Football Preview 2021

Jevarra Martin Jr. | Newton

Tristan Mayweather | Alcovy

FOOTBALL

PREVIEW INSIDE:

Meet the players primed to be NEWTON COUNTY’S EPIC GAME CHANGERS

21

Logan Cross | Social Circle

Ramon Hernandez | Eastside

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TAble of Contents Letter from the Sports Editor – 6 Index of Advertisers – 42 PREP PREVIEWS Alcovy – 8 Eastside – 12 Newton – 18 Social Circle – 22

George Walton Academy – 32 Peachtree Academy – 34 Piedmont Academy – 36 GAME CHANGERS Alcovy – 28 Eastside – 29

Jevarra Martin Jr. | Newton

Newton – 30 Social Circle – 31 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEWS Georgia – 38 Georgia Tech – 40

Football Preview is an annual, special publication of

Tristan Mayweather | Alcovy

FOOTBALL

PREVIEW INSIDE:

21

which is published every Sunday and Wednesday by Newton Newspapers, Inc. Patrick Graham

OWNER pgraham@covnews.com

Logan Cross | Social Circle

Meet the players primed to be NEWTON COUNTY’S EPIC GAME CHANGERS

Taylor Beck

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER tbeck@covnews.com

CONTACT US Mail • P.O. Box 1249, Covington, GA 30015 Telephone • 770.787.6397 (NEWS) Online • CovNews.com

Ramon Hernandez | Eastside

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LEtter From the Sports Editor

This sports fanatic is excited for some football

A

s Woody from “Toy Story” would say: Howdy partner!

My name is Phillip B. Hubbard. I’m the new sports editor here at The Covington News.

Thanks for checking out this summer’s football preview magazine. It’s filled with so many interesting stories that highlight game changers in the Covington area. I’m sure you all will enjoy reading them.

I’ve decided to insert my introductory column in the football preview magazine since football is right around the corner.

So, here’s a little bit about me: While my byline is Phillip B. Hubbard, you can call me Phil, Felipe, Phillipo or whatever else my friends call me. It doesn’t really matter.

I’m from a small town called Union Point, Georgia, where I’ve lived my entire life. I graduated from Greene County High School in May 2015 then went to college at the University of North Georgia in Oconee County. After completing my core classes at UNG, I transferred to the University of Georgia.

Upon graduation from UGA in Dec. 2019, I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism along with a minor in sport management. Just like the previous sports editor, Mason Wittner, I also obtained a sports media certificate from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

So, it’s safe to say that I am, indeed, a sports fanatic.

My favorite teams are the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (yes, you read that correctly), Atlanta Braves and

6 | Football Preview 2021

the Los Angeles Lakers. I’ve grown up watching these teams play most of my life.

From Georgia Tech beating UGA in 2008 to the Los Angeles Lakers winning the 2020 NBA Title, I’ve closely followed these teams.

A few of my favorite athletes are Kobe Bryant (RIP), Chipper Jones, Freddie Freeman, Pau Gasol and many more.

In my spare time, I’m usually watching either Georgia Tech, the Braves or the Lakers play. If I’m not doing that, I’m watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. for the hundredth time and still laughing as if I’ve never seen it before. My favorite movie, which is the greatest Disney movie of all-time, is the “Lion King.”

I still get choked up when Simba yells, “somebody … anybody … help,” after Mufasa dies. So heartbreaking.

Just like sports have been a huge part of my life, so has my faith in Jesus Christ.

I’ve attended and been a member of my home church, Union Point Worship Center my entire life. At the age of 8, I felt the call to preach and preached my first sermon on Dec. 31, 2005.

Since then, I’ve gone on to receive my preacher’s license in Jan. 2017 and am currently planning to pursue being ordained in the coming months. But, like everyone, I’m striving every day to be the person God called me to be.

As a result of preaching, I own an increasing amount of ties. I believe I have 74 ties right now in my closet which is insane, I know, but I’ll most likely buy more anyway.

My go-to restaurant to eat at is Chick-fil-A. I do, in fact, eat more chicken and I feel no shame in

admitting that. There’ve been many times that I’ve eaten at CFA for all three meals of the day.

As they say: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Well, that’s a little bit about me.

I look forward to meeting you all this school year at various sporting events.

For now, we’ve got a packed football preview magazine for you to read.

I’m ready to hit the ground running and tell stories in Covington.

I’m intrigued by the different schools and possibilities this area brings.

I’m extremely grateful to The Covington News for this wonderful opportunity and I can’t wait to get Friday night lights underway this week. I’ve already met most of the athletic directors, a few coaches and some community members. I can’t wait to get started.

This season should be exciting with a more “normal” feel compared to last year.

In the meantime, feel free to follow me on social media. My Instagram is @phillipbhubbard and my Twitter is @PBHubb23. Don’t hesitate to reach out either via my email: phubbard@ covnews.com. Also, if you see me at a game, come on over and chat.

Whether it is to introduce yourself or to debate if Ross and Rachel were on a break or not. I welcome the conversation.

See y’all around!

God bless!

Phillip B. Hubbard Sports Editor The Covington News

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Good Luck On A Winning Season!

Ashton Evans (8) enters his sophomore year as QB1 leading the Tigers’ on offense. (File | The Covington News)

Alcovy Tigers

Tigers aim to take big strides in 2021

A

By MASON WITTNER news@covnews.com

lcovy is ready to take the next step.

The Tigers were tested early and often during their non-region slate last fall. They look their lumps against a trio of Class AAAAAAA squads in North Forysth, Newton and Duluth to open the year. They then gave county rival Eastside, which would go on to become a Class AAAAA state quarterfinalist, all it could handle in a 34-31 defeat. The following week they returned to the 7A ranks to tussle with South Forsyth, resulting in a loss that sent them plummeting to 0-5.

Opening the season with five straight losses takes a toll. Add in the stress 8 | Football Preview 2021

from navigating through a campaign in the midst of a pandemic, and there was plenty of reason to expect Alcovy would fold.

But the Tigers never faltered. Head coach Jason Dukes and his staff continued to preach that the goose egg in the win column was not indicative of the talent on the roster. They continued to go to work week after week and prepare with the same vigor and intensity.

The results eventually showed up.

Dukes explained how the early-season adversity prepared his team to go on a run late in the year: “Not taking anything away from our region opponents, but when you go up in classification for all your non-region games — except for the one game against

Eastside, and they’re no slouch — it kind of prepares you from a speed and size and scheme standpoint to play the best.”

Alcovy took its frustration out on Grovetown in its Region 3-AAAAAA opener to the tune of a 44-14 trouncing. The following Friday, the team improved to 2-0 in league play with a 35-0 blowout victory over Lakeside.

Written off by many just a few weeks prior, the Tigers suddenly found themselves traveling to Evans, Ga., in November to battle for a de facto region title.

The season ended in somber fashion as Alcovy was edged by Evans in the regular-season finale and throttled by Brunswick in the Tigers’ first home

The Alcovy Tigers hope to build off the 2020 season, in which the team finished Region 3-AAAAAA runner up despite a 2-7 overall record. (File | The Covington News)

(File | The Covington News)

Alcovy 2021 Schedule 8/20 @ North Forsyth 8/27 vs. Newton 9/10 @ Eastside 9/24 @ Rockdale County 10/1 @ Lowndes 10/8 @ Colquitt County 10/15 vs. Grovetown 10/22 @ Lakeside-Evans 10/29 @ Heritage-Conyers 11/6 vs. Evans REgion 3-AAAAAA

Alcovy Evans Grovetown Heritage-Conyers Lakeside-Evans Rockdale County 2020 REcord:

2-7 (2-1)

Football Preview 2021 | 9

Tigers defender Jaden Thrower (53) celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble during a 35-0 victory over Lakeside in 2020. Alcovy kicks off its 2021 campaign on the road at North Forsyth. (File | The Covington News)

playoff game in a decade. But the framework for the future was built.

Now they must simply build off of it.

“You want to be playing meaningful games in November. Last year we did that. But we’re not happy there,” Dukes said. “We need to take that next step to realize a championship.

“I think this is our next step in the progression, to win a region title and be a No. 1 seed going into a playoff. I believe we’ve got the kids and the coaches and the support of our community to

do that.”

Alcovy’s first key to progression will be consistent quarterback play.

Ashton Evans, who earned the starting gig late in the 2019 season, will be entering the fall as QB1 for the second consecutive year. Dukes has seen his young gunslinger mature both physically and mentally over the past year and believes his game will be improved come time to kick off the new season.

“I think his growth is understanding the right play instead of the big

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play. I’m excited about him. I think his teammates trust him a lot,” Dukes said.

“His teammates have rallied around him in the summer. We had a situation this summer where he took a shot late and it kind of lit a spark under our kids and really focused them up. I was really happy to see that.”

The continued development of Evans will be an important factor for the Tigers. Fortunately, he’ll be surrounded by a blend of burgeoning underclassmen and veteran leaders who’ve bought into Dukes’ program over the years.

“It’s a really, really great mix of kids, kind of undergirded by our class of seniors. This group is, I believe, a really special bunch,” Dukes said. “Skill guys, guys on the defensive line, secondary guys — I think all across the board we have key upperclassmen in leadership roles. That’s really, really going to give us an advantage this year.”

Alcovy will travel to North Forsyth on Friday, Aug. 20, to kick off the 2021 season.

Tristan Mayweather (5) looks to contribute again to Alcovy’s rushing attack in 2021.

(File | The Covington News)

Jason Dukes enters his third season as head coach of the Alcovy Tigers. Despite a 2-7 overall record, the team was Region 3-AAAAAA runner up in 2020. (File | The Covington News)

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Dallas Johnson (3) is Eastside’s rushing leader returning from 2020’s squad.

(File | The Covington News)

(File | The Covington News)

Eastside 2021 Schedule 8/27 @ Winder-Barrow 9/3 @ Newton 9/10 vs. Alcovy 9/17 vs. Johnson-Gainesville 9/24 @ Apalachee 10/1 vs. Clarke Central 10/8 vs. Loganville 10/22 @ Jackson County 10/29 @ Walnut Grove 11/5 vs. Greenbrier REgion 8-AAAAA

Eastside Apalachee Clarke Central Greenbrier Jackson County Johnson-Gainesville Loganville Walnut Grove 2020 REcord:

10-3 (6-1)

12 | Football Preview 2021

Eastside Eagles Eagles want 2020 success, and then some

F

First-year head coach Jay Cawthon and the Eagles defense hope to replicate last year’s output.

Eastside allowed opponents an average of only 12 points per game. (File | The Covington News)

By GARRETT PITTS Correspondent

ollowing a 10-3 season that included a trip into the Elite Eight, the Eastside Eagles will look to put together another successful season, but this time under new leadership.

After the 2020-2021 season, former head coach Troy Hoff stepped down, allowing former offensive coordinator Jay Cawthon to step in and take the reins.

“It has been different, I have been the offensive coordinator here for 16 years and having to turn over the play calling to someone else is different,” Cawthon said. “I think it has been a smooth transition [for the players], because they know who I am, and they know my philosophy and personality.”

An injury to former quarterback Jaylen Woods led Cawthon to rely heavily on the run game last season as the coordinator, and the backfield of Sincere Johnson, Dallas Johnson and Kenai Grier carried the offense through the season. With the departure of S. Johnson, Cawthon knows that D. Johnson and Grier will have to account for the bulk of the offense.

“We are going to lean heavily on our run game and we did lose [Woods] who graduated,” Cawthon said. “We feel like we are good up front on the offensive line, and you have to be able to run the ball to win.”

Following Woods’ injury, former wide-out Dayton Green moved to the quarterback position to run the offense as they continued to be a runfirst team, but this season Cawthon will be handing the keys to the offense to junior quarterback Johnny Crowe.

Crowe has yet to start on Friday nights, but he will have the help of Johnson and Grier in the run game as well as the junior Saabir Berrian and senior Cole Shannon in the receiving game.

“We have a lot of pieces in place [on the offense], but we have a lot of kids who have not played under the Friday night lights so we will see how they react,” Cawthon said. “We have a lot of Football Preview 2021 | 13

First-year starter Johnny Crowe (7) has been handed the keys to run the Eagles offense in 2021. His play could prove vital to Eastside’s success this season. (File | The Covington News)

skill players, especially in the backfield and on the outside.”

The defense holds more questions for Cawthon since the majority of last year’s defense graduated or transferred.

“We will need some guys to step up because of our depth issue. We will have to have some guys play both ways,” Cawthon said. “We think we have some guys who can fill some holes.”

Senior defensive tackle Jalen Farmer and junior linebacker Jean Claude Joseph III will line up on the defensive side of the ball with the most game experience, while Berrian and Johnson will play on defense as well to assist in the secondary.

The Eagles are once again in Region 8- AAAAA and face many of the same teams they were able to beat last season.

Eastside went 5-1 in region play last season with their only loss coming in a close 35-34 game with Clarke Central.

Ramon Hernandez (6) is among several upperclassmen returning for Eastside in 2021. (File | The Covington News)

14 | Football Preview 2021

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Christian Benson (34) and Jalen Farmer (92) are the top returning leaders for the Eagles’ defensive unit. (File | The Covington News)

Along with the Eagles’ region schedule, they will face their county rivals, Newton and Alcovy, in weeks two and three of the season, respectively.

“One thing we have done good in the past here [at Eastside] is that each senior class wants to outdo the previous one,” Cawthon said. “Last year’s class was very successful. Two Elite Eight

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[appearances], and they almost won 40 games in four years, so that is always a steppingstone for this next senior class.

With 16 years in the Eagles’ football program, Cawthon is planning on taking the plans and schemes that made this team successful. He plans to do so while adapting to the current roster

and year ahead in his first year as head coach for Eastside.

“Our philosophy is not going to change, but we are going to adapt to what we have and we have done a good job of not being complacent,” Cawthon said.

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After several players from last year’s Rams defense either graduated or transferred out, Newton is looking to reload in 2021, which could mean underclassmen having to step up. (File | The Covington News)

Newton Rams

Rams aim to retool defense in 2021

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By MASON WITTNER news@covnews.com

ewton will be tasked with overcoming the departure of key pieces from its defense this fall in order to obtain success.

Sound familiar? It should.

A daunting challenge, surely, but one Newton head coach Camiel Grant Jr. and his staff have become accustomed to in years past.

“I’m not ever concerned because I know what type of coaches operate on that side of the football,” Grant said.

“But then we’re bringing some kids back that played well last year and we’re expecting them to continue to grow.”

18 | Football Preview 2021

The Rams will have to replace a pair of Division I Power Five athletes in Nyland Green (Georgia Bulldogs) and Darius Green (Minnesota Golden Gophers) in their secondary. They’ll also try to fill the hole left by Justin Benton, a four-star defensive lineman who transferred to IMG Academy this offseason.

Shoes that size aren’t easily filled, but Newton has a roster chock-full of athletes who could be the right fit.

Topping off the list of returning defensive starters are First Team All-Region 4-AAAAAAA defensive end Tahjae Mullix and three-star defensive back recruit Audavion Collins. Others include Nolan McCamy, Rontravious

Perry, Jehden Robinson and Olan Robinson.

“There are some spots to be filled,” Grant admitted, “but there are a lot of names over there that we think are capable of getting it done.”

Grant’s staff will be plugging and placing throughout the defense, but the Rams offense will have a familiar face calling signals.

Senior southpaw Jevarra Martin Jr. has continued to develop into a leader.

While not always the most vocal, the quarterback’s relentless effort in the weight room and dedication to improvement on the field speaks volumes about his commitment to commanding the offense.

Senior Jevarra Martin Jr. (18) returns to lead the Rams offense for a second straight season.

(File | The Covington News)

(File | The Covington News)

Newton 2021 Schedule 8/20 @ Hughes 8/27 @ Alcovy 9/3 vs. Eastside 9/17 @ McEachern 9/24 vs. Houston County 10/1 vs. Parkview 10/15 vs. @ Brookwood 10/22 vs. Mill Creek 10/29 vs. Grayson 11/5 @ South Gwinnett REgion 4-AAAAAAA

Newton Brookwood Grayson Parkview South Gwinnett

2020 REcord:

4-6 (2-2)

Football Preview 2021 | 19

Newton’s star defenders from 2021’s squad included Nyland Green (11), who now plays for the Georgia Bulldogs, and Justin Benton (99). Benton transferred to IMG Academy in January. The rising junior is considered one of the nation’s best defensive prospects. (File | The Covington News)

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“Jevarra’s up to about 230. He looks like he may have grown about an inch or so. You can see it in the velocity,” Grant marveled. “But just in conversations with him, I think his decision making has grown a whole lot.”

Martin will be surrounded by a young core of skill players, both out wide and in the backfield. They’ll look to him to set the tone this fall, and Grant believes he’s already taken them under his wing and accepted his role as the unequivocal captain of the unit.

“I’m proud of him for the way that he’s growing and being the leader that we expect him to be,” Grant said.

Other notable cogs in Newton’s offensive machine to keep an eye out for include Gabriel Williams, Sean Pellew, Armon Phillips, Perry and Zion Johnson.

The biggest question mark for this Newton club will be

special teams.

Abdiel Velasquez graduated, leaving the Rams in need of a place kicker and punter. While nobody emerged as a heavy favorite during the summer, Grant remains optimistic.

“I think it’s a position that, as a fan, you kind of take it for granted. You go get some popcorn when the kicker is out on the field. But as a coach, you understand that it’s very critical,” Grant said. “That’s field position. That’s points on the board.

“Not going to call it an area of concern yet — we’re not worried about it — but it’s an area that we’ve got to dig very, very deep to make something happen.”

The Rams will be on the road Friday, Aug. 20, as they open the 2021 season at Hughes.

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SOCIAL CIRCLE

Redskins look to return to playoffs

C

By THOMAS BROWN The Walton Tribune

oming off their highest win total since 2008, the Social Circle Redskins and second year coach Rob Patton are expecting more for 2021.

“Raise the standard” has been the calling card for the staff this offseason. That “standard” represents many things for Patton.

“The standard of attendance, effort and execution are the things under a player and coaches control on a daily basis,” Patton said.

The Redskins went 4-5 in the regular season, 5-5 after picking up a win via forfeit, and were eliminated in the first round of the class A-Public playoffs by Macon County. They went 2-3 in region with wins over Towns County and Greene County to finish the year. Social Circle was very young in 2020 and only lost one key player to graduation in Eric Taylor.

This season, third year starting quarterback Logan Cross will lead the offense behind a young offensive line.

Patton is glad to have someone with time under his belt at the helm of his offense.

“The more reps you get back there, the more composure you will have,” Patton said of Cross. “It will not be his first or second time through the fire so that will provide a calming effect on the offense.”

Cross completed 195-349 passes last season for 2,081 yards. He threw 19 touchdowns between six receivers, 13 of which were to returning players.

Cross was a first-team all-region selection in 2020.

Social Circle will get a key piece to their team back this year after Amarion Russell missed much of last year with an injury. Russell, a senior, led the team in rushing with 320 yards in only five games. The next leading rusher for the Redskins only had 158 yards on the

22 | Football Preview 2021

Mason Moore (5) celebrates after reeling in an interception during Social Circle’s 2020 campaign. Moore is one of many impactful players returning for 2021. (The Walton Tribune)

year. Russell being back will take some pressure off the rest of the offense because he can run and catch the ball out of the backfield. He had eight total touchdowns last season, five rushing and three receiving.

Russell missed some practice time this spring due to the state track competition but had a “big night” at the spring game both catch and running the ball.

“We are expecting big things from him this year,” Patton said.

Cross will have a pair of good wideouts to throw to in junior Mason Moore and senior KJ Reid. Reid led the team with 561 yards receiving and added five touchdowns. Moore accounted for 273 yards and three touchdowns in his sophomore season.

A wildcard for Patton is the burning speed of Philip Baynes Jr. A two-way player, like many for Social Circle, Baynes Jr. will be used to stretch the field on the offensive and cover the field as a defensive back.

The return of spring practice has given Patton time to focus on the fundamentals and made his team hungry get out on the field again. Patton was not able to go through a normal spring practice last year due to COVID-19

Quarterback Logan Cross (3) evades a Putnam County defender in 2020. The junior returns to lead the Redskins offense in 2021 with high expectations. (The Walton Tribune)

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(Special | The Walton Tribune)

(Special | The Walton Tribune)

Social Circle 2021 Schedule 8/20 vs. George Walton 8/27 vs. Providence Christian 9/3 @ Walnut Grove 9/10 @ Putnam County 9/17 vs. Oglethorpe County 10/1 @ Washington-Wilkes 10/8 vs. Lincoln County 10/22 @ Commerce 10/29 vs. Towns County 11/5 @ Greene County REgion 8-A Public

Commerce Greene County Lincoln County Social Circle Towns County Washington-Wilkes 2020 REcord:

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24 | Football Preview 2021

restrictions last season but has seen the importance of it this year.

“It created more buy in amongst our guys,” Patton said.

“They are going through spring and summer workouts as a unit so I think it will bring our team together.”

While buying in is important to any program, the fundamentals can be exposed on the field if they are not sound.

This spring for the Redskins was just that, the fundamentals.

“Just execution,” Patton said of the focus this spring. “We are not doing any drastic scheme overhauls so being able to rep the fundamentals were big for us this spring.”

On defense, Patton will look to senior linebacker Tucker Cleary to lead the defense after a big year in 2020. Cleary collected 127 tackles, which led the team by 51. The next closest was Moore with 76, both Cleary and Moore were first-team all-defense selections in 2020.

“The biggest difference has been our speed to the ball,” Patton said. “We showed improvement in our tackling this spring, especially in open space which is something we struggled with last season.”

Social Circle opens the year with two home games before traveling to Walnut Grove. The Redskins will begin region play against Washington-Wilkes, Lincoln County and Commerce, the teams that finished ahead of Social Circle in the region last season. They will finish the season by hosting Towns County and traveling to Greene County.

“We are not too focused on the wins and losses,” Patton said. “As long as every single person in our program does their best to get better every day, the results will take care of themselves.

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Alcovy High School

M.J. STROUD #18 | TE,DE

F

By PHILLIP B. HUBBARD phubbard@covnews.com

or the entire summer, MJ Stroud and the Alcovy Tigers have been dedicating numerous hours and days preparing for the upcoming season.

Following a very productive season in 2020, the start of 2021 can’t get here fast enough for Stroud.

He’s been counting the days to Aug. 20 when the regular season commences.

“I just want to play,” Stroud said. “It’s going to be fun [to play this season]. I’ve been looking forward to it since the end of last season.”

The 6-foot-3-inch senior is coming off an impressive junior season.

Stroud recorded eight receiving touchdowns and averaged 18 yards per reception as a tight end. On defense, Stroud recorded 27 tackles, 10 of which were tackles for loss, and forced two fumbles.

Opposing quarterbacks were well acquainted with Stroud, too, as he had five sacks on the season.

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But Stroud has prioritized one thing over all others and that is hitting the ground running from the opening whistle. He even mentioned the importance of that for himself and his teammates.

“Start fast,” Stroud said. “What I did at the end of last season has to carry over to this season. Everybody has to know their job so we can all move faster.”

Throughout the summer, Stroud has mainly been in the weight room lifting and has benefited from his team playing in a few padded camps, too.

He feels that his team has a lot better chemistry heading into this year compared to last year. After all, this group of players has been playing together for a good while now.

That should pay dividends for the Tigers as the season progresses.

“We’ve been playing together since we were in middle school,” Stroud said. “So, it’s a great feeling to be playing with people you’ve known for a long time.”

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Dallas Johnson & Christian Benson #3 | RB,DB

C

#34 | LB

By GARRETT PITTS Correspondent

oming into 2021, first-year head coach Jay Cawthon feels he has the pieces in place to match last season’s 10-3 record. There’ve been a few players who even exceed the expectations left from last year.

As the offensive coordinator for the Eagles last season, Cawthon was able to use the run game to the team’s success. Now that Cawthon is the new head coach, he understands the big role that senior Dallas Johnson will play for the offense in the 2021 season. “[Johnson] has game changing speed, he has had a great offseason,” Cawthon said. “He improves year-by-year; he is a physical runner with the speed.”

Johnson is coming off a stellar year where he rushed for over 1,500 yards and ended the season earning first-team all-region in AAAAA Region 8.

The defensive side of the ball leaves more questions to be answered for the Eagles, but Cawthon believes that senior linebacker Christian Benson will be a key piece in the middle of the defense. “[Benson] is a fast and physical player, he showed it last year,” Cawthon said. “He is a senior

[who brings] leadership qualities to the field and it helps.”

After starting last year as a defensive lineman, Benson’s move to linebacker has proved to be a beneficial one and the senior will be starting the 2021 season as the captain of the defense.

Despite losing the seniors last year, Cawthon and the Eagles believe they have enough talent on both sides of the ball to make another deep run into the state playoffs this upcoming season.

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NEwton High School

MArcus Calwise & Wayne Patterson #3 | WR

DT

By PHILLIP B. HUBBARD

every practice and not being late for any team activities this season. That’s how he wants to start ost Newton County-based football teams making a difference for the Rams. By doing so, will have veteran leadership to depend on Patterson believes he’ll get more opportunities to for the 2021-22 season. However, Newton show his team that he can play.

High School will lean heavily on its underclassMeanwhile, on the other side of the line of men due to the youth on the overall roster. scrimmage, Calwise will be a sophomore wide Due to that fact, head coach Camiel Grant Jr., receiver for Newton High School. plans to play a lot of sophomores and even freshHe personally aspires to catch a few touchdowns men will receive substantial playing time. this season, help his team make the playoffs and But there are two players, in particular, that possibly to capture a region/state championship.

Grant is really positive who will make the most But there’s something a lot more personal that impact for his team this season: Marcus Calwise inspires Calwise to be successful during his sophand Wayne Patterson. These two players showed omore campaign. their head coach a lot during the team’s two sum“I have my dad, mom and family supporting me,” mer padded camps.

Calwise said. “They come to every single game “For us, it was a time for us to see what these and my dad gives me a pep talk before every game, young guys do and how they handle going up too. My grandmother motivates me, too, because I against somebody that they don’t know,” Grant wouldn’t be anywhere without her.” said. “There was no drop off for either of those Calwise labeled it as a ‘blessing’ to play football. guys. Plus, how mature they’ve been this summer He recognized that everyone doesn’t get a chance has been a surprise.” to play football, much less on the varsity level.

Patterson is a freshman defensive lineman for So, Calwise plans to make the most of this opthe Rams. He’s been playing football for the past portunity. nine years. His entire family has played football It’ll be the determination from both Patterson as well which motivates Patterson to perform at a and Calwise that’ll help make this a more successhigh level. ful season for the Rams.

Now, Patterson is eager to experience Friday Their head coach recognizes that, too, and has night-lights at Sharp Stadium this fall and make noticed great strides by all of the young players on his own mark. this year’s squad.

He just doesn’t know how the nerves will get to “I think this the closest group of players we’ve him quite yet. had in a while,” Grant said. “We’re going to be “I’m going to be nervous [for the first game of the young, but the simple fact of how much the guys season],” Patterson said. “But once I get out there, like working with each other will make a big difthe butterflies will go away and play football.” ference.”

Patterson plans to hang his hat on attending

M

30 | Football Preview 2021

phubbard@covnews.com

Social Circle High School

Logan Cross #3 | QB

I

By DAVID JOHNSON The Walton Tribune

t didn’t look good for Social Circle. They were down 20-0 at halftime to the fourth-ranked team in the state at home last November.

But something changed between the end of the second quarter and the start of the third.

After struggling to move the ball offensively, the Redskins exploded for three touchdowns.

Although they still lost, the rebound served as a turning point, not just for the team but their young and talented quarterback.

Logan Cross, who’d burst onto the scene as a wide-eyed freshman with a cannon of an arm, settled in as a cool and collected team leader.

Over the next three weeks, he led the Redskins to a pair of wins and a state playoff berth, the school’s first in a decade. During that stretch, he passed for 840 yards and nine touchdowns.

With Cross returning for his third season as the Social Circle starting quarterback, moving and scoring should be a strength of this year’s team.

At 6-foot-5, 180 pounds with a strong and accurate arm, the rising junior is a perfect fit for the team’s pass-happy “Air Raid” offense.

“The throws he makes, I’ve not seen a lot of quarterbacks with stuff like that,” Redskins head coach Rob Patton said.

The closest comparison he sees is Collins Hill quarterback Sam Horn, who’s among the top recruited signal callers in the country and recently commited to Missouri.

Last season, Cross led the county in passing with 2,081 yards, 19 TD passes and seven picks — much improved from his freshman campaign.

If he continues to pile up the numbers, he’ll likely have some bigger decisions in the future, like where to play at the next level.

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GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY

‘Little things’ determine Bulldogs’ playoff hopes

“

(Special | The Walton Tribune)

George Walton Academy 2021 Schedule 8/20 @ Social Circle 8/27 vs. Stratford Academy 9/3 – BYE 9/10 @ Crawford Co. 9/17 Hebron Christian 9/24 @ Mount Vernon 10/1 vs. Holy Innoncents 10/8 vs. Athens Christian 10/15 @ Prince Avenue 10/22 @ Athens Academy 10/29 – BYE 11/5 vs. Loganville Christian George Walton FACTS:

Logan Beer enters his first season as head coach of the Bulldogs. GWA’s season came to an end in the third round of the state playoffs last year, but only three seniors return for the 2021 campaign.

32 | Football Preview 2021

By THOMAS BROWN The Walton Tribune

Count on me” is the mantra that new George Walton Academy head coach Logan Beer is emphasizing to his players heading into 2021.

Beer served many roles at Mount Paran Christian before being hired as GWA head coach. He was the offensive coordinator, quarterbacks and running backs coach for the football program.

“We are trying to build off last seasons success,” Beer said. “We want to think more about the process and core values because that will be what gives us the outcome we want.”

Those core values all funnel into the “count on me” mindset that Beer wants to grow at George Walton. “Meticulous in preparation, sense of urgency, body language, win the day mentality,” Beer listed, “team over me, do your job and do everything with excellence.”

“When it gets down to the end of the game you want to look at the guy to your left and right and know with full conviction that you can ‘count on me’, and those values can build that,” Beer said.

The Bulldogs will be running similar schemes on offense and defense with a few wrinkles added in. The running game will be key; George Walton averaged 232.3 yards per games on the ground in 2020.

A large portion of the offensive production is no longer on the team, but Laythan Folgman is returning for his senior year. Folgman will be key not only offensively at running back but also on defense as a linebacker. He had 45 tackles and three sacks for the defense last year.

Folgman, Calan Fortunat, Carter Payne and Mason Lee make up the “alpha dog” leadership group for George Walton. They have been big for offseason communications and setting an example for the program.

Fortunat and Payne will line up at receiver and defensive back for George Walton, while Lee will be in the trenches. Lee will be leading a young offensive line, but Beer feels confident in the strides they have made not only on the field but on the scale.

Laythan Folgman, who is expected to be a game changer for GWA, is one of just three seniors on the roster. (The Walton Tribune)

“They have done a great job learning the offense and taking ownership of their work,” Beer said of his linemen.

Mason Mathis, Aidan Townsend, Aidan Chatham and newcomer Timothy Jackson will round out the offensive line.

The run game will be key for George Walton as they shift to more of a hybrid Wing-T offense this season. The scheme will be similar, but it may have a few more looks, Beer said.

“When we are running power, it is still power and when we are running jet, it is still jet,” Beer said. “We might be in the gun a little more and have a few different formations.”

George Walton lost a lot of defensive production to graduation and transfers.

Trae Adkins could become a could play a bigger role after recording 33 tackles and grabbing an interception last year as a junior. The Bulldog defense allowed 21.6 points per game last season.

Beer, in his first year as a head coach, realizes the need for depth for his program’s future.

But the little things are what will determine the results on the field, he said.

“The biggest thing for us are those little things,” Beer said. “Making sure our splits are right and we make the right read on both sides of the ball.”

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PEACHTREE ACADEMY

Panthers aiming for third title in four years

Head coach Jim Eidson talks to Dominic Sampson (99), who is expected to be a force among Panthers linemen. (Contributed Photo)

W

By CHRIS BRIDGES Correspondent

inning football games has become somewhat of the norm for Peachtree Academy.

The Panthers won back-to-back state titles in 2018 and 2019. The team advanced to the second round in 2020 and as a new campaign appears on the horizon, Peachtree Academy is hoping for more championship glory in 2021.

Jim Eidson is entering his second season as the program’s head coach.

He was defensive coordinator during the championship seasons of 2018 and 2019.

While the Panthers play 8-man football, their coach said there is not much difference from the traditional 11-man competition.

“The only difference is you have three less players on the field for your team,” Eidson said. “It is still hitting, blocking and tackling. It’s football. There are many players in the pros now who played 8-man football in high school.

You especially see it in the Midwest.”

Eidson is a product of 11-man play but has gained a strong respect for pro-

34 | Football Preview 2021

grams that compete with eight players at a time.

“The game itself is just as fast,” the coach said. “You have to be in serious shape to play.”

Eight-man teams will typically use two fewer offensive linemen and one less running back. On the defensive side of the football, instead of a 4-4 look or a 4-3, teams often use a 3-3. Outside linebackers cover the opponent’s flankers.

“It’s really a similar thing between the two,” Eidson said. “For us, we try to keep things simple. It took some getting used to for me at first from a strategy standpoint. Eventually, everything clicked.”

Teams in the GAPPS (Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools) are limited to 16 roster spots. Any higher of a number and the program has to play 11-man. The ultimate goal is for Peachtree Academy to play 11-man football — one day.

“We are looking to have the school and the football program grow simultaneously,” Eidson said. “It would be great to play other area schools like Piedmont Academy.”

The Panthers have been working for several weeks in preparation for the 2021 season. Peachtree Academy officials proudly point to their on-campus stadium, something that was constructed after the initial championship season.

“We like where we are right now,” Eidson said. “Our school gives more players a chance to compete. That is what is important. It gives schools who don’t have the enormous enrollment numbers the opportunity to play. We pride ourselves on that. Our goal is to simply get better each day.”

The 2021 season begins Aug. 27 against Johnson Ferry Christian at home. Peachtree Academy will then host Victory Baptist on Sept. 3.

Region games will be Sept. 10 against Mercy Catholic (home), Oct. 1 against New Creation (home), Oct. 22 against Covenant Christian (home) and Nov. 5 against Sherwood Christian (away).

(Contributed Photo)

Peachtree Academy 2021 Schedule 8/27 vs. Johnson Ferry Christian Academy 9/3 vs. Victory Baptist 9/10 @ Our Lady of Mercy 9/24 vs. Monsignor Donovan Catholic 10/1 vs. New Creation Christian Academy 10/8 @ Peoples Baptist Academy 10/22 vs. Covenant Academy 10/29 @ Young Americans Christian Panthers Points:

Peachtree Academy plays in the GAPPS Class AA 8-Man Football division.

The team won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 before being dethroned last year.

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PIEDMONT ACADEMY

Cougars ready to claim GISA Class-A crown

T

(Contributed Photo)

Piedmont Academy 2021 Schedule 8/20 @ Briarwood 9/3 @ John Hancock 9/10 vs. Memorial Day 9/17 @ Robert Toombs 9/24 vs. Lake Oconee 10/1 @ Creekside 10/8 @ Thomas Jefferson 10/15 @ Augusta Prep 10/22 vs. Brentwood 10/29 vs. Gatewood Cougars Quick Facts:

The Cougars enter 2021 with a new head coach, Clint Satterfield, after former head coach Will Johnson led Piedmont Academy to GISA Class-A state runner-up finishes in 2019 and 2020. They finished the 2020 season with an overall record of 6-4.

36 | Football Preview 2021

By CHRIS BRIDGES Correspondent

he Piedmont Academy football team has had the the top of the mountain in view the past two seasons.

On both occasions, however, the Cougars ended up a step from the stop as they finished as the GISA Class-A state runner-up in both 2019 and 2020.

This fall Piedmont will have a new head coach but the team’s goals remain the same. Piedmont has the potential for another postseason run but old nemesis Thomas Jefferson will likely be waiting on the Cougars once again.

Clint Satterfield, who until recently was the only head coach in Locust Grove High School history, is now directing the Cougars in Monticello.

Satterfield is new to the GISA but said he has been impressed by the teams in the league and by his team’s preparations going into 2021.

The veteran football mentor said previous head coach Will Johnson left the program in great shape.

“This is not a football program that needed fixing,” Satterfield said. “I had hoped Will would stay and continue to coach the team.”

Satterfield, who had retired from coaching at Locust Grove, was assisting Piedmont Academy principal Clint Welch and was not looking to direct the football program. Eventually Satterfield agreed to take on the role of leading the Cougars on the gridiron.

Immediately Satterfield went to work with an offseason program. Weight training, 7-on-7 events and summer

conditioning have now given way to official preseason practice.

The biggest replacement will come at quarterback as All-State performer Chris Pittman graduated. Pittman is a preferred walk-on at the University of Alabama-Birmingham after posting eye-catching stats at Piedmont the past two seasons.

Junior Justin Reynolds is being looked upon to take the controls at quarterback. The team does return several players at wide receiver including John Reasoner, Spencer Carter, Brody Anderson, Luke Welch and Landon Conner.

If Piedmont is to make another run in 2021, seniors Anderson and Connor will have to play key roles.

Anderson will not only look to star on offense, but he’ll also be one of the team’s top players in the defensive secondary. Connor will also be all over the field, playing at wide receiver and outside linebacker. Additionally, Connor will handle the kicking duties, making him a vital player on special teams.

Both players have displayed they have what it takes to be leaders in 2021, Satterfield said.

“They are early to practice and , always putting the necessary work in,” their coach said. “Both lead by example with a great attitude.”

And both have unique skills to excel on both sides of the football.

“Their size and toughness give us offensive playmakers on the perimeter as well as strong blocking,” Satterfield said. “Defensively, their experience and toughness allow them to make plays.”

After finishing GISA Class-A state runner-up in both 2019 and 2020, the Cougars are ready to finally capture the crown in 2021.

Contributed Photo

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GEORGIA

Bulldogs considered major contender in 2021 national title hunt

G (Tony Walsh | UGA Athletics)

Georgia 2021 Schedule Sept. 4 vs. Clemson Sept. 11 vs. UAB Sept. 18 vs. South Carolina Sept. 25 @ Vanderbilt Oct. 2 vs. Arkansas Oct. 9 @ Auburn Oct. 16 vs. Kentucky Oct. 23 – BYE Oct. 30 vs. Florida No. 6 vs. Missouri Nov. 13 @ Tennessee Nov. 20 vs. Charleston S. Nov. 27 @ Georgia Tech Bulldog Bits:

Georgia’s football team holds an all-time record of 839-42754 while claiming two national titles in 1942 and 1980. The team has won 15 conference titles – 13 in the SEC alone.

38 | Football Preview 2021

By PHILLIP B. HUBBARD phubbard@covnews.com

eorgia Bulldog fans know this already, but it’s been 41 years since the Bulldogs have been crowned national champions.

In recent years, they’ve had the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Florida Gators and the Tigers of LSU to derail their chances of capturing another title.

Sometimes, Georgia has been its own worst enemy.

But, could this be the year? Could the Bulldogs finally get over the hump and win it all?

Well, it seems like their chances are greater than ever.

They return J.T. Daniels leading the offense along with running back Zamir White and George Pickens. Defensively, the Bulldogs will have Nakobe Dean and Lewis Cine coming back who produced a lot. So, it seems like UGA will have a solid foundation to start 2021.

A great indicator will come in week one when they face Clemson in Charlotte, N.C. The Tigers are losing major contributors like Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne. So, that’ll bring huge question marks with Clemson if they’ll make it to the college football playoff for the seventh straight season or not.

Then, after playing UAB in week two, the Bulldogs will face a series of rebuilding programs: South Carolina, Vanderbilt, Arkansas and Auburn over the four weeks, respectively.

Three weeks after their matchup with Auburn, the Bulldogs will have their revenge game with Florida. As always, the game will be played in Jacksonville, Florida, on Oct. 30.

UGA lost this matchup last year but, unlike last year, it’ll be Florida coming into this contest with more question marks. The Gators lost playmakers like Kyle Pitts and Kyle Trask to the NFL. While Trask’s successor, Emory Jones has received substantial playing time, there’s still uncertainty surrounding how the Gators’ offense will look.

The last four weeks feature matchups

Quarterback J.T. Daniels returns to lead the offensive attack for Georgia in 2021, a season with high expectations for the loaded SEC East squad. (UGA Athletics)

with Missouri, Tennessee, Charleston Southern and Georgia Tech, which is predicted to be inferior competition.

So, during the regular season, it seems like the Bulldogs will have two true tests in the season premiere and during the World’s Largest Cocktail Party. Should everything go as predicted, UGA will then likely face Alabama in the SEC Championship in Atlanta on Dec. 4.

The Crimson Tide comes in with a few question marks as well. They’ve lost Mac Jones, Heisman Trophy winner Devonta Smith and many more influential pieces to their title run a year ago.

By the time this potential matchup comes around, the Crimson Tide should have some answers, but it seems to be a different team nonetheless.

Other teams could possibly make some noise this year, but overall it seems like the Bulldogs are one of the few top tier programs returning key contributors from one year ago.

The only question remains is, will the Bulldogs take advantage of the opportunity?

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Yellow Jackets’ path to ACC title appears strenuous, but possible

S

By PHILLIP B. HUBBARD phubbard@covnews.com

ix wins in Geoff Collins’ first two seasons at Georgia Tech haven’t been ideal for the transformation from a triple option to a more modern style of play.

Geoff Collins enters year three as Georgia Tech’s head coach. (Georgia Tech Athletics)

The 2021 season doesn’t seem to do the Yellow Jackets any favors either.

After kicking off the campaign against Northern Illinois and Kennesaw State (both at home) in the first two weeks of the season, the schedule ramps up drastically.

Georgia Tech not only plays Clemson in week three, but they have to face the Tigers in Death Valley. And, for a Tigers squad that has been in the college football playoff the past six seasons, homefield advantage will be a huge factor.

Then, North Carolina comes to town the following week. That matchup will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Tar Heels come off an 8-2 2020 season that concluded with a 41-27 loss to Texas A&M in the Orange Bowl.

Heading into the fifth week of 2021, the Yellow Jackets will have their third 40 | Football Preview 2021

true home game of the season against Pittsburgh.

This year’s matchup will be intriguing since last year ended in a heated fashion with the Panthers winning 34-20.

After three weeks of gruesome matchups, Georgia Tech should get a little reprieve.

On Oct. 9, the Yellow Jackets will go on the road to face the Blue Devils of Duke. Duke finished 2020 second-tolast in the ACC with a 1-9 overall record.

This was one of Georgia Tech’s three wins last season beating the Blue Devils 56-33.

Following a bye week, the Yellow Jackets go back-to-back weeks facing Virginia-based teams. They’ll face Virginia on the road on Oct. 23 then return home to compete against Virginia Tech.

Neither of these teams played against the Yellow Jackets in 2020.

Nov. 6 features an away matchup with Miami. Georgia Tech defeated the Hurricanes in 2019 as Collins’ second win at the helm of the program. Last year, though, the matchup was cancelled due to COVID-19. To close out the ACC part of the schedule, the Yellow Jackets come home to face-off against Boston College. The Eagles won last year’s matchup 48-27.

The 2021 campaign finishes with more appalling matchups at Notre Dame and against Georgia.

Surprisingly, the Yellow Jackets held up pretty well against the Fighting Irish a season ago losing 31-13. But it’ll still be a tall task for the Yellow Jackets in the second-to-last week of the season.

Matching up against the Bulldogs from Athens is also significant in the Clean Old-Fashioned Hate rivalry. By the time the game commences, it will have been 728 days since this rivalry is renewed. So, it’ll be an even more special game at Bobby Stadium this season.

It could be a long, grueling season ahead for the Yellow Jackets. And, for a team that’s still undergoing a historic program transformation, the schedule doesn’t seem easy.

(Georgia Tech Athletics)

Georgia Tech 2021 Schedule Sept. 4 vs. Northern Illinois Sept. 11 vs. Kennesaw State Sept. 18 @ Clemson Sept. 25 vs. North Carolina (at Mercedes-Benz Stadium) Oct. 2 vs. Pittsburgh Oct. 9 @ Duke Oct. 16 – BYE Oct. 23 @ Virginia Oct. 30 vs. Virginia Tech No. 6 @ Miami Nov. 13 vs. Boston College Nov. 20 @ Notre Dame Nov. 27 vs. Georgia Yellow Jackets Facts:

Georgia Tech boasts an all-time record of 736–507–43 while claiming four national titles in 1917, 1928, 1952 and 1990. The team has won 15 conference titles.

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