE

NEW YEAR, SAME MISSION: CLINCH COUNTY STANDOUTS AIM TO BRING HOME ANOTHER TITLE

Clinch County High School Homerville, Georgia

Shannon Young Trezman Marshall Charles McClelland The Clinch County Panthers are on top of the Class A world. After claiming their second state championship since 2010 and fourth since 2002, the team is primed to make

Written by James A. Washington | Photography by Micki K Photography

another run at the mountain. While many names have come and gone, including current University of Georgia freshman Chauncey Manac, there are still powerhouses manning the field for the Panthers. In particular, three offensive threats are ready to leave their legacy on the program. In the Game spoke with Shannon Young, Charles McClelland, and Trezman Marshall regarding their athletic backgrounds, current statuses with the Panthers, and their respective football and academic futures after graduation.

In The Game | 17

After claiming their second state championship since 2010 and fourth since 2002, the team is primed to make another run at the mountain.

American Football grew out of English sports such as rugby and soccer and became popular on American college campuses in the late 1800s.

In 1876, a coach named Walter Camp, who is considered the “Father of American Football,” helped produce the first rules of American football. Among important changes were the introduction of line scrimmages and down-anddistance rules.

The American Professional Football Association was formed in 1920; two years later it changed its name to the National Football League (NFL), which would ultimately become the major league of American football.

A 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl costs around $5 million The most watched television event in the United States is the Super Bowl.

The Wilson Sporting Goods Company in Ada, Ohio, has been the official football supplier for the NFL since 1941. They make more than 2 million footballs of all sorts every year.

Only two players have caught, rushed, and thrown a touchdown against the same team in the same game: Walter Payton in 1979 and David Patton in 2001.

While football originally was popular in Midwestern industrial towns, its growth in popularity around the U.S. is typically traced to the 1958 NFL Championship game, which has been called the “Greatest Game Ever Played.”

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Dorsett is the only player to rush for a 99yard touchdown, in 1983.

This information is courtesy of www.factretriever.com

Shannon Young As a senior for the Panthers, Shannon Young has an expectation to lead. As a running back, he knows that he plays a tremendous role in bolstering the offense.

“I picked this game up around 9 or 10 years old,” Young said. “It was my friends. They all played; I played. It was the thing to do. And those bonds are irreplaceable.”

As a junior, Young was named Class 2-A Co-Offensive Player of the Year for a Panthers team that went 13-1 and claimed the GHSA Class A Public State Championship in a 24-7 win over Irwin County on Dec. 11, 2015. His output last season also earned him a spot on the All-State First Team.

“To bring home a state title was amazing,” Young said.

“There have been some great names to play in (Clinch County). And now, with this championship, our names are up there.”

Young knows that being a leader is more of an action than anything. He acknowledges that the team has moments of slack. However, there is a key reason that the team understands that focus is a 24-hour necessity to be a champion.

“Coach Dickerson,” Young said. “He expects a lot out of us. And we don’t want to let him down. He doesn’t hesitate to let us know what he expects from us, and we want to make him proud.”

Off the field, Young is also a leader in the classroom.

An A/B Honor Roll student, he maintains a 3.3 GPA and recently earned a 900 (450 reading/writing, 450 math) on the SAT. He plans to attend college, and although he is currently unsure of the location, he knows that he would like to study sports medicine.

“I’m thinking possibly Kennesaw State,” Young said. “I’ve got some close friends that attend the school, so I believe that would help me in the transition to the next level of my education.”

But for the time being, the number one priority is bringing another title to Homerville. The friends that he made when he first fell in love with the game are still on the field; they have been teammates for as long as he can remember. He looks at his comrades in uniform as his family, as brothers with a common goal.

“Bottom line, we want another one,” Young said. “But it’s going to take work. I know it won’t be easy, and the team knows that too. We have to be confident, and we have to play hard.”

Trezman Marshall A broken collarbone was believed to have ended the 2015 season of current sophomore Trezman Marshall. On the last padded practice day before a matchup against Wilcox County (which the Panthers would go on to win 66-18), the diagnosis was made that Marshall’s injury could potentially keep him out through the entire postseason.

“I was speechless,” Marshall said. “I wanted to play so bad. Once I started feeling better, I went back and forth, begging my mom to let me get back out there. I wasn’t quite 100 percent, maybe about 75 (percent), but I owed it to this team. I finally talked her into letting me suit back up, and I was able to contribute to our team.”

And contribute he did. In Marshall’s first game back from injury, a home contest against Charlton County (Folkston,

18 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Georgia), he scored two touchdowns that would prove to be the only points on the board for the Panthers in a 14-7 victory for Clinch County.

In 2015, he played quarterback, slightly hampered because of his early injury. However, this season, Marshall is seeing more time on the other side of the line of scrimmage.

“I’ve been playing more at linebacker this year,” Marshall said. “The team needs my help on defense, so that’s where I’m going. At the end of the day, I want to win, and I’m playing wherever is necessary for that to happen.”

Last year’s team only lost one game. Ironically, the fourth-week road loss to Irwin County would prove to be the ultimate motivation for the future champions.

“The Irwin game really opened our eyes,” Marshall said. “The mistakes that we made in that game were a result of our laziness in practice. It forced everybody to take initiative and hustle harder. It’ll be harder this year.

It always is for defending champs. But if we give it our all, we do believe it can be done.”

College is definitely on the radar for the young star; however, he is currently undecided on where he will be going.

“Honestly, I’ll go anywhere as long as I can start,” Marshall said. “I’ve got the PSAT coming up soon, and I’m looking into programs that I can possibly play in college.

On the field, I’m working hard to get faster. But in the end, I know I will go to college. That’s not a question.”

Charles McClelland Falling in love with the game early in life was an easy task for Clinch County junior Charles McClelland. Orig-

Clinch is also loaded with talent on the defensive side of the ball, headline names such as John Mincey, Octavius Morris, Jervonta Johnson, Zebulon Johnson, Machari Bighams, Jerrod Jones, and many more.

inally from Douglas, Georgia, he watched his older brother suit up for Coffee County and immediately envisioned himself doing the same.

Eight years ago his family made the transition to Homerville, and while McClelland is in uniform for the Panthers rather than the Trojans, his pride shines the same.

“I have to make explosive plays to get the team going,” McClelland said. “Execution is key; I believe that I can be that spark that the team needs at crucial moments.”

When Trezman Marshall went down early in the 2015 season, then-sophomore McClelland was appointed his replacement under center for the Panthers. His appointment came with its share of scrutiny. Some doubted that he would be able to hold up the standard that Marshall had left.

In the end, however, McClelland’s performances proved everyone’s qualms wrong.

“Last year ‘Trez’ was our starter until he got hurt,” McClelland said. “When he went down, a lot of people were unsure of what I could do. They doubted I could cover for him. But I did what I had to do. I stepped up, and I showed up.”

Showing up is quite the understatement.

In the four weeks that Marshall missed with his injury, McClelland spearheaded a Panther offense that went on an onslaught, going 4-0 during the span and averaging 49 points per game in that time.

His contributions earned him a spot on the All-State Team as an honorable mention, and more importantly, he helped catapult his team to a season that capped off with a title.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” McClelland said.

“Everybody knows your name. Everywhere you go, you’re recognized. It’s hard to describe just how great it feels.”

Like his teammates, McClelland looks forward to a collegiate career after graduating from Clinch County. He currently has interest from Tulane, which has already made an offer, and Georgia Tech, but has yet to make a decision. He does know that he would like to focus on a future in either computers or business.

“I’m fast, and I play hard,” McClelland said. “I love this game, bottom line, and I know that it can help me off the field too. I believe that this game gives me an opportunity to really make something of myself.”

Chauncey Manac, from Clinch, is currently a freshman at University of Georgia

“I’m fast, and I play hard,” McClelland said. “I love this game, bottom line, and I know that it can help me off the field too. I believe that this game gives me an opportunity to really make something of myself.”

In The Game | 19

United as One: Chris Beckham Brings the Area Together Through the Power of the Airwaves Written by James A. Washington | Photo courtesy of Chris Beckham

“We start with previews of games, and as the night progresses, we keep listeners updated with scores and take all calls. No phone screening; if you call, you’re on the air. Simple as that. We do a six-hour show on Friday nights. I don’t think there’s any other station that can say that. We take pride in what we do, and we take pride in the hard work of the players, coaches, and everyone that makes what we do possible.”

- Chris Beckham

A

s a child, Chris Beckham never imagined himself as the next football star to come out of South Georgia. In fact, it was quite the opposite.

“Growing up in Thomasville, I tell people that, as a football player, I talked about it better than anything else,” Beckham said with a laugh. “I wasn’t great, but I’ve always loved the game.”

He didn’t see an NFL prospect when he looked at himself. However, he did see an individual who knew the game, appreciated it, and wanted to spread those emotions to any who would listen. His passion for the gridiron allowed him to turn his love into a career; after spending time as a journalist in Valdosta and Tifton, he decided to settle into a career in radio and hasn’t looked back.

“I made the transition to radio in the mid-90s,” Beckham said. “I did the occasional baseball game or coach’s show. Later, I got to thinking about state-wide football shows and how there wasn’t much emphasis placed on the game in the southern part of the state. Something had to be done about that because we have some tremendous talent that comes from our area.”

The idea that came from the revelation is now known as “Triangle Furniture Football Friday Night”; the 2016 season marks the 13th year of the show.

Along with Bryce Johnson and Meghan Schunhoff, the show serves a multitude of purposes. The trio keeps listeners informed regarding upcoming games throughout the area and also allows them to call in with their own 20 | itgsportsnetwork.com

thoughts and opinions.

“Our show is very caller driven,” Beckham said.

“We broadcast on 12 stations in South Georgia — two in Valdosta, and we also have feeds in Tifton, Douglas, Waycross, Fitzgerald, and most recently Americus. We definitely encourage people to go out to the games and support their local teams, but for those that may not be able to do so, we want to keep them involved and up to speed with what’s going on with their local teams.”

Beckham takes pride in the fact that the radio show is so down to earth. Fans call in and make predictions, and many callers even take the time to create their own unique nicknames.

“We’ll have people call and coin themselves with names like ‘The Milkman,’” Beckham said. “I have no idea how that all started, but it’s funny. We love when the listeners contribute to the show. It adds to the fun. Just being able to interact with the coaches and the community, it’s makes all of this worthwhile.”

One of the biggest ironies of his job is that his knowledge is heavily based on those that he humbly serves. Because the show runs on Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to midnight, Beckham is never able to attend a game. Instead, the information that he disseminates is a combination of stat-keeping and input from fans.

“I’ll have people call in and ask questions like, ‘So what do you think about this player?’” Beckham said. “And I’ll respond, ‘Well, I don’t know. Tell me what you think about him.’ It’s funny. That’s where my growth comes from. I depend on listeners to help me expand. The people make our show possible.”

But aside from the radio, and aside from the good times that are shared while in studio, Beckham deeply values the game of football for one important reason: unity.

“You can’t replace this,” Beckham said. “Football, especially in this area, serves such an important purpose. Even if you never see it during the rest of the week, there are at least three hours on Friday night when everyone can get together, sit around, and unite. It doesn’t matter if you’re black, white, Republican, Democrat. None of that matters on Friday nights. We come together; we cheer; and we have a good time. That’s why I love what I do.”

For anyone interested in tuning in to Beckham’s show, be sure to check out “Triangle Furniture Football Friday Night” on 105.9 WVGA, Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to midnight. Also, you can like the Facebook page under the same name and follow the show on Twitter @SOGAFootball.

Beckham currently resides in Tifton with his wife, Stacey, and their sons, 14-year-old Chase (who currently plays basketball at Tift County High School) and 10-year-old Jackson.

“Funny story about Stacey,” Beckham said with a chuckle. “She’s my wife, but it almost never even happened. I had to build up the nerve to ask her out because she went to Auburn. I’m a University of Georgia alum, and I just couldn’t see myself dating a rival.

But in the end, I’m glad I did. And now we’ve been married for 16 years.”

- Chris Beckham

In The Game | 21

“I love contact, I love to just be out there and competing against different teams. I just love the game. My dad was a coach, and all of my coaches have always played, so it's helped me a lot as a player.

I try to treat basketball like football. I try to stay focused and just do what I do.”

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

One of the biggest compliments an athlete receives is being called unstoppable.

What makes a player unstoppable? Is it size? Strength? Speed? Perhaps being unstoppable lies beyond what we can see.

Turner County senior wide out and outside linebacker Tamorrion Terry certainly passes the eye test.

Measuring out at 6'3.5”, weighing in at 205 pounds, and armed with a 4.61 verified 40-yard dash time, Terry is one of the most physically imposing receivers in Region 2-A. At the time of this writing, Terry has helped lead the Rebels to a 4-2 record overall and 3-0 in region play.

Numbers are the standard by which a player's impact is defined. Terry has amassed 27 touchdowns in 26 career high school games. Terry is not your typical fi-

Turner County | Region 2-A

22 | itgsportsnetwork.com

nesse receiver. His dominance also extends to the defensive side of the ball, as evidenced by his 51 career tackles, eight sacks, and two interceptions.

However, Terry's numbers tell only a fraction of his story.

Perhaps what makes Terry such an unstoppable player is his passion for sports. A multi-positional football player, Terry also has skills on the basketball court and the track. The standout wide receiver plays four different positions from shooting guard to center for the Rebels' basketball team. On the asphalt, Terry competes in the high jump, long jump, 4x4 relay, the 4x1, and the 200-meter.

Terry lists one of his childhood idols as recently retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant. Whether he is on the gridiron or the hardwood, Terry's physicality and love for the game translates well.

“I love contact,” Terry said. “I love to just be out there and competing against different teams. I just love the game. My dad was a coach, and all of my coaches have always played, so it's helped me a lot as a player. I try to treat basketball like football. I try to stay focused and just do what I do.”

After high school, the Rebels senior aims to take his versatility on the field and his classroom success to the collegiate level.

“I want to play for a (Division 1) school — that's my goal.”

According to Terry, that goal presents no shortage of suitors as Florida, Troy, Georgia Southern, and the University of Georgia have expressed interest.

If Terry could choose any of them, he would love to fulfill a dream of moving down to Gainesville to suit up for the Florida Gators.

“I love how (Florida) plays,” Terry said. “I've always loved the Gators ever since I was little. I haven't been to any games yet, but I wanted to see them play LSU this year. That game got canceled, but I'm definitely going to try to make the Missouri game this season.”

Terry credits Rebels head coach Ben Simmons and the coaching staff for putting him in the right position to succeed, not only on the field but as a leader in the locker room. “(The coaches) push me a lot,” Terry said. “They count on me as a leader, so when games aren't going too good, they push me hard to keep going and keep the team on the right track.”

Becoming a valued leader on any team is a huge responsibility. Balanc-

ing his team duties with maintaining his academics is a fun challenge for the Rebels star.

“I try to make sure I have my grades right,” Terry said. “I have to study every night and do what I have to to keep those grades up to keep playing football.”

Terry fancies himself a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and four-time Pro Bowl receiver Antonio Brown. Much like his idol, Terry has proven himself to be a player that opposing coaches must tailor their game plans to from week to week in order to slow him down. Terry's size and speed make him a difficult cover, something he has worked on from his freshman year leading up to his senior season.

“I've improved a lot,” Terry said of his maturation. “My freshman year, I was trying to be a leader, but I was really listening to our seniors. I've grown into being a leader on the field and getting everything on track with my game.”

When asked to break down his game and leadership style, Terry prefers to be low-key and let his game do his talking on the field.

“I lead by example,” Terry said. “I'm not much of a yelling type. In terms of my game, I'd say I'm best at going up and catching the ball and scoring touchdowns.”

Outside of his sports idols, Terry points to his parents as his biggest role models in life. Passion coupled with purpose creates an unstoppable player. Growing up around sports has afforded Terry the attitude, skills, and versatility to stand out. After graduating, Terry wants to major in engineering while pursuing his dream of playing college football.

“My parents have raised me well,” Terry said of his upbringing. “My love for sports comes from them. My mom and my dad both played a lot of sports, and they're raising me to be a good man.”

Terry's success on the field for the Rebels and his reputation as a good kid in the community will likely leave a lasting legacy in his hometown of Ashburn, Georgia.

“Being a Turner County Rebel means a lot,” Terry said. “I love it here. I've grown up here, and I've loved being a Turner County Rebel. I never want to leave.”

After high school, the Rebels senior aims to take his versatility on the field and his classroom success to the collegiate level.

In The Game | 23

Written by Shane Thomas | Photo courtesy of Cole Posey

Dinners that last for hours, road trips across the country, taking pictures with the kids and the dog: All of these events are synonymous with family. For the Posey family, the Georgia Bulldogs are not just their favorite college football team — the ‘Dawgs are a family tradition.

The Poseys’ Bulldog tradition centers on 60-year-old patriarch Bill Posey. A University of Georgia graduate in 1977, Bill received his degree from pharmacy school and has been a season ticket-holder since 1978.

“Since 1996, I have not missed a single home game,” Bill said.

“I’ve been going to Georgia games for 38 years. It’s just been something that’s a part of our family’s culture for the entire length of time that the boys were growing up. My wife (Dianne) attended the University of Georgia also, so it’s just been bred into (my sons). We’ve been doing this for so long — I don’t know what I’d do on my fall Saturdays if I weren’t going to Georgia football games.”

‘Dawgs games have always been an event for Bill and his family, especially once his sons Cole and Kent grew up and began attending games with him. According to Bill, Cole and Kent, who work as physicians, began attending games regularly when they were four or five years old. As it holds true at most sporting events, fans are often seen high-fiving and sharing moments with complete strangers. The Poseys indoctrinated some of the neighboring tailgaters into their circle. For Bill, these tailgating groups became an extension of his immediate family.

“It’s not only just our family,” Bill said. “We’ve got such great friends over the years that we have met and developed such strong relationships with. When I say it’s a family affair, it truly is.

Those people may not be related to us, but it’s like a family. We cook together; we eat togeth24 | itgsportsnetwork.com

“Since 1996, I have not missed a single home game”

er; we even plan events outside of the ball games together.”

“It’s not always about the actual football games,” Bill said.

“A lot of times, depending upon who we’re playing, the ball game is not the reason we go. The tailgating is the reason we go. It’s just a lot of fun for us, and I couldn’t imagine us going up there and not having those families with us.”

The Poseys drive recreational vehicles up to Athens on Friday afternoons and trek back on Sunday afternoons. The RVs afford them the space needed to take Bill’s grandchildren along. Bill’s youngest grandson is only three months old but attended his first ‘Dawgs game when he was not quite a month old. As new generations of the Posey family tree branch out, the tradition continues to take root and grow.

However, tradition does not always mean sticking to convention. Rather than simply grilling beside an old, rickety truck with a few coolers of beer, sandwiches, and fried chicken at the ready, the Poseys’ elaborate approach to tailgating has made them quite a popular fixture at Georgia games.

As the group of tailgaters convenes, their 40-foot RVs sit adjacent to each other about 12 feet apart, forming what Bill

“ It's not always about the actual football games. A lot of times, depending upon who we're playing that the ball game is not the reason we go. The tailgating is the reason we go. It's just a lot of fun for us and I couldn't imagine us going up there and not having those families with us.” cooks for just about all of our group. There’s about six families that participate in our tailgating group. He gets up, and he always cooks bacon, ham, and sausage, and that’s his contribution. He doesn’t have any family that comes with him; he comes by himself, but that’s what he does. The rest of us all prepare something else. Some people do hash browns; some people do a quiche, fruits and some sort of bread, or things like that.”

As Bill pointed out, the kickoff time determines when the game day meal starts.

“Depending upon what time the game is, we may go ahead and start trying to get the main meal ready,” Bill said. “If it’s a noon game, we don’t actually have our main meal until after the game is over with, around 4:30 or so. If it’s a night game, we have more time to be able to do everything. We usually try to have our meal around 3:00 or something like that.”

At night, the families get together for their customary drinks — mimosas and Bloody Marys. However, there is one agreed upon stipulation.

“We always have to get ready for our traditional drinks,” Bill said.

“Most of the girls want mimosas. The guys always want Bloody Marys, so we do that. That’s always at 10 o’clock. You have to do it at 10 o’clock.

That’s just tradition. From then on, people start coming into our tailgating area.”

With any tailgating family, there are bragging rights to be won over who the top cook is in the group. While Bill’s oldest son Kent admitted his younger brother Cole is his pick for grill master, Cole gave his pick to someone who knows best.

“There’s a lot of good cooks in the mix,” Cole said. “I don’t know if I could really identify a single one (as the best). My mom — she’s pretty damn good. Usually my mom is the leader of the theme meal initiative.

There’s so many good cooks. Me and my brother are pretty notorious for putting on about 10 pounds every football season.”

Cole, 31, insisted that while his family cheers loudly for their ‘Dawgs every Saturday, the unity and camaraderie of family trumps anything the game could offer.

called “a giant mall.” Tents run through the giant mall, each sporting a chandelier and a carpet on the ground to create the ultimate tailgate experience.

In addition to their tailgate, the Poseys developed their own unique concept of “theme meals” on game days.

“Every game we have a theme meal,” Bill said. “The theme meal usually revolves around whatever the mascot for the opposing team is. For South Carolina, that’s pretty easy: We eat chicken. When we play a team like LSU in a few weeks, it’s low country boil. Tennessee is barbecue. We try our best to let it revolve around what team

we’re playing, and we plan that meal accordingly.”

Bill has a personal favorite theme meal that he and the family put together every other year — a hog feast.

“Every other year, we cook a whole hog,” Bill said. “That’s about a 12-hour cooking, and so we normally start that about 12 o’clock or 1 o’clock at night and then cook it until the next day.

That’s probably my favorite of the tailgating meals that we prepare. That’s the one I like because that’s the one that I do.”

On a typical game day in Athens, the Poseys wake up at 6:30 a.m. to start their morning coffee before enjoying a big breakfast prepared by a family friend.

“One of our good tailgating friends likes to cook breakfast,” Bill said. “He

“I’ve grown up a Bulldog since inception,” Cole said with a chuckle, “For me and Kent, somewhere around middle school, high school, it kind of changed a little bit for us. Of course we love the ‘Dawgs, and we want them to win every game they play, but that’s really become secondary in this whole picture. It’s so much more than just football for us. It’s really just about us spending time with our families. There’s a lot of folks that don’t get an opportunity to do that. We’re incredibly fortunate that at least for seven weekends out of the year every fall, we are with our family for three straight days, and we get to have that great time together. I wouldn’t go as far as to say we take it for granted, but we’ve just gotten accustomed to doing it. It’s our new normal.”

Their “new normal” only further explains the Poseys’ love for UGA football. Serious fandom has countless rituals and superstitions that come with its dogged territory. For Bill, it’s the 10 o’clock mimosas and Bloody Marys. Cole and older brother Kent, 33, have quirkier game day practices they adhere to on Saturdays.

“You don’t shave your beard in the middle of the season,” Cole said. “That’s a definite no-no. If you have an outfit that works, you definitely stick with it. If you’re wearing pants to the first game in the dome, and you win convincingly, you’re gonna have pants on the second game. In Sanford Stadium in early-September, if it’s 85 degrees outside, it’s gonna be 185 (degrees) inside, so we’ve learned that the hard In The Game | 25

way. You’ve got to keep your outfit the same, down to the watch and the wedding ring and everything else. You don’t mess it up; you don’t screw with a good thing.”

Kent said: “For a long time, I had a certain pair of boxers I would wear every game. Of course I’d wash them in between. I’d also wear the same outfit the entire year, which can make for some interesting experiences. When you start out and it’s 95 degrees, and then at the end of the year you have a game where it’s close to freezing…so that can present some difficulties. But as I’ve gotten older, I may be a little less superstitious than I used to be.”

Superstitions aside, there is one word that ties super-fans together: Rivalry. Whether it is competitive, geographical, cultural, or even fashion-based, a good sports rivalry will always represent a big red circle on those ever-glorious, team color-centric calendars. For the Poseys, they all share a mutual distaste for the Florida Gators.

Though the Bulldogs own a 50-42-2 all-time record over their rivals from Gainesville, the Gators were 18-3 against the Bulldogs over a 20-year span from 1990 to 2010, led mostly by former head coach Steve Spurrier. It was, after all, Spurrier who once admitted after a 52-17 win in 1995 that he wanted to “hang half a hundred” on the Bulldogs simply because it had not yet been done. Given the success Spurrier had and the success the Gators have to this day, it is easy to see why the Posey family loathes the Gators.

“Everybody hates Florida,” Cole said flatly. “I came into this thing and really started getting involved in Georgia football right about the time Spurrier started really whipping our (butts). That hasn’t really stopped. In the past two decades, Florida has owned the University of Georgia as it relates to just about everything athletically. You’d like to say that any time an SEC team is playing someone that’s not in the SEC, you’re gonna root for them, but I want Florida to lose every game they play.”

When asked about which team is the biggest rival, Bill acknowledged Florida but instead elected to rail on in-state rival Georgia Tech.

“I don’t know if there’s a team now that we play that’s not a rivalry (game),” Bill said. “For a lot of people my age, Georgia Tech is probably one of our biggest (rivals). For years, it’s been such a backand-forth kind of a game, and I’ve always sort of despised Georgia Tech.”

“Most people thought I was joking, but I used to tell my son (Kent), ‘I’d pay for you to go to Georgia before I’d let you go to Georgia Tech on a scholarship,’” Bill said. “But now, I think our most despised rival is Florida. Back when I was in school in those days, we owned Florida. Of course it’s not that way now — Spurrier ruined that for us. You used to say it was good, old-fashioned hate; I think it’s just pure hate now.”

The time-tested family tradition of tailgating and watching the ‘Dawgs yielded a myriad of moments for the Poseys, from feelings of joy and exhilaration to figurative gut punches capable of rendering en-

tire stadiums inconsolable. Perhaps one of the most interesting things about sports is how each fan has a different moment that seizes them forcefully by the shirt collar, for better or worse.

“I was there for the Immaculate Reception — the Buck Belue to Lindsay Scott (touchdown pass in 1980),” Bill said, reflecting fondly.

“We were in Florida at the ‘world’s largest outdoor cocktail party,’ which we could call it at the time.

That pass will always live in my memory.”

In Georgia Bulldog lore, Belue’s 90-yard touchdown pass with 1:30 left to knock off the Gators is sublime. The victory not only set up a showdown with No. 7 Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl for the national championship, but it gave the Bulldogs their first Associated Press No. 1 ranking since 1942. The Bulldogs, spearheaded by legendary running back Herschel Walker’s 150 rushing yards playing with a separated shoulder, defeated the Fighting Irish 17-10 to give the Bulldogs their second national title in school history.

For both Bill and Cole, the moment that stung most came this season on Oct. 1. The Bulldogs squared off with rival Tennessee Volunteers and led 24-14 after three quarters. In dramatic, come-from-behind fashion, the Vols scored 20 fourth-quarter points, capped off by a 43-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass from quarterback Josh Dobbs to wide receiver Jauan Jennings as time expired to lift the Vols to a 34-31 victory over the Bulldogs.

“That’s the first game that I’ve been intimately involved with that the whole stadium knew the game was ours,” Cole said. “To have it end the way it did was just a complete polar swing in a matter of four seconds. After nearly 20 years straight of doing this, I thought that I’d grown out of carrying a football game with me into the next week. I woke up Monday heading to work, and I was down. That was a really tough one to swallow.”

Bulldog misfortune turned out to be a blessing in disguise for older brother Kent. In 2005 during a game against Auburn, the Bulldogs surrendered a fourth-down conversion on fourth and 21 that served as the precursor to the Tigers knocking off the Bulldogs. The disheartening loss, as Kent explained, came on the day of his greatest gain.

“That also ended up being the day that I met the woman that would become my wife,” Kent said. “Overall, I think it turned out to be a good day, but at the time, it was a fairly bad day as far as football goes. That’s a moment that always sticks out to me, and I like to rib my wife about that. The first three games we went to together, Georgia lost. I told her that it’s a good thing we finally won one, or we would’ve

FIRST NATIONAL BANK 819 E. Shotwell St. P.O. Box 10 Bainbridge, GA 39818 26 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Phone: 229-246-3131 www.fnbdc.com

had to reconsider the marriage proposal.”

At their core, the Poseys embody what it means to be faithful and fiercely dedicated fans. They all have their favorite players and savant-like knowledge of their coaches and players. Bill’s favorite player was defensive back and punt return specialist Scott Woerner. Kent’s favorite Bulldog of all-time is Herschel Walker, a former Heisman Trophy winner and three-time Consensus All-American. Cole’s pick was a three-way tie between former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker David Pollack, Pro Bowl defensive back Champ Bailey, and Pittsburgh Steelers great Hines Ward.

When Mark Richt was dismissed as head coach after 15 seasons at the helm, it was a shot across the bow of the Posey family. Richt took a job as the head coach of the Miami Hurricanes, where he played quarterback from 1979 to 1982.

The university hired one of its own, former defensive back and Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, to usher in a new era of Bulldogs football.

“I am a Mark Richt fan,” Kent said. “You’re not going to find a better person on this earth than Mark Richt. There does come a time in everybody’s career where a change of scenery is good for all parties involved. He took a program here that was middling, basking in mediocrity when he took over, and took it to a level where the only thing that was going to make everybody happy was a national championship.”

“Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to bring one of those to the University of Georgia,” Kent said. “But I like Kirby Smart. I think he’s going to have some hiccups along the way, but I have the utmost faith that he will be successful in his new role as a head coach.”

For the Posey family, their love for the Bulldogs allowed their love for each other and those close to them to run deeper than the game. With their nearly 20-year streak of attending Georgia games without an absence, the only thing missing is seeing their ‘Dawgs hoist a national championship as a family — for past, present and future generations. “(A national championship) would be Christmas, Thanksgiving, the birth of my first and second child, my wedding; it would be all of that wrapped into one,” Cole said. “We all think about it. We all think about how wonderful it would be.”

Bill said: “I’ve been committed to it for 40 years. I was there in the ’80, and hopefully, Lord willing, I’ll be there when the next one comes around. It’s just a point of pride. I am proud to be a University of Georgia graduate. I’m proud to be a University of Georgia fan. I’ve been through every kind of ups and downs you can have with the University of Georgia, and I’m still a fan, and I will always be a fan. It won’t be just because we’re winning — It’s because we play football the way I want to see it played.”

Magazine

NEWSLETTER

SOCIAL MEDIA

Visit our website to Stay In the Game! www.inthegamesportsnetwork.com

In The Game | 27

28 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Written by Jacob Dennis | Photography by Marque Milla Reese

2015

HIGH SCHOOL STATS COMPLETION PASSES

2014 2015

TOUCHDOWNS 24 away

63%

31 2014

59%

YARDS

2014

3,629

19 away

36 2015

Peyton Manning curently holds the record at 55

2015

4,099

The Houston QB racked up 466 yards and seven touchdowns in a win versus Veterans this season. The next week, he threw for 394 yards and six scores.

Payton manning Season 2013

55

touchdown Passes

5,477

Passing yards in a season

Tom brady Season 2007

50

touchdown Passes

Dan marino Every year, there are dozens of highly-touted high school football players who commit to big-name universities in hopes of ultimately making it to the NFL and making a living out of playing one of the most popular sports in America. Each and every one of those three-, four-, or five-star recruits has the raw talent to be successful, but only a few have the work ethic required to become a household name at the collegiate level. Out of those select few, only a handful would be described as players who “get it,” that is, players who have the rare blend of competitiveness, drive, humbleness, and intelligence, to make it all the way. Houston County senior quarterback Jake Fromm is one of those few players who just get it. A short conversation with the highly-touted QB, whether it’s about football or life, reveals why.

He probably wouldn’t admit it, but Fromm rarely runs up against an opponent who has the ability to completely shut him down. That doesn’t mean he won’t ever have an off game, but nights when the senior quarterback doesn’t completely dominate are few and far between. He has consistently posted video-gamelike numbers in high school, and the whopping yardage totals probably won’t be slowing down any time soon. In 2014, Fromm completed 63 percent of his passes and posted 3,629 yards and 31 touchdowns to

“My goal for my final season of high school is to win a state championship with my teammates, Plain and simple.”

-Jake Fromm

go along with just five interceptions.

He then proceeded to prove that his sophomore breakout campaign was no fluke, as he completed 59 percent of his passes as a junior while throwing for 4,099 yards and 36 touchdowns.

“For starters, I grew up in a really competitive family who will compete over almost anything,” Fromm said of how he has worked himself into the position of being a top recruit. “When I arrived at high school, I fell in love with the weight room and play book, which has done wonders for me as far as being the best football player and quarterback I can possibly be.”

Countless stats reveal that Fromm is simply on another level. For example, the Houston QB racked up 466 yards and seven touchdowns in a win versus Veterans this season. The next week, he threw for 394 yards and six scores. The list could continue for paragraph upon paragraph, but Fromm doesn’t bask in the glory of his elite stats.

“Honestly, throwing for a lot of yards is great,” Fromm said. “But it makes me happy when the receivers and offensive lineman get the love they deserve.”

When asked about hopes of potentially having a record-breaking year individually speaking, Fromm again deflected the spotlight.

“My goal for my final season of high school is to win a state championship

Season 1984

48

touchdown Passes

Drew bREES Season 2011

46

touchdown Passes

AARON RODGERS Season 2011

45

touchdown Passes

4,643

Passing yards in a season

kURT WARNER Season 1999

41

touchdown Passes

4,353

Passing yards in a season

MATTHEW STAFFORD Season 2011

41

touchdown Passes

5,000

Passing yards in a season

This information is courtesy of www.cheatsheet.com/sports

In The Game | 29

with my teammates,” Fromm said.

“Plain and simple.”

In typical Jake Fromm fashion, the Houston County star committed to head coach Kirby Smart and the University of Georgia before his senior season began, removing any and all drama from the decision process in order to focus on his final high school campaign.

“I grew up a Georgia fan, and coach Smart and I made a great relationship when he recruited me to Alabama,” Fromm said of his commitment. “When he took the head coaching job at UGA, it opened up a huge door for me and enabled me to go to my dream school.”

There has already been endless speculation regarding what will happen at the quarterback position next season for the Dawgs, as Kirby Smart and company already have freshman phenom Jacob Eason leading the team. Eason has shown flashes of poise and incredible arm strength through just a few starts this season, including one of the throws of the year late in the game versus Tennessee that looked to be the game-winning pass. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that Fromm will be forced to take a back seat to Eason once the 2017 season begins.

“He’s obviously a great player,” Fromm said of his future teammate. “But I have the mindset as a competitor that I am going to win no matter what it takes.”

This should be a welcome sign to Georgia fans everywhere, as the quarterback position in Athens should be a strength for years to come, and it doesn’t sound like Fromm has intentions of even thinking about changing his commitment. The current Houston County star downplayed the notion that he would go anywhere other than Georgia despite the fact that a quarterback competition looms. Ole Miss, who also heavily recruited Fromm and who will have an opening at QB once senior Chad Kelly graduates, seemed like a likely landing spot for the Houston QB at a certain point in time, but his commitment remains firm.

“I am 100 percent committed to The University of Georgia,” Fromm said.

Through seven games of his senior year, the Houston quarterback has been impressive in nearly every game he has played.

30 | itgsportsnetwork.com

In weeks two through five of the high school season, Fromm threw for 1,829 yards and a whopping 21 touchdowns to lead the Bears to the number one ranking in AAAAAA. Houston ran into the nation’s best defense in Lee County in week seven and ultimately suffered its first loss, but it will be the resiliency that Fromm shows after a setback that will reveal the most about what type of player he truly is.

“You find true greatness in the midst of adversity,” Fromm tweeted after the loss. “(I am) beyond blessed to have the ability to play this amazing game.”

Fromm noted Lee County defensive lineman Aubrey Solomon as one of the best players he has ever competed against, along with Malik Herring from Mary Persons.

While his performance on the field is thoroughly analyzed and well-documented each week, most people don’t know as much about Jake Fromm the person.

“I’ve learned to handle the attention very well,” Fromm said of becoming one of the most highly sought-after quarterback recruits in the country. “But one escape I always have is going hunting and fishing with my friends and family.”

Despite his incredibly bright future at the higher levels of football, Fromm said he’ll miss being in high school.

“I’ll miss playing with the guys I grew up with,” Fromm said of his time at Houston County as it draws to a close. “I would tell other kids to just enjoy every moment of it and always give your best effort.”

In terms of after high school goals, Fromm is setting the bar as high as he possibly can. Anyone who knows the Houston County quarterback, however, knows that the goals are completely achievable.

“I want to graduate with a degree,” Fromm said before finishing the list. “But also win an SEC Championship, a National Championship, hopefully play in the NFL, and then move on to being a productive member of society.”

There’s one order of business that Fromm wants to take care of before moving on to Athens, however: getting Houston County to the Georgia Dome in December.

“I am 100 percent committed to the University of Georgia.”

-Fromm

AND THERE’S MORE! Through seven games of his senior year, the Houston quarterback has been impressive in nearly every game he has played.

Fromm threw for

1,829 21

yards

and a whopping

touchdowns

Sports Performance Training Speed and Agility Training Adult and Personal Training Classes

edgevaldosta@gmail.com

In The Game | 31

30 wins. 0 losses. 2 state championships. 1 unforgettable journey.

30-0, an In the Game original production, is now available online!

Go to www.inthegamesportsnetwork.com 32 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Archery Program Hits Bullseye With

State Championship

ot many high school athletic programs can boast of winning a state title just three years after it was started.

Calvary Christian School did just that last school year when the school’s archery team brought home the GICAA State Championship trophy. Now in its fourth year, the Calvary Knights are seeing such an increase in interest for the archery program, the coach has had to hold try-outs to fill the slots on the team.

Archery is a sport that is growing in popularity in schools around the country. Locally, there are very few archery programs in schools and most of those are in private schools. Neither the Alabama nor Georgia high school athletic associations list archery among its sanctioned sports but private school athletic organizations such as the Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association (GICAA) are beginning to add it as a sanctioned sport.

At Calvary, the program was begun in 2013 after the parent of a student inquired about starting a high school team. That request led to the development of a program under the guidelines of the National Archery in the Schools Program or NASP which partners with state natural resources departments. Shondra Odom was named the archery coach for the Knights and continues as such today. Both a high school team and a middle school team were established at Calvary.

The Knights competed in NASP tournaments which allow winners to advance to district then to regional and on to state and eventually to nationals. According to Odom, there is even a world NASP tournament. For their inaugural year, Calvary had 24 athletes on the high school archery team. Because NASP guidelines allow homeschooled students to participate on school teams, Calvary’s archery program has included homeschoolers among its team members since its inception.

Last year the GICAA added archery to its list of sanctioned winter sports. The Calvary Knights expanded their archery program to include not only a NASP team but also a GICAA team. The private Christian school association does not allow homeschooled participants on archery teams.

When the first GICAA state tournament for archery was held for the 2015-16 school year, eight private Christian high schools participated. Calvary Christian School’s archery team had the top score for the event capturing the GICAA state title and going down in the record books as the first state champ in the sport for the association.

The Knights lost three graduating seniors

Written by Beth Welch | Photos by Jerry Christenson from last year’s program. Try-outs were held in two years ago. Fowler has been a member of the September for the Calvary team which participates team for three years and started off with no expeunder the GICAA guidelines. Unlike some sports, rience either. Now in his fourth year, Williams is the criteria for making the team was not based an avid bow hunter but had never competed in largely on skills or athletic ability. archery until Calvary started the program.

“There are multiple things we look for and Although Fowler and Williams are also football consider during the try-outs. Grades, dedication, athletes, Snipes doesn’t participate in other sports. coachability, respect, team work and of course, All three are team captains and really enjoy both technique,” says Odom, who is also the Executive the competition and the camaraderie of the team make-up.

Assistant to the school’s headmaster.

It can become a little confusing when discussDue to the growth of Calvary’s archery program, ing Calvary’s two high school teams and how each Odom is now assisted by three coaches, Christiteam competes. Basically, athletes are required to na Jones, Stephanie Litz and Dan MacMinn. The use an Original Genesis bow without sights and school’s gymnasium is transformed for practice release. Tournaments are scored in increments sessions and Calvary hosts the NASP Regional of activity called Ends. Odom explains there are Tournament each January. four Ends of five arrows each at 10 meters and Odom says almost anyone can find a place in four Ends of five arrows shot at 15 meters. Three archery competition. There are no defined athletic scoring rounds produce the scores. Twenty-four skills required, males and females can compete team members compete and the top 12 scores with equal success and there isn’t a lot of training from the individual team members are combined involved. Often students with learning disabilities to determine the team score. and some with physical conditions which would Perhaps the most enthusiastic person about the preclude them from participating in traditional Calvary program is the Knight’s archery coach. sports have found archery to be a good fit.

When the program was begun back in 2013, “I would just love to be able to go out and help Odom already had bow experience and was the every school start a program like this. It brings right person for the job. She believes the sport is students together and helps many of them find a important for athletic departments to include be- niche or a skill that they never thought they could cause it provides another avenue for students who do. One of the biggest shocks when a student first might not otherwise participate in high school ath- takes up archery is that they can hit the target. It is letics. just something to watch them,” Odom says smil“The thing I love so much about this sport is it is ing. so diverse. You can have very athletic students do Calvary’s coach also notes there are college well with it or those who have never competed in scholarships available in archery at schools around a sport. I think is it a great tool to bring together the country. a group of students as a family. We have students Going forward, Odom is setting the goal to one on the team who probably never would have had day win the National Tournament. The Knights an opportunity to know others on the team simply have been to the event in Louisville, Kentucky, but because they did not share the same interests until Odom feels her athletes need to continue to comnow,” says Odom. pete against the very best in order to perform at While several of the team’s athletes are bow the highest level. hunters, most had never picked up a bow until “Of course, we hope to win the GICAA state they joined the archery team. The three seniors in championship again but my dream, well, my the program, Ashley Snipes, Dalton Williams and dream would be for one of our teams to win at Steven Fowler, are among the highest scorers on the national tournament. I think it is possible,” she the team. Snipes, 18, had no bow experience until says with a smile.

In The Game | 33

One Mile at a Time, Lowndes High School Sets Standards for South Georgia Running

Written by Sarah Turner | Photography by Micki K Photography

Long runs, hill repeats, speed work, terrain training, two-a-days, early mornings, after school track work, and plenty of pasta is the recipe for success on the Lowndes High School cross country teams.

Their grit and determination, through not only the training season but year round, makes them a force to be reckoned 34 | itgsportsnetwork.com

with each fall.

The boys claimed the region title on Oct. 13 at Freedom Park. Individually, senior Kaleb Wolfendon won the gold, and Savyon Toombs snagged the bronze for the girls team. At the time of this writing, both teams are gearing up to compete in sectionals in Conyers, Georgia, on Oct. 22.

Spectators may see cross country as an individual sport, but it most certainly is not, neither in scoring nor mentality.

Teams that train together win championships.

“Our team this year is a very tight unit,” head coach Martha Mazurkiewicz said. “The runners are excited about the potential that every speed

workout has for their ability to get stronger together. I think that the difficulty of the training leads to comradery, which leads to the runners having a common bond where they are accepting to all members of the team no matter their differences outside of XC.” As on any team, however, you have your stand out players. Kaleb Wolfendon has dabbled in the sub-16-minute 5Ks this season. He won the gold medal with a time of 16:31 at the region meet.

“In only his second cross country season, Kaleb’s potential is virtually untapped,” Mazurkiewicz said. “He is a solid team player with a positive attitude, and most importantly, he is always willing to lend a

From the coach:

“What I love most about coaching at LHS would have to be the quality of athletes that the school produces.

Our captains this year genuinely have a love not only for the sport and each other, but for doing their very best every single day in the classroom and out on the course. Kevius Shaw and Brialisse Sayre have led the team in the many ups and downs that a season brings and have remained steadfast in the goal of staying focused and progressively getting better each day.”

- Martha Mazurkiewicz

Load up with power and Load up with power and efficiency.

Efficiency

teammate a hand in any situation. He will most definitely be eligible for a running scholarship, where under a knowledgeable coach, his times will continue to improve.”

Brishen House, a junior in his first high school cross country season, has steadily improved his time by about 15 seconds per meet with a personal record in the 5K of 16:54.

For the girls, senior Savyon Toombs is in her second cross country season. She is vital to the lady Vikings XC team, but also uses cross country as a means of making her more competitive during the spring track season. She currently has a personal record of 55 seconds in the 400-meter run and is looking forward to a scholarship for her

speed on the track and to possibly run cross country post-high school.

Behind every cross country team is a solid coaching staff and community. For the Vikings, Mazurkiewicz teams up with her husband, Rick Mazurkiewicz, to make sure the runners get the variety of workouts and motivation that they need to improve. Rick works with the team on early morning runs and executes speed work two times per week.

“In high school, he (Rick) was able to compete by running in the 15:00s for the 5k distance and is very knowledgeable when it comes to racing strategies,” Mazurkiewicz said. “Our teams have separate workouts, and we have different goals and expectations for the different levels of athletes on these teams, so their workouts are varied.”

The Lowndes High School teams are doing everything right. They are getting the proper training, support, and education on the sport to make them successful. South Georgia teams are still domiThe runners nated by Atlanta area schools at the state are excited level, but that can be changed. South Georgia running will, in time, become Office: versatile (229) 435-2212 about theTake on everything from livestock property maintenance with Kubota’s MX Series ag utility more of a threat at thischores leveltoof compe2815 Gillionville — featuring rugged Kubota diesel engines from 49.3–61.4 HP*, HST or gear transmission Rd and more. potentialtractors tition.

“InMX mySeries opinion, Northcombination Georgia schools — a winning of power and efficiency. Albany, Ga 31721 that The Kubota dominate because they have excellent Office: (229) 985-3882 every speed feeder programs, which result in high 1205 Veterans Parkway N. workout numbers at the high school level,” MaMoultrie, GA 31788 has for their zurkiewicz said. “Our athletic director is southerntractorandoutdoor.com aware of this and is working on the propability to er installation of cross country programs get stronger in our three middle schools for next year, together. which will quickly trickle into producing numbers for my teams.”

- coach Martha Nonetheless, the current Vikings have Mazurkiewicz a ton of potential ahead of them, and they’ll continue to get stronger and faster, one mile at a time.

Kubota MX Series

KUBOTA

www.kubota.com *For complete warranty, safety and product information, consult your local Kubota dealer and the product operator’s manual. Power (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or

MX Series

In The Game | 35

In this ever-changing world in which we live, the demand for people to be able to manage their finances in a manner that fits their specific, individual needs has become more and more prevalent.

Colony Bank has met, and exceeded, that demand.

Complementing our traditional services, Colony Bank now offers numerous deposit services for consumers and businesses alike, but this month we want to focus on what we can offer consumers.

Freedom Checking

• A simple, FREE checking account perfect for customers with direct deposit and full time students • $100 minimum to open • No monthly maintenance fee • Check writing is unlimited.

Eagle Checking

• Designed for customers who want the flexibility of a checking account with the interest earnings of a savings account • $100 minimum to open • Avoid a monthly maintenance fee with a minimum daily balance of $500.

• Earns interest on average daily balance of $1,000 or above • Interest credited monthly • If daily balance falls below $500, there is a $5 monthly maintenance fee plus an activity fee of 20 cents per debit item.

• Check writing is unlimited.

36 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Power Checking

• Great account if you need unlimited checking and a low monthly fee • $100 minimum to open • No minimum balance required • Free standard check orders • Check writing is unlimited.

• $8 monthly maintenance fee

E-checking

• Convenient and eco-friendly! If you prefer banking electronically, this account is for you!

• $100 minimum to open • Two FREE foreign ATM Debit Card withdrawals in a calendar month • Must enroll in Online Banking and eStatements • 10 check withdrawals per month with no charge • Monthly service charge of $8 if check withdrawals exceed 10 per month

Golden Eagle Checking

• If you’re 50 years or better and want to earn interest, this is perfect!

• $100 Minimum to open • No monthly maintenance fee • Earns interest on average daily balance, credited monthly • Free official checks • Check writing is unlimited.

Colonyone

• Designed for those needing to rebuild their financial record and put those high check-cashing fees behind them • $25 minimum to open • No minimum balance required • Must enroll in Online Banking and eStatements • Access to financial management education • No check writing. Electronic access only.

• $8.95 monthly maintenance fee

In The Game | 37

I believe we can do it

HOME CONTROLLER The Power to Control and Secure Your Home from Virtually Anywhere

Rothschild Quarterback Looking For Repeat Title Written by: Beth Welch | Photos by: George McDuffie

877-377-2225 mediacomcable.com Mediacom Home Automation, LLC License Numbers: AL: 1676 | AZ: ROC 292103, BTR 18820-0 | DE: FAL-0325, FAC-0337, SSPS 14-266 | FL: EC0003057 | GA: LVU406573, LVU406577 | IA: AC-230 | IL: 127-001614 | MD: 107-1986 | MN: TS677492

38 | itgsportsnetwork.com

One occupational hazard for quarterbacks in the game of football is taking big hits. No matter what level of play, quarterbacks have to learn to roll with the punches. Jaylin Sellers is the starting quarterback for the Rothschild Leadership Academy Falcons this season. When asked about the physical toll a quarterback experiences, Sellers just smiled.

“It’s not something I really worry about,” Sellers said with a laugh. “I’ve got three older brothers. I’m kinda used to getting knocked down and getting back up.”

Maybe Sellers has been in training for his role as quarterback without really knowing it. The youngest brother in a household of active boys, Sellers is quick on his feet, giving him the ability to scramble around in the pocket. Combined with his intelligence, maturity,

and calm demeanor, the eighth grader at Rothschild seems to be perfect for the leadership position of quarterback.

Last year the Falcons won the City Championship for area middle school football teams.

Sellers was the back-up quarterback in 2015, which allowed him an up close and personal look at the job of quarterback. Since he began playing the sport at the age of nine, the 13-year-old has been cast in the positions of running back, wide receiver, safety, and quarterback. He feels most comfortable as QB and is looking forward to making another run at a city championship title.

“I believe we can do it,” Sellers said. “We lost some good players from the team, but we’ve got talent, and we’ve got the best coach.”

Rothschild has a rich tradition of winning sports programs. The football teams at Rothschild have had many successful seasons and have a reputation of producing athletes who have no trouble making it to the high school level and sometimes beyond. Going for two city titles in a row won’t be easy, but it isn’t so far-fetched, according to Sellers.

“We have some tough teams to play,” Sellers said. “Double Churches is good. So is Richards.

You can expect fast, efficient service from our experienced staff, and we have a huge variety of equipment to meet any of your needs.

Taking care of our

bedrock 8369 State Road 6 West Jasper, FL 32052 (386)638-0020

IS THE

TO THE COMPANY 2725 Madison Hwy Valdosta, GA 31601 (229) 671-4264

In The Game | 39

But even if we are going for a championship, we have to play just one game at a time. That’s the way we will get it done.”

Rothschild Athletic Director Jacqueri Cannon is in his second year as head football coach for the Falcons. He is a little more reserved in his comments about his team’s chances for a repeat title, but he does believe the 2016 season is promising.

“We’ve got a young team,” Cannon said. “Most of them are seventh graders. We should be ok. Got some good players and most have experience.”

Middle school athletics offers students an opportunity to play several sports if they desire. It can be a time for athletes to try out different sports and then narrow down their choices to the one or two they wish to pursue in high school.

Sellers is taking advantage of that unique middle school situation and is a multiple sport athlete at Rothschild. He starts off the school year participating in soccer. For middle schools in the area, soccer is a fall sport. Sellers uses the sport to enhance his endurance as an athlete for his running game. After soccer, football season quickly moves into play.

Once football is over, Sellers moves indoors to play his favorite sport, basketball. The multi-talented athlete is a shooting guard for the Falcons. According to him, he averages 12-15 points per game and loves the action on the hardwoods because he has been playing the game for as long as he can remember.

After basketball season, Sellers doesn’t get time off. He participates in track and field in more than one event. Last year he was a disc thrower and ran the

mile. Again, he uses this sport to improve his athletic skills. Sellers is thinking about adding another track event this spring, perhaps the 400-meter race.

Going back to the topic of football, Sellers spent the summer preparing for football season. He worked out with one of his brothers and a friend who really put Sellers through some tough drills. The Falcons began their season Oct. 1 with a local jamboree that included 12 middle school teams.

The city championship comes in December. The top two teams in the city will face off at 7:30 on Dec. 7 at Memorial Stadium. Sellers is counting on the Rothschild Falcons securing a spot in the final game.

“We’ve got the best coach,” Sellers said. “Coach Cannon really knows the game. Our team plays well together. I believe we can go all the way again if we work hard and stay focused on one game at the time.”

CHECK US OUT ON THESE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

40 | itgsportsnetwork.com

wiregrass

g e o r g i a t e c h n i c a l c o l l e g eÂŽ

In The Game | 41

As leaders of the

Lanier County Bulldogs, Hardy and White are sure to give credit where it is due. Both highly motivated and internally driven, the duo takes the time to acknowledge the importance of teammates and bonding, especially with each other.

“Matthew is one of the best teammates and biggest competitors I’ve ever met, both on and off the field” White said.

“He’s very in-depth and always tries to help everyone learn; he leads by example.

He’s also one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met.”

Hardy does not hesitate to recognize the value of his quarterback either; he is tremendously appreciative of the presence of his teammate and friend.

“Matt is a very hard worker,” Hardy said.

“He’s very competitive, and he’s by far the most dedicated student-athlete that I know. He knows what he wants, and he is willing to put in the work to make it happen.

When we’re not in (football) season, he’s always doing something to stay active.

That just speaks to his desire to be the best at what he does.”

Giving Their All: Duo of Hardworking Stars Look to

When asked about particular games on the schedule, both young men responded in nearly identical fashion.

The vision is crystal clear: Lanier County wants the Clinch County Panthers.

take Lanier County to New Heights

Written by James A. Washington | Photos by Micki K Photography

In 2015, the Lanier County Bulldogs embarked upon new territory. Incoming head coach Carl Parker looked to alter the landscape of the football program and in doing so instilled a level of expectation that aimed to propel the team to gridiron glory. Changes were made, and plans were implemented. By the end of the year, however, the Bulldogs were on the receiving end of a 1-9 season that was undoubtedly tough to stomach.

But what would come of the ashes of 2015 would be more than a single win. It would be fuel, a flame that would ignite the hearts and desires of not just the team roster, but the school, the community, and the town of Lakeland.

Under the guidance of Parker, the team discovered a newfound value of perseverance. The program was started in 1924, but had been disbanded from 1927 until its resurgence in 1997.

Since its recreation, the team has only seen three winning seasons (2006, 2010, and 2011). But in the now, none of that matters. Parker has instilled in his student-athletes the value of determination.

These young men have a strong understanding that you are truly as good as your effort. People may rank you by record alone, but what goes on behind the scenes is what truly separates winners from losers.

The town of Lakeland has plenty to be proud of in their Bulldogs.

The team carries a blue-collar work ethic and refuses to settle for anything less than ultimate effort. This year, a duo of two-sport talents is wearing the pride of the county on their chests proudly.

Matthew Hardy and Matt White are touted by Parker as leaders and hard workers. And with these

42 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Matthew Hardy

two leading the way, the sky is the limit for the Lanier County Bulldogs.

Matt White

Senior Matt White is used to the spotlight, and he uses it as fuel to flourish under pressure. In addition to being an Honor Roll student, he has led the way as a four-year quarterback for the Lanier County football team.

“We haven’t always had football here (in Lanier County),” White said.

“It’s an honor to be a part of it.”

His talents have clearly been recognized. As a member of the Bulldogs’ roster, he was named an All-Region team member in 2015.

During that season, he also left his stamp on the record books; against Wilcox County, he set a school record of 296 passing yards and four touchdowns. This feat would eventually be but a building block in a

season that saw White also set a school record for passing yards in a season.

On the field, while the final score may not have painted an entirely pleasant story, the Bulldogs refused to settle for less than their best. One major reason for that was the man under center; White knew that in order to be able to push his teammates, he had to lead by example.

“Coach Parker always told us last year that we had to ‘deserve to win.’” White said. “I think that is really sinking in with us in 2016.

We want to build the culture of this program, and we are learning the value of putting in work. We’ve done just as much as everybody else, and now we just have to get out there and take what we’ve earned.”

The feeling is a constant within the walls of the locker room.

“Oh, we want Irwin and Charlton, but most of all Clinch,” Hardy said without hesitation. “Some people might not call is a ‘rivalry’ since our varsity team has never beaten them, but that’s what drives us. We want to be that team to do what’s never been done before.”

Matt echoes the sentiment of his teammate, noting also that high energy is crucial to their success.

If we’re going to beat Clinch, it has to be about more than us.

The cheerleaders, the fans; everyone has to be in it to win.

Matt White

White’s never-say-die attitude has rubbed off on the entire team.

Heads held high, the Bulldogs understand that the biggest accomplishment will be a united front against any and all comers.

“Football is like a brotherhood,” White said. “My teammates are like my family. I would do anything for them, and I know the feeling is mutual.”

Not only does he shine in the classroom and on the football field, but White is also an outstanding centerfielder and pitcher for the Lanier County varsity baseball team.

He was named to the All-Region First Team as a freshman and the second team as a sophomore. As a junior, he was named to the AllState First Team in addition to earning the region’s Offensive Player of the Year award.

“I’ve been playing forever,” White said with a laugh. “Ever since I

“This is a rivalry,” White said. “They were the best in the state a year ago, and we’re aiming high. If we’re going to beat Clinch, it has to be about more than us.

The cheerleaders, the fans; everyone has to be in it to win. That’s what makes rivalry games so special.

There’s something special that takes over the community.”

could hold a bat. My competitiveness comes from my dad (Lanier County head coach John White). The pros would be a dream come true for me.”

Matthew Hardy

Sophomore Matthew Hardy quickly grew accustomed to the small-town life of Lanier County. The son of Terri and Richard Hardy, his father’s role as a member of the United States Air Force kept the family on the go. Since the age of 8, however, Lakeland has been home, and for that same amount of time, football has rested on Hardy’s heart.

“I love the physicality of the game,” Hardy said. “Just being able to go out there and give it my all, there’s nothing like it. I love being able to compete every day.”

Primarily an outside linebacker, Hardy is the willing type of athlete that has no issue with playing wherever he is needed. Also spending time on occasion at safety, receiver, and quarterback, he knows that action is everything. Being the type of player that likes to lead by example, Hardy was able to learn valuable lessons over the last two seasons from Parker. One in particular stood out above the rest.

“Coach has taught me to be more vocal,” Hardy said.

“Communication is everything. I know that teammates are watching me, but talking with them and communicating when necessary can make us all better, whether it’s out there on that field or in our everyday lives.”

In Parker’s first season with the team, there was a noticeable difference on the field, mainly in involvement.

The roster was not as deep as it is this year, and Hardy believes that was a key reason for occasional lapses in team enthusiasm.

“Last year, we would stick in games for the first half, but then our competitiveness would fall off,” Hardy said. “This summer, we had nearly double the attendance at summer camp. Now, there’s a list of guys fighting for time at every position. We all understand that if there’s a bad day or an off night, you can lose your spot to someone that is having a better day. It forces us to give our best at all times, and that shows on the field.”

The determination has paid dividends. In 2015, blowout losses became the norm for the team. This year, there is a clear difference in the team morale.

Losses may still come, but teams are learning that the Bulldogs refuse to go down without a fight.

“This year, there’s been so many closer games already,” Hardy said. “Because of our fight, we’re three or four plays away from a 3-2 record. That alone shows us that heart is everything. If we believe it can be done, the only thing left to do is fight for what we want.”

In The Game | 43

IT’S THE L VE OF THE GAME. Saluting All Area Football Teams!

High school football is a tradition in our area and we look forward to a great season. We know it’s competitive play and good sportsmanship that makes a winning team.

Here’s to a super season from your friends at Citizens Community Bank, strong, local and dedicated to South Georgia and the sports we love.

Have a winning season!

Hahira (229) 794-2111 N. Valdosta (229) 242-2225 44 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Member FDIC - Equal Housing Lender

Morven (229) 775-2441 Baytree (229) 242-2221 www.citizenscommunitybank.net

FAST BREAK

I’m Going to Go a Little Off Script this Time Around.

Written by Jon Nelson

“It’s what you teach kids about in life through this game. It’s important being selfless.” irst and foremost, I just hope everyone is okay after Hurricane Matthew made his presence known all up and down the east coast of Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

Having friends who were displaced, knowing families that were displaced, and having the safety check-in function on social media kick in isn’t really a way we should all be living on a weekend. But, the fact that particular social media platforms HAVE the safety check-in function made me feel a lot better when it came to knowing where everyone was.

Games were changed, cancelled, postponed, reorganized, and otherwise redirected to other places and times.

And now seeing parts of the states that were ravaged, I think we were close to having a LOT of the shoreline and beaches taken out completely. The pictures from the air are scary, and knowing people who rode the storm out for news coverage and the stories they are telling about what went down really reminds us about “us.”

After the storm cleared out, I was going back and forth with Camden County head coach Welton Coffey trying to find out how everyone was doing without trying

to be too intrusive. He left Kingsland to be back with his family in Jacksonville and rode the storm out there. He was able to return to Camden County Saturday and thought most of his staff was able to return the Sunday after the storm.

The one quote that stays with me, though: “It was something. Respect the weather. You understand how small you really are.”

Glynn County (the Brunswick area) had schools closed for the week that followed.

And the island is slowly trying to get itself sorted out.

One of the coolest things to come out of Matthew, though, came from Lanier County.

Head coach Carl Parker decided to pack up his team and head to Jacksonville to help in the debris removal.

Very classy move. Parker was a coach at Bartram Trail High, and his quarterback, Noah, is the son of Lakeside Church of Christ in Orange Park pastor Ryan Tuten.

Justin Barney of the Florida Times-Union went to Middleburg, Florida, to check in on the operation:

“It’s what you teach kids about in life through this game,” Parker said. “It’s important being selfless.You make better people, you get a better football player. But if you’re worried about making a better football player, you’re not necessarily making a better person.”

And I think that’s what it’s all about: Being good teammates, friends, and stewards of the communities that we’re living in these days, regardless of where we are. One act in a place not our own can have an impact across the board.

So, my question for you this month: During the hurricane and in its aftermath, what was the coolest act of kindness you saw?

Let us know on the “In The Game” Magazine social media platforms, and you can always let me know on my social media (@OSGNelson is my personal twitter.), and we’ll talk about them all for some time to come.

Play it safe everyone. I’ll see you at the stadium.

In The Game | 45

Winning isn’t a new concept for Carver High School coach Stefan Lawrence. A former high school and collegiate athlete, he has experienced his share of wins. Nothing in his past, however, prepared Lawrence for winning the title of 2016 Muscogee County Teacher of the Year last May. So many things in Lawrence’s life all added up to bring the Carver JV basketball coach to that moment.

The 29-year-old English teacher played basketball and ran track at Hardaway High School. When Northside High School opened in 2002, Lawrence’s father was coaching high school basketball in another county. Two years later, Kenneth Lawrence got the job of head coach for Northside’s first varsity basketball team. His son moved over to NHS to play for him.

When he graduated from Northside, Stefan Lawrence was good enough as a student athlete to play the game for the Columbus State University Cougars and Coach Herbert Greene. It was there Lawrence’s plans for the future developed.

“Coach Greene had a rule that you had to declare a major to play on his team. Because I was smart, I thought I wanted to go for the money job. I saw this ad for a pharmacist making $55 an hour and I said ‘I can do that.’ So, I decided I would go for pre-pharm,” laughs Lawrence.

All went well Lawrence said until he “hit organic chem” and he realized he wasn’t going to make it as a pharmacist. Dr. James Brewbaker, a professor at CSU, talked with Lawrence about changing his degree when he noticed how well Lawrence taught kids at a basketball camp. Brewbaker told the college athlete only one to two percent of the country’s teachers are black men. He felt Lawrence had the ability to be an educator who could make a difference.

Lawrence changed his degree and continued to play basketball. Both Herbert Greene and James Brewbaker are now deceased. Their interest in Lawrence on and off the court was directly responsible for what he does today.

Ever since he earned his bachelor’s degree in 2009, Lawrence has taught at Carver High School.

He earned his master’s in 2012 and is currently in the doctorate program of The University of Georgia. At Carver, Lawrence is the school coordinator for Advance Placement and the school was named one of five AP Champions in the state of Georgia last school year. From the 2013-14 school year to the 2014-15 school year, Carver more than doubled the Pre-AP and AP classes which allow high school students to earn credits for college. The high school has more students taking the classes and more teachers certified to teach the classes than ever before.

Lawrence is passionate about teaching young people in the classroom and his passion also extends to the basketball court. He is assistant coach for the varsity basketball team, head coach for the school’s JV and freshman teams and also coordinates the local 10 team Freshman Basketball League.

His theory of developing both students and athletes into being the best they can be involves starting early and having expectations of success.

“Freshmen are coming in from programs where they may be great athletes in their 8th grade program but high school is where they need to get development. Maybe they aren’t ready yet and need to be brought along. It’s a time to help them realize potential and have coaches see what their youngest athletes can do,” he says.

The ideals and leadership Lawrence brings to his

46 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Muscogee County Teacher of the Year Gives Father Credit Written by Beth Welch | Photos by George McDuffie

“ I was so honored to be named Teacher of the Year for so many reasons. One reason is I get to show people that coaches work hard, too. Coaches are educators, too. I am not only an English teacher, I am a coach and I am proud of it” life’s work is a result of the influence of his parents. He credits his mother, a physical therapist, for instilling in him the desire to learn and who was also the person who set the academic standard for his sister and him.

Lawrence’s father has always been a guiding force and mentor. When the younger Lawrence played basketball at Northside under the coaching of his dad, it was tough but also one of the best times of their lives.

“I was a little harder on him and he knew it. We were the first team to play varsity for Northside but it was great that I got to share it with him. I would always tell him to use the game but don’t let it use you,” says Kenneth Lawrence, who played basketball and ran track at Jordan High School.

Both men laugh about the difficulty of keeping the roles of coach/player separate from father/ son back in the day. Lawrence’s father says they tried not to take it home with them and if they did, his wife was pretty quick to step in and keep them on the right track.

The Patriots’ varsity team wound up being third in what Lawrence calls a “lethal region” full of spectacular talent. No one expected the Northside team to do well but Lawrence, a point guard, gives his dad credit for that success and for developing him as basketball athlete and a man.

“My father is an outstanding leader of men. He invested in me as a son and as a player. My favorite passage of scripture is Proverbs 22: 1 which says ‘A good name is to be more desired than great riches.’ My dad always said he had given me a good name and I needed to protect it,” says Lawrence.

Northside’s head basketball coach is still developing players into men after 22 years of coaching and teaching. He says he hangs out in the hallways of school to listen to students and is aware

—Stefan Lawrence, 2016 Muscogee County Teacher of the Year.

of what is going on through their conversations.

Students are encouraged to seek him out as a listening ear. He also holds “rap sessions” with his athletes to give them a forum to voice concerns and talk about issues that affect them.

Both of the Lawrence men believe in giving young people opportunities to excel. Sometimes it is hard to see potential in teenagers because it is overshadowed by environment and backgrounds but the two coaches, one generation separating them, have a competitive drive that doesn’t give up.

That competitive spirit is evident also in their banter about upcoming basketball games between Carver and Northside. Winning is important because family bragging rights are at stake.

Peacekeeping measures have been put in place.

“My mom, she and my sister will sit on my side for JV and freshman games. But when the varsity starts, they move over to his side. My grandmother, now that’s another story. She stays on my side all the time. The whole time, she is right there,” says Lawrence, producing laughter from both men.

It is very evident the Lawrence men share a close relationship. The younger coach says he seeks the advice of his father often. What Greene and Brewbaker instilled in Lawrence years ago was added to the foundation already established by his parents. Many others along the way also encouraged him. Lawrence realizes he didn’t get here on his own and strives to be a catalyst for students and athletes every day.

It is no surprise to Northside’s boys basketball coach that his son was named Teacher of the Year.

“I am proud of Stefan but I always knew he had something in him. I would always tell him to prepare and make plans. One day, the ball stops bouncing. What are you going to do then?” says Kenneth Lawrence as his son nods his head in agreement.

DESIGN. PRINT. INSTALL. • Logo Design • Signs • T-Shirts • Embroidery

• Decals • Monogramming • Promotional Products • Flyers • Banners • Brochures • Wraps • Business Cards

GET

NOTICED.

WRAP IT!

2 2 9.89 6 .3535 | 206 S . B UR W E LL A V E . • A D E L, G A W W W. S O G AGR A P HICS.COM In The Game | 47

owndes The last time the school saw a deep run in postseason action was in the early 1990s. Since then, it’s been status quo. Atlanta reigns, regardless of the school representing.

Last season, the Vikettes finished the year at 19-12, which was actually the worst finish under current head coach Stewart Thomas. The Vikettes are primed for success under his tutelage, and this year looks very much like a season that could finally bring South Georgia its well-deserved recognition.

While the team is loaded with pure talent and ability, the Vikettes find themselves much younger this season; rounding out the roster is one senior, eight juniors, six sophomores, and four freshmen.

With a 2016 Region Championship under their belts, this team is proving to the region that age is truly nothing but a number and that talent and hard work can take any determined group to unimaginable heights. In the Game was able to speak with two of the members of this year’s team to gain some insight into what keeps the team so focused and driven.

Stealing Home:

Lowndes Vikettes Look to Shift the State Power

to the South

Written by James Washington | Photos by Micki K Photography

Mill Creek. Lassiter. Union Grove. Fayette County.

The list goes on, but the message is painfully clear: for years, the game of softball in Georgia has been dominated by the northern part of the state. While a plethora of talent still resides outside of the metro Atlanta area, it has yet to manifest itself in a state championship, particularly in Lowndes County.

48 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Sophie Sumner For as long as she can remember, Sophie Sumner has found her home on the diamond. As the starting catcher for the Vikettes, she finds a solace behind home plate that is unmatched.

It is the perfect position for a player of her cerebral status.

“I enjoy catching because I can see everything that’s going on during the game,” Sumner said. “I don’t call pitches; that’s the coach. But quite often, the pitches that he calls will depend on what I see on the field. Some of my teammates, because of their position, may occasionally have their backs to runners, but I am able to always keep an eye on them. I get to be very involved, and I’m involved in almost every play.”

Sumner’s talents have been carefully rehearsed and crafted over the years.

For a good portion of her adolescence, she shined as a member of the traveling softball team Southern Pride.

Under the training of current Valdosta State University head coach Thomas Macera, she was able to train and grow into the star that currently graces the plate for Lowndes.

“I definitely have to give credit where it is due,” Sumner said. “Coach

Lowndes softball team advanced to the Elite 8 and are heading to Columbus to compete for a state championship.

Macera saw something in me that no one else did. His coaching has made me into the player I am today. He was, and still is, one of the most influential people in my life.”

With the team’s blazing performance thus far in the 2016 season, it is only inevitable that talk begin of the “next season.” The sport has been dominated primarily by teams in northern Georgia, particularly the metro Atlanta area.

However, the Vikettes are primed to change that notion, and Sumner has no qualms about the team’s potential.

“We definitely have something to prove,” Sumner said. “Atlanta has been the ‘home’ for softball for quite some time, and now it’s our job to make a name. The team is irrelevant; when we get to Columbus, we’re ready to win.”

While a state title is clearly on the mind of the young catcher, she doesn’t neglect the prospect of her future. Sumner has already visited Mercer University in Macon and Georgia Tech and hopes to make a decision on college this fall after a visit to Mississippi State.

“College is definitely on my mind, but for now, it’s all about getting to Columbus and representing our school and our community,” Sumner said.

Rylin Hedgecock Holding down the mound is pitcher Rylin Hedgecock. Along with Sophie Sumner behind home plate, the duo helps to control the pace of the matchups for the Vikettes. Since around age 5, softball has been the story for Hedgecock, and it has proven to pay off well for the young talent.

“Naturally, a pitcher has a special bond with the catcher,” Hedgecock said. “I’ve been pitching to Sophie since we were about 9 years old. There’s a connection there that honestly feels natural now.”

Hedgecock briefly spent time as a member of Lowndes’ junior varsity squad before reaching the high school ranks as well.

Now in her second year as a varsity member, she is more than ready to reap the benefits of the team’s hard work and effort.

“Coach Thomas and Coach Dickey stress to us the importance of bonding with our teammates and never settling,” Hedgecock said. “We truly understand that even if we have the most talent, that talent is useless without a strong bond.”

Hedgecock looks to take her abilities to the collegiate level; she will be taking official visits to Georgia Southern and University of South Carolina Upstate this fall. Though a major has yet to be decided, these two schools are at the top of her list.

Above all, Hedgecock expresses the value of teamwork and loyalty throughout the roster. She notes that she is truly proud to be a member of the community and wants to bring home a title to add to the town’s already impressive legacy.

“We’re younger this year, but I feel like we know each other better,” Hedgecock said.

“Spending that time on JV allowed me to start meeting some of my teammates early, and it has been a big help. We all know that we can depend on each other through anything.”

FASTER SPEEDS UP

TO 150 Mbps* MAKE YOUR TV MOBILE Use the TiVo® app to record shows on the go Record 5 shows while watching a 6th Watch TV anywhere with TV EverywhereSM

APPS ON THE BIG SCREEN Enjoy Pandora®, YouTube®, Netflix® and more right on your TV screen 225+ TV and Music Channels with FREE HD Experience the convenience of caller ID on your TV

FASTEST IN-HOME Wi-Fi A system built for multi-streaming Download speeds from up to 50-150 Mbps* Connect all your devices at the same time

877-377-2225 In The Game | 49

Full Family Dentistry • New Patients Welcome!

VOTED

VOTED

Best Overall Business

BestDentist of2016!

of 2016!

Voted Best Dentist in South GA 7 Years in a Row! Voted Best Overall Business 2 Years in a Row! Barclay Woodward, DMD • William S. Moorman, DMD • Ashley Moorman, DMD

229.242.4441 • www.ADCTEAM.com 956829 50 | itgsportsnetwork.com

All Insurances Accepted in network with many plans

COMMUNITY, HEALTH, AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Live Health Life!

Come alongside us as we champion lifestyles of physical and mental health! As we all walk through life together in our tight-knit, local communities, we promote the sense of belonging felt through engaging with the various aspects of South Georgia living, largely through partnerships with community influencers as sources of information and inspiration.

For more information contact our main office at 229-469-7373 or email us at healthlifesga@gmail.com

In The Game | 51

New Chapter Being Written in Three-Sport Athlete’s Life Written by Beth Welch | Photos by Beth Welch and George McDuffie

f Madison McPherson’s life was a book, the soon-to-be 18-yearold would already have several chapters filled. Madison is a senior at Marion County Middle/High School in Buena Vista, Georgia, where she is a three-sport athlete. Up to this point, Madison has packed a lot of re-locations, sports, interests, and activities into a relatively young life.

As with most books, it is probably best to start at the beginning. Madison is the only child of Tim and Fran McPherson, both of whom are coaches. Looking at their 5’8” athletic and energetic daughter, it is almost hard to believe Madison was born two months prematurely and weighed less than four pounds at birth.

McPherson holds some state and national rankings in softball. While sports are extremely important to her, she also has other areas of interest. She has competed in several beauty pageants and would like to pursue participating in more of them in the future.

52 | itgsportsnetwork.com

“I was sitting on a bench at Valdosta State because my husband was coaching a team at a tournament, and I looked at him and said, ‘I don’t feel right,’” Fran said.

Madison was born shortly thereafter and spent 16 days in a hospital neonatal unit.

Even under those circumstances, it was apparent this little girl was special. Her mother said the doctors were amazed Madison had an Apgar score (criteria used to assess the health of a newborn) of 9 after arriving so far ahead of schedule.

The McPherson’s daughter thrived, and because she was born into a household of sports enthusiasts, she also learned to love athletics, beginning with basketball. If she ever succeeds to the point where her likeness graces a cereal box, they have the perfect picture for it.

“I guess I have known basketball practically my whole life,” Madison said. “I actually have a photo of me hanging on the rim of a basketball goal when I was wearing diapers.”

Her early life chapters are filled with memories of accompanying her parents to various sporting events and watching high school games while playing around gym bleachers or in the vicinity of a dugout.

Madison may have taken up the sport of basketball early, but she was sort of a late bloomer when it came to softball. Despite her

parents’ desire for her to play the sport, Madison resisted the idea until she was 12. That year she joined friends who were already playing softball through a recreational league. Almost immediately the young athlete discovered she not only liked the game but that she was also pretty good on the mound.

“I could tell right away,” Madison said.

“I just sort of realized I had a natural talent for softball and then began to develop the idea that I could become a good athlete if I worked on it.”

Her natural talent was obvious to her parents as well. Madison’s mom gave her husband credit for their daughter’s powerful pitching arm.

“She definitely has her dad’s cannon,” Fran said.

It appears Madison inherited her competitive spirit and sense of discipline from her mother.

One thing, however, is uniquely Madison’s.

She is a left-handed pitcher.

It is perhaps this different but not necessarily rare feature that helped set Madison apart as she progressed through to high school athletics.

Along the way, other chapters of her life were made as her parents moved to take on different coaching jobs. One year her mother transitioned to the college level of coaching. Her stint at Georgia Southern was short-lived, however, because traveling for the job took too much time away from her young daughter.

Madison attended

7X National Champs 21 Average Class Size 100+ Majors 11,563 Individual Stories

Experience Valdosta State.

Visit us in person or online at valdosta.edu/inthegame

Come see Valdosta for yourself!

We’re opening our doors to show you what we have to offer.

VISIT

valdosta.edu/inthegame TO SIGN UP FOR A CAMPUS VISIT TODAY!

South Georgia’s (& North Florida’s)

Home Team

At VSU, study abroad programs and real-world internships provide the kind of experiences students crave beyond the classroom. We offer serious, hands-on research opportunities as early as your sophomore year, something unheard of at larger institutions. Our small class sizes and expert faculty deliver one-on-one interaction, giving our Blazers the freedom to become who they want to be, as well as the experiences to get them there.

Offering In-State Tuition to Florida Residents In The Game | 53

middle school and her first two years of high school at Southland Academy, a private school in Leesburg, Georgia, because of her mother’s job. When an offer was made for Fran to come to Marion County High School as head of the girls basketball program, it was a decision that affected both mother and daughter. To leave the place where the talented athlete had already established herself as a varsity athlete in softball, basketball and track since the eighth grade was tough.

“I told her I wouldn’t go without her, and Madison could have stayed with her friends and a really good athletic program,” Fran said about the move to MCHS. “We’ve never looked back. It has been good for us both, and Madison has really excelled here.”

Excelled doesn’t quite do this chapter in Madison’s life justice in describing what she has accomplished since arriving at the Buena Vista school. In softball, she holds every record at Marion County for homeruns in a season and career, RBIs, strikeouts, ERA, On Base Percentage, slugging percentage, most no hitters, and wins. Those achievements earned her being named the Region Player of the Year for softball in 2015.

In basketball during her junior season, she averaged 16 points per game, 10 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and four steals and had over 30 three-pointers for the Lady Eagles. She was named to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer’s All Bi-City First Team in Basketball and was an All-State Selection in both softball and basketball.

She also participates in several track and field events, including shot put and discus. Last year Madison placed fifth in the state in shot put.

Madison’s total list of accomplishments in sports is enough to fill a lengthy chapter of a book. She has also achieved success in the classroom, where she has a 3.86 GPA that includes all AP and Honors

(706) 324-0132 2990 Northlake Pkwy | Columbus, GA 31909

54 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Her natural talent was obvious to her parents as well.

McPherson’s mom gives her husband credit for their daughter’s powerful pitching arm, saying “she definitely has her dad’s cannon.”

It appears McPherson inherited a competitive spirit and sense of discipline from her mother. One thing, however, is uniquely all McPherson’s.

classes. She has made the school’s Honor Roll with Distinction and is part of the Move On When Ready Program, which is enables her to be enrolled at Georgia Southwestern State University.

Her combined stellar athleticism and academic prowess has garnered quite a lot of attention from college coaches. Many schools courted her for softball in part due to her career record to date of 978 strikeouts and 136 RBIs. After weighing the possibilities, she verbally committed to the two-year program at Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Tifton.

The decision may seem odd for someone who could no doubt play at a larger, four-year program, but Madison has a definite plan.

“I wanted to stay kind of close by and also just give some place two years,” Madison said. “I didn’t want to go to a four-year school and discover I didn’t like what I was doing and wind up transferring. This way, I have options after two years.”

The senior also likes the idea of her choice being an agriculture school. She lives on a farm complete with a menagerie of animals, including a brand new rabbit she is pretty excited about. Madison actually shows horses in the Hunter and Jumper categories and once thought about becoming a veterinarian.

These days she leans more toward a medical field for humans.

The multi-talented athlete will not just leave behind outstanding sports records when she heads off to ABAC next fall. She will also leave behind her coach for all three sports she has played at Marion County. Fran McPherson has been assistant softball coach, head basketball coach, and girls track coach as well as physical education teacher for her daughter the past two years.

It will be a bittersweet ending to another chapter of Madison’s life, but like most good books, there is the anticipation of what lies ahead.

How to win!

Follow us online to see our weekly #ITGpickem posts.

For each of the Games of the Week, comment or submit your picks.

You will need to indicate both the winner and the score of the games. Winners are determined first by wins and losses, then by point differential.

Weekly winners will be announced and awarded the following Mondays, then the grand prize winner will be calculated at the end of the post-season.

Pick’Em. Play’Em. Pay’Em.

In The Game | 55

15

REASONS TO GET A MASSAGE Relieve stress Relieve postoperative pain Reduce anxiety Manage low-back pain Help fibromyalgia pain Reduce muscle tension Enhance exercise performance Relieve tension headaches Sleep better Ease symptoms of depression Improve cardiovascular health Reduce pain of osteoarthritis Promote relaxation Lower blood pressure Increase range of motion

Never underestimate the Healing power of Touch MettaDaySpa.com 229.225.6792 Downtown Thomasville

56 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Bicycle

Motocross

Becoming Increasingly popular among south georgians

Written by: Jacob Dennis | Photos courtesy of Chris and Gina Curry

R

Ready or not, bicycle motocross, better known as BMX, is rapidly gaining popularity. The sport made its Olympic debut in 2008 in Beijing and has only become more widely known since then. BMX blends intense racing with freestyle tricks and big jumps, making it distinctly different from any competition most have ever seen. Riders compete against one another on a motocross-style track filled with obstacles, such as hills and deep turns, while trying to out-maneuver one another in order to post the fastest time in the often single-lap race.

One reason the sport has seen a major resurgence is due to how easy it is to begin racing. There are no complex preparations required, as participants need only a bike and the willingness to learn in order to start riding. One local duo, Chris Curry and his young son, Kai, have strengthened their bond while becoming just a couple of several area riders to get involved.

“We just like to ride bikes and go fast,” Curry said. “As a kid I remember how much fun I used to have doing jumps in the dirt. That’s what got us interested. We started in February or March and actually built a dirt track in

our back yard. (Kai) has been interested ever since.”

Curry also noted how easy it is to participate as a major reason for the growing trend.

“Most of the (BMX) tracks offer bikes that they let people use for no charge,” Curry said.

“Some tracks have everything you need to race. You can just show up with nothing and still go out and ride.”

Both the United States men’s and women’s teams medaled in BMX in the Rio Olympics. That, along with a major social media movement that has been engineered across several platforms by USA BMX, has caused the sport to grow in and around the South Georgia area.

“The sport isn’t as popular as it could be in this area yet primarily because the only track we have in our area at the moment is in Albany,” Curry said. “There are five or six tracks in the Atlanta area, though, so most of the Georgia racers either travel or they are from around the Atlanta area.”

Curry also noted that BMX has become wildly popular in Florida, and it is possible that that popularity could spill over into the South Georgia area even more in the coming weeks and months.

Additionally, Tom Brown Park in Tallahassee is in the process of renovating its track, and it will be completed in the near future, which is another aspect of BMX that local riders can enjoy.

New riders can decide which competition, racing or freestyle, to enter

into after practicing and becoming better acquainted with the sport. Some prefer going as fast as possible over hills and down steep embankments, while others simply want to perform cool tricks.

According to Curry, another major factor in the sport’s growth is the camaraderie felt among those who participate.

“It is one of the best atmospheres I’ve been able to be a part of,” said Curry, who was introduced to BMX in the mid-1980s.

“We go to Dothan (Alabama), Atlanta, and just around our area, but some of the people we race with go nationally. It’s a big family, and everyone helps each other out.

It’s a good family environment. I like that just as much as racing.”

In order to start participating in BMX, go to USABMX.com, which contains track directories and instructions on how to get involved in the action.

“I would just say have fun and go at your own pace,” Curry said of his advice to any newcomers.

“Don’t try to do too much too fast and just have fun with it. Listen to the more experienced people who are willing to help you out. It’s pretty cool the kind of stuff you can learn just by showing up.”

In The Game | 57

Dykes Media Group LLC

MEDIA

DESIGN MARKETING

58 | itgsportsnetwork.com

888.715.4263 115 N Patterson St. Valdosta, GA

Colin Kaepernick: Taking a knee for the national anthem or taking a stand for justice?

I CAN’T BREATH

HANDS UP, DON’T SHOOT

Written by Zack Pine

seems to be a year of division in America. Our politicians are as divided as ever (If you’ve watched any debates, you know what I’m talking about.), corporate America seems to be attacking small business more than ever, and the “Black Lives Matter” vs. “All Lives Matter” debate will continue to wage war for the foreseeable future. However, a recent development has taken the country by storm.

The current hot-button issue in American political and sports culture surrounds Colin Kaepernick’s decision to not stand for the national anthem. On Aug. 26, Kaepernick sat during the playing of the national anthem. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said when asked why he didn’t stand.

The protest drew harsh criticism from fans on social media and from media correspondents such as Tomi Lahren, who called Kaepernick “a whiny, indulgent, attention seeking cry baby.” At the same time, it drew the same amount of support among fans, media, and even military personnel who began using the hashtag #VeteransforKaepernick.

FAST BREAK

Interestingly, this particular protest continues to grow from week to week. The Cleveland Cavaliers wore “I can’t breathe” t-shirts for pregame warm-ups, the St. Louis Rams held their hands up to say “hands up, don’t shoot,” and the entire University of Missouri football team refused to play until their president stepped down after making racist comments. All of these solitary events generated headlines for a week, and then it was on to the next topic. Kaepernick’s protest has dominated headlines for almost two months and is still gaining support.

Players from all over the league have joined Kaepernick in his protest, and people outside of the league, including corporations like Ben & Jerry’s, have come out in support of Kaepernick and Black Lives Matter. This topic is picking up serious momentum and will stick around for a long time to come.

This protest has drawn a clear division in our country. This division can only be unified by two things, empathy and understanding.

It seems as if both sides are so entrenched in their ideologies that they cannot have a conversation about this topic without shouting at each other. That is the story of America in 2016. Nobody wants to hear anyone else’s position on political or social issues.

Personally, I have experienced a range of emotions on this topic. At first I was outraged by it and thought it was extremely disrespectful to our country and especially our veterans. However, I did not let my outrage outweigh my curiosity to learn and grow. After my initial outrage, I sought out information on what Kaepernick’s position really is and what he’s protesting for. Since I began my research, I have become much more sympathetic to his cause. I still believe in standing for the national anthem and respecting the flag at all times, but I also realize that other people are going to have different opinions.

That’s what is great about this country. We can fight, argue, and disagree on almost every issue. We can voice our opinions freely without fear of retribution or punishment from the government. Our first amendment rights protect our freedom to speak our minds peacefully. What we need to do is listen to each other when we are using that right. It is not enough just to say what you want and not listen to anyone else. We need to be more willing to research the positions and take other people’s feelings into consideration when forming our positions on these issues.

In The Game | 59

Residential • Commercial New Construction • Service LICENSED / BONDED / INSURED

GA Lic #CN7050 • FL Lic #CAC058168

WWW.WALLERHVAC.COM

Thomasville, GA 15 Williamsburg Ave # 25 229.225.1200

60 | itgsportsnetwork.com

Valdosta, GA

405 N. St. Augustine Rd 229.244.1200

In The Game | 61

Subscribe to our Newsletter For weekly updates on high school sports in your area!

Go to itgsportsnetwork.com and click the newsletter tab.

62 | itgsportsnetwork.com

♦ Azalea’s Restaurant & Lounge ♦ Full Service Amenities ♦ Meeting & Reception Facilities ♦ First Class Accommodations ♦ 40” Flat Panel HD Televisions ♦ Family, Executive & Jacuzzi Suites ♦ Fitness Center & Business Center ♦ Hot Tub & Large Swimming Pool ♦ Complimentary Airport Shuttle

HOLIDAY INN HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

I-75 (Exit 16) ♦ 1805 West Hill Avenue ♦ Valdosta, GA (229) 244-1111 (800) 465-4329 “Best Hotel and Meeting Place for Teams” www.WilliamsHotelGroup.com

Exit 16 229-249-8800 Valdosta

Exit 18 229-249-8900 Valdosta

Exit 18 229-244-7600 Valdosta

Exit 62 229-382-3300 Tifton

Exit 18 229-249-8880 Valdosta

Exit 16 229-244-1111 Valdosta

Exit 22 229-244-4460 Valdosta

Exit 62 229-382-8100 Tifton

Owned and operated by Williams Investment Company A proud part of South Georgia’s growth since 1963

Exit 16 229-249-8000 Valdosta

Exit 39 229-896-4574 Adel

Exit 18 Exit 62 229-382-8250 229-244-8440 Valdosta Tifton

Exit 62 229-382-8505 Tifton

Exit 16 229-249-1000 Valdosta

In The Game | 63

INCREDIBLE SPEEDS * UP TO 150 Mbps MAKE YOUR TV MOBILE

APPS ON THE BIG SCREEN

FASTEST IN-HOME WI-FI

• Use the TiVo® app to record shows on the go

• Enjoy Pandora®, YouTube®, Netflix® and more right on your TV screen

• A system built for multi-streaming

• Record 5 shows while watching a 6th

• 225+ TV and Music Channels with FREE HD

• Watch TV anywhere with TV EverywhereSM

• Experience the convenience of caller ID on your TV

• Download speeds from up to 50-150 Mbps* • Connect all your devices at the same time

New Girl on FOX

TV, INTERNET † & PHONE

$29

Average Rate:

99

/ MONTH* EACH FOR ONE YEAR

(plus activation, installation, modem rental, sports/broadcast surcharges, taxes and fees)

NO CONTRACT REQUIRED!

CALL

877-377-2225

*Promotional package price does not include standard installation ($149.94), activation fee ($10), monthly modem charge (currently $7.50), sports/broadcast surcharges (currently up to $13.01), or charges for options you select. Package price does not include taxes, franchise fees or governmental charges. All these additional charges may increase at any time. After month 12, the monthly package price will increase $20 per year until year 4, when the package price will increase to the then standard rate in your area (currently $169.98 and subject to change). If you cancel any service in the package during the first 12 months, standard rates may apply to any continuing services. Offer may be terminated at any time without notice, may not be available in all areas, cannot be combined with any other offer, is not transferable and is void where prohibited. Promotional offer is available only to customers who have not subscribed to Mediacom services within the preceding 90 days and meet Mediacom’s applicable credit and other requirements. Customer agreement to all applicable terms and policies required. Standard installations utilize existing wiring and do not include special wiring work, installation or repair of outlets or any other special installation procedures for which additional charges apply. Offers, prices, programming availability, channel lineups and service features, specifications and terms may vary among areas and customers and may change from time to time. Streaming not available on all channels. 30 minutes a month of international calling only available to customers who don’t subscribe to WorldTalk service. Download and upload speeds are not guaranteed and may vary. Other charges, conditions, requirements and restrictions may apply. Logos, brand names and other branding are the property of their respective owners. † Mediacom PRIME PLUS Internet usage allowance is 350 gigabytes per monthly billing period. Excess usage will result in additional charges of $10 for every increment of up to 50 additional gigabytes used. Usage allowances are subject to change.