Football Kickoff 2022

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CHEROKEE BLUFF

parity in our region,” Jones said. “A lot of teams with a lot of talent and great coaches.”

Leading the way for Cherokee Bluff is senior offensive lineman Jacob Benjamin, a three-year starter who has already committed to play at Army. On that same unit, he’ll be teammed up with 280-pound junior Caleb Williford, Parker Waldrop, Noah Davis and Will Hansen in the starting five.

At tight end, Carter Daum is anticipated to be the main playmaker. Junior tight end Ryan Graves was expected to be one of the standouts for the Bears in 2022, but he went down with an injury in the spring that will likely require him to miss the entire season, Jones said.

At wide receiver for the Bears it will be a committee led by Jhace Justice, Max Eubanks, Carlos Marlow and Jordan Justice, among others. Cherokee Bluff’s coach feels like Jhace Justice, a senior, has really separated himself as a leader for its unit of ball catchers.

“Jhace is extremely athletic, he is twitchy, and just has an extremely uncanny ability to make plays,” Jones said. “He is a gamer on Friday nights, for sure.”

BEARS KEEPING SAME EXPECTATIONS WITH NEW REGION IN 2022

BY ISAAC THOMAS

For The Times

Cherokee Bluff has experienced a rise to football success faster than any school ever in Hall County.

Entering Year 5, the Bears have won backto-back Region 7-3A championships and posted consecutive seasons with double-digit wins.

Still, the 2022 season will not come without questions as Cherokee Bluff makes the move up to Region 8-4A. Bears coach Tommy Jones said the current roster isn’t his deepest group of seniors in terms of numbers, but they are still bringing abundant talent back this season.

In Region 8-4A, Cherokee Bluff will face the gauntlet of a schedule that will have plenty of talented squads, led by 2021 state semifinalist North Oconee.

Cherokee Bluff, North Hall, Cedar Shoals and East Forsyth will be a few of the other frontrunners in the hunt to earn one of the four postseason berths.

Jones added that Chestatee, Madison County and Walnut Grove are also much improved.

“Top to bottom, there’s going to be a lot of

At running back, Cherokee Bluff has plenty of options, but looking to see who rises to the top.

For now, Connor Griffin, Conner Hulsey, Jaylon Carrol, Xavier Griffin, and Perry Haynes will likely all get a chance to show what they got carrying the ball.

In 2022, Cherokee Bluff will be turning the page after the three stellar seasons by Jayquan Smith, who ran for more than 1,600 yards as a senior last year.

On offense, the Bears are also replacing another pair of Division-I football signees: wide receiver Marlion Jackson (Louisiana Tech) and offensive tackle Matteo Guevara (Middle Tennessee State). On the defensive front, Benjamin, Waldrop and Nathan Richardson are established as starters.

At linebacker, it’s going to be Daum, Griffin, Jacob Kelly and Reid Silver who will man the middle of the defense.

In the secondary, sophomores Landon Kemp and Kaden Thompson will get a chance to start at safety, while the Justices will start at cornerback. Xavier Diaz and Michael Arbour will handle the kicking and punting duties for the Bears.

Eubanks, Jordan Justice, Jhace Justice and Landon Kemp are four of the leading names who will get a shot at returning kicks and punts.

Photos by BILL MURPHY | The Times Cherokee Bluff players go through practice July 12 in Flowery Branch.

WAR EAGLES REMAIN OPTIMISTIC IN A LEAGUE FILLED WITH NEW TALENT IN 2022

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

The new season brings a clean slate for Chestatee High football coach Shaun Conley.

After posting three wins in 2021 and last making the playoffs six years ago, the War Eagles’ seventh-year coach feels like their program has enough experience to reach in-house expectations.

“Our expectations are not based on wins and losses,” Conley said. “We’re more concerned about and pay attention to the things we can control.”

Even with a difficult Region 8-4A schedule on tap, the War Eagles’ coach has adequate returning talent at key position to make things interesting.

Led by a pair of veteran running backs who can be used interchangeably and a promising young quarterback, Chestatee will look to compensate for lack of experience on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

In an 11-school region, the War Eagles will have eight league games to determine the four playoff qualifiers.

“We’re operating on short time this summer,” Conley said. “We have to have our ducks in a row and ready to go for Week 1.”

In 8-4A, North Oconee will likely be the frontrunner, after making the state semifinals in 2021.

There will also be Cherokee Bluff, which is coming off back-to-back Region 7-3A titles and consecutive seasons with double-digit wins.

Also in Region 8-4A is North Hall, which has made the playoffs seven consecutive seasons.

East Forsyth is also an up-and-coming program that has significant talent and had no seniors on the 2021 roster.

Johnson and first-year Seckinger will also be in Region 8-4A, but both have non-region schedules in 2022.

Running back will likely be the biggest strength for Chestatee.

Adriel Vargas and Jason Granados are both returning starters, who can tag in and out of the game without missing on any production.

“We have a lot of experience at running back,” Conley said. “They’re carried the load the past two years for us. The neat thing is that they’re really good friends and push each other to get better.”

Sophomore Josh Kermode, a first-year starter, will take over at quarterback.

At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, the War Eagles’ young quarterback is a dual threat, running and passing.

“He had a great spring and has done very well this summer,” Conley said. “He’s a student of the game and very intelligent. We’re looking for big things out of him.”

On the outside, Christian Jarrard returns and will give the War Eagles a pass-catching option to help stretch the field.

“He’s a possession-type guy who has good hands and runs good routes,” Conley said. “He’s got a great understanding of what we’re trying to do.”

Hopefully, Conley said, his returning talent at the skill positions on offense can take some of the pressure off an inexperienced offensive line.

Center Nate Brazier is the only returner up

front. He started all 10 games last season for Chestatee.

Luis Jordan is a senior who will be counted on to start this season on the offensive line, Conley said, along with Alex Contreras and Gabe Mejia.

On defense, Chestatee’s coach feels good about some of his talent, especially on the back end.

At safety, Elijah Pruitt is a returning starter at safety, while Vargas, Jarrard and Granados will also see considerable snaps on defense.

The defensive line will be an area of concern early for Chestatee, after graduating all of its starters from 2021.

The War Eagles’ coach said that Brenden Carlson and Triston Minor will be counted on to be two of the leaders on the defensive front.

On special teams, Jarrard will be taking on most of the punt return duties. Chestatee’s running backs will share in kick-return roles.

David Diaz and Isaiah Glez will kick and punt for the War Eagles.

Photos by BILL MURPHY | The Times Chestatee players go through practice July 14 at Lynn Cottrell Stadium.

VIKINGS OPTIMISTIC WITH YOUNG GROUP OF TALENT IN 2022

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

In 2022, East Hall will be loaded with youth and inexperience at most positions.

Once again, it may post more losses than wins.

But the future for the Vikings is very bright with countless athletes who have displayed exceptional talent, their coach Matt Turner said, which has him extremely excited about getting to work every day.

“If we can keep this group together, we’re going to be a force,” East Hall’s second-year coach said. “I’m extremely excited about this group.”

After only one win in 2021 and many new skill players settling into starting roles for the Vikings, it could be another rebuilding year at Valhalla.

However, that doesn’t dampen Turner’s enthusiasm about East Hall’s program where he’s in it for the long haul.

And East Hall’s coach sees tons of potential with its skill-position players, most of whom are only sophomores or freshmen.

Easing the transition for many new starters on offense for the Vikings, they’ll be able to rely on a strong batch of offensive linemen, which is led by 250-pound senior center Caleb Pruitt and senior left guard Jake Evans.

In Region 8-4A, East Hall will be exposed to a weekly gauntlet with eight league games to decide the four playoff qualifiers.

North Oconee is a defending state semifinalist and is the clear favorite to win the region championship.

Cherokee Bluff has won back-to-back Region 7-3A championships and has consecutive seasons with double-digit wins.

And North Hall has made the postseason seven straight years and appears loaded again for first-year coach Sean Pender.

“We’re going to play some Goliaths on this schedule,” Turner said. “But I really like this group of kids and think we’ll surprise some people this season. This program is going in the right direction.”

Making up for substantial youth on offense is depth with capable athletes.

At quarterback, East Hall’s coach is

deciding between sophomore Peyton Llewallyn and freshman Jamarcus Harrison.

“I think both can be outstanding players,” Turner said.

At running back, the Vikings are looking at three players who will earn the bulk of the carries.

Jacob Christian, a converted slot wide receiver, is in line to get a lot of carries.

Also, Demariun Tatum and Lukas Pruitt are viable candidates to carry the ball.

The wide receiver position is led by senior Temeris Morrison, the defending Hall County 100-meter dash champion.

East Hall will also line up Caden Daniels at slot receiver and Caden Crocker on the outside.

With so much untapped potential on offense, Turner is going to let the cream rise to the top.

“It’s a good thing that I don’t know who my best skill players are yet,” Turner said. “They’re all solid across the board.”

Up front, Pruitt, the heavyweight state runner-up at the Class 4A state wrestling meet in 2022, has been moved to center from his previous spot as a tackle.

At left tackle, Turner is pleased with the progress of junior Jake Jones, who is the biggest of the bunch at about 260 pounds.

At right guard, Jacob Hernandez will get to start, while Kyle Mason is the leader to get the starting job at right tackle.

On the defensive line, Pruitt and Cris Perez will man the inside spots, as Turner puts a premium on stopping the run.

At defensive end, Cason Cash, Aaron Brock and Evans are the top prospects.

At linebacker, East Hall touts a talented

young sophomore Sergio Soto.

“He’s (Soto) got a chance to be an outstanding player,” Turner said.

Tatum and Andy Navarrette will also play linebacker.

In the secondary, Haden Brock and Jevan Harrison are the top two at cornerback, while Parker Worley is the safety.

A multitude of skill players will handle kick and punt return duties.

Jayden Hernandez will take care of all punting and kicking for the Vikings.

Photos by BILL MURPHY | The Times East Hall players go through practice July 25 in Gainesville.

FLOWERY BRANCH

FALCONS READY TO PROSPER IN CLASS 5A

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

Success has long been the standard at Flowery Branch.

That’s likely going to continue in 2022 for first-year Falcons coach Jason Tester.

With dynamic playmakers on offense and a trademark stout defense, Flowery Branch appears ready to compete with a move up to Region 8-5A.

Led by a two-way attack at running back with Myles Ivey and Malik Dryden both back this season, the Falcons will look to move the ball behind a seasoned offensive line.

Tester, who spend 3 of the past 4 seasons as the Falcons’ defensive coordinator, already has ample familiarity with the players on that side of the ball.

In 2021, Flowery Branch held the opposition to 14-or-less points six times.

With adequate depth on both sides of the ball, Flowery Branch is looking to continue a streak with five straight seasons making the postseason.

In the first 20 years of Flowery Branch’s history, it’s made the playoffs 14 times, highlighted by a trip to the state finals in 2008.

This season, Flowery Branch’s league will be stout with Jefferson, Clarke Central and Loganville all players in the mix for the region title and one of four spots to the postseason.

However, the Falcons have one of the most veteran rosters this season in Hall County.

Contending for the playoffs and putting together a run in state are certainly a good possibility.

“We have a lot of familiarity on this team, I’ve known these seniors since they were freshman,” Tester said. “We’re excited for their growth and the culmination of their high school career. We want to cherish the games that are guaranteed.”

On offense, the spark will be provided by several players.

Ivey, who is only about 160 pounds, picked up more than 900 yards on the ground in 2021.

Junior Seth Larson, a two-time state champion and national-champion wrestler, is the Falcons’ leading wide receiver and will also be a huge factor in kick and punt returns.

“Seth’s our most athletic guy,” Tester said. “He’s a possession receiver who can take the top

off a defense.”

Flowery Branch will also feature Caden Pelham at wide receiver, along with talented tight ends John David Peacock and Ethan Fetterman. One of the few question marks for Flowery Branch is quarterback, where senior Brody Jordan holds an edge, Tester said, over a couple younger players. On the offensive line, it starts with senior Shaun Shockley, who will lead a group with some experience including Dylan Setzer, Brice Deitz, Joshua Pacheco and Tony Mejia.

Eric Garner, a guard, and Nathan Turner are No. 1’s on the depth chart for the offensive line, but are unavailable to start the season, due to injury.

On defense, Flowery Branch is also stacked with talent, led by middle linebacker Cam Haynes and defensive linemen Yolando Barrett, Ben Brookshire and Hunter Adams.

Also at linebacker, the Falcons will primarily feature Frankie Perez and Christian Mendoza, as well as some young athletes. At the line of scrimmage, Brandon Shiloh will also be in the mix and Mejia will also play a substantial role.

In the secondary, Drake Smitherman, Ivey and Jalen Augustin are the top athletes at cornerback, Tester said, while Cameron Campbell and Ty Akins will start at safety.

On special teams, Marco Velasquez will handle kickoffs and field goals.

Jordan will likely line up as punter, a quarterback/punter combo that Flowery Branch has carried the past few seasons, Tester said, to give options on fourth down.

Photos by BILL MURPHY | The Times Flowery Branch players go through practice July 11 at the Hog Mountain Sports Complex.

RED ELEPHANTS HAVE THE PIECES TO COMPETE FOR STATE TITLE

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

First-year Gainesville High coach Josh Niblett wants City Park Stadium to be the most attractive Friday Night Lights experience in the entire state.

With the product the Red Elephants will put on the field in 2022, that vision may come to fruition sooner than later.

“We want it to be an unbelievable environment at City Park,” said Niblett, who guided Hoover High to six Alabama state titles from 2007-21. “We want it be hard anywhere else in the state to rival what’s going on here in Gainesville.”

Already an electric environment for high school football with the high-definition scoreboard and immaculate natural-grass playing surface, Gainesville’s new coach is intent on getting fan-base interest back to the level when the team won a state championship in 2012.

It’s safe to say that’s already happened.

With the infusion of talent at Gainesville, it is squarely in the conversation as one of the Class 6A state title contenders this season.

The offensive skill players will lead the way for Gainesville, which finished 4-6 last season and missed the postseason for the first time since 1999.

However, Gainesville’s defense is also filled with elite playmakers.

Red Elephants senior middle linebacker Jeremiah Telander, who committed June 26 to play at the University of Tennessee, will be the leader on that side of the ball. Telander was previously the Region 7-3A Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons at North Hall and recorded more than 130 tackles in 2021.

“Jeremiah does an unbelievable job as a leader,” Niblett said. “He plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played.”

On offense, Gainesville is going to be stocked, possibly more than ever before, with elite playmakers to compliment junior quarterback Baxter Wright, who threw for more than 1,000 yards in 2021.

At wide receiver, the Red Elephants will feature Darius Cannon, who caught passes for almost 800 yards last season at White County, and Tre Reece, who rushed for almost 700 yards in 2021 for Jefferson.

Also, Gainesville has reliable playmakers at wide receiver with Ja’Quez Sims and Ellis Pitts both returning this season, and young players such as Travien Watson and Phillip Williams.

At running back, the Red Elephants are also set with senior Naim Cheeks, a four-year starter who topped 1,000 yards last season.

“Naim is a dynamic running back,” Niblett said. “He can take it the distance but also stop on a dime and make defenders miss.”

Adding depth at running back, senior Marquis Ross is a returning piece for Gainesville who had solid production last season.

Playing a hybrid between blocking back and tight end will be junior Sky Niblett.

Up front, Gainesville’s coach said it will rely on junior three-year starter Noe Covarrubias, a junior, who will move to center from guard.

The Red Elephants will also be starting Stacy Hopkins at left tackle, who is a leader on defense, too.

Other linemen expected to contribute for Gainesville are Jamel Jones, Ethan McCusker, Ethan Couch, Alex Payne and Will Turner,

among many others.

On the defensive front, the Red Elephants expect to primarily feature Hopkins, Jarrious Harris, Julius Columbus, Erick Willock and Adarian Cheek.

Joining Telander at linebacker, Gainesville will also start Luke Cooper, Carmelo Byrd, Nasir Summerour, Samaj Brown and Aveion Young, in different combinations.

At cornerback, returning starters Dre Raven and Elias Ballard are expected to start, while Trent Jones is an emerging talent at the position.

At safety, Zyrion Harrison and Summerour will be counted on for the Red Elephants.

Cash O’Callaghan and Zander Lipscomb will also see playing time in the secondary.

On special teams, John White and Eric Guerrero are the two kicking candidates for Gainesville.

In kick returns and punt returns, the Red Elephants will have a handful of contributors who also play skill positions.

Photos by BILL MURPHY | The Times Gainesville players go through practice July 14 at the Bruce Miller Practice Field.

JOHNSON

KNIGHTS REBUILDING THROUGH PLAYING NON-REGION SCHEDULE

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

Johnson football coach William Harrell feels like better days are within reach for its program.

After going winless the past two seasons, the third-year leader for the Knights has seen increased player participation and compiling a non-region schedule as channels for his squad to become competitive in the near future.

This summer, Johnson’s football program has seen around 40 players each day coming in for conditioning and weightlifting, he said.

By the time the season starts against Banks County on Friday, Johnson’s coach feels like having 45 players dressed out will be adequate for his needs on varsity.

“I’m cautiously optimistic,” Harrell said. “I’m not going to overinflate what’s going on with us, but I’ve seen more of a commitment this summer.”

In 2022, Johnson will play the first of two seasons in a non-region schedule, then will evaluate to see whether it can become competitive again with a traditional league format.

For the next two years, the Knights are slotted to play athletics in a talent-rich Region 8-4A.

The decision to play a non-region schedule was announced Jan. 26, which was fully supported by Harrell.

“Playing a non-region schedule is not going to guarantee wins, but it makes sure we’re playing against programs at a similar level to where we’re at right now, Harrell said.”

Very important for Johnson was preserving its biggest rivalry: a matchup against West Hall in Week 2 of the regular season.

Also, Johnson will face East Hall, East Jackson, East Forsyth, Towns County and Banks County.

The remainder of the schedule will be heavy with small programs from Atlanta: Druid Hills, Clarkston, Midtown and Lakeside.

On offense, Johnson is given some juice with the return of running back Demitri Moon, who missed most of the 2021 season with a collarbone injury, Harrell said.

Moon will line up in many different positions, trying to get the best athlete on the

field the ball.

Grayson Higgins, a junior, is the leading candidate at quarterback.

Also getting ample carries will be Jud Farmer, who is also the staple of the Knights defense from the strong safety spot.

In addition, Johnson will use fullback Julian Gomez to help create running lanes.

At wide receiver, Linus Griffith is a returning starter that Johnson’s coach is excited to see what he can do.

“He’s a tall target for us at 6-foot-3,” Harrell said. “We hope teams load the box on us and we can use him as a deep threat.”

At tight end, Johnson will primarily use Jesus Ponce for his ability to set the edge in the run game.

Up front, Johnson is led by Guillermo Rosales and Mauricio Zaragoza, both returning starters, along with Andres Madera.

In the middle, Caleb Garmon will start at center.

On defense, Johnson’s coach is also encouraged by his secondary.

In addition to Farmer, the Knights will feature Moon, Nehemiah Anderson and Griffith.

At linebacker, Higgins, Christian Lemos, Julian Gomez and Ponce are the leading candidates. On special teams, Farmer, Griffith, Moon and Joshua Mascrier will share in kick and punt return roles.

Joshua Garmon is the frontrunner to be kicker and punter.

Photos by BILL MURPHY | The Times Johnson players go through practice July 19 at Billy Ellis Memorial Stadium in Oakwood.

LIONS HAVE HIGH HOPES WITH LOTS OF RETURNING TALENT

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

Lakeview Academy has ample reason for optimism in 2022.

The Lions are filled with returning starters on both sides of the ball, off an injuryriddled 2021 campaign that ended with a 1-8 record. Now, Lakeview Academy has adequate depth, especially at the skill positions, with the return of senior running back Landon Hanes and the arrival of 6-foot-3 senior quarterback Logan Stanley, who previously played at Cherokee Bluff.

The Lions are just two seasons removed from its first playoff appearance in school history, the first with Lee Shaw as its head coach in 2019.

Many of Lakeview Academy’s players have playoff experience.

In 2022, Lakeview Academy will transition into the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (previously the GISA), a move becoming common with private schools in Northern Georgia.

“We’ve buried what happened last season and we’re excited about this season,” Shaw said at Times Football Media Day. “We’re excited about the players we have coming back and the new players who moved in. Our motto this year is ‘no excuses.’”

And with the new league, Shaw feels like Lakeview Academy can be extremely competitive as it will play in the same division with Riverside Military Academy, George Walton Academy, Bethlehem Christian and Loganville Christian.

“We’re chomping at the bit to get the season started,” Shaw added.

Along the line of scrimmage, the Lions will have good experience back in the fold, led by two-way starters Stuart Daniel and Evan Yaskulka, both juniors.

Before the end of the summer, Lakeview Academy got considerably bigger on the line of scrimmage, adding 300-pound freshmen Shelton and Kendrick Kelley from Stephens County, while 275 pound-sophomore DJ Whitcomb has enrolled from Banks County.

“I’m smiling right now,” Shaw said about his bigger linemen.

Also from Banks County, sophomore Clay Smith has enrolled at Lakeview Academy. He will have a chance to play at quarterback, as well as other skill positions.

Lakeview Academy has also benefitted from adding running back Antonio Cantrell, a 190-pound sophomore, who last played at Habersham Central. Leading the Lions on the outside, Kastian Haynes is a returner at wide receiver and defensive back, who Shaw speaks highly of his production.

In special teams, the Lions have Liam Weidner, a senior, to handle punting duties. Bryan Ramsey will do the kicking.

Clyde Jones, Junior Thompson and Armand Long are also some younger skill

players who have moved into the Lions’ program and will have a chance to contribute right away.

Even after one down season, it stands to reason that Lakeview Academy will have a resurgence under Shaw, who has produced many top-tier winning programs at Flowery Branch and then Rabun County.

At both of his previous coaching positions before retiring, Lakeview Academy’s coach took programs to the state finals. In 2017, Shaw led Rabun County to the Class 2A state finals, with four straight trips to the state quarterfinals. Before that, Shaw guided Flowery Branch to the state finals for the only time in school history (2008).

Photos by BILL MURPHY | The Times Lakeview Academy goes through practice July 11 in Gainesville.

LANIER CHRISTIAN

LIGHTNING EXPECT BIG THINGS WITH MOVE TO 11-MAN FOOTBALL

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

When Bruce Miller gets excited about one of his football teams, that’s a pretty good indicator that it’s in for a good season.

That’s certainly the case for Lanier Christian Academy in 2022.

Even with the move up to an 11-man league, the Lightning’s secondyear coach is quite optimistic about what is to come this season for the program that plays its home games at Gainesville Middle School.

“Well, it’s going to be a challenge for us, but going to 11-man football is something that our community and kids are looking forward to doing this season,” Miller said.

This season, Lanier Christian will be guided by the return of sophomore running back Zeke Clanton, who picked up more than 1,600 yards in 2021.

The Lightning coach and his staff will devise every imaginable way to get the ball into the hands of their shifty running back.

“Zeke’s one of those running backs that I’m glad he’s on my team,” Miller said. “He’s a complete running back.”

This season, Lanier Christian’s move up will include matchups against former GHSA programs — King’s Ridge Christian and Walker — that are moving down to the GISA (now called the GIAA).

Now in its sixth season, Lanier Christian’s football program is building some depth, which stands at about 24 players, Miller said.

Miller said that his program this season will benefit from a talented freshmen class, led by quarterback CJ Britt, who will start at the varsity level for Lanier Christian this season.

In addition to having a lively arm, Britt is dynamic as a runner in the open field, too.

“We have seven or eight ninth-graders who have really developed and matured,” Miller said.

Also in the running game, the Lightning will get Isaic Reing in on the action.

For Britt, his options will be plentiful in the passing game.

His top targets are Camden Hohman, Shepherd Acton, Carter Raulerson, Isaac Dinn and Ben Hargis.

Blocking up front for Lanier Christian, 6-foot-4, 320-pound tackle Josh Waymack, Jordan Smith and Quinn Winfrey will lead the way on the offensive line.

After that, Miller said that ‘7 or 8’ players have a chance to get in the game on the offensive line.

On defense, Waymack, Smith, Luke Hopkins and Winfrey will be leading the effort on the line of scrimmage.

At linebacker, Dinn and Acton will be playing inside, while Hargis and Clanton will man the outside spots.

Raulerson and Hohman will lead the way in the secondary for the Lightning, their coach said.

BILL MURPHY | The Times

Lanier Christian football players go through practice Aug. 1 in Flowery Branch.

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TROJANS LOOK TO KEEP UP SUCCESS

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

Sean Pender is accustomed to producing winning football programs.

At each of his four previous posts as a head coach, all in South Georgia, he’s made at least one postseason appearance.

Now the man in charge at North Hall, he’s in a good position to make that number five.

Pender took the job with the Trojans on Jan. 21, after guiding Brunswick to the second round of state each of the past three years.

Now in Hall County, Pender has hit the ground running in his first seven months on the job and likes the talent he’ll lead out on the field in the regular season.

He’s got about 70 players currently on the roster and a largely-new assistant coaching staff, several with previous head coaching experience.

“People want to be a part of what we’re doing here at North Hall because it’s a special place,” Pender said. “We’re surrounding the kids with good-character men who know about leadership development. The X’s and O’s will take care of themselves.”

Under Pender, the Trojans will be lead with offensive coordinator Keith Gosse, who was head coach at Bacon County from 2019-21, while firstyear defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Gary Mintier (also the new boys head soccer coach) was most recently at Jackson County, but previously served as football head coach at McIntosh County Academy in 2014.

Once the regular season begins, North Hall will only play two non-region games, before the eight leagues games that will determine which four teams out of Region 8-4A will go to the postseason.

“We’re approaching every game like it’s for all the marbles,” said Pender, who led Pierce County to the state quarterfinals twice between 2011-216, during which time he coached University of Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett.

Region 8-4A is certainly stacked after its realignment for the new two-year cycle in the GHSA.

North Oconee is coming off a trip to the state semifinals and regarded as the team to beat in 2022.

Cherokee Bluff has won back-to-back Region 7-3A titles and will be talented once again.

Also, Cedar Shoals and second-year East Forsyth are primed to be in position to compete for the playoffs.

In 2022, North Hall, which has been to the playoffs seven straight seasons, will have a much more balanced offense than its fans have been accustomed to seeing for so many years.

While still talented in the running game, North Hall plans to utilize a handful of wide receivers who will make some noise, led by Britton Glover, Sam Gailey, Cason Payne, Ajay Jones and Ryals Puryear, among others.

At running back, North Hall’s new coach has the luxury of picking between Hunter Riley, Tate Ruth and Ethan Little to see who deserves the most touches.

“If all three stay healthy, we’ll try to do running back by committee,” Pender said. “Whoever has the hot hand will get more touches.”

At tight end, Breckan Kirby and Zeke Harris will see most of the action.

Quarterback is still a battle for the Trojans with Walker Anderson (formerly at Lanier Christian Academy) and Tanner Marsh as the two frontrunners.

Up front, North Hall has returning experience that has its coach optimistic, led by senior center Hayden Chase and sophomore left guard Charlie House.

On defense, Pender feels especially good about his group at linebacker.

At outside linebacker, Harris has had a strong offseason, Pender said, while Austin Self and Kirby will also be expected to make big contributions.

In the secondary, Carson Brown and senior captain Will Jackson will be providing leadership. Harris will handle the punting duties, Pender said, while the kicking position is still in flux.

North Hall’s new coach will have about five basketball players on his roster who didn’t play football in 2021.

He believes most of them will all be able to contribute.

Trojans boys basketball coach Miles Kendall will serve as wide receivers coach.

Nathan Kinney, a North Hall High graduate, will be working with the outside linebackers.

New North Hall defensive backs coach Brett Hall comes from Truetlen County.

The lone holdover from the previous Trojans staff is Jason Crisp, who will be working with the defensive line.

Photos by BILL MURPHY | The Times North Hall players go through practice July 12 at the Brickyard in Gainesville.

EAGLES TURNING THE CORNER WITH TALENT IN NEW LEAGUE

BY ISAAC THOMAS For The Times

Riverside Military Academy football coach Nick Garrett is hoping that change is good for his program.

With 12 rising seniors in 2022, the Eagles will be making the transition into the private-school league, the Georgia Independent Athletics Association.

And after posting one win in 2021 and not fielding a football program at the school in 2020, Riverside Military will benefit from the step down in competition to better suit its talent and participation levels.

Despite the move, its division will still have some strong programs.

Riverside Military will face Lakeview Academy, George Walton Academy, Bethlehem Christian and Loganville Christian in league play.

A blended schedule with GHSA opponents, the Eagles will open their season against Lumpkin County on Aug. 19 in Dahlonega.

Riverside Military will also face Oglethorpe County and Druid Hills, before its division schedule opens against at George Walton Academy on Oct. 7.

After last making the postseason in 2018, the Eagles certainly have the talent to make things interesting this season.

Leading the way for Riverside Military will be senior running back Rodney Robinson, who has been at the private boarding school since eighth grade, Garrett said.

“He is an influential leader,” Garrett said. “A high-energy guy, he is going to give you 150%. He flies around 100 miles per hour on special teams, at running back, at defensive back. I mean, heck, if you wanted him to sell some Gatorade at halftime, mow some lawns, do some laundry, and come back and play some football, he is one of those guys that’s going to get it done.”

Perhaps the most experienced position group for the Eagles is their offensive line.

Riverside Military returns three starters up front, led by senior center Zach Miller.

He will be working alongside 6-foot-6 senior offensive tackle Zichen Zhang and senior guard Stone Phillips.

Senior Jeremiah Shaw takes over as Riverside Military’s quarterback, his first year with the school.

Also working under center this season will be Idan Azani, the program’s ‘Swiss Army knife.’

Azani is a two-sport athlete at Riverside Military and will use that athletic ability at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and in the defensive secondary for the Eagles, his coach said.

“He just has incredible body control and is extremely coachable,” Garrett said. “I have always been a firm advocate that the two and three-sport athletes usually transition really well into football. Those guys, with their athleticism and speed, have the ability to make a play at any time during the game.”

Leading the way at wide receiver for the Eagles is returning junior Jhai Ballard, along with seniors Anthony Chirombo and Wallace Kerr.

While they may be low in numbers, compared to other school, Riverside Military makes up for that with their players ability to fit roles on both sides of the field.

“With that group, I know it is a large number of names, but those guys embody what the brand is for our program, and what it takes to get us into a competitive season,” Garrett said.

Photos by NATALAE LADOUCEUR | For The Times Riverside Military players go through practice Aug. 2 in Gainesville.

SPARTANS HOPE SKILL PLAYERS, SPEED LEAD TO SUCCESS IN 7-3A

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

For West Hall to get over the hump and back into the postseason for the first time since 2017, it’s going to rely on a veteran group in the trenches and some playmakers with sky-high potential to get the job done this year.

After going 4-6 in back-to-back seasons, the Spartans are blessed with substantial returning experience and talent on the offensive line.

And, in a competitive Region 7-3A, the Spartans will also need to develop some depth behind three-year starter Tito Hernandez, at center, and AJ O’Bryant, Sam Pettit and Bryce Reed rounding out an offensive line with ample varsity experience. For the next two years, West Hall will be battling against White County, Lumpkin County, Dawson County, Gilmer, Pickens and private-school powerhouse Wesleyan for one of the top four spots in Region 7-3A to the postseason. So far, West Hall coach Krofton Montgomery likes the direction of his

program in 2022, even though a lot is still left to be determined.

On the field, senior Andrew Malin is the leader as a four-year starter at tight end and outside linebacker for the Spartans.

“I feel like we’ve gotten a lot better since the spring,” Montgomery said. “We have a lot of blue-collar kids who work extremely hard.”

At quarterback, West Hall is deciding between freshman Brett Sturm and Zach Stephens. Both have different strengths, Montgomery said. He’s not ruled out the possibility of rotating between the two signal callers during the regular season.

The running back position is settled with Malik Richardson in line to get most of the carries. After battling injuries in 2021, the 5-foot-9, 210-pound former defender has the ability to take it the distance.

“He’s a game-breaking of type running back,” Montgomery said.

Freshman Zack Wagner will do the dirty work as blocking back.

Senior speedster Jaylen Fagan, who is in his first year playing football with the program, will also be a big part of the Spartans’ offense. After moving in from Texas last spring, Fagan was a state-placer in multiple events in track and field.

“He’s electric as an athlete,” Montgomery said. “He’s one of the fastest kids we’ve had.”

Along with Malin, wide receivers Ethan Clifford and Quintavious Reed will get most of the looks in the passing game for the Spartans.

Up front on defense, Montgomery also feels good about his starting unit even though it lacks in depth.

At nose tackle, West Hall will start 305-pounder Travion McDowell, who is more than capable of causing havoc.

Bryson Grindle and Riley Packard are West Hall’s top two at defensive end. West Hall’s coach has lots of confidence in their abilities.

“Those two at defensive end look the part,” Montgomery said.

Starting inside linebackers will be Ryan McMillan and Brady Clark. Malin and Daniel Altamarino, a sophomore, will line up at outside linebacker.

In the secondary, Fagan, Clifford and Reed, among others, will see most of the playing time.

Fagan and Clifford will handle the bulk of the kick return and punt return work.

In kicking and punting, soccer standouts Junior Avila and Henry Ruiz will both be in the running.

Photos by BILL MURPHY | The Times

West Hall plays go through practice July 12 in Oakwood.

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day says ‘I will try again tomorrow.”

Mary Anne Radmacher

MASTER SCHEDULE

CHEROKEE BLUFF

Aug. 17 vs. Kell**

Aug. 26 at Adairsville

Sept. 9 at Madison County

Sept. 16 CHESTATEE*

Sept. 23 at North Hall*

Sept. 30 CEDAR SHOALS*

Oct. 7 at East Forsyth*

Oct. 14 WALNUT GROVE*

Oct. 21 at East Hall*

Nov. 4 NORTH OCONEE*

** Corky Kell Classic at John’s Creek High

*region games

CHESTATEE

Aug. 19 HEBRON CHRISTIAN

Sept. 2 at White County

Sept. 9 EAST HALL*

Sept. 16 at Cherokee Bluff*

Sept. 23 NORTH OCONEE*

Sept. 30 at Madison County*

Oct. 14 NORTH HALL*

Oct. 21 at Cedar Shoals*

Oct. 28 EAST FORSYTH*

Nov. 4 at Walnut Grove*

*region games

EAST HALL

Aug. 19 at West Hall

Sept. 2 JOHNSON*

Sept. 9 at Chestatee*

Sept. 16 NORTH HALL*

Sept. 23 at Cedar Shoals*

Sept. 30 EAST FORSYTH*

Oct. 7 at Walnut Grove

Oct. 21 CHEROKEE BLUFF*

Oct. 28 at North Oconee*

Nov. 4 MADISON COUNTY*

*region games

FLOWERY BRANCH

Aug. 19 at Decatur

Aug. 26 ST. PIUS X

Sept. 2 at Stephens County

Sept. 16 LAMBERT

Sept. 22 vs. Eastside*

Sept. 30 CLARKE CENTRAL*

Oct. 7 at Winder-Barrow*

Oct. 14 JEFFERSON*

Oct. 28 at Loganville*

Nov. 4 HERITAGE*

*region games

GAINESVILLE

Aug. 19 at Marist

Aug. 26 MOUNTAIN VIEW

Sept. 1 at Monroe Area

Sept. 9 CLARKE CENTRAL

Sept. 16 at Apalachee*

Sept. 30 at Lanier*

Oct. 14 HABERSHAM CENTRAL*

Oct. 21 at Shiloh*

Oct. 28 NORTH FORSYTH*

Nov. 4 JACKSON COUNTY*

*region games

JOHNSON

Aug. 19 at Banks County

Aug. 26 WEST HALL

Sept. 2 at East Hall

Sept. 16 EAST FORSYTH

Sept. 23 at East Jackson

Sept. 30 at Lakeside-Atlanta

Oct. 14 TOWNS COUNTY

Oct. 21 DRUID HILLS

Oct. 27 vs. Clarkston

Nov. 4 MIDTOWN

LAKEVIEW ACADEMY

Aug. 19 KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN

Aug. 26 at Athens Christian

Sept. 2 at St. Anne-Pacelli

Sept. 9 CREEKSIDE CHRISTIAN

Sept. 23 STRONG ROCK CHRISTIAN

Sept. 30 at Bethlehem Christian

Play Hard. Play STRONG.

Play Hard. Play STRONG.

STRONG BANK | STRONG COMMUNITY

STRONG BANK | STRONG COMMUNITY

MASTER SCHEDULE

Oct. 7 NORTH GEORGIA CHRISTIAN

Oct. 21 RIVERSIDE MILITARY

Oct. 28 at George Walton Academy

Nov. 4 at Loganville Christian

LANIER CHRISTIAN

Aug. 18 at Harvester Christian

Aug. 26 NORTH GEORGIA CHRISTIAN

Sept. 9 ROCK SPRINGS CHRISTIAN

Sept. 16 CALVARY CHRISTIAN

Sept. 23 PINECREST ACADEMY

Sept. 30 at Notre Dame Academy

Oct. 7 at King’s Academy

Oct. 21 KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN

Oct. 28 WALKER SCHOOL

Nov. 4 at Cherokee Christian

NORTH HALL

Aug. 19 at White County

Sept. 2 DAWSON COUNTY

Sept. 9 WALNUT GROVE

Sept. 16 at East Hall*

Sept. 23 CHEROKEE BLUFF*

Sept. 30 at North Oconee*

Oct. 7 MADISON COUNTY*

Oct. 14 at Chestatee*

Oct. 28 CEDAR SHOALS*

Nov. 4 at East Forsyth*

*region games

RIVERSIDE MILITARY

Aug. 19 at Lumpkin County

Aug. 26 at King’s Ridge Christian

Sept. 1 at Stratford Academy

Sept. 9 PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN

Sept. 16 at Georgia Military Prep

Sept. 23 OGLETHORPE COUNTY

Sept. 30 DRUID HILLS

Oct. 7 George Walton Academy

Oct. 14 BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN

Oct. 21 at Lakeview Academy

Oct. 28 LOGANVILLE CHRISTIAN

WEST HALL

Aug. 19 EAST HALL

Aug. 26 at Johnson

Sept. 2 EAST JACKSON

Sept. 16 at Union County

Sept. 23 at Dawson County*

Sept. 30 GILMER*

Oct. 14 WHITE COUNTY*

Oct. 21 PICEKNS*

Oct. 28 at Wesleyan*

Nov. 4 at Lumpkin County*

*region games