Rome Life August 2017 by Rome News-Tribune

ROME Life prep football preview Berry, Shorter outlook

+ SEC, ACC

travel Published by Rome News-Tribune August 2017

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7/29/2017 11:21:48 AM

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ROME Life

In TheWoods

August 2017 Volume 3, Issue 3

PUBLISHER Otis Raybon VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS Doug Crow ROME LIFE EDITOR Severo Avila EDITORIAL STAFF Jeremy Stewart, Tommy Romanach, Blake Silvers, Elise Tallent, Megan Broome

ADVERTISING STAFF Cecilia Crow, Renee Blankenship, Jamie Bennett, Thomas Wegner, Jennifer Futch, Billy Steele, Todd Britt, Jennifer Culberson GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Tona Deaton, Lee Field, Manning Burns, Erin Barkwell Rome Life is published quarterly by the Rome News-Tribune. To advertise, call 706-290-5220.

Index To Advertisers Ace Hardware of Lindale 60 Advance Rehab 2 Allstar Tree Service 97 Alma Roman - Farmers Insurance 45 Alton Holman Heritage Arts, Inc. 43 Blue Sky Outfitter 68 Brinson, Askew, Berry, Attorneys at Law 53 Buster Goss Body Shop 42 Cave Spring Animal Hospital 43 Citizens First Bank 7 Clippers N’ Bows 42 Complete Tree Service 60 Computer 911 Repair, LLC 60 Country Sportsman 68 DiPrima’s Shoe Store 98 Do Good Boutique 68, 79 Dogwood Books 68 DP and Company 93 Dragon Drive-In 60 Easy Living Yamaha 18, 93 El Zarape Mexican Restaurant 34 Elegancia Boutique 18 Fairview/E.S. Brown Schools 43 Farrell’s Frame & Design 68 First Baptist Church of Lindale 55 Flowers & Gifts by Joan 18 Floyd Medical Center 5 Ford, Gittings & Kane Jewelers 87 Georgia Highlands College 98 Georgia Northwestern Techinical College 61 Georgia Power 82 GMC Value Mart 21 Greater Community Bank 73 Groves Service Center 60 Harbin Clinic 100 Harvest Moon Restaurant 34 Hawthorne Suites 95 Heatherwood Apartments 94 Henderson & Sons Funeral Home 64 Heritage Auto 3 Heritage First Bank 52 Hot Shots 18 In the Woods Venue 4 Ingram Glass 42 J & J Pharmacy 43 Jerusalem Grill 97 Jim’s Tire & Service Center 60 J.L. Todd Auction 6 Joe Hill’s Lawnmower Shop, LLC 26, 43 John House’s Cave Spring Chapel 43 Kawasaki of Rome 29

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7/29/2017 11:16:51 AM

Inside this issue...

Celebrating 100 Years

Index of Advertisers

Inside this Issue

From the Publisher

High School Football Intro

Armuchee High School

Coosa High School

Darlington School

Model High School

Rome High School

Remembering the Glory Days

Pepperell High School

Georgia School for the Deaf

The Meanest Man Out Here

Unity Christian School

Berry College season preview

Shorter University season preview

Raising Babies at the Ballpark

Fashion

SEC preview

ACC preview

Travel Scandinavia, Russia & The Balkans

The Social Scene

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6 Rome Life August 2017 RLM_A_0092_0820 A6 Whats Inside-Contents 6

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Otis Raybon

High School football season is fast approaching and excitement is building all around Rome and Northwest Georgia. You can see evidence of the excitement. Summer practice is winding down or close to finishing and players are ready to hit someone other than their teammates. Football is more than hitting, running, passing, and scoring touchdowns and winning games. There are many other opportunities for those students not on the field. Band performances, cheerleading, pep rallies, booster clubs, team managers, and more provide students and community participation for families at their favorite school. On many Friday nights in Rome and Floyd County, there could be as many as 20,000 or more people attending a high school football game either at home or on the road. My family has been involved in high school football over the years. When our sons, Tilman and Will, were just 6 and 10, retired Griffin High School coach Lloyd Bohannon asked me if they would be interested in serving as water boys for the team. He needed them to carry water to the players on the field during timeouts and on the sidelines. They both loved football and were excited to accept the coach’s invitation. This meant they were actual members of the team. They attended practice after school and had to get to games early for “warm-ups” with the team. They followed the team in the locker rooms at half time…although they often would exit following the coaches talks because the room “smelled”…The coaches and team members recognized them for their contribution at season banquets. They and the other managers loved being a part of the game. Many lessons were learned on those sidelines. Being prepared and ready whenever they were needed, was important. And you have to trust that your teammates will do what they’re supposed to do. The water boys’ dream job was to carry the head coach’s electrical cords. Years before wireless technology, the job involved keeping the cords untangled so the coach could communicate with people in the press box. This was a BIG job and the coach had to pick someone who could keep up as he moved up and down the sidelines. On one particular Friday night as we approached the gate onto the field, Coach Bohannon asked me if Will (the 6-year-old) could carry his cords. My facial expression must have registered fear because the coach quickly looked at Will and asked if he wanted to carry the cords. The question was settled as he quickly responded “YES SIR!” There was no backing down now. Coaching instructions were given and the game would begin. Will was pulling the cords while I was worried that the play would come to the sideline and he would end up under a pile of football players. Well, that’s exactly what happened. I quickly looked for Will and the coach, but saw neither. What was I going to tell my wife?

Memories are made on Friday nights in the fall I ran over to the pile of humanity looking for my six year old, hands and arms flying, and realized my glasses broken, only to hear a voice calling out for me. “Mr. Raybon, I have Will.” One of the players on the sidelines had been tasked to watch out for Will. He had him safe and in one piece. The only thing I had to worry about now was driving both sons home while holding my glasses on my nose. Trust and preparation was the lesson that night. There are memories we all have from Friday night lights. Some are made on the field while others are made off it. This edition of Rome Life is focusing on High School football because it involves so many students, coaches and family members. The games are important. Rome Braves General Manager Mike Dunn makes this comment about his team’s games — “We are going to have lots of events, lots of fun, and in the middle have a baseball game.” High school football’s that way. Sports Editor, Jeremy Stewart, Tommy Romanach, Rome Life editor Severo Avila, and the entire staff of Rome News Tribune have worked hard to highlight as much as they can in this football themed edition of Rome Life Magazine. We hope you’ll enjoy the content and we hope it inspires you to attend some local games and support your favorite team.

8 Rome Life August 2017 RLM_A_0092_0820 A8 Otis Column 8

7/29/2017 11:12:02 AM

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Whether you cheer for Pepperell or Coosa, whether you’re a Georgia Tech fan or you root for Auburn, Rome Life Magazine is your glimpse into the gridiron. We’re taking a look at the upcoming football season for all our local high schools as well as SEC and ACC schools. And we know there’s more to the game than just the players. These pages are filled with coaches, band members and cheerleaders as well. So whether you’re a Blue Devil or a Tiger, a Wolf or an Indian, a Viking or a Hawk, we hope you enjoy Rome Life’s football preview...

FROM OUR TEAM TO YOURS, HAVE A GREAT SEASON. Proud to support local football teams.

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7/31/2017 12:39:53 PM

Player spotlight

J.C. Burkett

J.C. Burkett, LB, Senior Tough times call for players to accept the challenge of steering their teammates toward a positive outlook and becoming a vocal leader for a program that has seen its share of bad seasons. Armuchee head coach Muhammed Abdellatif has said he has some of those types of players on this year’s team, and J.C. Burkett is leading the way. A three-year starter and the Indians’ leading returning linebacker, Burkett had 103 tackles last season, eight of which were for a loss, and a sack. He comes into his senior season with a group that is looking to change the perception at Armuchee with a hard-working attitude and a sense of family, which Abdellatif has been pleased to see. “It definitely helps that the kids are buying into what we’re trying to sell,” said Abdellatif, who enters his fourth season leading the Indians. “Good and bad, you always want those alphas, but when you’ve got six or seven guys who might be a leader for a day, for a practice, for a drill, that’s important,” he added. “We have more guys being vocal and taking leadership of this program.”

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7/29/2017 11:03:06 AM

INDIANS Muhammed Abdellatif

After going 2-8 the last two seasons, the Armuchee Indians are out to rewrite the script with a renewed sense of pride and ownership that head coach Muhammed Abdellatif has seen take hold of the most vocal of his players since the start of spring practice. “The big key for us is being able to stay healthy and building on what we did this spring,” Abdellatif said. “We have 15 seniors on the roster and they’ve all been working hard this summer. I hope they bring a new leadership we haven’t had the last few years.” A spring game against Adairsville displayed Armuchee’s prowess when it comes to passing, as quarterback Brayden Perry threw three touchdowns against the Class 4A squad. The Indians’ defense held the Tigers’ varsity to just two trips to the end zone. “Right now, the big thing we’ve been striving for is getting ourselves in the best possible shape we can going into season,” Abdellatif said, adding there is an emphasis in strength, as well as conditioning. “We want to give ourselves an opportunity to win ball games in the fourth quarter, and being in shape and being more mentally tough will help us achieve that.”

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7/29/2017 11:03:32 AM

THE ONES TO WATCH #2 Adam Hart RB, Junior

Hart has been a solid complement to the Indians’ passing attack and will be an experienced player this year with a chance to make an impression on the field.

#4 Will Hubbard RB/WR, Senior

The shifty and versatile Hubbard will be called on to be a multi-purpose weapon for the Indians this season as they look to establish a running game. He earned Abdellatif’s respect working in the weight room in the offseason.

#40 Josiah Hammond LB/OL, Senior

Abdellatif said Hammond has proven himself to be a player with a high character as well as strong and coachable. He’ll be holding down an outside linebacker spot this season as well as playing guard on the offensive line.

#68 Levi Johnson OL/DL, Senior

A two-year starter up front for the Indians, Johnson enters his senior year with a chance to improve even more and Abdellatif said his hard work comes with a lot of upside, especially when paired with his size.

Armuchee High School Jersey # Name 2 Adam Hart 3 Tamalachi Lovelace 4 Will Hubbard 5 Timius Lawrence 6 Gauge Burkett 7 Sylvester Bassey 8 Brayden Perry 10 Ethan Nixon 11 Jacob Stanley 12 Cade Cordle 13 Caleb Butler 14 William Ryall 15 Devin Pleger 16 Clayton Grant 18 Brayden Butler 19 Will Holloway 21 Brandon Kinsey 22 Jackson House 23 JJ House 24 Brayden Presley 25 Brett Barker 26 Jonathan Ray 27 Tae Allen 28 Darrius Bradford 29 Eric Grant 32 Jax Gribble 33 Simon Wilson 35 Joseph Ryall 41 Gavin Rood 44 Josh Barnett 45 Cole Arasmith

Jersey # 47 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 64 65 68 70 71 72 74 75 76 78 79 82 84 86 87 88

Name Caleb Weaver Josiah Hammond Dakota Woodfin J.C. Burkett Devin Croomer Ethan Carver Randon Carter Joey Green Brandon Coryea Jordan Culberson Connor Buffington Sawyer Munns Christian Hale Hayden Murray Grant Taylor Evan Willerson Levi Johnson Corey Cavin Jordan Morgan BJ Haney Noah Vaughn Andrew Long Octavian Jeffers Gaige Phillips Kyle Dempsey Ethan Shelton Trent Weaver Manny Reyes Samuel Traylor Micah Boone

14 Rome Life August 2017 ARMUCHEE HIGH pgs 12-13-14-15-16-17 14

7/29/2017 11:04:07 AM

WHERE ARE THEY NOW

Ethan Scoggins Offensive Line Berry College

Josh Woodard Offensive Line Berry College

Will Jacobs Offensive Line Berry College

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On the Field Head Coach: Muhammad Abdellatif Defensive Coordinator: Mike Bartik Assistant Coaches: Jamey Rice, Briggs Taylor, Andy Henderson, Brandon Sams Team Doctor: Mark Floyd Athletic Trainer: Bo Bradshaw Rome Life August 2017 ARMUCHEE HIGH pgs 12-13-14-15-16-17 15

7/29/2017 11:04:41 AM

CHEER By Elise Tallent

CHEER SPOTLIGHT: Ally Davis ARMUCHEE HIGH pgs 12-13-14-15-16-17 16

The Armuchee community is no stranger to team spirit. The roaring cheers of the crowd and the sound of the band can be heard rallying for the Indians every Friday night during the fall season under the lights of Armuchee High School Football Stadium. Leading among those cheers is Armuchee High School senior and cheer captain Ally Davis. Davis has been cheering on the same group of football players since they were all in fourth grade together, and that bond has motivated Davis to lead the loudest fans of the Indians to be even louder. “I think I’ve become really passionate about it since I got in to high school, and it has been more about the boys and keeping them motivated and staying positive for them,” Davis said. “I try to always stay positive and upbeat and I always enjoy seeing them do well.” As a newly appointed cheer captain for the Indians this season, Davis values leading by example when it comes to cheering on the boys in blue. “I know that if I’m upbeat and positive and loud, and if I work hard and I show that I care for the team, then others are going to, and it spreads,” she said. When reflecting on her memories leading up to her final year as an Armuchee cheerleader, Davis says that one of her favorite memories was beating Coosa in 2015. “My sophomore year when we beat Coosa, the students stormed the field and we were all hugging and it was just so exciting because we were kind of the underdogs and they’re kind of rivals for us,” Davis said. Along with being a football cheer captain, Davis is also a basketball cheerleader, an FCA officer, and is a part of the yearbook staff at Armuchee High School. Looking ahead to her senior season, Davis offers a call to action to the students and community when cheering on the Indians. “I just want everyone to stay positive and I want our boys to do the best they can,” she said. “I don’t care about winning as long as I can see that they’re trying and putting forth their best effort. I want the whole school to be involved and have spirit for their community, and to let them be proud that they come from Armuchee High School.”

ARMUCHEE CHEERLEADERS Brynn Hall Mattison Hawkins Ramsey Blair Aubrie Ellis Morgan Rogers Kenzie Fisher Bailey Williams

Caroline Ray Jaylyn Barnes Ally Davis Rylee Cook Kaylie Terry Kaylin Coffman Maura Duke

7/29/2017 11:05:13 AM

Hitting the High Note! By Elise Tallent

Kayla Hutcherson embraces leadership

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Among the cheers and rallies from Armuchee High School Stadium on Friday nights in the fall is the sound of the Armuchee High School Band. This season, that band will be under the direction of newly appointed head drum major, and junior, Kayla Hutcherson. Hutcherson has been in the Armuchee band playing the clarinet since sixth grade, but her role changed last year as she was appointed assistant drum major. “Last year I was assistant drum major and I got to salute with our head drum major, Haley, and so we marched out on to the field together and they [the announcer] said, ‘Drum majors, Haley Lopez and Kayla Hutcherson, is your band ready,’ and that was the coolest moment ever because we were both doing the same salute perfectly in time and I felt so powerful, like the band is in our hands,” Hutcherson said. As newly appointed head drum major, Hutcherson is embracing the responsibilities of having full leadership over the band after her time spent setting an example as a clarinet player. “I think the main reason that I’m in this position, as drum major, is because of the example that I set as a clarinet player,” she said. “When I didn’t have a leadership position, and I was setting that example, everybody told me that I was going to be in leadership someday.” Though her role in the band may have changed, the unique experience and rewards that come from being a member of the Armuchee High School Band have remained the same. “In our band, we always like to say that band is a family because we spend so much time together and we really get to know each other and get super close because we have a small band,” Hutcherson said. “We all just really get to know each other, we’re there for each other, support each other, and just encourage each other, and of course we all have lots of fun playing our instruments and learning our shows and performing. I love band.” Outside of band, Hutcherson is also involved in National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, academic decathlon, and is a member of both the track and cross country teams. As for her first season as head drum major, Hutcherson is looking forward to the experience and continuing to cheer on the Indians with the band every Friday night this fall. “I’m just really excited…I’m just ready to experience what it’s like as a drum major and conducting in front of a band and being so proud of them because I am already…I’m just ready,” she said.

7/29/2017 11:05:45 AM

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7/29/2017 10:55:48 AM

ARMUCHEE 8/18 at LaFayette 8/25 vs. LFO 9/08 at Temple 9/15 vs. Rockmart 9/22 at Model 9/29 vs. Coosa 10/13 at Gordon Central 10/20 vs. Chattooga 10/27 at Pepperell 11/03 vs. Dade County

COOSA 8/25 vs. Coahulla Creek 9/01 vs. North Murry 9/08 at Mt. Zion 9/15 at Chattooga 9/22 vs. Pepperell 9/29 at Armuchee 10/13 vs. Dade County 10/20 at Rockmart 10/27 vs. Model 11/03 vs. Gordon Central

DARLINGTON 8/25 vs. Gaston 9/01 vs. Ridgeland 9/08 at Heard County 9/15 vs. Gordon Lee 9/22 at Bowdon 9/29 vs. Mt. Zion 10/6 at North Cobb Christian 10/13 vs. Trion 10/20 at Christian Heritage 11/03 at Region 6-A Play-In

GEORGIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF 8/26 at Tennessee School for the Deaf 9/9 vs. Louisiana School for the Deaf 9/16 at Carolinas School for the Deaf 9/30 vs. Carolinas School for the Deaf 10/7 at Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind 10/21 at Louisiana School for the Deaf

MODEL 8/25 vs. Sonoraville 9/01 at Adairsville 9/08 vs. Northwest Whitfield 9/15 at Dade County 9/22 vs. Armuchee 9/29 at Pepperell 10/13 vs. Chattooga 10/20 vs. Gordon Central 10/27 at Coosa 11/03 at Rockmart

PEPPERELL 8/25 at Ridgeland 9/01 vs. Pickens 9/08 vs. Cedartown 9/15 vs. Gordon Central 9/22 at Coosa 9/29 vs. Model 10/13 at Rockmart 10/20 at Dade County 10/27 vs. Armuchee 11/03 at Chattooga

ROME 8/25 vs. Harrison 9/01 vs. Drew 9/08 vs. Kell 9/22 at Paulding County 9/29 vs. Carrollton 10/06 at Hiram 10/13 vs. Cass 10/20 at Villa Rica 10/27 at East Paulding 11/03 vs Woodland

UNITY 8/12 at Twiggs Academy 8/18 vs. Shiloh Hills 8/25 vs. Young Americans 9/01 vs. New Creation 9/08 at Shiloh Hills 9/15 at Vidalia Heritage 9/22 at Arlington 9/29 vs. Peachtree 10/13 at Harvester 10/20 at Young Americans 10/27 at Cherokee Christian 11/03 GICAA Div II 1st Round Playoffs

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7/29/2017 10:52:33 AM

Player spotlight

Sean Brown

Sean Brown, TE/DE, Junior There’s an older, more experienced team ready to take the field at Coosa High School this season. And while Sean Brown is a junior, his performance last season — coupled with his offseason growth — make him a strong cornerstone for what the Eagles hope to build on in 2017. Listed at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds, Brown was a key component to Coosa’s defense last season, recording 21 tackles and six assists while picking up four tackles for loss, four and a half sacks, and an interception. He also knocked down three passes in his slot at defensive end. Since the end of last season, however, Brown has stepped up his focus at tight end, hoping to see more action on offense and giving the Eagles another target for returning quarterback Logan Pledger. “I think we are a little bit, not much, but a little bit more seasoned ball club,” head coach Todd Wheeler said. “We’re not as young as we were last year. For us, depth is going to be an issue, but the kids have been working real hard.”

COOSA HIGH pgs 20-21-22-23-24-25 20

7/29/2017 10:47:38 AM

EAGLES Todd Wheeler The leap made by the Coosa Eagles last season proved that there was improvement being made out on the west side of Floyd County. And for his fifth year at the helm, head coach Todd Wheeler is hoping to continue that trend with a group of players that has grown up with the program. Coosa went 1-9 in 2015 and posted a 4-6 record last season, including going 3-4 in Region 7-AA. “7-AA is an exciting region,” Wheeler said. “On any given week anybody can beat anybody. I think the key factor all the way across the board is injuries, so we’ve tried to address that this summer in the weight room.” Wheeler said his staff has worked to tweak some of the Eagles’ schemes to better fit their personnel and the kids have responded to those changes well during summer workouts. “I think last year we had some sophomores in some key positions — quarterback, defensive line, things of that nature — so they made some sophomore mistakes,” Wheeler said. “Being young hurt us some last year, but I think the maturity in that group is going to be an asset for us. Maturity in some key positions is one of the things I’m most excited about.”

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7/29/2017 10:48:13 AM

THE ONES TO WATCH #8 Chandler Hubbard Linebacker, Senior

Working at the outside linebacker position last season, Hubbard had 32 tackles and 11 assists while tallying six tackles for loss and two interceptions, including one ran back for a touchdown.

#10 Logan Pledger Quarterback, Junior

Picking up tons of experience as a sophomore, Pledger held tough throughout the season and made some key plays throughout the season. He has some improved targets as well as help in the running game.

#43 Gavin Hughes LB/RB, Junior

Hughes made the most of his speed last season and performed well at linebacker while also getting some time at running back. His 61 tackles and 24 assists were complemented by some hard runs and touchdowns.

#73 Mason O’Neal OL/DL, Senior

A two-way lineman for the Eagles, O’Neal had 26 tackles, 10 assists, 11 tackles for loss and three sacks working on Coosa’s defensive front last year. On offense, he had an 84-percent rating at guard and allowed no sacks.

Coosa High School Jersey #

Name

Grade

Cody Holloway

Tristan Millsap

Dakota Roper

Sean Brown

Timmy Obernlander

Derricus Clarke

Nicholas Threadgill

Kameron White

Gavin Hughes

Malaki Martin

Greg Wheeler

Jaylon Newlson

Ridge Holcomb

Chandler Hubbard

Jordan Wolff

Jaxon Thomas

Satoshi Katara

Logan Pledger

Caleb Shiftlett

Cameron Low

Logan Yacadics

Kenon Dixon

Brooks Moore

Theo Blackbur

Ismael Oellanna

Lavender Millsap

Alex Walker

Juan Cornejo

Xavier Tillery

Tavares Herrington

Dustin Tate

Chris Brockman

Mason O’Neal

Chan Gordon

CJ Henry

Ethan Bartlett

Tyler Gunnells

Keilan Shorter

Caleb Nichols

Keniyven Chambers

Hayden Dempsey

Jordon Mitchell

Jacob Flemister

Jacob Casterjon

Joe Thomson

Jakeem Mitchell

Griffin Goss

Grade

Jersey #

9 11

22 Rome Life August 2017 COOSA HIGH pgs 20-21-22-23-24-25 22

7/31/2017 12:40:57 PM

WHERE ARE THEY NOW Bryson Lamboy Defensive Line Berry College

Chris Jones Punter Dallas Cowboys

Duke Blackburn Wide Receiver Berry College

Kaleb Ogles Offensive Line Shorter College

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On the Field Head Coach: Todd Wheeler Assistants: Ricky Medlock Nathan Wehunt David Ross Jeff Shiftlett Robert Baker Mark Middleton, Michael Dougherty Ruben Maldonado Rome Life August 2017 COOSA HIGH pgs 20-21-22-23-24-25 23

7/29/2017 10:49:17 AM

CHEER By Megan Broome

CHEER SPOTLIGHT: SIDNEY LACEY COOSA HIGH pgs 20-21-22-23-24-25 24

The excitement of a Coosa High School football game is met with a spectacle of stunts and energetic cheerleaders on the sidelines pushing the team to victory. At the base of these stunts is Sidney Lacey, senior varsity cheerleader. Having been a cheerleader for four years for basketball, competition and football, cheering for football is her favorite way to show spirit for her school. “I like being in front of everyone and still watching the game,” she said. Lacey grew up watching football and describes the incredible feeling of getting to cheer while also watching the sport. “It’s just a rush and brings everyone together,” she said. Performing stunts on the sidelines is a favorite moment for her and something that is unique to football cheerleading. “We are pumped together,” said Lacey, who’s committed to Coosa and the hardworking sports program she says the school possesses. “It’s such an honor,” she said about representing the school. “Just an amazing feeling.” The bus ride to games at rival fields is accompanied by eager chatting and “girl talk” to bond even more closely as a team. Lacey describes the family atmosphere as “a bunch of sisters getting ready together.” At home games, the cheerleaders line up in two lines on the field and cheer the Eagles on as they run through the sign to begin the game. Lacey describes the Velcro sign as extremely heavy but a form of team-building. “It’s bonding time,” she said. As a senior, Lacey is heartbroken to see her time as a Coosa cheerleader nearing its end. “Knowing that this is my last year is just so sad. I love it so much,” she said. And hopes to continue cheering in college while studying orthodontics. “It’s an awesome thing to cheer as a college cheerleader,” she said. Her personal goal is to be “that captain that was always nice and a positive leader that no one will forget.” Wherever she ends up in life, she will always be sure to cheer, “have a great day and go Eagles.”

COOSA CHEERLEADERS Karen Avila Johnna Hamilton Tori Hames Sidney Lacey Cheyenne Lambert Morgan Martin Arianah Palmer

Morgan Shropshire Taylor Spurling Adasia Sullivan Adriana Wade Hannah West Makhia Williams Jakira Williams

7/29/2017 10:50:05 AM

Hitting the High Note! By Megan Broome

Allison Stanley

plays her heart out

COOSA HIGH pgs 20-21-22-23-24-25 25

Conducting the Coosa High School Marching Band to success through waving arms and music cues is Allison Stanley, senior drum major. Stanley began her band experience in 9th grade by playing the trumpet during concert season. She remembers her supportive band director, Adam Daniel, sitting with her several days after school to help her learn the trumpet. Through her high school years, Stanley became a jack of all trades by participating in winter guard, color guard and eventually becoming drum major. “It’s a different role in band and more responsibility,” said Stanley about why she wanted to be drum major. Changing from color guard to drum major provided unique chal-lenges for Stanley who had to learn to conduct music and properly march with an instrument. “I have to learn things before I teach them,” she said. “I had to learn how to interpret and perform music.” Her favorite part about being drum major is having creative freedom in how to interpret and relay the music. “I get to interpret the music myself,” she said. Her goal for the season is to “help the entire band improve.” Friendship has played a key role in Stanley’s band experience, as her friends are who encouraged her to audition for color guard. The loud and rowdy stadium is a favorite aspect of marching band for Stanley, who gets “very involved” with the music and cheering of the crowd. “We all start getting excited together,” Stanley said. There’s an intimacy within the close-knit band community amidst the crowd of hundreds of people. “It’s more time to spend with friends,” she said. “In this band, you really become a family.” It is customary for drum majors to have a salute before the show is performed, and Stanley chose to go with a simple routine. “Judges appreciate simpler salutes,” Stanley said. Thinking about her last year, Stanley describes feelings of sadness at departing. “I am so sad about leaving,” she said as she plans to attend college at the University of Georgia where’s she’ll study to be a veterinarian as well as participate in the marching band. “I have found a passion for helping those who can’t help themselves,” Stanley said. This year’s theme is “In the Garden of Good and Evil,” and director Adam Daniel looks to Stanley as one of the good students. “She has been an outstanding leader for her peers and someone I can always depend on,” Daniel said.

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7/29/2017 10:41:57 AM

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8/25/16 4:34 PM

7/29/2017 10:40:27 AM

Player spotlight

Tijai Whatley Tijai Whatley, RB, Senior The toughness of Tijai Whatley is on display whenever he takes the field. Combine that with his skills maneuvering through defenses with speed and it’s easy to see why Whatley is one of the most dangerous running backs in the area. This season sees the veteran of the Darlington backfield lead a resilient but young group from “The Lakeside” and into Region 6-A. Whatley comes off a junior season where he rushed for more than 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns despite missing the majority of two games after suffering a scary injury in Week 8. He also had 18 receptions at slot receiver for 346 yards and six touchdowns, making him a solid offensive double threat. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound athlete is committed to Georgia Tech. “Tijai has been a tremendous impact player for us,” Darlington head coach Tommy Atha said, adding that the group of seniors this season are coming in with a bevy of experience that he hopes will increase their production on the field. “We’re looking forward to their leadership, but we’re also looking to see how some of these rising sophomores and rising juniors step up to the plate.”

DARLINGTON pgs 28-29-30-31-32-33 28

7/29/2017 10:35:25 AM

TIGERS Tommy Atha

It’s a similar story every year for Darlington, according to head coach Tommy Atha. But this year brings an influx of new blood, both on the field and the sideline, as the Tigers come into the second season in a row in Region 6-A with some lessons learned and progress made. “You know, we lose some key guys that have been productive for us. But we’re small in terms of numbers, so a lot of the younger guys have to get varsity experience early on,” Atha said. “So each year you get kids coming in that have had experience and can fill in the gaps.” While the competition at quarterback may not be decided upon until late in the preseason, whomever does get the nod will have the support of running back Tijai Whatley and tight end Jacob Hunt along with a group of receivers Atha said has made some great strides in the offseason. Also, for the first time in 20 years Atha will not be making the calls on offense as Brent Bell joins Darlington’s coaching staff as the Tigers’ new offensive coordinator. “We’ll still be very similar in terms of scheme, but with new off coordinator there will be some additions and takeaways from what we’ve done in the past,” Atha said.

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THE ONES TO WATCH #44 Jacob Hunt TE/DE, Senior

One of the most versatile athletes on Darlington’s roster, Hunt was the leading tackler on the Tigers’ defensive line last season while displaying blocking and catching abilities at tight end.

#17 Elijah Ball OL/DL, Senior

Another two-way threat for the Tigers, Ball’s biggest impact comes at tackle as he is fast off the line while also finding his way to the ball. He had 12 tackles for loss and seven quarterback pressures as a junior.

#16 Karl Swiger RB/LB, Senior

Swiger is making a move from mainly cornerback to fullback this season and can be a major contributor after Atha said he has made some good improvement in the weight room.

#20 Barrick Wade Split End, Junior

The Tigers threw the ball a fair amount during their spring game and Wade was a favorite target. He caught touchdown passes of 34 and 20 yards and is part of a group that has Atha excited to see what they can do through air.

Darlington High School Jersey # Name Grade 1 Thomas Speed 9 2 Tijai Whatley 12 3 Roth Wilcox 11 4 Kolin Rogers 10 5 Ian Payne 12 6 Brady Drummond 10 7 Karsen Swiger 10 8 Griffin Brewster 10 9 Ezra Barnette 11 11 Haydin Shinn 10 12 Luke Overbay 9 14 Frank Manning 10 15 Joseph Ingram 12 16 Karl Swiger 12 17 Alex Liddle 10 18 Luke Lewis 9 19 Casey Zazzaro 11 20 Barrick Wade 11 21 Mitch Crego 12 22 Kelan Stepp 12 23 Luke McDurmon 9 24 Tyler Watkins 9 25 Dawson Williams 10 27 Jackson Brewster 9 28 Casey Gunn 9 32 Tommy Atha 11 34 Hampton Watkins 10 37 Rhett McDurmon 11 44 Jacob Hunt 12 45 Kobe Nadu 10 50 Burke Schrimscher 9 51 Jacob Daniel 11 53 Ted Gardner 12 54 Elijah Ball 12 55 Cade Brock 10 57 Colin Zazzaro 11 60 Austin Rogers 12 61 Tate Ratledge 10 62 Tyson Dougherty 10 63 Owen Payne 9 64 Dalton Stinson 12 66 Ayden Langford 10 67 Blake Collier 10 77 Tigger Frix 11 88 Gil Mauer 10

30 Rome Life August 2017 DARLINGTON pgs 28-29-30-31-32-33 30

7/29/2017 10:37:07 AM

WHERE ARE THEY NOW

Patrick Kearns

Offensive Lineman Virginia Tech

Robert Muschamp Fullback Auburn

Logan Rice

Wide Receiver Auburn

Elijah McKoy Safety Furman

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On the Field Head Coach: Tommy Atha Assistant Coaches: Kevin Hunt, Patrick Collier, Eddie Guth, Brent Bell, Dean Ratledge, Kelly McDurmon, Jeff Collier, Gavin Lawrence, Dakota Ball Athletic Trainers: Donny Brown, Jenny Sternfeld Rome Life August 2017 DARLINGTON pgs 28-29-30-31-32-33 31

7/30/2017 8:28:07 AM

CHEER By Elise Tallent Between the music from the stadium band, the roar of the “Bleacher Creatures” student section, and the spirit of the Darlington Varsity Cheer squad, Chris Hunter Stadium is the perfect place to be for a Tiger on a Friday night. Though this environment doesn’t come easy, and just as the football team prepares for each game, Darlington cheer prepares to keep the spirit alive regardless of the numbers on the scoreboard. Head coach Bebe Cline and assistant coach Anne Paige Wilson an-swered a few questions regarding the upcoming season and provided insight into their five senior leaders and how they will be creating the spirit for the Tigers this upcoming season. In total, 26 girls will make up Darlington varsity and junior varsity cheer this season — five of whom are seniors: Mary Harbin Gilbert, Ellison Brewster, Caroline Cordell, Jaqueline Cline, and Rosalee Kelley. In preparation for the upcoming season, the squad had a team work week beginning on Aug. 7 where they engaged in team building activities and began piecing routines together.

DARLINGTON pgs 28-29-30-31-32-33 32

“We bring a clinician in to work with the girls the first three days, and the girls will work to prepare all of our spirit signs, learn over 100 cheers and sideline dances, and do team bonding exercises,” Cline and Wilson said before workouts began. As for season’s goals, Darlington cheer keeps a consistency from year-to-year with strengthened ambitions for all members of the squad and student body. “Our goals are simple: To increase school spirit and attendance at all athletic events and get the student body PK-12 excited about being a Tiger, and for each cheerleader to become confident, grow in their cheering, dancing and stunting skills, and above all represent Darlington and herself in the best possible way at well at all times,” said Cline and Wilson. With an impressive involvement and team bond, it’s no surprise that seniors Gilbert, Brewster, Cordell, Cline, and Kelley represent the Tigers well and are active leaders not only within the team, but also the community. “Combined, these five seniors have over 700 community service hours for the past 3 years,” the coaches said. “This group of seniors has been an

active part of our team community outreach the past three years through two breast cancer awareness football games and one childhood cancer awareness football game through the Rally foundation.” “Additionally, our squad is responsible for helping to host open houses, back to school nights and we participate in alumni weekend,” they added. “These girls are proven leaders in the Darlington community. Several of them hold offices in clubs and other organizations on our campus, including being active leaders in the dorms.” Looking ahead to this season, the most important aspect of keeping the spirit alive at Darlington in 2017 can be remembered as an important lesson for each member of the squad during their cheerleading careers. “Be prepared to lead and engage the crowd regardless of what the scoreboard says, and to serve as an example of good sportsmanship,” Cline and Wilson said. The season starts at home in Chris Hunter Stadium on Aug. 25 when the Tigers face off against Gaston High School.

7/31/2017 12:43:24 PM

Hitting the High Note! By Elise Tallent

Rand Smith leads by example

DARLINGTON pgs 28-29-30-31-32-33 33

Unlike a typical high school marching band, the Darlington stadium band has been the heartbeat of the Tigers’ spirit both at home and on the road, focusing solely on cheering for the boys in Tiger purple every Friday night. Senior, Rand Smith, began his journey with the Darlington band program in fourth grade. Smith is a trumpet player for the Darlington Tiger Band who has been rooting on the Tigers through music for several years. “It’s a great experience,” Smith said. “We always have a great time, and we always can learn and improve ourselves musically and have a great time doing it.” The band can be heard loud and clear at Chris Hunter Stadium when the Tigers are at home. But the band also travels with the team to every away game — giving the team the support and familiar sound that they need to be successful on the road. “Stadium band, of course, is just very fun, getting to travel and going to all the football games and cheering on the Tigers…high school band,” Smith said. “You reap a lot of rewards from doing it.” For Smith, part of those rewards come from being able to assume leadership responsibilities as an upperclassman in the band while setting an example for the younger Tigers. “Usually the upperclassmen in each section really step up to the plate and kind of lead sectionals, and that role is kind of assumed by those upperclassmen…having come through the program, finally, I’m able to be at the top of my career musically,” he explained. “Whenever you get to work with [younger students], whether they be freshman or fourth graders, as an upper-schooler, they really get to see how you act and then that hopefully will inspire them to continue to do band and try to accomplish the same things that you do and maybe even beyond that, so I’m grateful for that opportunity.” Along with his involvement in the Darlington band program, Smith plays varsity soccer for the Tigers, is the student council treasurer, a Tiger Expert for the admissions office, and serves as a head day mentor for the dorms on campus. As for favorite memories as a member of the stadium band, he says just being able to “go crazy” in the stands with some of his best friends is his favorite part of the experience. Now going into his senior season with the band, Smith is looking forward to his final year at Darlington with plans on going to college after graduation. “Of course I’m very excited and it is a little sad that it’s coming to a close, but I’m ready for this year and it’s going to be great.”

7/29/2017 10:39:00 AM

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7/29/2017 10:27:21 AM

Player spotlight

Hayden Smith

Hayden Smith, DL/OL, Senior The mill-town hard-working attitude of the Shannon community is represented on the football field each fall by the Model Blue Devils. And this year’s team has a core group of seniors who have labored away the past three years and now are being looked upon to lead the team. Hayden Smith spent the offseason preparing to accept that larger role, hitting the weight room and going through camps to increase his perception and agility as both defensive end and guard. He helped block for all-state quarterback Kyler Eldridge last season and had 40 total tackles and four sacks on defense. “Hayden has shown great leadership through his work ethic, and he’s a lead-by-example guy,” said Model head coach Gordon Powers, adding that a lot of the players want to be in his weight lifting group during workouts. “He’s a good example for some of the young kids. He’s a good athlete who has made himself a really good athlete.”

MODEL HIGH pgs 36-37-38-39-40-41 36

7/29/2017 10:22:33 AM

BLUE DEVILS GORDON POWERS There’s no hiding the fact that Model’s football team lost a large chunk of talent and experience after last season. But head coach Gordon Powers knows there no point in reflecting on the past.The Blue Devils will start several new faces this fall, and Powers is looking at it as a change of pace that has him and his staff excited for what lies ahead. “There’s a newness to it compared to last year when we knew what we had,” Powers said.“We’ve just got a lot of new faces on the scene. Some have been there a couple of years and are getting their shot to play, and some are young guys just coming up. “It’s almost like there’s an excitement of just something a little bit different.” There has been plenty of hard work for players in the offseason in order to develop and improve, and Powers said they have kind of began with the basics to help get the younger kids ready for what they’ll face on the field. “With all the teaching we’ve had to do through spring and summer it’s almost like we took over a brand new program,” Powers said.“We’ve kind of had to go back to square one. Even though our schemes are very similar to what we’ve been doing, it’s new to all of these kids so it’s like teaching them for the first time.”

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7/29/2017 10:23:10 AM

THE ONES TO WATCH #2 Kwalic Dublin RB/DB, Junior

A sure younger talent for the Blue Devils, Dublin gained some traction during the spring, culminating in some long runs in the spring game against Darlington. He comes into this season ready to make some leaps.

#6 Kidron Ford WR/DB, Junior

After a sophomore year of gaining valuable experience, Ford comes into this season as a top target for passing attacks and a solid part of the secondary. He had 28 receptions for 296 yards and two touchdowns in 2016.

#13 Oquavious Bullock LB/RB, Senior

Bullock got a shift in position over the offseason, being moved to outside linebacker from defensive back. The senior is another solid leader, according to Powers, and is sure to be a threat to opposing offenses.

#18 Jackson Couch Quarterback, Senior

Couch is one of the players ready to break out for Model this season after biding his time behind former QB Kyler Eldridge and taking in as much as possible. Powers said he has worked hard to be prepared for the starting job.

Model High School Player # Name Grade 1 Matthew Syverson 11 2 Kwalic Dublin 11 3 Ohigee Swinger 11 4 A.J. Woods 10 5 Tyler Gamble 10 6 Kidron Ford 11 7 Drew Tanner 10 8 Troy Arnold 9 9 Jaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;krebin Swinger 12 10 Cole Courey 10 11 McKinley Vaughn 10 12 Dawson Bradfield 11 13 Oquavious Bullock 12 14 Luke Holtzendorf 9 15 Jerrian Hames 9 16 David Clark 11 17 Colby Couch 9 18 Jackson Couch 12 19 Carlos McGee 12 20 Laronta Swinger 9 21 Sam Silver 9 23 Tyler Moore 12 24 Michael Wood 9 25 Hunter King 9 28 Jahari Merritt 9 29 Mason Sinnock 12 30 Brice Carden 10 31 Jake Payton 11 32 Alex Howell 9 33 Dawson Barlow 10 34 Matthew Spears 10 35 Christian Laguna 11 40 Duncan Blankenship 10 42 Ethan Davis 11

Player # Name Grade 44 Jacob Vinson 10 45 Mark Weatherington 9 47 Ben Estes 9 48 Hunter Robbins 12 50 Hayden Smith 12 51 Austin Wheeler 9 52 Will Blalock 8 53 Jace Pearson 12 54 Karson Eldridge 11 55 Hayden Warner 9 56 Liam Clay 12 58 Bryce Moore 9 59 Landon Trotter 10 60 Tralin Broughton 9 61 Griffin Burgess 11 62 Jacob Barrett 12 63 Kaeden Freeman 9 64 Elijah Frost 10 65 Bryce Beall 11 66 Logan Angle 10 67 Shaud Askew 10 68 Chris Ridling 9 70 Mike Swiger 9 71 Blaine Valentine 12 72 Ty Brock 11 73 Xander Hammond 11 74 Gabe Jolly 9 75 Owen Henderson 9 7 Logan Brooks 9 80 Chyanne Reece 10 82 Elijah Wells 10 84 Richard Hughes 10 85 Corbin Lamb 10 86 Collin Barlow 11

38 Rome Life August 2017 MODEL HIGH pgs 36-37-38-39-40-41 38

7/31/2017 12:44:14 PM

WHERE ARE THEY NOW Chris Dublin Running Back Pikeville

Hunter Hayes Offensive Line Birmingham Southern

Kyler Eldridge Linebacker Kennesaw State

Steve Finley Tight End Reinhardt

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On the Field Head Coach: Gordon Powers Asst. Head Coach: Gary Johnson Offensive Line: Mark Jones Quarterbacks: Stephen Price Running backs: Donnie Mendence Wide Receivers: Robby Dooler Defensive line: Chad Wheat Outside Linebackers: Chris Rowland Defensive Backs: Ben Woodall Team Doctor: Dr. Charles May Athletic Trainer: Tamara MacIntyre Rome Life August 2017 MODEL HIGH pgs 36-37-38-39-40-41 39

7/29/2017 10:24:26 AM

CHEER

CHEER SPOTLIGHT: REAGAN DOOLEY

By Megan Broome Among the bustle of audience members and glow of Friday night lights at the football stadium, Reagan Dooley cheers on the crowd to encourage the Model Blue Devils to victory. “Being around football is getting to be a part of it,” Dooley said.” Being a fan of football her entire life, she enjoys the “adrenaline” that comes with cheerleading at games. As captain, Dooley has high hopes that this upcoming season will be the most memorable. “This season is going to be the best. This is the best family atmosphere for our cheer team,” Dooley said. Dooley’s goal as captain is to support and encourage her teammates as family does. “It’s an honor to encourage everyone,” she said. She hopes to grow even closer with her team throughout the season, saying she loves cheering with them. Her favorite cheers are “three word cheers” that pump up the crowd during an intense game. Before beginning cheerleading in 7th grade, gymnastics played an important role in her life and gave her the foundation needed for cheerleading. Hard work and determination are at the cornerstone of her success with frequent practices and cheer camps during the summer months. In June, the team goes on a three-day “team bonding camp” trip where they participate in team-building exercises. These exercises prove efficient, as loud music and constant chatter are the backdrop for bus rides to games that are played at rival stadiums. “Listening to music, jamming, getting to know each other [is] probably my favorite part,” Dooley said. Cheering with her friends is the highlight of her cheerleading career. In her spare time, Dooley loves to play tennis and has played while also cheering. She enjoys being involved with her church and going on youth trips. Reflecting on her last year as a varsity football cheerleader, Dooley describes a bittersweet feeling. “I’m sad that it’s coming to an end,” Dooley said. The support and passion Dooley has for being a leader resonates with her coaches who describe her as always having a smile on her face, a passion for cheering, and is always willing to do what is asked. With these qualities, Dooley is truly a “model” cheerleader.

MODEL CHEERLEADERS Reagan Dooley CeeCee Ely Mabrey Scoggins Abie Grace Penny Ansley Roden Brylen Cantrell Elizabeth Marshall Emma Dickinson Gracie Wheat Jalis Carter

Julia Rutland Libby Upton Macy Early Madelyn Wlkes Madison Meers Maggie Schrimsher Mauri McIntosh McKenzie Hardy Meredith Crego Molly Ryan Schrimsher

40 Rome Life August 2017 MODEL HIGH pgs 36-37-38-39-40-41 40

7/30/2017 8:30:24 AM

Hitting the High Note! By Megan Broome

Candice Peeler empowers, motivates

MODEL HIGH pgs 36-37-38-39-40-41 41

Among the colorful waving flags, powerful spinning rifles and graceful floating sabers, Candice Peeler stumbled into the marching band at Model High School. Peeler first approached color guard by helping a friend who was trying out, and fell in love with the sport. “I was drawn to the challenge of it,” she said. Peeler describes the “sense of community” within the group. “You can become friends with anyone in a moment just because you like the same things,” she said. “Closest friends are made through color guard.” Peeler harnesses this community effort to help her team build-up and support each other. “I want to be that person. Someone they can rely on,” Peeler said. Her personal goal as captain is to “dedicate [herself] to the pursuit of being better,” she said. The band helps the football team in its pursuit of victory by blasting music in the stands that resonates through the stadium. “The band is the biggest supporter of the football team,” Peeler said. “It’s inspiring to know.” The atmosphere in the stands is “amazingly high-energy,” Peeler said. Everyone dances along to tunes and shows pride in the community. Running onto the football field, Peeler has a “euphoric feeling.” “It’s unlike anything else I have ever felt,” she said. “I’m transported to a different place. I enjoy those moments and the memories you make through that,” she said. Muscle memory plays an important role for Peeler while performing, because the adrenaline puts her on autopilot. “If you remember nothing, you had a good performance,” she said. Picking up a rifle her sophomore year, Peeler instantly felt a connection to perform with it. “I feel some kind of kindred spirit with it,” she said. “I love the power that comes with it.” Marching band “teaches a discipline,” and Peeler feels it nicely correlates with the theme of the show: Space. A Monologue at the beginning of the show mentions the space race and doing something “not because it is easy but because it is hard,” and Peeler feels this way about marching band. “I’ve grown further than I ever thought I would come,” Peeler said. She hopes the show “empowers [the team] to realize they can change the world. Peeler motivates herself and teammates with the motto: “Small step today, large step towards the end of the show.”

7/29/2017 10:25:44 AM

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7/31/2017 12:45:41 PM

Player spotlight

Adam Anderson

Adam Anderson, DE, Senior Look down the defensive front of Rome High School’s football team and there are many guys who have caught the attention of opposing coaches and colleges. Adam Anderson’s 6-foot-5 frame tends to stand out at defensive end, and he’s set himself apart from the competition as well. The highly-recruited athlete is just one of several Division I prospects on Rome’s roster. Anderson led the Wolves with nine sacks, six forced fumbles and 31 tackles for loss last season as Rome hit its groove and won the Class 5A state championship. Head coach John Reid, who enters his third season with the Wolves, said while Anderson and his fellow defensive linemen are experienced, they have not been resting in the offseason. “I think that when you come to our standards of playing, one of our core values is trust,” Reid said. “Trust in the system has grown. And those kids that we have relied on have been the best. That’s what we told the kids early on, is the best players play, and those kids that we have relied on to be the best are now kind of battlehardened.”

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7/29/2017 10:06:56 AM

John Reid

Rome head coach John Reid knows it’s not as simple as just repeating as the Class 5A state champs.There are things that have to happen along the way the makes a team the best, and it’s those things — hard work, concentration, and commitment — that the Wolves are looking to bring back for this season. “This is the state of Georgia. Everybody is tough. So we can’t get caught up in that,” Reid said “So we never have talked about repeating or anything. Our goal going into spring was to try and be elite.Try to take it up another notch and be a better football team than we have. Obviously we were the best football team last year, but that doesn’t mean anything.” Reid said his players understand the impact of losing some key contributors from last year’s 13-2 squad. But there is still a bevy of talent in the Wolves’ ranks, and Reid said they plan to emphasize the fact that some of their kids are really good may get overlooked. No matter the awards and accolades, Reid said he and his staff try to remind the players to have fun. “We know that we want to finish by being the champions.We know that we want to be great,” Reid said. “But first and foremost we better to have fun doing it.”

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7/29/2017 10:07:37 AM

THE ONES TO WATCH #69 Jackson Norton Center, Senior

Norton set himself apart last season on an offensive front that featured plenty of good talent. Now he’s one of its senior leaders, holding down the center spot of a more phsical offensive line, according to Reid.

#2 Jamarcus Chatman Defensive End, Senior

Opposing offenses looking to avoid Adam Anderson will find Chatman waiting for them at the other end of the line. The fast 6-foot-3, 225-pound defensive end had 50 tackles and 12 tackles for loss last season.

#6 Jamious Griffin Running Back, Junior

Part of a one-two punch for the wolves in the backfield along with Jalynn Sykes, Griffin had 1,443 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns last season as well as a pair of punt returns ran into the end zone.

#12 Knox Kadum Quarterback, Junor

The third-year starter is coming off a season where he threw for 1,811 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 728 yards and seven more scores, all while setting the all-time school records for passing yards and touchdowns.

Rome High School Player # Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

Grade

Jose Leon Jamarcus Chatman Dequan’Dre Moore JaNathean Jett

11 12 10 10 QuenTerrius Kennemore 12 Jamious Griffin 11 Xavier Roberts 11 Jordan Watkins 11 Tim Jones 10 Trai Hodges 12 Knox Kadum 11 John Cromer 12 Stepheno Alston 11 Alonzo Law 10 Rodney Sullivan 12 Kenneth Williams 10 Adam Anderson 12 Ja’Darrien Henderson 10 Traceton Lawrence 10 Nick Burge 10 Ethan Scales 10 DeNorris Jackson 12 Jalynn Sykes 12 Marquis Glanton 11 Montrell Millsap 11 Trey Morgan 10 Jamar Roberts 11 Ernest Smith 10 Tori Jones 11 Jahqua Wright 12 Mataja Monford 11 Macai Seymore 10 Connor Bullard 11 Marquez Kirby 12 Alonzo Rodriquez 10 Charles Roundtree 11 Cheneniah McKeever 11 Alex Ables 12 Derricus Smith 11 Octaveous Askew 11 Quavantae Holmes 11 KJ Hicks 12 JaDerricus Caldwell 10 Jamie Perez 10 Jorge Fortanel 10

Player # Name 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 69 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 86 88 89 90 91 92 94 95 96 98 99

Grade

Michaelen Smith 10 Johnny Fields 11 Jabez Adams 10 Marcus Scott 12 T.J. Cammack 12 Simon Nguyen 10 Moriek Ramsey 12 Odesmun Heath 10 Stephano Green 10 Colt Hardin 11 Aaron Hamilton 11 Jalan McCarthur 10 Devin Floyd 11 Nick Prault 12 Anthony Butts 11 Aiden Rich 10 Carter Norton 11 Aiden Gaines 10 Ryan Martinez 11 Christian Cooke 12 Jackson Norton 12 Jordan Palmer 10 Jaysam Odeh 11 Tyler Lovingood 12 Kristopher North 11 Alex Harrison 11 Quantavious Leslie 10 Darryl Spencer 11 Kahlil Cooper 10 Tyreke Griffin 11 Jonathan Hernandez 10 Cameron Johnson 12 Malik Stewart 11 Deandre McCliniz 12 Corey Pass 12 DaShawn Runyon 10 Drew Cromer 10 Darius Jackson 11 Jordan Neal 10 Gabe Allen 12 Josh McGinnis 12 Ja’Quon Griffin 12 Marquivias Nicholson 11 Davien Parks 12 Emanuel Gonzalez 12

46 Rome Life August 2017 ROME HIGH pgs 44-45-46-47-48-49 46

7/29/2017 10:08:08 AM

WHERE ARE THEY NOW Jaylen Griffin Linebacker Virginia Tech

Jai Creamer

Wide Receiver Samford

Trey Turner Punter Liberty

Zach Kadum

Offensive Line Samford

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On the Field Head Coach and Defensive Line: John Reid Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks: Chris Boden Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs: Wayne Groves Offensive Line: Barry Hall Running Backs: Jason King Wide Receivers: Nick Bridges Linebackers: Jon Lovingood Athletic Trainer: Chad Wilson Rome Life August 2017 ROME HIGH pgs 44-45-46-47-48-49 47

7/29/2017 10:08:37 AM

CHEER

ROME CHEERLEADERS Kayla Nguyen Mason Britt Rachael Beeman Torace Booker Autumn Porter Ansley Boyton Emma Kate Cowan Marichika Dammond Lauren Murphy

Mary Anna Formby Aleeyah Blanchard Caroline Jackson Emily Jarvis Alyse Palmer Kaytlyn Williams Zaysha Brown Anna Bonner Kalicia Johnson

Kiersten Cooke Savannah Hicks Colbi Jackson Emma McCreless Kaitlyn Murphy Kendall Murphy Calyiah Dennis

CHEER SPOTLIGHT: EMMA KATE COWAN ROME HIGH pgs 44-45-46-47-48-49 48

By Elise Tallent

Whether it’s under the lights at Barron Stadium or the Georgia Dome, the spirit displayed from students, fans, and alumni at Rome High football games is always a force to be reckoned with. One of the leaders behind the roars of the thousands of Rome-Floyd county residents in attendance at the state championship game and the thundering cheers every Friday night at Barron Stadium is junior cheerleader, Emma Kate Cowan. Cowan has cheered since she was in kindergarten, going back to her years at East Central Elementary and on through middle school to Rome High School — making the varsity squad immediately as a freshman. Though two years ago, she could not have imagined the journey on which cheerleading would take her. “At the high school level, especially since we won the state championship last year, I really think it means getting the whole town involved and being able to have a support system for the team,” she said. “And so on Friday nights, it’s really important that everyone is cheering for Rome and not just the students.” Unity has been somewhat of a theme within the past year for Rome as the packed crowd at the Georgia Dome was a reflection of the pride and spirit that Cowan and her fellow cheerleaders work diligently to keep alive. “It was crazy standing on the sidelines looking up and seeing the whole stadium filled with red,” continued Cowan, “I can’t even explain it. It’s nothing I’ve ever seen before.” While on an upswing of accomplishment, Cowan seeks to see the same success this season on the sidelines as well. “Now that we’re a football state champion cheer team, we have to look just as good as the football team on Friday nights,” she said. Just as every team seeks improvement each season, Cowan is excited for the opportunity to help her squad make some improvements for 2017. Along with cheerleading, Cowan was also a member of the tennis team this past season, and involved in the organizations of Future Busi-ness Leaders of America, National Honor Society, and SkillsUSA. Although still a junior, she already has future plans and hopes to at-tend either the University of Georgia or Clemson University to cheer and study to achieve her dream job in sports broadcasting. Looking ahead to this season, Cowan wishes to see the same en-gagement as last football season and beyond from fans, students, faculty, and alumni. “I definitely think everyone should come and see us even if they’re not really that big of a football fan,” she said. “I think the whole vibe we’ll be giving this year will just be fun and exciting for the whole town, and obviously, for all of the students to come support because our student section is also really fun. “I feel like this season is going to be the best one yet, and it’s going to be fun for everyone.”

7/29/2017 10:09:02 AM

Hitting the High Note!

Jarrett Swanson Band is a family By Elise Tallent The Rome Band has been a special experience to two and a half decades worth of Rome High students who choose to pursue band as an extracurricular activity throughout their time in high school. However, this past season, the students in the Rome High School Band were given an extraordinarily unique experience that no Rome band student in the twenty-four years before them has had the oppor-tunity to experience — two grand championships of their own along with a performance in the Georgia Dome to top off a state championship football season. Jarrett Swanson joined the band as a sixth grade student and picked up the trumpet as a result of influences from his mother and uncle who both played trumpet during their time at West Rome High School. After playing trumpet in the band for seven years, Swanson is now an upcoming senior and one of two band captains for the Sound of the Seven Hills’

ROME HIGH pgs 44-45-46-47-48-49 49

2017-2018 season. “The way it works at Rome is we have the entire band vote on who they feel could best lead them and who they would want to represent them, so it’s a pretty humbling experience knowing I was chosen by my friends and peers to lead the band and that they thought I could do a good job with that responsibility,” Swanson said. Since he first stepped foot on the field at Barron Stadium as a high school band student three years ago, the band has grown by 40 members, introduced new performance-themed props, and also earned two grand championship trophies which came within the past year. Through the growth and transition of the band in his previous three years at Rome High School, Swanson notes the impact that band has had on his high school career. “Band has really grown to be part of a family to me,” he said. “My strongest friendships and relationships in general have come through the band. It’s one of the strongest communities in Rome, and it has really molded me to be the person

I am today.” Much like the band’s growth, Swanson has witnessed the football team transform into state champions after experiencing a 3-6 season his first year of high school. The band experienced that same sense of accomplishment this year when bringing home two grand championships. “When we got off the field, I remember all of us taking our shakos off just steaming with sweat, and then when they started announcing awards and our best in class, our name was called, that feeling of just — ‘Wow this all has ended up paying off and we really did something with this season’, and just how phenomenal that felt,” he said. Swanson said he has future hopes of attending the University of Georgia and studying music education. He’d like to pursue a Masters’ degree in trumpet performance and obtain a doctorate for his long-term goal of teaching at a college or university. The Rome Band will debut its 2017-2018 production, ‘Alleluia’ this upcoming football season.

7/29/2017 10:09:37 AM

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The Twin Towers: Remembering the glory days Severo Avila

I’m friends with the two biggest knuckleheads in Floyd County. If you know the Kirby brothers - Blaine and Blake - you know that they are two of the nicest, funniest guys you could ever meet. But they’re a complete mess. They’re identical twins and they both have loud, boisterous, outgoing personalities. They will cut up with anyone. As long as you can take a joke, those boys will have you thoroughly entertained. They love to give each other a hard time about who’s the better looking one and who’s the fitter of the two and who’s the most athletic. Which is funny because their best years are clearly behind both of ‘em. But I get tickled when they bring up their football days. They played at Armuchee. This would have been from 1992-1996. Blake played outside linebacker and tight end. Blaine played offensive tackle and defensive end. In 1995 they

both made the all area team and all state team. They both made all area their junior and senior years. But here’s the best part. They call themselves the “Twin Towers” and claim that’s what they were known as. But I can’t find a single person who actually called them that. I think they just came up with that one day and and hoped it would catch on. But it didn’t. They both were offered scholarships to play college ball. Blaine played for Tusculum College in Tennessee while Blake got a degree in smack-talking. These boys love to reminisce about their “glory days” on the field and it makes me smile to know that football still means so much to them even though they’re both old men now with beer guts and receding hairlines. And the coolest part is that they’re extremely proud of their dad, Vic Kirby, who was a running back at East Rome and at Darlington. He was the leading scorer and rusher for Darlington in 1967. He’s a hero in their eyes. And going back even farther, their granddaddy Cree Kirby played football for the original Rome High Hilltoppers and then went on to play at Georgia in 1943 but dropped out to join the Navy and fight in WWII. Football runs in their blood. And I roll my eyes when football season comes around cause I know I’ll have to sit and listen to the legend of the Twin Towers retold time and again. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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RLM_A_0092_0820 A52 Severo Column 52

6/23/17 4:59 PM

7/29/2017 9:50:01 AM

Football from the past Taken from the Sunday, Aug. 20, 1967 edition of the Rome News Tribune

New coaches await start of ’67 season Telling the players without a program will probably be easier this season than picking out the coaches because so many changes has been made since the close of the 1966 season. There are three new head coaches in the immediate Rome area. Jack Shamblin, an assistant for several years, has moved up at Chattooga High in Summerville, while Ken Smallwood took over at

Calhoun after David Patterson decided to return to East Rome as an assistant coach. Also, T.M. Tucker was elevated at Adairsville. Further up north, Clyde (Sonny) Cross has been selected to replace Ken Shepard as head coach at Valley Point. Several schools have new assistant coaches. Ed Hicks is assisting Branch Bragg at Coosa after several successful seasons as head coach at Chattooga; Brendel Cox is filling in at West Rome for Randall Kent who returned to school on a fellowship; Patterson and Jerry Sharp

v v

are new additions at East Rome; Hamp Alexander, former Adairsville athletic director, is now on Smallwood’s staff at Calhoun and Ed Duke has joined Tucker at Adairsville. Ray Carter lost a pair of assistants at Cedartown when Jimmy Mayben was named principal at Purks Junior High and Lloyd Culp decided to give up coaching. So far, no new assistants have been hired. Jerry Gatlin has moved from the Pepperell staff to Model where he is assistant to Ralph Tuggle.

Sophia Vargo a Sophomore Member of The Rome High Marching Band “Sound of the Seven Hills” mel&mimi wish you another WINNING season!

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7/21/17 10:11 AM 7/31/2017 12:47:04 PM

Player spotlight

Connor Chandler Connor Chandler, DB/WR, Sr. The Dragons are out to contend for a second Region 7-AA title in a row this season, and they have the depth and experience to help support their endeavor. Connor Chandler is a big reason why they should feel good about it, according to head coach Rick Hurst. Chandler, who was a captain as a junior last season, was a top contributor on both sides of the ball, leading Pepperell in total receptions and recording 32 tackles, three tackles for loss and two interceptions at cornerback. “We’re going to go as he goes,” Hurst said of Chandler. “He’s a huge, huge player for us who hardly leaves the field. We moved him to safety and I think he’s going to shine.” Chandler is part of a group of senior players entering their third season under Hurst who have shown him they are ready to step up and become better leaders. “I think lot of those juniors from last year has done that,” Hurst said. “That’s great to see in a class that has always had a class ahead of them.”

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7/29/2017 9:46:19 AM

DRAGONS Rick Hurst Head coach Rick Hurst knows that it’s human nature to try and take in the big picture. But he’s confident his Pepperell Dragons understand the focus they will need in order to make another run at a region title and continue the good things that are happening in Lindale. “They know it’s about doing their job, and I think that’s been our motto all year,” Hurst said. “If any talk of a repeat comes up, it’s me and it hasn’t been a lot. We’ve got a huge target on our backs and we know that. But you would rather be the team with the target than one people feel they can overlook.” Last year, the Dragons had their first 10-win season in eight years, getting to the Class AA quarterfinals before losing to eventual state champion Benedictine. Hurst said now that the seniors have two seasons working in the same system, they will be able to teach some of the younger players and help the team as a whole. And while he admits the saying has become sort of cliché, he has told his team to “just trust the process.” “Don’t focus on the big picture, focus on the next play,” Hurst said. “Then days will become weeks, weeks to months, and we’ll get into October before too long.”

Rome Life August 2017 PEPPERELL HIGH pgs 54-55-56-57-58-59 55

7/30/2017 8:33:07 AM

THE ONES TO WATCH #5 Tae Hammond RB/LB, Senior

Hammond has been a force for Pepperell’s running game and looks to continue that. He ran for 1,400 yards and 26 touchdowns for an 8.5 percarry average. When he’s not sprinting past defenses, he utilizes his speed at linebacker.

#6 Cameron Miles FS/SB, Junior

A good sophomore season put Miles on track for more success as a junior, and Hurst said his work in the secondary will be just as important as what he does at slotback for the Dragons this season.

#12 Trevor Thomas Quarterback, Senior

A solid signal-caller for the Dragons, Thomas was responsible for more than 1,400 yards of offense last season. But Hurst said it’s Thomas’ growth as a leader and a team representative that has him excited to see what he does this season.

#34 Jack Bennett Linebacker, Junior

Another junior who has cut his teeth with a good bit of varsity experience, Bennett is returning to linebacker with some extra confidence and good marks from Hurst when it comes to his improvement.

Pepperell High School Player # Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39

Grade

Blake Milam 12 Wheeler Mathis 10 Ryan Hurst 10 Connor Chandler 12 Tae Hammond 12 Camron Miles 11 Payton Rhoades 10 Mateo Garcia 10 TJ Watkins 12 Dalton Wright 10 Trevor Thomas 12 Gage Moses 9 Chase Gresham 9 Alec McDougal 10 Jake Chandler 10 Mason Fincher 10 Tylar Brown 10 Isaiah Bevels 10 Damon Self 12 Marsyan Griffin 9 Jimmy Powell 10 Josh Ross 10 Matthew Baxter 9 Trey Robinson 9 Andrew Wilder 11 Ramiro Alanis 11 Michael Corntassel 9 Mason Minter 11 Joe Marion 9 Griffin Kanelos 9 Evan Williams 9 Jake Bennett 11 Chris Barner 11 Tyler Liggons 10 Blaine Nichols 9 Darien Pasley 11 Levi Lane 9

Player # Name 40 41 42 43 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 70 71 72 73 74 76 79 80 87

Grade

Dylan Bailiff 11 Kaleb Underwood 10 Cade Thompson 12 Will Helton 9 JT Fincher 10 Spencer Bush 9 Kelly Robbinson 9 Matt McCord 9 Matthew Church 9 Bryan Williams 12 Tyler Liggons 10 Drake Miller 9 Tyson Purdie 11 Andrew Chandler 12 Keelan Long 11 Blake Perrien 12 Jacob Ballard 9 Zach Minter 11 Bryant Simpson 10 Dakota Hubbard 11 Zachary Davenport 9 Brian Tanner 12 Preston Goggans 9 Lewis Shell 9 Raul Rodriguez 11 Seth Minter 12 General Williams 9 Duncan Dawson 9 Mason Shedd 9 Clay Crawford 9 Torrence Scott 11 Jackson Glen 9 Parker Ewing 12 Jamal Ware 12 Caleb Whaley 9 Braden Giles 9 Brison Williams 9

56 Rome Life August 2017 PEPPERELL HIGH pgs 54-55-56-57-58-59 56

7/29/2017 9:45:40 AM

WHERE ARE THEY NOW

Andy Dodd Center McNeese State

Brice Pence Defensive Line Berry College

Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On the Field Head Coach: Rick Hurst Offensive Coordinator: Bobby Rhoades Defensive Coordinator: Jeff Hunnicutt Quarterbacks: Drew Carter Receivers: Justin Bishop Offensive Line: Zach Battles Safeties: Britt Chandler Defensive Ends: Ricky Holliday Defensive Tackles: Joe Knight Defensive Backs: Zach Valentine Team Doctor: Dr. Charles May Athletic Trainer: Andrea Mendence Rome Life August 2017 PEPPERELL HIGH pgs 54-55-56-57-58-59 57

7/29/2017 9:45:25 AM

CHEER

CHEER SPOTLIGHT: ANNA COX

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By Elise Tallent Fall is an eventful time of year for football fans and students every-where — including within the close-knit community of Lindale, where Dragon Drive is lined with gold and black as the Pepperell High School Dragons take the field on Friday nights. In such a spirited community, the Pepperell cheerleading squad can be credited for leading the rallies that fill the stadium when the boys are on the field. Anna Cox has been behind those rallies since she first began cheer-ing in elementary school. Now a senior in the class of 2018, Cox is willing to assume the added responsibilities behind the spirit of not only Pepperell Football, but also the Lindale community. “As a senior I now know that I have to be a good role model for the upcoming cheerleaders,” she said. “It has more responsibilities in my opinion than any other sport due to our school being a legend to football.” With seniority comes an inevitable expectation of leadership, and Cox understands the importance of keeping the spirit of gold alive not only in her final season as a Dragon, but for years to come. “It feels honorable to have leadership within the cheer squad and knowing they trust my judgments and opinions. It is a privilege to have leadership and to inspire the young ones,” she said. Along with cheerleading, Cox is also involved in Pepperell’s chapter of Future Farmers of America, holding an officer role as Chaplain of the club. Cox plans on going to college to pursue a degree in Agriculture. Looking ahead to her final season leading the cheers and chants of the Dragons underneath the lights at the Pepperell High School football stadium, Cox is enthusiastic for her remaining time with Pepperell Cheer as well as her future after graduation. “This year will be the hardest of all since it’s my senior year,” she said. “I’m sad to think about leaving but I’m excited about getting out and experiencing the world.” I am going to miss my cheer squad. We have gotten closer throughout the year and it’s going to be the best one yet!”

7/29/2017 9:44:56 AM

Hitting the High Note! By Elise Tallent Friday nights under the lights of the Pepperell High School football stadium will never be forgotten — not by students, alumni or fans. With almost every memory comes a sound associated, and that sound is none other than the heartbeat of Pepperell High School, the Pepperell Dragon Band. The band, under the direction of Mike Bright, will be performing a classic rock show called “Tour Seventeen” this season including rock hits such as “Kashmir” by Led Zepplin, “Beth” by Kiss, and “Dirty Deeds” by AC/DC.

Among those performing is sophomore and trumpet Dragon Band member, Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez has been in the Pepperell Band program since he was in sixth grade at Pepperell Middle, and he now considers band to be an integral part of his life. “I think it’s [band] what I’m going to do after I graduate and in college,” Rodriguez said. “I kind of want to be a band director, but I’m not sure.” While only a sophomore, Rodriguez has ambitions for his future role within the band program, and plans on being a trumpet section leader within his next two seasons.

Although he does see himself leading his section someday, he also has aspirations for a leadership role over the entire band. “I want to try to get drum major my senior year here, and if not [drum major], band captain,” he said. As for this season, Rodriguez has high expectations for the band as he looks forward to debuting “Tour Seventeen” to fans this fall. “I think it’s going to be really good actually because last year was pretty good, but it was only Mr. Bright’s first year, so I think this year, we’re a little better,” explained Rodriguez, “It’s going to be great.”

Alex Rodriguez a future in music

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7/29/2017 9:44:34 AM

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7/29/2017 9:34:35 AM

Player spotlight

Alberto Bantajo Alberto Bantajo, Sr. RB/LB The Georgia School for the Deaf football team has plenty of change coming this season, and the best way to ease in new players is through veteran players. That’s a role senior Alberto Bantajo must take on this season as a longtime work horse for the team. In his four seasons with the team, coach Erik Whitworth has always credited Bantajo with his hard work and effort during games and practice. Whether playing tailback or middle linebacker, the senior has been the kind of two-way player GSD needs every game. “Coaches do whatever they can, but in my experience it is the seniors that are the glue of the team,” Whitworth said. “They hold everything together and get things moving forward. Alberto has to be that for us this season.” The only concern about Bantajo is his passion, which according to Whitworth can sometimes get the best of him. But as long as his emotions are at the right level, he can take over the game wherever he is on the field. Like every other player on the team, Whitworth does not see Bantajo until he returns to school in August. But the coach is convinced when he does arrive he’ll be ready to lead through his work ethic.

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7/31/2017 12:49:37 PM

Erik Whitworth Things are always going to run a little different down in Cave Spring at the Georgia School for the Deaf. Football coach Erik Whitworth knows that, but he’s still eager to put forth a team that can work hard in the 2017 season. GSD enters the season so far with 11 players on the roster, barely enough to fit in the eight-man league the team plays in. Whitworth is trying to get more transfers, but he knows whatever he ends up with, everyone must be ready to play. “This is not a place where you are going to be complaining about play-ing time,” Whitworth said. “All of the guys are going to be playing both ways, and some of them might not get a play of for an entire quarter. That’s just going to happen.” Because of the short roster, Whitworth is sticking to a basic runfirst offense he has used in the past. He wants to use as much time in prac-tice as possible on conditioning, making sure each player is ready for the long schedule. The Tigers currently have scheduled six games, and considering Whitworth will not see the players until they return to school on August 1 he is fine with that. Once the team gets back on the field, he’s ready to lead them.

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7/29/2017 9:33:36 AM

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7/29/2017 9:32:16 AM

Guest Columnist

The Meanest Man Out Here Lee

Walburn

Briefly, a long time ago, I welcomed a father’s moral obligation to serve as assistant coach for a youth football team. At least until the kids diagnosed my need for behavior therapy. I remember once growling at an 8-year-old and longing for a knife to cut out my tongue when tears rolled softly down his chubby cheeks. I scouted the opposition with video equipment, I stayed awake at night designing complicated plays with the maniacal intensity of a deranged scientist. I configured the “27 Slide,” crafted to take advantage of the amazing instincts of our fleet halfback. I remember a particular Saturday we were playing the Packers. The Packers had a big, tough defensive end who was stubbornly unimpressed by the 27 Slide. He just marked off his turf. Each time the fleet halfback with amazing instincts came his way he reached out, lifted him off the turf and turned him upside down, as if shaking spare change from his pockets. In the fourth quarter we were behind 6-0. With beads of concern forming on my brow, I turned to Tim, toughest kid in our neighborhood. “Tim,” as I placed my arm on his shoulders. “All we need is one spunky guy to go in and block that end. Will you do it, Tim?” Tim looked at me, his eyes steely cold. “No,” he said. “No?” “You gotta be crazy, Coach. Look at the size of that guy.” Having put the situation into perspective, Tim returned to the bench to draw stick figures in the mud his spilled Gatorade had made. The next year my second son, younger brother of the fleet halfback with amazing instincts, actually scored on the famous “27 Slide.” His team won, 6-0, but never tasted sweet victory again. As the season unraveled I decided — as ASSISTANT COACH IN CHARGE OF MORALE — that oratory might accomplish what plays designed to take advantage of the amazing instincts of our fleet halfback had not. I had read in “Boys’ Life” an article by professional football player Calvin Hill. He said young men should walk with God, but on the football field it was necessary to be physical, yes, even MEAN! At the conclusion of practice I gathered the sweaty little band of warriors. Their anxious parents assembled outside a chain link fence to witness whatever evangelistic miracle was about to transform their children. I beseeched each player to dedicate himself to new levels of meanness on the gridiron; “EVERY BOY A MAN!” The air was pregnant with silence. A father clinched his fist in support. Was that a hearty thumbs up from a mother? “All right,” I said as I sucked in a loud breath. “One... two... three... WHO’S THE MEANEST MAN OUT HERE!?” Thirty six round eyeballs stared at me without blinking. But in the back row, Doug timidly raised his hand. “All right, Doug. Let’s have it Baby. WHO’S THE MEANEST MAN OUT HERE!?”

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Doug looked up with steel in his eyes and said, “You are, coach.” Having again had the situation put into perspective we trudged on. With three minutes left in the next game, we had a chance to close the gap to 42-6 and blew it. But at the sound of the final whistle, the kids congratulated the winners and joyously scooted for the big galvanized tub filled with icy Gatorade and Cokes. Murmuring parents, faces sagging with disappointment, gathered nearby. The team’s Head Coach approached the smudged munchkins as they splashed and laughed and drank. His face grew alarmingly red. His voice broke with frustration. “Just look at you!” he whimpered. “All you are interested in is getting the game over and slopping up the Gatorade. Does anybody on this team even care?” My 8-year old, who had once questioned if he were truly fleet enough to be a halfback, lowered his cold drink and slowly pivoted in his squatting position. He looked at the coach. With the patience of a patriarch and wisdom of a sage, he said, “Now Coach, I want you to know I do care. But this ain’t nothing but a game for little boys to play and enjoy.” Parents wordlessly gathered their diminutive warriors and trudged toward the station wagons in the dusty parking lot. I offered my son a hand and he scrambled to his feet. I knew at that precise moment that I, along with the famous “27 Slide,” designed for fleet halfbacks with amazing instincts, had retired for ever.

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Rome Life August 2017

7/30/2017 8:36:08 AM

Collin Mathis, RB Sr.

Player spotlight

Collin Mathis

While most of the team will be switching to new positions, running back Collin Mathis is keeping his job as he develops into a role coach Mark Ackerman believes he was born to play. 2016 was Mathis’s first full season with the team, and while possessing speed it still took him time to learn the position. With a rebuilding offensive line in front of him, he struggled to move around like the rest of the offense that season. But every once and awhile, Ackerman and other coaches would see something from Mathis that displayed his potential. They could see with another season of training, he could become a key piece to a rejuvenated offense. “You could always see it when he got out into the open, but Collin really started to learn how to play between the tackles late in the year,” Ackerman said. “You could see him throwing a stiff arm and you knew he was beginning to learn.” Ackerman said Mathis has already shown improvement with his growth in spring practice and in the weight room. Meanwhile, he displayed his speed to everyone when he finished third in the 100 meters and fourth in the 200 meters at the GICAA State Championship in April.

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7/29/2017 9:27:11 AM

Mark Ackerman The Unity Christian football team got plenty of tough lessons in its 0-8 season last year. Most importantly, the Lions learned the amount of players on the field does not change the quality of the game. Unity Christian begins its second season in eight-man football this year, and coach Mark Ackerman believes the team is more ready for this brand of football. This change in culture starts on defense, where the Lions allowed more than 40 points six times last season. Ackerman knows the defensive unit has plenty of aggression; it just needs the proper amount of discipline. “What we always say is a confused player is a slow player and a slow player is a bad player,” Ackerman said. “We had a difficult time understanding reads last season with eight men, and now I think we’ve learned and we’re getting better.” The team will undergo multiple changes, especially at the quarterback position. While last season’s quarterback Janson Slaughter moves to wide receiver, freshman Terry Curry becomes the new starting quarterback, and a player Ackerman says can attack on the run and through the air. The Lions schedule gives them plenty of chances to grab a win early, with three of their first four games at home.

Who’s On the Field Head Coach: Mark Ackerman Defensive Coordinator: Brendan Gonzalez Offensive Line: Jason Slaughter Quarterbacks: Cameron Atkinson Running Backs: Bradley Moon Defensive Line: Noah Payne Wide Receivers: Brandon Ponder Rome Life August 2017 RLM_A_0092_0820 A66-67 UNITY 67

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7/29/2017 9:24:06 AM

Berry ready to make next step in the program Kunczewski has high hopes with talent on both sides By Tommy Romanach Just like every other year, the Berry football team is only concentrated on the next game it has to play. But coach Tony Kunczewski and his unit won’t lie, they have major goals this season and those start with making the postseason. The Vikings enter their fifth season in program history in 2017, and their third season with a home stadium. And while some teams would still be getting used to competing at this point, Berry is aiming for a conference title. “I can give the ‘coach speak’ answer and say we are going to take things one game at a time, and we will, but not all of our goals have been achieved,” Kunczewski said. “The next step is to not only win the conference but represent the conference in the national playoffs.” Berry captured a share of the Southern Athletic Association title last season, with the team capturing a school-record nine wins. But its only loss came to Washington University, which ultimately tied with the Vikings for first and kept them out of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Berry must replace the majority of its original signing class, losing veterans like Chris Lilley, Matt Farinella and Preston Stewart. Kunczewski said that class set the example for this season’s senior squad, and he’s already seen players step up and become leaders. One of those returning players is Slade Dale, who spent most of his first season with the team as the starting quarterback. The sophomore threw for 1,340 yards and 12 touchdowns, and also led the team on the ground with 660 rushing yards. “What most people forget is Slade spent two years out of football and he still put up those numbers,” Kunczewski said. “So we think with another year down he’s going to be even more improved.” The Vikings also bring back their top two running backs, Austin Lowe and Jacob Collins, as well as their top receiver, fifth-year senior Trey Ciresi. On defense, the team returns Mamadou Soumahoro, who recorded 47 tackles and recovered four fumbles last season.

70 Rome Life August 2017 RLM_A_0092_0820 A70 Berry College FB 70

7/29/2017 9:21:52 AM

Pictur e

from the past This photo was taken on Nov. 4, 1955 and originally printed in the Rome News-Tribune on Nov. 6, 1955. The caption on that day read: “Larry, left and Benny Barnes with thier mother following Rome’s 7-6 victory over Cedartown Friday night at Barron Field. It was the first time Mrs. Barnes, an invalid, had seen her sons play football. Larry, a left half back on the Hilltopper team, scored Rome’s winning touchdown and Benny intercepted a Cedartown pass and played a fine game on defense.” Standing in the background is the boys’ great uncle Clarence C. Henson. The vehicle in the background is an ambulance in which Mrs. Barnes was taken to the game to watch her sons play.

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7/29/2017 9:20:44 AM

Shorter looks to rebound from winless 2016 season Kelton believes team gained experience from losses By Tommy Romanach

Last year, Shorter football coach Aaron Kelton spent his first season instituting a new culture and new offense into the Hawks’ program. This season, he will try to get his first win under that new culture. Kelton went through massive hardships as a first-year coach in 2016, watching his young team come

up short week after week. But he is confident the lessons learned from that season have made his unit stronger entering 2017. “The biggest thing we learned is we were getting there, but we weren’t so far away,” Kelton said, “Most games we were competitive for a half even with our young guys and injuries, and it let us know we weren’t that far from winning and competing.” In a year filled with youth and injuries, Shorter were winless in 2016, going 0-10 and failing to score in its final five games. The Hawks suffered eight losses by more than 10 points, and scored more than 20 points only three times. The lack of offensive production should change with the return of running back B.J. McCoy, who spent all of 2016 with a leg injury. The redshirt senior rushed for 1,489 yards and 10 touchdowns and was named First Team All-GSC in his junior season in 2015. The offense also gets a second season under Kelton’s system, which breaks away from the option which was a hallmark of Shorter’s program. “Entering this year, there have been some transitions made in

terms of offensive style,” Kelton said. “But with our guys seeing it the last two springs and last fall, there’s growth in understanding the concepts better and being better football players in our scheme.” The leader under center for the Hawks is still up for debate. While sophomore Tyler Pullum led the team for most of last season and threw five touchdowns, Shorter also brings in transfer Austin Fellows, who last played for William Patterson University in 2014. The team opens the season against Mars Hill at Barron Stadium on Sept. 2 at 1 p.m. The Hawks nearly beat the Mountain Lions last season, losing on the road 28-21 in overtime.

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7/29/2017 9:17:41 AM

Raising babies at the ballpark: passing on the love of the game

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There’s something special about seeing your children latch onto a thing that you love. For me, the realization that my passion for sports has taken root within my three small daughters makes my heart smile. Since my wife and I were married a decade ago, sports has been a mainstay in our home. This is especially true for myself. If I’m not sitting in a stadium somewhere, I’m watching a game on television, listening to one on the radio, writing about or discussing sports, or playing a game with our girls. My wife Jessica and I have been going to sporting events big and small since we first started dating. Once the kids came along, we simply chose to include them and have made family affairs out of many a trip to the ballpark over the years. Our oldest daughter Mallory was born on opening day. Our second daughter Molly was born on the first day of Braves spring workouts. Last but not least, our youngest daughter Addie arrived the morning of game seven of the World Series and I held her as the Cubs broke the curse. In our home, baseball is a first among equals when it comes to the sporting world. By four months old, Mallory, was at State Mutual Stadium in Rome and saw Evan Gattis hit a grand slam in her first trip to the ballpark. Our winter baby Molly waited less than two months for her first Rome Braves game in a home opener. Addie’s first taste of baseball was the first-ever game at SunTrust Park to see the Braves and Yankees in exhibition earlier this year.

With baseball in his blood since he was a kid, Blake is trying to pass the passion along to his girls. They seem to be following in his footsteps.

Had Addie been born yet, she would have been with her sisters at the curtain call for Turner Field last fall. We made it up to her during the NFL playoffs in the next-to-last game at the Georgia Dome. That trip with three little ones earned the wife and I many pats on the back for our efforts that day with three small children. As already mentioned, however, baseball is our family’s first love when it comes to sports.

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My girls have learned to beg players for foul balls, talk about mascots by name every time we pass a stadium or see a game on TV. There’s something about a baseball game that’s different than other sports. Sure, baseball games are less exciting at times, but that’s time to talk and explain the game to my girls. The time between innings gives us time to grab a hot dog, an ice cream or… go potty. The relaxed nature of a baseball game last month in Rome allowed our friendly, outgoing Molly to make a new friend. She and a girl her age who didn’t speak much English at all took to one another like peas and carrots, sharing cookies and laughs, running around and coloring. Those two little girls likely have very different backgrounds, but on one unseasonably cool night in June they shared the culture of the ballpark and that’s all they needed to connect. The very thing that makes baseball seem boring to some is actually what makes it special. Just like life… it’s the time in between the big events and excitement that defines who we really are. Anyone can get excited about constant motion while 100 thousand people yell for three hours, but the quiet moments at a sparsely attended baseball game are where memories are really made. Baseball is also full of history and tradition. The game has remained more or less the same since before the Civil War, and is full of teach-ing moments. Baseball is packed with math, strategy, life lessons, along with highs and lows. Baseball requires self discipline and patience, not only for the players, but for the fans. If anyone ever tells you that baseball is boring, end the conversation. Nobody needs that kind of close minded negativity in their life.

Bobby Cox

RLM_A_0092_0820 A74-75-76-77 Baseball Feature 76

Dale Murphy

My girls have learned to beg players for foul balls, talk about mascots by name every time we pass a stadium or see a game on TV. They know that the inflatable Romey outside State Mutual Stadium means there’s a game that night. Once when we rode by the ballpark in the off season, my oldest daughter who could barely even talk at the time said “I love baseball” unsolicited from the back seat of my Jeep. My eyes got a little bit wet on that one. A son of the segregated south, my mom’s father made sure to get his family to the Atlanta Stadium to see Hank Aaron, a black man, chase Babe Ruth’s home run record. My dad played many an hour of catch with me and made sure I got to Atlanta to see those 90s Braves play the game. Before the Braves even moved south, my dad used to catch those strong AM radio signals as a kid to hear the Cardinals on KMOX and Chicago teams on WGN. When the Braves came from Milwaukee, my Papaw Silvers finally had a team and TBS was his one-stop shop for baseball and professional wrestling. When my father-in-law’s family moved from east Alabama to Naples, Florida in the 60s, they took with them southern culture, which of course, included the Atlanta Braves. Southwest Florida has long been the springtime Mecca to many major league clubs, and has a good number of minor league teams as well. Even far removed from his beloved Braves, this allowed my wife’s dad to go up to Ft. Myers to see the Royals during spring training. Like me, Jessica also grew up watching the Braves on TBS. The only two programs that stick in my wife’s memory that she associates with her Mamaw are The Price is Right and the Braves on the Superstation. Though she had grown up nearly 700 miles away in the middle of a totally different culture, many things from our upbringings were identical; one of those being baseball.

7/29/2017 9:14:15 AM

I was born in mid-March of 1982. For the first five weeks of my life the Braves didn’t lose a game, going 13-0 to start the season. Atlanta made their first playoff appearance since 1969 that season. The year I was born, my childhood idol Dale Murphy won his first of back-to-back N.L. MVP Awards along with a Silver Slugger, a Gold Glove and was named an All-Star. Little did my infant self know that, after that season, times would be bleak for the Braves until I was nine years old.

My love of baseball was just sort of absorbed as a child into my soul as a young boy. My love of baseball was just sort of absorbed as a child into my soul as a young boy. I jumped up and down and screamed out loud when Sid slid and when Marquis Grissom caught the final out to win it all in ‘95. I’m still heartbroken by the 1991 World Series. Even to this day it hurts. I will never like Kent Hrbek and haven’t yet forgiven Lonnie Smith for his bad base running. I still remember exactly where I was and how I felt the day he was traded to the Phillies. It was a lot for an eight-year-old boy from North Georgia to deal with. What a treat so many of us children of the 80s and 90s took for granted so often. On any given night down at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium or Turner Field, a future hall of famer was slated to pitch for the better part of two

Blake, Mallory, Molly and Addie at a Rome Braves game.

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decades, and I’m sure I saw Bobby Cox ejected from at least a dozen games in person. Just as many of my memories of watching baseball in person and on TV are of the time spent with the people I was with as they are of what was happening on the field. And isn’t that the great thing about a baseball game? There’s plenty of time to enjoy the excitement on the field and the company of the people you’re with, and without missing much of the game at all. My hope is that when they grow up my girls will return the favor and take dear old dad to the ballpark. My wish is that they pass my love for the game on to their kids and that love continues to move on down the line so that similar experiences and memories continue to be made for generations.

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ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE 2016 record: 14-1, 8-0 SEC Outlook: Nick Saban’s squad suffered a glitch in the system last January when their 26-game winning streak was snapped in a 35-31 loss to Clemson in the national championship game. But plenty of pieces return as the Crimson Tide attempts to win a fifth title under Saban. This run for a title begins with sophomore quarterback Jalen Hurts, who dazzled fans with 2,780 passing yards, 954 rushing yards and 36 total touchdowns. He’ll have plenty of help, with running backs Bo Scarbrough, Damien Harris and receiver Calvin Ridley all returning. The Tide prides itself on its defense, and this season it will be lead by safety duo Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison. While players on the front seven like Jonathan Allen and Tim Williams are gone, seniors like lineman Da’Shawn Hand and linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton hope to fill their roles well.

ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS 2016 record: 7-6, 3-5 SEC Outlook: While Bret Bielema has certainly turned the Hogs into a consistent SEC threat, they have still yet to do better than third in the SEC West. The team must solve its defensive problems from last season if it wants to make the next step. The defense plans to transition into a 3-4 with new coordinator Paul Rhodes coming in. Players like Randy Ramsey and McTelvin Agim could break out on the defensive line, but they must learn quickly under Rhodes’s new system. On offense, Arkansas returns Austin Allen, who threw for 3,430 yards and 25 touchdowns, but was also plagued with 15 interceptions. The Razorbacks must replace Rawleigh Williams, however, who retired from football after a second neck injury.

AUBURN TIGERS 2016 record: 8-5, 5-3 SEC Outlook: Auburn may be the SEC’s best chance in ending the recent dominance of Alabama in the conference. While the team was on and off for most of last season, Auburn returns key pieces from 2016 while bringing in some fresh talent. That talent includes Jarrett Stidham, a transfer quarterback from Baylor who is expected to be the starter. Behind him is a running back tandem in Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson that recorded 2,119 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns last season. Defensive Coordinator Kevin Steele helped revitalize Auburn’s unit last season, and five of the top six tackles from last season return. Auburn did lose pass rushers Carl Lawson and Montravious Adams, but sophomore Marlon Davidson hopes to make up for their absence.

While the offense returns nearly the entire team, there will be a new starting quarterback. Competition has sparked between sophomore Feleipe Franks and Malik Zaire, who transferred to Florida from Notre Dame. Whatever the decision, the quarterback will be blessed with receivers like Antonio Caldwell and Brandon Powell and running backs like Jordan Scarlett and Lamichel Perine. The defense will replace number of players on the line and secondary, but defensive back Marcell Hayes and linebacker David Reese should provide sparks. KENTUCKY WILDCATS 2016 record: 7-6, 4-4 SEC Outlook: Mark Stoops finally got the breakthrough he hoped for as Kentucky finished above .500 last season for the first time in his four-year tenure. The coach only wants to get better, and the Wildcats have the talent to jump into the top half of the SEC East. The biggest problems come on defense, where the team allowed 31.3 points per game and 228.3 rushing yards per game. Kentucky must rally behind players like safety Mike Edwards and linebacker Courtney Love, who were both top three in tackling last season. The Wildcats did shine in the run game, and four starting lineman return plus sophomore back Benny Snell, who ran for 1091 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. The team looks for more improvement from quarterback Stephen Johnson, who threw only four touchdowns in the seven SEC games he started. LSU TIGERS

FLORIDA GATORS 2016 record: 9-4, 6-2 SEC Outlook: Florida has made it to the SEC Championship game the past two seasons, but has also lost four times in both years. And if the Gators want to make it to Atlanta again, they must replace key aspects that made the team so successful.

2016 record: 8-4, 5-3 SEC Outlook: For the first time in a decade, there’s a new look down in Baton Rouge. And while many fans are excited for Ed Orgeron’s first season leading the LSU, there are still questions to be answered on both sides of the ball. One of Orgeron’s goals is to revitalize the offense, as he hired Matt Canada as the new offensive coordinator. He’ll get Derrius Guice, who led the SEC with 1,387 rushing yards last season, but he’ll have to re-place receiving threats like Malachi Dupre, Travin Dural and Desean Smith. Rome Life August 2017

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The defense only returns four starters from last season, but the team still brings back Arden Key, who led the team with 12 sacks and 14 tackles for loss last season. LSU also brings back defensive back Donte Jackson, who had 39 tackles and two interceptions in 2017. MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS 2016 record: 6-7, 3-5 SEC Outlook: The Bulldogs saw the after effects of losing a star like Dak Prescott, but rallied late in the season to capture six wins. And with a new dual-threat quarterback under center, Dan Mullen hopes to get Mississippi State right back into the thick of the SEC race. That new quarterback is junior Nick Fitzgerald, who went from backup at the start of the season to recording 2,423 passing yards, 1,375 rush-ing yards and 37 touchdowns last season. He has MSU’s top running back, Aeris Williams, coming back, but the team lost its two best receivers from 2016, Fred Ross and Donald Gray. The defensive must replace its top three pass rushers, but sophomore Jeffrey Simmons, who earned All-Freshman SEC honors last season, does return. The defense also returns sophomore linebacker Leo Lewis, who recorded 78 tackles last season. MISSOURI TIGERS 2016 record: 4-8, 2-6 SEC Outlook: Missouri has spent the past two seasons at the bottom of the conference, something that often happens before and after a coaching change. The team is hoping experience gained from the losses can translate to something positive. The offense is among the most experienced in the country, starting with junior Drew Lock who threw for 3,399 yards last season. Top running backs Damarea Crockett and Ish Witter return, along with top receiver J’Mon Moore, who had six 100-yard games last season. The defense was a problem last season, and only three starters come back from 2016. Senior Marcus Frazier, who was second on the team with seven sacks last season, should be a leader.

84 Rome Life August 2017

OLE MISS REBELS 2016 record: 5-7, 2-6 SEC Outlook: With an NCAA investigation going on around the school, the Rebels have more to worry about than just football. But the team still brings back pieces that could give scares to any team in the conference. Quarterback Shea Patterson removed his redshirt last season and dazzled late in the year, and now he returns as the full-time starter. The sophomore loses top receiving threats Evan Engram and Damore’ea Stringfellow, but Van Jefferson and converted quarterback Jacob Pellerin should help. While the defense brings in new coordinator Wesley McGriff, who must fix a unit that was prone to blowing up. McGriff might look to Marquis Haynes, who recorded 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks last year. SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS 2016 record: 6-7, 3-5 SEC Outlook: Like he has done everywhere he’s coached, Will Muschamp proved he can coach a defensively tough team that can make a bowl game. The question now is whether the Gamecocks can improve enough on offense to contend for a SEC East title. That improvement mainly rests on the shoulders of sophomore quarterback Jacob Bentley, who threw for 1,420 yards despite taking over halfway through last season. The Gamecocks will return their three top receiving threats, as well as top running back Rico Dowdle. The defense is going to shine most with an intense linebacker corps. Bryson Allen-Williams was second on the team in tackles last season, and Skai Moore, who led in tackles for three seasons, returns after be-ing injured last season. TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS 2016 record: 9-4, 4-4 SEC Outlook: Coach Butch Jones enters the season in hot water after the Volunteers failed to live up to top-10 expectations last year. This season, the team will once again try to win the SEC East and return to Atlanta for the first time since 2007.

Junior quarterback Quentin Dormandy is currently expected to be Tennessee’s starting quarterback, replacing Joshua Dobbs. He’ll have running back John Kelly and receiver Jujuan Jennings to help, but little other skill position players with experience. The defense was roughed with injuries last season, but it did allow some younger players to gain big game experience. Linebacker Darrin Kirkland and defensive tackle Kendal Vickers should impress, but the Vols must get other players to step up. TEXAS A&M AGGIES 2016 record: 8-5, 4-4 SEC Outlook: The Aggies have had no problem getting off to good starts in September, but have struggled to finish the past three seasons. The solution this season must involve another new quarterback and a replacement for the NFL Draft’s No. 1 pick. Senior quarterback Jake Hubenak is still battling freshmen Nick Staknell and Kellen Mond for the starting spot, but none of them has much experience. Running backs Trayveon Williams and senior Keith Ford return, with the two combining for 1,726 rushing yards last season. The defense must replace Myles Garrett, and that starts with senior Zaycoven Henderson, who recorded 10.5 tackles for loss last season. The team also brings back safety Armani Watts, who recorded 56 tack-les and two interceptions last year. VANDERBILT COMMODORES 2016 record: 6-7, 3-5 SEC Outlook: The Commodores have been trying to become more than just a defensive menace throughout Derek Mason’s tenure. They started to see that in 2016, and now they want it to be a reliable threat to SEC opponents. Vanderbilt loses star linebacker Zach Cunningham on defense, but the team still returns tackling threat Oren Burks as well as pass rush threat Nifae Lealao. The Commodores also bring back their entire secondary, including senior safety LaDarius Wiley. The offense begins with workhorse back Ralph Webb, who carried the ball 250 times last season for 1283 yards and 13 touchdowns. But the evolution of quarterback Kyle Shurmer, who threw for more than 250 yards in the team’s final three regular season games, may be the key to the season.

BOSTON COLLEGE EAGLES 2016 record: 7-6, 2-6 ACC Outlook: Last season, the most points Boston College scored in an ACC game was 21 points. That’s been the norm during the Steve Addazio era at BC, but for the team to compete with the best in the Atlantic division, it needs to change. The defense doesn’t need to change anything after allowing only 314 yards per game last year and returning seven starters. Harold Landry comes back at defensive end after totaling 16 sacks in 2016, and Conor Strachan and Ty Schuab manning the linebacker corps. Boston College’s offense gets back leading running back John Hilliman and three offensive linemen from last season. That should be the team’s bread and butter, with the starting quarterback a race between freshman Anthony Brown and junior Darius Wade, neither with much experience. CLEMSON TIGERS 2016 record: 14-1, 7-1 ACC Outlook: Repeating as a national champion is difficult, no matter what the team or coach. Doing so without last season’s star quarterback, leading rusher, two best receivers and leading tackler is almost impossible, but that’s what Clemson wants to do this season. Dabo Swinney’s bunch is going to learn life without Deshaun Watson, and his current replacement is junior quarterback Kelly Bryant. He’ll have a good offensive line behind him, and targets like Deon Cain and Hunter Renfroe to throw to. On the other side of the ball, Clemson must figure out how it’s going to replace defensive leaders like Ben Boulware and Carlos Watkins. The team does bring back defensive linemen like Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins, and junior linebacker Kendall Joseph helps anchor the front seven.

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DUKE BLUE DEVILS 2016 record: 4-8, 1-7 ACC Outlook: No fan base wants to see their team fall back into futility, and Duke fans are hoping that’s not the case after the team failed to make a bowl last year. But David Cutcliffe does have a few offensive pieces back, and that could lead to another high-powered Blue Devil squad. For the offense to open up again, sophomore quarterback Daniel Jones must take another step after throwing for 2836 yards and 16 touchdowns as a freshman. He’ll have his top running back Shaun Wilson and his top receiver T.J. Rahming coming back to aid him in progression. The defense has a number of questions, but sophomore Joe Giles-Harris should perform well after leading the team in tackles a year ago. FLORIDA STATE SEMINOLES 2016 record: 10-3, 5-3 ACC Outlook: Replacing gifted athletes who head to the NFL Draft is almost a yearly tradition at Florida State. And while no Seminole fan is happy to see star back Dalvin Cook leave, the team in Tallahassee is still chock full of talent. That talent begins with sophomore quarterback Deondre Francious, who threw for 3,350 yards and recorded 25 touchdowns as a freshman. Returning receivers NyQwan Murray and Auden Tate both caught at least five touchdown passes in 2016, but the Seminoles must improve an offensive line that allowed 36 sacks last season. Replacing Cook, FSU hopes to use junior running back Jacques Patrick and new five-star recruit, Cam Akers. Jimbo Fisher’s team might be most loaded on defense, led by safety Derwin James. Returning defensive ends Brian Burns and Josh Sweat combined for 16.5 sacks last season, and Derrick Nnandi serves as a force at nose tackle.

LOUISVILLE CARDINALS 2016 record: 9-4, 7-1 ACC Outlook: Lamar Jackson took in the personal glory last season, winning the Heisman and fooling defenses on the ground and the air all season. But now he and the Cardinals want to work for a team award and take down the conference. The dual-threat quarterback put up 5,117 total yards and 51 total touchdowns last year, but he’ll be without his best running back and three best receiving threats from 2016. Seth Dawkins and Traveon Samuel should be decent receivers, but Louisville must also deal with a line that ranked third to last in sacks allowed last season. Stacy Thomas comes back on defense after recording 85 tackle, one interception and a fumble recovery last season. The team also brings back linebacker James Hearns, who notched 10 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 2016. MIAMI HURRICANES 2016 record: 9-4, 5-3 ACC Outlook: Mark Richt saw plenty of good and bad in his first season coaching in the ACC in 2016, but he improved the Hurricanes record by a game. This year, the team brings enough talent to contend with anyone in the ACC Coastal division. Quarterback Brad Kaaya did leave early for the draft, and the race to replace him is wide open, including junior Malik Rosier and freshman N’Kosi Perry. Whoever it is, he’ll be blessed to have Mark Walton at running back, who recorded 1,117 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 2016. The defense held opponents to 20 points or less eight times last season, and seven starters return to the team. Guys like sophomore Joe Jackson and junior Shaquille Quarterman should come into their own as the season moves along. Rome Life August 2017

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A86 NC STATE WOLFPACK 2016 record: 7-6, 3-5 ACC Outlook: The Wolfpack almost always seem to be lying somewhere between eight and seven wins during Dave Doeren’s tenure. But there is always an opportunity to buck the trend, and the NC State wants that to begin this season. Junior quarterback Ryan Findley threw for more than 3,000 yards last season behind a line that brings back four starters. His best skill position player should be Jaylen Samuels, who caught seven touchdowns as a tight end and six more as a fullback last season. The defensive line should be ferocious, led by Bradley Chubb who recorded 10 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss this past season. Jerod Fernandez and Airis Moore lead a strong linebacker corps that forms one of the best front seven in the conference. NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS 2016 record: 8-5, 3-5 ACC Outlook: Tar Heel fans have been happy about more than just basketball the past two seasons, seeing 19 wins and an ACC Coastal title under Larry Fedora. But Fedora may face his biggest test in 2017, replacing almost all of his skill players. With Mitch Trubisky headed to the NFL, the Tar Heels turn to Brandon Harris at quarterback, a transfer at LSU who started for two years with the Tigers. With the two best receivers and three best running backs gone, Harris’s best threat is Austin Proehl, who had 597 receiving yards last season. While seven starters come back to the North Carolina defense, it is still a unit that allowed 227 rushing yards per game. Returning linebackers Cole Holcomb and Andre Smith have the best chances to invigorate the defense for the better. PITTSBURGH PANTHERS 2016 record: 8-5, 5-3 ACC Outlook: The Panthers actually beat two of the 10 best teams in the country last season, including the eventual national champions. But that kind of power has to be contained for the rest all 12 games for Pitt to make the next step.

Pat Narduzzi’s team says goodbye to quarterback Nathan Peterman and hello to Max Browne, who transferred to Pittsburgh from USC. He’ll get to throw to Jester Weah, who caught 10 touchdowns last season, and Chawntrez Moss and Qadree Ollison to run the ball. But the Panthers’ biggest problems throughout last season were the defense, and that is not likely to change this season. Avonte Maddox may make some noise at cornerback and safety Jordan White should serve as a leader for the defense. SYRACUSE ORANGE 2016 record: 4-8, 2-6 ACC Outlook: The only thing that can be guaranteed with a team coached by Dino Babers is that points are going to be scored. Whether the Orange can translate the fast-paced style into a bowl game remains to be seen. Syracuse brings back an FBS-leading 20 starters, including nine on an offense that broke 30 points five times. Junior quarterback Eric Dungey threw for 2,679 yards before going down in the ninth game of the season, and senior Erin Phillips had 90 receptions last year. The defense was underwhelming, a side effect of Babers’ fast-paced style. But every starter returns this season, including linebacker Paris Bennett who had 110 tackles and defensive end Chris Slayton who had 10 tackles for loss. VIRGINIA CAVALIERS 2016 record: 2-10, 1-7 ACC Outlook: There’s nowhere to look but up for the Cavaliers, who finished the season with seven straight losses and suffered a fifth straight losing season. But under a successful coach like Bronco Mendenhall, there’s still plenty of hope for the program to turn around. The Cavs may look to hurt opponents through the air, with senior quarterback Kurt Benkert coming back after throwing 2,552 yards and 21 touchdowns. He gets back his best two targets, Doni Dowling and Olamide Zaccheaus, who together combined for 101 catches and 11 touchdowns. The best player for Virginia comes in their secondary with senior safety Quin Blanding. The All-American

second team player recorded 120 tackles and two interceptions last season, including 16 tackles in a loss to Duke last year. VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES 2016 record: 10-4, 6-2 ACC Outlook: Most coaches merely hope to get a one or two game improvement in their first season coaching a team. Justin Fuente took his Virginia Tech team to the ACC Conference Championship game, and he wants even more this season. Fuente gets back Cam Phillips, who recorded 984 receiving yards and five touchdowns last season, but the Hokies need help at other skill positions. Quarterback Jerod Evans and top receiver Isaiah Ford both leave, and the run game failed to find a consistent back through the year. The competition at quarterback starts with redshirt freshman Josh Jackson, the only quarterback who has spent a season under Fuente’s system. The defense returns seven starters, including the menacing linebacker duo of Andrew Motuapuaka and Tremaine Edwards that combined for 220 tackles last season. Meanwhile, returning cornerback Greg Stroman was second on the team with three interceptions last year. WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS 2016 record: 7-6, 3-5 ACC Outlook: For the first time since 2011, the Demon Deacons were not sitting at home when bowl season came around in 2016. Dave Clawson wants to keep building off that momentum and push the team further in 2017. The offense must improve after scoring 20.3 points per game and that starts with the return of quarterback Kendall Hilton from injury. While no Wake player stood out on offense, guys like Matt Colburn, Cade Carney and Tabari Hines all come back hoping to improve. The defense was the hallmark of the team, and Duke Ejiofor should terrorize any offensive line he faces. The senior recorded 17 tackles for loss and 10 sacks last season, including a sack and two tackles for loss in Wake’s 34-26 win against Temple in the Military Bowl last year.

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Jeb Arp and Luke Chaffin recently returned from a cruise through Scandanavia, Russia and the Baltic region. With a keen interest in architecture, the men visited several picturesque destinations including this stunning church - The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg, Russia. With its colorful domes, murals, windows and mosaics, Luke said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most beautiful church he has ever seen. It was built between 1883 and 1907 and its construction was funded by the Russian imperial family.

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Luke at the world famous Icebar in the Swedish capital of Stockholm. The Icebar by Icehotel bills itself as the world’s first permanent ice bar. Patrons can enjoy food, cocktails and even try their hand at ice sculpting. The bar is kept around 23 °F. The walls and seating are made of ice. Visitors enter for timed stays and even staff work on time-limited shifts.

This photo of Jeb was taken from the cruise ship as it was leaving the islands outside Stockholm, Sweden, approaching the Baltic Sea. The hamlet in the background is a seaside town on Yxlan Island. The cruise took the Rome residents to Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland, St. Petersburg, Russia, Tallinn, Estonia and Riga in Latvia. The men also visited Paris before returning home.

This colorful and scenic square is the Town Hall Square in Riga, the capital of Latvia. The square has been completely rebuilt since it was destroyed, along with the buildings around it, during World War II. The square’s history boasts a tradition that 500 years ago the city’s Christmas tree was lit here. Now a memorial plank can be found commemorating this, and a new Christmas tree is decorated each year.

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Luke and Jeb say Art Nouveau architecture (most popular between 1890 and 1910 and inspired by natural forms and structures, particularly the curved lines of plants and flowers) is very big in the Latvian capital, Riga.

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Villa Savoye, an hour outside Paris, dates back to the late 1920s. The Modernist home was a weekend retreat for the family who originally built it. “This [house] is the entire reason we went to France on this trip,” Luke said.

Jeb on the tiled daybed in the Villa Savoye’s master bedroom.

This photo was taken inside the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, Sweden. The Vasa is a Swedish warship built between 1626 and 1628. The ship foundered after sailing about 1,400 yards into its maiden voyage in 1628. It fell into obscurity after most of her valuable bronze cannons were salvaged in the 17th century until she was located again in the late 1950s in a busy shipping lane just outside the Stockholm harbor. Salvaged with a largely intact hull in 1961, it now resides permanently to the Vasa Museum. The ship is one of Sweden’s most popular tourist attractions. “It’s basically encased in a waxy film to help protect it,” Luke says.

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Wedding day at Helsinki Cathedral. A distinctive landmark in the cityscape of Finland’s capital, the cathedral features a tall, green dome surrounded by four smaller domes. Today the cathedral is one of Helsinki’s most popular tourist attractions. Some visitors attend religious events and services here but most visitors are tourists. The church is in regular use for services of worship and special events such as weddings.

Left: The Uspenski Cathedral, also in Finland, is an Eastern Orthodox cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Another interesting view of the Old Town in Riga, Latvia. This is a part of the old city walls. “Riga was a good mix of historic and modern,” Luke says. “And it was all very well integrated.”

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