2011 Football Section

THE AWE-INSPIRING

OF THE COWETA GRIDIRON

A new season begins

COLLECTOR’S EDITION

236

AUG 2011

Two sections and 18 pages of coverage inside

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2B — The Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 24, 2011

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hen Newnan High School head coach Mike McDonald thinks about last season’s 7-5 record, there’s not a trace of disappointment in his voice.

Photo by Jeffrey Leo Despite the high expectations entering Junior running back Quinton Dix finds running room with help from senior lineman Aundre last season, he is satisfied with the way Morgan (55). things went for the Cougars during the 7-5 campaign. done a good job to put himself in position test this year when he “Following up 13-1 is hard of led the Cougars to a n to get some playing time,” McDonald said. to a ad h “We to do,” McDonald said.

34-0 victory against have When Newnan uses a tight end packd ul co e w so “In fact, we went 13-1 injuries, d Griffin in a scrimte age, Nick Cameron and Andrew Anderson ar st e two straight years. So 7packed it in W mage against the a (5-10, 208, Sr.) are expected to line up in on t go e w 5 and making the playBears. out slow, but d really well those spots. offs is not bad at all.”

Gone from last roll and playe the year.”

Upfront, McDonald is confident about Newnan started the year’s team at run- who is stepping in at tackle in first-time the end of at year 1-3, so the Cougars’ ning back is starting roles. third-year head coach was Christopher Junior Jamal Carlisle (6-1, 311) and senimpressed by the way his Robinson, who rushed ior Aundre Morgan (5-10, 230) have had team handled adversity, for 1,840 yards and 12 touch- solid camps for Newnan. bouncing back with downs.

Center Mason Brantley (6-2, 233, Sr.) some strong showings But there are several talented running and David Raschen (6-2, 232 Jr.) are in the middle and at backs waiting to step in to carry the footexpected to fight for playing time. the end of the season. ball. Bryant Ball (5-10, 178, Sr.), who has At the guard spot, Brandon Meacham The Cougars’ biggest win of the year spent his career playing both running (5-10, 235, Sr.), Jay Russell (5-8, 225, Jr.), came in a 35-34 overtime victory against Tyre Bridges (5-9), Brock Dorman (5-10, back and linebacker, is slated to start. He M.L. King, which finished second in the 215, Sr.) and Kenny Johnson (6-0, 250, Sr.) was held out of the scrimmage against region.

Griffin after getting banged up in practice are all expected to see playing time while Newnan also knocked off East Coweta competing for two spots. earlier in the week. in the final regular season game of the Morgan could be one of the few twoMcDonald, however, expects Ball to be year. way starters for Newnan, as he is also ready.

“We had a ton of injuries, so we could expected to play on both sides of the ball.

A year ago, Ball rushed for 51 yards on have packed it in,” McDonald said. “We “He has got the mind-set to play on 10 carries, playing almost entirely as a started out slow, but we got on a roll and both sides of the ball,” McDonald said. starter on defense at linebacker. played really well at the end of the year.”

James Primm (5-10, 229, Sr.) is slated to Freshman running back J.K. Britt Newnan beat South Cobb in the first be the team’s nose tackle this year, but has round of the playoffs before suffering a 38- enjoyed his time in the spotlight against been limited in camp.

Griffin and is expected to play a big role 14 loss at Lowndes to end the season.

“We are really looking forward to geton the varsity team this season. Britt But that was then and this is now, and ting him back,” McDonald said. heading into the 2011 season, the Cougars found the end zone twice in the scrimAt defensive end, Nick Wood, Diamond face a new set of challenges.

Leslie and Aundre Morgan are three playmage win.

The biggest question mark could be ers who bring depth to the position.

Quinton Dix (5-9, 206, Jr.) is expected Morgan had 43 tackles last year and replacing the offensive line. to see plenty of playing time, too. four quarterback sacks.

All five starters from last year’s club “You will see all three of those guys a Set to step in at linebacker for the have graduated, leaving some question lot,” McDonald said.

Cougars is Maurice White, Brock Dorman marks and holes up front as Newnan gears McDonald also likes his depth at wide (5-10, 215, Sr.), Nick Cameron, and Darius up for the season opener at LaGrange on receiver. In addition to Bolton, Cody Martin.

Thursday.

Darracott is back for his senior year.

Bryant Ball has also played the position.

There are also holes to fill on the defenAt only 5-foot-5, Darracott was sive side of the ball, but McDonald likes The secondary is arguably the deepest Newnan’s go-to guy in passing situations, the energy and enthusiasm of the team. unit among the defense, with Antonio hauling in a team-leading 25 catches for “Attitude has been great. We never get Benton and Deion Poythress returning as 226 yards and two touchdowns last year. too high, and we never get too low,” estalbished cornerbacks.

Semaj Allen (6-1, 171, Sr.) had a long McDonald said.

Poythress had 23 tackles and an interNick Smith has emerged as the starting catch down the sidelines against Griffin ception as a starter for most of the year. quarterback. The 6-1 senior has waited his and is expected to see plenty of playing He tied for the team lead with a pair of turn and gets his chance to step in under time in one of the team’s wide receiving blocked kicks last year. center, replacing Lendell Arnold, who roles.

Benton made 14 tackles while also seethrew for 805 yards and eight touchdowns “He has worked really hard and has ing ample playing time. before heading to the Air Force Sanchez Woods, and Rodney Academy.

Tennie are also back and will Jalen Bolton (5-10, 161, Sr.) is be joined by Darrell Morrow. penciled in at wide receiver, At the safety spots, rising but could play quarterback if junior Tray Matthews will get Newnan seniors he is needed in a back-up role. the starting nod at the rover Bryant Ball, left, Sophomore Diamond Jones spot. He has already given a and Nick Smith and talented freshman Bailey non-binding verbal commitexpect to be a Bryant could also take some ment to play for Georgia once big part of the snaps. he graduates.

Cougars 2011 However, McDonald hopes Last year, he led the team season. Smith Jones and Bryant can gain enters his first with four interceptions. valuable experience by playing season as the The Cougars’ special team is on the junior varsity team. team’s starting led by all-state candidate Bryant got a head start by joinquarterback and Patrick McAlpin, who handles ing the team last spring as an has been waiting both the place kicking and eighth-grader. his turn. Ball, punting.

“We go from two seniors known as ‘BB’ McAlpin finished with eight down to a sophomore and a returns at running field goals last season. He also freshman,” McDonald said. back and booted 35 extra points.

“That could make it tough.” linebacker McDonald is confident Austin Hurler takes care of .

Smith is up to the challenge. the kickoff duties.

Photo by “He has been in our program The non region schedule Jeffrey Leo for four years, now he just has remains tough, opening with to respond,” McDonald said.

LaGrange, Peachtree Ridge Smith passed his first big and Woodstock.

SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT

Pos. DB WR QB/WR WR WR DB WR/DB WR/DB QB QB K WR DB WR DB DB K DB QB WR DB RB LB LB TE K RB RB DB RB RB LB LB LB DB DL WR/DB WR DB RB/DB DE RB LB LB RB LB DB DL LB LB LB LB OL TE DL DL OL OL DL DL DL OL LB OL OL OL OL LB OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR TE WR TE DB WR WR WR DL WR TE WR DL DL DL DL DL LB

HT 5-5 5-9 5-7 5-10 5-6 6-0 5-11 5-9 5-7 6-2 5-11 5-11 6-2 6-2 5-9 5-9 6-1 5-7 6-2 6-0 5-8 5-8 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-9 5-9 5-9 5-8 5-6 5-7 5-9 5-6 5-8 5-10 5-10 6-1 5-7 5-8 6-0 6-1 5-10 5-10 5-10 5-7 5-5 5-8 5-11 5-5 5-9 5-8 5-10 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-11 6-4 5-11 5-7 5-6 5-6 5-8 6-2 6-2 5-10 5-8 5-9 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-0 6-2 5-8 6-2 5-6 5-8 5-10 6-1 6-0 5-8 5-3 5-11 6-2 5-10 5-9 5-6 6-1 5-9 5-10 6-1 5-8 5-11

WT 150 142 128 168 151 172 175 150 162 166 158 168 171 187 145 156 196 162 200 180 152 181 157 205 211 144 216 186 152 170 192 161 190 198 138 180 174 132 153 169 159 173 187 101 187 154 155 240 152 237 191 217 295 223 249 295 205 261 212 261 166 202 197 228 252 245 178 160 300 240 280 390 260 204 296 128 189 145 172 166 168 122 133 213 144 187 135 302 148 195 235 210 185

Yr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Jr. Jr So. Jr. So. So. So. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Sr. Sr Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. So. Jr. So. So. So. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. So. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. Sr. Jr. Jr.

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011 — The Times-Herald — 3B

THE 2011 NEWNAN COUGARS

NEWNAN AT A GLANCE HEAD COACH: Mike McDonald (third season 20-6; overall 39-23 overall six seasons) STAFF: Kenny Morris (offensive coordinator), Jeff Bryant (co-defensive coordinator), Laverrett Pearson (codefensive coordinator), Chris Ramsey (defensive line), Jerry Allen (wide receivers), Hap Hines (running backs), Ken Kesselring (offensive line), Bob Sandlin (kickers), Jason Earwood (tight ends), Dustin Alley, James “Radar” Brantley (trainer).

STRENGTHS: Defensive secondary, top receivers return; Large nucleus of seniors defensive line. Program has missed playoffs just once in last eight seasons.

WEAKNESS Overall inexperience heading into season at key positions.

Entire O-line has to be rebuilt from scratch for second time in three years.

New quarterback and young group of unproven backs on offense. Depth needs restocked at linebacker with Ball, Nick Cameron playing both ways.

KEY LOSSES QB Lendell Arnold (Lenoir-Rhyne) RB Christopher Robinson (Lenoir-Rhyne), LT Chris Beno (Shorter), OL Alex Farmer, OL Ron Wroble (Samford) ,OL Spencer Whitehead (West Georgia), OL Ontarion Brewer, TE Hakeem Wynn (Kentucky Christian) ,WR Shaq Warner, DL O.D. Pittman, DL J.R. Cameron, LB Trevor Tanner (Miles College), LB Denzel Smith, CB Rod Chaney, LB Denzel Cameron (Kentucky Christian).

OUTLOOK: Third-year coach Mike McDonald is already two for two in reaching the state playoffs in each of his first two season at the helm of the Cougars. Expectations remain high for this year’s team, which needs to replace some areas hit hard by graduation. Foremost they include the offensive line where Newnan must find five new starters. Only two players return to the starting lineup on offense, while the defense should be ready to lead the charge, with six of last year’s contributors back.

POSITION BREAKDOWN OFFENSE: QUARTERBACK: Offensive coordinator Kenny Morris is hoping that senior Nick Smith can repeat the same success as predecessor Lendell Arnold, who after two years as a starter, earned

a scholarship offer from Lenoir-Rhyne.

No Cougar player other than Arnold, who had 805 yards passing with 7 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, attempted a varsity pass.

At, 6-1, 180 pounds, Smith has much the same type frame as Arnold, who was a late replacement just days prior to the 2009 season and went on to beat LaGrange in the season opener.

This time, it’s Smith’s turn to open the season against the Grangers after leading the team through spring drills.

Rapidly maturing freshman Bryce Benton, already standing 5-11, 180 hopes to spend most of the year being groomed at the JV level and spent the spring as an eighth grader working with the high school team.

RUNNING BACK: The offensive backfield is another position that took heavy losses due to graduation following the departure of Christopher Robinson to graduation. Robinson finished with 1,084 yards at 8.4 per carry despite missing three games early in the season due to injury. He combined with Arnold for 25 rushing touchdowns and will join his high school teammate at Lenoir Rhyne.

The top returning rusher is senior Bryant Ball, who had just 10 carries for 51 yards and spent most of last year as a starting linebacker. The hope is that freshman J.K. Britt and Quinton Dix could be ready for larger roles on the varsity.

WIDE RECEIVER: Seniors Cody Darracott and Jalen Bolton are the team’s top returners at the position, combining for five of Newnan’s seven touchdown catches. The 5-5, 150pound Darracott led the way with 25 catches for 229 yards and “does a lot of different things for us,” said Morris.

“He’s a quick kid and plays with a lot of heart.” Bolton is the returning ‘Z’ receiver at 5-10, 170 pounds.

“Some kids are a totally different player that second year (of varsity),” said Morris. “That’s kind of where Jalen is headed. He did a lot better this summer. He’s faster and worked hard in the weight room.”

Senior Samaj Allen hopes to fill the third receiver hole left by graduating senior Shaq Warner, who had 22 catches for 232 yards in 2010.

TIGHT END: Nick Cameron, at 6-0, 190 pounds, played mostly at linebacker last year but will be counted on to help offset the production lost by graduating senior Hakeem Wynn, who had 8 catches for 109 yards, two of which for touchdowns. Senior Andrew Anderson is also working at the position, with Newnan expected to use Cameron again on defense.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Two years ago, Newnan’s staff faced much the same situation as it does currently – without a starting returner back up front. Back in 2009, the unit responded by helping lead the Cougars back to the Class AAAAA semifinals. So far, Morris has given credit to line coach Ken Kesselring for grooming a large group of potential starters led by junior Jamal Carlisle (6-2, 300), who is the team’s largest lineman and the only returner that saw any action on the varsity.

“Coach Kesselring has done a real nice job taking those guys under his wing,” Morris said. “We’re not as big as we were up front last year. But they’ve got a chance to be a real good O-line.”

Aundre Morgan (6-0, 230), who started on defense last year, could be asked to play a good bit on the other side of the line as a two-way player.

Seniors Kenny Johnson (6-0, 260) and Brandon Meacham (5-11, 212), a guard, are also in the mix with three more upperclassmen – Mason Brantley (6-2, 260), Brock Dorman (510, 217) and Tyre Bridges (5-10, 300).

Junior David Raschen, at 6-4, 261 pounds, has good size, while another junior, Jay Russell (5-10, 245) will also be in the mix.

DEFENSE DEFENSIVE LINE: Morgan returns as the unit’s leading tackler a year ago, finishing with 43. Of those, however, a whopping 11 were for losses and the senior led the Cougar defense with 18 hurries in 2010. He maxed out during the team’s preseason IronCougar competition with a 500-pound squat.

The remaining two starters in Newnan’s 3-man front will come from a group including Nick Wood and Diamond Leslie. James Primm and Kenny Johnson, meanwhile, hope to fill a hole left by graduating senior O.D. Pittman at nose guard. Johnson maxed out at a 565-pound squat during the IronCougar.

LINEBACKERS: After three years of strong crops of linebackers, new faces hope to merge to supplement a group of starters that could be playing a lot on both sides of the ball.

Seniors Bryant Ball and Maurice White are the unit’s top-two returning tacklers. Ball had 64 hits and two sacks and will be moving from the outside to Newnan’s “stack-backer” spot in the 35 set.

White, who had 31 tackles, “has grown a lot,” said co-defensive coordinator Laverrett Pearson. “Last year he matured a bit and got a little better. He’s had a great summer so far.”

Nick Cameron, expected to start at

tight end, will split time with Ball at inside linebacker with both playing on opposite ends of the ball.

Junior Tae Kemp, at 5-10, 180, has been getting reps at the “will” linebacker spot on the outside, with Reggie Hightower (5-10, 157) and Darrell Morrow (5-9, 156) thrust into the rotation in a more undersized group than usual.

“That’s one of the biggest question marks for us,” Pearson said. “We had hoped to get those guys some reps on special teams last year, but unfortunately we weren’t able to do that last year.”

SECONDARY: Tray Matthews is as much a safety in his position as he is a security blanket for the entire unit this year. His 68 tackles are the most of any defensive returner and his four interceptions also led Newnan in 2010. He recently made a verbal commitment to play at Georgia.

Overall, however, the defensive backfield is the deepest among the Cougars’ returning starters, with seniors Deion Poythress and Antiono Benton both back at the corner positions. Poythress blocked two kicks and had an interception to go with his 23 tackles in 2010. Benton had 14 tackles.

“All those guys got lots of playing time last year and that’s where I think our strength lies,” said Pearson.

Sanchez Woods, and Rodney Tennie are also back and will be joined

by Darrell Morrow.

SPECIAL TEAMS For as much inexperience as the Cougars have to open the season, senior kicker and punter Patrick McAlpin’s return certainly brings soothing thoughts. Last year, McAlpin connected on eight field goals and finished with 59 points. The 6-1, 180pound soccer goalie was named a preseason All-State selection by Georgia High School Football Magazine.

“We practically had to beg him to come out and kick for us a couple of years ago. But he’s caught on so well that he’s gone to several camps and is getting looks from colleges. He’s been real solid for us both with field goals and on punts. He’s made a lot of improvement the past two years with his punting,” said head coach Mike McDonald.

Senior Cody Darracott returns as the team’s main kick returner.

Former players in Italics OFFENSE Rushing No.Name Att. Yds. 45 Chris Robinson 127 1084 1 Lendell Arnold 150 795 24 Lemont Anderson 66 386 42 Bryant Ball 10 51 30 Otis Gates 3 31 46 Marcus Tinney 7 21 4 Jalen Bolton 1 16 5 Cody Darracott 2 16 11 Chris Hudson 2 15 38 Quinton Dix 2 8 8 Tito Avalo 1 6 Totals 371 2,435

Avg. 8.5 5.3 5.8 5.1 10.1 3.0 16.0 8.0 7.5 4.0 6.0 6.6

Passing Att Comp Yds 153 84 805

No.Name 1 Lendell Arnold

Receiving No.Name Rec. Yds. 5 Cody Darracott 25 226 21 Shaq Warner 22 232 4 Jalen Bolton 16 195 84 Hakeem Wynn 8 109 11 Chris Hudson 3 33 38 Quinton Dix 2 8 42 Bryant Ball 1 3 45 Chris Robinson 1 2 24 Lemont Anderson 1 -3 Totals 84 805

TD 12 13 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 30 INT TD 7 8

TD 2 0 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 9.6

Avg. 9.0 10.5 12.2 13.6 11.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 -3.0 8

Scoring No. Name

TD

EP

FG

2pt Tot.

1 Lendell Arnold 45 Chris Robinson 17 Patrick McAlpin 4 Jalen Bolton 5 Cody Darracott 84 Hakeem Wynn 24 Lemont Anderson 42 Bryant Ball 11 Chris Hudson 46 Marcus Tinney 30 Otis Gates 7 Alberry Melson DEFENSE

13 12 0 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0

0 0 35 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

2011 SCHEDULE (All games Friday, 7:30 p.m., unless noted

Thursday

At LaGrange (Callaway)

Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 24

At Peachtree Ridge

Woodstock At Newton (Sharp)* Sept. 30 Langston Hughes Oct. 7 At Westlake Oct. 14 Luella Oct. 21 M.L. King Oct. 28 At Stephenson (Hallford) Nov. 4 East Coweta *Saturday game

78 72 59 18 12 12 12 6 6 6 6 6 6

DEFENSE Tackles No. Name Solo 32 Trevor Tanner 55 7 Alberry Melson 51 28 Tray Matthews 46 35 Denzel Smith 30 42 Bryant Ball 34 95 Aundre Morgan 30 99 J.R. Cameron 25 49 Maurice White 19 58 Kenny Warren 13 21 Deion Poythress 15 23 Rod Chaney 16 43 Nick Cameron 13 54 O.D. Pittman 12 31 Denzel Cameron 4 6 Antiono Benton 11 79 Randale McGruder 7 7 James Primm 2 93 Nicholas Wood 2 85 Reggie Hightower 1 50 Matt Ireland 1 Interceptions Name Tray Matthews Deion Poythress Trevor Tanner

No. 4 1 1

Hurries Name Aundre Morgan J.R. Cameron Kenny Warren O.D. Pittman James Primm Randale McGruder J.R. Cameron

No. 18 17 10 3 1 1 1

Sacks Name Trevor Tanner Aundre Morgan J.R. Cameron O.D. Pittman Kenny Warren Bryant Ball Randale McGruder Nick Cameron Nicholas Wood

No. 6 4 4 2 2 2 1 1 1

Asst.

26 21 22 36 30 13 15 12 17 8 6 7 6 13 3 5 4 3 2 0

Total 81 72 68 66 64 43 40 31 30 23 22 20 18 17 14 12 6 5 3 1

Forced Fumbles Name Aundre Morgan Kenny Warren Trevor Tanner Alberry Melson Denzel Smith James Primm Fumble Recoveries Name Alberry Melson Trevor Tanner James Primm Rod Chaney Aundre Morgan Maurice White J.R. Cameron Pass Breakups Name Rod Chaney J.R. Cameron Nick Cameron Bryant Ball Antiono Benton Trey Mathews Deion Poythress Denzel Smith

No. 2 2 2 1 1 1 No. 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 No. 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1

2010 RESULTS Vs. LaGrange W 27-13 Vs. Peachtree Ridge L 27-17 At Woodstock L 28-16 Vs. Newton L 35-32, 2 OTs At Langston Hughes W 56-19 Vs. Westlake W 50-22 At Luella W 19-7 At M.L. King W 35-34OT Vs. Stephenson W 17-14 At East Coweta W 14-12 Class AAAAA State Playoffs At South Cobb W 31-7 At Lowndes L 38-14

4B — The Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 24, 2011

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hirty-two is the magic number that must be dancing through the head of East Coweta High School football coach Clint Wade.

That’s how many seniors the Indians’ veteran coach has on his roster, and it is those upperclassmen, along with a collection of younger players, that Wade will be counting on to help East Coweta get back to the playoffs this season.

“It looks like all of them will have a chance to step up and help us out on the football field, so that adds a lot of depth,” he said. “I have never had this many seniors on one team, so we are trying to utilize as many of them as we can.”

During Wade’s three-year tenure as head coach with the Indians, he has put together consecutive 7-4 seasons.

Last year, the Indians started out with seven wins in a row before a tough schedule derailed East Coweta’s hopes for a region title.

“The kids just kind of believed in what they were doing,” Wade said.

The Indians ended the year with loses to the three toughest teams in Region 2-AAAAA, falling to Stephenson (30-19), M.L. King (30-23) and Newnan (14-12) before falling to McEachern in the first-round of the playoffs.

“We started the playoffs basically in game six,” Wade said. “We played Newton County, then we had that little team up there called Stephenson.”

“Then we had that real slow team, M.L. King,” Wade joked.

Then we played those dadgum Goliaths over at Newnan.

Then when we got to the playoffs, we had to play a No. 1 seed in McEachern.”

Wade wants some of last year’s near-misses to be a learning experience heading into the new season.

“Now I know how Vanderbilt must feel playing that tough schedule in the SEC,” he said.

Despite plenty of depth and experience, there are some key losses, and it starts with replacing Times-Herald Defensive Player of the Year Angel Santiago. The Indians are also having to replace AllCounty selections Nick Girard (offensive lineman), Jarin Fowler (All-County) and Jared Fowler (safety).

The Indians enter the year with a new starter at quarterback for the second straight year. Gone is Zack Hutchinson, who threw for 1,168 yards and seven touchdowns, but the Indians won’t be without experience at the position. Garrett Schrepfer did get some playing

time last year, completing 16 of 24 passes. He also tossed two touchdowns.

He enters the 2011 season as the starter, winning the job over Allen Maraman, who should also get his share of snaps.

“Garrett waited his turn, and it’s his time,” Wade said. “We are really excited about Allen, too. He really knows the offense.”

East Coweta’s offensive line has been banged up during the preseason camp, but Wade said there is still some stiff competition to land one of those spots.

Senior Mitch McTier (5-10, 220) is slated to play center after suffering a season-ending injury early in 2010. Senior Jackson Harrison (6-0, 260) is back at the tackle position and set to start for the second straight year. Junior Sang Ko (6-1, 179), who also missed much of last year due to injury, has also caught the attention of Wade and the coaching staff at his guard spot.

Senior Jordan Rivers (6-0, 171) is expected to return to the starting lineup.

“We are kind of feeling our way,” Wade said. “Hopefully, these guys will be ready to step up and play.”

Senior Cole Trolinger (6-5, 225) returns to play tight end for the Indians.

Lajuwon Johnson (5-9, 164) is the team’s most experienced wide receiver, and is back after catching 17 passes in 2010.

Travis Taylor (5-10, 171) spent last season at running back, but has moved over to one of the receiver spots in an effort to get him the ball more.

Photo by Jeffrey Leo

Josh Penn could fill a need this year for the Indians at running back as one of 32 seniors this year.

Qwaitraz Fenner (5-7, 153) and junior Jay Warner (5-7, 159) bring depth to the team at the wide receiver spots.

Like Taylor, Warner is also a converted wide receiver.

The Indians return their two leading rushers from last year.

Junior Demarcus Godfrey (5-8, 164) rolled up 857 yards of offense last season, and found the end zone 15 times. Senior fullback Carl Dann (6-1, 206) is the short-yardage back for the Indians, and returns to the lineup after compiling 230 yards of offense last year.

While there are big shoes to fill this year at East Coweta heading into a gauntlet of a Region 2AAAAA schedule, the Indians also grow ‘em pretty big on the reservation in Sharpsburg.

Seniors Willie Holloway, left, and quarterback Garrett Schrepfer are both well over 6-feet tall and 200-pounds.

Each expects to be a large part of this year’s success.

Photo by Jeffrey Leo

Senior Derays Jones (5-9, 173) has had a producw “Now I kno tive summer for the Indians, winning the derbilt must n a V w o h Iron Man competihat tough tion, and he will also feel playing t be counted on at e SEC.” schedule in th fullback for the squad. A year ago, he carried the ball just six times, but picked up 97 yards.

“He is a lot the defense. stronger this year, Senior David Singleton (5-10, and we are going to 148 pounds) is also one of the give him a call every now and few returning starters on then,” Wade said defense.

Junior Michael Willis (5-8, With some of the inexperi164) and senior Josh Penn (5-8, ence on the defensive side of 155) are also in the mix at tailthe ball, East Coweta’s veteran back. coach expects some of his Replacing six starters on defense presents a problem for players to have to line up on both sides of the ball, includthe Indians, but Wade is confiing Trollinger, who should see dent he has athletes to get the time at defensive end. job done.

Junior defensive end, Clifton Among the returners from Strong (5-9, 228) has also last year, defensive lineman caught the attention of the and leading tackler Willie East Coweta coaching staff Holloway (6-0, 233) enters his with solid production this senior year. summer.

Last year, he finished with Senior Michael Collins (6-2, 99 tackles. He also had seven 173) returns to the safety posisacks tion. Senior Jacquis Miller (5-9, “Willie is special,” Wade 157) has also excelled during said. “He is really a good footthe team’s camp and will start ball player.” at the other safety.

Terrence Farmer (5-9, 238) The kicking game is is back for his final season of anchored by Spencer Smith. high school football, too.

The junior has impressed the At linebacker, senior Mario Clarke (5-11, 179) enters his jun- coaching staff with his improvement since last year. ior year as one of the starters.

He is slated to handle the Senior Terrence Bennett (6-0, punting duties, too.

178) brings experience to the Wade is still evaluating playposition after finishing with 25 ers to serve as the team’s tackles last year. return specialist.

Junior Edwin Rivera (5-9, “We’ve got do the best we 191) brings experience to the can,” Wade said. “We just have linebacker spot. Junior to worry about us, and hopeJaMarcus Godfrey (5-8, 175) is fully things will fall into place.” also battling for playing time.

It all starts for East Coweta Senior Marcellus Parrott (5on Friday night when they host 11, 182) also helps add depth to Chapel Hill.

NO. NAME 1 Lajuwon Johnson 2 David Singleton 3 Demarcus Godfrey 4 Michael Willis 5 Qwaitraz Fenner 6 Carl Dann 7 Jay Warner 9 Deryas Jones 10 Jemarcus Godfrey 11 Wyatt Potter 12 Allen Maraman 13 Quandarious Mitchell 14 Garrett Schrepfer 15 Markell Boston 16 Khalil Wilkerson 17 Michael Collins 18 D.J. Slaton 19 Bryce Ingram 20 Jay McKnight 21 Jeremy Moss 22 Marcellus Parrott 23 Travis Taylor 24 Josh Penn 25 Willie Holloway 26 Patrick Ware 27 Terrance Bennett 28 Cole Antley 29 Justin Garnder 30 Weylin Orr 31 Spencer Smith 32 Jacquis Miller 33 Quan Whatley 34 Conner Owen 36 Nick Fraser 37 Hamp Morris 38 Tyler Brown 40 Devontay Parker 41 Chris Davis 42 Edwin Rivera 43 Cole Trollinger 44 Cedrick Dodson 45 Mario Clarke 46 T.J. Ingram 47 Malik Robinson 48 Brock Meeker 49 Sanoj Allen 50. D.J. Mosley 51 Sang Ko 52 Michael Dayton 53 Ryan Adams 54 Terrence Farmer 55 Rashaud Smith 56 Mitchell McTier 57 Jordan Rivers 58 Jamarcus Wilson 59 Chris Burton 60 Rashard Stegall 61 Ryan Diederich 62 Erik Bolton 63 Luke Clayton 64 Charles Bush 65 Nate Julian 66 Billy Ray Brown 67 Corey Price 68 Matt Cheatham 69 Quan Fuller 70 Darius Darby 71 Dartavyous Walker 73 Carson Ankney 74 Anfernee Burks 75 Zack Harness 76 Jacob Barnett 77 Deion Sanders 78 Jackson Harrison 79 Tommy Schnabel 80 Clifton Strong 81 Dustin Swanger 82 Lance Mons 83 Denzel Teagle 84 Logan Barnett 86 Hunter Holmes 88 Glen Whisby

HT 5-9 5-10 5-8 5-8 5-7 6-1 5-7 5-8 5-8 6-2 6-1 5-8 6-5 6-0 5-8 6-2 5-8 5-11 5-11 5-8 5-11 5-10 5-8 6-0 5-6 6-0 5-9 5-10 5-6 6-0 5-9 5-9 5-8 5-7 5-10 5-7 6-0 5-10 5-9 6-4 6-0 5-11 5-9 6-2 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-1 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-8 6-3 5-11 5-10 5-7 6-1 5-8 6-1 6-0 5-10 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-3 6-2 5-9 6-0 5-9 5-9 5-11 5-8 5-11 5-8 5-10 5-9

WT 164 148 164 180 153 206 159 173 175 167 152 158 247 174 157 173 165 183 189 176 182 171 155 233 153 178 140 136 161 150 157 157 215 209 145 147 182 167 191 225 168 179 156 178 175 185 302 179 146 231 238 250 220 171 250 233 219 187 253 217 259 214 250 204 250 298 247 285 192 330 270 236 281 260 173 228 185 130 142 129 158 135

YR. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Sr. So. So. So. Jr. Jr. So. So. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. So. So. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. So. Jr. So. So. Jr. Jr. So. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. Sr. So. Jr. So.

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011 — The Times-Herald — 5B

THE 2011 EAST COWETA INDIANS Former players in italics

EAST

COWETA

East Coweta head football coach Clint Wade continues to keep a watchful on on his team. The hope for 2011 is that a group of 32 seniors will be able to lead the way back into the playoffs. Once again, the Indians face an uphill climb on the schedule, which closes with games against not only rival Newnan, but Region 2-AAAAA frontrunners Stephenson and M.L. King. Last year, the Indians opened with an impressive 7-0 record before dropping their last four games.

The program, however, hasn’t missed the state playoffs since the 1996 season and hasn’t finished under .500 in almost 25 years.

AT A GLANCE Compiled by Doug Gorman and Chris Goltermann HEAD COACH: Clint Wade (Fourth season, 21-12) STAFF: Clint Wade: (Head Coach), Tom Gochenour (Asst. Head coach, Offensive Coordinator, Offensive line, Ron Beaucham (Linebackers), Todd Beldon (Defensive Backs, Kickers and Punters) Trace Overton (Tight End, Defensive Tackles), Darron Edwards (Defensive Backs), Roc Coleman (Running Backs), Todd Kelley (Defensive Line), J.R. Revere (Quarterbacks), Andy Washington (Receivers) Lloyd Knott (head trainer) KEY LOSSES: LB Angel Santiago (Times-Herald Defensive Player of the Year), QB Zack Hutcheson (Delta State), OL Nick Girard (All County), CB Jarin Fowler (All County), S Jared Fowler (All-County), DL Carlton Martin, DL Houston Mills, DL Denzel Simmons.; Judd Hunter (Geneva College), WR Eddie Morris (Eastern Kentucky) STRENGTHS: Large senior class should provide ample depth; Lots of competition at OL; Solid secondary.

WEAKNESSES: Team needs new faces to emerge at receiver, defensive line to add depth.

OUTLOOK: A group of 32 seniors is by far the most since Wade was promoted as head coach. If most can contribute, the Indians should stay in the playoff hunt in Region 2-AAAA. New faces will have to step up on defense to surround its nucleus of DL Willie Holloway, LB Mario Clarke, safeties Michael Collins and Terrene Bennett and cornerback David Singleton. Offensively, several new faces at the skill positions will also have to emerge with running back Dee Godfrey scheduled to start on defense.

“We’ve got 32 seniors. That doesn’t mean we have 32 players. But that’s as big a senior class as we’ve had since I’ve been here. I don’t know if that defines your football team,” said head coach Clint Wade.

POSITION BREAKDOWN OFFENSE: QUARTERBACK: Last season East Coweta was quite successful using a two-quarterback system, with one of the duo, 6-5, 230-pound senior Garrett Schrepfer entering the year as the projected starter. Schrepfer did most of his damage last year with his legs, rushing for 230 yards at over 5 yards a carry with two touchdowns.

He also threw for 241 yards and two touchdowns.

“He got some playing time just about every ballgame for us,” said offensive coordinator Tom Gochenour.

East Coweta will stay with its multiple-I set, having also thrown in some wishbone formations in goalline situations.

Senior Allen Maraman has showed he’s ready to step in whenever needed and could add another dimension much like last year’s tandem with a strong throwing arm and good knowledge of the offense.

RUNNING BACKS: As a sophomore, Demarcus “Dee” Godfrey gave the Indians everything and more after losing All-State runner Tay Willis to graduation. Godfrey finished with team highs in rushing (857 yards) and touchdowns (15) while gaining 5.8 yards a carry.

Godfrey, however, is pegged to see a bulk of time as a defensive starter, creating an opportunity for senior Josh Penn and junior Michael Willis to make a push for carries. Each spent the majority of last year playing for the Indians JV squad.

FULLBACKS; Senior Carl Dann is a returning start and a hard-nosed runner with a 5-10, 190-pound frame. The offensive staff is also looking for good things from senior Deryas Jones, who in just six carries last year averaged 16.1 yards with a touchdown. Fellow senior Willie Holloway could also be used again a lead blocker in goal-line situations as he was in 2010.

Photo by Jeffrey Leo

WIDE RECEIVERS: The Indians will start the year needing new targets to emerge. Last year, senior basketball standout Eddie Morris filled the void and led the team in his only football season with 15 catches and 302 receiving yards. In all, three of the team’s five leading receivers have been lost to graduation.

Senior Lajuwon Johnson is the team’s leading returner at receiver, hauling in 17 catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns. The staff has also moved running backs Travis Taylor and Jay Warner out wide to help add some depth.

“That’s been one of our goals this summer, trying to find some more receivers to get the ball to,” said Gochenour.

TIGHT END: Returning for his senior year, Cole Trollinger’s 6-4, 240 pound frame gives East Coweta its biggest target. His one catch last year was a 10-yard touchdown and the goal is to expand on that success this fall.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Gochenour takes on the role of position coach this year and has a lot of players to work with. The key will be trying to five solid starters from the crowd to work as a cohesive unit. Last year’s center, Dwayne Mosely has worked a lot of tackle this preseason with senior Mitch McTier (5-11, 220) returning from a knee injury and expected to start at the position. “(Mosely) is my biggest lineman at 6-1, 300 pounds,” said Gochenour.

“We’ve got seven or eight guys that we’re trying to work in there.”

In addition to Mosely, Jackson Harrison (5-11, 230) returns having seen action as a starter. Junior Zach Harness and senior Sang Ko, who was also lost midseason due to an injury, can play the tackle spot.

The guards include 175-pound Jordan Rivers and 230-pound Rashard Stegall.

DEFENSE Defensive Line: Most college recruiters that made their way to Sharpsburg last spring had one player highest on their list of Indians to watch. Senior Willie Holloway, at 62, 240 pounds, enters his third year as a starter on the defensive line and is an impressive package of size, speed and strength from the defensive end position. His 99 tackles led East Coweta as did his seven sacks in 2010, having been clocked with a 4.7 time in the 40, while also benching 400 pounds. A region champion in the shot put last spring, he also forced three fumbles. “We expect a lot of good things from him,” said head coach Clint Wade.

The rest of the defensive front,

however, will have to be rebuilt also getting contributions from several seniors last year. Carlton Martin, Houston Mills and Denzel Simmons were all key contributors. Terrence Farmer had 14 tackles in 2010 and will get a chance to start, while 6-2, 240-pound Cole Trolinger could get a couple of snaps. Trolinger, who made 13 tackles, is the team’s top returning tight end and is expected to be counted even more this year on offense. Currently junior Nick Strong and Will Strong are leading candidates to start the season as the other two starters. Depth is an issue for now.

“We got a lot of question marks on the front and I know that’s where it starts,” said Wade. “That’s where we’re goin to have to put a lot of emphasis on, because otherwise we’re going to struggle a little bit.”

LINEBACKER: Times-Herald AllCounty Defensive Player of the Year Angel Santiago leaves a void in the middle of the defense after centering the lineup at middle linebacker. “He was something else,” said Wade of the 5-8 sparkplug. “He knew the game real well.”

East Coweta hopes to benefit from the return of Mario Clarke, who began to see playing time two years ago in an emergency role due to injuries at the position. Two years of experience, including a junior campaign where he made 55 tackles, including 33 solo, should prepare him nicely to take over.

Marcellous Parrott and Edwin Rivera also saw time on defense last year.

Terrence Bennett saw a lot of action as well last year and will get the start this season at the rover position.

Assistant Ron Beaucham, who did wonders with last year’s offensive line, shifts to defense to concentrate on the linebacking corps.

SECONDARY: The Fowler brothers, Jarin and Jared, each leave big shoes to fill after combining for 110 tackles and 14 pass breakups in the defensive backfield. The soothing news for head coach Clint Wade is that two other talented starters, free safety Michael Collins and cornerback David Singleton are back.

Collins, at 6-2, 180 “is not real big, but he’s a smart player,” said Wade, with the senior returning from a year where he had 76 tackles.

Singleton, a top-notch hurdler in the spring during track season, had 44 tackles and an interception while blocking a team-high two kicks. Two years ago, Singleton had a gamewinning block to beat two-time state champion Sandy Creek to open the 2009 season.

“David came along and did real well,” said Wade.

This year, assistant Todd Beldon moves over from offense to coach the team’s defensive backs.

The other cornerback position looks to be filled by leading rusher Godfrey, who may get more defensive snaps this season simply to fill a bigger need. The junior had three tackles a year ago seeing almost all of his playing time on offense. Senior T.J. Ingram has varsity experience as well.

SPECIAL TEAMS Junior Spencer Smith returns after handling most of the kicking duties in 2010. He had five field goals and finished with 42 points, second only to running back Demarcus Godfrey on the team. He’ll also take over the punting duties this season.

OFFENSE Rushing No.Name Att. Yds. 3 Demarcus Godfrey 149 857 6 Carl Dann 28 230 14 Garrett Schrepfer 45 230 33 Travis Taylor 28 155 30 Angel Santiago 16 103 9 Deryas Jones 6 97 18 Justin Smith 13 49 24 Josh Penn 9 36 Qwaitrez Fenner 2 8 Jeremy Moss 1 3 15 Zack Hutcheson 38 -81 Totals 335 1,687

Avg. 5.8 8.2 5.1 5.6 6.4 16.1 3.8 4.0 4.0 3.0 -2.1 5.0

TD 15 1 2 2 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 24

PASSING No. Name

Att.

Comp. Yds.

TDs INT

Asst.

41 28 36 30 38 22 25 12 8 14 7 5 10 3 6 4 1 2 1 0 1 1 2

Total 99 85 76 70 64 55 45 44 40 35 25 19 14 13 11 9 4 4 3 3 3 3 2

15 Zack Hutcheson 170 94 14 Garrett Schrepfer 24 16 Totals 194 110

1168 7 241 2 1,409 9

RECEIVING No.Name Rec. Yds. 81 Eddie Morris 32 502 10 Rodriquez Barner 19 230 13 Jarin Fowler 17 236 1 Lajuwon Johnson 17 163 5 Jamarcus Young 13 108 82 Andre Hunt 3 50 6 Carl Dann 2 35 9 Deryas Jones 1 23 43 Cole Trolinger 1 10 18 Justin Smith 1 6 30 Angel Santiago 1 4 33 Travis Taylor 1 1 Totals 110 1,409

Avg. 15.7 15.3 13.9 9.6 8.3 16.6 17.5 23.0 10.0 6.0 4.0 1.0 12.8

TDs 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 8

SACKS Name Willie Holloway Carlton Martin Angel Santiago Houston Mills Denzel Simmons Mario Clarke Terrence Farmer Terrence Bennett Marcellus Parrott

SCORING No.Name TD EP 3 Demarcus Godfrey 15 0 31 Spencer Smith 0 27 30 Angel Santiago 4 0 6 Carl Dann 2 0 81 Eddie Morris 2 0 14 Garrett Schrepfer 1 0 10 Rodriquez Barner 1 0 13 Jarin Fowler 1 0 15 Zack Hutcheson 1 0 1 Lajuwon Johnson 1 0 80 Anthony Greenlee 0 0

FG 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

2pt 1 92 0 42 0 24 0 12 0 12 0 6 0 6 0 6 0 6 0 6 0 3

INTERCEPTIONS Name No. Jared Fowler 2 Angel Santiago 2* David Singleton 1 *1 for touchdown

PASS BREAKUPS Name No. Jarin Fowler 10 David Singleton 8 Jared Fowler 4 Michael Collins 2 Terrence Bennett 1 Bruce Webb 1 Willie Holloway 1 T.J. Ingram 1

FORCED FUMBLES Name No. Willie Holloway 3 Carlton Martin 1

BLOCKED KICKS Name No. David Singleton 2 Demarcus Godfrey 1

2011 SCHEDULE (All games Friday, 7:30 p.m., unless noted

Friday Sept. 2 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21

Chapel Hill At Pebblebrook Troup At Luella* Newton* At Hughes* Westlake* At Stephenson* (Hallford) Oct. 28 M.L. King* Nov. 4 At Newnan* *Region 2-AAAAA game

2

DEFENSE Tackles No. Name Solo 25 Willie Holloway 58 30 Angel Santiago 57 17 Michael Collins 40 23 Jared Fowler 40 83 Carlton Martin 26 45 Mario Clarke 33 73 Denzel Simmons 20 2 David Singleton 32 13 Jarin Fowler 32 58 Houston Mills 21 27 Terrence Bennett 18 84 Marcellus Parrott 14 54 Terrence Farmer 4 43 Cole Trolinger 10 42 Edwin Rivera 5 46 T.J. Ingram 5 1 Lajuwon Johnson 3 5 Jamarcus Young 2 22 Demarcus Rosser 2 57 Jordan Rivers 3 9 Deryas Jones 2 72 Bruce Webb 2 6 Carl Dann 0

2

No. 7 4 3 3 3 2 1 1 1

FUMBLE RECOVERIES Name No. Carlton Martin 2 Jarin Fowler 1 Terrence Farmer 1 T.J. Ingram 1 Jeremy Moss 1

PUNTING No.Name Punts 80 Anthony Greenlee 50

Yd/Avg. 32.2

2010 RESULTS At Chapel Hil W 31-21 Vs.Pebblebrook W 13-5 At Troup W 34-14 Vs. Luella W 21-6 At Newton W 20-14 Vs. Langston HughesW 55-13 At Westlake W 35-14 Vs. Stephenson L 30-19 At M.L. King L 30-23 Vs. Newnan L 14-12 State Playoffs At McEachern L 31-19

6B — The Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 24, 2011

●

Northgate returns all of its top skill position players this year, including quarterback Bret Misutka Photo by Jeffrey Leo

f all the assets Northgate can pride itself on heading into the 2011 season — and their numbers are among a majority this year — the one that will take the Vikings the furthest doesn’t even have a uniform number attached.

The term “trust” works much differently on the football field.

When it’s properly distributed, much like in a handoff, newly-established trust between coaches and players following a year of transition has finally seemed to eliminate the 800-pound gorilla surrounding Henry Seldon Field.

By early November, that trust may carry the team further than anything or anyone else on the field for a Northgate program that feels it is headed in a positive direction as Tommy Walburn enters his second season as the Vikings’ head coach.

The days of introductions between staff and players is as far in the rear-view mirror as a flat-footed cornerback on a go route.

“I’ve always thought you build your program on trust.

You don’t build trust in a matter of months. It takes years to do that,” Walburn said. “Having your second year, you can start building that trust and intangibles that are almost impossible to build in your first year anywhere.”

Change is never easy.

Depending on what side of the fence you’re on, the current term at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue has been quite the challenge.

As for the changes taking place inside the chain-link fence on Fischer Road with the Northgate High football program, some might feel they’re nothing short of revolutionary.

Considering the dark clouds that surrounded the Vikings prior to Walburn’s arrival last year, the progress made during a 5-5 first season far surpassed the end result on paper. The Vikings lost only one game in 2010 to a team that finished with a losing record (McIntosh), and Northgate was even able to turn that into a positive in the long run.

“If we had won that game we might not have made some of the changes we did, so you never know,” Walburn said.

While there are no guarantees in high school football, on paper the situation certainly shows great potential for not just improvement, but success.

For a program that has only won more than six games in a season in three of its 12 years of existence.

Even with all the team’s skill players back on offense and plenty of pieces in place defensively, it’ll continue to be a challenge in Region 3B-AAAA this year (see related story).

But having gotten all last

year’s introductions out of the way, Walburn expects better results for a team that came a victory away from qualifying for the postseason in 2010.

“Those are all positives. They know their coaches. They know me. They know our moods. We know their moods. They learn the things that I get upset about. I know when they’re having a bad day. That’s just something that happens through time,” Walburn said.

“What we try to do is win every day you go out there, whether it’s the weight room or whether it’s in practice or if you’re playing a scrimmage or a game. At the end of the day the record is what you get judged on by everyone else out there.”

For the first time in four seasons, the Vikings weren’t held scoreless during the season. It wasn’t until running into playoff teams in Whitewater and Dutchtown that offensive production waned. By then, Times Herald All-County Player of the Year Alex Lakes was en route to last year’s scoring title in his first year at fullback. As a junior he finished with 18 touchdowns, 16 on the ground, while rushing for 924 yards at 7.2 per carry.

“He’s a natural football player. Some kids just know how to play football,” Walburn said of Lakes. “He was the only guy last year who played both ways and this year when we start the season he probably will still be the only guy doing that.

But the list of returning skill players on offense is as long as some of those runs.

Both halfbacks, led by Payton Usher — who had 704 yards at seven a carry — are back.

Wingbacks Tony Williams and Cole Carter return, as does hulking backup fullback Kyle Kovacs.

Behind center, senior starting quarterback Bret Misutka also

returns his top five receivers, including sen“I’ve always ior tight end Mitch d your Bemister (14 catches, ought you buil You th 176 yards) and junior ust. program on tr in a receiver Brandon ust Facyson, the latter don’t build tr nths. o already with a scholarmatter of m ship offer from Virginia Tech.

Waiting in the wings Weaver behind the 5-9 Misutka signing with is towering 6-4 junior Division II power Delta State. backup Josh Harrison.

“We had some bigger line“We feel good about who we man last year and those guys have coming back,” Walburn are going to be missed,” said. “Offensively, we feel like Walburn said. “But we’ve got to we’ve get depth at the quartergo with what we’ve got. We feel back position, depth at running like these guys are getting betback position and depth at the ter every day. If there’s an wide receiver position. But we advantage between this year’s lost four out of five starters on line to last year’s, I think that the offensive line. And at this this year’s could be a little point we have no depth there.” quicker coming off the ball. We For all the weapons, success may come down to the big boys don’t have the size we had last year, but they’re quicker. paving the road up front. The Senior Eric Freeland has majority were junior varsity earned the starting job at the starters in 2010, joining last year’s only varsity returner, Jake other guard spot, while senior Brad Stiles (220 pounds) and Slagle at right guard. Three of junior Dustin Foley (215) both the four signed scholarships, played every game for the junwith the Raburn twins heading ior varsity squad. to LaGrange and tackle Cody Another junior, Chase Smith, begins the year handling the center position.

Most of Northgate’s size will be found on the defensive line between juniors Sean Spencer and De’Andre Johnson. Spencer, at 6-4, 245 pounds, suffered back-to-back injuries that have held him out since a phenomenal freshman season. But he’ll be the team’s main force at the end spot opposite senior Matt Kindle.

“Besides Deandre and Sean, we’re not that big up front,” said Walburn, “but we’ll be able to play a lot of guys.”

Inside at tackle, the 6-4, 320pound Johnson has equally matured after playing sparingly as a sophomore. Senior David Higgins, a standout 140-pound wrestler, returns as a starter to provide a nice change-up of speed and size between the Photo by Jeffrey Leo pair.

Senior fullback Alex Lakes led the county last season with 18 “To me the biggest improvetouchdowns, 16 of which came on the ground. ment we’re going to have to

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make if we’re gong to be good is that I didn’t feel like our perimeter defense was as good as it should have been last year,” said Walburn.

Defensive coordinator Bubba Jeter moved former secondary member D’lonzo Harris to outside linebacker after the McIntosh loss and the senior led the team with 57 tackles last year. It was just two ahead of the Vikings’ other projected outside backer, Jonovan Cotton, who equally came on strong during the final weeks, which included a standout game against eventual state finalist Starr’s Mill.

On the inside of Northgate’s 4-4 defense, Jeter has moved former defensive lineman Leon Sapp to inside linebacker with hopes of recreating the success Jake Peterson had last year.

Peterson, a converted offensive lineman, thrived in the spot while eventually earning a scholarship to play at Army.

“That was a big question mark we got answered,” Walburn said.

Junior Conner Usher, “a little bit thicker” version of older brother Payton, will start at the “Will” linebacker position.

Payton and Brandon Facyson expect to rotate a lot at one corner to give each a breather from offense. The other corner spot will likely go to senior Shawn Byron, who saw some time last season while also playing mostly on JV. “We like knowing that some of those kids got in seven games last year on JV,” Walburn said. “Your younger program has to be good. That’s how you get your program built.

Despite losing punter Brad Swinney to graduation, senior Will Lutz expects to be able to handle both roles. Junior Andrew Brady also is capable of punting, while Joel Harrison, a senior transfer student from England, is taking his shot at American football.

Lutz’s booming kickoffs, aside from having range from within 50 yards, is another weapon returning among last

No. Name 1 Alex Lakes 2 Brandon Facyson 3 Bret Misutka 4 Tony Williams 5 Sylvester Johnson 6 Matt Smith 7 Austin Hatney 8 Kyle Kovacs 9 Torres Johnson 10 Marquis Jennings 11 Christian Gaston 12 Chris Johnson 13 Aaron Stargell 14 Jonovan Cotton 15 TJ Womack 16 Terrell Taylor 17 Armond Upshaw 18 Josh Harrison 19 Austin Weller 20 Cole Carter 22 Blake McCollium 23 Connor Usher 24 Trey Ledford 25 Payton Usher 26 D’lonzo Harris 28 Kyle Henderson 32 Shaun Byron 33 Kain Elliot 34 Dalton Lane 36 Devin Mcelwaney 37 John Proctor 38 David Higgins 40 Alex Rutherford 41 Ben Washington 42 Adrian Fisher 43 Devon Nash 44 Chad Garner 45 Ryan Fagerstrom 49 Gage Pierson 50 Leon Sapp 51 Matt Kindle 52 Dustin Foley 53 Eric Freeland 54 Dillion Pittman 55 De’Andre Johnson 56 Jake Slagle 57 Alex Rose 58 Cody Kellogg 59 Justin Carlock 60 Aaron Seabrook 62 Reid Gettle 63 Buck Forsyth 64 Aaron Carr 65 Chase Smith 67 Alex Rock 68 Andrew Welcher 69 Nick Abbadangelo 70 Ross Teague 71 Jonathan Fleckenstein 72 Brad Stiles 73 Alex Heavner 74 Matthew Bowman 75 Nick Heavner 76 Sean Spencer 77 Dylan Roach 78 Austin Green 79 Andrew Rock 81 Andrew Brady 82 Will Lutz 83 James Carter 84 Zach Burrell 85 Mitch Bemister 88 Jake Humphries 89 Braden Harbuck 91 Grant Gower 93 Tevin Gripper 96 Malyk Hibbert 97 Zack Braun 98 Joel Harrison 99 Nebiyou Maddox DL

Pos. Yr. RB/S Sr. WR/DB Jr. QB Sr. RB Sr. OLB Jr. DB So. WR Sr. FB Sr. DB So. RB So. DB So. DB Jr. DB Jr. OLB Sr. QB So. DB Sr. QB So. QB Jr. WR So. RB Jr. LB Jr. LB Jr. LB Jr. RB Sr. OLB Sr. RB Jr. DB Sr. DL Sr. OLB Jr. DL So. OLB So. DL Sr. TE So. RB So. TE Sr. LB So. DL Sr. LB So. WR Sr. LB Sr. DL Sr. OL Jr. OL Sr. OL Sr. DL Jr. OL Sr. OLB So. OL So. OL Jr. OL So. OL So. OL Jr. OL So. OL Jr. OL So. OL Jr. OL So. OL So. OL Jr. OL Sr. DL Sr. OL So. OL So. DE Jr. OL So. OL Jr. OL So. WR Jr. K Sr. WR Jr. TE Jr. TE Sr. WR So. WR Jr. OL So. DE Sr. SE So. K Jr. K Sr. So.

year’s successes.

“He kind of spoils you on kickoffs that the guys (on coverage) will relax,” Walburn said of Lutz. “We’ve had to force our kids to anticipate a bad kick just to get them to go full speed.”

Unhappy with the team’s punt and kickoff return units, which gave up field position on several big plays a year ago, the Northgate coach named assistant Justin Crews as the team’s special teams coordinator.

“I think that’s going to help us. He’s the type guy, everything he does, he does with a lot of pride,” he said. “You’ve got to realize that a third of your game is special teams. Our number one concern is the coverage. We’ve got to get better.”

On the whole, however, the Vikings should be even further ahead than they were last season. The days of wearing name tags around one another are certainly well in the past.

“This team right here has been a real fun bunch of guys to work with,” Walburn said.

“We’ve had a full year with this group and I think we’ve had a good offseason. Now we just need to go out and play.”

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 — The Times-Herald — 7B

THE 2011 NORTHGATE VIKINGS NORTHGATE AT A GLANCE

POSITION BREAKDOWN OFFENSE QUARTERBACK: Senior Bret Misutka and junior Josh Harrison both return while providing two contrasting styles, each of which could be to Northgate’s benefit in 2011. Misutka is a prototypical wing-T quarterback, at 510, and “he’s got so many intangibles, it makes up for any lack of size,” said head coach Tommy Walburn. “Plus, he’s got a huge heart.”

With a year under his belt, Misutka will start the season again behind center after throwing for 582 yards and two touchdowns while having four interceptions. His leadership qualities may give him an edge for now over the 6-4, 200pound Harrison.

“He’s got a real good understanding of the offense,” said Walburn of Misutka.

“I tell him all the time that I think he’d make a good coach one day. He’s got the personality people rally around.”

Harrison, however, is the obvious “air” apparent, and it will be crucial for the junior to get playing time this year.

His skills, which included a rocket arm that often simulates 40-50 yard punts in practice, seem limitless.

“You’ve got Bret, who’s more of a wing-T type quarterback, and then you have Josh, who’s a classic drop-back quarterback who’s got as good an arm as anybody I’ve ever coached. The only thing he lacks is game experience,” said Walburn. “Early in the year we’re going to play both of them some.”

Regardless, the depth at the position may add a sense of relief for Viking fans.

“At this point, Bret will start the game. It’s good to have competition everywhere. I think it will make both of them better,” Walburn said. “I’ve been in situations before where we’ve had just one guy and you pray that nothing happens to him.”

RUNNING BACKS: Arguably the deepest position on the team, it’s led by All-County Player of the Year Alex Lakes and his area-best 18 touchdowns last season. At fullback, Lakes , senior halfback Payton Usher and senior wingback Tony Williams were all a big part of reviving a Northgate offense that racked up 2,100 yards rushing at 5.6 yards a carry in 2010.

The converted linebacker managed a near 200-yard effort at halfback when Usher went down before last year’s game against Starr’s Mill.

Both the 6-0, 210 pound Lakes and Usher, at 5-9, 175, averaged at least seven yards a carry, despite their unique frames. They gave opponents a change of pace between running styles to keep defenders on their heels.

“Payton’s got really good balance. He gained some weight since last year,” Walburn said of Usher, who had 704 yards rushing and six touchdowns. “He knows how to absorb a blow and then bounce off him. Nobody really gets a good shot off him.”

Williams had 287 yards rushing and has been limited by injuries so far. But the staff feels that backup Cole Carter is capable of handling a bigger role if

Former players in Italics

SECONDARY: Facyson returns to a corner spot after starting every game in the secondary and making steady progress in the spring. Senior Shawn Byrom moves up from the JV team to man the other corner spot, and Aaron Stargell, a junior, hopes to add depth.

For now, Lakes Photo by Jeffrey Leo Assistant coach Chris Rippy works with a pair of Vikings during preseason drills. looks like he’ll return to his starting free safety needed. Last year’s surprise may have praising the Viking standout. At 6-3, position while Torrez Johnson is been backup fullback Kyle Kovacs, who 190, Facyson will easily eclipse last groomed to take his place in the future. had 156 yards on 32 carries. year’s five catches and a touchdown.

“We feel like, as the season proThe 5-11, 210 pound senior “finally “He’s gotten a lot bigger and more gresses, he can come in there and do found his niche last year,” said Walburn. aggressive,” Walburn said. “We’ll proba- some things,” Walburn said.

“He battled some injuries when he first bly play him more on offense than last SPECIAL TEAMS got here and we just didn’t know where year.”

Northgate assistant Justin Crews he fit in. But we started working him at Junior Andrew Brady may also takes over as the team’s special teams fullback and played him a few games. emerge as a weapon in the passing coordinator with hopes of improving He’s got a knack to make yards. He’s game. “He’s a really good possessioncoverage units. Senior Will Lutz big and strong and he’s had a great offtype receiver, and he’s got good hands,” remains an asset on kicks, in addition to season.”

Walburn said. be a regular creator of touchbacks on In addition to Carter, sophomore DEFENSE kickoffs. He will take on punting duties, Torrez Johnson and Aaron Stargell DEFENSIVE LINE: A sophomore year though Andrew Brady is also capable of could see time at wingback. Meanwhile, dominated by injuries seems to finally punts. Senior Joel Harrison, an senior D’lonzo Harris is gaining offenbe behind talented junior Sean exchange student from England, is also sive snaps on top of his starting lineSpencer, who started at defensive end getting his first crack at American backing duties. as a ninth-grader. The 6-2, 260 pound football.

OFFENSIVE LINE/TIGHT ENDS: The junior “has matured physically and line is one of the biggest question marks mentally,” said Walburn. “He’s a lot facing a lineup that has very few holes stronger and just had a great offseason. to fill. Here, however, the key is replacWe feel like we’ve got all the bad luck ing four graduating seniors, including out of him now.” three that signed college scholarships.

Inside, the Vikings will give oppoAside from senior right guard Jake nents a sizable disadvantage with 6-4, Slagle (6-2, 230), it will be filled by 320-pound junior tackle De’Andre newcomers.

Johnson. Returning defensive tackle “We feel like we have five guys up David Higgins (5-9, 150) adds a there that we’re calling our starters that change of pace inside. The senior work hard, and they’ve got talent,” wrestling standout is “quick and hard to Walburn said. “But they just haven’t block.” Senior Matt Kindle mans the played in a lot of varsity games. So other end after playing mostly on the JV that’s the biggest question up there.” team last year.

Junior Chase Smith will step in at Unlike the offensive line, depth is a center and senior Brad Stiles, at 6-0, plus up front on defense. Kain Elliott 220, “had gained about 30 or 40 and Alex Heavner both played the posipounds,” said Walburn, and will try and tion in 2010 and converted linebackers fill Cody Weaver’s big shoes at quick Chad Garner and Blake McCollium tackle. have thickened up.

Dustin Foley, at 215 pounds, played “Besides DeAndre and Sean, we’re in every JV game last year and will start not that big up front,” Walburn said. “But at the other tackle spot. “He’s going to we’ll be able to play a lot of guys.” be really big,” Walburn said. “He’s really LINEBACKERS: Leon Sapp hopes to getting better every day and just a fill a sizable hole left by middle linetough-nosed kid.” backer Jake Peterson, who departed for The quick guard spot will be filled by the college ranks at West Point. The 6-0, Eric Freeland, whose hard work earned 210 former defensive lineman seems to him a starting job. have found a home at the “Sam” line“He’s one of those type of kids who’s backer position. easy to coach. He’s so quiet, you don’t “He’s found his niche. He’s worked even know he’s there,” Walburn said. hard and is in great shape. That was a “He realizes, to be a good lineman, he’s big question that got answered.” going to have to be technically sound Conner Usher, who is five pounds and he’s worked hard at it.” heavier than older brother Payton, will Senior tight end Mitch Bemister led play the other inside spot. the Vikings in 2010 with 14 catches for Northgate hopes to have made 176 yards, and the 6-3, 230-pounder improvements to its perimeter defense will be a tough man to shadow for by keeping D’lonzo Harris on one sideopponents. “What I like about Mitch,” line and Jonovan Cotton on the other said Walburn, “is that in a tight end foroutside linebacker spot. Last year, the mation, we don’t have to make a sub. duo finished one-two in tackles.

Sometimes he can get a mismatch Harris, a former defensive back, against a smaller guy.” bulked up from 155 to 175 pounds, and WIDE RECEIVERS: Junior Brandon “physically his body changed as much as anybody I’ve seen,” said Walburn, Facyson went through a much-welwho moved the senior up after the comed growth spurt that helped him McIntosh loss. “He can do a lot of differgain attention at summer camps, ent things. You can put him in coverincluding one at Virginia Tech. It was ages. He’s a wild card.” enough that Walburn found a text message on his phone from Frank Beamer

No.Name 1 Alex Lakes 25 Payton Usher 4 Tony Williams 8 Kyle Kovacs 27 Isaiah Riddle 43 Cole Carter 16 Devonte Lablanc 3 Brett Misutka Totals

OFFENSE Rushing Att. Yds. 129 924 100 704 60 284 32 156 21 107 1 7 1 4 28 -82 372 2,104

No.Name 3 Brett Misutka

PASSING Comp Att. Yards TDINT 45 75 537 2 4

Avg. 7.2 7.0 4.7 4.8 5.1 7.0 4.0 -2.9 5.6

TD 16 6 0 1 1 0 0 1 25

RECEIVING No. Name Rec. Yards 85 Mitch Bemister 14 176 1 Alex Lakes 8 70 25 Payton Usher 6 70 8 Kyle Kovacs 6 54 2 Brandon Facyson 5 82 12 Scotty Gaston 2 45 16 Devonte Lablanc 2 19 81 Andrew Brady 2 11 27 Isaiah Riddle 1 7 45 Andrew Schexnayder1 3 Totals 47 537

Avg. 12.6 8.8 11.7 9.0 16.4 22.5 9.5 5.5 7.0 3.0 11.4

TDs 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2

SCORING No.Name TD EP 1 Alex Lakes 18 0 81 Wil Lutz 0 27 25 Payton Usher 7 0 3 Brett Misutka 1 0 2 Brandon Facyson 1 0 8 Kyle Kovacs 1 0

2pT 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 108 48 42 6 6 6

FG 0 7 0 0 0 0

DEFENSE TACKLES No.Name Solo 26 D’lonzo Harris 29 14 Jonovan Cotton 34 11 Jake Peterson 41 30 Josh Barber 34 1 Alex Lakes 28 2 Brandon Facyson 25 12 Scotty Gaston 24 38 David Higgins 9 21 Courtez Glenn 11 50 Leon Sapp 5 29 Gordy Duncan 12

Asst.

28 21 19 10 6 6 6 14 10 16 7

Total 57 55 50 44 34 31 30 23 21 21 19

35 51 23 17 99 33 76 73 5 9 42 15

Drew Gibson Jonathan Rice Conner Usher Rex Evans DeAndre Johnson Kain Elliott Sean Spencer Alex Heavner Drew Swinney Julian Britt Shaun Byrom Gabe Bennett

TACKLES FOR LOSS Name No. Jake Peterson 7 David Higgins 4 Josh Barber 3 Gordy Duncan 2 Jonovan Cotton 2 Kain Elliott 2 Brandon Facyson 1 Courtez Glenn 1 Leon Sapp 1 Jonathan Rice 1 Andrew Schexnader 1 Alex Heavner 1 Drew Gibson 1 INTERCEPTIONS Name No. Jonovan Cotton 2 Jonathan Rice 1 Alex Lakes 1* Drew Swinney 1 Scotty Gaston 1 *Scored TD SACKS Name No. Josh Barber 5 1 Leon Sapp 1 ⁄2 Sean Spencer 1 Gordy Duncan 1 1 Kain Elliott 1 ⁄2 Deandre Johnson 1 Conner Usher 1 1 Drew Gibson ⁄12 D’lonzo Harris ⁄2

7 10 8 10 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 2

10 6 8 2 4 3 3 4 2 2 1 2

17 16 16 12 7 6 6 6 5 5 4 4

HURRIES Name No. David Higgins 4 Josh Barber 3 DeAndre Johnson 2 Jonathan Rice 2 Leon Sapp 1 Isaiah Riddle 1 Drew Gibson 1 Cortez Glenn 1 Jake Peterson 1 Sean Spencer 1 CAUSED FUMBLES Name No. Josh Barber 2 Gordy Duncan 1 Brandon Facyson 1 Scotty Gaston 1 Courtez Glenn 1 D’Lonzo Harris 1 Sean Spencer 1 DeAndre Johnson 1 FUMBLE RECOVERIES Name No. Jake Peterson 3 Sean Spencer 1 Jonathan Rice 1 PASS BREAKUPS Name No. Scotty Gaston 6 Brandon Facyson 5 Shaun Byrom 2 Jake Peterson 2 Josh Barber 1 Alex Lakes 1

VITALcare

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THE

HEAD COACH: Tommy Walburn (2nd season, 5-5) Overall: 67-45 STAFF: Bubba Jeter (defensive coordinator, recruiting coordinator), Kesley Dalrymple (offensive coordinator, running backs), Adrian Anderson (defensive backs), Lee Golden (linebackers), Chris Rippy (offensive line), Justin Crews (quarterbacks, special teams coordinator), Marcellious Johnson (linebackers), Derek Rials (receivers, tight ends).

STRENGTHS: All top skill players returning, second year under same staff, deep at QB, RB, WR and defensive line.

WEAKNESSES: Offensive line lost four of five starters. Depth at OL, LB is slim for now.

KEY LOSSES: LB Jake Peterson (Army), OL Cody Weaver (Delta State), OL Adam Raburn (LaGrange), OL Ryan Raburn (LaGrange), DL Jonathan Rice (LaGrange), LB Cortez Glenn (Tuskegee), P Brad Swinney, DV Scotty Gaston, DB Devonte LaBlanc, LB Gordy Duncan, LB Josh Barber, OL Brian Fleenor, CB Drew Swinney.

OUTLOOK: There were some key losses during the offseason, most notable on the offensive line and linebacker. But the Vikings have all their statistical leaders back from a 5-5 season a year ago, having missed the playoffs by just one victory. In all, a talented group of 26 seniors seems poised to get the program back in the playoffs for just the second time in six years.

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8B — The Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Section C

HERITAGE SCHOOL — LANDMARK CHRISTIAN PAGE 2C — PAGE 6C ARLINGTON REGION 2-AAAAA CHRISTIAN— PAGE 3C PREVIEW - PAGES 6C/7C TRINITY CHRISTIAN— PAGE 4C REGION 3B-AAAA PREVIEW HERITAGE CHRISTIAN PAGES 7C/8C — PAGE 5C ATLANTA FALCONS PREVIEW — PAGE 9C

Photo courtesy University of Georgia

Newnan twin siblings Alec, left and Zander Ogletree have adjusted immediately to new roles at Georgia. Alec Ogletree has been moved from safety to middle linebacker heading into his sophomore season. Meanwhile, Zander, at right, continues to make a push for the Bulldogs starting job at fullback.

not as good as it used to be. But I still get a chance to get my share in.”

It didn’t take long for all of While Alec hasn’t given Sep. 3 Boise St., 8 p.m.

Georgia’s football faithful in Bulldog fans any reason to doubt Sep. 10 South Carolina, 4:30 cities from Albany to Zebulon to the five-star ratings he garnered catch up with what Newnan p.m. among high school recruiting, already knew.

Sep. 17 Coastal Carolina, 1 they’re only just beginning to Which is what makes the learn about Zander’s potential. In p.m.

Ogletree brothers as unique off high school, however, most knew Sep. 24 at Mississippi the football field as they are Newnan High’s No. 33 as a hardOct. 1 Mississippi St. equally skilled on it. nosed linebacker and running Oct. 8 at Tennessee The stage may have gotten a back who was just as responsible Oct. 15 at Vanderbilt whole lot bigger, but college hasfor helping the Cougars come Oct. 29 Florida, 3:30 p.m. n’t changed the fraternal twin within two victories of a state boys of Al and Allyson Ogletree Nov. 5 New Mexico St. title in consecutive years. enough to make their voices Nov. 12 Auburn Zander left the G-Day Game in unrecognizable from one anoththe spring as the team’s “Most Nov. 19 Kentucky er, even as they get set to celeImproved” player on offense and Nov. 26 at Georgia Tech, brate their 20th birthdays on didn’t disappoint with his blockSept. 25. ing ability during Georgia’s iniZander, currently pushing for a lowing a pair of state semifinal tial scrimmage of the fall. starting job at fullback, is the “Isolation blocking is, I think, berths at Newnan High School. same jovial, fun-loving guy class- Scouts quickly took note of the toughest to do over and over mates remember walking the and over,” Richt said afterwards.

Alec’s size and speed, with the halls. Alec, or “Tree” as he first Bulldogs finally winning out over “Zander got the best of it.” became known here, remains his Miami and others for his college Both brothers made immedisame straight-forward self, quite choice. ate contributions as true freshas much the opposite as the Zander, meanwhile, played out men, first as special teams playpair’s contrasting body styles. his entire season at Newnan, fin- ers before slowly working their And while the Bulldog sophoishing with six more tackles than way into the lineup. Alec started mores may remain easily identithe final five games in the sechis twin brother, but nowhere fiable, split on opposite sides of ondary, making a team-high 10 near as many offers. Richt’s call the ball in practice — the 6-3 , stops against Auburn. Georgia came the morning after his final 236-pound “Tree” now at middle varsity game, a loss in the 2009 coaches even worked him in at linebacker and the 5-10, 224one point for a snap on offense.

Class AAAAA semifinals. pound Zander at fullback — But he wasn’t completely surBut regardless of the paths when they’ve put their helmets prised by his move from safety to they took, proving themselves into an opposing player, the worthy seems high on the broth- middle linebacker. impact has been indistinguish“It’s been pretty good, coming ers’ list of priorities. able. in the spring and learning what “I’ve always been taught to “I know Alec had more accogive everything I have out there,” to do,” said Alec, who has worn a lades coming into this thing,” said Zander, who is listed with 6- pair of wristbands this fall with said Georgia head coach Mark the words “No Complaining” 4, 272 pound senior Bruce Richt. “But if you talk to the team Figgins as the current starter. “I scrawled on them. “It hasn’t and the coaches and everything, changed that much from what I want to be the best player I posthey say, ‘You’ve got a gem in sibly can. If it’s him or if it’s me, I was doing last year.”

Zander.’ Alec is obvious. But He expects to be starting just want to be ready to help the Zander is a good football player beside junior Christian team the best way I can.” in his own right, and a glue guy.”

As much a punishing tackler in Robinson, who started 11 games Richt took separate paths to at linebacker last year, in the high school, Zander joked, “It’s earning their commitments fol-

GEORGIA 2011 SCHEDULE

middle of the Bulldog defense.

Robinson handles most of the calls from the sidelines.

“Christian’s definitely has helped me get used to things,” Alec said. “The biggest thing last year was just the game speed being so much faster. Now I have that game experience coming in this year.”

“Tree,” however, hasn’t looked much like a rookie linebacker in each of the team’s first two scrimmages of the preseason, posting team highs in tackles.

Last Thursday’s included eight hits as well as a sack. “’Tree’ gets after it,” outside linebacker Jarvis Jones said following the team’s second scrimmage last week. “He loves the game of football. He loves to work hard. He works hard every day. He would’ve been successful at safety, but I think moving him to linebacker is one of the best decisions our coaches could’ve made for the overall success of our defense and our team. He can get off blocks. He can run sideline to sideline. He can make big plays. He’s a high-energy guy and brings it every day.”

In many ways, though, things haven’t changed that much for the twins. They still live together and are never that far apart. The brothers are even majoring in the same subject — education.

The hope for Bulldog fans is that having two Ogletrees from Newnan will go even further than just one as Georgia prepares for an immediate test against Boise State in its Sept. 3 season opener in Atlanta at the Georgia Dome.

“I think we’re going to have a good season,” Zander said. “I’m getting ready for it. Hopefully I can do my part.”

Another fall provides another impressive list of former high school football players continuing respective careers at college football programs throughout the country. Here's a partial list of Coweta County athletes who will be appearing on teams this fall. The Times-Herald will be posting updates and profiling players periodically during the season. If you know someone who had inadvertently been left off this list, please e-mail us at sports@newnan.com .

ARMY: Jake Peterson (Fr, Northgate): Peterson is preparing for his first year at West Point after signing in February.

BENEDICT COLLEGE: E.J. Houston (JR, RB, Newnan): Houston enters his junior season at Benedict. Finished with three touchdowns in 2010.

DELTA STATE: Cody Weaver (Fr., OL, Northgate): Weaver is preparing for his freshman season after signing with the Statemen in February.

FAULKNER: Dylan Vires (Sph., Arlington Christian): The kicker enters his sophomore year at the school in Montgomery.

FURMAN: Ryan Storms (R-S0., C-G, East Coweta): The offensive lineman is battling back from an injury he suffered midway through the season that also kept him out of spring practice. Made three starts before getting hurt.

UNIVERSITY of GEORGIA: Alec Ogletree (So, LB Newnan), Zander Ogletree (So, FB Newnan) and Eddie McQuillen (Fr, OT, Trinity Christian): Alec Ogletree heads back to Athens for his sophomore year after earning All-SEC Freshman Team honors. He appeared in all 12 game, making five starts. Recorded six tackles

against Georgia Tech. Zander, the twin brother of Alec, was named the most improved player on offense after the Bulldogs’ spring game. Had one catch against Vanderbilt and also made five tackles on special teams against the Commodores. Eddie McQuillen is listed as freshman on the Bulldogs’ roster.

GEORGIA STATE: Jamal Ransby (So, CB, Newnan): Ransby was one of the top defensive players for the Panthers in their inaugural season last year, finishing with two interceptions. He also broke up four passes and finished with 20 tackles.

GEORGIA TECH: Ray Beno (RSph.. G, Newnan) and Robert Hogan (R-JR, LB, Newnan Christian): Beno saw action in three games last season, earning playing time against N.C. State, Virginia, and Middle Tennessee State. Helped Newnan win region titles during his high school days.

Hogan is a walk-on at Georgia Tech and is entering his third season with Georgia Tech. An outstanding student, Hogan has earned ACC-Academic honors.

HIGHLAND JUNIOR COLLEGE (KS) - Tay Willis (Sph., RB, East Coweta), Jeric Woodall (Sph WR, East Coweta): Willis, who was an

All-State running back as a senior after rushing for 1,900-plus yards last year, and Woodall signed with the school last spring and will be entering freshmen seasons.

JACKSONVILLE STATE: Alan Bonner (Jr., WR, Newnan), Thomas Darrah (SR., QB, Newnan), Will Koran (Jr, LB, Newnan): Bonner has turned into the one of the Gamecocks’ top wide receivers.

Saw action in 12 games in 2010, catching 17 passes, including five for touchdowns. He had a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against LaGrange. Darrah, who started his career for Nick Saban at Alabama, spent last season as a backup for the Gamecocks. He threw his only touchdown pass of the season in a contest against Austin Peay. Koran has reunited with Darrah and Bonner after starting his career at Georgia Southern.

LAGRANGE—Jonathan Rice (Fr, Northgate), Adam Rayburn, Ryan Rayburn (Northgate) John Veal (Fr.,Heritage) and Bremt Veal (Heritage School) are all on the Panthers 2011 roster this year.

LENOIR-RHYNE: Jake Copeland (So., DB, Northgate): Began his college career as a quarterback, but has moved over to the other side of the ball where he now

plays in the defensive backfield.

MIDWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY (Tim McGill SR., DL, East Coweta): Tim McGill has found a home on the defensive line at Midwestern State University. The former East Coweta Indian began his college football life on the other side of the ball where he was a bruising fullback before making the switch over to defense. Last year, he had 22 tackles in 11 games, including two starts.

SAVANNAH STATE: Dustin Russell (LB, Jr. Newnan), Jovante “J.J.” Miller (WR, So. East Coweta): Russell saw limited action last year, recording one tackle against Georgia Southern.

Miller was signed by Savannah State to play defensive back but has been moved to wide receiver.

SHORTER: Austin Ingram (DB, Fr., East Coweta), Spencer Smith (DB, So., East Coweta), Keandreas Wynn (Fr., FB, Newnan): The Hawks' program continues to be a haven for former Coweta high school talent, with Charleston Southern transfer Spencer Smith joining former teammate Austin Ingram and Newnan High's Keandreas Wynn on the Shorter roster. Ingram and Wynn were both

part of Shorter’s 2010 signing class last February.

STONEHILL (Mass.) COLLEGE – Devin Johnson (Sr., Northgate) and Dorian Johnson (Sr., Northgate): The twins are preparing for their final season of college football.

TROY: Kyle Wilborn (JR., OL, Heritage School): Since beginning his college career, Wilborn has shown guys from smaller, lesser known programs can play with the big boys. The Political Science major played in all 13 games last year for the Trojans despite having a hurt shoulder.

TUSKEGEE: Cortez Glenn (Fr, Northgate): Ready to enter his first season of action of college football.

WEST GEORGIA: Adam Strakose (So., LB, Newnan), Zach Fore (R-Fr., LB, East Coweta), Spencer Whitehead (Fr. OL, Newnan): Strakhose earned the Wolves’ Outstanding Newcomer Award in 2010 after finishing with 19 tackles. Fore will enter the season as a redshirt freshman for head coach Daryl Dickey’s team, which plays in the Gulf South Conference. Whitehead signed with West Georgia in February.

ATLANTA — Paul Johnson believes he has something to prove. He’s hoping his Georgia Tech players feel the same way.

He’s entering his fourth season as Georgia Tech’s coach with a new quarterback and a new reason for motivation.

Johnson was accustomed to success, with seven straight seasons of eight or more wins before a 6-7 finish last year.

The losing record was painful enough.

Then this summer Georgia Tech was hit with NCAA penalties that included four years of probation and vacating the 2010 Atlantic Coast Conference championship.

The Yellow Jackets coach is hoping for a rebound, but he must replace B-back Anthony Allen and quarterback Joshua Nesbitt, the top two rushers in his spread option offense.

Tevin Washington is the favorite to take over at quarterback.

Georgia Tech lost five of their last six games last year, including their second straight loss to rival Georgia. It was Johnson’s first losing season since a 2-10 record in his 2002 debut at Navy.

“Last season didn’t end the way we’d like for it to,” he said. “We feel like we’ve got a thing or two to prove this year. Hopefully we’re ready to come out swinging.”

Johnson wants to restore the program’s pride. He also wants revenge.

“Revenge is a great motivator for those that care,” he said. “I hope you’ve got enough guys that care.”

A-back Roddy Jones says Johnson need not worry.

“Definitely. I think the whole team cares,” Jones said. “The whole team remembers the games we lost and how we lost and they’re excited this year to get back at those teams. I think Kansas is the first one on our schedule that we lost to. Guys know that and they’re excited about it.”

Redshirt freshman Synjyn Days and freshman Vad Lee are competing with Washington, a junior who started the final four games last season after Joshua Nesbitt suffered a broken arm.

Nesbitt, a powerful and productive runner, was the starter in each of Johnson’s first three seasons at Georgia Tech.

Days had a strong spring game. Lee earned early praise from Johnson in preseason practice.

The Yellow Jackets need steady play from their quarterback after fumbles — always a concern in the option attack — and poor passing hurt the team last season.

Georgia Tech’s 20 lost fumbles in 2010 tied for the nation’s lead. Nesbitt and Washington completed only 38.1 percent of their passes, easily the worst completion percentage of the 120 FBS teams.

“We’ve got to be better completing passes, and certainly part of it is throwing the ball,” Johnson said.

“I think the more you do the better you are at anything you do. We work on passing a lot in practice. It’s not like we don’t ever throw the ball.”

Washington completed 25 of 61 passes (41 percent) for 417 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He ran for 514 yards and four touchdowns.

Jones and Orwin Smith, the team’s leading returning rusher, lead a deep group of Abacks.

Johnson looks to his B-back, who lines up behind the quarterback like a fullback, to lead the rushing attack. Preston Lyons, a senior, and redshirt freshman Charles Perkins entered preseason practice as the top B-backs. Other candidates include David Sims, a converted quarterback, and Richard Watson.

Perkins could be the best candidate to emerge as Johnson’s next 1,000-yard rusher.

“They’ll probably all get a chance at some point,” Johnson said.

Improvement is expected in the second year of defensive coordinator Al Groh’s 3-4 scheme. There were problems last season, especially against the run, as Georgia Tech gave up 25.2 points per game, ninth in the ACC.

2C — The Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 24, 2011

●

Photo courtesy Scott Asano

THE 2011 HERITAGE SCHOOL HAWKS

yards from breaking his older brother’s career rushing record. ou might think a 26“He might get that the first year-old varsity head carry,” Prisant said. “I know it’s football coach would be only the sixth year of the proin over his head. Kevin gram, and not that many people Prisant disagrees. have carried the ball. But at the The fourth head coach in the rate he’s going, he’s going to be brief, six-year history of The tough to beat.”

Heritage School’s program may As much as winning in 2011 certainly be the youngest and may start with Rich, the junior least experienced of three who finished with over 2,000 predecessors with the Hawks, total yards in 2010 is really not who haven’t won more than six the answer to success this seagames in a season since their son, as stunning as it may first full schedule in 2006. sound.

But he’s arguably been “I don’t want to rely so much around the Georgia on Candler. We just got to have Independent Schools players who can’t just be satisAssociation longer than any of fied to be on the team,” he said. them.

“We have that core now of 13, Prisant played and later 14 guys who can come out and coached at Deerfield Windsor play. But you have to be deep in School in Albany. He got this league.” involved in Bulloch Academy’s With opponents undoubtedly program as an assistant while pinning a target on Hawks jerstudying at nearby Georgia sey No. 7, the first-year Southern and later became an Heritage coach understands the offensive coordinator at yet key is not only surrounding the another GISA program, All-State running back with talRandolph Southern. ent, but allowing teammates to What he lacks in experience excel by keeping things simple as a head coach, he certainly on both sides of the ball. makes up for in enthusiasm.

“We’re going to run the “When you first take it, you option, we’re going to run some think you can change the misdirection. And we’re going world. You think you can come to run some short passes, dink in and do this, this, this and and dunk down the field,” this,” Prisant said. “You can go Prisant said. “We’re going to through dry spells. But I think stay with our odd front on we have a good thing going defense.” with the middle school and the Offensively, quarterback Joe elementary program. We lose Bonner and wingback David four seniors this year, and out Bready may be highest on that of those, only one really had list. Bonner, at 5-8, 160 pounds, varsity experience. So I’m already has two years of experihappy about that. It’s a good ence as a starter behind center. situation to be in.”

As Heritage expects to add an Prisant replaces a legend in option game to last year’s wingDanny Cronic, whose teams T attack under Cronic, the junhadn’t posted a losing record in ior signal-caller has been urged his last 23 years as a varsity not to be so quick to let the ball head coach until Heritage’s 4-6 leave his hand. mark a year ago. During the off“He just needs to be a threat. season, Cronic couldn’t pass up I don’t need him to come out an opportunity to become a here and break the mid-line college head coach for the first veer for 85 yards,” said Prisant time while choosing to build a of Bonner. “Just eight yards.

Reinhardt program from the Just get there and go. He’s pretground up. ty good at his spot throws.

And while facilities, which We’re trying to get him so have included a new press box when (the play) breaks down, and scoreboard in the past two he doesn’t always look to years, have been completed — Candler.” in other aspects, Heritage is As far as leadership, three still waiting to add the finishing years of growth has already touches on the field. paid huge dividends among a Heritage athletic teams conlineup that will only have four tinue to be successful in other seniors in 2011. varsity sports, including base“His leadership is unbelievball, soccer and cross-ountry able,” said Prisant of his quarrunning. But there hasn’t been terback. “Everybody knows a breakthrough victory in foot- that No. 7 for our team is going ball to date. This year’s schedto get the ball and be the focal ule again includes games point of the offense. But against traditional rivals Bonner can shake things off Arlington Christian and Flint and when he’s in the huddle River. Heritage has gone 0-6 and they’re all jibber-jabbering, against the two.

Add that to the Hawks’ game against GISA newcomer and crosstown foe Trinity Christian, a possible region rival heading into next year’s reclassification, on Sept. 2, and a victory against any of the three could go far at instilling confidence. There’s seven home games to work with, including the first five of the 2011 season.

“We need to win those games early,” Prisant said. “I still think we’re a playoff-caliber team.”

Hawks teams have had their share of star players. Kyle Wilborn is now a starting junior offensive lineman at Troy.

Three years ago, Christopher Rich helped catapult the Hawks to their first-ever playoff berth while setting school records for rushing.

Younger brother Candler, however, might be the best athlete yet to grace a Heritage white, red and blue uniform.

The junior wingback stands 43

he just takes control.”

Bready, a converted tight end, is athletic enough to be converted into a runner, having excelled on the track last spring. Getting the talented sophomore “out of video game mode” is currently the biggest challenge.

“He’s never run the ball.

Instead of going to the hole and bouncing, he was trying to get to the sidelines and outrun everybody,” said Prisant. “But his vision is getting a lot better.”

Sophomore Dalton Trammell (5-8, 180), meanwhile, is expected to be this year’s starter at fullback, while recent position swaps on the offensive line could be beneficial to all four ball carriers.

Senior Richard Ebersbach (59, 190), who suffered a torn ACL during last year’s season opener, has been moved from center to tackle, as much a sign of confidence in backup Elliot Smith’s play during his absence.

“We didn’t do that because anybody was playing bad,” said Prisant. “We wanted to get some extra speed in our traps and be able to move a little bit.

Grayson Parker is capable of playing the other tackle spot while he’s also now at 100-percent following an injuryplagued season in 2010. One of the Hawks biggest lineman, he’ll be counted on the defensive line, with the Hawks staff looking to find teammates who can spell the junior on offense.

The same scenario is in play for offensive guards Tyler Nix (5-10, 180) and Ben Dudley.

Both will start at middle linebacker. Dudley is also the team’s kicker and punter.

Freshman Trevor Henson, “who knows the offense as well as anybody,” has a chance to be a key backup. Senior Jake Gess and junior Luke Crook are newcomers who hope to add depth at tackle. Sophomore Braeden Vandersluis and sophomores Daniel Kaas-Neal and Caleb Woodruff have potential.

“Once again, it’s about trying to get them rest,” Prisant said of his starting guards, Nix and Dudley. “They’re in the middle of the field on both sides.”

Sophomore Tyler Henson (62, 180) and junior Garrett Jones (6-4) are big targets at tight end at wide receiver, and the Hawks staff is adamant about finding ways to get both athletes the ball more this fall.

Junior transfer Chris Moore could also get playing time there, especially after the team

Head coach Kevin Prisant enters his first year as Heritage School head coach and will have junior AllState running back Candler Rich by his side. We tried to show a little bit of the competitive rivalry that begins this year when Heritage plays crosstown Trinity Christian and former assistant coach Chris Hanson for the first time.

lost backup tight end Jack Cranford to a shoulder injury in camp.

Freshman quarterback Brad Macke, who helped lead last year’s middle school team to a Metro Atlanta Conference title, will also find his way into the game as a receiver or even a wingback, while Nash Woodlief backs up Trammell at fullback.

Defensively, most offensive starters will turn around to play on the other side of the ball.

Up front, Moore will play nose tackle on a five-man front with Tyler Bean and Ebersbach at the tackles. The ends will consist of Tyler Henson and Trammell. Woodlief could fill in at an end or outside linebacker spot.

In the defensive backfield, senior Ryan Lynch and Bonner are expected to start at cornerback, with Macke able to step in. Rich turns around to play safety. Will Duke also returns from an extended illness this summer and could add help.

While the Hawks remain an

undersized team, even for a GISA Class AA school, Prisant says he feels comfortable putting in some of his more knowledgeable backups like lineman Trevor Sawyers, even though, on paper, they might be mismatched.

“He might be the most football savvy player we have,” said Prisant. “He’s not as big as a minute. But if you tell him to do something, he’ll do it. I bet he’ll lead us in special teams tackles this year.”

In the end, making the playoffs in a competitive Region 2AA schedule will ultimately mean getting as much out of players like Sawyers as it does standouts like Rich.

“We’re looking for those guys that when we’re looking for a breather, we can put in and not miss a beat,” Prisant said. “I still feel like we can be competitive. In our region, there’s six teams that could fall anywhere from two to six. We just got to have players who can’t just be satisfied to be on the team.

Building a program, you’re trying to instill those things.”

No. Name Pos. Yr. 1 Chaz Bankston WR/DB Fr. 4 Will Duke RB/DB Jr. 5 William Green WR/DB Sr. 7 Candler Rich RB/DB Jr. 8 Tyler Henson OL/LB So. 10 Brad Macke QB/DB Fr. 11 David Bready RB/DB So. 15 Elliott Smith OL/LB Jr. 17 Joe Bonner QB/DB Jr. 21 Ryan Lynch WR/DB Sr. 23 Nash Woodlief RB/LB Sr. 27 Trevor Sawyers OL/DB So. 32 Dalton Trammell RB/LB So. 33 Phillip Griffies OL/DL Fr. 35 Chris Moore TE/WR Jr. 44 Trevor Henson OL/DL Fr. 47 Ben Dudley OL/LB Jr. 50 Tyler Nix OL/LB Jr. 52 Daniel Kaas-Neal OL/DL So. 54 Caleb Woodruff OL/DL So. 55 Luke Crook OL/DL Jr. 56 Richard Ebersbach OL/DL Jr. 63 Tyler Bean OL/DL Jr. 65 Grayson Parker OL/DL Jr. 74 Thomas Gruber OL/DL Fr. 75 Jake Gess OL/DL Sr. 77 Braeden Vandersluis OL/DL So. 81 Garrett Jones WR/DB Jr. 87 Jack Cranford WR/LB So. Head Coach: Kevin Prisant Assistants: Derrick Clay (Defensive coordinator); Drew Henderson (line), Murray Parks, Bart Henson, Dean Henson.

2011 Schedule All games 7:30 p.m., unless noted

Friday Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4

Dawson Street Trinity Christian Mount Vernon Central Fellowship Valwood At Flint River Skip Stone Academy At Southwest Ga. Academy Brookwood School At Arlington Christian

2010 Results Dawson Street W 42-0 At Holy Spirit W 54-12 At Mount Vernon L 35-28 Central Fellowship W 21-18 At Valwood L 49-34 Flint River L 38-14 At Harvester W 54-7 Southwest Georgia L 32-25 At Brookwood L 26-20 Arlington Christian L 63-35

THE HERITAGE SCHOOL imagine the possibilities

Just as students are encouraged to challenge themselves academically, they are also given the opportunity to reach their highest potential in athletics. In the 14-sport athletic program, any student who wants to participate in competitive sports may do so, and his or her skills are strengthened in the process. The Heritage School offers three competitive football programs, at the Lower School, Middle School, and Varsity levels.

Come see what we’re about VARSITY FOOTBALL 2011 Date

Time

August 26 September 2 September 9 September 16 September 23 September 30 October 7 October 14 October 21 October 28 November 4 November 11

7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm 7:30 pm

Opponent

Dawson Street Academy Trinity Christian Mt. Vernon Central Fellowship Valwood Flint River OFF Academy 7:30 pm Skipstone Harvester Christian - Homecoming 7:30 pm SWGA 7:30 pm Brookwood - Senior Night 7:30 pm Arlington Christian 7:30 pm Playoffs

Location

Home Home Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away TBA

The Heritage School is an independent, college preparatory school serving students ages 3 through twelfth grade. We are dually accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).

2093 Highway 29 North Newnan, Georgia 30263 770.253.9898 www.heritagehawks.org

Wednesday, August 24, 2011 — The Times-Herald — 3C

THE 2011 ARLINGTON CHRISTIAN EAGLES

obert Edwards was never an athlete who needed to be shown the exact path where to run on the football field. That just came naturally as a standout both at Georgia and eventually in the NFL. But after going through his share of twists and turns as a first-time coach in 2010, Edwards has finally been able to rely more on his instincts while stepping into year two as head coach of Arlington Christian’s program.

The Eagles come off the program’s third consecutive state playoff season, having qualified for the postseason in all but its first year of play in 2007. Steady progress in 2010 came in the form of — what else? — a high powered Arlington offense that scored 40 or more points in all but one of its seven victories.

An even better sign of things to come, though, was having most of that unit returning from a year ago, including Arlington’s entire offensive line.

walk on at Georgia Southern. Over the summer, however, Arlington welcomed several new faces to the lineup as weapons to go with returning senior quarterback Will Watson. Newnan student Ben Copeland, a junior, is among them in the backfield.

“I am counting on the seniors to lead us this year,” said Edwards, whose team blanked Griffin Christian 19-0 in its preseason scrimmage.

Watson will again have three talented linemen centering the offensive front.

Junior Greg Pulliam (5-10, 190) is an allaround talent at center and linebacker. He even managed to get in reps at quarterback over the summer.

Senior Michael Brock, at 6-3, 240 pounds also started last year, with another upperclassman, Dani Mambobo (6-1, 240), returning at guard. Junior Darius McNear has grown tremendously both in size and skill and the 6-6, 225 lineman was running pass routes at Heritage this summer with precision.

McNear will be as much a force on the defensive line. Seniors Chandler Worthen and Evan Dudley hope to add depth up front to allow a rotation on both sides of the ball.

Transfer Lonnie Perryman arrives from Langston-Hughes as one of the new faces, and the 5-10, 220-pound junior will play fullback and linebacker. Juniors Antonio Williams and Ashton Norwood are the two other new faces in the backfield to go with returning scat-back Shaw Powell (5-6, 150).

Senior Kalon Baker expects to be one of the team’s deep threats again at wide receiver.

Photo by Bob Fraley

Arlington Christian returns most of its skill position players this season.

“We only lose four seniors, so I’m thinking we should be in better shape on the offensive side than we were last year,” Edwards said during a preseason 7-on-7 camp at The Heritage School. “Really, we’re looking for good things both this year and next year.”

First things, first. Edwards probably won’t need to skip ahead too far when anticipating big things for his team. It’s meant replacing some key players including running back Charod Strickland, who will

JOIN

2011 Arlington Christian Eagles No. Name Pos. Ht/Wt Yr. 1 Lonnie Perryman LB/FB 5-10, 220 Jr. 2 Demetrius Monday DB/WR 6-0, 185 Jr. 4 Kalon Baker DB/WR 6-0, 170 Sr. 5 Antonio Williams RB/DB 5-10, 180 Jr. 7 Jack Berry P 5-11, 185 Sr. 8 Will Watson QB 6-0, 170 Sr. 9 Dani Mambobo OL/DL 6-1, 210 Sr. 10 Jabari Pompey WR/DB 5-9, 155 Sr. 11 Jeremiah Guilford-Mann QB 5-10, 165 Fr. 12 Shaw Powell WR/RB/DB 5-6, 150 Jr. 15 Greg Pulliam OL/LB/QB 5-10, 160 Jr. 16 Ben Copeland RB/SS 5-10, 160 Jr. 20 Ashton Norwood FB/LB 5-10, 195 Jr. 22 Chris Brownlee TE/DB 5-11, 180 So. 32 Brigh Wiggins OL/DL 6-2, 175 Jr. 45 Nolan Huber TE/DL/OL 6-0, 215 Sr. 52 Michael Brock OL/DL 6-3, 240 Sr. 56 Austin Weiss OL/DL 5-7, 185 Jr. 58 Chandler Worthen OL/DL 5-10, 190 Sr. 62 Evan Dudley OL/DL 6-2, 190 Sr. 64 Joseph Biggers OL/DL 5-6, 240 Fr. 70 David Kissinger OL/DL 6-6, 225 Sr. 74 Darius McNear OL/DL 6-6, 225 Jr. 82 Swade Hutchinson WR/DB 6-1, 170 Jr. Head Coach: Robert Edwards (2nd season, 7-4 overall) Asssistants: Demetrius Douglas, Demetro Stephens, Lance Pepin, Rod Perrymond

2010 RESULTS

2011 SCHEDULE

Friday Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Oct. 7 Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4

At Mount Venon Dawson Street Holy Spirit Prep At Windsor Academy Brookwood School At Southwest Georgia Flint River Academy Valwood School At Harvester Christian At Heritage School At Edmund Burke Aca.

Mount Vernon At Dawson Street At Trinity Christian Windsor Academy At Brookwood School Southwest Georgia At Flint River Academy At Valwood Crown Academy Heritage School

L 27-14 W 46-14 W 41-14 W 40-21 W 47-17 L 26-18 W 21-14 L 23-22 W 67-21 W 63-35 L 35-16

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Pictures courtesy of the Newnan Times Herald.

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4C — The Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 24, 2011

●

hris Hanson’s left leg still has plenty of life in it. Give him some open space and a football and the one-time Pro Bowl punter could easily show you why he still is capable of performing in the NFL. But as so many veteran players come to learn, leaving the game doesn’t always come on one’s own terms.

Instead, another unique opportunity awaited the 34year-old Coweta County native, one he never quite expected.

As a first-time varsity head football coach at Trinity Christian, teaching the game has been just as rewarding as playing it professionally in what is as much a debut in 2011 for the Lions’ young program.

Trinity officially completed the jump from 8-man football to play in the Georgia Independent Schools Association with last Friday’s season opener against Flint River.

“In my heart, I know I can still play at the highest level,” Hanson said prior to last week’s season opener. “But I also know God has a plan for all of us. And I think right now it’s to be here, with my family, coaching these kids. And I’m enjoying every minute of it so far.”

What first led to a part-time position under his former high school coach Danny Cronic at The Heritage School blossomed into a passion that kept him close to the game and, more importantly, to young athletes in the same position he was in the mid 1990s.

“Because I had been around so many different coaches. I've seen how they've affected men's lives,” he said, upon taking the new job. “It's all about creating relationships."

After finishing the year with Heritage under Cronic, Hanson saw an opening at cross-town Trinity when his former coach grabbed a unique opportunity to start a college football program at Reinhardt.

In Hanson’s mind, it was just another part of a divine plan.

“I never set out to become a coach. This was just something that kept me busy while I was waiting for another opportunity,” he said. “But it’s turned out to be a whole lot more. To be able to work with these kids and be at home with my family, it truly has been a blessing.”

Coming off a perfect 13-0 season and a state title in the Independent Christian Schools

THE 2011 TRINITY CHRISTIAN LIONS

First year Trinity Christian head coach Chris Hanson takes over a brand new GISA football program as the Lions move from their dominance among 8-man football.

2011 Schedule Aug. 19 Flint River L28-6 Sept. 2 At Heritage School Sept. 9 Arlington Christian Sept. 16 At Mount de Sales* Sept. 23 Stratford Academy* Sept. 30 Tattnall Square* Oct. 14 John Milledge Academy* Oct. 21 Griffin Christian* Oct. 28 Mount Vernon Presbyterian* *Region 2-AAA game of Georgia and Alabama, Trinity high school principal Matt Schock, the Lions’ head coach the past two seasons, feels he’s left the program in good hands.

“When we hired [defensive coordinator] J.P. [Weaver], I knew we were set with our staff,” Schock said.

A proud new father of a baby girl this month, Schock was all smiles watching the team from beyond the sidelines during both its preseason scrimmage and Friday’s season opener at home.

The earliest results, so far, have resulted in disappointment. It was enough to provide what at least one assistant agreed was a “wake-up call” to the Lions following last Friday’s 28-6 humbling loss to a well-established GISA program in Flint River Academy.

The promising news is that most of Schock’s staff from last

year’s perfect season are back to join Hanson and Weaver, who worked together under Cronic last year at The Heritage School. Offensive coordinator Tony Clark and assistants Ryan McCoy, Mike Stearley, Mark Bryan and Steve Irwin have helped provide a smooth transition.

The lineup, meanwhile, is as much a similar mix of new faces and top returners from last season’s ICSGA state champions.

Several new faces, led by sophomore quarterback Daniel Shoates and receiver Jonathan Bonner, add to Trinity’s potential explosiveness on offense with returning sophomore running back Donterrious Snelling.

But, for now, the growing pains have yielded two offensive touchdowns in eight quarters of play, both coming in the team’s preseason scrimmage.

Hanson has been relentless in preaching team play during his first seven months on the job. His philosophy has been unyielding, enough so that he has shied from — as politely and genuinely as possible, mind you — addressing the achievements of individual players for now.

It may be as much a product of his former coaches’ influence at both the pro and high school levels.

Most of the time when seeing a “reporter” now on campus, Hanson smiles and repeats eight words that have made up most of his “Coachspeak” this preseason.

“We’re working hard, just trying to get better,” he said.

Last Friday’s loss may not have been as much a step back, but a step into reality for Lions players. Most are playing at least two and as many as five positions, many unselfishly.

Senior Adam Downs, last year’s starting quarterback, heads that list. After helping lead Trinity to a state title, the staff felt he could be a bigger asset at tight end and on the defensive line, which was arguably the best unit on the field for Trinity’s first two games.

Downs caught a 5-yard pass on the team’s first play of the season.

“It just goes to show you what kind of player he is,” said Weaver. “We need him there. I feel like we did some great

things [in the scrimmage].

Which is why it leads me to believe we’re going to get there soon.”

Shoates, who arrives from Sandy Creek’s back-to-back state championship program as a transfer, showcased his potential in the preseason scrimmage, enough to supplant Downs as the team’s starter.

Snelling joins sophomore Auggie Pettit and junior Landon Comeans as the team’s leading rushers heading into the season. Snelling was the team’s offensive sparkplug throughout last season and continues to quickly emerge as both a top threat as a runner and receiver out of the backfield.

“He can be a leader through what he does on the field on offense and defense,” Weaver said of Snelling. “He’s the type of player you want to try and lead your program.”

Pettit had the most success last week, making up most of his 70-plus rushing yards on Trinity’s final possession.

Newcomer Jonathan Bonner, a junior, adds another immediate weapon, filling a big hole left by last year’s top receiver, John Hogan. Bonner showed his potential by scoring

See TRINITY, page 5C

1 Donterrious Snelling RB/DB So. 2 Christian Stearley FB/DE So. 4 Connor Adams RB/LB Jr. 5 Adam Downs QB/DE/S/K/P Sr. 6 Jacob Pape T/DE/LB Jr. 7 Devin Colburn RB/DB Fr. 8 Daniel Shoates QB/S So. 9 Quantez Mott G/FB/LB/DE Jr. 10 Christian Downs WR/S Fr. 11 Jonathan Bonner WR/S/DB Jr. 12 Joe Hogan WR/DE So. 22 Caleb Hess RB/CB Fr. 23 David Ito RB/CB Fr. 24 Cody Houser WR/CB/S/K/P Jr. 28 Gavin Smith RB/LB Fr. 35 Luke Murray G/T/DE Jr. 38 Auggie Pettit FB/LB So. 42 Landon Comeans RB/LB Jr. 43 Rodney Neely Jr. FB/LB/DE So. 44 Aaron Johnson WR/S Jr. 45 Robby Blanchard G/LB/DE Fr. 51 Logan Maloy G/T/DE/DT Jr. 55 Aaron Anderson G/LB/DT Sr. 56 Mark Collier G/LB Jr. 60 Cole Barnes C/DT Jr. 68 Byron Gilliam G/DL Jr. 75 Christian Salvenera C/DL So. 76 Brandon Ganey T/DL Jr. 77 Michael Henderson T/DL Jr. 78 Josh White G/DL Sr. Head Coach: Chris Hanson (1st year) Assistants: Tony Clark (Offensive Coordinator), J.P. Weaver (Defensive Coordinator), Ryan McCoy (Line Coach), Mike Stearley, Mark Bryan, Steve Irwin, Jared Bidne (Strength and Conditioning).

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011 — The Times-Herald — 5C

2011 SCHEDULE Community Christian* At North Georgia Christian* At Praise Academy* Harvester Christian At Ga.-Ala. Christian School Grace Baptist Colonial Christian At Faith Christian Academy* Oct. 28 Ballard (Ala.) Christian * ISCGA North Region game Friday Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 14

t doesn’t matter what league of high school football you’re a fan of.

If you’re a head coach, the challenges that come with creating chemistry from a new group of faces each year are always daunting.

Rare, if ever, do coaches maintain the same faces in uniform collectively on a seasonby-season basis. Finding eight players in a game that usually requires 11 doesn’t seem like much of a chore to an outsider.

Yet depth remains an asset on any of the three high school football fields in Sharpsburg these days, whether you’re at the big school on Highway 154, are with the folks who used to rule the 8-man league of the Independent Christian Schools of Georgia and Alabama, or at Heritage Christian — which is beginning to take the same road toward bigger successes a few miles away.

After several years of a crosstown 8-man rivalry in the ISCGA, the Crusaders are on their own locally in the ICSGA’s 8-man league, with Trinity Christian having made the jump to 11-man football in the GISA. Just as Trinity’s numbers and success grew into an ICSGA state title last season, Heritage Christian has quietly made major steps of its own after making the league playoffs in 2010.

A look between last year’s lineup and the Crusaders’ lineup for 2011 and a majority of names remain, the team having lost just two seniors to graduation.

More importantly, though, for second year head coach Al Williams — a staff member for most of the program’s short

existence — he is beginning to see the heights and weights of returning players spike in size, in addition to growth in numbers.

A solid summer in the weight room may do wonders for a Heritage Christian program that was peaking at year’s end, enough to get into the ICSGA playoffs and make some noise in a first-round state playoff game that went to halftime tied.

“We’ve got a lot more two hundred-pounders this year, which is good,” Williams said.

“It’s always a challenge. You’re always going to have five or six different kids than last year.

Most of our guys are going to have to play both ways.”

There’s been more additions than subtractions, though, for 2011. In addition to a roster of 21 players, five more than last year, Williams added the help of science teacher Rob Caney, who played football at New Mexico State, to go along with returning offensive and defensive coordinators Kelsey Holt and Paul Frantz.

“We really ended on a good note last year,” Williams said.

“We made it into the playoffs.

Our coaches are all back and we only lost two seniors from last year’s team.”

Of this year’s upperclassmen, starting running back and linebacker Noah Parkerson (6-3, 235) brings plenty of potential to lead the Crusaders both on and off the field. The bruising runner and tackler has bulked up 20 extra pounds from where he was a year ago and will be the centerpiece of the defensive unit.

The program went from having just three players over 200 pounds last year to at least 10

heading into Friday’s season opener at home against Community Christian. Williams attributed the offseason, which included workouts at Sonrise Baptist Church’s weight facility, among the reasons for the improvement.

On offense, junior quarterback Dutch Williams (5-10, 150) came along nicely in his first year as a starter in 2010, with Holt able to open the playbook more as the season progressed.

“We’ve gone to more of a triple-option the last couple of years,” said Williams of Holt’s background as a former player at Union College in Kentucky.

“But we’re starting to expand on it more and more and do some different things with our receivers. [Dutch] is starting to grasp more and more.”

With the ICSGA 8-man league looking much the same in the North Region minus the departure of Trinity, opponents will most likely be centering their focus on Parkerson and Williams, both of whom expect to be leading the way in the huddles.

“Noah’s kind of my captain on defense and Dutch is my captain on offense,” Williams said.

Austin Reaves, a junior basketball and baseball player, moves from guard to end with hopes of using his 6-2, 180pound frame as a top target.

Also in the backfield will be sophomore fullback J.D. Farlow (6-1, 205), junior Darius Ervin (5-10, 210) and senior Paul Frantz (5-10, 185), who is a top returner at defensive end.

Heritage Christian has had a few injuries in the preseason, including a deep bone bruise to

Ne w f aces on offensi ve line this y ear TRINITY Continued from page C4 Trinity’s only touchdown last week on a highlight-reel worthy kickoff return.

The Lions’ biggest losses on offense came on the offensive line, losing five seniors to graduation. Most of the early play from the incoming group has been hit and miss so far, with senior Aaron Anderson and sophomore Christian Salvenera among just a few returners that got playing time last year.

Trinity also took an early hit at the position due to senior Mark Collier’s ankle injury. The senior guard expects to be out at least a month.

The potential for a cohesive unit is already in place, however. Junior Cole Barnes has stepped into the center position and newcomers Brandon Photo by Bob Fraley Ganey and Michael “Big Mike” Trinity senior Adam Downs’ selfless play as a starting defensive Henderson are two sizeable lineman expects to pay dividends this year. Downs goes from quarterback to playing both on defense and as a receiver. assets at the tackle spots.

Senior Aaron Anderson, Salvenera and defensive standout Byron Gilliam are among those working at the guards.

Gilliam and Downs are staples on the defensive front, which goes from a 3-man look in the ICSGA last year to a 4“Distinctively Christian...Distinctively Different” man front this year. Junior Quantez Mott has been at the other defensive end with Downs for the past two weeks, while Gilliam has started at defenisve tackle with Salvenera and Henderson rotating in.

The loss of Collier to injury moves Anderson into a starting role at middle linebacker.

Connor Adams is being groomed into a starting role with Comeans, Pettit and Gavin Smith at the position.

Bonner and Snelling man the safety postions while Joe Hogan, Cody Houser and David Ito have been rotating among Our way of educating the cornerback positions.

Houser, who won Trinity’s since 1965 first-ever Ironman competition in the preseason, may have made his head coach proud 3613 Hwy. 34 East Sharpsburg, GA 30277 with his prowess on punts last week. The junior fielded more Phone: 770-252-1234 / 770-252-9298 than one rolling snap and got www.heritagechristianschool.cc off high, clean kicks each time.

Heritage Christian School

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Heritage Christian head coach Al Williams and his staff have more size in the Crusader lineup in 2011.

newcomer Austin Stover, projected to contribute at running back and safety.

“We’ve got two or three guys right now that we probably won’t have until midseason,” he said.

Among a trio of Parkerson brothers, Christian, a sophomore, is back after starting at center. Guards Colt Crouch and Tyler Smith also played the position a year ago and are joined by senior Hunter Reaves (5-10, 215) and sophomore Jerald Dwveall.

Junior Gordon Smith joins Christian Parkerson, Franz, Ervin and sophomore Trevor Mann among defensive linemen with freshman Jesse Parkerson.

The linebackers could be the Crusaders’ strongest unit, led

by Noah Parkerson and Williams. Reeves, senior Westley Christian and sophomore Caleb Plowman are also playing the position, while eighth-grader Jared Farlow gets his first varsity action this year.

No. Name Pos. Ht/Wt. Yr. 10 Gordon Smith TE/DE 6-0, 165 Jr. 12 Caleb Plowman TE/LB 5-9, 150 So. 15 Jesse Parkerson C/DL 5-9, 200 Fr. 17 Paul Frantz RB/DE 5-10, 185 Sr. 18 Tyler Smith QB/G 6-3, 235 Jr. 20 Austin Stover RB/S 5-8, 165 Fr. 22 Westley Christian LB 5-8, 140 Sr. 27 Darius Ervin RB/DE 5-10, 210 Jr. 30 Dutch Williams QB/LB 5-10, 150 Jr. 42 Christian Parkerson C/DL 6-0, 205 So. 44 Noah Parkerson RB/LB 6-3, 235 Sr. 45 J.D. Farlow RB/LB 6-1, 205 So. 50 Austin Reaves TE/LB 6-2, 180 Jr. 55 Conner Haydon TE/G 6-1, 200 Fr. 60 Colt Crouch G/TE 5-9, 205 So. 66 Trevor Mann TE/DE 6-4, 190 So. 71 Jeremiah Winkley T 6-0, 160 So. 74 Hunter Reaves G 5-10, 215 Sr. 80 Jared Farlow LB 5-7, 135 8th 80 Jerald Dewveall G 6-1, 265 So. 82 William Christenson S 5-10, 160 Jr. Head coach: Al Williams (2nd year) Assistants: Paul Frantz (Defensive coordinator), Kelsey Holt (offensive coordinator), Rob Caney, Joey Farlow (Special Teams)

6C — The Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 24, 2011

(2010 record in parenthesis)

2010 Results Aquinas L 35-17 Athens Christian W 24-6 Riverside Military W 31-15 Our Lady of Mercy* L 42-35 Whitefield Academy* W 28-7 SW Atlanta Christian* W 54-26 At Eagle’s Landing Chr.* L 49-3 First Presbyterian* W 23-21 Strong Rock Chr.* W 40-0 Pace Academy^ L 31-21 *Region 5-A South game

Now Open

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No. Name 1 Donald Payne 2 Nolan Bryant 3 Cantrell Frazier 4 Darius Smith 5 Josh Nobles 6 Ben Baggett 7 Will Martin 8 Sterling Dixon 9 Caleb Greer 10 Garrison Adams 11 Reed Sewell 12 Evan Price 15 Reid Kemp 17 Cole Higbie 18 Aaron Burtz 20 Gerald Davis 22 Jeremiah Kirkland 25 Ben Patterson 28 Cole Anderson 32 Ethan Sewell 33 Will Yancey 34 James Roberson 43 Chase McFarlin 45 Jacob Cobb 47 William Higbie 48 CJ McWilliams 50 Deion Hill 51 Titus Creamer 52 Connor Swords 53 Brandon Larry 54 Drew Murrain 55 Brandon Hernandez 56 Jacob Weirs 60 Robert Blackadar 62 Josh Apter 64 Nolan Cartledge 70 Michael Johnson 74 Devon Pruitt 75 Jon Paul Reed 77 Austin Brooks 86 Joshua Vineyard 80 Sam Dobbs 81 Will Walters 91 Reed McGuire

Pos. DB/WR WR/LB DB/QB DB/RB WR/DB QB/DB QB/DB WR/DL DB/WR WR/DB OLB QB/LB QB/LB DB/WR DB/RB RB RB/DB DB FB/LB RB/DB DL/TE RB LB/FB OLB/ILB ILB/WR OLB DL/FB LB/OL OL/ILB OL/DL LB/OL DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL K WR/DB TE DL/TE

Yr. Sr. So. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. So. Fr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Fr. So. So. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Jr.

2011 Schedule Friday Aquinas Sept. 2 At Athens Christian Sept. 9 Riverside Military Sept. 16 At Our Lady of Mercy* Sept. 23 Whitefield Academy* Sept. 30 SW Atlanta Christian* Oct. 14 Eagle’s Landing Chr.* Oct. 21 At First Presbyterian* Oct. 28 At Strong Rock* Nov. 4 Region Play-in game *Region 5-A South game be the best cover corner we’ve ever had,” said Dallas.

Ben Patterson and Ethan Sewell both vie for the other corner spot.

At safety, Frazier can also start and the Landmark head coach is looking toward junior Cole Higby, a standout baseball player, to also emerge after sitting out last year’s football season.

Dallas feels with 16 returning starters, including nine on offense, last year’s near-misses will be valuable in motivating this year’s lineup.

“The kids understand that there’s a fine line between winning and losing. It’s a good thing for them to understand.

You have to play like you practice,” he said. “Friday night is no different than Monday to Thursday.”

DELICIOUS! DE ELICIOUS ELICIOUS S!

To be the best football team in Region 5-A these days is no easy task. A predominantly young Landmark Christian team found that out the hard way in 2010.

A fifth consecutive six-win season, be it with an influx of youth in one of Class A’s deepest divisions for talent, was “an inch away” from what head coach Kenny Dallas felt could have been a 9-1 mark and another potential state playoff berth.

But between the group of 13 senior players and another 10 that started as either freshmen or sophomores, Landmark’s lineup might be primed to make its deepest state playoff run since reaching the state quarterfinals during Dallas’ second season with the program in 2003.

“I’m excited about the quality of the group that we’ve got coming back,” said Dallas, who in 10 previous seasons at the Fairburn school has yet to have one of his teams finish with a record below .500. “We’ve got more depth than we’ve had in the last couple of years. In single A that’s not always the case. There are so many factors involved. You’re always wondering not just about the number of players but if you have enough depth to have backups.”

This year’s seniors, who were the first group to win Landmark’s current middle school league’s championship as eighth-graders, have also realized in order to be the boss of Region 5-A they have to be the BOSS. “One of our eighth-graders that year, Donald Payne, lost his father that year and it really brought that group together,” said Dallas, whose teams are 76-38 during his 10 years as head coach. “They put together a theme this year they call BOSS, which stands for ‘Brothers Obtaining Spiritual Strength.’”

In addition to returning upperclassmen, highlighted by the rise of Cantrell Frazier to the team’s projected starting quarterback, the War Eagles have added two new senior faces to the lineup. The hope is that a strong nucleus of leadership along with the returning crops of young starters will pay dividends in 2011 with a return to the state playoffs after a year’s absence.

Last year, 5-A schools dotted state rankings led by Eagle’s Landing Christian’s surge to a a region title with an unbeaten record before eventually falling in the state quarterfinals.

“At the end of the day, we look at Proverbs 27:17, ‘as iron sharpens iron,’” he said. “This region gives you a chance to find out who you really are.

We look at it as a challenge.”

Finishing third in 5-A’s South subdivision, the War Eagles sat at the doorstep for postseason play heading into its region play-in game against Pace Academy. Landmark took a 210 lead behind senior quarterback and Samford signee Carson Barnett at halftime before unraveling in the second half.

“We blew leads in a couple of big ballgames last year and I feel we were an inch away from having a 9-1 year with a very young team,” Dallas said.

“When you factor all the players that are coming back, it’s

an exciting time for us.

We had a pretty good offseason. We have some big losses, especially Carson, but we think there’s still a lot of potential at those positions.”

Frazier provides exciting possibilities after leading the team at receiver with junior Josh Nobles in 2010. While the 6-2 Barnett gave Landmark a pocket presence behind center last season, Frazier has completed a long road back from a “terrible” injury as an eighthgrader where he tore two major knee ligaments and suffered a broken patella.

“He pretty much missed his entire ninth and 10th grade seasons coming back from it, “ Dallas said. “Last year was really his first year of high school and he was All-State.

He’s just a very special athlete.”

Frazier will benefit from all five starters returning on the offensive line. They include massive junior Jon Paul Reed, at 6-5, 310 pounds, and guards Donald Payne (5-11, 180) and Ben Patterson (6-1, 190).

Another of those returners, junior Brooks Austin, hopes to fill a vacancy at nose guard defensively left by graduate Chris Johnson, now a freshman at West Georgia.

Sophomore Jeremiah Kirkland (5-01, 170), a former slot receiver, moves back into a role as starting tailback, with seniors Cole Anderson and James Roberson returning to share fullback duties while each is also scheduled to play linebacker.

Along with Nobles, who led the team in receptions, Landmark adds soccer standout Garrison Adams, one of a pair of new senior faces this season, at the receiver spot.

“He’s the type of player that can instantly help you as a senior,” Dallas said. “It’s rare to get someone like that who hasn’t been playing football.”

Defensively, junior Reed McGuire (6-4, 210) has size and skill that the coach expects will eventually attract Division I scouts before his varsity career ends. Senior Brandon Hernandez (5-10, 180) is “an outstanding defensive end,” said Dallas. “I’m looking forward to watching them play together.”

The returning linebackers on the inside include senior Chase McFarlin (5-10, 180) and William Higbie (6-1, 190), who led the War Eagles in tackles as a freshman. Senior C.J. McWilliams returns at outside backer and will be joined by former safety Reed Sewell (510, 170).

At cornerback, Payne returns for his senior season and third as a starter. “He may

1. Stephenson (9-2, 6-1) - Most balance, addition of T.J. Moon to Florida commitment Mike Davis gives Jaguars a lethal pair of rushers.

2. M.L. King (8-4, 6-1) - If defense doesn’t improve, could again falter at finish despite outstanding pass game.

3. Newnan (7-5, 5-2) - 8 game win streak over ECHS gives them slight edge right now after big two.

4. East Coweta (7-4, 4-3) - Will have another chance to break string of 7-4 seasons with 32 seniors.

5. Newton (6-4, 3-4) - Experienced defensive line should keep Rams dangerous 6. Luella (3-7, 1-6) – Will catch somebody napping this year with 10 returners on offense, tweaks in scheme.

7. Westlake (3-7, 2-5) - Should be much improved following lapses last fall 8. Langston Hughes (2-8, 1-6) - Playing lots of freshman in region dominated by seniors

included winning four-straight region titles until the streak ended last year.

(Number of first place To do so, they will have fill votes in parenthesis) some slots with some firstVotes based on 8 points for first place time starters. and 7 for second in decending order East Coweta has been to the playoffs 14 straight years, while M.L. King (6) 82 Newnan has been to the postStephenson (4) 79 season eight consecutive East Coweta 59 years.

The Indians 32 seniors on Newnan 55 this rosters, so that experience Newton 42 could carry them along way.

Luella (1) 34 Region 2-AAAAA has Westlake 27 turned into a hotbed for colChapel Hill 18 lege recruiting. Seven of the eight schools have players listed as college prospects, with winning in a tiebreaker.

Stephenson leading the way Although Newnan has the with many as 13 NCAA personnel to fight it out for a Division I prospects. region title, McDonald knows East Coweta and Newnan there is nothing guaranteed also have plenty of players when it comes to winning in Region 2-AAAAA. entered in the college football “It’s tough,” McDonald said. sweepstakes.

“There is no doubt about it.

The rest of the Everybody league spent a plays such lot of time “We’re pretty great defense looking up at good on paper. But in this M.L. King, I tell our guys all region.”

Stephenson, year, you can’t win Stephenson Newnan and games on paper.” leads the way East Coweta with seven during the SEC commit2010 season, ments, two but Wade players hoppredicts last ing to sign year’s bottom with ACC tier teamx will be better. schools and one with a Big “You are going to see a lot of East program. improvement,” he said. “There Those numbers should be are just good players and good enough to make Stephenson coaching.” not just one of the teams to Newton just missed out on beat in the region, but also one the playoffs, finishing one of the top teams in the state. game behind East Coweta in Still, Stephneson head the league standings with a 3-4 coach Ronald Gartrell knows record. The Rams did pull offl nothing in this league is guaran upset last season with a 35anteed.

“We’re pretty good on paper. 32 victory over Newnan, and But I tell our guys all year, you could be one of the teams to get an eye on. can’t win games on paper,” Westlake (2-5), Luella (1-6) Gartrell said. and Langston Hughes (1-6) finNewnan (7-5 overall ) and ished in the final three spots of East Coweta (7-4 overall), of the Region 2-AAAAA standcourse, have a rich football history on their side. ings and are expected finish The Cougars are trying near the bottom of the region recapture the recent glory that again.

REGION 2-AAAAA COACHES/MEDIA POLL

Luella football coach Nic Vasilchek might have said it best last year when he called Region 2-AAAAA the “SEC of Georgia High School football.”

Vasilchek was referring to just how tough the league has become with its collection of perennial playoff powers and Division I college prospects, including both Newnan and East Coweta.

“When you have to face teams like Stephenson, M.L. King, East Coweta and Newnan every week, you know you better be ready,” Vasilechek said.

All four of those teams made the playoffs last year and are again expected to contend for the postseason spots n 2011.

East Coweta coach Clint Wade also knows how tough it is to get ready for Region 2AAAAA action.

“Stephenson and M.L. King are the elite, and you have to throw Newnan in there,” Wade said. “Mike (McDonald) does a great job, and he’s got some great athletes over there.”

However the cream of the crop among Region 2-AAAAA foes belongs to two DeKalb County schools, Stephenson and M.L. King.

In a recent vote by Region 2AAAAA coaches and media, M.L. King and Stephenson were picked to finish in the top two spots in the league.

It could be continuation of what happened last season when those two teams fought it out for the region title.

M.L. King garnered six firstplace votes, while Stephenson had four first-place votes. East Coweta was picked third and Newnan fourth in this year’s coaches/media voting.

Both squads finished with a 6-1 league record a year ago, with M.L. King (8-4 overall) claiming the title with a 26-24 win over Stephenson (9-2) and

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011 — The Times-Herald — 7C

REGION 2-AAAA AT A GLANCE

Colors: Black, Green & Gold Head Coach: Willie Cannon (4-15, 3rd season) Starters Returning: Offense 9, Defense 7 Offensive Formation: Multiple Spread Defensive Formation: 4-3 2010 Record: 2-7, 1-6 in region (6th) Recent History: 2009 - 2-7 (played non-region schedule) Preseason Poll: (8th out of eight) Key Losses: WR Raymond Yarbrough, QB Blaize Schaeffer (6-2, 200) Key Returners: WR Terry Pettis (6-6, 220), Sr.; RB D.J. Payne (5-7, 143), Sr.; OL Todd Vaughn (6-2, 220) Sr.; QB James Boyd (6-1) So; QB Kenny Moxie, So. WR Joseph Kearse, WR Devaughn Morton (6-1, 180, So), OL Zentevia Delaney (6-1, 215); OL Quanderious Simon, Jr.; OL Trevor Arnold (6-1, 225) So.; OL Joshua Paige So. Strengths: Three sophomore linemen, part of a large class of 10th graders, are back after starting as ninth

Colors: Navy, White and Grey Head Coach: Nic Vasilchek (Second Year, 3-7 Overall) Starters Returning: Offense 10, Defense 6 Offensive Formation: Multi-Pro (Rebel Green coordinator) Defensive Formation: 3-3-5 (Jamond Sims coordinator) 2010 Record: 3-7, 1-6 region (6th) Recent History: 2009 – 4-6; 2008 – 7-4; 2007 – 5-5; 2006 - 4-6; 2005 – 2-8.

Preseason Poll: (6th out of eight) Key Losses: DL Marcus Dallas, K Grant Palmer, LB Chase Scott, RB Jarrell Sutton; LB J.T. Howard, OL A.J. Colstock; OL Tafarie Hodge; RETURNING SENIORS: (2010 STARTERS IN BOLD) QB: Kameron Hughes (6-3, 190) FB: Delano Brown WR: Reise McDaniel (5-10, 190), Jake Bartrum, Jalen McGlotten OL: Orlando Brown (6-0, 230 LG; 3 year starter), Daniel Chandler (LT), Jabari Wilder (5-11, 230, RG), Jacob Ramos (5-10, 190 RT), Dylan Thompkins (C) TE: Reece Powell DL: Jason Carr (6-3, 190), Delano Brown CB: Alvin Hill (5-10, 180), Garrett Toomer (5-10, 180) MLB Holden Keith (5-10, 180) Key Returners: QB Jared Hendricks (5-11, 180); RB/CB Gabe Smith (510, 190); CB Aaron Davis (6-3, 180) Jr; DE Tevin Jones (6-3, 240) Jr.; Newcomers: RB Laquez Freemon, Jr.; ILB Keegan Walker, Jr.; OLB Manny Lowery, Jr.; RB/FS Trey Brown, So.; LB Steve Osandu, So.; LB Ryan Callahan, So Strengths: Experienced offensive line among large group of returners on that side of the ball; Secondary should be centerpiece of defense.

Weaknesses: Depth at defensive line, linebacker; Overall size; Lack of a defining victory, winning season for young program.

Best Athlete: Hill. The Maryland commitment is coming off a year where he set a school record with six interceptions as an All-Region First Team selection.

Difference Maker: Luella added offensive line coach Lewis Kelly, who played six years in the NFL with the Vikings and Giants from 2000-06 before deciding to get into teaching.

He’ll coach the first all-senior unit Luella has had since Vasilchek came into the Lions young program in 2006.

“We think he’ll be a huge addition for

us,” he said.

Coach speak: “We felt like we played a lot of close games last year. We’re looking to take that next step.” – Head coach Nic Vasilchek.

2010 Results At Villa Rica L 41-8 At Jones County W 26-8 Vs. Eagle’s Landing W 36-6 At East Coweta L 21-6 Vs. Stephenson L 21-0 At M.L. King L 26-0 Vs. Newnan L 19-7 At Langston Hughes L 23-21 Vs. Westlake W 7-0 Vs. Newton L 28-20 2011 Schedule Home games in bold Aug. 19 Villa Rica Aug. 26 Jones County Sept. 2 At Eagle’s Landing Sept. 23 East Coweta Sept. 30 At Stephenson (Hallford) Oct. 7 M.L. King Oct. 14 At Newnan Oct. 21 Langston Hughes Oct. 28 At Westlake Nov. 4 At Newton (Sharp) Comments: Luella opened the season a week early last Friday, but again faces a three-week layoff next month.

Last year, it arguably hurt the Lions momentum. After a 2-1 start, Luella lost six of its last seven games, thre last four by 12 points or less.

OUTLOOK Vasilchek has a full staff, a large group of returners and a second summer in the weight room. It’s one reason why they garnered the only other firstplace vote in the Region 2-AAAAA preseason poll not given to M.L. King or Stephenson. Last year’s split-back veer made Luella one-dimensional and an easy target for opponents, so offensive coordinator Rebel Green expects to open the playbook more in 2011, though sticking to a two-back set.

“The option will still be a big part of what we do,” he said. “But we think we have the receivers to try and do some different things and throw the ball more.”

Regardless, after keeping things close in 2010, Luella could be the team most likely to play spoiler should the new-look offense catch up.

Colors: Maroon and Silver Head Coach: Michael Carson (Second year 8-4, Overall: 15-18, three seasons) Starters Returning: Offense 4, Defense 3 Offensive Formation: Multiple Spread (Kenton Evans coordinator [previously at Towers]) Defensive Formation: N/A 2010 Record: 8-4, 6-1 region (1st); Lost 48-47 to Colquitt in the second round of the Class AAAAA state playoffs.

Recent History: 2009: 10-2; 2008 — 8-3; 2007 — 12-1; 2006 — 10-2; 2005 — 9-3.

Preseason Poll: (1st out of eight) Key Losses: WR Demarco Robinson (Kentucky), FB/LB Kevin Byard (Middle Tennessee St.), Nick Wright (Georgia Southern), LB Patrick Callaway (Delaware) Returning Seniors: (2010 starters in bold) QB: Jonquil Dawson (6-0, 200; 3,612 yards passing, 41 TDs – DeKalb County records) WR: Blake Tibbs (6-1, 170, 1,053 yards receiving, 8 TD) OL: Joshua Outlaw (6-4, 270) DL: Ugo Obata (6-0, 250), Cameron Mobley (6-0, 260) CB: Alan Carson (5-9, 160) LB: Toronto Thomas (6-1, 200); Carlos Garrett (5-8, 180) Newcomers: RB Andreas Jackson (511, 200), WR Demarquis Polite, Jr (60, 170), WR Joshua Stanford Strengths: Offensive firepower starts with Dawson at QB. Team won six of its eight 7-on-7 passing tournaments this summer. Addition of transfer running back Andreas Jackson could add balance.

Weaknesses: Other than Thomas, Garrett and Alan Carson, eight starters will have to be replaced from a unit that gave up 24 points a game including the entire defensive front. No established kicker or punter in the event teams do find a way to stop the Lion offense. Offensive line needs rebuilt to protect Dawson.

Best athlete: Dawson. Not only did he set county records, but as a junior, the Lions quarterback connected on 62percent of his passes.

Difference maker: Jackson, who comes in from Southwest DeKalb, rushed for 560 yards and eight touchdowns on 8 yards a carry last year.

M.L. King did not have a rusher in the top-25 of its own county in 2010.

Coach speak: “We played in eight seven-on-seven tournaments and only lost two of those. If that’s an indicator of where we’ll be in September and November, that’s pretty much where we need to be.” – Head coach Michael Carson.

2010 Results At South Gwinnett L 44-41 At Collins Hill W 43-36 At Westlake W 42-28 Vs. Langston Hughes W 43-0 Vs. Valdosta L 43-28 Vs. Luella W 26-0 At Newton W 35-24 Vs. Newnan L 35-34 Vs. East Coweta W 30-23 At Stephenson W 26-24 State Playoffs Vs. Harrison W 25-17 Vs. Colquitt County L 48-47 2011 Schedule Home games in bold Sept. 1 South Gwinnett (Hallford) Sept. 9 Collins Hill (Hallford) Sept. 16 Westlake (Hallford) Sept. 23 At Langston Hughes Sept. 30 At Valdosta Oct. 7 At Luella Oct. 14 Newton (Panthersville) Oct. 21 At Newnan Oct. 28 At East Coweta Nov. 4 Stephenson (Hallford) Comment: Swapping last year’s schedule forces M.L. King to make a long trip to Valdosta in 2011, as well as consecutive trips to Coweta County in October. The final six games won’t leave much room for error.

OUTLOOK On paper, teams might expect much of the same from the Lions this year.

Opponents will have to find a way to outscore a lethal passing attack that added Jackson, a transfer from Southwest DeKalb in the offseason with hopes of strengthening the running game. The team has used as many as six receivers in offensive schemes.

But the team is under its second defensive coordinator in as many seasons after Gary Wansley was hired at nearby Clarkson. All but four games last year were decided by 10 points or less, including M.L. King’s final six game of the season and two by a missed extra-point. Finding a kicker could be the difference between a second straight Region 2-AAAAA title or regressing. Otherwise, it’s literally

hit or miss for the Lions.

Colors: Navy and Gold Head Coach: Mike McDonald (3rd season, 13-1; Overall 39-21, five seasons) Starters Returning: Offense 2, Defense 6 Offensive Formation: Multiple Spread (Coordinator: Kenny Morris) Defensive Formation: 3-5 (Co-coordinators: Jeff Bryant, LaVarrett Pearson) 2010 Record: 7-5, 5-2 region (3rd) Recent History: 2009: 13-1; 2008 – 13-1; 2007 – 11-2; 2006 – 7-4; 2005 – 4-7.

Preseason Poll (4th out of eight) Key losses: QB Lendell Arnold (LenoirRhyne) RB Christopher Robinson (Lenoir-Rhyne), LT Chris Beno (Shorter), OL Alex Farmer (Siena Heights), OL Ron Wroble (Samford) ,OL Spencer Whitehead (West Georgia), OL Ontarion Brewer, TE Hakeem Wynn ,WR Shaq Warner, DL O.D. Pittman, DL J.R. Cameron, LB Trevor Tanner, LB Denzel Smith, CB Rod Chaney; LB Alberry Melson (Virginia Union) Returning Seniors (2010 Starters in bold) QB: Nick Smith (6-2, 180) RB: Bryant Ball (6-0, 190), Maurice White (6-0, 220) WR: Jalen Bolton (5-10, 170, 216 rec); Cody Darracott (5-8, 170 243 yards rec.), Semaj Allen (6-1, 171) OL: Jamal Carlyle (6-2, 280); Brock Dorman (6-0, 220); G Brandon Meacham(5-10, 235); Aundre Morgan (6-0, 230), Mason Brantley (6-2, 233), Tyre Bridges; Kenny Johnson (6-0, 250) TE: Nick Cameron (6-0, 190) DL: DE Aundre Morgan (6-0, 230), NG James Primm (6-0, 230), DE Nick Wood (6-1, 210); DE Diamond Leslie; NG Durrell Johnson LB: Maurice White (6-0, 220), Denzel Cameron, Ball, Nick Cameron, Dorman CB: Antonio Benton (6-0, 170), Deion Poythress (5-9, 170) K/P: Patrick McAlpin (6-1, 180) KR: Darracott Key Returners: S Tray Matthews, Jr. Newcomers: RB J.K. Britt, Fr.; RB Quinton Dix, Jr., QB Bryant Bailey, Fr.; LB Tay Kemp, Jr., LB Reggie Hightower, Jr., OL Jay Russell, So., QB Diamond Jones, So., OL David Raschen Strengths: Defensive secondary, top receivers return; Large nucleus of seniors defensive line.

Weaknesses: Overall inexperience heading into season at key positions.

Entire O-line has to be rebuilt from scratch for second time in three years and may not have the overall size of 2010. New quarterback and young group of unproven backs on offense.

Depth needs restocked at linebacker with Ball, Nick Cameron playing both ways.

Best Athlete: Georgia head coach Mark Richt’s scholarship offer to Matthews may have only confirmed the junior’s abilities to step into big shoes left by former and future teammate Alec Ogletree at safety. He may be a step ahead of Ogletree’s pace at

this time of his career.

Difference maker: Smith. The next in a long line of promising Newnan quarterbacks, the senior finally gets his chance to show what he can do. His predecessor, Lendell Arnold, didn’t disappoint, never relinquishing the starting job in two seasons after being a late injury replacement a few days prior to the 2009 opener. Ironically that team resembles the 2011 edition in the number of talented, yet untested players moving into the Cougar lineup.

Coach Speak: “This is the most inexperience we’ve had in a long time. The region we were in before we could play a lot of guys. Last year it seemed like every game went into the fourth quarter. It was a dogfight.”

2010 Results Vs. LaGrange W 27-13 Vs. Peachtree Ridge L 27-17 At Woodstock L 28-16 Vs. Newton L 35-32, 2 OTs At Langston Hughes W 56-19 Vs. Westlake 50-22 At Luella W 19-7 At M.L. King W 35-34 OT Vs. Stephenson W 17-14 At East Coweta W 14-12 Class AAAAA State Playoffs At South Cobb W 31-7 At Lowndes L 38-14 2011 Schedule Home games in bold Thursday At LaGrange (Callaway) Sept. 9 At Peachtree Ridge Sept. 16 Woodstock Sept. 24 At Newton (Sharp) Sept. 30 Langston Hughes Oct. 7 At Westlake Oct. 14 Luella Oct. 21 M.L. King Oct. 28 At Stephenson (Hallford) Nov. 4 East Coweta Comments: The Cougars only played three opponents that didn’t either make the state playoffs or finished with a record above .500. With four road trips in the first six games of the season, the path to the state playoffs doesn’t get any easier. Should Newnan hurdle that obstacle, having two of its three toughest region games at home could be a definite advantage.

OUTLOOK Most of this group of seniors has been waiting anxiously for their turn, and the 2011 season will rest of whether they can immediately step into starting roles to fill the large void left by graduation. On paper, it may not look like much – an offense without a quarterback who threw a varsity pass and a top returning rusher who had 51 yards. But having dismantled a Griffin team that is in much the same mode during the preseason scrimmage, one has to think the Cougars are again reloading, and not rebuilding in 2011.

Colors: Navy and White Head Coach: Cortez Allen (2nd year, 64) Starters Returning: Offense 4, Defense 5 Offensive Formation: Multiple-Pro (Camille Grant coordinator) Defensive Formation: Multiple front (Spencer Fortson coordinator) 2010 Record: 6-4, 3-4 (5th in region) Recent History: 2009: 6-5; 2008 – 37; 2007 – 1-9; 2006 – 3-7; 2005 – 4-6 Preseason Poll (5th out of eight) Key Losses: QB Tyree Williams, WR Devon Mann (Morehouse), RB Akeem Hunt (Purdue), TE Cadarius Terrell, CB Bill Hicks, C Clay Johnson, RT Robert Roquemore (Memphis), LT Josh Williams, RB/LB D.J. Hill (Virginia), K Esteban Guitterez, LB Cornelius Hudson (Tusculum), S Chris Dickerson, FB Sammy Merchant (Chattahoochee Tech).

SENIOR RETURNERS: (2010 starters in bold) QB: Gmatreian Brown RB: Javonte Williams (5-9, 165) FB: BJ Reid OL: RT Tommy Parks (6-5, 290), T Chase Dial WR: Deshawn McKenzie DL: DE Damon Greshman; Jay Callaway, LB: Antonio Williams CB: Treshawn Curry, Nick Hardeman Key Returners: NT Treyvon Richardson Jr., DT Kingsley Ejike, Jr.; G Darren Garner Jr.; OL/DL Daniel Durden, So.; FB Joe Rocket, Jr.; RB Darius Dean, Jr.; P/K Zach Sullivan Newcomers: TE Dvon Ballard (6-6, 280), Jr; OL Corey Thomas (6-3, 280) So.; Darius Simmons (6-4, 175), Sr.; WR/RB Dale Warren Strengths: Offensive line. Defensive line remains one of best in region.

Weaknesses: First-year quarterback.

Core of receivers needs to be replaced.

Secondary also needs to be rebuilt.

Best Athlete: Dean. The junior was a member of Newton’s state championship 400 meter relay team and could give Newton the speed to replace former standout Akeem Hunt, who’s now at Purdue.

Difference maker: Brown. The senior quarterback was the biggest question mark for the Rams heading into last spring, having lost two-year starter Tyree Williams to graduation. So far, however, “he’s exceeded all our expec-

tations,” said offensive coordinator Camille Grant. “He makes us feel a whole lot better about where we’re headed.”

Coach Speak: “We’ve got a lot of new folks who just haven’t had that experience yet. This is by far one of the toughest regions in 5A. You have to come to play every Friday night.” – Head coach Cortez Allen.

2010 Results Vs. Shiloh W 24-6 At Eastside W 20-14 Vs. Northview W 37-7 At Newnan W 35-32 2OT Vs. East Coweta L 20-14 At Stephenson L 22-16 Vs. M.L. King L 34-24 At Westlake L 33-13 Vs. Langston Hughes W 42-6 At Luella W 28-20 2011 Schedule Home games in bold Aug. 26 At Shiloh Sept. 2 Eastside Sept. 16 At Northview Sept. 24 Newnan Sept. 30 At East Coweta Oct. 7 Stephenson Oct. 14 At M.L. King Oct. 22 Westlake Oct. 28 At Langston Hughes Nov. 4 Luella Comment: The region schedule against starts with a bang against all four of last year’s state playoff qualifiers. Last year’s six-point loss to East Coweta at home threw the Rams into a spiral.

Surviving that same four game stretch beginning at Newnan will be key to Newton’s playoff hopes.

OUTLOOK Newnan and Newton aren’t separated much in either alphabetical order or situations coming into 2011. The Rams have a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers. Success, though, will rely on creating chemistry between those two groups.

Colors: Royal Blue, Black and White Head Coach: Ron Gartrell (125-45, 15th season; Overall 161-94, 24 seasons) Starters Returning:Offense 7, Defense 8 Offensive Formation: Multiple-Wing Defensive Formation: Multiple (5 and 4 man front) (Donald Sellers coordinator) 2010 Record: 9-2, 6-1 region (2nd); Lost to Hillgrove in first round of state playoffs Recent History: 2009 – 11-1; 2008 – 9-2, 2007 – 8-3, 2006 – 10-3, 2005 – 12-2.

Preseason Poll (2nd out of eight) Key losses: QB Jordan Tolfer, WR Ceyron Willingham (Middle Tennessee State), LB Regis Ball (Memphis) DE Preston Smith, FB Jonathan Abrams, Jeremy Sheppard, G Jarrod Parks, CB Donald Sellers, CB David Stephenson (UConn), CB Jared Boyd, C Tyrik Cook, RB Willie Davis, LB Jordan Mincy, FS Jared Boyd (Duke), K/P Colin Anderson SENIOR RETURNERS (2010 starters in bold): QB Shawn Blalock (5-11, 180) RB: Michael Davis (6-0, 200 Florida commit) WR: DeMarcus Sweat (Kentucky commit) TE: Joshua Parris (Syracuse commit) OL: G Jafar Mann (6-4, 295; Florida commit); G Steve McKenzie (6-2, 300) T Nick Gibbons (6-5, 300; Memphis commit) T Carlos Hood (6-3, 270) DL: Jarontay Jones (Va. Tech commit); Mann LB: Raphael Kirby (Miami commit); Darreon Herrin (6-2, 210; Vanderbilt commit) DB: Shawn Blalock (6-0, 180; Kentucky commit); Kristoff Ricks (5-11, 175) S: Kyle Fleetwood (6-0, 200; South Carolina commit) Key Returners: SS Ali Groves (6-0, 180) Jr.; Newcomers: QB Justin Holman (6-2, 175) Jr., QB Shawn Blalock, Sr.. TE Parris, Sr.. RB T.J. Moon, Sr. (5-9, 210, Union Grove transfer), C Jordan Duhan Strengths: Running back, defensive line, offensive line Weaknesses: Unproven quarterback, new center, new kicker/punter.

Best Athlete: Davis, who rushed for 1,151 yards and 10 touchdowns last year at an impressive 9.1 average carry. “We feel like he’s one of the best running backs in the country,” said Gartrell.

Difference maker: TBD. Three players are currently competing for the starting quarterback job. It remains the biggest factor between Stephenson having another short playoff run and a potential first state title for the program.

Coach Speak “We’re pretty good on paper. But I tell our guys all year, you can’t win games on paper.” – Head coach Ron Gartrell.

2010 Results At Parkview W 21-14 2 OT Vs. Cedar Grove W 24-18 Vs. Tift County W 14-7 Vs. Westlake W 50-0 At Luella W 21-0 Vs. Newton W 22-16 At Langston Hughes W 52-13

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Head Coach: Clint Wade (Fourth season, 21-12) Starters Returning: Offense 6: Defense 5 Offensive Formation: Multiple-I Defensive Formation: 8-Man Front 2010 Record: 7-4, 4-3 region (4th), lost to McEachern 31-19 in first round of Class AAAAA state playoffs.

Recent History: 2009 – 7-4; 2008 7-4; 2007 – 10-2; 2006 – 6-5; 2005 – 6-5 Preseason Poll: (3rd out of eight) Key Losses: LB Angel Santiago (Times-Herald Defensive Player of the Year),QB Zack Hutcheson (Delta State), OL Nick Girard (All County), CB Jarin Fowler (All County), S Jared Fowler (All-County), DL Carlton Martin, DL Houston Mills, DL Denzel Simmons.; Judd Hunter (Geneva College), WR Eddie Morris (Eastern Kentucky) SENIOR RETURNERS: (2010 STARTERS IN BOLD) QB: Garrett Schrepfer(6-5, 230), Allen Maraman RB: Josh Penn FB: Carl Dann (5-10, 190), Willie Holloway (6-2, 240), Deryas Jones OL: Dwayne “D.J.” Mosely (6-0, 270), Jackson Harrison (5-11, 250), Rashard Stegall (5-11, 230), Mitchell McTier (5-11, 220), Sang Ko, Jordan Rivers (6-0, 171) TE: Cole Trolinger (6-4, 240) WR: Jamarcus Young (6-0, 170), Lajuwon Johnson Defense DL: Holloway, Terrence Farmer, Trolinger LB: Mario Clarke, Marcellus Parrott Rover: Terrance Bennett S: Michael Collins (6-2, 180), Jacquis Miller CB: David Singleton (5-11, 170) Key returners: RB/CB Dee Godfrey (58, 170) Jr., RB/WR Travis Taylor, Sr.; K/P Spencer Smith (6-1, 170), LB Edwin Rivera (5-9, 191) Jr.; LB JaMarcus Godfrey Newcomers: RB Michael Willis, Jr.; DL Billy Ray Brown, Sr., T Zach Harness, Jr., DE Clifton Strong (5-9, 228), Jr. Strengths: Large senior class should provide ample depth; Lots of competition at OL; Solid secondary.

Weaknesses: Team needs new faces to emerge at receiver, defensive line Best athlete: Holloway. Division I schools have shown tremendous interest in the senior, who had a bench press of 400 pounds and a top squat of 510 last spring. He was a state qualifier in the shot put as a junior.

Difference maker: Schrepfer. If the towering senior can play to his impressive frame, opposing defenses will have a tough time.

Coach Speak: “Thirty two seniors is the most I can remember since I’ve been here. I’m not used to this. The biggest thing is getting kids in the right spot.” – Head coach Clint Wade.

2010 Results At Chapel Hill W 31-21 Vs.Pebblebrook W 13-5 At Troup W 34-14 Vs. Luella W 21-6 At Newton W 20-14 Vs. Langston Hughes W 55-13 At Westlake W 35-14 Vs. Stephenson L 30-19 At M.L. King L 30-23 Vs. Newnan L 14-12 Class AAAAA State Playoffs At McEachern L 31-19 2011 Schedule Home games in bold Friday Chapel Hill Sept. 2 At Pebblebrook Sept. 16 Troup Sept. 23 At Luella Sept. 30 Newton Oct. 7 At Hughes Oct. 14 Westlake Oct. 21 At Stephenson (Hallford) Oct. 28 M.L. King Nov. 4 At Newnan Comment: Other than the gauntlet provided with the Region 2-AAAAA schedule, it’s promising. Two of the team’s non-region games are at home, with its longest trip coming in late October at Stephenson. The toughest three games are at the back end of the schedule.

OUTLOOK A group of 32 seniors is by far the most since Wade was promoted as head coach. If most can contribute, the Indians should stay in the playoff hunt in Region 2-AAAA. Don’t be surprised if East Coweta again jumps out to a 70 record. But getting a win over the big three (M.L. King, Stephenson and Newnan) is the breakthrough the program will need to avoid a possible fourth straight 7-4 season. Holloway and Trolinger were both named preseason All-State players by Georgia High School Football Magazine.

graders. Depth, speed among skill positions.

Weaknesses: Arguably the smallest team in region. Defense will start three to four freshmen. Young, unproven quarterbacks. Lots of improvements to make for an offense that averaged just 14.3 points and also gave up 40.6 per game.

Best Athlete: Pettis may be one of the top receivers in the region should his pair of sophomore quarterbacks be able to get him the ball.

Difference Maker: Payne. Though undersized, the hard-working running back is described by Langston Hughes coaches as “the heart and soul of our team.”

Coach Speak: “The defense is the youngest part of our team. We’ll be starting three or four freshmen. They’ll be a lot of open competition.” – Coach Smith.

2010 Results At Osborne W 27-24 At Campbell L 35-29 OT Vs. Columbia L 34-19 At M.L. King L 43-0 Vs. Newnan L 56-19 At East Coweta L 55-13 Vs. Stephenson L 52-13 Vs. Luella W 23-21 At Newton L 42-6 Vs. Westlake L 44-6 2011 Schedule Home games in bold Friday Osborne Sept. 2 Campbell Sept. 10 At Columbia (Hallford) Sept. 23 M.L. King Sept. 30 At Newnan Oct. 7 East Coweta (Homecoming) Oct. 14 At Stephenson (Hallford) Oct. 21 At Luella Oct. 28 Newton Nov. 4 At Westlake Comment: The Panthers have a chance to gain some early confidence in non-region games against Cobb rivals Osborne and Campbell in addition to a trip to Columbia, having scored at least 19 points in all three games last year. They’ll need it. They face all four of last year’s state qualifiers from Region 2-AAAAA in consecutive games including a homecoming matchup with East Coweta in Fairburn on Oct. 7.

OUTLOOK Like any new program, patience continues to be key, especially in a talented region. Without an overall advantage among depth or size, the Panthers will have to hope that they can use its speed to stay in ballgames.

Moxie and Boyd are competing for the starting job behind center. Both are unproven sophomores.

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At East Coweta W 30-19 At Newnan W 17-14 Vs. M.L. King L 26-24 State Playoffs At Hillgrove L 28-23 2011 Schedule Home games in bold Friday Parkview (Hallford) Sept. 2 At Cedar Grove (Hallford) Sept. 9 At Tift County Sept. 23 At Westlake Sept. 30 Luella Oct. 7 At Newton (Sharp) Oct. 14 Langston Hughes (Hallford) Oct. 21 East Coweta (Hallford) Oct. 28 Newnan (Hallford) Nov. 4 At M.L. King (Hallford) Comments: Other than ending with arguably its three toughest region games, the stars might be aligned for the Jaguars, who will only make one major road trip all season (Sept. 9 at Tift). They’ll be at home for five of the last six weeks including all three of their final regular season games.

OUTLOOK Stephenson continues to lead the region in most Division I prospects and in forcing the most bottles of antacid into opposing coaches’ stomachs.

Seven – yes SEVEN – players alone are already committed to SEC schools. Add that two a pair of ACC commitments and new tight end Joshua Parris (committed to Syracuse) and you have a future NFL team in waiting. Oh, and the Jaguars also welcomed former Union Grove star T.J. Moon, giving them two speedy tailbacks. Most of all, however, the Jaguars have worked at improving themselves mentally after having several internal issues during the 2010 sason.

Colors: Royal Blue, Silver and White Head Coach: Greg Minnis (3rd season, 16-15 overall) Career 34-20.

Starters Returning: Offense 8, Defense 7 Offensive Formation: Multiple-I, Spread Defensive Formation: 4-3 2010 Record: 3-7, 2-5 (sixth) Recent History: 2009: 2008 – 6-4, 2007 – 5-5; 2006 – 6-6; 2005 – 9-3 Preseason Poll: (7th out of eight) Key Losses: SS Ronnie Harris (6 Int in 2009), QB Quenton Rucker (6-2, 200), LB/TE Chris Tavarez (6-0, 190), DE Amir Mustufaa (6-2, 220) WR Matthew Thomas-Quick, LB Tyrell Peters (6-2, 195), SS Tahir Blount (5-10, 172), DE/DT Devaughn Morrow (5-10, 240), FB/DL Marcellus Colton (5-10, 225).

Senior Returners (2010 starters in bold) QB Javaree Williams (5-9, 170) RB Charles Purnell (5-9, 180) WR Carnell Boyd (6-0, 180); WR Khalil Stinson (6-2, 190); WR Devin Anderson (6-4, 180) OL LT Adrian Jacklyn (6-5, 230), C Brice Smith (6-2, 250); G Calvin Houston DL Adarian Dunmeyer (6-0, 270) LB Christian Hampton (6-2, 200) DB Chris Tavarez (5-11, 200) S Antonio Thomas (6-0, 180) Strengths: Lots of skill players returning; Three returners on O-line.

Weaknesses: Team lost a three players including All-Region center to Alpharetta. Overall size, depth up front.

Best Athlete: Boyd. A third year starter at receiver, the hope is that quarterback Javari Williams, can get him the ball.

Difference Maker: Williams.

Coach Speak: “I think it was a shell shock for our kids to see that level of competition. These seniors have taken responsibility.” – Coach Hill.

2010 Results Vs. Washington L 33-26 Vs. McNair W 22-12 At Colquitt Co. L 43-27 Vs. M.L. King L 42-28 At Stephenson L 50-0 At Newnan L 50-22 Vs. East Coweta L 35-14 Vs. Newnan W 33-13 At Luella L 7-0 At Langston Hughes W 44-7 2011 Schedule Home games in bold Friday At Washington (Grady) Sept. 3 At McNair (Panthersville) Sept. 9 At Colquitt County Sept. 16 At M.L. King (Hallford) Sept. 23 Stephenson Oct. 7 Newnan Oct. 14 At East Coweta Oct. 22 At Newton Oct. 28 Luella Nov. 4 Langston Hughes Comment: There’s only four home games on the schedule, which begins with four consecutive bus rides. A newfound attitude may lose some of its luster should the team struggle through a five-game stretch starting at Colquitt and concluding at East Coweta, all against state playoff teams.

OUTLOOK The Lions, who were coming off a two straight winning seasons last year, took an about face, leading to several senior defectors. What the team may have lost in size, they may be able to make up in unity. It’ll be up to Westlake to take advantage of its speed in order to win games.

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8C — The Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 24, 2011

REGION 3B-AAAA AT A GLANCE — COMPILED BY CHRIS GOLTERMANN (2010 record in parenthesis) 1. Whitewater (9-3, 5-1)- Will be waiting to pounce with established QBs, O-line with team that’s been there, done that.

2. Northgate (5-5, 3-3) - We’re tempted to put the Vikings higher with the sheer number of returners. But the program still has to clear the hurdle of beating a top contender during the regular season.

3. Harris County (3-7, 2-4) – Led by top prospect Jordan Jenkins, defense continues to be superb. But can the Tigers score enough in 2011 and make playoffs for first time in history.

4. Starr’s Mill (14-1, 6-0) – Lots of youth, inexperience could make it tough to repeat phenomenal success in 2010 5. Upson-Lee (3-7, 3-3) – Nine starters back on defense and six on offense make Knights dangerous team 6. Fayette County (2-8, 0-6) – Talent is there, but it might take a year for new head coach to turn players into believing they can win big in a season other than basketball.

7. McIntosh (2-8, 2-4) – Loss of skill positions might be too much to overcome

By Chris Goltermann

cgoltermann@newnan.com

ne year. That’s how long Whitewater High School’s football team has been thinking about Starr’s Mill. Or Harris County about Upson-Lee. Or UpsonLee about Northgate. Or the Vikings about McIntosh.

And on and on and on.

That’s because, in Region 3B-AAAA, “the one that got away” doesn’t ever seem to leave one’s mind. Not at least until a chance for an opportunity for redemption arrives.

Maybe that’s as much a reason for its head coaches to be anxious to start the 2011 season, even though it means going through the gauntlet all over again.

This year, just getting into position for a potential Class AAAA state playoff berth is an Most Weapons: achievement in itself.

Northgate Any math student will tell you four playoff Best Defense: spots do not divide Harris County evenly among 14 On the Rise: schools.

Harris, “You look at our region, especially our Northgate side because it’s a region Spoilers: in itself, every team has Harris, good players. Every team on our side has Upson-Lee good coaches. They Falling To Earth: work hard, they do just Starr’s Mill like we do and they’ve got a lot of pride and it Team in just makes it tough,” transition: Northgate head coach Fayette County Tommy Walburn said.

“I’ve got buddies all over the state and I try to tell them this is a good region.”

Non-believers only need to look at last year’s state playoffs, where the subregion’s two representatives — Starr’s Mill and Whitewater — advanced to the state finals and quarterfinals, respectively. The pair could have easily have switched paths had a 21-14 Panther victory over the Wildcats ended differently. Whitewater drove three times deep into Starr’s Mill territory and came away empty-handed.

“Look at the playoffs. Whitewater was as good as anybody when they got all their players (healthy),” Walburn said. “Starr’s Mill makes the state championship. And Dutchtown over there (on the other side), we were the last team to score points on them before they got beat. They had one of the best defenses I’ve ever seen.”

Harris County head coach Tommy Parks may have felt the worst of close subregion losses.

Four of his team’s six games in 3B-AAAA were decided by a touchdown or less, with the Tigers winning only one of those. One included a 3-0 overtime loss to Upson-Lee, which came two weeks after another three-point loss to Northgate, where Parks’ field-goal unit wasn’t able to get a tying attempt off before the clock ran out.

"We felt like last year we played pretty well,"

You’d like to go in there and blow everybody out. But at the same time, you know that there’s a challenge in that you’re coaching against some of the best coaches in the state.”

Parks told Chris White of the Columbus Ledger Enquirer earlier this month. "But that's what separates good teams from great teams. This region is very well coached with lots of good players in this region, and you better come with your A-game every week."

If not, it’s a long summer filled with reminders.

Walburn is constantly reminded of Northgate’s losses to McIntosh and Starr’s Mill for different reasons. The Chiefs “whooped our tails” in easily the poorest-played Viking game of the season. Starr’s Mill, meanwhile, got arguably the best of Northgate before the game finally got away from the Vikings on Zach Laskey’s kickoff return after the home team at Henry Seldon Field tied the game.

“There isn’t a day that goes by we don’t mention those two games,” Walburn admitted.

For all of their success last year, Starr’s Mill may be as concerned as any of the subregion’s seven teams. The Panthers lost 32 seniors, including Laskey, now a freshman at Georgia Tech. Head coach Chad Phillips also finds himself with a new quarterback and a vacancy at receiver following the graduation of top players Adam Holley and Jeffrey Greene.

The end result is a lot of incoming youth and inexperience for a program that will be wearing a bullseye in 2011 after winning the subregion title in 2010.

“We will be extremely young,” Phillips said.

“If the defense can hang on until our skill guys gain experience and confidence, then we may be competitive in the region.”

Whitewater is also looking to replace its top stars, all of whom were highly pursued by outside interests. Running backs Josh Clemons and Brandon Collins are now at college programs and quarterback Renaldo Jenkins is in the minor-league system of the Milwaukee Brewers.

The center-piece of this year’s lineup for head coach Amos McCreary expects to be quarterback Jon Mark Rhodes, one of four players returning who saw some playing time on offense. The hope is that a pair of returning offensive lineman including center Colton Scurry will join hulking newcomer Patrick Dalton, 6-6, 350 pounds, to form a wall up front.

Colors: Black and Gold Head Coach: Mike Davis (1st year 0-0) Starters returning: Offense 5, Defense 4 Offensive formation: Split Back Veer Defensive formation: Multiple 2010 Record: 2-8, 0-6 in region (7th) Recent history: 2009 – 3-7; 2008 – 1-9; 2007 – 11-1*; 2006 – 2-8 * State playoffs Key Losses: WR Eric Lauderdale; OL/DL Kristofer Curtis, WR Maurice Williams, LB Trey Washington.

Returning Players: QB Tago Smith (5-11, 200) Sr.; RB Dionte Richards (5-11, 198); OT Akil Hawkins (6-3, 270); OG Willis Howard (6-2, 265), C Nick Ridikas (5-10, 245), TE Jonathan Shirey (6-0, 210), LB Torrey Davis (5-10, 205), LB Justin Murray (6-2, 225), DE James Edmondson (6-5, 210), CB Trevus Edwards (5-9, 165), WR Justin Masler (5-10, 160), WR Antonio Messick (6-5, 200), WR Alex Phillips (5-9, 160).

Strengths: Still lots of skill players to work with, good size on both sides of line Weaknesses: Depth and inexperience, Team struggled with kicks/punts last year, QB moving into new position could take time to adjust.

2010 Results Vs. Woodland (Henry) L 34-18 At Union Grove W 16-0 At Northgate L 24-20 Vs. Harris County L 23-16 At Starr’s Mill L 34-0 Vs. Whitewater L 28-13 Vs. Upson-Lee L 21-13 At McIntosh L 28-12 At Sandy Creek L 10-0 At Alcovy W 14-6 2011 Schedule Home games in bold Friday At Woodland Sept. 2 Union Grove Sept. 16 Northgate Sept. 23 At Harris County Sept. 30 Starr’s Mill Oct. 7 At Whitewater Oct. 14 At Upson-Lee Oct. 21 McIntosh Oct. 28 Sandy Creek Nov. 4 Region Play-In OUTLOOK Davis, who replaces Tommy Webb as head coach after eight seasons, comes from the college ranks after spending last season with Clark Atlanta and will be tasked at trying to rebuild a program that has posted just one winning season in that time. He brings a winning vibe to Fayette, having won three national titles at Carson-Newman and had coached 16 years of high school football, including six as a head

coach, before taking his most recent job at Clark Atlanta.

He’ll be tasked with turning around a Tigers program that had a chance to win all but one subregion game, but wound up winless in 3B-AAAA. The biggest goal might be turning Fayette’s players into believers and adding enough depth to keep the Tigers from running out of gas in the fourth quarter like last season.

Considering Fayette’s continued prowess on the basketball court, the talent should be there while led by converted running back turned quarterback Tago Smith.

Colors: Black and Gold Head coach: Tommy Parks (9th season, 32-41 overall) Offensive formation: WingT/Option Defensive formation: 3-5 2010 Record: 3-7, 2-4 (5th) Recent History: 2009 – 5-6; 2008 – 6-5; 2007 – 7-4; 2006 – 4-6.

Key Losses: QB Tay Buggs (Highland CC), TE/DE LaMichael Fanning (Alabama), LB Corrigan Miller, OL Carlton Williams.

Returning Seniors: DE Jordan Jenkins (6-3, 350); LB Jagger Buggs (6-2, 230; LB Jallaine Coverson (5-10, 200); RB Zach Rovig (6-0, 210; OL Curtis Johnson (6-2, 230); DE Jordan Durham (6-3, 220); S Roquez Harris (6-0, 170).

Key returners: CB Devon Moore (5-10, 170), RB Tevon Moore (5-10, 170), OL Curtis Johnson (6-2, 230), DE Jay Ellison (6-2, 280), ATH DiQuan Roberts (6-0, 180).

Newcomers: QB TaQuan Marshall, Fr.; QB Justin Wright, Jr. Strengths: Overall Size.

Seven starters return on defense; D-line and linebackers could be best in subregion. May be the strongest team in subregion.

Weaknesses: Offense needs to be rebuilt with only one starter back on the line.

Best player: Jenkins. The 6foot-3, 255-pound senior originally from Washington has more than a dozen scholarship offers, mostly from Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference programs, is ranked by recruiting website rivals.com as the country's No. 5 senior weakside defensive end.

Coach Speak: “We showed vast improvement over the spring and we’ve got a lot of guys back defensively. We’re going to be fairly young offensively, so we’re trying to work out the mistakes early.”- Head coach Tommy Parks.

2010 Results Vs. Hardaway L 13-6 OT At Alcovy W 28-0 Vs. Griffin L 14-7 Vs. Whitewater L 17-14 At Fayette County W 23-16 Vs. McIntosh W 28-14 Vs. Northgate L 17-14 At Upson-Lee L 3-0 OT At Starr’s Mill L 42-8 At Ola L 21-14 2011 Schedule Home games in bold Saturday At Hardaway Sept. 2 Alcovy Sept. 9 At Griffin Sept. 16 At Whitewater Sept. 23 Fayette County Sept. 30 At McIntosh Oct. 14 At Northgate Oct. 21 Upson-Lee Oct. 28 Starr’s Mill Nov. 4 Region Play In OUTLOOK The Tigers 3-7 record last year was in no way indicative of their efforts, having held opponents to 10 points a game. Five of the losses, including a heartbreaker to Northgate, were within a touchdown. Seven starters are back from the defensive unit including five-star prospect Jordan Jenkins and linebackers Buggs and Coverson. The offense will be young with freshman TaQuan Marshall and junior Justin Wright competing for the quarterback opening left by Tay Buggs to graduation.

Colors: Kelly Green and Black Head coach: Lee Belknap (1st year, 0-0) Offensive Formation: Spread Option (Brad Campbell, coordinator) Defensive Formation: 4-3 (Belknap, coordinator) 2010 Record: 2-8, 2-4 subregion (6th) Recent history: 2009 – 4-6; 2008 – 2-8; 2007 – 2-8; 2006 – 0-10 Key Losses: QB Cam Porter, RB Joe Trevena; TE/LB Matt Fergus; WR/DB Robert Trotter; WR/DB Phillip Ojukwu; DL Jonathan Hust; DE Alex Ishmael; LB Ben Williams; DB Hamilton Paul; DB Daniel Thompson Returning players: P Dan Lenze (6-0, 190), Sr; S Nick Enzor (5-11, 170), OL Alex Ostendorf (6-0, 230), LB Matt Salisbury (5-11, 200), WR Jake Turner (5-6, 150); S Tim Bryan (5-10, 180); OL/LB Connor Sloan (5-11, 195).

Strengths: Offensive line, secondary units should be solid.

Staff familiar with personnel despite coaching change.

Weaknesses: Team lost offensive leaders including 3-

year starter at QB; Graduation of top skill players; Program hasn’t had a winning season since 1995.

Best player: Enzor. The senior safety was a First Team AllCounty player in 2010. Lenze is among the best specialists in the subregion and will also be an asset with punts and field goals Coach Speak: “Our goal is to take it one week at a time and hopefully qualify for the region play-in game.” - Head coach Lee Belknap.

2010 Results At Pike County L 10-6 At Dutchtown L 40-0 Vs. Jones County L 31-12 Vs. Northgate W 28-17 At Harris County L 28-14 Vs. Starr’s Mill L 48-0 At Whitewater L 41-13 Fayette County W 28-12 At Upson-Lee L 21-17 At Woodland L 49-6 2011 Schedule Home games in bold Friday Pike County Sept. 2 Dutchtown Sept. 9 At Jones County Sept. 23 Northgate Oct. 7 At Starr’s Mill Oct. 14 Whitewater Oct. 21 At Fayette County Oct. 28 Upson-Lee Nov. 4 Region Play In OUTLOOK Belknap, who was the Chiefs defensive coordinator, was promoted to head coach after Glenn Griffin retired from the Fayette County School System. Griffin eventually took a job as defensive coordinator at Our Lady of Mercy under exStarr’s Mill coach Mike Earwood.

Most of last year’s staff remains including offensive coordinator Brad Campbell, who will need to groom a new quarterback following Porter’s departure.

Most of last year’s skill players will have to replaced, though there will be a solid group of linemen up front to work with.

Scoring points was a problem in 2010.

Specialist Dan Lenze is a definite asset should the Chiefs be able to keep games close.

Colors: Cardinal and White Head coach: Tommy Walburn (2nd year, 5-5; 68-45 overall) Starters returning: Offense 7; Defense 7 Offensive formation: Wing-T (Kesley Dalyrmple, coordinator) Defensive formation: 8-man front (Bubba Jeter, coordinator) 2010 Record: 5-5, 3-3 (3rd in subregion) Recent history; 2009 – 3-7; 2008 - 6-5*; 2007 – 1-9; 2006 – 5-5 * state playoffs

See 3B-AAAA, page 9C

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011 — The Times-Herald — 9C

REGION 3B-AAAA AT A GLANCE — CONTINUED Key losses: OL Cody Weaver (Delta State), LB Jake Peterson (Army), LB Cortez Glenn (Tuskegee), , DL Jonathan Rice (LaGrange), P Drew Swinney, LB Gordy Duncan, WR/DB Scotty Gaston, DL/TE Andrew Schexnayder, G Brian Fleenor, C Ryan Rayburn (LaGrange), T Adam Rayburn (LaGrange).

Returning seniors (2010 starters in bold) QB: Bret Misutka FB: Alex Lakes, Kyle Kovacs WB: Payton Usher, Tony Williams OL: Jake Slagle TE: Mitch Bemister WR: Brandon Facyson DL: David Higgins, Alex Heavner, Kain Elliott LB: Jonovan Cotton, Dlonzo Harris, Leon Sapp CB: Facyson, Shawn Byron, Payton Usher S: Lakes K: Will Lutz Key returners: QB Josh Harrison (6-4), Jr.; DE Sean Spencer, Jr., DT De’Andre Johnson, Jr.; LB Conner Usher, Jr., WB Cole Carter, Jr., C Chase Smith, Jr., WR Andrew Brady, Jr., OL Dustin Foley, Jr. Newcomers: S Torres Johnson, So. Strengths: Every major contributed among skill positions is back; Defensive line should be stout with linebackers and secondary both improved over last year.

Kicker and punter still a strength.

Weaknesses: Offensive line is a concern, as is depth. Perimeter defense still an issue.

Best Player: A lot to choose from, but Lakes is the most obvious. Not only talented, the two-way starter at fullback and safety, grew up with a coach’s mentality instilled by his father. He may wind up being the latest Viking standout at Air Force, which is extremely high on the senior.

“Last year (against Upson-Lee) I remember trying to motion him to the center of the field and he’s shaking his head,” said head coach Tommy Walburn of Lakes. “He winds up picking off the pass and running it back for a touchdown. He told me ‘Coach, I could see in (the quarterback’s) eyes where he was going. You can’t coach that.”

Lakes wound up with five touchdowns and nine tackles in his first start at free safety during a 42-7 blowout win.

Coach Speak:“You look at our region, especially our side because it’s a region in itself. Every team has good players. Every team on our side has good coaches. They work hard, they do just like we do and they’ve got a lot of pride and it just makes it tough. I’ve got buddies all over the state and I try to tell them this is a good region. Just look at the playoffs. I think it’s going to be balanced.” - Head coach Tommy Walburn 2010 Results Vs. Alexander W 37-14 At Jones County L 31-28 Vs. Ola W 27-26, OT Vs. Fayette County W 24-20 At McIntosh L 28-17 Vs. Upson-Lee W 42-7 At Harris County W 17-14 Vs. Starr’s Mill L 35-24 At Whitewater L 28-7 At Dutchdown L 17-7 2011 Schedule (Home games in bold) Friday at Alexander Sept. 2 Jones County Sept. 9 At Ola Sept. 16 At Fayette County Sept. 23 McIntosh Oct. 7 At Upson-Lee (8 p.m.)

Oct. 14 Oct. 21 Oct. 28 Nov. 4

Harris County At Starr’s Mill Whitewater Region Play-In

OUTLOOK There’s plenty of potential here, enough for not only a playoff berth, but to advance as far as the 2000 Vikings did. Back then, however, the program was just getting ready for the jump to Class AAAA. There’s only four home games on the schedule, but If the time is now, it’ll have to come down to the whether or not the offensive line and younger players that can add depth in key areas.

If so, then there’s plenty of reasons why Northgate could be playing for a Region 3-AAAA title in early November.

Colors: Columbia Blue, Black, White and Silver Head coach: Chad Phillips (2nd year, 14-1, Overall 14-1) Starters Returning: Offense 3, Defense 4 Offensive Formation: Flexbone Defensive Formation: 3-5 2010 Record: 14-1, 6-0 in subregion (1st) Lost in state finals Recent History: 2009 – 6-5*; 2008 – 3-7; 2007: 5-5; 2006: 9-4* * state playoffs Key Losses: WR Jeffrey Greene (Georgia Tech), RB Zach Laskey (Georgia Tech); QB Adam Holley (West Georgia), DL Jack Thomas (West Georgia), K/WR Ryan Nowicki (Ole Miss), LB Elijah Goodrich (Shorter), DL Ufomba Kamalu, OL Alec Barr (N.C. State) Returning players: LB Davis Aasen (6-1, 215), C Matt Mosgrove (6-0, 220), OLB Dylan Autera (6-0, 220); RB Alex Riddle (5-10, 160), S Joshua Roberts (6-2, 200), G Griffin DeJoy (6-0, 210), DL Conard Cooper (6-1, 240), LB Logan Williams (5-10, 200), LB Mike Muska (6-0, 210), LB Zach Hughes (6-0, 200), DL Evan Krug (6-1, 260), LB Thomas Loftis (6-0, 220), WR Randon Ruff (6-0, 180).

Strengths: Senior linebackers should be heart of defense. Two veterans back on offensive line.

Weaknesses: Loss of 32 seniors including 10 who signed scholarships on Signing Day brings lots of youth and inexperience.

Secondary, skill positions hit hard by graduation.

Best player(s): Aasen is the prototype for this year’s Starr’s Mill team. Following the flash and dash of last year, he is a lunchpail-type linebacker who hits hard. The depth at the position has allowed Phillips to go to a 3-5 defensive scheme to put as many in that group on the field at once. Alex Riddle is an underrated playmaker from last season who will step in on offense.

Coach Speak: “We will be extremely young. If the defense can hang on until our skill guys gain experience and confidence, then we may be competitive in the region.” – Head coach Chad Phillips.

2010 Results Vs. Coosa W 41-0 At Woodland (Henry) W 21-7 Vs. Alcovy W 27-0

Vs. Upson-Lee W 45-19 At Whitewater W 21-14 Vs. Fayette County W 34-0 At McIntosh W 48-0 At Northgate W 35-24 Vs. Harris County W 42-8 At Griffin W 24-7 Class AAAA State Playoffs Vs. Hardaway W 42-9 Vs. Brunswick W 42-34 Vs. East Paulding W 28-0 At Tucker W 20-19 Chattahoochee L 24-0 2011 Schedule (Home games in Bold) Friday At Coosa Sept. 2 Woodland (Henry) Sept. 9 At Alcovy Sept. 16 At Upson-Lee Sept. 23 Whitewater Sept. 30 At Fayette County Oct. 7 McIntosh Oct. 21 Northgate Oct. 28 At Harris County OUTLOOK Prior to last year’s breakthrough, the program went through a bit of a dip with a 14-17 record in three seasons and just one playoff appearance. Getting back to the postseason in a much deeper subregion will be no easy task, even for a defending state finalist. The Panthers are the only subregion program, however, coming off consecutive state playoff appearances.

That success, especially through playing a 15 game schedule a year ago, could be a benefit to this year’s starters.

Colors: White, Black, Silver and Purple Head coach: Tommy Watson (4th season, 9-21 overall) Starters returning: Offense 6, Defense 9 Offensive formation: Spread (Gus Condon, coordinator) Defensive formation: 4-3 2010 record: 3-7, 3-3 (4th) Recent history: 2009 – 3-7; 2008 – 3-7; 2007 – 6-4; 2006 – 46 Key Losses: QB Tay Matthews, DL Alvin Caldwell, RB Melvin Ferguson, OL Jordan McKissick, K Luke Paul, WR Guy Robinson, WR Martigo Fowler, RB Myron Walker Returning Seniors: RB Jared Jordan (6-0, 170) Sr.; WR Jacarus Carthon (6-3, 190) OL Gage Greene (6-1, 260), ATH Dexter Reviere (510, 150), DB Dontavius Tucker (61, 170), OL Fred Sparks (6-2, 260), DE Keaton Tomlin (6-6, 220); DL Vic Lawrence (6-2, 230), LB Ezbon Risper (6-0, 210), OL Jacohn Evans (6-2, 260), , DB Deion Wilkins (511, 170), WR Xavier Harris (6-0, 180).

Key returners: DB William Debose (6-2, 190), Jr.; WR Travis Pittman (6-2, 190), DE Cornell Harris (6-0, 200), ILB Marcus Bussey (6-0, 220), ILB Nick Kennedy (6-0, 200) Jr.; DL Teion Davis (6-0, 210), So.;, QB Cory Moss (6-1, 160), Jr., LB Rammon Roninson (5-10, 180), RB Kelton Raines, So. Strengths: Tons of experience, good size on both sides of line.

Entire secondary returns.

Weaknesses: First-year quarterback and a new system for everyone involved, Overall depth an

Recent history: 2009 – 5-5; 2008 – 7-4*; 2007: 9-3*; 2006: 74* * State playoffs Key Losses: RB Josh Clemons (Kentucky), RB/CB Brandon Collins (West Georgia), QB Renaldo Jenkins (drafted by Milwaukee Brewers), TE/DT Matt Serpico, DT/TE McClain Head (Georgia State); WR/CB Brian Covington; OL/NG David Richardson (Shorter), Joel Van Asch.

Returning seniors: QB Jon Mark Rhodes (6-2, 190), RB/LB Trey Wafford (6-0, 190), C Colton Scurry (6-3, 260), T Jordan Watson (6-4, 290), S Brandon Bolden (5-10,170), Parker Bright, DL Brad Partridge, John Tyler Nash, OL Andrew Bradberry, LG Sawyer Woodworth, (6-0, 260); TE/DE Brad Partridge (62, 235); CB/WR Tony Battle (5-10, 160); LB Roshaud Turner (5-10, 210) Key returners: K Austin Barnard (6-0, 180), Jr.; T Patrick Dalton (6-6, 350) Newcomers: Blake Barnes,Zach Enlow, OL Christian Kennedy, Strengths: Good size up front, Rhodes shared time at QB and is ready to start.

Weaknesses: Outside of QB most of last year’s top skill players need to be replaced. Only 2 starters back on O-Line. Entire defensive line and secondary both need replaced.

Best Athlete: Rhodes is certainly the man on the spot. But Wafford is going to be needed on both sides of the line at running back and linebacker, both thin positions following graduation.

2010 Results Vs. Sandy Creek L 20-14 At Ola W 49-19 Vs. Union Grove W 28-14 At Harris County W 17-14 Starr’s Mill L 21-14 At Upson-Lee W 21-14 At Fayette County W 28-13 McIntosh W 41-13 Northgate W 28-7 Union Grove W 44-6 Class AAAA State Playoffs At Northside W-R W 28-21 At Ware County L 21-13

issue with less than 20 seniors expected. Team struggled in preseason, especially on special teams.

Best Athlete: Carthon might be the big-time playmaker that could help provide a deep threat in the team’s new spread attack.

Coach Speak: "We felt like it was time for a change with our offense. We feel this will allow us to get the ball to our playmakers on the perimeter. I think the kids are excited about it, and that is always important, getting the players excited about football." – Head coach Tommy Watson on the switch to the spread offense last spring.

2010 Results At Woodward Academy At Griffin Vs. Dutchtown At Starr’s Mill Vs. Whitewater At Northgate At Fayette County Vs. Harris County Vs. McIntosh At Jones County

L 31-10 L 40-3 L 28-12 L 45-19 L 21-14 L 42-7 W 21-13 W 3-0 OT W 21-17 L 42-21

2011 Schedule (Home games in bold) Friday Woodward Academy Sept. 2 Griffin Sept. 9 At Dutchtown Sept. 16 Starr’s Mill Sept. 30 At Whitewater Oct. 7 Northgate Oct. 14 Fayette County Oct. 21 At Harris County Oct. 28 At McIntosh Nov. 4 Region Play-in OUTLOOK For the first time since the school was opened in 1992, an Upson-Lee football team won’t be running the split-back veer. Instead, head coach Tommy Watson brought in coordinator Gus Condon from nearby Lamar County to run a spread attack with hopes of using an array of returning athletes to their advantage. Rising junior quarterback Corey Moss, who played sparingly last year, is expected to start behind center. He’ll have weapons in running back Jared Jordan and wide receiver Jacarus Carthon. Defensively, depth on the line and in the secondary should be a key.

The Knights have gotten off to a slow start, however, due to the heat, which limited the team to four days in full pads prior to its preseason scrimmage with Lamar County.

They’ll have to catch up fast, especially with a new offense. Getting off to a good start will be crucial to any hopes of the program making the playoffs for the first time since 2005. They could still easily play the role of spoiler for another subregion’s playoff hopes.

2011 Schedule (Home games in bold) Friday at Sandy Creek Sept. 2 Ola Sept. 9 At Union Grove Sept. 16 Harris County Sept. 23 At Starr’s Mill Sept. 30 Upson-Lee Oct. 7 Fayette County Oct. 14 At McIntosh Oct. 28 At Northgate Nov. 4 Region Play-in Game

Colors: Cardinal Silver and Black Head coach: Amos McCreary (52-22, 8th year, 126-60 overall) Starters Returning: Offense 4, Defense 5 Offensive formation: Hybrid Wing-T (Wes Hardin,coordinator) Defensive formation: 3-5 (Richard Penland, coordinator) 2010 Record: 9-3, 5-1 (2nd)

OUTLOOK Despite losing its big three on offense – Josh Clemons, Brandon Collins and baseball prospect Renaldo Jenkins, it’s the defense that might have McCreary and his staff concerned. Entire defensive line and secondary units will need to be replaced and already the Wildcats showed some struggles during its preseason scrimmage at East Coweta. Massive tackle Patrick Dalton, at 6-6, 350-pounds, is one of the newcomers on the front line.

The team also puts its offensive in the hands of Jon Mark Rhodes, who shared time last year at quarterback with Jenkins. Rhodes gives Whitewater a pocket presence that will force teams to have to respect his arm.

The team will know a lot more about their potential after opening Friday against two-time defending Class AA state champion Sandy Creek.

White water could be f avor ite to win subr egion 3B-AAAA Continued from page 8C “If I had to pick a favorite, I think Whitewater’s got the nucleus of having a really good team again. That’s a program,” said Walburn. “I feel like Starr’s Mill’s a team you’ve always got to look at because of the program. People will say they lost 30 something seniors. Well I saw their JV and ninth-grade teams play. Those guys, by the time we get in the region, they’re going to be tough.”

Defensively, Harris County has seven starters back from a unit that only allowed an average of 10 points per game. The group is led by top prospect Jordan Jenkins, who at 6-3, 255 pounds was ranked the No. 5 best defensive end by Rivals.com.

This year looks as good as any for the Tigers to make the playoffs for the first time since 2007.

“I don’t know if there’s enough stars for all of us,” Walburn said. “I think it’s going to be balanced. And I feel like Harris County is a team you’ve got to look at. They’ve got the big nose guard who’s a kid who’s young and people are just starting to take a look at.

And then they have that defensive end.”

Upson-Lee may also be ready to make a move after changing things up in the offseason. The Knights scrapped their traditional split-back veer in the spring for a spread attack that hopes to benefit a solid group of receivers. In all, 16 starters are back on both sides of the ball.

Fayette County and McIntosh will be under new head coaches. Former Clark Atlanta assistant Mike Davis takes over with the Tigers, while Lee Belknap was promoted with the Chiefs after head coach Glenn Griffin retired from the Fayette school system and rejoined former boss Mike Earwood at Our Lady of Mercy as its defensive coordinator.

“You look at last year. We

lose to McIntosh and turn around and beat Upson-Lee (42-7),” said Walburn. So I tell our kids on any given night if you don’t show up, you will get beat no matter who you play.”

In 3-AAAA, however, finishing second in the subregion still doesn’t guarantee a state

berth. The final region crossover pits the No. 2 and No. 3 finishers from opposing subregions against one another for the right to advance.

“We’re at a disadvantage being in a 14-team region, but that’s what we’ve got – at least for one more year. We made

the playoff, to try and get into the (state) playoffs,” Walburn said. “You’d like to go in there and blow everybody out. But at the same time, you know that there’s a challenge in that you’re coaching against some of the best coaches in the state.”

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ATLANTA — In just three seasons, Matt Ryan has already earned that elusive tag: franchise quarterback.

You know, the kind of guy who’ll be the centerpiece of your team for a decade or more. Just put some good players around him, stand back and watch the wins come rolling in.

So far, that plan has worked to perfection for the Atlanta Falcons.

In the regular season, at least.

Now, it’s time for Matty Ice to show he can win a playoff game.

“I understand how the NFL works, and how the fans work too,” Ryan said. “You are judged by what you do in January. You have to embrace that. Hopefully, we’ll fully have another opportunity to change that perception.”

The Falcons have gone 33-15 since Ryan arrived in 2008 as the No. 3 overall pick. He claimed the starting job right away and fast-forwarded a rebuilding job that was supposed to take several seasons after Michael Vick went to prison for dogfighting.

Ryan has already thrown for more than 10,000 yards, with 66 touchdown and just 34 interceptions. More important, he’s guided a franchise that had never had back-to-back winning seasons to three in a row, including an NFC South title and two trips to the playoffs.

It’s in the postseason where things have taken an ugly turn.

He’s thrown only three touchdowns and been picked off four times. He’s been sacked eight times, once for a safety. He’s coughed up two fumbles, one of them returned for a touchdown. Not surprisingly, both trips to the playoffs ended right away with losses, including last season’s hideous 48-21 blowout at home by the eventual Super Bowl championship Green Bay Packers.

“There’s a lot of things you learn in those situations,” Ryan said. “If given that opportunity again, hopefully we can improve on that.”

On draft day, general manager Thomas Dimitroff mortgaged a great deal of his future to acquire receiver Julio Jones, the sort of breakout threat that seemed to be missing a year ago even with an offense that

ATLANTA FALCONS AT A

GLANCE Last season: (13-3, lost to Green Bay in the NFC divisional playoffs) New faces: WR Julio Jones, DE Ray Edwards.

Key losses: OG Harvey Dahl, WR Michael Jenkins.

Strengths: The Falcons have as many offensive weapons as anyone in the league with QB Matt Ryan, WR Roddy White, RB Michael Turner and TE Tony Gonzalez — all of them Pro Bowlers. And now, they have first-round pick Jones, who should address the team’s most glaring offensive weakness last season, the lack of passing plays covering at least 20 yards. The Falcons ranked next-to-last in that category but should improve dramatically if Jones lives up to expectations with his speed and size.

Weaknesses: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers carved up the Falcons in a 48-21 postseason rout, exposing a defense that didn’t bring much pressure outside of DE John Abraham. Well, that should change with the signing of Edwards, who had 16.5 sacks the last two years with the Minnesota Vikings. Atlanta ranked 20th in the league with 31 sacks in 2010, and Abraham had 13 of those. No one else had more than four.

Outlook: Super Bowl or bust. The Falcons didn’t mortgage much of their future acquiring Jones without expecting him to pay immediate dividends. The early schedule is brutal: four of the first five games are against NFC playoffs teams, and the other is against Tampa Bay, which nearly got in. The Falcons will likely be playoff bound for the third time in four years if they get come out of that stretch at least 3-2.

included Pro Bowlers Ryan, receiver Roddy White, right end Tony Gonzalez, running back Michael Turner, fullback Ovie Mughelli and tackle Tyson Clabo.

Dimitroff didn’t neglect the defense, either.

As soon as the lockout was settled and teams could begin signing free agents, Atlanta addressed its biggest need on the other side of the line.

Former Minnesota Vikings defensive end Ray Edwards will be lining up on the opposite side from John Abraham, a major upgrade over last year’s starter, Kroy Biermann.

Given the trade for Jones and the signing of Edwards, anything less than a trip to the Super Bowl will be a major letdown for a team that went 13-3 last season.

“The opportunity is short in the NFL. You have to take advantage of it while you have it,” Gonzalez said. “The more the merrier, and let’s make a serious run at this thing.”

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10C — The Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 24, 2011