ARCHER TIGERS 678-407-7751
www.archertigersfootball.com
Head Coach: Andy Dyer Region: 8-AAAAAA 2011 Record: R d 5 5-6 6 Offense: Pro Style Defense: 3-5 Key Players: CB Trey Cheek, CB Deondre 8/31 Mountain View Singleton, RB Ernest Alexander, RB Sean 9/07 At East Coweta 9/14 At Brookwood Alexander, DE Antonio Riles, FS John Gillis, 9/21 Parkview K/P Zach Wacholz 9/28 At Dacula
10/05 0/05 /05 Shil Shiloh h 10/12 At Central Gwinnett 10/19 Berkmar 10/26 At South Gwinnett 11/01 Grayson
2012 Outlook: Archer made the playoffs in just its third year of varsity ball, and the Tigers have some standout talents returning. Senior running back Ernest Alexander scored 18 touchdowns last season, and the defense has two studs in California commit Trey Cheek at cornerback and Florida commit Antonio Riles at end. Junior KJ Parmer will get the start at quarterback and is a shifty runner with big-play ability. Zach Wacholz handles kicking and punting duties and was All-Gwinnett a year ago.
APALACHEE WILDCATS 770-586-5111
www.barrow.k12.ga.us/ahs
Region: 8-AAAAA Head Coach: Shane Davis 2011 R Record: d 4-6 46 Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-3 8/31 At Lanier Key Players: QB Clint Ash, RB Zay Henry, 9/07 GAC RB Eric Tanner, DE Johnny Thompson, 9/21 At Gainesville LB Rakim Peters, DB Von Heard 9/27 Clarke Central 10/05 Flowery Branch
10/12 12 2 At L Loganville ill 10/19 At Cedar Shoals 10/26 Salem 11/02 Heritage, Conyers 11/09 At Winder-Barrow
2012 Outlook:The Wildcats missed the playoffs last season, but return 17 starters on offense and defense. Head coach Shane Davis had just his second losing season in eight years at the school (he went 1-9 in 2005, his first season at Apalachee). He brings back his ground-based attack with quarterback Clint Ash and wingbacks Zay Henry and Eric Tanner. The Wildcats averaged 30.3 points per game last year, so this team can score quickly and often. Apalachee is also adept at holding on to the ball and winning time of possession. The schedule features Lanier and GAC in non-region play.
BANKS COUNTY LEOPARDS 706-677-2308
www.banks.k12.ga.us/bchs
Head Coach: Philip Jones 2011 Record: 7-4 74 Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-7 Key Players: QB Tyler Hubbard, TE Eli Smallwood, S Wes Faulkner, OL/DL Hayden Dilbeck, RB Tanner Thompson, DB/WR Greg Cannon
Region: 7-AAA 8/31 East Jackson 9/07 At Athens Christian 9/14 At Commerce 9/21 West Hall 9/28 Buford
10/05 Dawson County 10/19 At Fannin County 10/26 East Hall 11/02 At North Hall 11/09 At White County
2012 Outlook: Philip Jones won region Coach of the Year in his first season at Banks County, guiding the Leopards to the playoffs. Banks won the subregion, but lost their last three games including the crossover region matchup with North Oconee. This season, the Leopards will have to deal with losing big offensive contributors like Marquaze Maddox and running back Dean Ewing. There is stability at the quarterback position with Tyler Hubbard returning and the defense gets back junior Wes Faulkner at safety. The Leopards get East Jackson, Athens Christian and Commerce in non-region.
BERKMAR PATRIOTS 770-921-3636
www.berkmaronline.com/home.htm
Head Coach: Jonathan Sanks Region: 8-AAAAAA 2011 Record: 1-9 Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 8/31 Duluth Key Players: LB Jaden Lee, LB Caleb Catch- 9/07 Meadowcreek ings, QB Jaquan Morris, DB Rashad Hall, DT 9/14 At Shiloh Derrick Wingate, OL Ernest Barracheous, 9/21 Central Gwinnett 10/05 At South Gwinnett WR Dorren Miller
10/12 Grayson 10/19 At Archer 10/26 Brookwood 11/02 At Parkview 11/09 Dacula
2012 Outlook: Jonathan Sanks returns for his third season and feels the program has some good talent this year. Gone is prolific quarterback Deion Perry, but Jaquan Morris has won the starting job. The defense should be improved with a good group of linebackers led by Jaden Lee and Caleb Catchings. The offensive line will be big and returns almost everyone; Ernesto Barracheous, a 6-foot-7 prospect, joins the roster on the O-line. The schedule features winnable games to start off with 7-AAAAAA Duluth and Meadowcreek and then Shiloh and Central Gwinnett in region play.
BROOKWOOD BRONCOS 770-972-7642
www.brookwoodbroncos.org
Region: 8-AAAAAA Head Coach: Mark Crews 2011 Record: 8-4 10/12 At Shiloh 8/25 Walton (GA Dome) Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple 10/19 Central Gwinnett Key Players: DE Shaun McGee, RB Jamaal 9/07 Mill Creek 10/26 At Berkmar Cole, RB Josh Brown, WR Ky Priester, OL/ 9/14 Archer 11/02 South Gwinnett 9/28 At Parkview DE Adam Ledford, WR/DB Afolabi Laguda, 10/05 Dacula 11/09 At Grayson OL Tyler Evans 2012 Outlook: Senior quarterback Zach Moon returns over 1,200 yards passing with 11 touchdowns, but junior Joey McLane, younger brother of former state champ and current Georgia State starter Ben McLane, could see playing time as well. Only seven starters are back, but the team has some playmakers. Jamaal Cole is a dynamic running back that will have the position all to himself as a senior, and junior Josh Brown will have an increased role. Ky Priester is a big-time wide receiver who also excels in the return game, and the Broncos have several strong two-way talents on the lines.
BUFORD WOLVES 770-945-6768
http://fcpsports.com/football/buford_wolves
Head Coach: Jess Simpson Region: 7-AAA 2011 Record: 14-1 14 1 (State Runner Runner-up) up) Offense: I Defense: 4-3 8/31 At Elbert County 10/12 At White County Key Players: OL Josh Cardiello, 9/07 Gainesville 10/19 Dawson County RB/LB Dontravious Wilson, TE/DE Mikey 10/26 Fannin County Bart, DL Brandon Brinson, DE/FB Donte’ 9/14 Hancock Central 9/28 At Banks County 11/02 At East Hall Gordon, CB/RB Thomas Wilson, 10/05 West Hall 11/09 North Hall S Jaylen Mize 2012 Outlook: The Wolves met Calhoun for the fourth time in a row in the championship game, but for the first time against the Yellow Jackets got clipped in the state final. No matter, because Buford reloads. Like every year, there was a lot of talent graduated from the lines, but senior Josh Cardiello, a Georgia commit, will keep the run game strong. Buford has a position battle at quarterback with Montgomery VanGorder and Taylor Mitchell. The schedule will look a bit different with the classification change, but a Week 2 bout with Gainesville is an important early test..
CEDAR SHOALS JAGUARS 706-546-5375
www.clarke.k12.ga.us/cedarshoals.cfm
Head Coach: Chris Davis Region: 8-AAAAA 2011 Record: 5-5 Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Key Players: RB/DB Tay Bowens, C Thomas 8/31 Hart County 9/07 At Elbert County Swilley, LB Tay Fields, DB/WR Josh Bolton, 9/14 Flowery Branch WR Chris Middlebrooks, RB Adrian 9/21 At Heritage, Conyers Washington, QB Darius Jordan 9/28 At Loganville
10/05 05 G Gainesville i ill 10/19 Apalachee 10/26 At Winder-Barrow 11/02 At Salem 11/09 Clarke Central
2012 Outlook: Chris Davis steps in as head coach after a few years of instability, but he inherits a lot of team speed. The offense, which will be led by junior signal caller Darius Jordan, will change from a Wing-T to a spread system, and wide receivers Josh Bolton and 6-foot-2 burner Chris Middlebrooks will play a big role. Junior running back Adrian Washington emerged during his freshman season and is now one of the top rushers in the area. He’s a tough runner with a few big-time college offers already. It may be another rebuilding year for the Jags, but the foundation for success is there.
CENTRAL GWINNETT BLACK KNIGHTS 770-972-4840
www.centralgwinnett.net
Head Coach: Todd Wofford Region: 8-AAAAAA 2011 Record: 4-6 Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 8/31 At Collins Hill Key Players: LB Trey Johnson, QB Eman 9/07 Clarke Central Westmoreland, RB Jourdin Shiloh, RB Jona- 9/21 At Berkmar than Hawkins, DB Charles King, LB JB Ezzell, 9/28 South Gwinnett 10/05 At Grayson DE Stedman Walters, WR Justin Brownlee
10/12 2 Archer 10/19 At Brookwood 10/26 Parkview 11/02 At Dacula 11/09 At Shiloh
2012 Outlook: The team loses four Division I signees and depth is a bit thin, but there are some good athletes on the team this year. It all starts with quarterback Eman Westmoreland, who is one of the more prolific passers in the county with 2,626 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. On defense Auburn-commit Trey Johnson returns, 164 tackles, to the linebacker position. He is considered by many to be one of the top LB prospects in the South. Senior running back Jourdin Shiloh will try to replace the production of departed George Morris, who is now at Syracuse.
CHESTATEE WAR EAGLES 770-532-1162
www.hallco.org/chs/site/
Head Coach: Stan Luttrell 2011 Record: 4-6 Offense: Split Back Veer Defense: 3-5 Key Players: QB Jordan DeGraff, RB Quan Clark, LB Kyle Perry, WR/DB Arthur
Region: 8-AAAA 8/31 North Hall 9/07 At West Hall 9/21 Eastside 9/28 At Stephens County 10/05 At Johnson
10/12 Walnut Grove 10/19 Lanier 10/26 At Lumpkin County 11/02 Monroe Area 11/09 At Madison County
2012 Outlook: Chestatee will again look to eat up yards and clock with its split-back veer running attack, and hopes to keep senior quarterback Jordan DeGraff healthy. DeGraff was injured early last season and worked his way back towards the end, but the offense is better when he’s 100 percent. RB Quan Clark is a senior and the team’s leading rusher from a season ago, and the team’s top receiver is also back with Arthur Kelly. Linebacker Kyle Perry is the team’s top tackler from a year ago. Chestatee had a lot of injuries last season overall, contributing to a midseason slide.
CLARKE CENTRAL GLADIATORS 706-357-5200
www.clarke.k12.ga.us/ClarkeHigh.cfm
Head Coach: Leroy Ryals Region: 8-AAAAA 2011 Record: 10-2 Offense: Multiple I Defense: 3-4 8/31 Marist Key Players: QB Cameron Johnson, 9/07 At Central Gwinnett 9/14 Loganville DB/WR Dreko Statham, WR Amir Williams, 9/27 At Apalachee DT Demond Stovall 10/05 Salem
10/12 At Heritage, Conyers 10/19 At Gainesville 10/26 Flowery Branch 11/02 Winder-Barrow 11/09 At Cedar Shoals
2012 Outlook: The Gladiators lose more than half their starters off of last year’s team, but junior quarterback Cameron Johnson has a year of starting experience and brings back his 1,663 yards passing and 22 touchdowns. His main returning target, Amir Williams, had 459 yards receiving with five scores. The Glads will boast a strong secondary led by Dreko Statham, who picked off seven passes last season while racking up 59 tackles. A void will be left by the departure of Quenshaun Watson, who rushed for 1,765 yards and 30 TDs and will play for Tennessee this season.
COLLINS HILL EAGLES 770-682-4100
http://collinshill.com/home.html
Head Coach: Kevin Reach Region: 7-AAAAAA 2011 Record: 5-6 56 Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 8/31 Central Gwinnett Key Players: QB Brett Sheehan, RB Tyler 9/07 At Dacula Henderson, OG Marshall Sutton, OT Nathan 9/14 At Habersham Central Kinjo, WR Justin Wyatt, WR Rhyan England, 9/28 Mountain View 10/05 At Peachtree Ridge DT Christian Harris, NT Trey Palmer
10/12 Norcross 10/19 At Meadowcreek 10/26 North Gwinnett 11/02 At Duluth 11/09 Mill Creek
2012 Outlook: The Eagles lost 10 players who signed last season, including four Division I players, but returns big lines and an experienced defense. Senior quarterback Brett Sheehan, 6-foot-3, returns and threw for 1,250 yards and 12 touchdowns in seven games last season. Running back Tyler Henderson was in a rotation last season when he gained 420 total yards, but should have a bigger role this fall. Marshall Sutton and Nathan Kinjo anchor the offensive line. Linebacker is a strength with Daniel Fish and Alex Sterling. The Eagles fell to eventual champ Grayson in the first round last year.
DACULA FALCONS 770-963-6664
www.daculafootball.com
Head Coach: Jared Zito Region: 8-AAAAAA 2011 Record: 9-4 Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 8/31 At Mill Creek Key Players: WR Josh Bullock, 9/07 Collins Hill WR/DB Zentavius Cobb, WR/DB BJ Clay, 9/14 South Gwinnett OL Zac Campbell, RB/WR Marcus Cox, 9/21 At Grayson 9/28 Archer QB Brandon Goodson
10/05 At Brookwood 10/12 Parkview 10/26 At Shiloh 11/02 Central Gwinnett 11/09 At Berkmar
2012 Outlook: The Falcons lost a lot of senior leadership from a team that made a surprise run to the state quarterfinals. Brandon Goodson has some reps at quarterback because the Falcons moved around primary quarterback Rocky Capobianco last season. Goodson has good speed and knows the offense already. Also on offense will be senior Marcus Cox, who will be used in the passing and running game. He has a slew of Division I offers entering his senior year. Dacula will be a bit thinner on the lines, but has a number of athletes waiting to break out.
DAWSON COUNTY TIGERS 706-265-6555
www.dawsoncountyschools.org/k12/DCHS/
Head Coach: Jeff Lee Region: 7-AAA 2011 Record: 5-5 Offense: Pistol Wing-T Hybrid Defense: 4-4 Key Players: QB Tyler Dominy, WR Bruce Clark, RB Zack Martin, DB Jason Putnam, LB Cody Smith, DL Cale Tallant, DB Will Anglin
8/24 East Hall 8/31 At Lumpkin County 9/07 North Forsyth 9/14 At Forsyth Central 9/28 North Hall
10/05 5 At Banks County 10/12 Open 10/19 At Buford 10/26 White County 11/02 At Fannin County 11/09 At West Hall
2012 Outlook: Dawson won three of its last four games last season and narrowly missed the playoffs, but returns 17 starters. QB Tyler Dominy (1,800 passing yards) is back, as well as favorite target Bruce Clark, who had 10 touchdowns and 720 receiving yards last season. Running back Zach Martin gained 1,250 yards on the ground. On defense, the Tigers return defensive backs Will Anglin and Jason Putnam, linebacker Cody Smith (the team’s top tackler) and defensive lineman Cale Tallant.
DULUTH WILDCATS 770-476-5206
www.duluthhigh.org/index.php
Head Coach: Corey Jarvis Region: 7-AAAAAA 2011 Record: 4-6 Offense: Spread Defense: Shade 50 8/31 At Berkmar Key Players: OL Dewey Van Allen, OL Julian 9/07 South Gwinnett Williams, OL Davonta Johnson, QB Will De9/14 Peachtree Ridge 9/21 At Norcross Lorenzo, WR Myles Campbell RB Lavonte 9/28 Meadowcreek Cranford, RB Jordan Dooley, DB Lou Cole
10/05 At North Gwinnett 10/19 Mill Creek 10/26 At Habersham Central 11/02 Collins Hill 11/09 At Mountain View
2012 Outlook: The Wildcats have gone 4-6 the last two seasons under Corey Jarvis, who is entering his third season. That’s a big improvement over recent seasons in Duluth, and Jarvis is hoping that even more experience and size along the lines will translate to more wins. The defense returns eight starters, including a stout front seven. There were 11 college signees from last year’s team, so the program produces talent. Now, the Wildcats will have to cut down on turnovers. WR Myles Campbell is a big-time prospect and is dynamic in the return game.
EAST HALL VIKINGS 770-536-9921
www.hallco.org/ehhs/site/index.php
Region: 7-AAA Head Coach: Bryan Gray 2011 Record: 5-5 55 Offense: Wing-T Shotgun Defense: Multiple 8/24 Dawson County 8/31 At Chattooga Key Players: OL/DL/TE Devonte Benton, 9/14 East Jackson LB Xavier Hughey, LB Dustin Rodgers, 9/21 Johnson OT Braden Jarrard, OLB Schqwon Tanner, 9/28 At White County WR Uriel Andrade 10/05 North Hall
10/12 Open 10/19 West Hall 10/26 At Banks County 11/02 Buford 11/09 At Fannin County
2012 Outlook: There will be a position battle at quarterback as Zach Groover and Devin Watson will duke it out in fall practice for snaps. Watson also doubles as a long snapper. The Vikings have one of the top players in North Georgia with the versatile Devonte Benton, who can play on both lines and a little tight end as well. He was all-region last season. The defense is fairly experienced and features LB Xavier Hughey, who racked up over 100 tackles last season. East Hall has good team speed but needs to avoid the injuries that have plagued the program in recent seasons.
EAST JACKSON EAGLES 706-336-8900
www.jackson.k12.ga.us/ejchs
Region: 8-AAA Head Coach: Brian Smith 2011 Record: 3-7 Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple 8/31 At Banks County Key Players: RB/LB Devante Gresham, 9/07 Commerce QB/LB Austin Beauchamp, OL Justin Akin, 9/14 At East Hall 9/21 At Jackson County WR/DB Drashun Upadhyay, 9/28 At Elbert County WR/DB Deangelo Moore
10/05 Hart County 10/19 Morgan County 10/26 North Oconee 11/02 At Franklin County 11/09 Oconee County
2012 Outlook: Brian Smith enters his second season as head coach at East Jackson after turning Hebron Christian into a contender. There are 11 starters returning this season, including senior Jeff Chandler and junior Justin Akin to anchor the offensive line. Austin Beauchamp has the quarterback job, and has a strong group of wide receivers led by Drashun Upadhyay and Deangelo Moore. Senior running back Devante Gresham leads a relatively inexperienced offensive backfield. The team moves from Class AA to Class AAA with the new classification system.
FANNIN COUNTY REBELS 706-632-2081 http://fannin3.hs.schooldesk.net Head Coach: Greg Chambers Region: 7-AAA 2011 Record: 4-6 Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple 8/24 Murphy High (NC) orth Hall 10/12 At North Key Players: DL Sean Callihan, OL/LB Black 8/31 At Gilmer 10/19 Banks County Callihan, OL/LB Heath Davenport, QB Trevor 9/07 At Union County 10/26 At Buford 11/02 Dawson County Stone, RB Peyton Satterfield, RB/LB Jordan 9/14 White County 9/28 At West Hall 11/09 East Hall Grey, WR/LB Noah O’Neal 2012 Outlook: The Rebels return six overall starters on offense and defense and could be a bit inexperienced this season. Greg Chambers, also the athletic director, became interim head coach after a tough loss to Rabun County in Game 6 last season, but had the interim tag removed in January. Junior quarterback Trevor Stone, also a standout on the baseball team, will look to wide receiver Noah O’Neal often in the passing game. The schedule will open up with a contest against NC opponent Murphy, and then will feature the likes of North Hall and Buford in region play.
FLOWERY BRANCH FALCONS 770-967-8000
www.hallco.org/flowerybranch/main/facepage.html
Region: 8-AAAAA Head Coach: Chris Griffin 2011 Record: 11-2 Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 8/31 Northside, WR 10/05 At Apalachee palachee Key Players: QB Jackson McDonald, 9/07 At West Forsyth 10/12 Winder-Barrow 9/14 At Cedar Shoals 10/19 Heritage, Conyers WR/DB Darius Curry, OL Kevin Tarr, 9/21 Loganville 10/26 At Clarke Central OL Chandler Bridges, LB Jacob Allen, 9/28 At Salem 11/09 Gainesville DB Quinton Mayfield 2012 Outlook: Lee Shaw, who built the program into a state power, left after the season for his alma mater, Rabun County. Former defensive coordinator Chris Griffin enters his first year as head coach as the school moves from AAAA to AAAAA. The Branch is known for its high-octane offense, and the new quarterback will be junior Jackson McDonald. His main target will be wide receiver and defensive back Darius Curry, a highly rated senior who’s following brother C.J. to Oklahoma State. The defense has eight starters returning for new coordinator Felix Curry, Darius’ father.
GAINESVILLE RED ELEPHANTS 770-536-4441
www.gcssk12.net/ghsweb
Head Coach: Bruce Miller Region: 8-AAAAA 2011 Record: 12-2 12 2 Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 8/30 West Forsyth 10/05 At Cedar Shoals Key Players: QB Deshaun Watson, 9/07 At Buford 10/12 At Salem DB/WR Fred Payne, WR Keyontra Harrison, 9/14 At Winder-Barrow 10/19 Clarke Central OL Chase England, WR Lahius Leverette, 9/21 Apalachee 11/02 Loganville 9/28 Heritage, Conyers 11/09 At Flowery Branch WR Caleb Hayman, LB Devon Stringer 2012 Outlook: The team that went to the AAA semifinals last season stays largely intact, but makes a jump up to the state’s second-biggest classification to battle with the likes of Clarke Central, Cedar Shoals and Flowery Branch. A trip to Buford in Game 2 will also test Gainesville. Bruce Miller has one of the state’s top players in junior QB Deshaun Watson, who was the AJC AAA offensive player of the year last season after throwing for over 3,200 yards and running for over 1,000. Watson has a very strong receiving corps, and defensively the Red Elephants return leading tackler Devon Stringer.
GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN SPARTANS 770-243-2000
www.greateratlantachristian.org
Head Coach: Tim Hardy Region: 6-AA 2011 Record: 8-2 Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 8/24 Stone Mountain Key Players: TE/DE Andrew Lewis, OL/DL 8/31 Savannah Andrew Bartolomei, RB/DB Kyle Scales, 9/07 At Apalachee WR/DB Peter Whiteneck, QB Rafe Chapple 9/14 At Chamblee 9/21 At Howard School, TN
10/05 Thomson homson 10/12 Westminster 10/26 At Hapeville 11/02 Wesleyan 11/09 At Lovett
2012 Outlook: It is Tim Hardy’s first year as head football coach and he brings new offensive and defensive schemes. GAC lost a number of contributing seniors as well, only returning two starters overall, but Kyle Scales will be a big player on both sides of the ball and in the return game. Junior Rafe Chapple was leading the quarterback competition in the summer. Andrew Bartolomei will play a bunch of snaps on both the offensive and defensive lines. The schedule is also challenging, with larger classification schools Stone Mountain, Thomson and Apalachee in the non-region slate.
JACKSON COUNTY PANTHERS 706-367-5003
www.jackson.k12.ga.us/jcchs
Region: 8-AAA Head Coach: Benji Harrison 2011 Record: 3-7 37 8/31 Winder-Barrow 10/05 At Franklin kli County C t Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple 9/07 At Jefferson 10/19 At Hart County Key Players: RB Dustin Scott, 9/14 Athens Christian 10/26 At Oconee County LB Evan Breakspear, QB Kyle Daniel, 9/21 East Jackson 11/02 Elbert County OL Reno Messler, OL Josh Ingram, 9/28 North Oconee 11/09 At Morgan County WR Xavier Harper, FS Garrett Holt 2012 Outlook: After Billy Kirk stepped down, the Panthers tapped Flowery Branch offensive coordinator Benji Harrison to lead the program. Harrison will inherit a challenge, but has some nice players to work with. Quarterback Kyle Daniel had several good games towards the end of the year, and running back Dustin Scott is the main offensive weapon. Wide receiver Xavier Harper, second-team all-region last year, also returns, as does tight end River Bryant, first-team all-region. The offensive line has Reno Messler and Josh Ingram as its leaders.
JEFFERSON DRAGONS 706-367-2880
www.jeffersondragons.com
Head Coach: Thomas McFerrin 2011 Record: 8-3 Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Key Players: WR McKay Dickens, TE Donnie Hatfield, RT Collin Anthony, QB Bryant Shirreffs, RB Tristen Jackson, WR Isaiah Blake, DE Tyler Cole
Region: 8-AA 8/31 At Commerce 9/07 Jackson County 9/14 At North Hall 9/28 At Greene County 10/05 Washington-Wilkes
10/12 At Rabun County 10/19 Oglethorpe County 10/26 At Social Circle 11/02 Riverside Military 11/09 Union County
2012 Outlook: Dragons’ success this season depends largely on the health of two-way star Tristen Jackson. Jackson was hurt in the in the playoff loss last season but hopes to be back at running back early in the season. Health permitting, he’ll also contribute on defense at some point. Bryant Shirreffs is one of the top quarterbacks in Class AA and returns 1,873 yards passing with 19 TDs and just two interceptions, as well as 401 yards rushing and nine scores. The Dragons will run some I formation and some spread-style with four-wide, and chiefly 4-3 on defense while mixing it up a bit.
JOHNSON KNIGHTS 770-536-2394
www.hallco.org/johnsonhs
Head Coach: Jason Roquemore Region: 8-AAAA 2011 Record: 0-10 0 10 8/24 West Hall Offense: Double Slot Defense: 3-4 Key Players: FB/LB Cedric Harris, RB/LB AJ 8/31 Oglethorpe County Millwood, TE/LB Jose Martinez, DL Steve Rodriguez, QB Paul Barker, OL/DL Mason Borders, OL/DL Lyrick Bright
9/07 At North Hall 9/14 North Murray 9/21 At East Hall
10/05 05 Chestatee 10/13 At Clarkston 10/19 Druid Hills 10/26 At Pickens 11/09 At Region 7-AAAA Cross-over
2012 Outlook: Johnson will play a non-region schedule this fall. The lines and the running game will be strengths, with three returning starters on the offensive line and some talented backs. Senior fullback Cedric Harris gained over 1,600 yards rushing last season, and senior running back AJ Millwood was just under 1,000. All-region nose guard Steve Rodriguez returns on defense. Senior quarterback Paul Barker will run the offense. Jason Roquemore, recently a defensive coordinator at North Cobb Christian and Kennesaw Mountain, took over in June.
LAKEVIEW ACADEMY LIONS 770-531-2625
www.lakeviewacademy.com
Head Coach: Matthew Gruhn 2011 Record: 4-4 Offense: Triple Option Defense: Multiple Key Players: QB/DB Ted Reynolds, RB/LB Trevor Price, OL/DL Alex Oliver, RB/LB Carter Rossr
Region: 8-A 8/31 Fellowship Christian 9/07 At Hebron Christian 9/21 At Pinecrest Academy 9/28 Athens Academy 10/12 At Cross Keys
10/19 Att St St. Francis 10/26 North Cobb Christian 11/02 Towns County
2012 Outlook: This will be the biggest roster Lakeview has ever had, with 17 seniors overall. The team only graduated two seniors from last year’s squad and returns 19 starters, so continuity will be a key. Ted Reynolds won the starting job midway through last season in Lakeview’s triple option offense, a system very similar to Georgia Tech’s. The lines will be anchored by senior Alex Oliver, and Trevor Price and Carter Ross will get a lot of carries out of the option. Punter Joel Larson, a senior, and placekicker Chance Calderhead, a junior, will take care of special teams.
MILL CREEK HAWKS 678-714-5850
http://millcreekhighschool.org/index.php
Head Coach: Shannon Jarvis 2011 Record: 5-5 Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Key Players: DL Kelsey Griffin, RB Jacorey Lewis, WR Matt Pursell, RB Carter Governale, OLB Michael Leonard
Region: 7-AAAAAA 8/31 Dacula 9/07 At Brookwood 9/14 Mountain View 9/21 At Peachtree Ridge 9/28 Norcross
10/05 At Meadowcreek 10/12 North Gwinnett 10/19 At Duluth 11/02 Habersham Central 11/09 At Collins Hill
2012 Outlook: Mill Creek will be looking to bounce back from a narrow playoff miss that saw the Hawks lose several games in the final minutes. Though John Russ is gone at quarterback, Jacorey Lewis returns his 1,012 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns at the running back position. Junior Carter Governale had five rushing touchdowns last season as well. Junior Eric Ritland and sophomore Daniel David are competing for the quarterback job. On the defense, three-year starter Kelsey Griffin returns at defensive tackle. Griffin had 10 tackles for loss in 2011 and 82 total tackles.
MOUNTAIN VIEW BEARS 678-407-7608
www.mtnviewfootball.com
Region: 7-AAAAAA Head Coach: Doug Giacone 2011 Record: 3-7 Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple 8/31 At Archer Key Players: OL Edwin Alvarenga, OL Blake 9/07 Pebblebrook Corry, OL Michael Hayes, RB Marvin Elam, 9/14 At Mill Creek QB Chris Bartlett, DB Josh Briggman, 9/21 Habersham Central 9/28 At Collins Hill LB Burton Law, LB Bryce McCloud
10/12 Peachtree Ridge 10/19 At Norcross 10/26 Meadowcreek 11/02 At North Gwinnett 11/09 Duluth
2012 Outlook: Doug Giacone, the Bears defensive coordinator last season, takes over the program after Tim Hardy moved on to Greater Atlanta Christian. Giacone will look for continuity with returning starters Chris Bartlett at quarterback and running back Marvin Elam. Last season, Elam racked up 764 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns last season in just 161 carries. The team’s upset win over Mill Creek last year should lend them some momentum coming into 2012. The team is a bit thin on the lines, especially defensively. The Bears meet Archer and Pebblebrook in non-region.
NORCROSS BLUE DEVILS 770-448-3674
www.norcrossbluedevilsfootball.com
Region: 7-AAAAAA Head Coach: Keith Maloof 2011 Record: 8-3 Offense: I Pro/Spread Defense: 4-3 8/31 At South Gwinnett Key Players: RB Alvin Kamara, 9/06 Parkview 9/14 At North Gwinnett TE Domonique Mason, WR Jason Croom, 9/21 Duluth WR. J.T. Colbert, FB/LB Tanner Maloof, 9/28 At Mill Creek QB Joseph Wilbur, K/P Chris Bigham
10/05 Habersham H b h Central C 10/12 At Collins Hill 10/19 Mountain View 10/26 At Peachtree Ridge 11/09 Meadowcreek
2012 Outlook: Norcross returns 12 total starters from a team that fell in the first round of the playoffs to fellow Gwinnett school Dacula. The offensive backfield is solid with senior running back Alvin Kamara (156 carries for 1,197 yards and 16 touchdowns) and senior quarterback Joseph Wilber (1,580 yards passing with 17 touchdowns). The wide receiver position experienced losses with the departures of Jason Croom (TN) and Anthony Autry (GT), but Miles Autry is talented and also can be explosive on kickoffs. The Blue Devils should be in the playoff hunt again.
NORTH GWINNETT BULLDOGS 770-271-5140
www.ngfootball.org
Region: 7-AAAAAA Head Coach: Bob Sphire 2011 Record: 10-2 10 2 8/25 Colquitt Co (GA Dome) Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3-5 Key Players: DB Donnie Miles, QB Michael 9/01 A.C. Flora, SC 9/14 Norcross Haynes, QB Hayden Sphire, LB Jalen 9/21 At Meadowcreek Brooks, OL Andy Kwon, WR Alex Boyd, 10/05 Duluth WR Russell King, OL Alex Stoehr
10/12 At Mill Creek 10/19 Habersham Central 10/26 At Collins Hill 11/02 Mountain View 11/09 At Peachtree Ridge
2012Outlook: Quarterback Scotty Hosch was lost to graduation, and head coach Bob Sphire is looking for a replacement in either Michael Haynes or Hayden Sphire, his son. Haynes, a senior has some game experience and has good foot speed and quickness, and Sphire, a junior, has a lock-down understanding of the offense. Both might see time this fall. The team’s top defensive player is UNC commit Donnie Miles at safety. Miles also will get into the action on offense. The Bulldogs kick off the season in the Georgia Dome against Colquitt County in the Kell Classic.
NORTH HALL TROJANS 770-983- 7331
www.hallco.org/nhhs/facepage.html
Head Coach: Bob Christmas 2011 Record: 4-6 Offense: Wing T Defense: 8 Man Front Key Players: OL/DL Avery Easton, QB Bradley Brown, RB Caleb Faulkner, LB/TE Taylor Ryder, DB Andrew Smith, RB Zac Little
Region: 7-AAA 8/31 At Chestatee 9/07 Johnson 9/14 Jefferson 9/28 At Dawson County 10/05 At East Hall
10/12 Fannin County 10/19 White County 10/26 At West Hall 11/02 Banks County 11/09 At Buford
2012 Outlook: The loss of running back and linebacker Imani Cross (now at Nebraska) to graduation will be big, but the Trojans will use a number of different backs to try and match his production. The Trojans have a strong, if not huge, senior class of 15 this season. Senior quarterback Bradley Brown doesn’t throw much in the run-dominated offense, but he’s efficient when he does. He’s back as the starter. The Trojans are deep overall and should have a strong offensive line once again, led by Avery Easton. North Hall ends the season away at Buford.
NORTHVIEW TITANS 770-497-3828
www.northviewhigh.com
Head Coach: Chad Davenport 2011 R Record: d 3-7 37 Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Key Players: RB Terrence Upshaw, WR Zack Sullivan, OL Matt Clover, OL Hank Clayman, LB Austin Antwine, DE Devan Johnson
Region: 7A-AAAAA 8/31 At South Forsyth 9/14 Lambert 9/21 Pope 9/28 At Riverwood 10/05 At Cambridge
10/12 Creekview 10/19 At North Springs 10/26 Sequoyah 11/02 At Forsyth Central 11/09 Region Play-In
2012 Outlook: Chad Davenport, entering his third year at Northview, says this is his most talented roster yet. Though there are only eight seniors, there are 15 returning starters and lots of young talent. Terrence Upshaw is the team’s best college prospect and returns over 1,300 yards of offense and 20 touchdowns. The quarterback battle is between two sophomores, Justin Westbrook and DJ Pearson. If Pearson doesn’t win the job, he’ll start at wide receiver as he did last season. Leading tackler Austin Antwine returns at linebacker. The new region sets Northview up for more success.
PARKVIEW PANTHERS 770-921-2874
www.parkview.net/home.html
Region: 8-AAAAAA Head Coach: Cecil Flowe 2011 Record: 4-6 Offense: Multiple Pro I Defense: 4-3 8/31 Peachtree Ridge Key Payers: RB Chris Carson, LB Kyle Wil- 9/06 At Norcross 9/14 Grayson liams, S Shaq Vereen, S Rob Youngblood, 9/21 At Archer LB John Patterson, OL Ronnie Bailey, 9/28 Brookwood C Blake Dunham, CB Bryce Lewis
10/12 2 At D Dacula l 10/19 Shiloh 10/26 At Central Gwinnett 11/02 Berkmar 11/09 At South Gwinnett
2012 Outlook: It was a rare playoff miss for Parkview last season, but this year running back Chris Carson (1,400 rushing yards last season) leads the Panthers into the fall behind a strong offensive line. Rob Youngblood and Chris Remshick will man the quarterback position, and the team’s leading tackler, Shaq Vereen, is back. Most of the defense is back. On special teams, sophomore kicker Eric Autry has shown a strong leg. Parkview will meet Peachtree Ridge and Norcross to open up the season in non-region play before getting into the 8-AAAAAA slate.
PEACHTREE RIDGE LIONS 678-957-3100
www.prhsfootball.com
Region: 7-AAAAAA Head Coach: Mark Fleetwood 2011 Record: 8-3 83 Offense: Multiple Defense: 50 8/25 Camden Co (GA Dome) Key Players: WR/DB Joe Horn, 8/31 At Parkview 9/14 At Duluth RB/DB Walden Davis, OL Daniel Stephens, 9/21 Mill Creek K/P Connor Rouleau, LB Devin Davidson, 9/28 At Habersham Central WR/DB Myron Burton, LB Dorian Pogman
10/05 Collins Hill 10/12 At Mountain View 10/26 Norcross 11/02 Meadowcreek 11/09 North Gwinnett
2012 Outlook: There will be big voids to fill at key positions for Mark Fleetwood, who is entering his second season at Peachtree Ridge. At running back, the graduation of DiAndre Atwater leaves Walden Davis to take over as primary ball carrier. Walden, just a junior, got over 50 carries last season and could be poised for a breakout season. QB Billy Best also is gone, and there’s a threeway scramble for snaps heading into the fall. WR Joe Horn will be the top offensive weapon. The Ridge will learn what it has early with a Kell Classic meeting with powerhouse Camden County.
WESLEYAN WOLVES 770-448-7640
www.wesleyanschool.org
Region: 6-AA Head Coach: Franklin Pridgen 2011 Record: 7-3 8/31 At Holy Innocents’ Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 9/07 Salem Key Players: QB Will Anderson, OL/DL Michael Armstrong, FB/LB Rhett Delk, 9/14 At Stone Mountain 9/21 Brookstone WR Rodney Morris, WR/DB Charles Mack, 9/28 At Jefferson County OL/DL Stuart Johnson
10/05 At Webb School, TN 10/12 At Hapeville 10/19 Westminster 10/26 Lovett 11/02 At GAC
2012 Outlook: The only thing that kept the Wolves out of the playoffs last season was a 1610 loss to Landmark Christian in the Nov. 4 region crossover. QB Will Anderson, who had the Wolves offense humming in the second half of the season, is back as starter. Anderson is a very efficient passer. Two-way star Charles Mack contributes on offense and is also a standout DB. Stuart Johnson and Michael Armstrong will anchor a rather inexperienced offensive line. Wesleyan starts the season with Class A Holy Innocents’, which shut Wesleyan out 14-0 last season.
WEST HALL SPARTANS 770-967-9826
www.hallco.org/whhs
Region: 7-AAA Head Coach: Tony Lotti 2011 Record: 2-8 Offense: I Defense: 3-4 8/24 At Johnson Key Players: OT Blake Manning, 9/07 Chestatee 9/14 Lumpkin County QB Zach English, RB/DB Isaiah Rowe, 9/21 At Banks County DE Damien Millsap, WR/OLB Jake Jarrard, 9/28 Fannin County TE/DE Hunter Atkinson
10/05 At Buford 10/19 At East Hall 10/26 North Hall 11/02 At White County 11/09 Dawson County
2012 Outlook: Tony Lotti enters his first season as coach of the West Hall Spartans, and has spent the summer building depth and adding players to the roster. The Spartans started 2-0 in Region 8-AAA, but lost their last three games to fall out of the playoff race. Lotti will start junior Zach English at quarterback after English played some receiver last season. The offensive line has Blake Manning and Ty Statham as the anchors, and Damien Millsap is a senior at defensive end. The Spartans start the season off with three AAAA teams in Johnson-Gainesville, Chestatee and Lumpkin County.
WINDER - BARROW BULLDOGGS 770-867-4519
www.barrow.k12.ga.us/wbhs
Head Coach: David Wagner Region: 8-AAAAA 2011 Record: 0-10 Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 8/31 At Jackson County Key Players: RB Chad Platt, 9/07 At Monroe Area RB Chandon Sullivan, FB Johnny Hester, 9/14 Gainesville QB Christian Hodge, TE/LB Al Schotter 9/21 At Salem 10/05 Heritage
10/12 At Flowery Branch 10/19 At Loganville 10/26 Cedar Shoals 11/02 At Clarke Central 11/09 Apalachee
2012 Outlook: Junior quarterback Christian Hodge has started since his freshman year, and leads the Bulldoggs into a new offensive system in David Wagner’s third year as head coach. Wagner is installing more option-based plays, a change from the Wing-T, and Hodge will use runners like Chad Platt, Chandon Sullivan and fullback Johnny Hester this season; Wagner likes the speed he has on offense. The Bulldoggs have struggled to gain yards against tough competition the past two seasons, prompting the change. The eight-game region slate is still filled with powerhouses.
WHITE COUNTY WARRIORS 706-865-2312
www.wchs.white.k12.ga.us/
Region: 7-AAA Head Coach: Bill Ballard 2011 Record: 3-7 37 Offense: Triple Option Defense: Drop 50 8/31 At Habersham Central Key Players: RB/LB Dalton Whitfield, 9/07 Lumpkin County QB Will Brock, LB Brett Westmoreland, 9/14 At Fannin County 9/21 Blessed Trinity LT Jacob Roach, C Dylan Freeman, 9/28 East Hall RG Jake Etheridge, RT Dakota Lewis
10/12 Buford B f d 10/19 At North Hall 10/26 At Dawson County 11/02 West Hall 11/09 Banks County
2012 Outlook: Two-way star Dalton Whitfield is the team’s top returning rusher and tackler. Quarterback Will Brock is a second-year starter and is getting some college interest, including from the Ivy League; he is 6-foot-3 and can throw as well as run the triple option. The O-line has good depth and returns four starters. Safety Will Flowers will quarterback a deep secondary along with Maurice Sutton, and Wil Stonecipher will rush the passer from the outside, whether he’s playing with a hand down or at linebacker. White County returns 11 starters overall.
ADDRESSES Archer - 2255 New Hope Rd 7-7700 Lawrenceville, GA 30045 - 678-407-7700
GAC- 1575 Indian Trail LLilburn Road 770 Norcross, GA 30093 - 770-243-2000
Apalachee - 940 Haymon Morris Rd Winder, GA 30680 - 770-586-5111
Gainesville - 830 Century Place
Banks Co. -
1486-A Historic Homer Highway Homer, GA 30547 - 706-677-2221
Jackson Co -
Berkmar - 405 Pleasant Hill Rd NW Lilburn, GA 30047 - 770-921-3636
Jefferson -
Brookwood -
1255 Dogwood Road Snellville, GA 30078 - 770-972-7642
Johnson -
Buford -
2750 Sawnee Avenue Buford, GA 30518 - 770-945-6768
Lakeview - 796 Lakeview Drive Gainesville, GA 30501 - 770-532-4383
Cedar Shoals -
1300 Cedar Shoals Drive Athens, GA 30605 - 706-546-5375
Mill Creek - 4400 Braselton Highway Hoschton, GA 30548 - 678-714-5850
Central Gwinnett - 564 West Crogan Street Lawrenceville, GA 30046 - 770-963-8041
Mountain View -
Chestatee - 3005 Sardis Road Gainesville, GA 30506 - 770-532-1162
Norcross - 5300 Spalding Drive
Clarke Central - 350 South Milledge Avenue
North Gwinnett - 20 Level Creek Road
Athens, GA 30605 - 706-357-5200
Suwanee, GA 30024 - 770-945-9558
Collins Hill - 50 Taylor Road Suwanee, GA 30024 - 770-682-4100
North Hall - 4885 Mount Vernon Rd Gainesville, GA 30506 - 770-983-7331
Dacula - 123 Broad Street Dacula, GA 30019 - 770-963-6664
Northview - 10625 Parsons Road Duluth, GA 30097 - 770-497-3828
Dawson Co. - 3534 East Hall Road
Parkview - 998 Cole Drive Southwest
Gainesville, GA 30507 - 706-265-6555
Lilburn, GA 30047 - 770-921-2874
East Hall - 3534 East Hall Road Gainesville, GA 30507 - 770-536-9921
Peachtree Ridge - 1555 Old Peachtree Rd NW
East Jackson - 1435 Hoods Mill Rd
Wesleyan- 5405 Spalding Drive
Commerce, GA 30529 - 706-336-8900
Norcross, GA 30092- 770-448-7640
Fannin Co. - 360 Rebels Cir Blue Ridge, GA 30513 - 706-632-2081
West Hall - 5506 McEver Road Oakwood, GA 30566 - 770-967-9826
Flowery Branch - 6603 Spout Springs Rd Flowery Branch, GA 30542 - 770-967-8000
Winder Barrow - 272 North 5th Ave Winder, GA 30680 - 770-867-4519
Gainesville, GA 30501 - 770-536-4441 1668 Winder Highway Jefferson, GA 30549 - 706-367-5003 575 Washington Street Jefferson, GA 30549 - 706-367-2884
3305 Poplar Springs Road Gainesville, GA 30507 - 770-536-2394
2351 Sunny Hill Rd Lawrenceville, GA 30043- 678-407-7600 Norcross, GA 30092 - 770-448-3674
Suwanee, GA 30024 - 678-957-3100
White Co. -
2600 Highway 129 North Cleveland, GA 30528 - 706-865-2312