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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Cobb • Cherokee Edition

Football Review 2012

10 Academic Athlete Trent Gantt

Lassiter High School

Schools

38 Coach’s Corner Michael Collins

Cobb Schools

Player Spotlight Tyren Jones

Walton High School

30 Spotlihgt Band

35 N.W. Georgia Youth Football Champs

Allatoona High School Harrison High School

Kell High School

North Cobb High School

Marietta High School Hillgrove High School

15 16 17

Etowah High School

Pope High School

Special Feature Middle School Players to Watch

North Cobb Christian School

Lassiter High School

Campbell High School

Kennesaw Mountain High School

Cherokee High School

Creekview High School

Cobb Schools

Spotlight Cheer Squad Competitve Cheer Team Etowah High School

Rising Star

South Cobb High School

Woodstock High School

Sequoyah High School

River Ridge High School

Whitefield Academy

Walton High School

Sprayberry High School

Mount Paran Christian School

Read. Subscribe. Share.

Richard “Chipper” Smith Pope High School

Acworth Schools

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Osborne High School

Marching Greyhounds

Pope High School

McEachern High School

Wheeler High School

On The Cover Players to Watch

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• Allatoona Buccaneers • American Heritage Eagles • Campbell Spartans • Cherokee Warriors • • Creekview Grizzlies • Dominion Knights • Etowah Eagles • Harrison Hoyas • Hillgrove Hawks • • Kell Longhorns • Kennesaw Mtn. Mustangs • Lassiter Trojans • Marietta Blue Devils • • McEachern Indians • Mount Paran Eagles • North Cobb Warriors • North Cobb Christian Eagles • • Osborne Cardinals • Pebblebrook Falcons • Pope Greyhounds • River Ridge Knights • • Sequoyah Chiefs • Sprayberry Yellow Jackets • South Cobb Eagles • The Kings Academy • • The Walker Wolverines • Walton Raiders • Wheeler Wildcats • Whitefield Wolfpack • Woodstock Wolverines •

From the Publisher

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

Publisher

George Wilson

Editor

Mark Dykes

Graphics

Megan Strickland Jennifer Alexander

Cover Photography

George Wilson | Success Prep Media George Wilson | Success Prep Media George Wilson | Success Prep Media

Feature Photography

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Feature Writers Kindred Howard Wilson Elliott George Wilson

Copy Editors

Crystal Hubbard Ashley Dailey Kaitlynn Passmore

Advertising/Marketing Blane Williams

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George Wilson

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Website Manager Kaitlynn Passmore

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2012 Cobb-Cherokee Football Review. Helping produce this issue has been a phenomenal experience. There are so many people to thank for helping us present this fans’-eye view of Cobb and Cherokee county football. The area coaches were gracious with their time as well as insight and comments about their teams. They helped us compile our school by school team page overview. As has become tradition, we unveil our Players to Watch for the 2012 season. This year’s honorees account for over seventy-five Division-1 offers! The selection was made much tougher by the fact that there were easily a dozen more players that could have landed within the group. It’s likely that you were able to purchase this copy with the dual benefit of supporting your favorite Cobb or Cherokee high school. Our new School Team Page Sponsorship program allowed local businesses to purchase and donate copies to be sold at the home games at the school they support. Please help me show appreciation to these fine businesses for their support of high school athletics in our area. In this first super-issue we had to go equally big-time with our Player Spotlight, and that we did, as we honor reigning Georgia Offensive Player of the Year, Tyren Jones of Walton High School. (pg. 24) The Crimson Tide commit will lead the Raiders on what looks to be a very promising follow up act to last year’s historic 14-1, State Runner-up campaign. Our Academic Athlete comes from Lassiter High School, a school that will battle Walton for the headlines as well as the Region Crown. The Trojans’ Trent Gantt, like most of our Academic honorees, is the “total package.” With nearly a 4.0 average, the standout two-way stud eyes a military academy appointment or an Ivy League school as his post-high school destination. In our “Coach’s Corner”(pg. 38) you’ll read about the changes underway for the Wheeler High School football team as they take on the personality and work ethic of their third-year Head Coach Michael Collins. Our Rising Star is Richard “Chipper” Smith, a Dodgen Middle School eighth grader that stars on the football field as well as the wrestling mat. There were so many deserving middle school players that we decided to expand the feature to present our Middle School Players To Watch. (pg. 47) These eighth grade “ballers” will likely grace our pages again in a few years. We thank Ken Stanton Music for their second year sponsoring our Spotlight Band feature. This fall we celebrate the achievement of 26-year band Director Gary Gribble and his Marching Greyhounds of Pope High School. We are excited to Spotlight the competitive Cheer Squad from Etowah High School. The girls wowed our photographer as he captures their very athletic stunts to share with you. The Corky Kell Classic. As you read this, the suspense will be over as three area schools dive head-long in to the season with the annual Georgia Dome showdown showcase of Georgia elite teams. Kell will need a big day from its two-way Player to Watch Branden Langley, and others to hold off the ober-talented Chattahooche Cougars. A young McEachern team will have its hand full with national preseason no. 1, Grayson. Look for the Indians to show well as they debut their “duel-Ty” offense featuring, not one but two very talent quarterbacks, Ty Clemons, and Ty Griffin. The Lions stingy defense will receive an early test stopping the elusive duo. The primetime matchup of the day will showcase our Player Spotlight Athlete of the Year, Tyren Jones as he leads the reigning Region Champion and state runner up, Walton Raiders. Look for a big game from Jones as he relishes and thrives in the bright glare of the Dome spotlight. Finally, we give fitting tribute to one of the state’s best youth football programs that happens to be right in our backyard. The Acworth Warriors celebrate 50-years of rampant volunteerism and parent support that has made the “The Warrior Nation” a tradition linking generations at the famed Halbrooks Park. (pg 35).

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We will continue our coverage of Fall sports on our website (www.inthegamemagazine.com/cobb) before our Winter issue which comes out in December. I continue to be humbled by the great reception and enthusiastic support we received from the Athletic Directors and booster club leaders. Thank you our readers for sharing in this exciting new model. We look forward to continuing to raise the bar for stellar coverage of your favorite teams and players. Trust me, “It is my pleasure.” All the Best, George

In The Game High School Sports Magazine is published monthly excluding July. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in part or in full without written consent from the publisher. Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. makes no representation or warranty of any kind for accuracy of content. All advertisements are assumed by the publisher to be correct. Copyright 2012 Dykes Publishing Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

McEachern Indians

Schedule

McEachern High School

Aug Sept Oct Nov

25 31 14 21 28 05 12 19 02 09

*region game

Home Away

Grayson Walton Pebblebrook* Marietta* Kennesaw Mountain* Campbell* South Cobb* North Cobb* Harrison* North Cobb*

2011 Record:

Head Coach: Kyle Hockman

McEachern Indians If there’s anything harder than winning 10 games with a brutal in-and-out-of-conference schedule, it would be repeating that lofty feat year after year. That is the task before McEachern head coach Kyle Hockman. This year the task may be harder than ever before as the Indians will tangle with several rising powers within their very tough Region 4-AAAAAA. Add to that the Indians’ penchant for poking the biggest dogs in the yard annually as foes to start their season. The Indians may have outdone themselves for the 2012 campaign. McEachern will launch their season against the nation’s toprated team in the Grayson Rams. Six days later they’ll take on cross-county powerhouse Walton High School. McEachern’s road would be a daunting journey for the most veteran team. The Indian are far from that as they return just seven starters from their last year’s 10-2 squad. They’re unlikely to get much sympathy from regions foes. They know that there is a seemingly endless well of fast, very talented athletes feeding into the Powder Spring juggernaut. Despite just three returning players, Coach Hockman projects that this could be one of his fastest teams.

The most experienced unit on this year’s team is undoubtedly the offensive line anchored by Maryland commit Jujuan Dulaney. He will be joined by 2011 line-mates Sherrod Pittman, Travis Fair, and Demetrius Garner. The offense will have a new leader with the departure of last year’s QB, Trent Thompson. Former North Cobb quarterback Ty Griffin (a senior transfer) has battled junior signal caller Ty Clemons for the starting nod since he hit campus. The result of the offseason duel of dual-threat quarterbacks bodes very well for the Indians’ offense. Coach Hockman projects that there will likely be shared responsibility and times when both of the speed burners will be on the field together. With the move-in by Griffin, the McEachern faithful will get a big and welcomed surprise when they get a blurred glimpse of his little brother, sophomore Taj Griffin. The younger Griffin will burst on the scene this year with his legitimate low 4.4 speed that will fit perfectly with the rest of the McEachern stable of running backs. While a fourth consecutive season with at least 10 wins will be a very tall order, don’t count out the Indians. If it’s true that speed kills, then this edition of the McEachern Indians will prove to be as lethal as ever.

Powder Springs, GA • www.mceachernhigh.orgl

GHSA 4-AAAAAA

Schedule Aug Sep Oct Nov

17 31 07 14 21 28 05 19 26 02 09

*region game

Home Away

North Cobb Woodland, Bartow* Paulding County* Rome* Lithia Springs* South Paulding* New Manchester* (HC) Villa Rica* Hiram* (Senior Night) North Paulding* East Paulding

2010 Record:

Region: 12-1 /5-0 Head coach: Gary Varner

GHSA 7B-AAA

Allatoona Buccaneers opposing offenses,” Varner explained. Powering that attack is an experienced group of defenders in the secondary. Cornerback Terence Sykes and safeties Traboris Tarver and Alex Ison will help contain opponents’ aerial attacks. Outside linebackers Charlie Maison and Chris Colman are back as well as is defensive tackle Calvin Howard. Graduation hit Allatoona hardest on its offense, where Varner and his staff are tasked with replacing the entire offensive line. The Buccaneers averaged 31.8 points per game in their 13 games a year ago. “It’s tough to replace all those guys,” Varner said. “We’re working really hard and hopefully we’ll get better as the year goes on.” A good start to reloading at offense is having quarterback Jeremy Uzee back to guide Allatoona’s attack. “He’s a good player,” Varner said. “He’s smart and moves well. We’re looking for big things and hope he steps up.” Varner returns skill players in receivers Tommy Davis and Clarence Sulberry, a pair of seniors. Running back T.J. Herron returns for his senior campaign as well. Offensive tackle Andrew Hester will help provide time for Uzee to throw and open lanes for Herron. An added bonus is the return of kicker Nathan Shaw, who will handle kickoffs, extra points and field goals. “Expectations from the fans are high and the kids are working hard and we hope to compete for a playoff spot,” Varner said. “We’ll see what happens when the season starts.”

Allatoona High School

There have been no baby steps for the Allatoona High School football team in going from a brandnew school and program to regional power. With just two varsity seasons under their belts, the Buccaneers have instead taken baby leaps, winning 20 of first their 24 games (and .833 winning percentage). Allatoona’s next region loss will be the program’s first ever; the Bucs are a perfect 10-0 so far in those contests. Head coach Gary Varner’s 2011 squad was 12-1 overall, 5-0 in Region 7B-AAA action and lost a tough 32-28 heartbreaker to eventual state champion Burke County in the quarterfinals of the playoffs. But a new season presents new challenges and possibly some growing pains. Allatoona will see some different opponents in 2012 as it changes its regional affiliation, moving to Region 5-AAAAA. The Bucs will double the number of region contests they play, going from five to 10 in 2012. Varner and his staff will also face the usual obstacles coaches face from one season to the next. “We’ve lost a lot of good seniors,” Varner said. “We have a lot of rebuilding to do. We’re in a new classification and region and don’t know what we’re getting into.” Allatoona counts its defense on its list of strengths heading into the upcoming season. The Buccaneers pitched three shutouts last year and held five opponents to just seven points. Varner’s squad is making the transition from a 4-4 scheme to a 3-4. “We want to get a little more pressure on

Buccaneer Stadium • Acworth, GA

Harrison Hoyas Schedule

Harrison High School

Aug Sep Oct Nov

31 07 14 21 28 05 19 26 02 09

*region game

Home Away

Woodstock Alpharetta Campbell* Pebblebrook* North Cobb* Kennesaw Mountain* South Cobb* Hillgrove* McEachern* Marietta* Away

2011 Record:

Region: 3-7 Head Coach: Marty Galbrath

GHSA 4-AAAAAA

Harrison Hoyas The 2011 season ended with a thud. Dropping back-to-back tilts with region foes McEachern and North Cobb prevented the Hoyas from making the state playoffs. The disappointment fueled the move for a change in leadership as the Hoya faithful clamored for a return to its proud legacy of regular appearances in postseason play. The Hoya nation is abuzz as fortune would land them former NFL Tennessee Titans assistant coach Marty Galbraith to assume the helm and the task of ultimately returning the proud program to prominence. Coach Galbraith tempers his optimism with an understanding that the change in style and approach brings with it a period of adjustment for his hard-working players. “Just about every aspect of our program is a little bit different. We’ve got good kids here. They’re eager to learn and they want to be a good football team. How much better we’ve gotten is going to be determined on Fridays,” Coach Galbraith said. He has also been very impressed by the tremendous support from the boosters the rest of the Harrison community. Fans will notice a significant difference right away as Coach GalbraithTeam fashions a moreBlue wide& Colors: open offensive philosophy. “We’re going to try to stress the opponents’ defense with formations and try to spread the field, forcing defenses to have to line up to what we’re doing.” In addition to solid

fundamental defense, Coach and his staff will emphasize special teams and the kicking game knowing that that could make a big difference, especially early on. The Hoyas will have to rely on several underclassmen who played last year. The offensive line will be led and anchored by key returners. Jackson Morris will move from tackle to center and be flanked by returning two-way players Joey Connors and Jalen Penn. Former offensive tackle Sam Lyons will line up at tight end this year as the line will protect talented firstyear starter, sophomore dual-threat quarterback Lorenzo Nunez. Defensively, the Hoyas will look to several two-way athletes like Keegan Karim, Tayvon Benjamin, Drevon Jones and Chatham Carter, among others, to step up to the challenge of key roles. Harrison will battle a very tough region schedule which will make the road to the playoffs a challenging journey for the new-look Hoyas. The Harrison campus and fields are experiencing a makeover and are sure to be sparkling when the transformation is complete. So too can be said about the football team as Coach Galbraith and his staff set a new foundation for Harrison. Given Gold his leadership style and experience, it’s a pretty good bet that the Hoya community will be quite pleased with the end product that takes the field on Friday nights.

Cobleigh Stadium • Capacity: 5,000 • Kennesaw, GA • www.harrisonhoyafootball.com

Schedule Aug Sep Oct Nov

17 25 07 14 21 28 05 12 26 02 09

*region game

Home Away

Marietta (Scrimmage) Chattahoochee Woodstock Lassiter Creekview North Springs Riverwood* Osborne* Sprayberry* Pope* Region-Play In

2011 Record:

Region: 9-3

HeadColors: Coach:Blue Derek Cook Team & Gold

GHSA 7B-AAAAA

Kell Longhorns Kell football has had an outstanding past two years and, according to head coach Derek Cook, a lot of that can be contributed to the team “learning how to win regardless of the experience coming in.” This winning mentality has propelled the Longhorns to a 21-4 record over the past two years, with Coach Cook’s 2012 team looking to build on that winning record. This success did not come without stumblingblocks though, as Coach Cook explained. The definitive loss to East Paulding last season really served as a turning point for his boys, showing them that they were not invincible and had to maintain focus in order to keep getting positive results. This fall, Cook will need to replace wideouts Hunter Marshall, who will walk on at Georgia Tech, and Devon Williams, as well as dual running back and linebacker Chris Gaines. Despite these losses, Cook remains optimistic

with six starters coming back on each side of the ball, including Taylor Henkle, a rising junior who plays on both sides of the ball and with 25 starts under his belt already; dual-sided junior Brendan Langley who has been heavily recruited within the SEC; Quincey Mauger, a Georgia commit; and Michael Valero, who was voted an All Region tight end and All County defensive end. Cook said the Longhorns will be running a 4-3 defense and spread option offense, just as they did last year with no major adjustments. The big emphasis will be on staying healthy. With a number of players playing on both sides of the ball getting double the reps in practice and games, the team must maintain focus game to game throughout the season. It looks to be another promising season from Kell football and Coach Cook is excited about the potential his team shows and knows it is important that they live up to that potential.

Kell High School

Cobb Energy Stadium • Marietta, GA • www.kellfootball.com

Academic Athlete

Trent Gantt

Lassiter High School 10

A Scholar and A Warrior by Kindred Howard

s a defensive end for the Lassiter Trojans, senior Trent Gantt is no stranger to combat. Most Friday nights from late August through November, he can be found locked in hand-to-hand warfare with tight ends, offensive tackles, pulling guards, and running backs as they attempt to clear the way for a ball carrier or protect a quarterback in the pocket. This season promises to be more of the same as the 5’10” 192 lbs. defensive lineman looks forward to another season of sweat, blood, and battles in the trenches. Many high school players hope to continue their grid iron warfare even after high school. They dream of taking their game to the next level to play for a big-time college football program. But while Gantt has attracted the eye of numerous recruiters and definitely has aspirations of playing on Saturday afternoons next season, Lassiter’s defensive standout is actually hoping to follow his formidable high school career by preparing for a different kind of combat. Gantt’s ambition after he graduates from Lassiter is to attend and play football for the United States Naval Academy. “I’ve always respected the academies tremendously,” he says. “I love what they stand for, and I love the fact that if you go there you don’t just play football or get an education, you strengthen your character and learn to be a better leader. I really hope it works out that I can attend the Naval Academy and play football next year.” The feeling is mutual. Navy coaches have been impressed with Gantt’s accomplishments on the field and in the classroom, and they are hoping he will don the blue and gold for the Midshipmen next season. Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Naval Academy ranks as one of the country’s most prestigious institutions. In addition to training young men and women to serve as officers in the US Navy and the United States Marine Corps, the academy’s rigorous academic requirements make it as scholastically challenging as even the most distinguished Ivy League school. The admittance process is rigorous as well. In addition to requiring an impressive academic transcript, the military academies also look for evidence of a candidate’s leadership skills and character. Even if a young man or woman passes muster on each of those fronts, there’s still one final hurdle before he or she will even be considered for admission. Candidates to the academies must receive a congressional nomination from either the candidate’s congressman or US senator. Athletes are no exception. For most high school students, an appointment to Annapolis would be a long shot, but Gantt’s proven leadership abilities, athletic skills, and academic résumé make it highly likely that the Marietta senior will spend his college days saluting officers and ending statements with “Go Navy. Beat Army!” Known for his incredible work ethic and the high standard of excellence to which he holds himself, Gantt served as one of the key leaders and an anchor of the Trojan defense in 2011. He totaled over 60 tackles in route to helping the Trojans finish 10-4 overall and ranked fourteenth in the state. But for all of his impact on the playing field, it is Trent’s academic achievements that are perhaps most impressive. Entering his final year of high school, he car-

photography by Studio 7 Photography ries a GPA that is just shy of a perfect 4.0 (roughly a 3.997). Gantt’s classroom performance has been so impressive that, in addition to both Navy and West Point (Gantt’s second choice), several Ivy League schools have made efforts to recruit him. Unable to offer athletic scholarships, Ivy League institutions only recruit athletes that can qualify for academic scholarships and which they trust can meet their high academic standards. So far, Yale, Columbia, and Dartmouth have all come calling in hopes of luring Gantt to their campuses next fall. Of the three, Dartmouth has been the most aggressive, already making a personal visit to meet with Trent before official practice for his senior season even begins. “I admit that it is a cool feeling to have recruiters coming all that way to see you. It’s fun knowing that they think you have what it takes. I’m especially honored when it’s a school like Dartmouth or one of the academies because you know they appreciate what you’ve done off the field too.” Gifted in all subjects, Gantt especially loves math and science, which helps explain his attraction to the Naval Academy and its high emphasis on engineering and math. Eventually, he hopes to become a pilot in the Marine Corps or perhaps put his skills to work leading ground troops. When asked what drives him to succeed and set his goals so high, Trent says, “I just hate the thought of being average. You could even go so far as to say I have a fear of it. My girlfriend even shakes her head when she sees how hard I work sometimes. Even she can’t figure me out.” Taking a moment to lean forward in his chair he continues, “The thought of just settling for what’s acceptable is appalling to me. I don’t ever want to be one of those people who just drift along through life in a sea of mediocrity.” As for what it would mean to get his coveted ap-

pointment to Annapolis, Gantt states, “An appointment to Annapolis would not only present me with a great opportunity and a chance to fulfill my dream to be an officer, it would challenge me like never before. I want to be everything I have the potential to be, and I want to serve my country. Graduating from the Naval Academy or West Point would allow me to reach those goals.” Gantt has also lettered as a defender for the Lassiter lacrosse team. But he is quick to point out that it is his brother, a standout midfielder, who is the lacrosse star in the family. Outside of sports and school, Trent devotes part of his time to mentoring elementary school kids who perhaps need a strong male figure in their lives or a guiding hand. “Some of the kids look up to me because I play sports,” he says. “But I always try to emphasize that sports will only take you so far. Only a select few will make their way in the world as athletes. I want these kids to see the importance of taking school seriously and doing their best. I want them to know that they can do great things if they’ll only apply themselves.” Trent credits the love and support of his family as the most important element in any success he has achieved. Along with his Christian faith, he relies on his family to be the foundation that he depends on to grow and develop. But he has also been greatly impacted by his defensive line coach, Jim Brown. Coach Brown served overseas in Afghanistan and has been an inspiration to Gantt and other players since his return. “He’s told us some stories about things he saw over there that would make your eyes pop out. Hearing what he’s been through and all he’s done and sacrificed for our country, you can’t help but want to give him and your teammates everything you’ve got. It reminds you that you have no excuses. His example has just impacted me in so many ways, and I know I’m a lot better person for having been coached by him.” As Trent Gantt’s embarks upon his final year of high school, great things appear to be on the horizon. There is the promise of another successful season for Trojan football. There are more opportunities to excel in the classroom and impact others as a leader and example. And there is certainly the likelihood that he will soon officially sign with a college program (probably Navy). Whatever happens, Trent Gantt has already proven himself to be a young man with the ability and character to meet life’s challenges head on. ITG

North Cobb Warriors Schedule Aug Sep Oct Nov

17 31 14 21 28 05 12 19 26 02 09

*region game

Home Away

Allatoona Starr’s Mill Walton Kennesaw Mountain* Harrison* South Cobb* Hillgrove* McEachern* Pebblebrook* Marietta* Campbell*

2011 Record:

Region: 5-6 Head Coach: Shane Queen

GHSA 4-AAAAAA

Cherokee Warriors The Warriors will look to build upon last season’s momentum that saw them make the playoffs for the first time in four years. If they are to snag one of the region’s top four spots, they will have to get solid production from a few new faces. Head coach Shane Queen knows that better than anybody. “We lost four starters on our offensive line. We’re working hard to have guys step up and fill those roles. The guys will have to jell quickly. We didn’t have a lot of depth on the offensive line last year, so we’re moving some guys from defense over there to help out.”

The Warriors’ all-everything” three-year starting running back Quentin James will be counting on a short learning curve for the newbies. The 6’2”, 213-pound James returns as the team’s most productive threat. In 2011, he amassed nearly 900 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns. Youth will be served also at the quarterback spot as sophomore Tyler Queen goes under center for a second year after injuries and a transfer paved the way for his opportunity last year. In 2012, he threw for 17 touchdowns and over 1,400 yards.

North Cobb High School

Emory Sewell Stadium • Capacity: 5,000 • Kennesaw, GA

Marietta Blue Devils Schedule

Marietta High School

Aug Sep Oct Nov

17 24 31 14 21 28 12 19 26 02 09

*region game

Home Away

Kell (Scrimmage) Newnan Pope Hillgrove* McEachern* Pebblebrook* Kennesaw Mountain* Campbell* South Cobb* North Cobb* Harrison*

2011 Record:

Region: 6-6 Head Coach: Scott Burton

GHSA 4-AAAAAA

Marietta Blue Devils To say there’s a buzz of excitement and optimism about football at Marietta High School would be an understatement. Third-year head coach Scott Burton has just about completed the attitude makeover that he targeted when he came to MHS. He had a major sales job to do when he came to the tradition-rich Blue Devils. He had to win over a community that had grown weary from recent string of mediocre seasons that followed strong teams in 2004 and 2005. The fact that he was replacing a local legend in Coach James “Friday” Richards only made the revitalization project that much tougher. In his first season and a half, the report card based on wins and losses was not good as the Blue Devils notched just two wins in their first 14 games under Burton. Despite the early setbacks in 2011, the optimistic Coach Burton continued to hammer his message that emphasized his key tenets of selfless commitment to “team” and building an elite program. The seeds of the team’s hard work began to bear fruit in time for region play last year as the Blue Devils surged to win six of its next seven games before a playoff loss to South Georgia powerhouse Camden County. This year, Marietta entered the season on a high note with talent, experience, and an ex-

pectation of success. This despite facing a tough non-region schedule leading up to region play in what will likely be regarded as the area’s most competitive. The high expectations are based on star power and experience that return from the 2011 campaign. Headlining the offense is the vaunted pitch and catch combination of LSU commit, quarterback Anthony Jennings, and speedy split end Tyree Harris, a future Wake Forest Demon Deacon. If that wasn’t enough, the Devils return seven other starters that include senior tight end Kenny Norwood and talented junior wide outs Marcus Bennett and Jordan Mathis. If the Marietta running game develops according to plan, the Blue Devils’ offense will be one of the area’s best. The defense will need to get much stingier. They’ll look to returning linebackers Lawton Ward and Ty Tomlin and an experienced secondary to get the ball quickly back in the hands of Jennings and company. Coach Burton and his staff will continue to stress the importance of personal sacrifice to achieve the more important team goals. How strongly his team embraces that message will go a long way to determining how high this talented bunch will soar in 2012.

Northcutt Stadium • Capacity: 8,000 • Marietta, GA • www.bluedevil-football.com

Hillgrove Hawks Schedule Aug Sep Oct Nov

24 31 14 28 05 12 19 26 02 09

*region game

Home Away

Westlake Lassiter Marietta* Campbell* Pebblebrook* North Cobb* Kennesaw Mountain* Harrison* South Cobb* McEachern*

2011 Record:

Region: 11-1

HeadColors: Coach:Blue Phillip Ironside Team & Gold

GHSA 4-AAAAAA

Hillgrove Hawks most talented returning leaders. Tolando Cleveland, a Georgia Tech commit, and two-way star Evan Engram, a future Ole Miss Rebel, will join two year starter Travon Simmons to forge the region’s most ball-hawking secondary. Offensively, veterans Elijah Ironside and Troy Thompson look to offer the Hawks experience and depth at the quarterback position. Waiting to step into the limelight with the departure of Drake will be running backs Recadre Bagley, Derrick Evans, and senior Bakari Oxendine. The receiving corps will be tall and fast as Engram is joined by Omar Black, Justin Denton, Marcus White, and tight end Sam Peterson. Never put it past the talented and determined Hawks to rise to the very top, but their schedule is a bear starting with an epic showdown with 2011 state semi-finalist Lassiter. Add to that region tilts with Marietta, North Cobb, South Cobb, and McEachern, and you see how 10 wins could seem very optimistic. The Hillgrove Hawks are making a habit and a tradition of excellence so watch out Region 4-6A, the other Powder Springs power are still taking on all comers.

Hillgrove High School

When your football team notches no less than 10 wins in each of its first three seasons at the state’s highest classification (formerly 5A, now 6A), the fan base can get a bit spoiled. The bar gets hoisted to an unrealistically high perch. So is the case with the nuevo-powerhouse Hillgrove Hawks. Head coach Phillip Ironside and his staff have brought a brand of football to the young Powder Springs high school that has quickly propelled it from the shadows of their tradition-rich neighbor, McEachern. The 2012 season brings the tall task of replacing several graduated standouts now playing on Saturdays, such as Alabama Crimson Tide running back Kenyan Drake. Lofty expectations notwithstanding, Coach Ironside really likes this year’s squad. ”We’ve got a bunch of kids that work really hard. After three years in our system, they’ve come back more determined than ever. It’s an easy bunch to coach.” As the Hawks reload for the 2012 campaign, replacing several star players from their run of dominant play, they’ll get no sympathy from their ravenous competition in this year’s very strong Region 4-6A. The defense looks to have some of the team’s

Cobb Energy Stadium • Powder Springs, GA • hillgrovefootball.org

Wheeler Wildcats Schedule

Wheeler High School

Aug mage) Sep Oct Nov

*region game

Atkinson County

24 07 14 21 28 05 19 26 02 09

Sprayberry Pope Langston Hughes Etowah* Milton* Roswell* Walton* Lassiter* Woodstock* Cherokee*

Home Away

(Scrim-

2011 Record:

Region: 4-6 Head Coach: Michael Collins

GHSA 4-AAAAAA

Wheeler Wildcats In 2010, when veteran head coach Mike Collins accepted the opportunity to lead the fledging Wheeler Wildcats, it wasn’t a surprise to his colleagues in the coaching community. Coach Collins had earned a reputation for turning around struggling programs in his previous two stops on his coaching resume. As the Wildcats enter their third season under Coach Collins, he has turned the attitudes to positive, and his players’ focus toward “the process” of getting better each day. “It’s ‘the process’ that you have to embrace and enjoy. We need to enjoy the act of going toward our goals. We don’t just talk or focus solely on the goal itself. We emphasize the work that has to be done each day and at each step along the way. We want to make ourselves better tomorrow than we were yesterday,” he said. The players have obviously embraced Coach Collins’ philosophy. Observers can see that the offseason work and commitment has increased each summer and now the Wildcats are poised to start reaping the benefits on Friday nights. It certainly helps that the coaching staff can now rely on experienced leadership especially on the defensive side of the ball. Junior Quincye Price will join a strong linebacker corps headed by returning starters Demetrius Webb (a senior) and Jevan Sampler (junior). The ‘Cats look to build on the 2011 season when they notched three shut-

outs en route to four victories. Offensively, the Wildcats will look to a second year starter, the 6’7” junior Elijah Staley, for leadership as they fashion a more wide open spread option attack. With the speedy sophomore receiver Kyonte Maxwell in the slot position and rangy Emanuel Beal on the outside, Staley will have more options as he grows in the new offensive attack. Although Coach Collins concedes that his talented quarterback is still somewhat ”raw,” he credits Staley’s offseason work and on field leadership as reasons for optimism for improved production from his offense. Wheeler will benefit from the growing pains that his then-young offensive front experienced last year. K.C. Shaw will anchor an offensive line that returns four starters from an injury-plagued 2011 campaign. Offensive coordinator Davis Harvey will look to shorten the learning curve for first year starting center Andrew Inlow, knowing that his progress will be key to the front that paves the way for Staley and the other talented backs. Despite a daunting schedule that includes non-region tilts with Class 4-A defending region champs Pope along with region powerhouses Walton and Lassite,r the Wheeler faithful can expected continued improvement from the Wildcats as they continue to embrace “the process” of getting better each week.

Corky Kell Stadium • Capacity: 5,000 • Marietta, GA • www.wheelerfootball.com

Schedule Aug Sep Oct Nov

24 31 07 21 28 05 12 19 02 09

*region game

Home Away

Chapel Hill Lost McNair Lost 8-15 Campbell Lost 6-27 Cambridge Won 20-0 Creekview Lost 0-31 Pope* Lost 0-21 Kell* Away Riverwood* Away Sprayberry* Region Play-In TBD

2011 Record:

Region: 2-8

HeadColors: Coach:Blue Xarvis Smith Team & Gold

GHSA 7B-AAAAA

Osborne Cardinals of replacing one the school’s most prolific playmakers, Nylakki Height, now a freshman at UAB. The Cardinals will rely on a tandem of senior running backs, Tim Harris and Matthew Ramsey, to replace most of Height’s offensive production. Beyond the running backs, the Cardinals will look to solidify the quarterback position. Jahmari Townes performed well in 2011 in his first year under center. Senior Xavier Evans will compete for the job as well. Defensively, Matthew Ramsay will need to be an ironman as he figures to anchor the defense as he and linebacker-mate Khalill McIntyre lead the Cardinals’ new 3-5 defense. As if they need more challenge, the Cardinals will square off against several formidable opponents in their very tough region (7-AAAAA) which features recent powerhouses Kell and Pope. Coach Smith and his boys will look to continue to progress on and off the field.

Osborne High School

In his first year at Osborne High School in 2011, veteran head coach Xarvia Smith had a big task ahead of him. He wanted to change the culture that had besieged the Cobb County school’s football program that hadn’t had even come close to a winning season in the past decade. The Cardinals’ 2011 record proves that numbers don’t always tell the whole story. The Cardinals increased their win total by a mere single win. Much more importantly, the attitude of the Cardinal players and supporters surged toward the positive. Coach Smith is imposing his spirit and a sense of pride into the Cardinal program. He shared that they now have a much more rigorous off-season workout program his players have embraced. Coach Smith knows that the result over time will be the emergence of bigger, stronger, better conditioned, much more physically competitive players. The 2012 season brings the challenge

Marietta, GA

players to watch Quincy Mauger Kell Longhorns 6’1” / 197 lbs 40:4.51 secs

Quincey is the other half of the Kell dynamic-duo defensive backs.The very physical safety will dole out one more year of punishing blanket coverage at the prep level before taking his talents to Athens, GA. A state track finalist in the 100 hurdles, Mauger is likely one of the state’s most athletic defensive backs. His combination of size and speed bodes well for Quincy this year and for the rest of his promising football career.

Brendan Langley Kell Longhorns 6’1” / 188 lbs 40:4.5 secs

Brendan is a game-changing two-way standout that gives opposing coaches nightmares with the multiple ways that his can impact a game. At 6’1” and nearly 200 pounds, Langeley strikes an imposing and punishing presence in Kell’s secondary. Coach Cook is no dummy and seizes opportunities to get the ball in the playmaker’s hands on offense and special teams. Look for the South Carolina commit to have another big year as he leads the Longhorns’ pursuit of a region and state championship.

Juwan Dickey Lassiter Trojans 6’2” / 200 lbs 40:4.6 secs

Juwan physically is nearly the perfect receiver. Standing a shade under 6’,2” and two-hundred pounds, with hands the size of catcher’s mitts, Dickey runs greats routes and is very physical in his pursuit of yards after catch. Currently he has a half dozen D-1 offers. For a third year, he’ll be a favorite target of his prolific quarterback Eddie Printz. Dickey will likely receive less double coverage than he warrants due to Lassiter’s talent-rich receiving core. Look for Dickey to contuse his dominance as the college recruiters continue to line up for a shot at landing the talented, future D-1 receiver.

Eddie Printz Lassiter Trojans 6’4” / 212 lbs

Eddie, a Pro-style quarterback with 10 seasons under his belt has an extremely high football I.Q. The Lassiter senior led the county with over 3300 yards last season while tossing 28 TDs. The UCLA commit is poised for record-setting exploits this year with a stable of talents receivers in tow. At 6’4” possessing a canon-like arm, Printz has college scouts nationwide salivating at his tremendous upside at the next level. He’ll look to cap a stellar high school career by leading his highly ranked Trojans to an a December appearance in the Georgia Dome.

Ryan Jenkins Lassiter Trojans 5’10” / 180 lbs 40:4.51 secs

Ryan is one of the county’s most elusive receivers. .He is cat-quick in and out of cuts which will make him a big play threat as a target in the Lassiter prolific passing attack. While more than a dozen D-1 offers, Jenkins recently decided to follow his older brother’s lead to Clemson S.C. for his college experience. Look for Jenkins to put of big personal numbers in the vaunted Lassiter attack.

Quinten James North Cobb High Warriors 6’1” / 206 lbs 40 dash 4.5

Quinten possesses an enticing combination of size and speed that has SEC and ACC in hot pursuit. The two-way prep star, James likely projects to the defensive side of the ball at the collegiate level. He’s a quiet yet intense leader that looks to lead his North Cobb team as they eye a Region crown and deep playoffs run in this his last high school campaign.

Anthony Jennings Marietta Blue Devils 6’2” / 202 lbs 40:4.52 secs

Anthony is a dual threat quarterback with cat-quick instincts. The LSU Tiger commit has focused on passing accuracy and looks to improve on his impressive 2011 personal stats that saw him pass for 19 TDs. While his athleticism and speed separates him from most quarterbacks, his strong arm and improved accuracy increased his recruiting stock and projection for success at the collegiate level. He’ll throw to the likes of fellow D-1 standout Tyree harris as the Blue Devils look to crash the post-season party in 2012.

Evan Engram Hillgrove Hawks 6’3” / 210 lbs 40:4.51 secs

Evan will be a big target for the Hillgroove hawks this season – both literally and figuratively. At just under 6’4,” the sleek Engram runs impressive routes and offers big plays after the catch with his separation speed. Engrams measurable garned him a lot of attention on the recruiting trails. He recent committed verbally to the Ole Miss Rebels.In this his final prep campaign, Evan will help a potent Hillgrove scoring attack with his game-breaking prowess for both the long and intermediate passes.

Parker McLeod Walton Raiders 6’3” / 189 lbs

Parker’s national stock rose in 2011 as he helped lead his Raiders to a 14-1, state runner up finish. The rangy, Alabama commit will look for an encore performance in 2012. McCleod’s high football I.Q. and passing touch will be on full display this year as defenses are forced to scheme to stop Walton’s dominant running game. Parker will look to take advantage of play action pass opportunities and continue to provide leadership as he and the Raiders look to match last year’s success

Brandon Kublanow Walton Raiders 6’3” / 290 lbs

Brandon is likely the most physically punishing offensive lineman in the state. Pressed into two-way duty, the massive lineman imposes his same aggressive style at defensive tackle. The Georgia bulldogs will likely have the “tenasty” Kublanow anchoring their offensive front from the guard or center position in the coming years. Until then, opposing Region 5 foes should strap their headgear on tightly and get the post-game analgesics ready for battle with the aggressive Raider standout.

Jajuan Dulaney McEachern Indians 6’4” / 265 lbs

Jajuan anchors a mammoth offensive line for the Indians. The Maryland Terrapins commit is the ultimate late bloomer. At nearly 6’5” his frame and naturally strong build, has coaches at the next level eager to work with the uber-talented prep star. As Dulaney and offensive line mates continue to develop over the season, region foes will get an early sample of what has the Maryland faithful excited.

Etowah Eagles Schedule

Etowah High School

Aug Sep Oct Nov

24 31 07 14 21 28 05 19 26 02 09

*region game

Home Away

Sequoyah (Scrimmage) Lambert Centennial Pope Wheeler* Roswell* Milton* Cherokee* Woodstock* Walton* Lassiter*

2011 Record:

Region: 6-5 Head Coach: Dave Svehla

Etowah Eagles After a disappointing 6-5 mark in 2011, the 2012 Etowah Eagles are committed to making significant improvements which will hopefully translate into a solid post-season run. The Eagle faithful will welcome new head coach Dave Svehla and his staff to do just that and help the perennially solid Eagle program take their performance and results to the next level. With the new regime will come a new approach. The Eagles will depart their traditional veer offense for the I-formation. Coach Svehla and staff expect to have depth at the quarterback position as returning starter John Oliver will compete with the quarterback he replaced last year, senior Reeves Johnson, who suffered a seasonending ACL injury in 2011. Coach Svehla is excited about the way their competitiveness is making both leaders rise to the top. The Eagles’ running back corps will have big shoes to fill as the look to replace graduated Cherokee Tribune Player of the Year Devonte Wheaton. Junior Brandon Engle returns with

GHSA 4-AAAAAA by Wilson Elliott

a year of experience under his belt. When the competitive dust settles, he’ll likely be joined by Raishod Devezin and Marshall Sturdivant. The backs will benefit greatly from the Eagles’ experienced offensive line which will be anchored by senior Jakob Hassan. Keeping the opponents out of the end zone will be assigned to a defensive unit led by a talented secondary. Pierce Blanchard, Ayden Bonilla, Ben Rowell, and Michael McCauley will bring skill, speed, and experience to what they hope will be the county’s toughest secondary. The Eagles, while possessing a number of impressive athletes, will look to stay healthy this year as they are short on depth in several positions vacated by graduation. Coach Svehla and company will have to maintain or even exceed the best season efforts in order to snag a playoff spot in the very top heavy Region 5. One thing he and the boys can certainly count on is enthusiastic support from the Etowah community.

6565 Putnam Ford Drive • Woodstock, GA • www.etowaheagles.com

Pope Greyhounds Schedule Aug Sep Oct Nov

31 07 14 21 28 05 18 26 02 09

*region game

Home Away

Marietta Wheeler Etowah Northview Cambridge Osborne* Sprayberry* Riverwood* Kell* Region Play-In Game

2011 Record:

Region: 10-2 Head Matt&Kemper Team Coach: Colors: Blue Gray

GHSA 7B-AAAAA

Greyhounds running back, two-way player Brooks Clemmons, and one experienced receiver. The offensive line will be buoyed by their mammoth sophomore guard Max Kemper, one of the state’s best underclassmen who made the All Region team last year as a freshman. Guard Luke Horner will also be expected to provide leadership for an otherwise inexperienced front five for the Greyhounds. At quarterback, attempting to fill the lightning fast shoes of Frost will be Steven Struck, who appears to have just edged out senior move-in Sam Yarborough, who impressed Coach Kemper with his strong work ethic and leadership. As for changes in approach given the lack of experience, Coach Kemper realizes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” “We’re still going to hang our hat on option football and play with an academy style of play -- smart and tough, with field position, ball control, low scoring kind of games. We’re going rely on playing great defense and be willing to punt the ball and take advantage of our chances when we get them.” The Greyhounds have a tough schedule that starts with three 6A opponents beginning with an opener against juggernaut Marietta. Their supporters have come to expect the unexpected as Coach Kemper has his boys and the entire Greyhound fan base believing in his brand of smart, tough fundamentally sound football. And that is usually a winning formula.

Pope High School

If anyone needs proof that good coaching can make a huge difference, they need look no further than the navy and sky blue-clad Greyhounds of Pope High School. In the four years leading up to the arrival of head coach Matt Kemper, Pope won a total of 10 games. The Greyhounds matched that total last year as region champions en route the highest win total in school history. Entering his fifth season, Coach Kemper and his staff have totally transformed the excitement level and expectations for the East Cobb school known lately for the dominance of its state champion wrestling team. This year, Coach Kemper and company will try to continue their ascent despite the loss of several outstanding graduates, among them star quarterback Holland Frost and All State receiver Miles Everette. Fortunately for Coach Kemper and the Pope faithful, the cupboard is not bare, particularly on the defensive side of the ball where they return eight regular players from last year’s magical season. They’ll rely on team captain, linebacker Shaun Hatcher, as well as cornerback Ryan Handley in the secondary. The Greyhounds’ defensive strength is likely to be up front where they return all three linemen, including team co-captain Alexander Parker and running-mates Currin McMahon and Trevor Stevens. Offensively, the prognosis is a bit less certain. Coach Kemper calls it more of an overhaul than anything else. The Hounds return just one starting

Pope Multi-purpose Facility • Capacity: 3,000 • Marietta, GA • www.popefootball.com

North Cobb Christian

Eagles Schedule 31 07 14 28 06 12 19 26 02 09

Home Away

Southwest Atlanta Christian Walker* Mt Zion, Carroll Cross Keys Baconton Charter Providence Christian Towns County Lakeview Academy St Francis* Clarkston- Hallford Stad, DeKalb

2011 Record:

Region: 1-9 Head Coach: Harry Miles

The 2011 season was a tough year for the Eagles. An inexperienced and limited roster had a couple standouts, but the team’s lack of depth made for a challenging 1-9 season. To his credit, head coach Harry miles has continued to rally his players and the school community as his team faces another building-block year. North Cobb Christian will play a non-region schedule this year as they build toward 2014, when they join a region classification. Miles concedes, “We’ve got a lot of young players. We just want to grow physically and mentally and be competitive as we continue to grow the program.” Coach Miles’ primary goal will

undoubtedly be development of his young crop of players. That growth and support is already evident. The roster grew by seven players to 33 this year. Coach Miles has introduced a triple option style offense this season to go with their 3-4 defense that they instituted last season. Sophomore Reggie Pruitt and junior Daniel Galanos will be called on the replace last year’s everything-back Corey Harris. Quarterback Alex Ho-on will be called on for leadership as the Eagles attempt to continue their improvement and development in what the Eagle faithful hope will be a playoff-caliber team.

Eagle Field • Capacity: 800 • Kennesaw, GA • www.ncchristian.org

GHSA 6B-A

North Cobb Christian Eagles

North Cobb Christian School

Aug Sep Oct Nov

*region game

Lassiter Trojans Schedule Aug Sep Oct Nov

31 07 14 21 28 05 19 26 02 09

*region game

Hillgrove Sprayberry Kell Cherokee* Woodstock* Walton* Milton* Wheeler* Roswell* Etowah*

Home Away

2011 Record:

Region: 10-4 Head Jep & Irwin Team Coach: Colors: Blue Gray

GHSA 5-AAAAAA

Lassiter Trojans and six touchdowns). Printz, who led the county and wowed college scouts nationwide with 3,352 yards and 28 touchdowns, will have a virtual buffet of passing targets this year with the additions of Wheeler transfer running back Hakim Shahid and Clemson commit receiver Ryan Jenkins, formerly of Milton High School. Defensively, the Trojans front seven will be strong with five returning regulars. They’ll be led by defensive end Trent Gantt along with linebackers Josh Danforth and Ryan Glides. The secondary, however, will be inexperienced. Cornerback Robert Dowling is the only returning starter. The secondary is likely to be tested often as the highpowered Trojan offense will force most opponents into catch up modes regularly. The Trojans will look to unseat their East Cobb rival Walton for region supremacy. Should they stay injury free, don’t be surprised to see the maroon and gold clad Trojans in the Georgia Dome in December.

Lassiter High School

In 2011, Lassiter peaked at just the right time. The Trojans surprised a lot of people with an improbable run of three very tough road playoff wins before a state semi-final heartbreaker against neighborhood rival Walton. Now, 2012 could be THE year for the Trojans. They certainly will not sneak up on anyone. The Trojans have a virtual who’s who of Division I prospects in skill positions led by three-year starting quarterback Eddie Printz. Head coach Jep Irwin admits that replacing All-State receiver Charlie Hegedus and all-purpose back Isaiah Willis from last year’s juggernaut offense is a tall order. Printz will have two very familiar and accomplished targets back in the fold for this year’s campaign. Senior Juwan Dickey will look to build on last season where he was Printz’s favorite target, amassing nearly 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. Also looking to cap a stellar high school career will be returning senior Willie Police. This year Police is poised to surpass his impressive 2011 stats (569 yards

Frank Fillman Stadium • Marietta, GA • www.lassiterfootball.net

Player Spotlight

Tyren Jones

Walton’s Rolling Tide by Kindred Howard

hen Nick Saban left the NFL to become the head coach at the University of Alabama in 2007, he wasted no time in re-establishing the familiar brand of no-nonsense, smash-mouth football that had typified the Crimson Tide program during its glory days under the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. In the process, the now iconic coach quickly built a team that revolves predominantly around stifling defense and a power running game that has, over the last few seasons, become the envy of collegiate rivals throughout the SEC and the country. In 2009, Crimson Tide running back Mark Ingram became the first Heisman Trophy winner in Alabama’s illustrious history. Last year, Ingram’s replacement, Trent Richardson, made it to New York as a Heisman finalist. Beginning in 2013, the baton of tailback excellence may very well pass to one of Cobb County’s current high school standouts. Walton High School’s Tyren Jones enters his senior season having already committed to the Crimson Tide. Starting next fall, the Raider phenom will display his coveted combination of power and speed on the hallowed grid iron of Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Nicknamed “Little Ingram” by the Alabama coaching staff (a reference to the aforementioned Heisman Trophy winner), Jones prepares to embark on his final prep season as arguably the most dominant running back in Walton history. In 2011, the 5’8” 190 lbs. power back rushed for over 2300 yards and scored over 40 touchdowns, while averaging right at 5 yards per carry. The future Crimson Tide running back also posted over 200 yards returning kicks and nearly 100 yards in receiving on his way to leading the Raiders to an undefeated regular season and an appearance in the state AAAAA finals, where they lost to Grayson. Jones’ dominance on the football field did not go unheralded. In addition to being named to multiple all-state rosters, Tyren also garnered the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s offensive player of the year award and was named the Cobb County Touchdown Club’s 2011 player of the year. Ranked as the number 1 running back in the state of Georgia by many experts, Jones’ decision to commit early to Alabama made waves throughout the southeast and broke the hearts of recruit-

Walton High School

photography by Studio 7 Photography ers from several other big schools that had hoped to land Walton’s star player. Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn, and Clemson were among some of the schools making their bids to attract Jones. In the end, it was a visit to Tuscaloosa combined with Saban’s proven ability to mold winning programs that convinced Jones to say ‘yes’ to the crimson and white. “Watching Alabama play football over the last few seasons, I’ve really grown to respect what Coach Saban and his staff have done there. After meeting him, I just became that much more impressed. When I went out for my Junior Day visit, he met with me personally and offered me a scholarship. After talking it over with my parents I decided I wanted to go to school at Alabama.” Commenting on what he envisions being the ultimate benefits of playing for a coach like Saban, Jones’ notes, “He knows how to win. I know that he will challenge me to be my best, and that’s what I want more than anything. Playing for Alabama means that every year you are likely to be in the mix for a SEC championship and possibly a national title.” When asked if he is ready for Saban’s old-school style of discipline and demanding expectations, Jones just smiles and says, “Yeah, he can be pretty serious. I remember when he came to campus, some of the kids tried to say things to get him to laugh; but he just kept staring all serious and stuff. But I’ve been with him in his office and in private some too where he’ll joke around. I know he’s a disciplinarian, but in something like football, you have to be to be successful. A coach has got to be a good leader, and that’s what Coach Saban is.” During a recent visit to Alabama’s campus, Jones went through some workouts and won praise from his future coach for his good, off-season work ethic. “Coach said he was pleased with me for working so hard. He told me to keep it up and that he was looking forward to me being on campus next year.” Walton head coach Rocky Hidalgo has called Jones one of the hardest working kids he’s ever coached. In an interview with the Atlanta Journal Constitution, he acknowledged that the early commitment to Alabama was a little surprising, but stated that his top player’s decision was certainly understandable. In an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Hidalgo was quoted as stating, “I don’t think he (Tyren) went over to Junior

Ranked as the number 1 running back in the state of Georgia by many experts, Jones’ decision to commit early to Alabama made waves throughout the southeast and broke the hearts of recruiters from several other big schools that had hoped to land Walton’s star player. Georgia, Tennessee, Auburn, and Clemson were among some of the schools making their bids to attract Jones. 25

Day with the idea that if they offered, he was going to commit. He just went there and was really impressed. They’re the national champions, man. It is what it is. It’s a great opportunity for Tyren.” Continuing to shower praise on his all-state running back, Hidalgo added, “Tyren is a great kid and going to do really well there.” Ironically, Jones’ first choice of colleges was originally LSU, Alabama’s SEC western division rival and the team the Crimson Tide defeated to win the national championship last season. But the Tigers proved slow to join the recruiting frenzy over Jones and, by the time they finally showed interest, Alabama had already secured the inside track. Concerning rumors that he might reconsider his decision and perhaps switch to Georgia, particularly if highly-recruited running back Derrick Henry (Yulee, FL) backs out of his commitment to UGA and opts to go to Alabama to compete for the top running back spot, Jones just laughs and says, “No. Georgia’s a great school, but I’m set on Alabama. If he (Henry) decided to come then it would just push me that much harder to compete for the job. But, at this level, everyone has talent, so you’ll have to compete against someone really good no matter where you go.” Tyren’s long trek to grid-iron stardom began when he was just six-years-old. That was the first year he started playing organized football. It wasn’t too long into his career that his parents and coaches began to notice that he had a great amount of natural talent for the sport and that he was a cut above most of the other players he competed against. In 2009, Jones began his high school playing career at Lassiter High School (Walton’s cross-town rival). But, after two seasons as part of the Trojan program, Jones’ father felt that his son’s talents might be better featured and win the attention of more recruiters if part of a different style of offense. Jones elected to transfer to Walton for the remainder of high school, where he’s been running over defenses ever since. The move served to intensify what is already a heated rivalry, leaving a foul taste in some of Jones’ former teammates’ mouths and leading one Lassiter player to resentfully label the star running back “our nemesis.” As is the case with many prep stars, Jones is not a one-sport athlete. In addition to making a name for himself on the football field, he has also excelled at track, competing for Walton in the 100, 200, 4 X 100 relay, the high jump and the long jump. When it comes to his future goals, Jones is not at all hesitant to set the bar high. He aims to compete for the starting job at tailback his freshman season at Alabama. He even admits that the dream of winning a Heisman Trophy has crossed his mind once or twice. Following what he intends to make a successful college career, Tyren hopes to play several seasons in the NFL. While in school, he wants to major in business or perhaps communications or video production. “I’d love to be fortunate enough to play pro ball. Then, when my career’s over, get a job being one of those guys on ESPN.” Pausing a moment to smile, he continues, “Yeah, that’d be pretty cool.” Lofty goals? Perhaps. But in addition to talent, Jones’ also has an impressive pedigree. His father, Tyrone Jones, played for the immortal Eddie Robinson at Grambling State, spent several seasons with the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League, and was recently inducted into the semi-pro football hall of fame. Although never feeling pressured by his father to play football, Tyren says he knows it has meant a lot to his dad to watch his son’s success, and it has definitely helped having a father who is no stranger to the rigors of college recruiting. In addition, he credits his mother with helping him to keep a level head throughout his high-profile high school career. “My Dad has definitely been a great guide for me through this whole process. But I also owe a lot to my Mom. She helps me remember that 26

I need to stay humble and not get too wrapped up in the hype. She keeps me straight mentally.” Whatever the future holds, for now, the Raiders’ standout running back has more immediate goals to pursue. Before packing his bags for college, an entire school year and another high school football season remain. During the spring, members of the Walton offensive line approached Tyren and told him to “get ready” because they intend to make sure that he ends his high school career with a recordsetting season. But individual accomplishments are not at the forefront of Jones’ mind for the upcoming season. Rather, his desire is to see his team get a chance to play for another state title. After having to swallow the bitter pill of losing in the state finals a year ago, Jones wants nothing other than to claim a championship in 2012. “Last year’s team was pretty special,” he says. “We lost some really good players

off of a team that went undefeated right up until the championship. It will be a challenge to try and get back, but that’s what we’re going to devote ourselves to. We want to get a championship for Walton.” Can Jones and his Walton teammates and coaches achieve their goal of winning the title this season that last year eluded them? Only the coming months will tell. Regardless, the future seems bright for the standout running back from Marietta, Georgia. Next season, as his game moves from the Friday night lights of high school football to the Saturday stage of big-time college sports, Tyren Jones will approach the challenge with the same confidence, hard work, and determination to excel that have defined his career thus far. If his success and the drive to succeed he has exhibited up to now are any indication, then maybe—just maybe—Alabama fans can get ready to make room for that second Heisman. ITG

Campbell Spartans Schedule

Campbell High School

Aug Sep Oct Nov

24 07 14 21 28 05 12 19 26 09

*region game

Home Away

Morrow Osborne Harrison* South Cobb* Hillgrove* McEachern* Pebblebrook* Marietta* Kennesaw Mountain* North Cobb*

2011 Record:

Region: 1-9 / Head Coach: Harris Rainbow

Campbell Spartans When second year head coach Harris Rainbow first walked into the newly turfed Richard McDaniel Stadium, it looked for the world like a venue that would host big time class 5-A football. The pristine fresh laid foundation and freshly painted press box and concession area likely helped him envision the excitement that could become the norm at the Smyrna campus. His struggles to foster a productive and spirited summer weight program would tell a truer tale of a program that had fallen on hard times and seemingly lost its will and commitment to excellence. Coach Rainbow realized quickly how steep the mountain ahead would be. He knew that the first order of business would entail a cultural makeover for a program that had tallied just six wins in the previous three years. With that, he went to work on cultivating a positive attitude that would fuel the Spartans’ comeback to their earlier years of playoff expectations and spirited competitiveness. Despite a disappointing 1-9 record in 2011, Rainbow knew that the transformation was underway. ”Our kids are working year ‘round now with a commitment to doing things the right way -the Campbell way.” Coach Rainbow emphasized the attitude that would dictate the team’s altitude.

In short order, the team began to take on a new image and playing personality. “I feel like we have student-athletes now that represent Campbell and the Smyrna community the right way. I feel like we’re on the path to being a much better team because the character and commitment level has increased for each individual player and for the team. My staff and I have made it our mission to make sure the kids commit to doing the right thing.” The Spartans certainly look that way. A much improved offseason strength and conditioning program has raised the Spartans’ expectations. A very difficult schedule may slow the progress toward an impressive win total, but for sure the boys have embraced the importance of commitment and sacrifice as key ingredients for success. Campbell returns eight starter spread evenly on both sides of the ball. While they are still relatively young, if they can stay healthy, the growing Spartan faithful can look forward to improvement this year and for the foreseeable future as they battle region powerhouses. It is quite likely that in the not-so-distant future, the Campbell Spartans will start to realize that vision of excitement and raucous support that is befitting their new digs.

McDaniel Memorial Stadium • Capacity: 5,000 • Smyrna, GA

GHSA 4-AAAAAA

Schedule Aug Sep Sep Oct Nov

31 14 21 28 05 12 19 26 02 09

*region game

Sprayberry South Cobb* North Cobb* McEachern* Harrison* Marietta* Hillgrove* Campbell* Pebblebrook* Region 7-AAAAA

Home Away

2011 Record:

Region: 0-10

HeadColors: Coach:Blue Andy Scott (first year) Team & Gold

GHSA 4-AAAAAA

Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs If the Mustang faithful needed any proof of the positive direction for the team, they need look no further than the eye-popping number of players that came out for spring football (94). Of the newcomers to don the Kennesaw green and black, talented transfers Dennis and Bryan Bell come to the Mustangs with impressive national recognition from summer all-star camps. Coach Scott is optimistic that although the comeback trail may be long, his guys have bought into his philosophy of hard work and commitment. He has obviously energized and motivated his troops. The summer workout participation was as high as it has ever been. Coach Scott estimates that there were generally in excess of 70-75 athletes at each of the summer workout sessions, with an amazing 53 athletes who attended every session throughout the summer. There is obvious support and excitement for Coach Scott’s new direction for the program. The Mustangs could likely show substantial improvement over recent seasons without making a significant dent in their win column given the very difficult schedule they face in what is arguably one of the state’s toughest regions. However, in time it is a good bet that it won’t be long before the Mustangs return to the school’s 2008 level in which they notched eight wins.

Kennesaw Mtn. High School

When your team has 19 setbacks in just two seasons, it’s not a tough sale to convince the administration that it is time for a new direction. Such was the case with the Mustangs from Kennesaw Mountain. Enter head coach Andy Scott and his coaching staff, who have been tasked with the formidable mission of turning around the punch-drunk football program. As one would expect, Coach Scott would make big changes to reverse the fortunes of his new team. One such change by the new regime addressed the Mustangs’ offensives woes. The Mustangs returned to an option-style scheme. The new more controlled offensive strategy will put a premium on minimizing penalties and turnovers. Run effectively, this approach will help the young Mustangs keep the opponents’ offense off the field longer. Further, Coach Scott inherited a pleasant surprise in the form of second year senior quarterback Dalin Finley. Finley appears to be right at home with the new academy-style offense. Staying injury free will be key as the Mustangs are talented but thin on depth, according to Coach Scott. Defensively, the Mustangs’ linebackers will lead the way with returning starters Tyler Cooper and Louis Medina. They’ll be joined by combo lineman Sidney Hammond.

Mustang Stadium • Capacity: 4,250 • Kennesaw, GA • www.kmhsfootball.com

Spotlight Band Pope High School Marching Band

Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence by Wilson Elliott

ately it’s not at all uncommon to see one of Pope High School’s standout athletic teams garner headlines. It could be their dominant, nationally acclaimed volleyball team, their State Champion wrestlers, or since Coach Kemper’s arrival, the Region Champion Football team . One visit to their east cobb campus and you see the sky high school morale that their success has helped foster. The School trophy case hasn’t always been bursting at the hinges. In fact, Pope has seen lean times in all of it’s sports not so long ago. There is one legacy at Pope that has been consistently at a high level since its door opened in 1987. Whether it’s appearing in a Long Horn Steak commercial opposite “the big-haired lady,” or performing in Lord Mayer’s New Year’s Day Parade in London England, the Marching Greyhounds have represented the school around the country with perennial championship metal. The sports teams have experienced recent success with great leadership from dynamic coaching supported by a great fan base of students, families, and boosters. Although he quickly dodges any attempt to give him his just accolades, the sole and central figure spanning the band’s entire twenty-six year legacy is Wheeler High graduate and Georgia State alum, Gary Gribble, The year was 1986. The “Refrigerator Perry”-led Chicago Bears won the February Super Bowl, and The Golden Bear turned back the hands of time winning The Masters. Locally, Walton and Lassiter high schools were bursting at the seams, leading to the opening of Carl C. Pope High School. The young Music major and former student teacher at Lassiter, Mr. Gribble, accepted the assistant Band Direc-

photography by Success Prep Media tor position for the school that would open the falling Fall. As much as this is a Feature and deserving tribute to the commitment to excellence and hard work clearly on display each Friday Night this season as Pope’s “marching 143” continues a tradition of excellence, it is also an opportunity to recognize the sterling career of a man whose teachings and personal example inspires a wide scattering of current Band directors and leaders around the southeast as well as locally. At current count, sixteen of Mr. Gribble’s former band members are current band directors or assistants. If you are in a band in the Cobb area, you have nearly a 50% chance of being led by one of the seven band leaders that spanned from the “Gribble band director tree” Mr. Gribble is quick to point to the tremendous support from the Pope Band families and boosters. “It is an enormous undertaking to move a high school marching band to travel and to compete, and to perform on Friday nights. Literally, we could not do it without the support of the parents and the community.” Not lost as part of that challenge is the enormous financial tab that comes with the band’s high profile exploits. “While the school system provides for us regarding basic operation requirements such as instruments , we rely heavily on the parents for any supplemental things that we need.” In that

category would be the need to bring in additional instructors to train and manage the large band at the beginning of the year. “We try to make sure that there are plenty of opportunities for the families to earn money through fundraising, so that all students can participate.” “We take all the students, regardless of their financial capabilities – we’ll find some way to scholarship or provide so that every student can fully participate.” Mr. Gribble is understandably proud of the wide cross section of students that participate in their band. “Each year when we speak to the eighth graders about the high school experience, we tell them about the importance of being well-rounded, participating in many activities.” This is clearly evident each year as Pope’s band’s ranks include standout

scholars, athletes and student body leaders. “You may have the school valedictorian who is a senior marching right next to a ninth grader who is a beginner who is also team-taught special education.” “They’re all expected to achieve at the highest level.” The career band leader appreciates the band’s intense and rigorous aspects that truly challenge the students. “For some, they discover performance levels in themselves that they didn’t know existed before. Setting and achieving lofty goals, often transfers over into other things that they do such as academics and other activates.” Achievement is certainly the watchword for the two-tone blue and white clad Marching Greyhounds. Because of their reputation for consistently stellar performances, the Pope band receives numerous invites annually to perform around the country. They have participated numerous time in the “Music For All Bands of America” showcase. Through the years, the Pope band has been on the national stage numerous times, participating in bowl game parades such as the Cotton and Citrus Bowl. In addition to their honored debut in London, the Pope band traveled to Honolulu to march in a Thanksgiving Day parade tribute to Pearl Harbor survivors. As for “Band season,” much like their gridiron counterparts, the band’s hardest work is in preparation for competition. In addition to their Friday night halftime performances, Pope usually participates in three competitions which typically fall between the first of October and mid November. Their sparkling precision and sound doesn’t happen by chance. The band members endure the summer heat working long hours particularly in summer band camp which is a week of twelve hour days where instructors and leaders doggedly insist on precision and musical excellence. This year’s leaders are senior Drum Major Gus Todd and his assistants sophomores, Sarah Borozan, and Jennifer Alber. To be selected, the trio rose to the top from the program’s leadership training and development workshop. Gus and company with have a proud legacy to uphold this year as they try to ad to the marching band’s tally of over 375 awards and 24 “Grand Champion” conquest. As the past is often a good indicator, we are safe to expect Pope’s band to continue to march with precision in the illustrious footsteps of it’s past. ITG

Cherokee Warriors Schedule

Cherokee High School

Aug Sep Oct Nov

17 30 07 14 21 28 05 19 26 02 09

*region game

Hixson, TN Creekview Sequoyah North Forsyth Lassiter* Walton* Woodstock* Etowah* Roswell* Milton* Wheeler*

Home Away

2011 Record:

Region: 1-9 Head Coach: Josh Shaw

GHSA 5-AAAAAA

Cherokee Warriors When you take over a team that notched just one victory the previous season, conventional wisdom dictates that there’s no place to go but up. The new coaching staff at Cherokee High School has that as its 2012 backdrop. Led by former Etowah High School defensive coordinator Josh Shaw, the Warriors will look to turn the page onto a new chapter and era of Cherokee football. Upon taking stock of the myriad athletes matriculating the Cherokee campus, first year head coach Shaw realized that the time and place was right for a new offensive approach. “There are a lot of football players up here in Cherokee that want to throw, catch, and run with the ball. They don’t want to just block all game. Changing offensive schemes, we’ve been able to excite them and, in addition, get a lot of basketball kids out for the team.” Coach Shaw has been impressed with the way much of the new talent has fit the more wide open attack. Sophomore quarterback Spencer Ashley appears to be at the front of that list of converts. Ashley will enjoy a bevy of talented receivers such as track standout Andrew Harris and basketball player Anthony Parker. The new

guys will challenge and compliment a host of returning receivers like slot receiver senior Willie Cyrus. Sturdy sophomore running back Trayvon Simmons, a punishing ball-carrier, will help balance the offensive attack in the ground game. The defense will be improved with age and maturity as seven starters return to oppose familiar region foes this season. Improvement will be at a premium as the Warrior fell prey to several of its pass-happy opponents during the 2011 campaign. Coach Shaw will transition to a traditional 4-3 defensive scheme and rely on the omnipresent Tally Redmond, the team’s leading tackler in the 2011 season. If Coach Shaw has his way, opposing passers will be under siege by the Warriors’ veteran defensive front lead by senior Tunde Ayinla. The road back to respectability will have numerous detours and roadblocks in the form of a very difficult region schedule against the likes of Walton and Lassiter, as well as county foes Etowah and Creekview. One thing appears clear: the Warrior community is behind Coach Shaw, his vision, and his new approach to Cherokee Warrior football.

Tommy Baker Field • Capacity: 5,000 • Canton, GA • www.cherokeewarriorstdclub.org

Creekview Grizzlies Schedule Aug Sep Oct Nov

30 07 21 28 05 12 19 26 02 09

*region game

Cherokee River Ridge Kell Osborne Sequoyah* Northview * Cambridge* Forsyth Central* North Springs* Region Play-In

Home Away

2011 Record:

Region: 5-5

Head Coach: Team Colors: BlueAl&Morrell Gold

GHSA 7A-AAAAAA

Creekview Grizzles for replacements for several graduating skill position players. Coach Morrell predicts that conditioning and staying healthy will be the key as several of the young skill players will be tasked with helping in the defensive backfield as well. The Grizzlies will rely on an experienced and bulked up defensive front that has obviously bought in to the coaching staff’s offseason strength and conditioning. They’ll be significantly bigger and stronger than in years past. The defense will be asked to lead the way, particularly early in the season as they try to weather the storm of a daunting non- region schedule that includes powerhouse Kell High School. The Creekview Grizzlies are poised to take their 2011 momentum into region play as they seek to crack the region top four, which they must do in order to punch a ticket into the postseason. The Creekview faithful will enjoy the fruits of the team’s labor as this will likely be a season that proves old adage, “Hard work pays off.”

Creekview High School

The 2011 season was the tale of two halves. After an encouraging debut victory over county rival Sequoyah, the Grizzlies stumbled into a fivegame losing streak that pretty much killed the season goals for the very young Cherokee County team. Much to the credit of head coach Al Morrell, his staff, and the resilient young Grizzlies, they picked themselves up from the basement and surged to end the season on a four-game winning streak culminating with an exciting shootout victory over region foe Woodland-Bartow 43-35. The momentum that fueled the strong finish to 2011 fostered a very productive off season that has expectations high for the still young but experienced Grizzlies as they aim to return to their ’09 perch when they won eight region games. The Grizzlies’ offensive will be buoyed by juniors Michael Shaw and Johnathon Dotson. They’ll join senior Katavious Payne in protecting Hayden Hall, Creekview’s returning senior quarterback. Hall’s experience, along with that of Payne and company, will be needed as the offense will look

Creekview High Stadium • Capacity: 5,500 • Canton, GA • www.gogrizzly.net

Acworth Warrior Football:

A Powerhouse 50 years in the Making by Wilson Elliott

n 2004 after completing a rampage through their regular season and playoffs, Head Coach Jeff Albright’s six year old team suffered a disappointing defeat at the hands of the then Powder Springs Indians in the NGYFL championship game. That fall morning loss was the last time a team of Coach Albright’s six-year old Acworth Warriors loss a game. While that level of success likely stands atop all north Georgia youth football teams, in many seasons his team’s conquest barely standout among the stable of Championship teams at the Acworth Football and Cheerleading Association (AFCA). This season the Association celebrates its 50 year legacy of community volunteer run youth football. The program is regarded by many as the state’s best. Over the last eight years the NWGYFL Championship Saturday may as well be dubbed “The Acworth Warrior Invitational,” with Acworth regularly playing in 4 or 5 of the 6 championship games. The north Cobb powerhouse has become the Gold standard for youth football. The now “indomitable” Coach Jeff Albright remembers the early years when his boys were the perennial underdogs. “There were some real powerhouses. You knew you were going to get beat, it was just a matter of how bad.” That was then. Now the Warriors at all ages usually strike fear in opponents with their reputation for hard-hitting, fundamentally sound, winning football. The bright orange pants and jerseys can be seen on over 300 boys ages five to 12 years old each season, as the Association fields 16 teams divided by age, weight and skill level. So what you ask is it that propels the small community program to such a reign of dominance? Coach Albright, the patriarch of one of “the first families” of the association, attributes his success with coaching his six year olds to consistency and repetition. “We don’t do a lot of different things during practice, - but what we do, we do it every night. It’s just repetitive.” Most would agree that Coach Albright has gotten the right plan pretty well in place. He admits he’s learned a lot over his twenty-two seasons as head Coach of the tiniest Warriors at age six. The apparent high level of coaching and consistency was the first big factor that initially attracted newest Head Coach Derrik Allen to the Warriors, with his two sons three years ago. While a part of

photography by George Wilson another youth team, Coach Allen remembers his iniHalbrook Park. The park, known for its fastidiously tial impression. landscaped playing fields and trademark conces“Their athletes were obviously well coached and sion stand goodies and spirit wear, is the weekly Fall appeared more fundamentally sound. I knew it was gathering place for the raucously supportive “Warthe type program that I wanted to help set the founrior nation.” The elder Halbrooks raised two sons on dation for my boys at the beginning of their careers” Warrior football and they too returned to coach at the From his oldest son, Derrik’s first practice, the elder park. Son Nathan has moved beyond his volunteer Allen knew he was in a great place. “It’s a lot more roots, now coaching at Hiram High School. than just football with the Acworth association. The A quarter of a century ago Coach Halbrooks recheerleading program is strong. Their presence in cruited Jim Hourigan to be his assistant coach. The the community is strong. It’s really is a big family enunion only lasted 25 years! The Hourigan clan quickvironment. They always have tons of folks pitching ly became a fixture in the association’s coaching in to make this a great place for developing youth and leadership. The three Hourigan boys all played football players.” through the system and returned as coaches. Jim’s It is has been a family affair from the beginning for daughter LeighAnn served as the program’s cheer Head Coach Jeff Albright’s family. The Albright boys, director for nearly a decade. Jim and his wife Sandy James and Stephen played at each age level for the retired from their duties with the association this year, Warriors before returning as young men to join their passing the torch to the next generation to continue father in the volunteer coaching ranks. Mrs. Kathy the tradition of Warrior football. Albright has probably washed thousands of loads If the passion and commitment witnessed on Satof practice pants and jerseys while wearing at one urdays at Halbrooks Park is an indication, it looks point or another virtually every leadership hat availcertain that more families and generations will conable in her two decades of tireless service on the tinue to grow and enjoy the true spirit of southern AFCA. board football at the famed Ackworth Park. Congratulations Coach Albright who’s twenty–two seasons span “Warrior Nation” on your 50-year legacy of exceltwenty-seven years with the program, strategically lence in youth football! ITG aims to coach “five more years,” as the Albrights get ready to usher in the third generation of Acworth men to don the distinctive AcIn 2011, The Acworth Football & worth orange. Son James has had success Cheerleading Association produced: second only to his dad in recent years over his twelve years of coaching at the park. The 4 Division 1 Super Bowl Champions seven year olds Coach Albright has two boys 1 Division 1 Super Bowl Runner-Up that will both have been coached by grand4 Division 2 Super Bowl Champions dad when his eighteen-month old _____ hits 2 Division 2 Super Bowl Runner-Ups the field in four years. They’ll join their cousin, ______, Stephen’s son who is also 4 years old. With those roots, you would assume that the Albrights have the longest family ties to the program. While the Albrights’ influence and hard work has been enormous in shaping and growing the community’s preeminent youth sports program, there are two families with even longer association and leadership at the park. This will be the first year in three and a half decades that Stan Halbrooks won’t be seen pacing the sidelines at his namesake, 35

South Cobb Eagles Schedule

South Cobb High School

Aug Sep Oct Nov

31 07 14 21 05 12 19 26 02 10

*region game

Home Away

Westlake Douglas County Kennesaw Mountain* Campbell* North Cobb* McEachern* Harrison * Marietta* Hillgrove* Pebblebrook*

2011 Record:

Region: 8-4 Head Coach: Edward Koester

South Cobb Eagles South Cobb football enjoyed a winning season in 2011 thanks to a committed summer prior, coming in with high expectations, and a perseverance that would allow them to win six games in which they were trailing at half time. The 2012 season will be no different with Coach Ed Koester’s Eagles, though there will be a slew of new faces on both sides of the ball after graduating four offensive starters and eight on defense. One of the biggest gaps for Koester to fill will be at the quarterback position, left vacant by graduate Stephon Masha, whom Coach Koester described as “a very respected player, with a great arm and feet, complimented by his work ethic and good decision-making.” Masha will be playing for Liberty University this fall. Another daunting task is the need fill the safety position following the 2011 season in which the Eagles had an impressive 26 interceptions. Despite these gaps, Koester has a solid core of returners spearheaded by Chris Simon, who will

play both corner and receiver, and Chauncey Ingram who will step into the running back position. These returners are complimented by a few upand-comers, notably former back up quarterback Kylil Carter, who will be sliding in as a receiver, right tackle Tevin Tichenor, and junior Justin Jones on defense. With his group of returners and new standouts, Coach Koester emphasized that there would be minimal changes just “doing what we’ve always done better. Execution is the key and we are really looking at who those players are who are going to make big plays when we get the ball in their hands.” Koester said the biggest challenge for South Cobb will be overcoming internal obstacles and staying focused throughout the season, with a concentration on the defense stepping up and making crucial stops during games this fall. If the Eagles can keep their eyes on the finish line and remain healthy, it promises to be an exciting football season at South Cobb in 2012.

1920 Clay Road • Austell, GA 30106

GHSA 4-AAAAAA

Woodstock Wolverines Schedule Aug Sep Oct Nov

23 31 07 21 28 05 19 26 02 09

*region game

Johns Creek Harrison Kell Walton* Lassiter* Cherokee* Roswell* Etowah* Wheeler* Milton*

Home Away

2011 Record:

Region: 4-6

HeadColors: Coach:Blue Brent Budde Team & Gold

GHSA 5-AAAAAA

Woodstock Wolverines we’re doing it. We’re going to cross over eight or nine kids from offense to defense to have depth at positions. We don’t lose anything if someone goes down.” Woodstock returns experienced players on offense and defense, giving its head coach confidence that the 2012 roster “We’re well-balanced,” Budde said. “There’s not a lot of weak areas. We’re pretty level on both sides of the ball. We have good skill kids, good lines, good running game, and defensively we should be really strong.” The Wolverines welcome back two key pieces to its 3-4 defensive scheme in senior linebackers Trey Alexander and Jonah Schoeb. Junior outside linebacker Nick Cable will also factor into that mix. Alexander will also fill in at fullback when Woodstock has the ball while Schoeb will play on the offensive line. The defensive trenches will be manned by a veteran trio in senior noseguard Wes Pella, end Christian Hunt, and lineman Tyler Baggett. The secondary also has some veteran pieces. Senior safeties Max Keeton and LaRob TerrellTate and junior cornerback Chris Mowery will try to hold down opponents’ passing attacks while providing the last line of defense.

Woodstock High School

It was a tale of two seasons for the Woodstock Wolverines and head coach Brent Budde in 2011. The Wolverines’ first half of the year couldn’t have gone much better, as the team won four of its first five contests and appeared on track for a postseason appearance. But things that could go wrong did for Budde’s program, specifically in terms of staying healthy at a very key position. Woodstock wasn’t just hit by the injury bug, it was hit by an injury swarm at quarterback. The Wolverines saw injuries end the season or sideline not one but the first three signal callers on the depth chart, leaving them extremely inexperienced at a key position, which was difficult to overcome as region play began. Woodstock came up short in its final five contests to post a 4-6 overall ledger and a 1-5 mark in Region 4-AAAAA action. But as tough as the second part of the season was for Budde and his program, the third-year coach sees that lessons can be learned and improvements made from experiencing the 2011 campaign. “Setbacks like that are a good reason for selfevaluation,” Budde explained. “I tell the kids that I learn something new every season, and last year I learned not to get three quarterbacks injured. We’re not changing what we’re doing but how

The Den • Woodstock, GA • www.woodstockwolverinesfootball.com

Coach’s Corner

Michael Collins

Wheeler High School

“Old School” Values Guide ‘the Process’ for Wheeler’s Coach by Wilson Elliott

n the early part of 2010 even the most ardent supporter still left on the long since vacated bandwagon for Wheeler High School football, had to admit that the chances of getting a good, experienced head coach to take the helm of their team which was riding a 21-game losing streak was at best, a “Hail Mary.” They didn’t know that the “Football-Gods” were contemplating a reprieve for the program that to put it mildly, had fallen on hard times, over the previous two and a half seasons. Hindsight reveals that the Football Wildcats’ run of bad luck was about to change. Enter Coach Michael Collins the Cherokee County native known and respected in coaching circles for his track record of rebuilding struggling programs. The glimmer of initial optimism took a

photography by George Wilson slight hit from those that only looked at his inaugural 2010 season’s win total as the Cats notched just one triumph. But those that looked a little closer could detect the changing attitudes and commitment levels taking hold under the leadership of the former threesport standout at Cherokee High School. Now, “Coach” Michael Collins, father of two and husband to his ten-year bride Latoya, was a precocious first grader at Canton Georgia’s Perkins Elementary when he initially announced his career goal to be a school teacher. “I wanted to be a school teacher pretty much my whole life and went to college for that. Shortly after my freshman year in college I realized the impact I could have not only being a school teacher, but also being a coach.” Although he earned a scholarship to play baseball at Gordon

Junior College, the Bethune Cookman College graduate, remembers his favorite sport as basketball. While the NBA survived losing it’s next great 5’8* shooting guard, the coaching ranks gained a man deeply rooted in strong values and lessons learned from nurturing parents and an extended family and church family. Coach credits most of his personal strengths today to the influences from his youth. ”My parents certainly had the biggest influence – especially, my father. He coached me in all three of my sports.” He remembers his community coaches typically being the same men that were the leaders in his church. Discussing his role and responsibility as a high school coach, Collins realizes that many of today’s players don’t have the same family influence that

helped him so much. “It has helped me realize how blessed I was. You realize the opportunity you have as a coach, to impact the players’ lives. Because a lot of our players come from homes without dads, the role of coach becomes a lot larger. That’s something that we don’t take likely. I tell my coaches, we’re going to coach our guys the way we’d want our kids to be coached.” It is apparent that Coach Collins has begun to put his indelible mark not only on the Wildcats program, but on the culture and priorities of his players and supporters. Each year he sets the tone early. “We let them know that the mission here at Wheeler High School is to create and have a program and atmosphere to allow a player to become a solid, moral and ethical young man. Our everyday activities are driven by that mission. We try our best to lead by example – showing them a hard work ethic everyday. Hopefully that will pay off for us.” Coach Collins explains how he responds to a daunting coaching challenge. “Part of the excitement of being able to see a program go from not being successful, to being successful, is being able to see the impact it has not only on the athletes’ lives, but on the entire school and school community.” One key message seems to run through Coach Collins’ “program reclamation” prowess: “It’s ‘the process’ that you have to embrace, and enjoy. We need to enjoy the act of going toward our goals. We don’t just talk or focus solely on the goal itself, – but emphasizing the work that’s getting done each step on the way. We want to make ourselves better tomorrow than we were yesterday…” As for stated “goals,” personally, Coach Collins keeps that very simple. “I want to maximize all the resources that I have available to me in the program. You hope and pray that the product that you produce is the pinnacle o what it could and should have been.” The teacher in Coach Collins inspires him to keep constant and paramount their message on the importance of academics and using education to open doors. “We show them the numbers showing the difference in opportunities and lifestyles having versus not having a college degree.” We have tutoring and a very close weekly monitoring of their grades – prob-

ably the most of any place I’ve been.” Coach Collins is quick to praise the administration’s increasing support for the Football program. He’s particularly excited about Wheeler’s new Athletic Director. “Coach Horn is a very energetic and optimistic Athletic Director. He has high expectations for the whole athletic program as well as an incredible vision and understanding of how the athletic program can help the school reach many of its goals.” If you’ve been to Wheeler over the past year,

you can’t miss the omnipresent construction reeking havoc on parking for everyone from Dr. Chiproni on down. There is little doubt however that the completed structure will eventually be very nice. There is a growing contingent around the east cobb Magnet School, that is starting to realize that the “rubble” that was Wheeler football a couple years ago, is on the verge of a major transforming as well. At least, the “the process” is well underway thanks to Coach Collins. ITG

Sequoyah Chiefs Schedule

Sequoyah High School

Aug Sep Sep Oct Nov

24 31 07 21 28 05 12 19 26 02 09

*region game

Etowah-Scrimmage River Ridge Cherokee Riverwood Sprayberry Creekview* North Springs* Forsyth Central* Northview* Cambridge* Region Play-In

Home Away

2011 Record:

Region: 3-7 Head Coach: James Teter

GHSA 7A-AAAAA

Sequoyah Chiefs Through the Sequoyah Chiefs’ 2011 season, they struggled to really find a rhythm due largely in part to the relative youth of particular team. Heading into the 2012 season, it’s a whole new ball game – literally and figuratively -- for the Chiefs. Coach Teter has said that the team will run the same system they did last year, but the big difference is going to be the experience the team garnered over last fall season and camaraderie they experienced in the offseason, along with some surprises during spring training this year. Teter commented that some of those surprises came in the form of replacing coaches, but best of all were a few players stepping up to replace starting defensive back Coleman Vandyke, who is playing at Reinhardt this fall, and starting offensive/defensive lineman Mitch Smith, who will be plying his trade at Samford in 2012. On offense, Sequoyah is going to rely heavily

on its backfield and look to an experienced duo of running backs in seniors Stewart Glassic and Blake Ingleton to really move the ball forward. Coach Teter described the pair as “dynamic and versatile, both are able to add a lot of offensive options for us this coming season.” On the defensive side the Chiefs will look to the sole returner on the defensive line, Colin Dozier, to step up as a leader and help unite the defensive front. When asked about some of the things that Sequoyah would need to work on for the 2012 season, Teter wanted to avoid the status quo and change the mentality of the team. His hopes are high moving forward and with a more experienced team this fall. The Chiefs hope to grow even closer as a team, working together and taste some of the success that they have worked so hard for in the offseason.

Skip Pope Stadium • Capacity: 5,148 • Canton, GA • www.sequoyahfootball.com

River Ridge Knights Schedule Aug Sep Oct Nov

31 07 14 21 28 05 19 26 02 09

*region game

Sequoyah Creekview Ridgeland LaFayette Northwest Whitfield Cedartown* Cass* Gilmer* Pickens* Region Play-In

Home Away

2011 Record:

Region: 8-2

HeadColors: Coach:Blue Robert Braucht Team & Gold

GHSA 7A-AAAA

River Ridge Knights Coach Braucht looks for their strength program to start to pay off. “We worked to get the boys to get a little more powerful up front. We’ll need that to be able to move the ball more consistently.” The Knights will rely on an improved defense to keep them in games as the offense continued its to evolve and improve. Coach Braucht and his staff will pay close attention to the details of special teams play. They realize that this is truly one-third of the game. A strong kicking game is likely to turn the tide in at least one game for the Knights this year. Knights’ supporters will need to be on the go as their team will have travel to surrounding counties in the expansive region. One thing is also sure: If the Knights maintain the grit and determination that they employed to start their program, they’ll surprise several teams as they make some noise in their new region.

River Ridge High School

In 2012, Region 7-AAAA will welcome the River Ridge Knights into the competitive fold. In its first two years, the newest county school has played a non-region schedule as it built its program. Thanks to tremendous support from the school administration, student body, and community, the Knights have done just that. Buoyed by confidence coming off of an eight-win 2011 campaign, head coach Robert Braucht knows that they’ll need to weather the early storm brought on by larger county foes Sequoyah (7-AAAAA) and Creekview (7-AAAA). Coach Braucht appreciates the journey that has led to this inaugural year of region membership. As for their season’s prospectus, much of the Knights’ fortunes will be determined by several key returning players. Junior running backs E.J Ellis and Austin Terrell will be called on to provide much of the offensive punch. The entire offensive plan will depend on the line’s continued improvement.

Woodstock, GA

Whitefield Wolfpack Schedule

Whitefield Academy

Aug Sep Oct Nov

31 07 14 28 05 12 19 26 02 09

*region game

Home Away

Pace Academy Riverside Military St Francis* Gordon Lee Fellowship Christian* Mount Paran Christian* Mount Pisgah Christian* Walker* King’s Ridge Christian* Region Play-In

2011 Record:

Region: 4-6 Head Coach: Jimmy Fields

Whitefield Wolfpack Jimmy Fields has the Whitefield Academy Wolfpack on the prowl for a strong 2012 campaign, his sixth at helm of the school’s football program. “We want to execute the fundamentals of our defense, offense, and special teams with a relentless passion and work ethic that is fueled by true enthusiasm,” Fields said. Whitefield posted 4-6 overall and 2-4 Region 6-A records last season, and Fields is hopeful a solid group of returning players can help the program improve on those marks. There is a long list of returning Wolfpack skill players on offense, led by running back Richard Sherrell, who totaled 754 yards rushing, 164 receiving, and 148 return yards in 2011. Receiver Max Rieves hauled in 11 passes for 87 yards, mostly from the arm of quarterback Max Kemether. The senior signal caller threw for 1,130 yards and seven touchdowns as Whitefield’s starter. Matt Olsen provides Kemether with another depend-

able target after an impressive rookie year. Olsen snagged 15 throws for 156 yards while starting as a ninth grader. Junior Everett Joiner will be counted on to provide veteran leadership as center of the offensive line, the team’s lone returning starter on that unit. Fields also welcomes back some key pieces on the defensive side of the ball. Brennan Saul returns for his senior season at inside linebacker after making 48 tackles a year ago. Rieves also turned in strong play in the secondary with 50 stops. Starting outside linebacker James Schultz made 67 tackles as a junior while senior defensive lineman Hunter Holiday brought down a total of 30 opponents in 2011. Joiner was a starter at defensive end during his second season. Sophomore Sky Dupree was a key member of the Wolfpack’s special teams and will be looked to for help at a few positions.

Mableton, GA

GHSA 6B-A

Walton Raiders Schedule Aug Sep Oct Nov

25 31 14 21 28 05 19 26 02 09

*region game

Brookwood McEachern North Cobb Woodstock* Cherokee* Lassiter* Wheeler* Milton* Etowah* Roswell*

Home Away

2011 Record:

Region: 14-1

HeadColors: Coach:Blue Rocky Hidalgo Team & Gold

GHSA 5-AAAAAA

Walton Raiders very important outside and vertical speed threat. The offensive line has size and experience. As a whole, the offense will face a much tougher task this year as defenses sell-out to stop Jones. Without a proven receiver threat, the element of surprise will not be a part of the Raiders’ offensive strategy. Walton gave up an incredibly stingy 11 points per game in 2011. The defense was a seniorladen unit that punished offenses with ferocious hits and a smothering secondary led by current Kentucky Wildcat Zack Blaylock, who pilfered a record number of interceptions en route to a First Team All State selection. With the departure of the eight starters, the prognosis for the defense is much more uncertain. Highly taunted ball hawk D.J. Smith is projected to be a standout leader from his cornerback position. Linemen Blake Hogue and Sebastian Coveto will look to anchor the defensive front. Head coach Rocky Hidalgo knows they have some unanswered questions. “We have a lot of guys who haven’t played a lot of football on Friday night but they are all good football players. They’re just going to have to get out there and get their feet wet.” With their high profile players, official recruiting visits, scholarship offers, and national television exposure, possibly the most formidable opponent outside of loaded region rival Lassiter will be complacency or distractions. The Raiders will need to get step up contributions from players that are truly off the radar. Given the roll that the Raiders are on, and the indomitable talent of its super back Jones, it’s a still a good chance that they could have another magical season.

Walton High School

Last year, Walton started the season flush with experienced upperclassmen who had shown significant progress and promise finishing 2010 at 7-4, on a roll, and with a great deal of momentum. They welcomed a certain running back dynamo move-in from Lassiter High School. Optimism abounded, albeit somewhat quiet and under the radar. The Raiders’ summer work was inspired and intense. Enthusiasm came easily as they prepared for their 2011 debut in the Georgia Dome against Peachtree Ridge. A historic and record-breaking season would ensue that saw the Raiders notch 14 straight wins before losing in the state championship game against the Grayson Rams. Fast forward to 2011. The Raiders have a halfdozen seniors cumulatively possessing more than 50 scholarship offers. They are perched atop the region as a favorite along with East Cobb neighborhood rival, Lassiter. Tyren Jones has burst onto the national scene as one of the country’s top running backs. He and quarterback Parker McCleod are verbal commits to don the crimson red of the University of Alabama. Paving the way for the Tuscaloosa-bound duo will be future Georgia Bulldog Brandon Kublanow. There’s certainly no dodging the bright glare of expectations for the Raiders. In October, the national spotlight will make its way to Raider Valley as ESPN will broadcast the October 26 tilt against Milton High School. With one of the country’s biggest game-breakers at tailback in Jones, the offense will continue to be very productive despite the loss of Zack Blaylock and Cody Richardson, who provided a

Raider Valley • Capacity:4,500 • Marietta, GA • www.raidersfb.net

Stingray Cheer Company Marietta

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WWW.STINGRAYALLSTARS.COM

1431 Cobb Parkway North, Marietta, GA 30062|678.581.9218

More Than Rah-Rah To Etowah cheerleaders by George Wilson

sk the average student at a typical high school to name the most demanding sports at their school and one is likely get answers ranging from football or basketball to wrestling, or track and field. One answer you’re unlikely to get is cheerleading. That is, unless you ask a student who has witnessed a cheerleading competition or one of their grueling daily practices. The most common perception of cheerleaders is that they are “perky, pretty, and popular.” Perhaps they are, but they are also polished elite athletes. Only recently has the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) come to realize the need to recognize cheerleading as a sanctioned sport. As such, In the Game believes it is long overdue in recognizing the outstanding athletes who comprise some of the top cheer squads in our area. While Cobb and Cherokee Counties have a number of highly regarded cheer teams, we were particularly impressed last season with the extraordinary team spirit, flair and precision exhibited by the cheer squad for the Etowah Eagles. Their high energy enthusiasm on the sidelines initially caught our attention, but ITG was blown away by Etowah’s choreography and athletic stunts and tumbling. Head coach Ashley Mathews shared that with her girls, but there’s even more than meets the eye. “Several of our girls play lacrosse or run track when our competitive season is over. Additionally most of the girls train and compete on All-Star cheer squads as well. We have girls that are in all AP classes and even one that is ‘jetting’ with classes at Kennesaw State.” Etowah’s cheer squad has become a fixture at

photography by George Wilson the state competition. The squad has advanced from region competition to state for five consecutive years, reaching the state finals in three of those years. Mathews appreciates that such a level of excellence is the by-product of tremendous support from the school community. “We have an amazing cheer program at Etowah High School,” she says. “We have eighty sideline cheerleaders for our three football teams as well as JV and varsity squads for basketball. The parents are unbelievable. They’re so involved. Our team is very well respected at the school.” Many of the girls are leaders in extra activities, such as student government. “In our program we strive to build character as well as developing their cheer skills and promoting school spirit,” says Mathews. “Our highest priority is developing high character young women that do well when they leave us.” Many of Etowah’s former cheerleaders go on to cheer at the collegiate level. When they performed stunts for ITG’s photographer, it was easy to see how the foundation that Mathews helps put in place translates into opportunities to cheer at the next level. The squad has three seniors who have cheered since their freshman year. Mathews explains that their commitment and love for cheerleading made them an obvious choice for this year’s captains. They are Pam Wright, Leah Nervis, and Rachel Chandler. There’s certainly no shortage of excitement among and for the very talented cheerleaders at Etowah High School. We salute and cheer them as they prepare for their competition season. ITG 45

Middle School Stars of the Future

n Fridays we are treated to a very high level of high school football in our area. The 2011 season saw several teams set school records for victories. It is no secret that a large contributing ingredient to much of that success starts many years before we see them hit the Friday night stage. The Cobb and Cherokee youth programs are feeding well-trained youth players to the Georgia Middle School Athletic Association league (GMSAA) where junior programs often guided by the varsity staffs, are turning out well-trained and conditioned athletes for their high school teams. While there are dozens of standout middle school players, we selected five elite eighth grade performers that are on course to continue traditions of excellence next year as they enter high school.

Corey Stovall

Wheeler Junior Wildcats

Corey possesses possibly the quickest feet in the league. In 2011, his first full year at running back, Corey tallied over 20 touchdowns and a number of highlight defensive plays to lead his Jr. Wildcats team into the playoffs. He eyes a league championship this year to cap a great middle school career. Corey works hard in school and hopes to become an entrepreneur after college.

Favorites: College team: University of Alabama Pro Team: New Orleans Saints Player: Reggie Bush

Tyrey Devezin

Etowah Junior Eagles

Tyrey uses his shorter muscular frame to his advantage as he dominates opponents with his combination of speed and power. Tyrey is a veteran player that leads by example through hard work . A conscientious student, he plans to use football to garner a scholarship to achieve his goal of a college degree.

Favorites: College team: Georgia Tech Pro Team: Atlanta Falcons Player: Ray Rice

Tyler Smith

McEachern Junior Indians

Tyler possesses elite eye hand coordination in addition to speed and jumping ability. The combination makes him a standout in basketball and football for the junior Indians program. He was a vital part of his team’s championship run last season with over twenty touchdowns.

Favorites: College team: University of Florida Pro team: Baltimore Ravens Player: Devin Hester

Mason Waters

Lassiter Junior Trojans

Mason started football at age seven. He has become one of the premier running backs in the GMSAA. Mason’s running style combines great vision, elusive cutbacks, speed, and power on demand. He is a good student that hopes to pursue medical school if he doesn’t play football as a career.

Favorites: College team: Boise State University Pro Team: New York Giants Player: Ladamien Tonlinson

Joseph “Trey” Blount Hillgrove Junior Hawks

Trey is a very physically imposing two-way star. He’s a natural receiver and defensive end with his frame that stretches just shy of six feet. His huge hands and precise routerunning make him an elite receiver while his toughness makes him a dominant defender as well. Trey an honor roll student, enjoys math and looks to become an engineer if he doesn’t land in the NFL.

Favorites: College team: University of Georgia Pro team: Atlanta Falcons Player: Calvin Johnson 47

Schedule

Sprayberry High School

Aug Sep Oct Nov

24 31 07 21 28 12 18 26 02 09

*region game

Home Away

2011 Record:

Region: 5-6 Head Coach: Bill Shackleford

Wheeler Lost 7-10 Sprayberry Yellowjackets Kennesaw Mountain Lost 24-28 In 2011, the Yellow Jackets had one of the Lassiter Lost 10-49 Forsyth Central Won 31-28 toughest schedules of any 4A program in the state. They opened up with Class 5A Region 4 Sequoyah Lost 37-41 eventual champion Hillgrove. They followed that Riverwood* game with a tilt against the eventual class 5A Pope* state semi-finalist Lassiter. The Yellow Jackets’ Kell* region schedule included East Paulding (11-2), Osborne* Kell (9-3), and region champion Pope (10-1). Region Play-In They ended the season with a playoff lost to eventual state champ Tucker (15-0). The Jackets’ 2011 schedule would have been very difficult for the most veteran team. The Jackets were young with several players forced to step in due to injuries. They fought through adversity and their brutal schedule and made the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. The 2012 season started with a tough road contest loss to a much- improved Wheeler team before a lost to state championship contender Lassiter. Coach Shackleford knows that these early test will bode well for his now-experienced team as they ready for region play The by-product of last year’s premature debut for several underclassmen is that the Jackets have an experienced team this year. Offensively, 2011 All Region dynamo running back Corey Cooper will look to hide his 5’4” frame among the gi-

GHSA 7B-AAAAA

ants as he strives to surpass his impressive 2011 production that saw him run for nearly 700 yards. The defense may well be Sprayberry’s strongest unit. Linebackers Tevin Moore, Antuan Johnson, and Torrey Richardson return with experience and all are hungry for another shot at region foes from 2011. The linebacker trio will benefit from returning players in the Jackets’ secondary. Charles Cook, Malik Young, and Eliot Lawson will make life tougher for opposing receivers. While the defensive outlook is much more certain, the biggest hole to be filled on offense is also the most important one. The Jackets’ coaching staff will look for offensive leadership to emerge starting with the quarterback position where Shane Young and Hank Harris have shown promise during preseason. The offensive line will need to continue to develop depth to supplement its returning starters. Sprayberry will welcome a healthy return to action for Kyle Thomas who has battled back from a season-ending knee injury against Pope last year. The Yellow Jackets are battle-tested. If they can stay healthy while battling their tough schedule, the boys in yellow and black make their fifth playoff appearance under “Coach Shack.”

Jim Frazier Stadium • Marietta, GA • www.sprayberryfootball.com

Mount Paran Eagles Schedule Aug Sep Oct Nov

31 07 14 21 05 12 19 26 02 09

*region game

Home Away

Our Lady of Mercy Brookstone Landmark Christian Trion King’s Ridge Christian* Whitefield Academy* Fellowship Christian* Mount Pisgah Christian* Walker* Region Play-In

2011 Record:

Region: 7-4

Head Coach: Jordan Team Colors: BlueMitch & Gold

GHSA 6B-A

Mount Paran Eagles starters on each side of the ball for the fall season, including linebacker John McKay and defensive back/receiver Daniel Lopera, who will both by vying for a starting spots at Birmingham Southern this season. In the spring, Jordan said the Eagles were focused primarily on fundamentals, with execution and speed of play being most important. The Eagles will rely on returning linemen Dane Stevens and Jake Jeans to rally the lines on the offensive side. Junior Ian Berryman, who had an outstanding offseason, will carry the quarterback responsibilities. Defensively, Jordan will look to nose tackle Scotty Valiani and senior linebacker Keith Johnson to step up and lead. In the Eagles’ quest for their first region championship, they will have to overcome issues in depth, but under the tutelage of Coach Jordan and his staff, they are well prepared to do just that this fall.

Mount Paran Christian School

Mount Paran Christian enjoyed a successful 2011 season under head coach Mitch Jordan, who led the Eagles to a 7-4 overall record, with Coach Jordan contributing much of that success to the leadership provided by the 2011 senior class. With that class now gone, Coach Jordan is still optimistic, citing the work ethic and leadership instilled by that class has remained with the incoming seniors and will prove pivotal later in the season. Another big player in the 2012 season will be some of the confidence gained from key games last season against Trion and defending regional champs, Darlington. “These program wins prove to the players that we can compete with anyone,” stated Jordan. The leadership passed on by last years seniors will be essential when you consider that the Eagles are going to have to replace six

Mount Paran Christian School Stadium • Capacity: 1400 • Kennesaw, GA

Rising Star

Richard “Chipper” Smith Pope High School 50

Need Title?????? ??????? by Wilson Elliot

hether it’s in the classroom, the baseball diamond, the wrestling matt, or gridiron, there is one thing you can count on from our Rising Star, Chipper Smith – 100% relentless effort. The Dodgen Middle School standout strikes an imposing physical presence that belies his fun-loving, very friendly nature. Davis Wilson, his friend and longtime on-field rival, describes his personality: “He can be over the top sometimes, but he’s a really nice guy” It’s Chipper’s physical and social maturity that causes adults a double-take when he’s introduced as an eighth grader. Opposing coaches have the same skepticism as they witness the ”one-man wrecking crew” at linebacker for the Pope Jr. Greyhounds. His relentless, full throttle style, he attributes to an attitude he developed in his favorite sport, wrestling. The former State champion grappler explains why he loves the mat. “Wrestling pushes your body to a limit that you’ve never gone before. It’s an individual sports that you have to try your hardest the entire time or you’re going to get beat.” Chipper credits wrestling for his indomitable tackling style. “I take a wrestling mindset; I’m not going to stop, until you are finished. I’m completely aggressive in everything I do. I’m aggressive running or pursuing the ball. I go 100%. My mindset is that if you don’t play fast, you’re going to get hurt.” Chipper is the inspirational leader

photography by Pinion Photography his excitement and admiration for Varsity Wrestling Coach Jim Haskins. “He doesn’t take any excuses. ‘Are you coming to practice or not.’ He’s very definite, and I like that.” To be sure, Coach Haskins probably likes a lot of things about his future dominator. Smith plans to wrestling and play football in high school. He hopes to follow suit in college if he gets an opportunity. As he excels in sports, Chipper knows the importance of academics. The A-B student, creates much of his classroom success to simply “listening in class.” “If the teacher says study certain chapters, I’m going to study them.” Chipper’s favorite subject is Science

of late thanks to one of his all-time favorite teachers in seventh grade, “Mrs. Dalton.” Chipper dreams of helping build airplanes as an engineer if his football dreams aren’t in the cards. His dream college experience would be at the University of Florida on a football or academic scholarship. Sports management is a major he also considers, as he loves the idea of coaching when he gets through playing. Whatever target our Fall Rising Star Chipper Smith decides to pursue, one thing is for sure; he’ll go full tilt toward making it happen – because that’s his style, full speed. ITG

Chipper

is the inspirational leader on his team. “I’d say I’m a quiet leader. I don’t do it making a lot of speeches. I lead by example. When a teammate sees how I’m ‘busting it,’ they’re going to try harder to bust it too.” on his team. “I’d say I’m a quiet leader. I don’t do it making a lot of speeches. I lead by example. When a teammate sees how I’m ‘busting it,’ they’re going to try harder to bust it too.” Chipper says he enjoys defense over offense because you have more chance to change the game’s momentum. “You can really break an opponent with defense. A big play like a fumble or interception is a game changer.” Chipper’s favorite NFL team is the Baltimore Ravens Defense. He explained why he doesn’t usually single out a player.” It’s the team that matters if you want to win.” The style he most admires, not surprisingly is Ray Lewis. “Ray Lewis plays fast and at 100% all of the time and I like that.” Chipper has been on fire for wrestling since joining the junior program for the vaunted Pope team. He says his current coach Donavan has had a big impact on his outlook. “He pushes and helps me get better every day.” Chipper is just as effusive in 51

his goal: to win state. our goal: to keep him in bounds.

Huddle up. Call the play. Break. While he makes the plays, we make a difference in his life. Join FCA as we strive to put “the heart and soul in sports” by impacting the world for Jesus Christ. As a man of integrity, he is certain to keep in bounds. To learn more, contact us at 800-289-0909 or fca.org.

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