The Alcovy Tigersl are entering the uncharted waters of a new region schedule, but their philosophy remains clear: P.T.A. Play Through Adversity.
After a 3-6 season that caused them to miss the playoffs in 2023, Alcovy will enter the 2024 season with a clean slate and a new classification as it joins Region 8-AAAAA. With new rivals in Winder-Barrow, Jackson County, Habersham Central, Appalachee and Loganville, the Tigers are preparing to make their mark this fall
Head Coach Spencer Fortson
2024 SCHEDULE
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is entering his third year at the helm for the Tigers, and said that even with the new schedule, his team would find meaning in each game as it came, and stay true to their own identity.
“We got a bunch of guys who are going to play fast, be physical, be disciplined, but at the same point in time, they’re going to be themselves,” Fortson said “Be who you are. If you be who you are and be true to yourself, everything you want and everything we want within this program will happen.”
This offseason, Alcovy players came together to create
the P.T.A. mantra in order to keep their goal at the forefront of their minds.
“No matter what it is, whatever adversity comes our way, we have got to learn how to continue to play through adversity.” Fortson said.
The Tigers’ schedule may be fraught with new opponents, but the 2024 season will open with some familiar faces.
Alcovy kicks off the season against Newton and Eastside, rivals that the Tigers haven’t notched a win against in over a decade.
Last year, the squad was shut out by both county opponents.
They are looking to turn the tide in 2024.
Fortson gave kudos to each county rival, but said that in Sharp Stadium, that friendship gets put on hold.
“I want all three schools to be successful, but on Friday night, there aren’t friends anymore,” Fortson said. “Now you’re my competitor.”
The reunions will continue when Alcovy plays their first game outside of Sharp Stadium against Rockdale County, a team that the Tigers have had bragging
rights over for the past three years.
Junior Quarterback Ayden Goddard is preparing for his first season under center. As an underclassman, Goddard took snaps as a receiver and a defensive back, but got the nod to take charge for the Tigers as their signal caller for the 2024 season.
Goddard said that he understands the trust that the Alcovy coaching staff has in him, but believes it will take more than that to find success as a passer.
“I put my literal blood, sweat and tears into this sport,” Goddard said. “I’m a goofy guy but when it comes to my own game, I’m personal with it.”
Alcovy may have a quarterback who has yet to take a snap under center, but he is protected by a group of seasoned veterans in the trenches.
The Tigers’ offensive line is said by many players to be the team’s biggest source of leadership, with six players returning for their final year . Senior Parker Gassman noted that the seniority comes with the task of backing it up on the field.
“Lead by example,”
“ COACH FORTSON
No
matter what it is, whatever adversity comes our way, we have got to learn how to continue to play through adversity
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27
25
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AFTER SPENDING TIME AT NUMEROUS POSITIONS AS AN UNDERCLASMAN, JUNIOR AYDEN GODDARD WILL TAKE OVER THE TIGERS’ OFFENSE AS THEIR NEW QUARTERBACK LEADERS | GARRETT PITTS BLITZ
PHOTO BY GARRETT PITTS
Gassman said. “You can preach it all you want, you just got to do it yourself first.”
The offensive line will be complimented by another new addition to the Tigers in Offensive Coordinator Brian Christian, who has a background on the line. Fortson touted Christian’s expertise, as well as his ability to mesh with his players.
“With his knowledge of the game, and building a relationship with the players, I think we’re heading in the right direction,” Fortson said.
With key departures in BJ Johnson, Kemoi Burke and Patrick Lucero, Fortson has faith in his players to step up and lead his team. Ashton Hawkins, and Nicholas Slidell were among the names that Fortson mentioned to take the jump in the 2024 campaign.
With players both new and old coming together to conquer a new frontier, Alcovy will play through 2024 repeating the P.T.A. mantra every week.
“We want to continue to go out there for 48 minutes and give it all we got,” Fortson said. “And then when the clock strikes 0:00 we look up, and if we played through adversity we’re going to see the results on the scoreboard that we want to see.”
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EASTSIDE EAGLES
“WHAT IS GOING TO BE YOUR LEGACY?” IS CAWTHON’S QUESTION TO SENIORS
MARCO BARTKOWIAK
Coming off a successful campaign in 2023, the Eastside Eagles return the majority of impact players from last year’s roster.
With a roster filled with talent and experience heading into 2024, Cawthon is asking his seniors to focus on leaving a legacy at the school.
“Obviously, we have three power five signees, we have never had that here,” Cawthon said. “That brings a lot more eyes to your program. But I do not know
2024 SCHEDULE
AUGUST 16 VS NEWTON AUGUST 23 @ HIRAM
what is going to stand out about this team. We have talked about it a lot. A lot of our guys are seniors, and we will lose a lot after this year, so, ‘What is going to be your legacy, what are people going to remember about you?’”
Christian Gass, Bailey Benson and Jayden Barr headline the Eastside roster heading into the 2024 season.
Gass, a linebacker, finished the 2023 season with 68 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and recently committed to Tennes -
NON-REGION GAMES
AUGUST 30 @ ALCOVY
SEPTEMBER 6 VS ARCHER
CHRISTIAN GASS (9) MAKES THE TACKLE ON JEFFERSON’S SAMMY BROWN IN THE EAGLES BATTLE WITH THE GRAGONS IN 2023 | GARRETT PITTS
see. Benson joins him in the linebacker corps coming off a season with 66 tackles and a recent commitment to Wake Forest.
Barr, a Georgia Tech commit, works as the do-itall guy for Eastside as he totaled 19 touchdowns between his time at running back and wide receiver to go along with 50 tackles on the defensive side at safety.
The Eagles seemingly have the star power this year, and with all three heading into their senior season, Cawthon believes their experience will go a long way for the team.
“Always as a coach, you want a lot of experience,” Cawthon said. “Experience and potential can only go so far, but it helps with the way practices are run, the way workouts are run. They know what to do, they know how we run things. It plays a huge factor in carrying on our team culture that we have.”
Eastside has finished with a winning record in Cawthon’s first three seasons as head
coach. The Eagles finished the 2023 season with an 8-4 record and lost in the second round of the Class AAAAA state playoffs to Cartersville.
This season, the Eagles make the move to Region 8-AAAA after spending three seasons in Region 8-AAAAA. Along with the return of key skill position players on both sides, having junior quarterback Payton Shaw back with starting experience sets the offense up to expand the playbook. Cawthon also believes the defense can improve, especially with the talent on that side of the ball.
“I think we need to open up our offense a little more,” Cawthon said. “Having a quarterback back who has been a starter for a year and a half. I think we can open the playbook up a little bit in that aspect and I think defensively, getting off the field on third down. In the playoff game against Cartersville last year, we had every opportunity to get off the field and get our offense back out there.”
Eastside will open the sea -
“ COACH CAWTHON
Experience and potential can only go so far, but it helps with the way practices are run, the way workouts are run. They know what to do, they know how we run things. It plays a huge factor in carrying on our team culture that we have.
JUNIOR PAYTON SHAW IS GOING INTO HIS SECOND SEASON AS THE EAGLES STARTING QUARTERBACK. SHAW THREW FOR 11 TOUCHDOWNS IN 2023 | GARRETT PITTS
son at home against Newton on Aug. 16. That will begin a four-game stretch of non-region opponents, and Cawthon stated how he and the coaching staff view those four games as interviews for playing time when region play starts on Sept. 20.
Cawthon focuses on a few specific things when watching his players ‘interview’ for starting jobs.
“We talk about our kids playing fast and physical,” Cawthon said. “You can not play fast and physical unless you know what you are doing. We are really looking to see who can maintain and absorb the information and take it out to the field. The other thing is just who is going to be physical, who is going to put their hat on somebody.”
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RAMS ARE LOOKING TO “OUTWORK EVERYBODY” IN 2024 SEASON
GARRETT PITTS
Following a successful first year for Josh Skelton as the Newton Rams head coach, the team is leaning on the mantra, ‘Outwork everybody’ for the 2024 season.
The Rams are coming off a 8-3 season in which they went 3-2 in Region 4-AAAAAAA. They made it to the first round of the Class AAAAAAA playoffs, where they were defeated by Camden County.
2024 SCHEDULE
Establishing a consistent standard of work and performance is something Skelton believes will give his team the edge this season.
“With our guys, our confidence level is high as always,” Skelton said. “Our mantra right now is, ‘Outwork everybody.’
That is what we intend to do and it’s how we approach the
NEWTON RUNNING BACK ZION JOHNSON (6) IS GOING INTO HIS SENIOR YEAR FOR THE RAMS AFTER RUSHING FOR 1,647 YARDS AND 19 TOUCHDOWNS AS A JUNIOR | GARRETT PITTS
season. We are year-round in terms of how we work. We have a lot of guys at this table [Zach Harden Jr. and Zion Johnson] and on our team that play multiple sports. One thing we do is lift yearround. We have a great relationship with all our sports. We pretty much have a football coach in each of our sports so we are able to carry that mindset year-round.”
One thing Skelton and the other coaches instilled this offseason is added competition. Newton attended various camps and events to put their players against many other talented squads around the state.
“It has been very exciting, this summer has been very good,” Skelton said. “I think we were competing with someone else at least twice a week this summer. That is something that has been big for us to get out and go
SEPTEMBER 20
against other opponents in whatever way possible to get our guys to compete. The key word right now is ‘strain.’
Our practices are very tough, very hard on purpose. We like to strain our guys — I want to see these guys, regardless of their talent, give their full effort.”
Following the 2023 season, the Rams suffered the departure of multiple seniors — 13 of which signed to play college football.
However, the Rams currently have 23 seniors who plan to suit up in the blue and white, along with a few new additions.
The Rams return First Team All-Region players such as Zion Johnson, Deron Benson and Zach Harden Jr.
Senior Andrew Leslie is a new addition for the Rams. The Memphis-commit will line up at wide receiver for Skelton and work to fill the
“ COACH SKELTON
Experience and potential can only go so far, but it helps with the way practices are run, the way workouts are run. They know what to do, they know how we run things. It plays a huge factor in carrying on our team culture that we have.
THE RAMS RETURN SENIOR DEFESNIVE LINEMAN RYSHAWN PERRY, WHO WAS NAMED REGION 4-AAAAAAA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR IN 2023 | GARRETT PITTS
PHOTO BY GARRETT PITTS
void left by Marcus Calwise and Keon Davis.
Skelton also expects big things from other players, too.
“A lot of defensive lineman return. We have George Bell, he has played really well this spring. He is an undersized linebacker for us, but a guy we didn’t know was going to play as well as he has. Not only has he been physical, but mentally, he has been really good. Reshod Curtis [Jr.] is a good who has stood up to provide flexibility and play receiver and safety for us. Chris Brown, who missed a season due to injury, being able to play nickel corner — what we call backside safety — has been really good. Malik Brightwell has made one of probably the biggest jumps. He just practices the right way. You know what you are going to get from him from a toughness standpoint [and a] leadership standpoint.”
Another new thing for the Rams in 2024 is their new region.
After spending a few seasons in Region 4-AAAAAAA, Newton now resides in Region 4-AAAAAA — on classification down. The Rams will stay in the same region as Grayson, Archer and South Gwinnett. New region opponents are Grovetown, Heritage and Rockdale County.
Skelton also spoke about the impact of new coaches on the staff. In particular, the hiring of alumni.
“We have hired a lot of alumni,” Skelton said. “Coach David Hill next to me played at Newton, was a stud at Newton. [He] played at the university of Virginia, went to Stockbridge and went to a state championship there. Hiring our alumni back was very big for me because a lot of these guys I coached and have been around — they understand the standard. They understand who I am and the intensity that I am expecting when I go out there, because I am going to be a certain way. I feel like that intensity is able to spread throughout our team. Our ninth grade has a full staff. Our JV team has a full staff and our varsity [too]. That was big for me — making sure those guys at all levels are getting developed.”
The Rams will look to begin to eclipse their eight-win mark from last season in week one against the Eastside Eagles at Sharp Stadium on Friday, Aug. 16.
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SOCIAL CIRCLE REDSKINS
REDSKINS LOOKING TO RETURN TO PLAYOFFS IN NEW REGION
DJ
MOORE
The football season in the state of Georgia is around the corner, and the Social Circle Football team is coming into the 2024-2025 football season looking to “Win The Day” while making another playoff appearance.
The Redskins finished the 2023 season with a 4-7 overall record and 2-1 Region 5A-Divison I record. The 2-1 finish in
2024 SCHEDULE
the region was secured them second place in the region.
They were able to host ahome playoff game, where they lost 49-3 to the Rabun County Wildcats in the first round.
The Redskins are led by head coach Rob Patton, who is entering his fifth season as the leader ofthe football team. He has learned a lot over his first four years, but the main thing is be -
JAMECCUS HARDGE (1) MAKE
TACKLE DURING THE REDSKINS 2023 SEASON | CASSIE JONES
ing constant day in and day out to get better results.
“A couple of seniors on this team had come up to me and said we want the theme for the year to ‘Win the Day,’” Patton said. “That basically harped on what we as a coaching staff preach everyday as in getting better everyday on and off the field.”
Social Circle is heading into the new year with a new quarterback.
Last year, Sean Crews was the starter, but now rising senior Luke Cross and rising sophomore Remi Farmer have the chance to be the starter for the beginning of the season.
Luke is the younger brother of Social Circle alum Logan Cross, who played quarterback for the Redskins and currently plays for Samford University.
In his junior season Luke started every game at wide receiver and defensive back. In the 10th grade Luke had reps on the junior varsity
team as the starting quarterback.
Luke finished his junior season with 208 receiving yards to go along with one receiving touchdown and 10 receptions. He averaged 20.8 yards per reception.
“Luke started for us in the spring game and what impressed us with him was that he got up after taking big hits coming off the edge,” Patton said. “Remi Farmer is a good athlete who can run it and he has a cannon of an arm.”
With the new landscape of GHSA and its classifications, the Redskins will be in Region 4A-Division I with some former foes in teams like Putnam County and Lamar County, who are now in that region.
But, the Redskins’ will now be facing three metro Atlanta teams, which includes McNair, Towers and Utopia Academy.
“Having familiar foes like Putnam County and Lamar County helps us understand what we have to do by the
“ COACH PATTON
A couple of seniors on this team had come up to me and said we want the theme for the year to ‘Win the Day.’ That basically harped on what we as a coaching staff preach everyday as in getting better everyday on and off the field.
SENIOR LUKE CROSS IS ENTERING HIS FINAL SEASON WITH THE REDSKINS AS THE STARTING QUARTERBACK| GARRETT PITTS
PHOTOS BY CASSIE JONES
time of region play to go along with the three metro Atlanta teams, who will display speed that’s unmatched,” Patton said.
But there are a few Redskins’ players that are expected to have a breakout season: senior Bristol Evans and junior Corey Moore.
“Bristol literally does everything for us on both sides of the ball and he comes from an athletic family,” Patton said. “Corey comes in everyday and strives to be better on both sides of the football. He broke our school record in box squats at 570 lbs so that goes to show he came into the summer looking to have an outstanding season.”
The Redskins’ first game of the season will be on the road when they travel to Oglethorpe County to face the Patriots at 7:30 p.m on Aug. 16. The Redskins defeated the Patriots 14-10 in last year’s contest for them to secure a playoff berth.
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CURRENT COMMITMENTS
WITH FOOTBALL AHEAD, HERE ARE PLAYERS WHO HAVE ALREADY MADE THEIR COLLEGE DECISION
COMMITMENT DATE: JUNE 17, 2024
COMMITMENT DATE: APRIL 13 2024
COMMITMENT DATE: JULY 20, 2024
COMMITMENT DATE: MARCH 24, 2024
COMMITMENT DATE: FEBRUARY 9, 2024
COMMITMENT DATE: JUNE 22, 2024
COMMITMENT DATE: JUNE 13, 2024
COMMITMENT DATE: JUNE 21, 2024
CHRISTIAN GASS
BAILEY BENSON
JAYDEN BARR
ZION JOHNSON
BERNARD LACKEY ANDREW LESLIE
ZACH HARDEN JR.
WAYNE PATTERSON
TENNESSEE
WAKE FOREST
GEORGIA TECH
CINCINNATI
EAST CAROLINA
MEMPHIS
MINNESOTA
JACKSON STATE
PHOTOS BY GARRETT PITTS
TOP FIVE
FootballgamesIcan’t wait to watch in 2023
We have finally made it to the season.
We put the helmets, pads, jerseys and cleats on and go out on the girdiron in hopes of finishing the season on top.
Last year provided many memorbale moments and finishes from the county-area teams.
This year, each team will tackle the task of facing a new region in a new classification.
Each team is returning key players (some of which will soon be playing on Saturdays) along with a plethora of new faces who seem ready to make an impact.
With many new matchups slated for this season, it is tough to narrow down which one I am lookign forward to the most, but here are five I have had my eyes on.
NO. 1: NEWTON @ ROCKDALE COUNTY
24
As someone who grew up near the Newton County/Rockdale County border, this is a game I cannot wait to see.
Newton County versus Rockdale County — a rivalry that is now renewed after taking a short hiatus.
NO. 2: EASTSIDE VS. FLOWERY BRANCH FRIDAY SEP. 20
The Bulldogs of Rockdale County have spent their recent years battling in-region with another Newton County team — the Alcovy Tigers.
The last time these two teams squared off was during the 2019 season.
In that game, the Rams captured
This Eastside/Flowery Branch matchup is one i covered in person last year when Eastside made the road trip to play the Falcons.
One thing I remember about the game is the competitiveness level from the first quarter — all the way to the eventual doubleovertime that took place.
In that overtime, Marion Eubanks Jr. — who mad a few spectacular offensive plays earlier in the game — came down with the game-sealing
the 28-14 win.
In the all-time series, Newton leads 29-19-3.
So, even though many of newton’s seniors such as Zion Johnson, Zach Harden Jr. and Ryshawn Perry were unable to compete in this rivalry in the first few years of their respective careers, they get a chance to grab Newton’s 30th win in the series in their final season.
The Rams will go on the road on Friday, Oct. 24 as the Newton/Rockdale County rivalry gets renewed once again.
interception to give th Eagles the 3932 win.
Despite the region realignments that took place over the offseason, the Eagles and Falcons once again reside in the same region — Region 8-AAAA.
These are two teams that have only played each other two times, and Eastside has won both.
But, if this year’s game is anything like ast year’s, we are in for a treat.
Eastside will host Flowery Branch on Friday, September 20.
NO. 3:
ALCOVY VS. LOGANVILLE FRIDAY
NOV. 1
NO. 4: NEWTON VS. GRAYSON FRIDAY SEPT. 27
NO. 5: SOCIAL CIRCLE @ OGLETHORPE COUNTY FRIDAY AUG. 16
This is the only matchup of the five that is one in which the teams have never squared off.
Alcovy will host the Loganville Red Devils for the first time on the gridiron this season. As a matter of fact, it will be a region game.
Through the new region alignments, the Tigers and Red Devils now reside in Region 8-AAAAA.
Most recently, Loganville sat in a region with Alcovy’s rival, Eastside. For the last few seasons, the Red Devils
and Eagles have provided multiple memorable games.
Loganville is entering this season with an offense ready to strike while the Tigers enter the season looking to see what their offense can do with a dew quarterback at the helm — Ayden Goddard.
These two teams play in the final week of the regular season — Friday, November 1 — so we will know a lot about these teams by the time they take the field at Sharp Stadium.
Newton against Grayson. Sharp Stadium, Region Matchup. What’s not to love about this game and this rivalry?
Last year was a big bookmark in the Battle of the Rams as Newton rallied late to secure its first win ever in the series.
All-time, Grayson leads the series 7-1.
After battling in Region 4-AAAAAAA, the two ended up back in the same region once again in Region 4-AAAAAA.
The 2024 season will be a ton of new for Social Circle athletics.
Most importantly, the region changed from Region 5A-Division I to Region 4A-Division I. Along with the new region is the amount of teams, as it increased from four to seven.
With seven teams, a playoff spot is no longer guaranteed for the Redskins.
One thing that is guaranteed is their annual matchup with Oglethorpe County, a team that will remain in the same region with Social Circle.
In a region in which these two teams are seen as the favorites — or at least the two teams with the most success as of late — we are primed for another good game.
This time, it will happen at Sharp Stadium.
The question remains: Will head coach Josh Skelton make it two-fortwo against Grayson?
We will find out Friday, September 27.
Last season, the Redskins secured a tight 14-10 win at home over the Patriots.
In the all-time series, Oglethorpe County leads 13-11. So, it is safe to say this has been a tightly contested rivalry for years.
Luckily for us — fans, reporters, lovers of the sport — we get to see it again for the foreseeable future.
This matchup will open the season for each team as the Redskins will go on the road in week one to face the Patriots on Friday, Aug. 16.
BY
PHOTO
GARRETT PITTS
DEFENSE IS BACK
CHRISTIAN GASS
TIM GRIFFIN
ZACH HARDEN JR.
BRISTOL EVANS
PHOTO BY GARRETT PITTS
EVANS SERVING AS REDSKINS’ ‘SWISS ARMY KNIFE’ Bristol Evans
DJ MOORE
Every football team has at least one player who is a swiss army knife. And for the Social Circle Redskins and head coach Rob Patton, that player is Bristol Evans. Evans, who play on the first and second level on the defense, is heading into his senior season for the Redskins.
Entering his final year of high school football, Evans is looking to wreak havoc on the defensive side of the ball.
The coaching staff of the Redskins see Evans as a Swiss Army Knife type of ball player.
“Bristol is an extremely tough player who does anything we ask him to do,” Patton said. “He allows us to use him in different situations that most football players aren’t used to while playing high school ball.”
Despite having a 4-7 overall record and making the playoffs, Evans feels like last season will be motivation to have his teammates to make a deep run in the playoffs with being placed in a new region.
“Having a 4-7 season is motivation to me because I want to be a key reason why this team makes a deep run in the state playoffs this year,” Evans said.
Evans completed his junior campaign with 84 total tackles
which was ranked 30th in the entire Class A-Divison I classification. He also added two tackles for loss in his junior season.
“Although I was First Team All-Region last year, my goal is to create game changing plays each play,” Evans said. “I plan on winning defensive player of the year in our new region.”
The passion and love of playing football for Evans started when he was in elementary school.
“I saw a bunch of kids just tossing the football around,” Evans said. “It just made me want to be a part of that.”
Growing up, football was always in the Evans’ family as both older brothers of Evans played football and was an multi-position players during their time.
“My older brothers are another reason why I play multiple positions on the field,” Evans said. “One brother player wide receiver and defesne while my oldest brother played running back and linebacker. So I think I’m just falling into their footsteps.”
However, playing linebacker is Evans favorite position to play as it allows him to play “extremely physical” and be a part of every defensive play regardless of the outcome of the play.
“I like to play linebacker because it gives me the motivation
9to play physical and I can dominate my opponent at will,” Evans said. “Coach Patton preaches to us everyday that this is the only sport where you can dominate someone legally and not get in trouble for it.”
Being from the state of Georgia, Evans favorite football teams are the Atlanta Falcons and the Georgia Bulldogs.
“All around I’m just a Georgia guy so I have to ride my state teams,” Evans said.
With the season gearing up the next couple of weeks, Evans and the senior class has instilled the motto of “Win the Day.”
“To me Win the Day teaches us about not focusing on one play that can ruin our day, but instead it allows us to focus on the important things throughout practice or even the game to come out with a positive income,” Evans said.
WORKING TOWARD BEING A LEADER FOR THE EAGLES’ OFFENSE Christian Gass 9
MARCO BARTKOWIAK
In his first year with the varsityteamatEastside, Christian Gass quickly took over as a leader for thedefense.
After a terrific campaign in 2023 totaling 68 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, Gass recently committed to play college football at Tennessee. With the recruiting process now over for him, he has one sole focus heading into theseason.
“It is a great feeling honestly. It is a blessing itself and words can not explain how thankful I am,” Gass said. “Now, it is time to put all my time into my guys and winning this region championship.”
Coming off an 8-4 record in the 2023 campaign, Eastside returns multiple impact players. With plenty of experience heading into the season, Gass believes the Eagles have the roster to make a deep run in the playoffs.
“I feel like this team has a lot more experiencecomingbackthana
lot of the past years,” Gass said. “Every year we have that target on our back and that is what is not different, we have to come competeandwin.”
After a breakout season in 2023, Gass racked up 27 offers to play college football. Even after receiving recognition for his abilities, he continues to look for growth in his gameinvariousaspects.
“I want to be faster on my reads,” Gass said. “Definitelygivingonehundredpercent effort on every play even when the ball is not comingmyway,justbeing a ball hawk and playing betterincoverage.”
Head coach Jay Cawthon praised Gass for the way he goes abouthisbusiness.
“He is a leader in all facets, not just on the field, off the field he embodies everything you want from a student-athlete. He is a dual enrollment kid and probably does not have a tardy on hisrecord,”Cawthonsaid.
As Gass enters hisfinalseasonatEastside,
Cawthon hopes that the younger guys are watching how he handles himself.
“He brings a presence on our team, a leadership role, he does things the right way. He is the guy that I want my young guys to watch how he works, how he practicesandhowhegoesabout everythinghedoesinlife.”
The young players at Eastside will surely be learning from Gass on the field, but he hopes that they can take a deeper message from theirtimespentwithhim.
“To not only take in the love and the brotherhood of the Eastside family, but mostimportantlyhavefun and work hard because if youaredoingthat,youwill get so far because it is fun, not just something you wake up and just got to dread through, you actuallyloveit,”Gasssaid.
Gass’ play speaks for itself and he hopes that his teammates can feed off the energy he bringstothedefense.
“I just work,” Gass said. “I lead by example, I am
Tim Griffin
OUTGOING PERSONALITY MAKES GRIFFIN’S GAME STANDOUT FOR ALCOVY’S DEFESNE
JET RAWLS
Alcovy’s “Black Swarm” is gearing up for yet another season of attacking opposing offenses, and leading the way at the edge is Tim Griffin.
The six-foot-five 250-pound Senior wreaked havoc in the trenches during the 2023 season, and colleges took notice. Griffin received offers from Georgia State and Western Kentucky last season but has set a goal for himself to stand out to schools in the Southeastern Conference. Playing on Saturdays is not all Griffin hopes for a school to give him. He also has his sights set on a career in either the medical field or forensic science. Griffin explained that he enjoys subjecting things to analysis and, in addition to his physicality, that interest translates to reading the offense.
“I feel like I’m very cerebral,” Griffin said. “I think a lot, and it can help me and hurt me sometimes. But I feel like as I’m getting more physical, and it all comes together, using my head and using my strength can help me become one of the best players in the country.”
While Griffin’s pass-rushing skills are utilized most often, the senior can also be found on the offensive side of the ball as a tight end. Griffin noted that his time as a center on
Alcovy’s basketball team has helped him become more mobile and versatile as a skill player.
“Basketball does help with my stamina and things of that nature,” Griffin said. “I think it has slimmed me down about 20 pounds and has helped in that aspect.”
Griffin’s growth has been seen by the Tigers’ coaching staff too. After blossoming into a more mobile player, head coach Spencer Fortson said that Griffin has gained some confidence in his game.
“It took until last year, where he was like ‘I can do this, I can be a great football player,’”
Fortson said. “‘As long as I come in and put the work in in the weight room, and on the field, I can be a great football player.’’’
Fortson mentioned that Griffin’s experience has also translated into his style of leadership, taking charge in the locker room and in the game.
“He’s always leading in the weight room, and he leads on the field as well,” Fortson said. “The team flocks around him. Because he’s a serious guy, but at the same point in time, he’s very fun to be around.”
Outside of school, Griffin credits his dad, Tim Griffin Sr, for keeping him motivated on the field and in the classroom.
11
“My dad just being able to take me to practices and spend time with me outside working on my game, he helps me be the best player I can be,” Griffin said.
Fortson said that his relationship with Griffin has grown just as Griffin’s skill on the field has, and his friendliness and affability will get him far in life.
“I love having conversations with Tim,” Fortson said. “Tim will come in the office and we’ll sit back and talk, and he’ll always say, ‘Coach, you’re gonna miss me, ain’t you? Because no one makes you smile like I do.’ and I don’t say anything but in my head
I’m like, ‘Yeah, you do.’”
Fortson and the rest of the Tigers wil get one more season from Griffin as he gears up for his final run in gold and black.
Zach Harden Jr.
HARDEN LOOKING TO MAKE IMPACT ALONGSIDE VETERAN DEFENSE
GARRETT PITTS
11 1
The Newton Rams are going into the season with a veteran loaded defense, and one of the guys leading the room is senior Zach Harden Jr. Harden burst onto the scene for the rams last year in a big way.
Across 10 games a junior, Harden only allowed five catches and zero touchdowns. To go further, Harden did not allow a reception on him beyond 20 yards.
When asked to describe his style, Harden’s words reflect the results.
“[I am] hard nosed, a competitor,” Harden said. “I am not just going to let you run over me, I compete everyday.”
Harden was rewarded for his efforts with First Team All-Region honors for Region 4-AAAAAAA and was named to the All-Cov News First Team Defense.
Along with the accolades, Harden garnered interest from Power 5 schools. This led to the senior announcing his commitment to the University of Minnesota on March 26.
Harden would join former Rams’ Darius Green and Darnell Jefferies as Newton players that went on to play
for the Golden Gophers.
The feel of the program along with playing time were factors for Harden in his decision.
“The family, just feeling like home,” Harden said. “The family and the coaching staff. We are all locked in. And I’m trying to play as a freshman, that was a big factor.”
With his senior year ahead, Harden is expecting a big year out of himself.
Along with playing in the secondary, the senior also expects to line up at wide receiver some this season.
“I should catch a few touchdowns here and there,” Harden said. “I just play my role and do what they need me to do.”
Harden was seen lining up out wide in the Rams’ tight scrimmage loss to Milton on Friday, Aug. 9. The game came down to the last play, where Newton was held out of the endzone on a goahead two-point conversion attempt.
Competing with the reigning state champion Eagles down to the final play is something that will provide a boost to a team that already knew it could compete at that level, according to Harden.
“It definitely shot us up some. We feel like we can play with anybody, we already felt like that,” Harden said. “We work too hard for someone to come in here and do what they do. It is a high confidence booster for us.”
Harden is one of many Newton defensive backs that are expected to have big seasons.
The senior shares the room with players such as Bernard Lackey, Reshod Curtis Jr. and Omarion Wallace.
With the confidence high and expectations set, Harden kept it short when stating what can stop the Rams from going all the way.
“Nothing,” Harden said. “Only us.”
Wilson Mathews, Agent
COVINGTON ACADEMY BULLDOGS
2024 SCHEDULE
AUGUST 23 VS. KING’S WAY
AUGUST 30 VS. COMMUNITY (MARTINEZ)
SEPTEMBER 6
VS. PEACHTREE ACADEMY
SEPTEMBER 13
@ PEOPLES BAPTIST
SEPTEMBER 20
@ HEARTS ACADEMY
SEPTEMBER 27
VS. HGBA
OCTOBER 4
@ CROSSPOINTE CHRISTIAN
OCTOBER 18
@ COMMUNITY (MARTINEZ)
OCTOBER 25
@ VICTORYBAPTIST
NOVEMBER 1
@ TRINITY CHRISTIAN
New year, new Bulldogs
COOPER HUAU
Covington Academy will be looking forward to a fresh start this season. Led by Head Coach Alex Zenko, the Bulldogs will be looking for their first win in two seasons.
The Bulldogs will be moving to the nine-man league where they will have new opportunities to pursue their first winning season in a decade. With an extra player and 13 extra yards this fall, the Bulldogs will have a chance to start anew.
“This year we hope to focus our efforts more on pass defense. We were able to stop the run on a few occasions last year but other teams would hurt us through the air,” Zenko said.
After last season, Zenko and his staff collectively decided that something needed to change and off-season training was a huge point of emphasis.
“I have also taken a different approach to training this off-season, trying to get more of my guys to consider their diet as a factor of their performance,” Zenko said. “We hope to come out of the gates as an overall more physically fit team this year. I think that will drastically help our stamina which will improve our onfield play.”
Given the change from an eightman league to a nine-man league, the players will have to cover a much larger area than what they are previously used to covering which means that they will probably be doing more running. The off-season fitness and wellness training that Zenko and his staff
are implementing was done on both sides of the ball this fall for the players to maximize their health and habits.
Offensively, Covington Academy scored 20 points or less all season long in 2023. Zenko believes that helping his offensive line can make life much easier on the defensive side of the ball.
“We have also put a larger emphasis on our o-line, relentlessly working with them to improve their hands, response time and techniques. We would like to be able to win the time of possession battle in most games, that way we can keep our defense rested and ready to strike,” Zennko said.
Zenko noted one more major change that he and his staff are hoping to implement — culture.
“As far as motivations for this season, we looked at last season and decided that something needed to change, so we have been working on changing the attitudes and culture of our team as a whole. That is something that starts with me and my coaching staff, and works its way to the team captains down to the rest of the team,” said Coach Zenko. “Our desire to win and grow as a team have already been affecting the team in a positive way. As of right now we are a completely different team than last year, new strategies, new mentalities and a focus on winning some games.”
The Bulldogs’ new season will start with a home game against an unfamiliar but close-to-home opponent in Peachtree Academy.
Thisyearwehopetofocusoureffortsmoreonpass defense.We were able to stop the run on a few occasions last year but other teams would hurt us throughtheair.
Two eyes and an extra 13 yards PEACHTREE ACADEMY PANTHERS
2024 SCHEDULE
AUGUST 23
@ HEARTS ACADEMY
AUGUST 30
VS. NOTRE DAME ACADEMY
SEPTEMBER 6
@ COVINGTON ACADEMY
SEPTEMBER 13
VS. COMMUNITY
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
SEPTEMBER 27
VS. PEOPLES BAPTIST ACADEMY
OCTOBER 4
VS. VICTORY BAPTIST
OCTOBER 18
VS. FIDELES CHRISTIAN
OCTOBER 25
@ TRINITY CHRISTIAN
SCHOOL OF GRIFFIN
NOVEMBER 1
@ COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN
COOPER HUAU
This season, the Peachtree Academy football will have his hands full as it looks for the school’s ninth straight playoff appearance.
Head coach Jim Eidson will be entering his seventh year as head coach at Peachtree Academy.
Last season the Panthers recorded a 6-5 record and went 2-1 in regional games. This was good enough for the playoffs, where the Panthers made it to the second round after a close 18-14 win against Praise Academy. Ultimately for the Panthers, their second-round opponent, Vidalia Heritage Academy, was too much to handle.
Previously, the school played in an eight-man league, which also had a more narrow field. This year the Panthers will be playing in a nine-man league, and the field will be the standard 53-yard wide football field that everyone is accustomed to seeing on Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.
The question is: how the team compare statistically to their number last season?
The Panthers put up exactly 200 points last fall, but conceded 221 points.
Eidson said one or two bad games were what led to the negative scoring margin, but the league that Peachtree Academy will be very new. Adding an extra man and having 13 extra yards to work with allows for a lot more creativity when it comes to creating schemes, but the caveat is that it will also force the coaching staff to prepare for new schemes and play styles.
According to Eidson, while the Panthers have had three losing seasons since 2020, they’ve still
“ COACH EIDSON
made the playoffs. But, they will have to find a way to deal with the extra eyes and extra yards to succeed and find their second straight over-.500 season.
“Getting to the edge and covering the edge will be extremely important [because] the field will be so much wider,” Eidson said.
Eidson also said that he is going to have to “fill in the shoes that left.”
Last year the team was younger, but this year it will have lots of freshmen and seniors.
On the field, Eidson referenced Logan Wiser and Jackson Lattimore as players he expects a lot from and hopes can lead the team.
Both are two-way players with Wiser being a running back and a linebacker, and Lattimore playing tight end and defensive end.
According to Eidson, “The majority of the team is made up of two-way players, so there’s less complaints on playing time.”
The Panthers will start the season in August with a game at Hearts Academy on Friday, Aug. 23.
Another match that Eidson specifically mentioned and seemed to be looking forward to was the matchup against Covington Academy in the third week of the season.
As football season approaches, anticipation for the coming season will only grow, not just for the fans- but for the players and coaches too.
“I’d love to have as many people as possible at all of the games,” Eidson said. “Especially the home games.”
Getting to the edge and covering the edge will be extremely important [because] the field will be so much wider
CHRIS BRIDGES
Entering his fourth season directing the Piedmont Academy football program, Clint Satterfield said he believes his 2024 team has the talent to have a successful season.
2024 SCHEDULE
AUGUST 16
VS. THOMAS JEFFERSON ACADEMY
AUGUST 30
VS. BACONTON CHARTER
SEPTEMBER 6
VS. LAKEVIEW ACADEMY
SEPTEMBER 13
@ LOGANVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
SEPTEMBER 20
@ THE KING’S ACADEMY
SEPTEMBER 27
VS. HERITAGE
OCTOBER 4
@ GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY
OCTOBER 11
VS. RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY
OCTOBER 18
@ BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
OCTOBER 25
VS. ATHENS CHRISTIAN
While the Cougars are moving up in classification, Satterfield said Piedmont should match up well with several of its opponents.
The Cougars open the new season against Thomas Jefferson. The Jaguars are coming off a down campaign last fall after being among the state’s best in recent years with multiple state championships.
Piedmont will then face Baconton Charter, a GHSA Class A program.
A host of new region opponents will be on tap for the Cougars but several of them, including Lakeview Academy, Riverside Military, King’s Academy, Athens Christian School and Loganville Christian Academy, are each working to
“ COACH SATTERFIELD
rebuild or establish their respective programs, Satterfield said.
SATTERFIELD SEES POTENTIAL FOR UPCOMING SEASON PIEDMONT ACADEMY COUGARS
In addition, 2024 region opponent Bethlehem Christian Academy is going through a coaching change for the new season after going undefeated in the regular season last fall.
George Walton Academy will be the top program in Piedmont’s new region, Satterfield said.
“George Walton will be standard bearer,” Satterfield said.
On the field, the Cougars return standout players Mason Tumlin, Silas Cowan and Daniel Joseph among others.
Piedmont’s players will once again take part in a 7-on-7 tournament this month and also attend camp at the University of Georgia in Athens.
“We are excited about the new season and look forward to getting started,” Satterfield said.
GeorgeWaltonwill be standard bearer
GEORGIA TECH YELLOWJACKETS
2024 SCHEDULE
AUGUST 24
VS. FLORIDA STATE (DUBLIN, IRELAND)
AUGUST 31
VS. GEORGIA STATE
SEPTEMBER 7
@ SYRACUSE
SEPTEMBER 14
VS. VMI
SEPTEMBER 21
@ LOUISVILLE
OCTOBER 5
VS. DUKE
OCTOBER 12
@ NORTH CAROLINA
OCTOBER 19
VS. NOTRE DAME
OCTOBER 26
@ VIRGINIA TECH
NOVEMBER 9
VS. MIAMI
NOVEMBER 21
VS. NC STATE
NOVEMBER 29
@ GEORGIA
Yellow Jackets aim to compete at highest level
PHILLIP B. HUBBARD
Anew era of Georgia Tech football seemed to be birthed with the Yellow Jackets’ 30-17 Gasparilla Bowl win over Central Florida last December.
Since that victory, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding the program.
It completed the program’s first winning season since the 2018 campaign, which was former head coach Paul Johnson’s final season before retiring. The bowl victory was Georgia Tech’s first, too, since 2016. Plus, it followed the Geoff Collins’ era that featured three full 3-9 seasons and the team’s 1-3 start before Collins was let go.
All of that appears to have faded away with Brent Key at the helm and leading the Yellow Jackets on an upward trajectory.
But, 2024’s slate of games does Key and the Yellow Jackets no favors for continued progression.
Georgia Tech will face-off against the likes of Florida State (Aug. 24), Louisville (Sept. 21), Notre Dame (Oct. 19), Miami (Nov. 9) and Georgia (Nov. 29). All five teams are projected to be in the AP top 25 poll to begin the year.
But the Yellow Jackets have fared well against such opponents with a 4-3 record under Key, which includes his eightgame interim tenure to close out 2022.
Other notable contests will be at North Carolina (Oct. 12), at Virginia Tech (Oct. 26) and versus NC State (Nov. 21). Matchups against Georgia State (Aug. 31), Syracuse (Sept. 7), VMI (Sept. 14) and Duke (Oct. 5) rounds out this year’s schedule.
Six wins are the minimum amount for bowl eligibility. But, if the Yellow Jackets continue taking strides forward, they will have to work their magic when going up
against top 25 foes.
The Yellow Jackets have a lot of production returning, though, to help boost their chances.
On offense, it all starts with gunslinger Haynes King. The Texas A&M transfer completed nearly 62 percent of his passes while throwing for 2,842 yards, tossing 27 touchdowns compared to 16 interceptions as well as rushing for an additional 10 scores and 737 yards.
Surrounding Haynes are playmakers such as 1,000-yard rusher Jamal Haynes and sophomore wideout Eric Singleton Jr., who led the team in receiving a year ago. Not to mention other weapons like Malik Rutherford and Christian Leary will still be at King’s disposal.
Zeek Biggers will anchor the defensive line group. A season ago, Biggers tallied 39 tackles, one sack and three pass deflections.
Last season’s leading tackler, linebacker Kyle Efford is back after he had 81 tackles, one sack and one interception. Holding it down in the secondary will be safeties LaMiles Brooks and Clayton Powell-Lee.
Also of note for the Yellow Jackets is it appears they have found their place kicker in Aidan Birr.
The rising sophomore converted 17of-19 (89.5 percent) of his field goal attempts. His two misses came from the 40-49-yard range. Birr also only missed one extra point attempt in 38 tries.
Overall, Georgia Tech looks to keep turning the corner, but it all starts overseas in Dublin, Ireland in Week Zero of the college football season.
The Yellow Jackets’ game against the Seminoles on Aug. 24 should be a good indicator where the program stands in 2024.
GEORGIA STATE PANTHERS
2024 SCHEDULE
AUGUST 31
@ GEORGIA TECH
SEPTEMBER 7
VS. CHATTANOOGA
SEPTEMBER 14
VS. VANDERBILT
SEPTEMBER 28
VS. GEORGIA
SOUTHERN
OCTOBER 12
VS OLD DOMINION
OCTOBER 17
@ MARSHALL
OCTOBER 26
@ APPALACHIAN STATE
NOVEMBER 1
@ UCONN
NOVEMBER 9
@ JAMES MADISON
NOVEMBER 16
VS. ARKANSAS STATE
NOVEMBER 23
@ TEXAS STATE
NOVEMBER 30
VS. COASTAL CAROLINA
Panthers looking for success with McGee
JAYLIN GUNN
As the summer heat gives way to crisp autumn days, college football fans across Atlanta eagerly anticipate another thrilling season of gridiron action.
The Georgia State Panthers are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and pivotal year on the field.
The Panthers have a lot of new faces in the office for this season including a head coach change.
Georgia State brings in Dell McGee who was the running backs coach at Georgia
After going 7-6 with coach Shawn Elliott, the team is looking for a new outcome with this new head coach.
McGee leads a revamped coaching staff that is poised to guide the team through both challenges and triumphs in this upcoming campaign.
With his passion for developing young talent and instilling a winning mindset, McGee sets high expectations as he prepares his players for success.
The Panthers boast a talented roster with key returning players who will play crucial roles in shaping their fortunes.
Quarterback Zach Gibson with added experience under center is ready to lead the offense.
Running backs Sy’veon Wilkerson and CJ Beasley bring versatility and explosiveness out of the backfield.
This year, the newly developed offensive line is looking to provide protection while opening lanes for dynamic plays downfield.
Fresh faces also join established veterans as they look forward to making immediate impacts on game day.
Senior wide receiver Ja’Cyais Credlebrings speed and agility that adds dimensions to Georgia State’s aerial attack.
The defense is looking to improve with top returnees, defensive end Javon Denis, outside linebacker Kevin Swint, inside linebacker Justin Abraham, safety Jeremiah Johnson and cornerback Gavin Pringle to bolster defensive depth aiming at shutting down opposing offenses effectively.
Assessing strengths can help gauge how well-rounded or dominant teams may become during each game.
Under guidance of new Defensive Coordinator Kevin Sherrer , the Panther defense aims to improve upon previous seasons’ performances, adding depth to all positions contributing towards better overall results.
Facing formidable opponents throughout conference play poses challenges, but also opportunities for growth.
Early-season matchups include clashes against power five programs such as Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt , providing valuable exposure despite being tough tests.
Battling in the Sun Belt Conference means every win counts toward securing postseason aspirations.
With high expectations surrounding them heading into another thrilling campaign.
The Panthers look primed not only to compete fiercely amongst peers but potentially exceed prior achievements.
Fans should prepare themselves to witness exhilarating moments unfold gridiron come fall.
DJ MOORE
Georgia looking to return to the mountain top GEORGIA BULLDOGS
2024 SCHEDULE
AUGUST 31 VS. CLEMSON (ATLANTA)
SEPTEMBER 7
VS. TENNESSEE TECH
SEPTEMBER 14
@ KENTUCKY
SEPTEMBER 28
@ ALABAMA
OCTOBER 5 VS. AUBURN
OCTOBER 12 VS MISSISSIPPI STATE
OCTOBER 19 @ TEXAS
NOVEMBER 2 VS FLORIDA (JACKSONVILLE)
NOVEMBER 9
@ OLE MISS
NOVEMBER 16
VS. TENNESSEE
NOVEMBER 23
VS. UMASS
NOVEMBER 29
VS. GEORGIA TECH
The Georgia Bulldogs are now just weeks away from defending their back-toback national championship. The last time Bulldogs fans saw their favorite team play was on Jan. 9, 2023 as they defeated the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs 65-7 in Los Angeles.
Quarterback Stetson Bennett IV led the Bulldogs completing 68.2 percent of his passes with six passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in both games combined. Bennett was the 128th pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
But the new expected sheriff in town will be Jacksonville native, junior Carson Beck. Beck appeared in seven games last year and he completed 74.2 percent of his passes for 310 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions.
The Bulldogs offense will be under new leadership as Mike Bobo was named the offensive coordinator after the departure of Todd Monken. This isn’t the first time Bobo has been the offensive play caller. He was the coordinator under former Georgia head coach Mark Richt for seven seasons (2007-2014).
Head coach Kirby Smart had to replace a coordinator before. He
lost his former defensive coordinator, Dan Lanning, to the Oregon Ducks after the Bulldogs defeated Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide for their first title.
Smart is now entering his eighth season at the helm of the Bulldogs with a record of 81-15, two national titles, two southeastern conferences (SEC) titles and five SEC eastern division titles. Smart has had 25 of his players drafted in the last two seasons with Jalen Carter being his most notable draftee this year.
Smart and the Bulldogs will return 13 starters — six offensively and seven defensively.
Junior Brock Bowers led the team in receiving yards in the last two seasons and he’ll be back as tight end. And on the defensive side, the most notable Bulldog returning will be Javon Bullard as he was named the defensive most valuable player in both College Football Playoff games last season.
The Bulldogs will open up their season against UT-Martin on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. “Between the Hedges.”
Eagles gear up for a promising 2024 season
JIMARRION MANNING
As the college football season looms on the horizon, all eyes are fixed firmly upon the Georgia Southern Eagles as they prepare to soar into what seems promises to be an exhilarating and competitive year.
With new talent joining seasoned veterans, anticipation is high for a successful campaign under head coach Clay Helton. Offensively, the Eagles will look to build upon their strengths from last season while also incorporating fresh strategies and plays into their playbook.
Quarterback Dexter Williams ll returns with his strong arm and leadership skills, ready to guide the team downfield alongside running back Jalen white who has proven himself as a force on the ground.
The receiving corps boasts depth and speed with new standout wide receiver Keon Davis poised for a better performance this year.
Defensive coordinator Brandon Bailey aims to tighten up any loose ends from last season while instilling discipline and aggression in his players.
Cornerback TJ Smith
leads by example with his tenacity and ability to read opposing offenses like a book.
In addition, defensive lineman Latrell Bullard anchors an imposing front line that looks set to disrupt opponents’ game plans throughout every matchup.
Special teams play will once again be crucial for Georgia Southern’s success this upcoming season.
New Kicker Chase Folser brings consistency when it comes time for field goals or extra points.
The schedule ahead presents both challenges and opportunities. Conference rivals await fierce showdowns while non-conference matchups against formidable opponents eager to test themselves against one of college football’s rising programs.
Fans can expect thrilling games at Paulson Stadium where roaring crowds fuel energy onto each snap of action-packed gridiron battles.
