2024 Football Kickoff

A preview of the upcoming season in Hall County

FOOTBALL KICKOFF

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In 2024, Hall County will be trying to get its playoff numbers up in football.

Certainly, there are plenty of contenders for state within the county’s borders and its 11 prep programs.

This fall, with new region alignment, Hall County could potentially send teams to the state postseason in three different classifications of the GHSA, along with the GIAA (Georgia Independent Athletics Association) and GAPPS (Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools).

Leading the way in Hall County, in terms of having the best chance at a state championship, is Gainesville.

After making a run to the state quarterfinals in 2023, the Red Elephants are again loaded with talent as they will compete in a top-heavy Region 7-5A with last year’s Class 7A state champion Milton and perennial state powerhouse Roswell both also in the mix.

However, Hall County will have other schools with state postseason dreams.

In Class 3A, North Hall is coming off a trip to the postseason last season.

This year, the Trojans will be paired in a Region 6-3A with Chestatee and Johnson, along with private-school powerhouse Greater Atlanta Christian and 2023 state quarterfinalist Lumpkin County.

Also in Class 3A, Cherokee Bluff, East Hall and West Hall will be slotted in arguably the most difficult Class 3A region in the state alongside Jefferson, Oconee County and Monroe Area.

Meanwhile, Flowery Branch is coming off a state playoff run last season in Class 5A. With a drop down to Class 4A for the next two-year cycle, the Falcons will be paired with many of its traditional rivals, such as Eastside and Walnut Grove.

In the Georgia Independent Athletics Association, Lakeview Academy and Riverside Prep will play in the same conference, while Lanier Christian plays in the GAPPS.

When the season kicks off Friday, most programs will have at least three non-region games to prepare for the contests to decide who earns one of the four playoff spots in each league.

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GAINESVILLE

RED ELEPHANTS

12-1 LAST SEASON

(CLASS 6A STATE QUARTERFINALS)

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

TOP THREE STORYLINES

1. PLAYING AGAINST THE BEST: Gainesville has been very close to its end goal of the state championship in each of its first two seasons under coach Josh Niblett. This season, can the Red Elephants handle their challenging regular-season schedule (four opponents that made the state quarterfinals in 2023) and earn a postseason spot conducive to making a run in the newly-aligned Class 5A?

2. LEARNING ON THE JOB: Gainesville sophomore quarterback Kharim Hughley (6-1, 180) will be thrown right into the starting role in 2024. While a daunting task against a difficult schedule, Niblett believes that Hughley has more than enough talent and can make all the throws to have the Red Elephants put ample points on the scoreboard. Hughley takes the job previously held down by four-year starter Baxter Wright.

3. STACKED UP FRONT: This season, Gainesville will have a wealth of talent on both the offensive and defensive line, many who are primed to play at the Division-I level in college. Will that provide the edge needed for Hughley and running back Carmelo Byrd, previously a two-year starter at linebacker, to get

SCHEDULE

Aug. 16 at Marietta

Aug. 23 at Moody (Ala.)

Aug. 30 at Westlake

Sept. 13 at Carrollton

Sept. 20 LANIER*

Sept. 27 at Johns Creek*

Oct. 4 SECKINGER*

Oct. 11 MILTON*

Oct. 18 at Chattahoochee*

Oct. 25 at Roswell*

*region games

comfortable in their new high-profile roles?

OUTLOOK

For Gainesville, winning the state championship is the only satisfying end to the season.

And, even though the Red Elephants have been close the past two years, their only state championship came back in 2012, when they still had Deshaun Watson at quarterback.

In 2024, Gainesville doesn’t have the nationally-acclaimed quarterback guiding the offense.

However, the Red Elephants have elite talent on both the offensive and defensive lines to help smooth out any growing pains that come with a first-year starter at quarterback.

As a whole, however, Niblett believes he has strength in numbers with depth and talent on both sides of the ball to compete with defending Class 7A state champion Milton and perennial state-powerhouse Roswell, both also in Region 7-5A.

COACH SPEAK

I expect to play for a (state) championship. That’s always the expectation here at Gainesville. I’m excited about this group and what they can bring to the table.

If the Red Elephants can get to state with an advantageous seeding, they have a decent chance of getting over the hump with a state title after finishing as state runner-up in 2022 and a trip to the state quarterfinals in 2023.

Gainesville could potentially have the best defensive line in the state, anchored by senior Julius Columbus, who had 21 sacks and 18 tackles for a loss as a junior. The Duke commit draws ample double-teams, freeing up some of his other teammates to make plays.

“Julius is an exceptional player,” Niblett said.

For Niblett, the key defensively is to be strong on first and second down, in order to set up rushing the quarterback on third down.

In addition to Columbus, The Times 2023 Football Player of the Year, Gainesville bolsters a defensive line with star-quality returning talent, including Kadin Fossung (6-3, 210), Marshall Leonard (6-3, 215) and Brandon Bailey (6-0, 235), among others, who have shown their merit at the varsity level.

Josh Niblett

All are players adept at getting off the edge at putting pressure on the quarterback.

Meanwhile, linebacker is another strength with junior Southern Cal commit Xavier Griffin, who is one of the top-ranked players nationally in the Class of 2026, who can also play just as proficiently at defensive end.

“(Defensive line) is an elite group,” Niblett said.

Also at linebacker, Cash O’Callaghan provides the most experience as a three-year starter, who checks all the boxes as a leader at his position, his coach said.

In the secondary, Gainesville returns ample experience to rotate in and out with Trent Jones, Clyde Jones, Dacien Cohen, Marcus Sims and Roger Holder all having adequate experience and skills to shut down highprofile offenses.

On the other side of the ball, Gainesville’s offensive line is just as formidable as its defensive front.

The Red Elephants are anchored up front with Alex Payne (North Carolina commit), Wil Turner (Samford commit), Tony Mejia (5-11, 280), Tyler Ford (6-6, 320) and Krew Moledor (6-4, 290) all in line to start, even though they’ll get a break with substantial depth led by Carter Mathis, Roc Finch and Bryson Sturdivant all ready to play up front in a reserve role, Niblett said.

GAINESVILLE

At running back, Byrd has been a quick study as he takes the lead position as an ‘every-down back’ for the Red Elephants.

“(Carmelo) is doing awesome,” Niblett said. “I’m really excited about him and what he’s going to be able to do. He’s a natural at running back.”

At wide receiver, senior Jeremiah Ware, who caught 50 passes for 1,132 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2023 for Flowery Branch, will be Gainesville’s top target.

Depth at wide receiver will be provided with Phillip Williams, Shane King, Taz Smith, Trey Diggs and Demari Bailey also all

capable of making big plays in the open field.

TOP THREE NEWCOMERS

1. QB Kharim Hughley (6-1, 180)

2. WR Taz Smith (5-11, 175)

3. LB Roman Best (6-1, 200)

KEY GAME

vs. Milton, Oct. 11

Gainesville will get a good taste late in the regular season if its in position to play for a state title, against the 2023 Class 7A champions, at City Park Stadium.

CHEROKEE BLUFF

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

TOP THREE STORYLINES

1. EMERGENCE OF YOUTH: While Cherokee Bluff has ample talent in all phases of the game, many of its expected starters come from a deep sophomore class. Will they be able to jell by the time the Region 8-3A schedule opens against Oconee County on Sept. 27 in Watkinsville?

2. WINNING THE CLOSE ONES: Over the past two seasons, the Bears have lost some critically close games in region play that kept them out of the postseason. In 2023, Cherokee Bluff lost region matchups to Madison County and Walnut Grove by a total of five points, which kept the Bears from making it to state. Will Cherokee Bluff be able to find a way to win the tight contests and return to form more similar to its region championship squads in 2020 and 2021?

3. GETTING READY FOR REGION: Cherokee Bluff coach Tommy Jones will find out fast what kind of program he has in 2024. With five non-region games, three are against

programs that made it to the playoffs last season (Lumpkin County, North Hall and Habersham Central). The Bears open the season Friday in Flowery Branch against a stout Lumpkin County program, which made the Class 3A state quarterfinals in 2023.

OUTLOOK

Cherokee Bluff’s history in football has been filled with many highs and a few lows.

And, as was the case the past two seasons, some very close calls.

Now, the Bears are looking to turn the page with the 2024 season as they embark on a challenging schedule in Region 8-3A with Jefferson, Oconee County, East Hall, West Hall and Monroe Area also in the mix for the four postseason berths.

“This is as tough of a region as there is in (Class) 3A,” Cherokee Bluff coach Tommy Jones said.

Still, the seventh-year coach for the Bears is eager for the season to begin as they look to shake off the bad taste of narrowly missing out on the postseason in 2023, and losing four region games the previous season by a total of just 14 points.

To make the transition into the new season

BEARS

4-6 LAST SEASON

SCHEDULE

Aug. 16 LUMPKIN COUNTY

Aug. 23 at Apalachee

Aug. 30 NORTH HALL

Sept. 6 at Habersham Central

Sept. 13 BANKS COUNTY

Sept. 27 at Oconee County*

Oct. 4 at West Hall*

Oct. 11 MONROE AREA*

Oct. 25 at Jefferson*

Nov. 1 EAST HALL*

ALL CAPS: home games *region games

COACH SPEAK

I’m just really excited about this group of kids, We have a number of seniors who’ve been with us since they were in the sixth grade when the Cherokee Bluff program started. We’ve been able to see this group grow and mature since middle school all the way through high school. I’m really excited for them to be able to get going this season.

Tommy Jones

smooth, Jones has a formidable roster filled with returning starters in all phases of the game.

Leading the way for the Bears are a number of two-way talents who will rarely leave the field.

Seniors KT Thompson, a Georgia Southern baseball commit, and Landon Kemp will both see double duty at wide receiver and safety. Meanwhile, senior Connor Griffin is also a standout for Cherokee Bluff, who will be part

CHEROKEE BLUFF

of a ‘running back by committee’ system and also play outside linebacker.

Also at running back, the Bears will get ample carries out of Jackson Pirkle, Tony Rushin and Rylan Ackerman, among others.

“They’ve all done an excellent job over the summer,” Jones said.

Meanwhile, the offensive line will be anchored by its lone returning starter Aiden Willis. To fill out the ranks up front, Cherokee Bluff will rely on Cohen Carter, Ben Craig and Grant McElroy, among others, while tight end will be handled with Caleb Cooper, Bryce Fontentot and Erik Johansen, Jones said.

At quarterback, Cherokee Bluff will have first-year starter Brooks Brien, a senior, in control of the offense.

While it’s his first season starting, Jones is confident that he’ll be able to handle the task sufficiently.

“(Brooks) has all the characteristics that good quarterbacks have,” Jones said.

On defense, Cherokee Bluff will have many of its lineman playing both ways. Some of those names include Hudson Davis, Landon Graber, Rushin, Fontenot and Ben Craig.

At linebacker, Caleb Cooper, Brett Pierce, Griffin and Ackerman are going to play the most snaps.

In the secondary, Tyler Underwood and Dylan Haley, both also wide receivers, will handle the duties at cornerback.

TOP THREE NEWCOMERS

1. LB/RB Jackson Pirkle (So.)

2. DE/RB Tony Rushin (So.)

3. WR/DB Dylan Haley (So.)

KEY GAME

Sept. 27 vs. Oconee County

There’s no better way to get rolling in region play than to win the first one, which will be a challenging road contest in Watkinsville.

EAST HALL

VIKINGS

2-8 LAST SEASON

SCHEDULE

Aug. 16 BANKS COUNTY

Aug. 23 OGLETHORPE COUNTY

Aug. 30 JOHNSON

Sept. 6 at North Hall

Sept. 20 at East Jackson

Sept. 27 at Monroe Area*

Oct. 4 OCONEE COUNTY*

Oct. 11 at Jefferson*

Oct. 25 WEST HALL*

Nov. 1 at Cherokee Bluff*

ALL CAPS: home games

*region games

COACH SPEAK

What I expect and kind of preaching for this team is growth, consistent growth. Last year, we showed a lack of consistency. We showed spurts where we looked the part, then would hit lulls. I want to see growth in all areas of the program. It’s time for the older guys to take the reins.

Matt Turner

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

TOP THREE STORYLINES

1. FINDING A BALANCE: While scoring points was inconsistent for the Vikings in 2023, it shouldn’t be an issue this year. With an experienced quarterback and skilled playmakers at wide receiver, tight end and running back, East Hall will look to move the ball equally well through the air or with any one of its bevy of running backs.

2. EVOLUTION AT QUARTERBACK: The sky’s the limit for East Hall junior Jamarcus Harrison. And after a comprehensive offseason where

he refined his skills, Vikings coach Matt Turner is eager to see how Harrison’s diligent training and conditioning translate to Fridays in the fall. Also, the Vikings are blessed with depth at the position with senior Peyton Llewallyn who is ‘ready to go at a moment’s notice.’

3. REGION RIVALRIES: With the newly-aligned Region 8-3A, East Hall will have some of the toughest competition in the state, going against Jefferson, Oconee County and Monroe Area all in league play. However, an added emphasis is put on local region matchups against Cherokee Bluff and West Hall, which will likely determine who goes to state and which teams stay home for the postseason.

OUTLOOK

East Hall feels like it’s ready to get over the hump in 2024.

After going six-straight seasons without making the playoffs and the same amount of time since last posting a winning record, the Vikings feel like this is the roster that can earn a postseason spot for the first time since 2017.

And, based on the intangibles and team chemistry, East Hall’s coach feels quite good about the coming season.

“This is the most connected group I’ve had since I’ve been back here (2021),” Turner said. “They are having fun, love each other

and get along very well.”

Thanks to an explosive offense, centered around Harrison, the Vikings have ample playmakers at all the skill position, plus leadership on both lines to be a contender for one of the four postseason spots in Region 8-3A.

After a breakout sophomore season, East Hall’s coach said Harrison went through six weeks of quarterback training during the summer to increase his proficiency in throwing, improve his footwork and learn to properly watch film and diagnose it for better performance.

“Jamarcus has grown tremendously,” Turner said. “His football IQ is at a high level. Now, the speed of the game has slowed down for him.”

However, the talent doesn’t stop with Harrison for the Vikings.

At wide receiver, he’ll have his choice of targets, led by Chasen Jones, who was close to 750 yards of offense in 2023.

Also, the Vikings will have Llewallyn, Jevon Harrison (the quarterback’s younger brother) and Levi Kinney all expected to play a factor in the pass game.

On top of that, they’ll have capable tight ends with Koen Bryant and Walt Jarrett.

Still, it’s not going to be all big passing plays for the Vikings.

They’ll also be able to run the ball efficiently, Turner said.

East Hall’s coach is eager to see junior

Lukas Pruitt in action, after a solid sophomore campaign.

“He runs as hard as anyone I’ve ever coached,” Turner said. “He runs physical and with a purpose.”

And, just like at wide receiver, East Hall has depth in the backfield with Eli Buffington, Jacob Christian and Matt Hale all in the mix to get substantial touches.

And as a dynamic quarterback, Harrison is also a threat to take off and run with the ball, too.

For Turner, the challenge will be finding the right mix of trying to go deep with the passing game and run it with different styles of backs.

“We want to be a powerful run team,” East Hall’s coach said. “Simple plays with dynamic players can turn into explosive plays.”

Up front, East Hall will rely on returning starters Aaron Brock, Noah Lanford and Bryson Free, while position battles will play out for the center and another guard spot.

On defense, Parker Worley is a three-year starter at safety, Amir Barnett is a starting senior, while Jamarcus Harrison will likely also play moderately at safety.

At cornerback, East Hall has Kani Williams, Jevon Harrison and Nehemiah Anderson all in the mix to play.

At linebacker, Jarrett, Buffington, Pruitt, Bryant and Kinney, among others, will get the most playing time.

Up front, Hale, Brock, Ayzon Morrison and a host of other players will get on the field.

TOP THREE NEWCOMERS

1. RB/DL Matt Hale (Sr.)

2. WR/DB Jevon Harrison (So.)

3. RB/LB Eli Buffington (So.)

EAST HALL

KEY GAME

Sept. 27 at Monroe Area

For East Hall to make it back to the postseason, it’ll want to get started on a good note in Region 8-3A.

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NORTH HALL

TROJANS

7-4 LAST SEASON

(FIRST ROUND, CLASS 4A STATE PLAYOFFS)

BY DAVID FRIEDLANDER dfriedlander@gainesvilletimes.com

TOP THREE STORYLINES

1. STARTING QUARTERBACK DUO: The contest to succeed graduated two-year starting quarterback Tanner Marsh has understandably been one of the most-watched developments of the offseason. And both junior Smith McGarvey and sophomore Alex Schlieman have impressed North Hall coach Sean Pender. Between what each contender shows each day during practice, as well as the preseason scrimmage Aug. 8 against Flowery Branch at The Brickyard, Pender said that fans should ‘not be surprised that we have a dual-quarterback system,’ and that ‘whoever has the hot hand plays.’

2. OTHER NEW FACES IN NEW PLACES: With the graduation of 16 seniors from last year, many of them starters, it’s not a surprise that there will be a lot of new faces in the line-up on both sides of the line of scrimmage for the Trojans in 2024. That includes most of the offensive skill positions. However, there are also several established players who will be moving from one unit to another, most notably seniors Charlie House, who will move from offensive guard to the defensive line, and Luke Jenkins, who will switch from the defensive secondary to the offensive backfield, and junior Ty Kemp, who will see more action at receiver than at his usual spot in the secondary from last year.

3. FRESH START, SORT OF: In addition to their own line-up, the Trojans will also see a somewhat different look on their schedule this year, thanks to being realigned and reclassified into the new Region 6-3A. That said, non-region opponent Wesleyan will be the only opponent North Hall will face for the first time in 2024, while the rest of the slate, region and non-region, will include foes with which it has fairly long histories, like Cherokee Bluff, East Hall, Chestatee, White County, Dawson County and Lumpkin County. Oddly enough, the Oct. 25 game against Johnson at The Brickyard will be the Trojans’ first meeting against the Knights since 2013.

OUTLOOK

After taking a major step forward in Pender’s second year as head coach in 2023, improving by four wins and returning to the postseason, the Trojans will be starting over,

SCHEDULE

Aug. 23 at Wesleyan

Aug. 30 at Cherokee Bluff

Sept. 6 EAST HALL

Sept. 13 at Chestatee*

Sept. 20 at White County*

Sept. 27 PICKENS*

Oct. 11 GREATER ALANTA CHRISTIAN*

Oct. 18 at Lumpkin County*

Oct. 25 JOHNSON*

Nov. 1 DAWSON COUNTY*

ALL CAPS: home games *region games

in a way, for the 2024 season.

There are many new faces in slots occupied last season by experienced seniors, particularly on offense.

Of course, the main focus is at quarterback, where Gainesville transfer McGarvey and Schlieman, who took a few snaps in a back-up

My biggest thing is, I want to see improvement and consistency. We have such a young team and a lot new faces, especially on the perimeter (on offense), you tend to kind of have good days and bad days. We want to see more consistent good play.

Sean Pender

role as a freshman last year, are competing to get the starting nod.

And Pender has liked what he’s seen from both through the spring and summer.

“Alex has been the in the program longer,” Pender said. “He’s very fundamentally sound and knows the offense really, really well and

COACH SPEAK

has a good, poised demeanor. Smith is catching up. He’s learning really fast. He’s a really smart kid, too. He has a little bit more athleticism and … moves a little faster to make things happen.”

While there will be new starters at some positions on both sides of the ball, not all of them will be totally new.

Junior Parker Carlton got plenty of experience as a hybrid running back/receiver a year ago, averaging 5 yards every time he touched the ball and scoring three touchdowns, while other newcomers like Cole Cable, Dawson Gray and Jacob Adams will move up from the junior varsity and see more extensive varsity action.

Meanwhile, the North Hall defense will be a little more experienced with the return of junior safety Walker Davis, who posted 61 total tackles with a team-best five pass break-ups in 2023.

And Pender says there is another source of experience that the Trojans will rely a lot on, especially in the early stages of the season.

“Our veterans on our team are on our offensive line and our defensive line,” Pender said. “They’re going to have to play well and then help us out with all the young newcomers.”

TOP THREE NEWCOMERS

1. QB Smith McGarvey (6-2, 185)

2. DB Wade Haynes (6-3, 170)

3. WR Cole Cable (5-11, 155)

KEY GAME

vs. Greater Atlanta Christian, Oct. 11

At the midway point of the region schedule, North Hall will face a stiff test and get a good gauge of if it has a chance at making a deeper postseason run that last season.

LAKEVIEW ACADEMY

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

TOP THREE STORYLINES

1. BUILDING A CONTENDER: While still early in his coaching career, Lee Coleman feels confident that Lakeview Academy has the foundation to take the next step in football. In 2023, the Lions made the first round of the GIAA state playoffs in their first season under Coleman, who was a two-sport standout during his own prep career at East Hall. Previously, Coleman guided Georgia Military Prep to a 10-win season and region championship in 2021.

2. STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: While Lakeview Academy still has a small varsity roster at 22 to start the season, it’s an improvement from 17 when Coleman took the job at the private school in Gainesville prior to the 2023 season.

3. EXPERIENCE AT QUARTERBACK: The Lions are bound to make strides as second-year starter Kyari Burch returns to handle the quarterback duties. As a natural at defensive back, Burch has flourished and grown in his confidence as a signal caller too, Coleman said.

OUTLOOK

Even though Lakeview Academy has experienced some football success in recent seasons, it has yet to win a playoff game in a program that started in 2007.

LIONS

5-6 LAST SEASON,

FIRST ROUND OF GIAA STATE PLAYOFFS

SCHEDULE

Aug. 16 at Lanier Christian

Aug. 23 CREEKSIDE CHRISTIAN

Aug. 30 TOWNS COUNTY

Sept. 6 at Piedmont Academy

Sept. 13 GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY*

Sept. 27 RIVERSIDE PREP*

Oct. 4 at Bethlehem Christian*

Oct. 11 at King’s Academy*

Oct. 18 ATHENS CHRISTIAN*

Oct. 25 at Loganville Christian*

ALL CAPS: home games *region games

COACH SPEAK

I feel like we’ve had a very good offseason. We have more returning players who know what I expect. They’ve changed the mentality of the program and our leadership is getting much stronger. We have young players, sprinkled in with older players. These guys understand what they need to do and the standards we have in place. They were able to experience reaching that expectation from last season, being able to make the playoffs. It helps when you’ve seen a goal that you’ve already been able to attain.

However, trips to the postseason in 3 of the last 4 seasons now has the Lions eager to show that they can extend a trip to state for more than one round.

And Coleman feels like he finally has the leadership and expectations in the program to match athletics success from other programs at Lakeview Academy, including boys and girls basketball state championships in 2024.

This fall, the Lions’ football squad will have a more substantial roster, that includes some late transfers during the summer.

However, the biggest change at Lakeview Academy is the mentality of the players who believe they will be successful, Coleman said.

During the offseason, Coleman said that his program’s sizeable growth came from taking part in a Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp at Piedmont University, along with 7-on-7 camp at Johnson High.

In both settings, Lakeview Academy showed that it could compete against public schools with much larger rosters.

“The FCA camp was really the icing on the cake for us this summer,” Coleman said. “I was pleased with how we performed and saw what I needed to see.”

At quarterback, Burch has gained substantial confidence in his throwing and leadership abilities, Coleman said.

Lee Coleman

“Kyari’s strength is his instincts,” Coleman said. “He’s also very coachable. We tell him what to do and he’ll mimic it.”

He’ll be aided with a number of targets at wide receiver, led by senior Jr Thompson, along with NeSean Dorsey and Jace Forrest — both late additions from Flowery Branch High and East Forsyth, respectively.

In addition, Jacob Kelly returns to hold down the blocking back and tight end positions, both he can do well, according to Coleman.

Meanwhile, the running back position will be a strength for the Lions with senior Collin Waldrop back as a starter, along with two younger contributors Ryker Kohler and Christian Dykes, who are both ready to play, Coleman said.

Up front, seniors DJ Whitcomb and Jackson Kohler are both back and will see action on both sides of the line of scrimmage, Coleman said.

On defense, Burch will also be a leader with his role as starting safety.

In the defensive backfield, Keelan Harper, a basketball player for the 2024 state championship Lions, will line up at cornerback.

Coleman is also eager to see the contributions of Banks County transfer Haiden Williamson, who will have a hand in offense, defense and special teams.

TOP THREE NEWCOMERS

1. WR/DB Haiden Williamson (So.)

2. WR NeSean Dorsey (Jr.)

3. WR Jace Forrest (Jr.)

KEY GAME

Sept. 6 at Piedmont Academy Lakeview Academy will strive for a quick start in region play to try and set up a run toward the playoffs.

FLOWERY BRANCH

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

TOP THREE STORYLINES

1. CREAM RISES TO THE TOP: With youth at most positions on the field but adequate talent, Flowery Branch coach Jason Tester is letting younger players show their merit to see who deserves the most playing time this season.

2. TRIO OF QUARTERBACKS: Following the graduation of a proven starter, Josh Oliver, the Falcons will have Riley Bourrie, Tristan Radford and Dominic Camacho all looking to secure the starting job for the season opener Friday against Jackson County.

3. GOING BOTH WAYS: As Flowery Branch’s coaching staff evaluates its player personnel, athletes are getting accustomed to seeing

action on both sides of the ball. As the season progresses, some of the Falcons varsity starters will settle in at one position.

OUTLOOK

Tester knows that this season will come with some growing pains.

After making a run to the Class 5A state playoffs last season, the Falcons are looking to sift through a roster full of younger talent to see who has what it takes to be successful on Friday nights this fall.

Despite a great deal of turnover with players since last season, Tester still feels like his group will be able to find the best players to put on offense and defense to try and make a run for the playoffs from Region 8-4A. Still, even with a small senior class, Flowery Branch has a number of key contributors back to try and smooth out the transition period and any bumps in the

FALCONS

5-6 LAST SEASON,

FIRST ROUND OF CLASS 5A STATE PLAYOFFS

SCHEDULE

Aug. 16 JACKSON COUNTY

Aug. 23 HABERSHAM CENTRAL

Aug. 30 at Forsyth Central

Sept. 6 at Hart County

Sept. 20 vs. Eastside*

Sept. 27 EAST FORSYTH*

Oct. 11 MADISON COUNTY*

Oct. 18 WALNUT GROVE*

Oct. 25 at North Oconee*

Nov. 1 at Cedar Shoals*

ALL CAPS: home games *region games

We’re not the biggest or fastest team so we know we’re going to have to go out there and constantly compete. We’ll be young this season. Is that an excuse? No. We’re going to have to go out there and do everything we can to win ball games. We can’t take any days off. (As a team) we have to maximize our time together to get better.

Jason Tester

road, getting ready for a region that includes Madison County, North Oconee, Walnut Grove and East Forsyth, among others.

One of the proven leaders returning for Flowery Branch is junior Griffin Harper, a state champion wrestler in 2024, who will handle double duty as starting running back, along with his assignment as a linebacker.

“He’s an old-school football player,” Tester said.

Harper will share carries in the backfield with Jaycob Akers, among a host of other

guys. At wide receiver, junior Brooks Recinnela has emerged as a leader for its group, Tester said.

Adding depth to the position, Tyler Robinson and Parker Bourrie, among others, will also be able to contribute as pass catchers.

On the offensive line, Josh Pacheco and Max Scott are two returning senior starters.

To fill out the offensive front, Tester said that he’s got a number of other players capable of providing solid protection for the quarterback and create lanes for the running backs.

“We return a great group on the offensive line,” Tester said. “We really have 5, 6, 7

guys who can all contribute.”

On the defensive line, Jason Clark — also an accomplished wrestler — returns to anchor the group up front.

“He’s a worker and a grinder,” Tester said.

Also, Flowery Branch’s coach is expected solid contributions from Jacob Miller and JT Cummings on the end of the defensive front, in addition to both playing tight end.

At linebacker, senior Jackson Prehar has emerged as a starter after moving in from Buford High, and will work beside Harper, along with freshman Ryland Garrison, who is ready to play on varsity.

At defensive back, Tanner Renard and

FLOWERY BRANCH

Parker Bourrie are primed to start at safety, while Tripp Morris and a host of younger players are all in the mix to play at cornerback.

TOP THREE NEWCOMERS

1. LB Jackson Prehar (Sr.)

2. LB Ryland Garrison (Fr.)

3. OL Adam Guinn (Jr.)

KEY GAME

vs. Eastside, Sept. 20

With youth in all phases of the game, Flowery Branch would like to get off to a positive start in region competition.

WEST HALL

SPARTANS

1-9 LAST SEASON

SCHEDULE

Aug. 16 SECKINGER

Aug. 23 NORTHVIEW

Aug. 30 at Chestatee

Sept. 6 at Johnson

Sept. 20 FRANKLIN COUNTY

Sept. 27 at Jefferson*

Oct. 4 CHEROKEE BLUFF*

Oct. 11 at Oconee County*

Oct. 25 at East Hall*

Nov. 1 MONROE AREA*

ALL CAPS: home games *region games

COACH SPEAK

This is going to sound strange, but the game has changed so much just in the last three or four years that I feel like it’s almost like a different football game in general. … (The game has) always been about speed, but I feel like it’s (just) putting the 11 fastest guys (out there). When you get speed on the field, it’s just changed things. If you can’t run, you can’t play football anymore.

2. SPEED KILLS: To speak to the optimism about challenging for a playoff berth, aside from the depth, Montgomery speaks to two specific commodities that this year’s edition of the Spartans have that they haven’t since their last postseason appearance – speed and experience, both on defense (including returning starters Daniel Altimarino at free safety and Tytres Statham and Aiden Rainey at linebacker) and especially in the offensive backfield, including the return of one of Hall County’s best running backs in Elijah Hayes, as well as starting quarterback Brett Sturm and receivers Altimarino and Marcus Pugh.

“I feel like they’re all holding each other accountable to do their jobs instead of trying to do too much,” Montgomery said. “Right now, they trust each other to do their job, and it’s allowed us to play a lot faster.”

OUTLOOK

Montgomery has made it quite clear that he is about as optimistic about this year’s team as he’s been in his 12 seasons in West Hall’s program, the last six as head coach.

BY DAVID FRIEDLANDER dfriedlander@gainesvilletimes.com

TOP THREE STORYLINES

1. PLAYOFF ASPIRATIONS A REALISTIC GOAL: It’s been challenging for West Hall since the program’s last postseason appearance in 2017. However, the stars seem to be aligning for coach Krofton Montgomery’s Spartans to make a serious run at breaking that drought this fall, thanks to a maturing and deeper roster, as well as moving to the new six-team Region 8-3A.

3. THE DEFENSE DOES NOT REST: Montgomery has spoken especially highly about the Spartans defense, which stood out during spring practice, especially during the spring scrimmage win over Apalachee, saying that this year’s unit “reminds me of when I first came to West Hall (as an assistant 12 years ago), just the way they tackle.”

In particular, he says the defense’s development has as much to do with its emotional maturation as it does with the physical maturation of the players.

He has obviously been bullish about a defense that brings back plenty of experience and potential across the board, from Altimarino and fellow senior Armand Long Jr. in the secondary to seniors Statham and Rainey and junior Zac Wagner at linebacker to massive (6-3, 300) junior defensive end, and secondteam All-Region 7-3A selection last year, Shelton Maynard up front.

However, Montgomery also has high hopes and expectations for his offense, with equally good reason.

The main obvious reason is the return of one Hall County’s top running backs a year ago in Hayes, who ran for 1,394 yards and 10 touchdowns and was equally dangerous

Krofton Mongtomery

as a receiver and on special teams, finishing with 1,842 all-purpose yards.

However, the Spartans also boast a lot of other weapons, like the junior Sturm at quarterback (1,433 yards, 4 TDs through the air; 359 yards, 1 TD rushing) and a trio of speedy receivers in seniors Altimarino and Pugh and junior Nasser Aliou.

“We haven’t had a combination of (returning) quarterback, running back, receiver (since the last playoff run in 2017). There’s always been somebody graduating out,” Montgomery said. “Right now, we have three receivers who started last year all back, the starting running back and

LANIER CHRISTIAN

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

TOP THREE STORYLINES

1. NEW COACH WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS: Firstyear head coach Joel Lulinski has been coaching with the private school in south Hall for five seasons. After previously serving as defensive coordinator for former head coach Bruce Miller, he’ll put an emphasis on getting off the field without giving up too many big plays.

2. BUILDING LOCAL RIVALRIES: As the program grows at Lanier Christian, it’s trying to establish competitive rivalries with more programs in Hall County. This season, the Lightning will host Lakeview Academy in the season opener on Aug. 16 at Gainesville Middle, then face Riverside Prep on Aug. 29 at Maginnis Field in Gainesville. And Lanier Christian is also trying to schedule a game against Johnson in the future, Lulinski said.

3. LOOKING TO MAKE HISTORY: Lanier Christian senior offensive lineman Josh Waymack is on track to become its first player to sign a college football scholarship. While the 335-pound, two-way lineman already has an offer from Gardner-Webb University, Waymack is also getting recruited by bigger Division-I programs, including Coloardo State, Lulinski said.

“They really want to see him dominate a little more on tape,” Lulinski said.

OUTLOOK

Lanier Christian’s first-year Joel

Lulinski had one of the great coaching mentors to learn how to guide a program.

For the past three seasons, Lulinski was able to work as defensive coordinator for Miller, who won 235 career games, most of those during a long run of tremendous success at Gainesville High that included a state championship (2012) and 10 seasons with double-digit wins between 20022017.

And from their time together, the Chicago-area native said that he learned the value in Miller’s even-keeled approach to coaching football, along with picking up countless pointers on leadership.

“I would be anxious about something, and coach Miller would said ‘it’s going to work out,’” Lulinski said.

Now that Lulinski is the man in charge, he’s especially excited about his 2024 program on the defensive side where the Lightning have nine returning starters.

Leading the way at linebacker for Lanier Christian is junior Isaiah Hrenuic, who will also line up at running back.

“He plays with great enthusiasm,” Lulinski said. “He really gets after it. There’s not a lot of guys who can go against him.”

Also at linebacker, Lanier Christian returns junior Drew Kalinauskis, who is another player that’s not afraid of contact, Lulinski said.

In the secondary, senior Ben Hargis is a returning three-year starter at free safety, while Asher Acton will line up at the strong safety spot.

Another strength for Lanier Christian will be the offensive line with Waymack,

LIGHTNING

3-8 LAST SEASON

SCHEDULE

Aug. 16 LAKEVIEW ACADEMY

Aug. 23 KING’S RIDGE CHRISTIAN

Aug. 29 at Riverside Prep

Sept. 6 at St. Francis

Sept. 13 at Georgia Force

Sept. 27 at Skipstone Academy

Oct. 11 CROSS KEYS

Oct. 18 CHEROKEE CHRISTIAN

Oct. 25 DOMINION CHRISTIAN

Nov. 1 at Creekside Christian

ALL CAPS: home games *region games

at guard, along with junior Titus Lulinski (5-11, 258) holding down the center spot.

Both of these linemen have the ‘nasty trait’ that Lanier Christian’s coach said he’s looking to develop in the players up front.

On offense, Kalinauskis returns to also play quarterback, after getting thrown into the action for the final eight games in the same role in 2023.

With a year under his belt, Lanier Christian’s quarterback is head strong and brings good leadership to the field, along with sound knowledge of making good decisions in the pocket.

His top target will be Hargis, who has worked his way up through Lanier Christian’s program since middle school, along with senior Bowen Shirley.

“(Ben) has great hands,” Lulinski sad. “More importantly, he’s a great leader on and off the field.”

At running back, Lanier Christian is developing Noah Freeman, a converted soccer player, to complement Hrenuic’s talent as a 1-2 punch.

“(Noah’s) strength is his quickness and speed,” Lulinski said. “Isaiah is a bruiser.”

On the defensive line, Titus Lulinski and Waymack will also start, along with expected strong contribution by William Martin at defensive end, Lulinski said.

Even though this is Lulinski’s first season in charge at Lanier Christian, he’s excited about the possibilities of long-term success as it builds its own school campus.

“Teams need to look out for us,” Lulinski said. “We’re on our way up.”

RIVERSIDE PREP

EAGLES

0-9 LAST SEASON

SCHEDULE

Aug. 16 ROCK SPRINGS CHRISTIAN

Aug. 23 at Towns County

Aug. 29 LANIER CHRISTIAN

Sept. 6 BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN*

Sept. 13 at Athens Christian*

Sept. 20 CROSS KEYS

Sept. 27 at Lakeview Academy*

Oct. 4

LOGANVILLE CHRISTIAN*

Oct. 11 at Piedmont Academy*

Oct. 18

GEORGE WALTON ACADEMY*

Oct. 25 at King’s Academy*

ALL CAPS: home games *region games

BY BILL MURPHY bmurphy@gainesvilletimes.com

TOP THREE STORYLINES

1. NEW COACH, NEW ATTITUDE: First-year Eagles coach Jeff Lee sees a great opportunity to build a new winning tradition at the private militaryboarding school in Gainesville. A veteran of more than 35 years in coaching, Lee has found success at every stop along the way, leading programs to the postseason at Dawson County, Jones County, Twiggs County and Georgia Military Prep since first becoming a head coach in 1989, according to the Georgia High School Football Historians Association website. Since taking the job at Riverside Prep earlier this year, Lee has made it a focus to get a nucleus of local players who will be able to grow under his leadership.

2. CENTERPIECE OF THE PROGRAM: A sophomore, quarterback JJ Blackwell is described by his coach as the ‘face of the program.’ So far, the young quarterback, who is from Hall County, has adjusted well to the new coach for the Eagles. The new coach feels like Blackwell has the ability to become a standout, once he gains substantial varsity playing experience.

3. BRINGING BACK THE CANNON: Once a tradition, Riverside Prep’s new coach would like to reinstall the cannon behind the back line of the south end zone that signifies a touchdown. During his 11 seasons at Dawson County, Lee said he got used to hearing the cannon go off after a touchdown by the Eagles. Now, Lee would like to bring back the thundering sound of a cannon for football games that pairs well with the militaryschool setting at Riverside Prep.

OUTLOOK

At Riverside Prep, Lee sees an opportunity.

The first-year coach is not concerned about the Eagles’ recent past, that includes their current 26-game losing streak going back to 2021.

Instead, Lee is leaning into the discipline and structure that comes with the code of conduct for cadets on campus that he hopes will lead to future success on the football field.

“I love it here at Riverside,” Lee said. “Our kids are different. When they wake up in the morning and have to make their beds right away and have their clothes hung identically, they have already won a battle for that day.”

To get to the regular season ready to play isn’t a cakewalk for Riverside Prep.

However, Lee feels like the Eagles will be competitive this year.

Students who live all over the country (and some internationally) arrive just in time to begin summer camp in Gainesville, while opposing programs on Riverside Prep’s schedule have been able to train together all summer in the traditional private-school setting where most students live close to the school they attend.

Still, the Riverside Prep coach has crafted a practice schedule where the program will have almost the same number of sessions as other schools when the season begins against Rock Springs Christian on Friday at Maginnis Field.

In addition to trying to rebuild a football program with a winning tradition at Riverside Prep, after it last made it to state as a GHSA program in 2018, Lee said he also wants to galvanize the entire school around football, where he hopes to pack the bleachers for games on Fridays in the fall.

“We’re at a special place,” Lee said. “You see it on the sign when you drive on campus that says (founded) 1907. There’s a lot of people who have come through here. We’re trying to bring back that history.”

While Riverside Prep will certainly have to build depth at many positions, Lee knows that his quarterback will be Blackwell.

We hit the ground running here in February. It’s been fast paced ever since then. Trying to get the guys to understand where we want to go with the football program and a change of direction is a task in itself. Also understanding as a coach for well over 35 years, that in the past, I’ve had access to all the players on the team all summer long, so that has been an adjustment on my part. Learning to be satisfied with the guys we have local, that are able to get here and try to build a nucleus around them. When Riverside was very successful in the past, it had a good local base (of athletes). That’s what we’re trying to do is build our local base back up so we can have more of those guys in the summer.

Jeff Lee

And while the school has normal turnover with students from year to year, the Eagles’ coach expects Blackwell to hold down that position, hopefully for the next three years.

“He’s very coachable and wants to do well,” Lee said.

At other positions, Lee said they’ll get creative with getting players to play on both sides of the ball in order to have a chance to win.

This season, Riverside Prep will play both of the other private schools in Hall County.

On Aug. 29, the Eagles will host Lanier Christian for a Thursday Night game at Maginnis Field, then on Sept. 27 they will visit Lakeview Academy for a district matchup.

CHESTATEE

BY DAVID FRIEDLANDER dfriedlander@gainesvilletimes.com

TOP THREE STORYLINES

1. A FRESH START: Stuart Cunningham’s first season as the War Eagles’ head coach was last year. However, sometimes when a new head coach and staff comes in, it takes some time for the players already in the program to adjust to everything that new staff is teaching and expecting of them.

Such adjustments led to a lot of growing pains for everyone in the Chestatee program in what turned out to be a winless 2023 season.

So, with everyone entering into the 2024 campaign with a much better understanding of one another, optimism for a much more positive step forward has grown dramatically as the War Eagles hit the reset button this fall.

2. NEW REGION, BUT FAMILIAR FOES: Reclassification and realignment always brings changes for a high school football team, and from a technical standpoint, that’s true for Chestatee in Region 6-3A.

But while there are only three opponents from last year’s schedule back on the War Eagles’ upcoming slate — White County

and neighborhood rivals and former Region 8-4A foes North Hall and East Forsyth — that doesn’t mean the schedule will be filled with teams unfamiliar to Chestatee fans, particularly the longtime supporters.

Aside from North Hall and Johnson, the new region includes three other teams — Dawson County, Lumpkin County and White County — that Chestatee has played each at least eight times in the past.

Throw in a non-region game with West Hall and the War Eagles will have seven games against teams located inside of a 25-mile radius of the Chestatee.

“I’m really excited we’ve got some teams within (Hall) County still in our (new) region,” War Eagles senior receiver/free safety Charlie Bradshaw said at Times Sports Media Day. “I know there (were) rumors where it would be different, like more centered around the county. But we’ve still got (opponents) that are within 30 minutes (drive). I think that’s the ideal distance for our region.”

3. NOT SO THIN LINE: If there’s one common theme Cunningham has pushed to his team for this season, it is for the team to get bigger, stronger and tougher across the board.

WAR EAGLES

0-10 LAST SEASON

SCHEDULE

Aug. 16 at Franklin County

Aug. 30 WEST HALL

Sept. 6 at East Forsyth

Sept. 13 NORTH HALL*

Sept. 20 at Lumpkin County*

Sept. 27 at Johnson*

Oct. 11 PICKENS*

Oct. 18 DAWSON COUNTY*

Oct. 25 at White County*

Nov. 1 GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN*

ALL CAPS: home games *region games

I think people are going to see a tougher team — a physically tougher team. Also, because we’re stronger, … I think the kids will be able to play better. This relates to everything in football. … It also gives (the players) confidence and made it easier for them to be leaders and do things the right way. So, we’re excited just to see how far we’ve come and see what happens.

Stuart Cunningham

And while he sees an excellent chance for the War Eagles to make that happen, he is particularly excited about the prospects for the offensive line to take the lead, with an experienced crew anchored by seniors Ulisses Arellano and Brendon Carlson and junior Hayden Sullens all leading the way.

“We want to be able to play at a higher level for longer periods of the game and maybe even all four quarters,” Cunningham said. “We did last year for really about a quarter and a half, and then we started to lose our effectiveness after that. That should not be as big a problem for us this year.”

COACH SPEAK

OUTLOOK

The toughness Cunningham spoke of on the offensive line, which will also get a boost from senior tight end Deacon Wilson and a larger role from junior center Blake Migalla, should also give more room for Chestatee’s skill players to maneuver.

And there are some playmakers among those positions returning, including last year’s leading rushers in junior Ben Plemons and senior Caysen Goss and a pair of the team’s leading receivers in seniors Isaiah Glez and Charlie Bradshaw.

In addition, quarterback Colton Steele is back after being thrown into the fire as the starter as a freshman early last season.

The defense also has some playmakers returning, including last year’s two leading tacklers in Plemons and Goss, plus Sullens along the defensive line.

At linebacker, Goss returns after recording a team-best 119 tackles in 2023, while Plemons had a hand in 106 stops.

But perhaps the most important kind of toughness Cunningham wants to see from the War Eagles this fall is as much mental and emotional as it will be physical.

And he is confident that the lessons his team learned last year should help in that development.

“Everybody wants to win,” Cunningham

said. “Everybody needs to be tested, and we surely were. … The people that we have that were on the team last year and that are on it this year have gone through that development. To get anything good, you’ve got to go through some pain, and I know we went through some.”

TOP THREE NEWCOMERS

1. OL Blake Migalla (5-8, 250)

2. DB Hector Espinoza (5-9, 165)

3. QB Colton Steele (5-7, 160)

KEY GAME

at Franklin Co., Aug. 16

Chestatee is in obviously in need of a confidence boost following last year’s winless season.

The Lions, who have won just once in the last two seasons and haven’t beaten an in-state opponent since Sept. 3, 2021, provide a clear opportunity for the War Eagles to get that boost immediately and set the tone for a possible turnaround season.

Hey Sports Fans!

JOHNSON

KNIGHTS

4-6 LAST SEASON

SCHEDULE

Aug. 23 FRANKLIN COUNTY

Aug. 30 at East Hall

Sept. 6 WEST HALL

Sept. 20 at Greater Atlanta Christian*

Sept. 27 CHESTATEE*

Oct. 4 at Dawson County*

Oct. 11 LUMPKIN COUNTY*

Oct. 18 at Pickens*

Oct. 25 at North Hall*

Nov. 1 WHITE COUNTY*

ALL CAPS: home games *region games

Going into this upcoming season, the biggest thing for us has been to follow what the school really wants us to emphasize — ownership. That’s a big thing for us. Ownership — being able to hold yourself accountable, to take whatever is given to you and don’t just do it because Coach Harrell told you to. … Do it because you know it is right, and make it your own. I think the guys have done a tremendous job of making Johnson Knights football their football team. Not my football team, but their football team.

William Harrell is confident that his team is ready for the rigors of region play again, especially after a 4-6 campaign in 2023, which marks only the third time the program has reached at least that many wins since 2012.

And he says there is definitely more pep in the players’ step with a longer-term goal to play for this year.

“These guys got a chance to watch the seniors who were here last year and see the fruit of their labor and all the hard work they put in,” Harrell said. “We’re excited for the upcoming process with the region now being in play and understanding what that process is like.”

tant player to watch this season is outside linebacker/tight end Noah Gonzales. However, there are two other positions which the rising senior could make perhaps the most important impact. After losing last year’s kicker and punter, as well as soccer standout, Edgar Vazquez to graduation, Gonzales has worked hard and invested a lot of time in the offseason to step in to handle both specialist duties, including attending several different kicking and punting camps to help hone his skills.

OUTLOOK

BY DAVID FRIEDLANDER dfriedlander@gainesvilletimes.com

TOP THREE STORYLINES

1. THIS YEAR, IT MEANS MORE: After stepping away from region play to focus on building the program back up against a non-region schedule the past two seasons, Johnson coach

2. LOOKING FOR A NEW MOON: One of the seniors who helped set the table last year for this year’s squad, and perhaps the most important, was Demetri Moon, who led the Knights in total yards, all-purpose yards and scoring a year ago. While there are several capable candidates who could step forward to be the next dynamic player for Johnson, Harrell sees a lot of potential for Moon’s successor as starting quarterback, Rye Kelly, to take command in that role. The sophomore only took a few snaps in two varsity games in 2023, but Harrell has seen enough of him in practice and in junior-varsity action to like his make-up as a potential difference maker.

3. GONZALES GETS HIS KICKS: Another impor-

With so many young, less-experienced players needed to make major contributions this year, Harrell and his staff obviously won’t have a true idea of how they will respond to taking on a much larger role until they actually take the field in 2024.

However, based on what he’s seen during the spring and summer workouts, he has a good sense of what the team’s youth movement is capable of accomplishing and it’s an exciting prospects, he said.

In particular, a strong sophomore class led by Kelly, Syer Bryce and Nate Couget — all of whom saw at least limited action as freshmen last season and seem poised to take ownership of this year’s Johnson team, and the program as a whole.

“We are in a situation where a lot of our guys have been in the program for a number

William Harrell

COACH SPEAK

of years,” Harrell said. “Even the young guys … have observed us from South Hall (Middle School). They’ve been to our youth camps and things of that nature, so those guys are coming in and it’s a situation where they already know more of less … the expectations that we hold for (them), not just on the field, but off the field.”

That said, the Knights will also need to rely on a handful of veterans, including a 13-man senior class led by the likes of Gonzalez, offensive and defensive lineman Armando Garcia, running back/linebacker Kavon Shade and slot back/defensive back Will Mbota to provide the leadership to aid in their younger teammates to maximize their development, both on and off the field.

TOP THREE NEWCOMERS

1. QB Rye Kelly (6-0, 175)

2. FB/OLB Syer Bryce (6-1, 200)

3. RB/LB Nate Couget (5-9, 165)

KEY GAME

vs. Chestatee, Sept. 27

In Game 2 of the region schedule, the Knights will get a good idea how far the program has come as it looks to compete in Region 6-3A.

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