Friday Night Lights, Coweta Style THE NEWNANPRESENTEDTIMES-HERALDBY
Best of luck on your 2022 season! dthx.net 800-393-8403
Now Open! 140 Herring Rd, Newnan, GA 30265 Phone 470-592-5299 | Fax 470-592-5298 MONDAY - FRIDAY 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM 140 Herring Rd, Newnan, GA 30265 Phone 470-592-5299 | Fax 470-592-5298 Open to the public MONDAY - FRIDAY 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM “SRS is one of the nation’s leading distributors of roofing materials and building products – focused on providing the best service for our customers, and giving back in the communities we serve.”
PUBLISHERS Beth and Clay Neely EDITOR Rob Grubbs DESIGN AND LAYOUT Emily Hernandez ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Misha Benson, Jill Whitley PRODUCTION AND GRAPHIC DESIGN Debby Dye, Sandy Hiser, Sonya Studt FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION call 770.253.1576 or email advertise@newnan.com © COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE is published annually by The Newnan Times-Herald, Inc., 16 Jefferson Street, Newnan, GA 30263. Best of Luck this Season! ALL U N DER O N E ROOF Orthopedic Specialist • Spine Center Physical & Occupational Therapy MRI • Orthobiologics • Surgery Center After Hours Clinic Immediate Orthopedic Urgent Care (Newnan Monday-FridayLocation)5pmto 9 pm Saturday 8 am to 12 pm The Coweta Cities & County EFCU would like to thank our City of Newnan Public Works Departments for the work they do every day keeping Newnan Streets clear and clean. We can enjoy our neighborhood walks and runs because of their dedication to keeping Newnan beautiful year-round. Coweta Cities & County EFCU is honored to be the credit union that serves our City Public Workers and all our City of Newnan and Coweta County Employees! Membership may be easier than you think! 43 Jefferson Parkway • P.O. Box 71063 Newnan, GA 30271-1063 COWETA CITIES & COUNTY EMPLOYEES FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 770.253.2273 WWW.CCCEFCUORG sends thanks to our 2022sponsors!business The TouchdownNorthgateClub
seasontoWelcomefootball
-Rob Grubbs ‘‘ We stand on the
largerandtakesidelines,picturesnotes,andtrytotellastoryalmostthanlife.‘‘
N othing brings a community together like high school football. It is the fabric that joins generations to a place and time from the past. And then it connects to our youth who have dreams of their future. It all intersects at a football stadium under the glare of those Friday night lights. We are blessed to live in Coweta County. We have many amenities of a big city, but we still have the small town feel that keeps us connected. Football is much more than just the players and coaches; it draws from all walks of life. There is competition, pageantry, entertainment, food, fellowship andOnememories.season can fill an entire scrapbook of thoughts for a lifetime. We’re also grateful The Newnan Times-Herald gets to play a small part. We stand on the sidelines, take pictures and notes, and try to tell a story almost larger than life. And while we are impartial, we root for every kid out there. Each week brings drama, injuries, dropped passes and end zone celebrations that paint themselves on a canvas that renews itself weekly. While the game’s ending might not always be what is hoped, the final product is still a work of art. We invite you to take a moment to read through these pages, not because we wrote them, but for whom they are written. These athletes have poured their life into a sport to spend three months doing what they love. Each has their own set of dreams for the future, and these experiences will help the process. Their parents have sacrificed, driven them to practice and rooted for them to succeed. The game touches everyone. To all of you, we congratulate you on the hard work and celebrate with you. So bring on another year; let’s get started! Good luck to the teams, their players, coaches and fans. But most of all, football brings us a little closer as a community. It has repeatedly proven to help unite us, and we certainly need each other now more than ever.
Rob Grubbs Sports Editor, The Newnan Times-Herald
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022 5
THE NEWNANPRESENTEDTIMES-HERALDBY
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 6 ONINSIDETHE COVER Welcome to football season High School Football 2022: We learned a couple years ago how much we need high school football. Coweta County footbal is back again. Page 5 EAST COWETA 6 - 11 NEWNAN 12-16 NORTHGATE 18-21 TRINITY CHRISTIAN 24-28 HERITAGE SCHOOL 30-33 CENTRAL CHRISTIAN 36-38 SPOTLIGHT ON ... EAST COWETA East Coweta Refocused and Ready Friday Night Lights, Coweta Style T
The cover photo is courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics. Friday Night Lights, Coweta Style
Coach Small is one win away from career win #100 and eight 22-23 SPECIAL SECTION ...
The Indians compete in Region 2-7A and play their home games at Garland Shoemake Memorial Stadium.
East Coweta Head Coach John Small shared, “It is easier to get to the top of the top than to stay at the top. It takes consistency and hunger to stay there.” Once the 2021 season ended, Coach Small and his staff went back to those tenets and spent an offseason of reflection on training techniques, leadership and the overall direction of the program.Coach Small said, “You are going to face challenges every day, so how are you going to respond? We were not happy with the way things finished up last year, and I am glad we are at that point where 7-4 is not something to call home about. And that is not where we want to be. Some years that may be good, but that's not our expectation.”
LEADERSHIP – Head Coach John Small and his staff return for their sixth season at East Coweta. He is the 10th coach in Indians history and one of only two who have won a region championship. Coach Danny Chronic won three in his 18 seasons but did not get his first until the eighth season.Coach Small believes that a big part of leadership is adapting to change. He shared of the offseason, “I have always loved the challenge or change, we teach kids that change is inevitable. You got to be able to adjust and adapt and keep going.” He continued, “So that is the one thing we preached to our kids the whole off-season. Because in life you are going to face changes every day and learn to respond to them.”
he East Coweta Indians caught a peek of the mountain top in 2020. They went undefeated in the region, only lost one regular season game, beat one of the top teams in the state in overtime, and won a home playoffItgame.wastheir first region championship in 19 years. They seemed to have an extended stay at the summit when they started last year 5-0, including a dominant victory over one of the teams that defeated the Indians the year before (Norcross). Injuries and attrition took over from there, and East Coweta was brought back down a little with a 2-4 finish to close out the year. For the second time in three years, the Indians' season ended at Grayson in a playoff loss.
Part of the change also includes a new offensive coordinator. Coach Jackson Dean took a position with the Cook Hornets, and he was replaced on the Indians staff by Coach Kelby Holt. Coach Small said, “Coach Dean did a good job for us, but he had an opportunity, and we are happy for him. But anytime that happens, it is an opportunity for something new.”
FLAG FOOTBALL
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022 A Newnan Tradition since 1953 1 Bullsboro Drive • Newnan, GA www.hillcrestchapelcares.com • 770-253-4723 Best of Luck this Season!
The Indians lost a couple of key pieces on offense mid-season, and when they went to play the top-ranked and eventual state champion Collins Hill Eagles, the game got out of hand a little. That was followed by a tough region loss to Pebblebrook that had the Indians’ season on the ropes. However, they rebounded to defeat their rival Newnan in overtime to clinch the third seed in the region.
OFFENSE: Coach Small described the 2022 offense as, “a hybrid offense; we are going to be multiple of what we do. We have three different options on a play, and we are going to formation people to death.”Gone is two-year starting quarterback Daniel Shoch, who won 16 games in two years, beat Newnan twice and led the Indians to a region championship. Shoch was an early enrollee for the Mercer Bears, where he will play for another former East Coweta quarterback, Bear Head Coach Drew Cronic. In his place is an open competition between four quarterbacks that Coach Small feels good about. They include Caleb Mize, Christian Langford, Thomas Stanford and Cohen Peeples. Coach Small said, “All four guys are doing a good job, but it will come down to who can make plays.”
On the line, Aaron Fenimore will be at center, and Addison Brown will get playing time there as well. Ashton Sample is at right tackle, and Zach Clayton on the other side. Matthew Haberman is going to get the start at one guard, and there is competition at the other between Colton Eidson, Wade Gross, Andes Geribon, Jacob Phillips, Trace McWright and A.J. King.Coach Small shared, “We feel like we have some depth up front so we can roll some guys and those things work themselves out.”
At running back, Trey Bowles returns for his senior season. He has rushed for 1,105 yards in his career and has scored 15 touchdowns. Last year against Whitewater, he had a 99-yard touchdown run. Also at running back will be Brady Tillman, whom Coach Small described as the most improved player on the football team, and Chris Walker. The receiver group is experienced as well. Colt Donley, Dionte Jones, Nolan Miyamura, Gianni Dalman, Jayshon Stegall and Tyler Baker will all create matchup problems for the opposing defense. Starting cornerback Deliyon Freeman, who is a speedster, will also get some key reps at the position. Bram Cronic came out of nowhere to take the tiger end position and will get some help from Aidan Cagle and Easton Bowles.
EAST COWETA • 8 wins away from being the second-winningest coach at East Coweta (behind Coach Danny Cronic).
LAST YEAR IN REVIEW – The Indians were locked in early. They defeated a good Whitewater team in the Coweta-Fayette Classic, and a few weeks later, they avenged a 2020 loss when they dominated the Norcross Blue Devils at home.
DEFENSE – The Indians play a multiple front defense that includes a lot of movement before the snap. They base out of a 3-4 but will bring a fourth man down on occasion. Up front, the defensive ends are the Kornegay brothers, Keelan and Bailey. Coach Small said of his ends, “Two great young men who love to compete. They are brilliant in the classroom and have both committed to Columbia. They are big, and they can
SPECIAL TEAMS – The Indians have a five-star long-snapper in Keith McNutt, who will be one of the best. He is back for his junior season. The kicker is a competition between Grace McGill, Brock Beldon and Cole Fant; those three will handle the free kicks, the field goals and the punts.
FROM run.”Tyler Horsley will get the nod at nose tackle, while Tyler Cobb, Joey Ross, Calvin Phillips and Terrance Ware give the Indians depth up front. At the linebacker position, Cosby Ellis, Michael Burse and Brandon Johnson are inside and they are backed up by a strong group of hard-working guys: Daniel Pool, Tyler Jacobsen, Braden Ray, Malachi Hardwick and Lucas Daily. Miquel Stozier and Malachi Duggar are in the outside linebacker spot. In the secondary, Freeman and Kaleb Harris are the starters at corner, but Flen Larkin and Derrion Horsley are backups who are good enough to start forMikaiothers.Sullivan and Josh Anderson or the safeties, and they get help from Seth Britton and Tillman.
PHOTO BY PHYLLIS TSARNAS - VALADAO Trey Bowles (No. 2) has his sights on leading the Indian offense for his senior season from the tailback spot.
OUTLOOK – The Indians return to Region 2-7A for their seventh consecutive season, but GHSA reclassification has reshuffled the landscape somewhat. Two teams dropped out, county rival Newnan and last year’s champion. McEachern, while two new members joined, Carrollton and Westlake. Campbell and Pebblebrook are back to complete the five-team region.
KEY GAME ON SCHEDULE – (NOT NEWNAN)
The Indians will have some stout non-region competition, including 7A opponents Lowndes County, Harrison and Lambert.
NAME FROM THE PAST – On Oct. 19, 1990, East Coweta hosted the Americus Panthers, who were 6-1 on the season. Trailing by five with four seconds left, Head Coach Danny Chronic called for a Double Reverse pass that resulted in a touchdown as time expired for a 13-12 win. East Coweta quarterback Drew Cronic found Brad Mizell for the winning score, Drew Cronic is now the head coach at Mercer. He just extended an offer to Shoch to play quarterback for the Bears down in Macon. It was an instance of a former East Coweta quarterback offering a scholarship to a current East Coweta quarterback.
PAGE 7
Overall, Coach Small said, “The defense is smart, they do a good job of communicating.”
The addition of Carrollton and Westlake brings some heavy lifting. Both teams made it to the thirdround last year, when Carrollton defeated Westlake.
Pebblebrook had their best season since 2006 and Campbell is on the rise, so every region game will be a battle. Coach Small will need his offense to be up to speed by the time region contests start on Oct. 7.
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 8 EAST COWETA EAST COWETA
– The region opener on the road at the Carrollton Trojans will be huge for both teams. Getting the first win in a four-team region is paramount to winning a regionFortunatelychampionship.forEast Coweta, Carrollton’s star quarterback from last year, M.J. Morris graduated and plays for North Carolina State now. But the Trojans have a freshman quarterback, Julian “Ju Ju” Lewis who is the top ranked player in the class of 2026. He already has multiple Division 1 offers, including one from Tennessee back in the summer.Itwillbe the fourth time the Indians have played the Trojans, with Carrollton winning all four games.
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022 9 EAST COWETA INDIANS SCHEDULE 2022 Fri. Aug. 12 North Paulding – Scrimmage Home Sat. Aug. 20 Starr’s Mill – Coweta/Fayette KO Away Fri. Aug. 26 Newnan Home Fri. Sept. 2 Hillgrove Away Fri. Sept. 9 Sandy Creek Home Fri. Sept. 16 Lowndes County Home Fri. Sept. 23 Lambert Home Fri. Oct. 7 Carrollton-Region Away Fri. Oct. 14 Campbell – Region Away Fri. Oct. 28 Westlake – Region Home Fri. Nov. 4 Pebblebrook – Region Away
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 10 2022 EAST COWETA INDIANS ROSTER EAST COWETA 0 Keelan Kornegay SR 1 Deliyon Freeman SR 2 Martravion Bowles SR 3 Caleb Mize SR 3 Ian Heaven SO 4 Bailey Kornegay SR 5 Christian Langford SO 5 Avery Butts SO 6 Michael Burse SR 7 Brady Tillman SR 7 Coleman Connell SO 8 Dionte Jones JR 8 Jordan McGill SO 9 Makai Sullivan SR 10 Bram Cronic SR 10Chris FendleySO 11Colt 14131211RyanCortezSRStorySOFlennLarkinJRTJSumlerJRJayshonStegall SO 15 Thomas Stanford JR 16 Cohen Peeples SO 17 Gianni Dalman SR 17 Liam Hass SO 18 Nolan Miyamura SR 18 Kapax White SO 19 Miguel Strozier SR 19 Bryce Boire SO 20 Malachi Dugger JR 20 Cooper JohnsonSO 21 Kaleb Harris SR 21 Tanner Deloatch SO 22 Seth Gritton JR 23 Josh Anderson JR 23 Chris White SO 24 Jeremiah King SR 24 Gavin McCoy SO 25 Aaron Osborne JR 27 Rico Lane JR 28 Dural Thompson SO 29 Derrion Horsely SO 30 Cosby Ellis SR 30 Josh Burts SO 31 Tamarion Overton SR 31 Reid Harkins SO 32 Lucas Naquin SO 33 Brandon Johnson SR 33 Rowan Benninger SO 34 Chris Walker JR 36 Lucas Dailey JR 37Austin Arrington SO 38 Deshun Horsley JR 39 Carson Westerman JR 40 Easton Bowles SO 41 Deangelo Robinson JR 42 Jaquavious Murry JR 43 Braden Ray SR 43 Jaycee Best SO 44 Tyler Horsley SO 44 Daniel Griffith SO 45 Terrance Ware SO 46 Jackson Stewart JR 47 Daniel Poole SR 47 Jayshon Scully SO 48 Blake Berry JR 49 Grace McGill SR 49 Maddux Bentley SO 50 Hunter Adams SO 51Addison Brown SR 51Aaron Abke SO 52 Tyler Jacobson SR 53 Maxwell Goodwin SO 54 Luci Lepoma SO 55 Christopher Robinson SO 56 Sebastian Wimbush JR 57 Rhiley Grooms SO 58 Matthew Haberman SR 58 Ethan Sanders SO 59 Neal Shadburn SO 60 Keaton McNutt JR 61Aaron Fenimore SR 61 Tyler Hollins SO 62 Jamal Jones SO 63 Slade McClain SO 64 Derrious Hinton SO 65 Nathan Shockley SR 65 Tristan Burkett SO 66 Patrick Cater SR 66 Jack Chapman SO 67 Silas Stover SO 69 AJ King JR 69 Taylor Krause SO 70 Andres Geribon SR 71 Jacob Loggins SO 72 Zach Clayton JR 73 Wade Gross SR 74 Colton Eidson SR 75 Ashton Sample JR 76 Trace McWright JR 77 Ethan Colton SO 78 Jacob Phillips JR 79 Toby Krass SO 80 Kasey Mills JR 81 Aiden Cagle JR 82 Chris Hernandezboch JR 83 Peyton Gross SR 84 Malachi Hardwick SR 85 Chris Bailey JR 86 Jaxson Smoak SR 86 Calvin Pettway SO 87 Josh Cooper SR 88 Tyler Baker SR 89 Cub Tinsley JR 90 Joey Ross SR 90 Jake Gaines SO 91 Calvin Phillips SR 91 PJ Clennon SR 92 Cole Fant JR 93 Tyler Cobb JR 94 Devoris Reams SO 95 Jamal Amie JR 96 Bryant Elder SR 97 Brock Beldon JR 98 Jarvis Murry JR 99 Angel Hernandez SR PHOTO BY ROB GRUBBS Brothers Keelan Kornegay (No. 5) and Bailey Kornegay (No. 96) will lead the East Coweta defensive front. Both have committed to playing college football at Columbia University.
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022 11 * Rosters effective July 2021. All rosters are subject to change. Formatted for readers by Clay Neely. PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLIFTON Cornerback Kaleb Harris (No. 21) is also an excellent special teams player and punt returner.
The Cougars had big wins against Mary Persons, North Paulding and Campbell. They lost two region games by three points, Pebblebrook and East Coweta. Wins in those two games would have given the Cougars a second seed in the region and a home playoff game. Incredible results from where they were in April of last year.
Four of their losses were by 11 points total. One play in each of the games and there would have been a whole different narrative in 2021. But in the end, a bigger question was Everyoneanswered.wondered going into last season what foot-
NEWNAN • 14
Newnan Cougars: Another Step closer to normal
LEADERSHIP – This will be Coach Walker’s sixth season as the Newnan Head Coach. During his tenure, he has taken on a bigger role than just the coach. The devastation and rebuilding of the school became more of a mission than a position. There needed to be a reason for optimism and hope, and that was the message that came from Newnan’s leadership. It was so much more than just football strategy; it was a message of hope and a better tomorrow. The community needed the Cougars, and the Cougars need Newnan, they feed off each other. Coaches focus on helping people improve in specific areas on the football field. Leaders first and foremost lead people toward a goal, which often results in coaching them to improve, stretch and grow. Walker did all of the above.Coach Walker also added former McIntosh Chief Head Coach Lee Belknap to his staff as the Cougars defensive coordinator. Coach Belknap is the all-time winningest coach for the Chiefs and will bring instant dividends to the Cougar defense.
is planned out in detail, fundamentals are taught, and game plans are meticulously crafted. Repetition and consistency are the glue that keeps all facets of the team together. Normal has not been a friendly term for the Cougars over the past two seasons. COVID-19 interrupted things on multiple occasions, a tornado wreaked havoc on the school and the athletic facilities. Things are slowly getting back to normal for Head Coach Chip Walker and the Cougars. For the first time for many on the roster, Newnan is coming off a routine offseason in preparation for 2022. Team consistency produced chemistry that is vital on Fridays when the game is on the line. The Cougars did not lack chemistry the past two years, they were just not able to maximize it as they had to focus on other things, like putting a community and school back together. After the tornado, the football team was a huge piece of the rebuilding process. Coach Walker said last year, “There is a big healing process for this community. There are a lot of opportunities to bless others and be blessed.”
LAST YEAR IN REVIEW – Last year, the Cougars had to replace a three-year starter at quarterback. Although James Paige ended up winning the job, the Cougars were still hampered by COVID-19 challenges early in the year and injuries mounted as the season moved on. But the toughest obstacle to overcome was the unknowns caused by the March 2021 tornado. It was a credit to Coach Walker and the Cougar coaching staff that the team competed till the end.
For a community that needed their team, the Cougars showed up big. Healing started and normalcy slowly inched back to Drake Stadium. While construction will be ongoing on campus for a while, the work to rebuild the Cougars will go down as a legacy of the Chip Walker-era at LastNewnan.offseason, they spent a lot of time just trying to figure out where to store equipment; this year, the focus has been on getting back to championship football. In the 2022 GHSA realignment, the Cougars moved from Region 2-7A to Region 5-6A, and they play their home games at Drake Stadium.
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 12 NEWNAN
ootball players and coaches are creatures of habit. Practices and workouts are part of a routine that keeps the team focused on the main goal — winning. Everything is orchestrated to build up to FridayThenights.offseason
In his career, Coach Walker has 155 career wins, his first coming on Aug. 19, 2005, for Sandy Creek when they defeated Villa Rica 14-7.
F
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022 275 Pine Road, COWETACOUNTYFAIR.NETNewnan GetTicketsYourNOW! follow us CowetaCoFaironFind us on CarnivalsPrimetimebymidway ON THROUGHSALEAUG.15SEPT.14ATMIDNIGHT available online THE FAIR IS BACK! Newnan Kiwanis SEPT. 15 -25, 2022 Visit our website to see the Fair Book and to sign up for contests, events, and other activities!
Last season, the Langston Hughes Panthers fell in the state championship game to Buford by one point. They will be the team to beat in the region. While the East Coweta game is still on the slate, it is moved up to the second game of the season and will no longer be a region contest. With another year of experience for Paige at quarterback and a stout Cougars defense, Newnan will finish at the top of their region and get back to the playoffs.
The linebackers are led by one of the best, Georgia Tech commit and three-year starter Ashton Heflin. Also in the group are Caleb Reid, Josiah Smith, Emarion Nichols and Brent Gregory. Sean Johnson will play the hybrid nickel position, which can be both linebacker and safety, based on the offensive personnel.Alsointhe secondary are Demazes Dorsey and Carter, along with Camarion Gates and Jameer Scandrick. They will get relief from Nathan Scales, Korey Turks, Cam Johnson, Frank Braxton and Cam Braxton.
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 14 NEWNAN NEWNAN FROM PAGE 12 NEWNAN • 15 ball would be like post-tornado. The answer was loudand-clear — the Cougars will rise from the adversity and once again be a pillar of the community.
Three solid players will see time at fullback. They include Jakob Perry, who is back for his senior season, along with Nolen Huey and Warren Moore. The tight-end position might be one of the most explosive in the Cougars offense. Georgia Tech commit Justyn Reid is projected for a breakout season and will be one of Page’s main targets. Isaiah Neeley and Gabe Petro can play there, too. Like the running back position, the Cougars have a solid group that can play the receiver positions as well. The group includes Payton Hardy, Trey Geter who can fly, Victor Williams, JaKaleb Stegall, Rodney Colton, Gus Anderson and Aundrae Carter. The starting offensive line includes Levi Herndon and Tyrell McGuire at tackles, Danielle Heath and Jaylen Gould at guards, and Will Walker at center. They will be backed up by Jack Reese, Zion Williams and Javeon Hinton.Overall, the offense has good balance and breakaway speed. The Cougars can both control the clock and strike quickly if needed.
DEFENSE – The Cougar's base defense is a three-man front, and they will play a lot of combinations to keep the group fresh. Each one is athletic and perfect Newnan’s scheme.Backfrom last year are Trayveon Kendrick, Caleith Childress, Marvin Mitchell and Micah Bryan. Add to the mix Alex Barnes, Zy'Kerion Tucker and two freshmen, Evan Russell and Zaxon White.
OUTLOOK – While there could be some relief in dropping a classification into Class 6A, the Cougars landed in a difficult region. Gone is the five-team region of the past where one region would mean a state playoff trip. They are now in an eight-team region which Coach Walker said “Is one of the toughest regions from top-to-bottom in the state.Region opponents include Paulding County, South Paulding, East Paulding, Alexander, Langston Hughes, Douglas County and New Manchester.
KEY GAME ON THE SCHEDULE – (OTHER THAN EAST COWETA) – While the Langston Hughes game will
The Cougars' defense will be fast and get all 11 men on the ball.
SPECIAL TEAMS – Ethan Devers returns to handle both the kicking and punting chores. Mac Brooks will handle the long snapping and Stegall and Carter will be the main return men.
OFFENSE – On offense, it all starts at quarterback, and the Cougars have a good one. Senior James Paige is a three-year starter at quarterback and has another year of experience under his belt. Coach Walker said, “We are light years ahead of where we were last year. James is ready for his senior season.” Paige has a unique skill set for the position, including arm strength, speed, intelligence and elusiveness. His career goes all the way back to leading Madras Middle School to a Coweta County Middle School Athletic League championship back in 2017. Paige’s backup will be sophomore Jeb Baggett, who was also a former Madras quarterback. The Cougars are in good shape at running back. Senior Quantavious Berry leads a stable of backs that also includes his brother Antevius Berry, Jamrion McGruder and JalonCoachTeagle.Walker said, “We feel like we have got enough depth and enough people, and they all can do different things. They can come out of the backfield. We can do some different things with that. I mean, those are some talented guys. There's no doubt about it.”
Pressure Washers
Starting at $569
NAME FROM THE PAST – It was Bob Herring’s first season as head coach on the sidelines at Drake Stadium in 1999. On October 8 of that season, the Cougars welcomed the Carver Tigers for a Region 4-AAAA matchup. Newnan’s starting running back, Travis Ware, missed the game with an injury, but the combination of Adrian Colton and Rod Gray carried the Cougars to a 44-12 victory, Gray had 109 yards rushing on nine carries, including an 80-yard touchdown, and Colton added 88 yards on 17 carries.Ondefense, Jason Best had an interception and Lionel Rosser scored on a 35-yard fumble recovery. PAGE 14
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022
NEWNAN FROM
PHOTO BY KRISTY RODGERS Tight end Justyn Reid (No. 25) is going to have a breakout season for the Cougar offense. The senior committed to Georgia Tech in the summer.
JACK PEEK’S SALES 576 Main St. | Palmetto | 770-463-3156 | www.jackpeekssales.com be big, the South Paulding game could be the biggest. The Spartans went 6-1 in the region last year and had a key win over Rome. They have a big-time quarterback in Kasen Weisman who threw for 2,035 yards in 10 games and had 17 touchdowns. He has a big arm and can run as well. For the Cougars to finish in the top of the region, this will be a key moment in the season. The game is at South Pauling on Sept. 23, 2022, and will be a first-time meeting for the two teams.
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 16 NEWNAN COUGARS ROSTER NEWNAN 40 Hospital Road Newnan, GA 770-253-112130263 leegoodrum.com COWETA COUNTY IS READY FOR SOME Go Cougars! 0 Jamarien McGruder SR RB 1 Aundrae Carter SR CB/WR 2 Sean Johnson SR LB 2 Victor Williams SR WR 3 Camarion Gates SR DB 4 Jameer Scandrick JR DB 5 Demazes Dorsey SR OLB 6 Trey Geter SR WR 6 Antevius Berry JR RB 7 James Paige SR QB 8 Justyn Reid SR WR 9 Payton Hardy SR WR 9 Caleb Reid JR LB 10 Trayveon Kendrick SR DE 11 Micah Bryan SR DE 12 Jeb Baggett SO QB 13 Jakob Perry SR FB 14 Duane Cure SR DB 15 JaKaleb Stegall SO WR 16 Tristen Young JR WR 17 Nathan Scales SO DB 17 Nolen Huey SR LB 18 Frank Braxton SR CB 19 Cameron Braxton JR OLB 20 Warren Moore JR FB 21 Quintavious Berry SR RB 21 Ashton Heflin SR OLB 23 Cam Johnson JR DB 24 Rodney Colton FR DB/WR 24 Isaiah Neeley SR WR 25 Korey Turks JR CB 26 Brent Gregory JR LB 27 Andrew Rush JR DB 28 Emarion Nichols SO LB 29 Alphonso Dudley SO DB 30 Austyn Philpot JR LB 31 Ethan Devers JR K 32 Zy'Kerion Tucker JR DL 33 Calieth Childress SR DL 34 Jalon Teagle SO RB 35 Quantavious Watson SO 36DB Canmarious Gates SO DB 36 Joshua Nalls SO WR 37 Henry Smith SO WR 38 Logan Bubel SO RB 38 Damian Robinson SR LB 39 Justin Alexander SO TE 40 Shawn Grier FR RB 41 Javien Rivera LB 42 Jack Whitemore JR CB 43 Corey Boler SO TE/DE 44 Cannon Cash SO LB 45 Mason Dodds SO LB 46 Marqavious Edwards SO 47FB/DLJaxon White FR DL 48 JosiahSmith FR LB 49 Jackson Mckinnon SO LB 50 Jeremiah McCaskell JR DL 51 Orlando Favors JR DL 52 Marvin Mitchell SR DL 53 Brady Ward JR LB 54 Raymond Shumake SR 55 Levi Herndon SR OL 56 Tyrell McGuire JR OL 58 James Dixon JR DL 58 Enrique Castro SO OL 59 Dayln Heath JR OL 60 Tyler Brinkley SO OL 63 William Walker SR OL 64 Jaylen Gould SR OL 67 Val Hudson FR DL 71 Jack Reese SO OL 72 Noah St. John SO OL 73 Javeon Hinton FR DL 74 Ethan York FR OL 75 Zion Williams SO OL 77 Evan Russell FR DL 80 Gabe Petro JR TE 81 Gus Anderson SO WR 82 Anthony Howard SO 83 Aaron Amey SO WR 84 Hudson Huey SO TE 85 Jamarion Brewer FR WR 86 Braelin Crump FR WR 87 Jeremiah George JR WR 88 Mac Brooks JR TE 89 Kari North FR DB 90 Cameron Favors FR TE 91 Derrick Stepp SO DL 93 Ben Roche FR DL 94 Emmanuel Ward FR DL 97 Harrison Howard SO K 98 Riley Davis JR P 99 Alex Barnes JR DL NEWNAN COUGARS SCHEDULE 2022 Fri. Aug. 5 Gri n – Scrimmage Home Sat, Aug. 20 Sandy Creek – Coweta/Fayette KO Away Fri. Aug. 26 East Coweta Away Fri. Sept. 9 Hardaway Home Fri. Sept. 16 Paulding County – Region Home Fri. Sept. 23 South Paulding – Region Away Fri. Sept. 30 East Paulding – Region Away Fri. Oct. 7 Alexander-Region Home Fri. Oct. 21 Langston Hughes-Region Away Fri. Oct. 28 Douglas County – Region Home Fri. Nov. 4 New Manchester – Region Home
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022 WHAT DRIVES US IS A PASSION FOR SHINE DETAIL GARAGE NEWNAN IS YOUR DESTINATION FOR AUTO DETAILING SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT, EXPERT ADVICE, TRAINING AND EVENTS. Started by a passionate car detailer, Detail Garage Newnan was born out of a need to create the ultimate playground and community for car care enthusiasts. Our retail associates are happy to guide you and give recommendations for any of your car 172 BULLSBORO DRIVE, NEWNAN, GA 30263 470-818-0164 • WWW.DETAILGARAGE.COM/NEWNAN FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM @DETAILGARAGENEWNAN GeorgiaGeorgiaLicensedREALTOR®in&Alabama&Alabama 354 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Suite Newnan,235 GA 30265 (M) 678.552.0050 (O) chayeshomes.comChristieH@kw.com678.854.0899
LAST YEAR IN REVIEW – After earning their first win of the year against Locust Grove 21-7, the Vikings hit a rough stretch against four teams that all made the playoffs. But as usual with a Mike McDonald-coached team, the Vikings never gave up. They finished the season playing their best football. They had two near misses, a one-point loss to Northside-Columbus and a double-overtime defeat to Griffin. They closed out their year with a win over McIntosh. It was their fourth consecutive victory over their region neighbors from Peachtree City.
Ishan Metts started the season last year as a sophomore and led the team through most of the season. An injury gave another sophomore, Colin Meehan a chance and he finished out the season.
Sometimes the process takes longer than the fan base would like. The past two years have been frustrating for Northgate fans as they missed out on the state playoffs. But the seasons were not a complete loss. During that time, Head Coach Mike McDonald nurtured the program through some difficult times. He has built a solid coaching staff, continuity and the infrastructure that is required to compete in Georgia High School football.
The running back position has two hard-nosed running backs who pick up tough yardage each time they carry the ball. Clayton Cowart and Evan Garrett deliver more punishment than they receive. Look for the coaching staff to take advantage of their skill sets by playing both at the same time.
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 18 NORTHGATE
Amarion White is another weapon that will get more looks this year at the position. Younger guys who will get in some work include Antwan Herring, David West and Graham Peek. At tight end, Matthew McDonald returns for a breakout season. He has the size and speed to get open and be a security blanket for the quarterback. Unfortunately, the offensive line does not bring back as much experience. The Vikings had to replace the en-
Coach McDonald shared about his two signal callers, “Both of them have their strengths. We feel good at where they are at. We feel like we can win with either of them back there.”
Tyon Williams is the starting split end, and he has the chance to be one of the most dynamic players in the county. With the quarterbacks a little more seasoned, the number for Williams should go up.
The Vikings Wing-T set requires two wing backs off the line of scrimmage who act as a runner, receiver and blocker. Daylon Milam returns to one of the positions after getting banged up last year, while Mason Hart and Cameron Coleman will play the position as well.
All eyes on the playoffs
The 2022 Vikings bring back most of the skilled position players from last year which will equate to a solid running game, experienced quarterbacks and a couple of big-play type receivers. Add to that mix one of the best kickers in the state and you get the perfect menu for winning games in Coach McDonald’s system. Northgate competes in Georgia High School Association Region 2-5A and plays their home games at Henry Seldon Stadium.
OFFENSE – Just as in the past, the Northgate offensive philosophy will appear to be conservative with the Spread Wing T offense and their quarterback in the shotgun. But the Vikings offense will come at you in three and four receiver sets that will keep the defense on its toes. For the first time in three seasons, the Vikings have some experience returning at the quarterback position.
LEADERSHIP – Coach McDonald is entering his fifth season at Northgate and 16th overall as a head coach (he has 29 total years of high school coaching experience).Heearned his first win as a head coach on Aug. 20, 2004, in a 34-14 Union Grove victory over Luella. His first playoff win as a coach was a year later when Union Grove defeated Glynn Academy 24-6 in Brunswick, Georgia.Before Northgate, Coach McDonald has made head coaching stops at Union Grove and Newnan. He had 56 career wins for the Cougars in eight seasons, which puts him fourth all-time in coaching wins at Newnan.
Coleman is also a baseball player but has a good spring to summer season of preparation for football.
Northgate Vikings
NORTHGATE • 20
MISSION: Ensure competitive talent for current and future careers
The Chamber Newna n C o w e t a
SPECIAL TEAMS – The Vikings have one of the top kickers in the state in Nick Troemel. Anytime the offense can get on the other side of the 50-yard line, they are in scoring position with Troemel’s strong leg. Troemel will handle the punting duties as well. Coghlan brings experience to the long-snapping position. The returns will come from a committee that includes Williams, White, Garret and Milam.
NAMES FROM THE PAST – In their first ever win in program history, the Vikings defeated Mount Zion 33-6 on Nov. 6, 1998. Quarterback Mitch Stewart threw for 142 yards and three touchdowns. Those scoring receptions were made by Kenny Strozier, Broderick Hardaway and Ryan Thomas. Strozier added a 71-yard touchdown run, and kicker Jason Harden added two field goals. On defense, Michael Cain had a blocked kick and an interception.
On the line, Amir Hopper will start at nose tackle, while Cade Bates and Will McFarland will get the nod at the end positions. Kirby and Coghlan will add some depth for the starters. The starting inside linebackers are Jaden Middleton and Caleb Duke. The backups include Payton Liggett, and Michael McDonald will get some reps there as well. Matt Herda is solid at one outside linebacker position and Luke Latham has come on strong at the other. Coach McDonald said, “He has kind of been a pleasant surprise for us. He has had a good spring and summer and solidified that spot.”
OUTLOOK – Region realignment was kind to the Vikings. Instead of a seven-team league, they are now part of a five-team region, which means one region victory could potentially qualify a team for the state playoffs.Of the five teams in region 2-5A, only Harris County had a winning record last year. Coach McDonald has been to the state playoffs nine times and understands what it takes to get a team there. With only four region games all at the end of the year, the Vikings have six games to prepare. Three of the non-region contests are against teams that used to be region foes, Whitewater, Starr’s Mill and Griffin. Other non-region games include Central Carrollton, Villa Rica and Veterans.
centraleducationalcenter.net
In the secondary, Ryan Cobb and White are the corners, with Cade Payne, Mason McKnight and Coleman also in the mix. The safeties are Mason Hart and Williams, with Graham Peek getting some time on the field as well.
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022
160 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Newnan, GA • 678-423-2000 tire line going into the 2021 season and only have two returning starters this year: Will Taylor at one tackle and Carson Coghlan at a guard position. The newcomers include James Jackson at the other guard and Malachi Mitchell at the tackle. Backups for the line include Aiden Kirby, Amir Hopper and Jason Privett. The center position has a three-way battle that is still ongoing. The three players are Cole Gibson, Trey Gaddy and Jared Davenport.
DEFENSE – Northgate’s defense is the definition of continuity. Coach McDonald utilizes a 3-5 defensive scheme, with an odd front, two inside linebackers, two outside backers and four defensive backs.
KEY-GAME ON THE SCHEDULE – In the revamped Region 2-5A, the Northside-Columbus Patriots have one of the top returned teams. The Vikings go back to Columbus again this year on a Thursday night (Oct. 13, 2022) to face the Patriots, to whom they lost last year by a single point (14-13). A win there could give the Vikings a potential home playoff game in the first round.
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 20 NORTHGATE Georgia Properties Set Your Goals High This Season! Joy Brown Barnes, realtor® Cell: 404-328-5699 | Office: www.JoyBarnes.BHHSGeorgia.comJoy.Barnes@BHHSGeorgia770-254-8333 www.DustinShawHomes.com NORTHGATE SCHEDULEVIKINGS2022 Fri. Aug. 12 Fayette Co. – Scrimmage Home Sat. Aug. 20 Whitewater – Coweta/Fayette KO Away Fri. Aug. 26 Starr’s Mill Home Fri. Sept. 2 Villa Rica Away Fri. Sept. 9 Gri n Home Fri. Sept. 16 Central Carrollton Away Fri. Sept. 23 Veterans Home Fri. Oct. 7 McIntosh – Region Home Fri. Oct. 14 Northside Columbus – Region Away Fri. Oct. 21 Harris County – Region Home Fri. Nov. 4 Drew – Region Away PHOTO BY PHYLLIS TSARNAS VALADAO The strong leg of Nick Troemel (No. 32) will mean that the Vikings will almost always be in scoring position.
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022 21 We Specialize in Business Loans www.accessunited.com/business-purpose-loans (770) 251- 4311 Joe Borchardt, Commercial Lending Specialist, NMLS#1743683 Sam Giddens, SBA/USDA Lending Specialist, NMLS#1165521 NORTHGATE VIKINGS ROSTER 1 Tyon Williams SR WR 2 Mason Hart SR DB 3 Ramsay Riggins SR DB 4 Evan Garrett JR RB 5 Cade Bates JR DE 6 Ryan Cobb SR DB 7 Graham Peek JR FS 8 Luke Latham SR OLB 9 Jaden Middleton JR LB 10 Clayton Cowart SR RB 11 Amairon White SR WR 12 Bryce Oswalt JR RB 13 Ishan Metts JR QB 14 Treyvon Derring SR WR 15 Colin Meehan JR QB 16 Paul Walthall JR FS 17 Thompson Warren SO QB 18 Will Marshall SR WR 21 Caleb Duke SR LB 22 Cade Payne SR DB 23 David Wes tJR WR 24 Ben Perry JR DE 25 Cameron Coleman JR 26DB Mason McKnight SO FS 27 Michael Wood SR LB 28 Leonard Taylor JR WR 29 Antwan Herring JR WR 30 Jake Anderson SO K 31 Bryson Logan SO RB 32 Nick Troemel JR K 33 Jakob Jackson JR RB 34 Daylon Milam SR RB 35 Johnny Glove rJR DB 36 Carsen Allen JR RB 37 Dylan Liggett JR LB 38 Ben Harmon JR TE 39 Torey Mason SO RB 40 Ethan Larsen SO WR 42 Myles Parham JR WR 43 Mark Hall SO RB 44 Matt Herda SR LB 45 Cooper Hill JR LB 47 Armani McGowan JR LB 50 Amir Hopper JR DL 51 Peyton Liggett SO LB 52 Cameron Crawford SR 53DL Suriyan Pittenger JR OL 54 Will Taylor SR OL 55 Aiden Kirby JR OL 56 Javier Dodson JR DL 57 Logan Lunsford SO DL 58 John Joliff SO DL 59 Cole Gibson JR OL 60 Raymond Ferrell JR OL 61 Trey Gaddy JR OL 62 Kentavious Holloway SO OL 63 Omar Singh SO DL 64 Maddox Hoerger SR DL 65 Jason Perdomo SR DL 66 James Jackson SR OL 67 Jason Privett SO OL 68 Carson Coghlan SR OL 69 Jared Davenport DS RL 70 Ethan Chitnis JR OL 71 Zolen Louis SO DL 72 Isak Bergum SO OL 73 Robert McClung JR OL 77 Malachi Mitchell JR OL 80 Joseph Punchard JR 83WRClark Coggin JR TE 84 Josh Trollinger SR WR 86 Will McFarland SR DL 88 Matthew McDonald SR 89TE Jonathan Klaustermeyer JR WR
Continuing to grow FLAG FOOTBALL
Although in its infancy, flag football has gained a strong foothold in Coweta County. In just three years as a sanctioned sport by the Georgia High School Association, there are over 200 schools preparing to participate in the 2022 season. Last year, teams from Northgate, East Coweta, Newnan and Trinity Christian competed and qualified for the state playoffs. All Coweta schools swept the top four spots in Area 2 of Division 2 to advance. This season, local rivalries and games will get more intense when Whitewater and Starr's Mill join the mix. Last year, the Northgate Lady Vikings finished 7-2, defeated Trinity Christian and Newnan, and had a first-round playoff win against Mundy's Mill. Head Coach Maggie Horne leads the Lady Vikings, and key players Breigh Totten, Madisyn Jones, Lauren Coursey and Kayla Hall all Eastreturn.Coweta went 8-5; they defeated Northgate and Newnan but lost a close game to Mount Zion in the playoffs. Top returners include Alyssa Holden and Jenaya Boler; they are coached by Jennifer Jones. Trinity Christian finished 10-4 and made it to the third round of the playoffs before they lost a heartbreaker at Dodge County. Head Coach Kayla Freud is back and will lean on SeAnna Johnson, Olivia Osse and Aubree Settle to get them back to the postseason. The Newnan Lady Cougars will have quarterback Maddie Veal back along with Presley Ivey. They finished last year 6-4 and defeated Jonesboro in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Lithia Springs by one point. The 2022 GHSA flag football season opens on Oct. 6, 2022.
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 22 FLAG FOOTBALL
A and Starr's Mill join the mix. Last year, the Northgate Lady East Coweta offs. Top returners include Alyssa Holden and Jenaya lean on SeAnna Johnson, Olivia Osse and Aubree Settle to get them back to the postseason. in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Lithia Springs by one point. The 2022 GHSA flag KRISTY RODGERS Trinity Christian gets a punt from Olivia Osse (No. 36).
FLAG FOOTBALL
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022 77 Jefferson Parkway (Newnan Branch) 3111 Hwy. 34 East (Thomas Crossroads Branch) Post Office Box 1909, Newnan, GA 30264 Insurance Agency, Inc. Matrix PHONE (770) 253 0033 • FAX (770) 254 0037 • W. Kirby Arnall, CLU • Otis F. Jones III, AAI • Rick O. Mercer, AAI • Lori Wray, AAI • Hanson R. Powell, AAI • Mark Sanders, AAI • W. Kirby Arnall, Jr. • PERSONAL • COMMERCIAL • GROUP • LIFE www.matrixins.com MICHAEL CLIFTON Northgate’s Breigh Totten (No. 13) excels at four sports for the Vikings, softball, flag football, soccer and basketball.
LEADERSHIP – Coach Dallas is entering his sixth season as head coach for the Lions and his 21st season overall. He has won 147 career games, nine region championships and now has a state championship on the resume. He is the all-time winning coach at both Trinity Christian (52) and at Landmark Christian (88). Coach Dallas is a man with deep faith and is also a co-founder of M46 DADS ministry which equips fathers to intentionally fight for the hearts of their children.While Coach Dallas loves to win, he is equally passionate to live a life that truly matters – one that is intentionally focused on his relationship with the Lord, his relationship with his family and the impact he has on all those the Lord puts in his path. He also served as the defensive coordinator at Eagles Landing Christian Academy under head coach Jonathan Gess, where he was part of three state championships.
The Lions moved up to compete in Region 4 of Class 4A and will play their games at the newly renovated Trinity Christian Stadium. In 2022, they find themselves in an eight-team region in which seven of the teams qualified for the state playoffs. Week in and week out, the Lions will have a stout opponent to play.
The man to replace the four-year starting quarterback, David Dallas, is Henry Brodnax, no stranger to the program. He has been in the program his whole career and has already had some success filling in for Dallas two years ago when he led the team to a couple of important wins. Coach Dallas said of his quarterback, “Henry has grown up in the system the last three years. Not a huge guy, not going to run over anybody, but he has developed in the weight room. I will tell you what he does, he gets the ball out in time. And honestly, it is part of what makes a quarterback really good.”
Backing up Brodnax will be freshman Kaden Hanson.The Lions will replace Cosper at running back with a three-man committee. Senior Jamarion Harris is a tough, physical inside runner, Shawn Braxton, who has some experience carrying the football, and Phoenix Moss who has some breakaway speed. Gates headlines one of the receiver spots, while the others include Cam Roach and Michael Connor at the other split end. Johnathan Taylor will get some work as receiver; he has a huge wingspan and is a
Trinity Christian Lions
But they were more than just a group that won 14 in a row; the senior class of 2021 poured their time and energy into building up the players that would replace them. In their four-year career, last year’s seniors won 41 games, but they will play a huge part in the victories for the years to come.
OFFENSE – While the Lions Run/Pass offense is the same, the players running it are much different. Only two starters return from last year’s scoring machine, center Nathan Jones and receiver Aaron Gates. Coach Dallas said, “We only bring two back, but at least they are two really good ones.”
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 24 TRINITY
TRINITY • 26
T rinity Christian Head Football Coach Kenny Dallas has an axiom that goes, “Champions are built when no one is looking.” After going undefeated in 2021 and winning the Class A Private State Championship against Prince Avenue, everyone is looking. The standard was set by Coach Dallas and the players that have graduated over the past four seasons. The Lions will take that standard to a whole new level this year when they make the jump from Class-A Private to Class 4A, which is an unprecedented move in Georgia high school football.
Everyone is looking
LAST YEAR IN REVIEW – It was magical from start to finish; the Lions ran the table. They defeated all three teams they had lost to the year before (Athens Academy, Eagles Landing Christian Academy and PrinceTheyAvenue).wontheir second region in a row, they pulled off one of the most amazing wins in the playoffs in a rematch against ELCA, and they won the state title that will forever be in their trophy case.
Eight players signed to play at the next level: Josh and David Dallas, Bryce Wilcox, Dominick Cosper, Tyson Wall, Josiah Johnson, Christian Hanson and Jimbo Batchelor (for baseball).
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022 Did you absolutelytocareerGoodwillknowoffersservicesthecommunityfree? Whether you’re looking for a job, need specialized job training or even wanting to earn your GED, Goodwill is here to help you at no charge to you. Visit goodwillsr.org Westhill Newnan Crossing is a stateof-the-art Assisted Living & Memory Care community in Newnan, Georgia. Our comfortable, well-appointed apartments offer a variety of amenities and the peace of mind that comes from knowing our compassionate staff is available 24/7. BOOK A TOUR Call 678-771-6415 today to schedule an in-person, front porch or virtual tour. 285 Summerlin Blvd, Newnan, GA 30265 | 770-637-2207 | www.westhillnewnancrossing.com HOME Welc e
The defensive front is a strength, and it starts in the middle with junior nose tackle Cam Matthews who is about to enter his third year as a starter. One of the ends will be Miami, Ohio commit Ethan McDowell and on the other side is Sederik Saxon, who is also a rugbyCoachplayer.Dallas said of the d-line, “We play a three man front and expect those three guys to get the production of four because of the way we slant. Ethan McDowell is going to be unbelievable. Cam is going to be Cam, and the wild card is Sederik. He is just raw, but we have not had a guy with his size and his athleticism before at that position. At outside linebacker, the Lions will go with Moss and Landon Clare, but the flexibility and athlelicism of Cam Rodgers will allow him to play at both the outside backer and at defensive end. Taylor can also provide depth as well. The inside position is solid, Ryan Earl is going to have a breakout year, and the other will come from a competition between Bakari Hamilton, Cody Anderson and David Compte.”
With Gates in the secondary, there is a good chance that their opponents will throw to the other side of the field, where sophomore Logan Moss will start. Coach Dallas quipped, “You got a three- maybe four-year starter in Gates that is committed to Florida on one side. And then a 10th grade kid who's never started working at the other. You think he might see a few balls coming his way this year?”
TRINITY FROM PAGE 24 TRINITY • 27
The offensive line will be a work in progress early on. Jones is the anchor and moves around to different spots. He will work beside Sam Taylor who will start at center, with Jonah Conaway at guard. Grayson Ingram, Konor Howard, Matthew McWilliams and Matthew Wells look to fill out the positions and then backups.
SPECIAL TEAMS – The Lions are solid at punter with Josh Taylor who led the state in net punting yardage. Kicker is a different story, however. Assistant Coach Chris Hanson, who punted in the NFL, is looking to pull out some Trinity magic and prepare a kicker during the preseason camp that will be ready for the Onceseason.again, the long snapper will be Sam Taylor.
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 26 TRINITY great target for Brodnax. Hanson and Austin Morrow will also get opportunities to catch a few passes.
OUTLOOK – While the Lions lost a lot of talent to graduation, the cupboard is by no means empty. Aaron Gates is one of the most athletic players in the state, Shawn Braxton, who is committed to Davidson, plays multiple positions on both sides of the ball, and Ethan McDowell is committed to Miami University.
While the naysayer may think the jump is too big or the graduation losses were too big to overcome, no one should ever count out a Kenny Dallas-led team. The belief in each other that Coach Dallas instills in his players creates an attitude that transcends playbooks and schemes.
DEFENSE – The Lions will once again operate out of a 3-4, odd man front defense. The Lions return five starters from last season’s championship team. With the youth on the offensive side of the ball, the Lions will rely on the defense to keep them in games early.
So, the argument could be made that every Trinity Christian game could be designated as a key game. But their opener on Aug. 19 against the Woodward Academy War Eagles at home could be the toughest opponent the Lions have ever faced. Woodward won 11 consecutive games last season and were the Region 3-5A champions. They lost to Blessed Trinity in the second round of the state playoffs.
Synergy is the sum of the team being more than the total sum of its individual parts and the unique situation where the best individual performance on the team does not outperform the team’s performance. Put another way, synergy is the ability of a group to outperform even its best individual member. With that being said, you can always expect them to perform at a high level every week. The Lions will meet the challenge and will take one of those four playoff spots by the end of the season.
KEY-GAME ON THE SCHEDULE – The Lions 2022 schedule is a 12-week journey through the 2021 GHSA state playoffs. Every team in the eight-team region went to the playoffs last year, and all three of their non-region opponents made the playoffs.
At safety, Braxton, who could probably play every position on the field, including quarterback, is at one with Austin Morrow at the other. Roach and Omari Stewart will be the top backups.
The only holdover on their schedule from last year is against the Fellowship Christian Paladins, a game the Lions won 56-20.
Smaller class sizes, smaller school, approximately 400 total students in grades K-8 Odyssey Charter School is a tuition-free, public school serving Coweta County scholars in grades K-8. We opened our doors in 2004 as one of the first state-approved charter schools in Georgia and the first charter school in Coweta County. We are proud to be a small community school with a family atmosphere.
TRINITY FROM PAGE 26 BY ROB GRUBBS Cam Rodgers (No. 0) and Phoenix Moss (No. 25) add to an already stout Lions defense.
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022 27 odysseycharterschool.net 14 St. John Circle Newnan, GA 30265 • 770-251-6111 Conveniently located near I-85 and Ashley Park You have a choice for your child’s education!
NAMES FROM THE PAST – In 2012, the Trinity Christian Lions overcame the previous week's loss to Stratford with a 47-21 victory over the defending state champion Tattnall Square Trojans. The Lions scored on some big plays, including a 70-yard halfback pass from Jay Warner to Dee Snelling and an 84-yard touchdown run by Drew Gibson. Snelling caught another touchdown pass from quarterback Connor Adams and finished the game with five catches for 153 yards. Warner had 141 yards rushing on 14 carries. Then Head Coach Chris Hanson (who is still on staff as an assistant coach) said after the game, “The boys responded. I think coming out of halftime, they remembered what happened to them last week against Stratford. They were not about to let that happen to them again.”TheLions finished the regular season 6-4 and lost in the first round of the playoffs to Westfield 10-7.
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 28 2022 TRINITY LIONS ROSTER TRINITY TRINITY SCHEDULELIONS2022 Fri. Aug. 5 Jonesboro (scrimmage) Home Fri. Aug. 19 Woodward Academy Home Fri. Aug. 26 Fellowship Christian Away Fri. Sept. 2 Mary Persons Away Fri. Sept. 16 Riverdale Home Fri. Sept. 23 North Clayton Away Fri. Sept. 30 Starr’s Mill Home Fri. Oct. 7 Whitewater Away Fri. Oct. 21 Lagrange Home Fri. Oct. 28 Troup County Away Fri. Nov. 4 Fayette County Away 0 Cam Rodgers SO OL DL 2 Kaden Hanson SO QB DL 3 Coleman Duncan JR H LB 4 Jamarion Harris SR RB OLB 5 Ryan Earl SR H LB 6 Aaron Gates SR WR DB 7 Logan Moss SO WR DB 8 Phoenix Moss11 RB OLB 9 Sederik Saxon SR H OLB 10 Jayden Jackman JR QB DB 11 Cam Roach SR WR DB 12 Austin Morrow JR WR DB 14 Ethan McDowell SR WR DL 15 RJ Coker SO WR DB 16 Henry Brodnax SR QB DB 18 Jackson Ross SO WR DB 19 Brett Skinner SO WR DL 20 Michael Conner SR WR DB 21 Caleb Buck FR RB OLB 22 Seth Douglas SO WR DB 23 Shawn Braxton SR RB LB 24 Omari Stewart JR WR DB 25 Colton Thomas FR RB OLB 26 Hudson Griffin FR QB DB 27 Brady Rainwater FR WR DB 28 Peyton Echols FR WR DB 29 Preston Funk FR WR DB 30 Colin Knowles FR QB DB 31 Marc Bell FR WR DB 32 Cody Anderson JR OL ILB 33 Brady Peterson JR RB LB 34 Sam Burgess SO RB LB 35 Trevor McDowell FR RB OLB 36 Konor Howard JR RB LB 37 Peyton Roberts SO WR LB 38 Kaden Sullivan SO WR DB 39 Lee Sibille FR WR DB 40 Landon Clare SR WR DB 41 Anderson Embry SO H LB 42 David Comte SO H LB 43 Ben Wesson RB ILB 44 Tucker Boone SO WR LB 45 Bakari Hamilton FR RB ILB 46 Trent Waldrop SO H LB 47 Andrew Bouchard FR WR DB 48 Noah Tarver FR WR DB 49 Michael Rosser FR RB DB 50 Matthew Wells SO OL DL 51 Sam Taylor SR OL LB 52 Greg Brezina FR OL DL 53 Reece Earl FR OL ILB 54 Matthew McWilliams JR OL DL 55 Cam Matthews JR OL DL 56 David Hayden SR DL OL 57 Turner Morris SO OL DL 58 Nathan Jones SR OL DL 59 Holden Grizzle FR OL DL 61 Hayden Devenney FR OL DL 62 Will Kennedy FR OL DL 64 Ranauldo Wright Jr. FR OL DL 65 Nathan Knowles JR OL DL 66 Jack McClain FR OL DL 67 Chase Morrison FR WR DB 68 Austin Taylor FR OL ILB 70 Henry Zueck SO OL DL 72 Andy Henderson SO OL DL 73 Jonah Conaway JR OL DL 74 Ethan Crisp FR OL DL 77 Grayson Ingram SO OL DL 79 Sawyer Boone FR OL DL 80 Brody Arnold FR WR DB 84 Davis Peavy SO WR DB 85 Nikolas Pagsisihan SO WR LB 86 Reece Sinyard FR WR DB 87 Joshua Taylor SR WR LB 88 Hudson Early SO WR DB 89 Micah Cobb SO WR LB 90 Seth Rivers FR QB/WR/RB DB 94 Luke Thomas SO K 95 Chase Phillips FR WR DB 96 Carson Roberts FR WR DB 97 Noah Knowles FR 99 Jake Anderson FR H ILB 81/91 Chase Randolph FR WR DB
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022
The Heritage leadership quickly learned that the competition was going to be tough in the GHSA, but they understood that and were up for the challenge, even after a tough fi rst year in 2020. Some bright spots emerged from the competition last year, but there were also concerns building from an administrative standpoint. The biggest of which was the lack of voice that the smaller schools had in the governance of their aff airs. After the 2021 season, Heritage announced with 10 other schools they would rejoin the GISA. Heritage Headmaster Kristen Skelly said, “GISA’s desire to restructure the organization in a way that supports like-minded private schools and their student-athletes was the largest factor in the decision.”
Coach Copeland is a Coweta County native. He played for Head Coach Bill Luckie at Northgate High School and was a quarterback and all-state defensive back.
Against Chattooga, they twice fashioned comebacks that just came up short, they fell to Landmark by one score and kept things close against Mount Zion. Even more impressive was the talent that signed to play football in college. Sam Wall signed with Birmingham Southern, quarterback Hugh Barbee is going to Mississippi College, Braxton Goodwin is headed to Rhode Island to play for Salve Regina, James Thorpe will play at Tennessee State, Wyatt Anderson is off to Western Kentucky and Malachi Townsend to Hinds Community College.
The school leadership decided two years ago to leave the Georgia Independent School Association, where they had enjoyed much success, and join the deeper pond of the Georgia High School Association.
The thought process to change was predominantly built around travel schedules that were getting longer and longer as the GISA shrunk in size, especially for the sports that played midweek games.
T he last two football seasons at The Heritage School have provided some painful education. There have been some oh-so-close moments, and some how-did-we-get-here moments. But through it all, Head Coach Jake Copeland and his staff have stuck to their vision of creating a winning environment and preparing young men for the next phase of their life.
LAST YEAR IN REVIEW – Although they failed to get a victory, the 2021 Hawks made signifi cant improvement in their second season in GHSA.
Coach Seagle was an assistant coach at Lanett High School and part of two Alabama state championships there, 2017 and 2019. After retiring and spending two seasons at Manchester, Coach Seagle has joined the Heritage coaching staff.
Full Speed Ahead HERITAGE • 31
The other schools that moved include Tattnall Square, Stratford Academy, Mount de Sales and First Presbyterian of Macon, Lakeview Academy in Gainesville, Deerfi eld-Windsor in Albany, George Walton Academy in Monroe, Strong Rock Christian in Locust Grove and St. Anne Pacelli and Brookstone from Columbus.TheGISA rebranded its athletic league as the Georgia Independent Athletic Association and will kick off the 2022 competition with 37 football teams. At a smaller school, numbers are the fi rst barometer of the health of the football program, and Heritage will open the season with 41 players on the roster, which is almost double what they had the previous two seasons.The Hawks play their home games at the newly renovated Heritage Stadium.
OFFENSE – The overall philosophy of the Hawk off ense is spread/RPO set with the quarterback and running back in the backfi eld.
The Heritage off ense will be under the fi eld leadership of freshman Dylan Barber, who was the starting quarterback at Madras Middle School this time last year. Coach Copeland said, “I have been training Dylan since he was in fi fth grade as a quarterback; he has continued to impress me. Is he going to be a fresh-
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 30 HERITAGE
Heritage Hawks
LEADERSHIP – Head Coach Jake Copeland returns for his second full season; he took over the reins of the program midway through the 2020 season. Coach Copeland has college experience as well, serving as an assistant at his alma mater, Lenoir Rhyne and at Jacksonville University. He added off ensive coordinator Chip Seagle, who has an impressive coaching track record in Alabama, to the staff in the off season.
Sophomore Landon Justice will be the understudy to Barber and back him up if needed.
The most critical game is the fi rst one, against St.
The slot receivers will be freshmen as well, Rocco Barbie and Tyson Hamaker while Landon Justice and Thomas Scoggins will be the split ends. Landon Freeman and Mack Mikko will see time at those positions asCoachwell. Copeland summed up his receivers by saying, “We have got some pretty good talent at the receiver level, all of them can catch and they run good routes. With all the RPO stuff we are doing, those guys should be open.”
The running back duties will fall to Cale Cartwright and Edward “Juice” Bolden. Coach Copeland distinguished between the two backs’ styles: “Juice is extremely elusive; he hits the whole hard and has a good burst to him. Kale is not as elusive, but he is going to put his pads down and run through you. He hits the hole hard and will get his yardage.”
Look for Coach Copeland to lean on that experienced off ensive line and running game led by Bolden early, and then open the off ense up more as the season goes along.
OUTLOOK – The GIAA is broken down into classes based on student size and districts determined by location. For the regular season, Class AAAA and Class AAA are combined, but the postseason is broken down into separate classes.
HERITAGE FROM PAGE 30 HERITAGE • 32
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022 31 man? Absolutely, but he is one of the most talented kids I've seen at this.”
DEFENSE – The Hawks’ defense will have an odd man front and base out of a 3-3-5 formation. The defense front is all new as last year's starters graduated. Miles will be at the nose guard, and Lakes and Whaley will be on the ends. Depth will be provided by Estrada, Chapman and Tvrdik. Two linebacker spots will be manned by the Davis brothers, Braxtyn and Bryson. The third linebacker is a competition during the preseason camp and will be settled between Smith, Myles Tambro and Clark. In the Hawks’ three safety look, Caleb Woody will join senior Jamal Chandler-Fuller and Cartwright. Woody has eye-opening size and speed and will be a welcome addition, while Chandler-Fuller was the fi rst Hawk to make a college commitment this season; he is headed to Davidson. The corners will be Mack Mikko and Dominic Digulio. There are many who can provide some additional playing time, including Bolden, Barbee and Trey Nevels.
Kick and punt returners are still up in the air, but they will come from a group that includes Barbee, Bolden, Chandler-Fuller and Scroggins.
The Hawks were placed in Class AAA and included in District Five. They are the only 3A team in the district, so after the regular season, they will compete in the playoff s against only schools their size. Their region schedule will include holdovers St. Anne Pacelli and Brookstone from last season, along with Westfi eld, which is in Perry, and Strong Rock. The defending state champions in Class 3A are the John Milledge Academy Trojans in Milledgeville, Georgia.The Hawks will have two months to get their freshman quarterback ready for district play and postseason competition. Look for Coach Copeland’s squad to get some non-district wins early in the year and make noise in the state playoff s.
SPECIAL TEAMS – Mikko is highly versatile; in addition to playing receiver and corner, he handles the kicking duties. He is one of the top kickers in the state of Georgia. The punting will go to freshman Quint Johnson, or Mikko could handle it if needed. Woody will handle the long snapping duties.
At H-back, the Hawks will call on another freshman Jet Clark, and will put Griggs Smith and Keshawn Lakes in the Whilemix.the youth at the skill positions could cause some alarm, Coach Copeland beamed about the offensive line. He said, “They could be the best we have everTwohad.”starters return to the same positions they manned last year. Senior tackle Ty Sudduth and junior guard Matthew Tvrdik have played a lot of snaps for the Hawks, and their experience will be vital to the young quarterback. The others on the line include Jacob Miles at the center, guard Noah Whaley, and tackle Dayton Stephens to get a big, physical front. There is even depth, which would have been considered a luxury in the past. Those include LJ Estrada and Will Chapman.
KEY GAME ON SCHEDULE – Being the smallest school in the district will create challenges for the Hawks, but their roster size and overall experience will help for those games.
HERITAGE HAWKS SCHEDULE Fri. Aug. 6 Walker (scrimmage) Home Fri. Aug. 19 St. Mary’s Home Fri. Aug. 26 Creekside Christian Home Fri. Sept. 2 Kendrick
Away
NAMES FROM THE PAST – On Oct. 16, 2009, the Hawks defeated the Colonials Hills Christian Rams 58-0 under then Head Coach Larry Harrison’s Double-Wing offense. Colonial Hills, from Lithia Springs, had a long history of winning football, including two Georgia Christian Athletic Association state championships under legendary coach Bill Thorn. That night, it was all Hawks, as junior running back John Veal had 105 yards rushing, freshman Chandler Rich had 206 yards on just 10 carries, and Stuart Bready scored three rushing touchdowns. Also in the game, Evan Graybill had an interception. The 2009 Hawks finished 6-4 in the regular season and lost to Bulloch Academy in the playoffs. Home Fri. Sept. 23 Calvary Christian Away Fri. Sept. 30 Kings Ridge Away Fri. Sept. 14 Westfield Fri. Sept. 21 Strong Rock Home Fri. Sept. 28 St. Anne Pacelli Away Fri. Sept. 4 Brookstone
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 32HERITAGE FROM PAGE 31 HERITAGE Mary’s Academy, which will be at home on Aug. 19. St. Mary’s is a consolidation of Our Lady of Victory School in Tyrone and Our Lady of Mercy in Fayetteville. The significance of the moment cannot be overlooked, the Hawks are looking for their first win since a 40-14 victory over Loganville Christian Academy on Nov. 8, 2019.
Away ROSTER 0 Caleb Woody SR WR/DB 1 Jamal 4FR3JRgins2SRdler-FullerChan-RB/DBThomasScog-WR/DBRoccoBarbeeRB/DBLandonFree- 10JR9SO7JR6JR5SOmanWR/DBJuiceBoldenRB/LBIanHallWR/DBDominicDigulioWR/DBKeshawnLakesH-back/LBBrysenDavies FR H-back/LB 11 Landon Justice SO QB/WR/DB 12 Dylan Barber FR QB 15 Mack Mikko SR WR/DB/K 16 Jet Clark FR H-Back/DL 17 Omar Abdelall SR LS 18 Jack Butler SR TE/DL 21 Tyson Hamaker FR WR/DB 22 Cale Cart- FR32SO30SO28SO27FR25FR24SO23JRwrightRB/DBFieldChapmanWR/DBRudiiSmithWR/DBPickettHowellQBBraxtynDaviesH-Back/LBGriggsSmithH-Back/LBSeanCoveyQBBillyWatrobaRB/DB 33 56SO54SR52JR50FR47SO35SR34SOTollesonTrumanWR/DBMylesTambroH-Back/LBWillMcCarthyWR/DBReggieNevelsWR/DBNoahWhaleyOL/DLJacobMilesOL/DLReedRobertsOL/DLMatthewTvrdik JR OL/DL 58 William James FR OL/DL 70 Dayton SteSR99FR90FR81SR77FR74JRphensOL/DLWillBraceyOL/DLTySudduthOL/DLQuintJohnsonK/PWillChapmanOL/DLLJEstradaOL/DL PHOTO BY CHRIS MARTIN Jamal Chandler-Fuller (No. 1) has played a lot of football for Heritage in his career and the young team is counting heavily on the experience he brings.
PHOTO BY CASSIE WHITE
PHOTO BY CHRIS MARTIN Jacob Miles (No. 10) has moved to center to give the Hawks offensive line more consistency than in the past.
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 34
Freshman Hunter Harrell (No. 1) will lead the Crusaders' offense as they enter back into eight-man football.
Barber (No. 12), who started for Madras Middle School last year, will take the reins of the Hawks offense for 2022.
Best of Luck this Season!
PHOTO BY CHRIS MARTIN Thomas Scoggins (No. 21) got a lot of playing time as a sophomore last year for the Hawks. He will get the start at one of the wideout Dylanspots.
LEADERSHIP – The Crusaders are under the leadership of Head Coach Paul Frantz, who first came to the program in 2008 as an assistant coach under Head Coach RickAlsoSherman.included on the coaching staff are Joey Farlow and former Crusader Jerald Dewveall. On coaching at Central Christian, Coach Frantz shared, “I don’t know what it is about this school, or this football team, but we seem to attract kids whether they are in the eighth grade, a senior or never have played before.”
For the Crusaders, freshman Hunter Harrell is the one that will throw. He had a great season on the middle school team last year and is ready to take the position for the next four years.
“If our offense goes spread with three men, the defense will have to be in man-to-man coverage. So, we just have somebody that can throw and someone that can catch.”
CENTRAL • 37
The Crusaders Middle School team, under the leadership of Head Coach Jerry DeJarnett, won the region championship and made it to the second round of the playoffs.
Including Harrison, the others that will play receiver/ wing are Grant Maloye, Gabriel Petenger, Ethan Reeves and Cornell Travick.
LAST YEAR IN REVIEW – It was a tale of two seasons.
OFFENSE – According to Coach Frantz, “Eight-man is all about space. Spacing is huge in 11-man football, too, but it's easier to accomplish in eight-man football because if the defense runs a two-man front, we are going to run all over you. Like you can't really stop the run. So, most guys are going to run a three-man defensive front; that only leaves five men in coverage.”
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 36 CENTRAL CHRISTIAN
On Oct. 15, 2022, the Crusaders defeated Harvester Christian Academy 19-16 for their biggest win of the season. Their record stood at 3-3, and all three of those losses were by one possession. While at their highest moment, they experienced their deepest low when they lost several players to injury and through attrition. They lost the rest of the games, including a 42-14 loss in the rematch with Harvester.
The Central Christian Crusaders decided earlier in the year to return to the sport they had the most success in. Head Coach Paul Frantz and the Crusaders will move back to eight-man football for the 2022 season. In 2014 and 2015, they went 25-2, including a national championship, a state championship and a state runner-upEight-manfinish.
“But they learn pretty quickly we are going to have fun, but we are going to work hard. We want to have Godly people out there, but we also want the kids to work hard. My motto is something I stole from someone else: ‘Hustle, hit and never quit.’ Our kids always take to it.”
football shares the same rules, procedures and structure as the traditional 11-man game, with a few minor differences. Eight-man football depends greatly on the type of formation used, but the eliminated players are commonly two offensive tackles and a skill position player on offense and one defensive back, one linebacker and one defensive lineman on defense. The games can turn into "track with pads," with scores like 70-68 or 61-40. However, defense is not a lost art. Scores can still be prevented. It’s just a matter of finding the defensive scheme that best fits the personnel. The offense is not as straightforward as one would expect, with defenses keying well on mainstream offenses like the spread and the pro. Central Christian competes in the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools Region 2 Class AA and plays its home games at Roy G. Davis Stadium at Scott Thompson Field, which opened for the 2016 season. Other teams in their region include New Creation Christian Academy, Sherwood Christian Academy, Vidalia Heritage Academy and Young Americans Christian School. Vidalia Heritage is the defending state champion.
Senior quarterback Cody Earle was the heart and soul of the Crusaders. After the season he signed with Shorter College to continue his athletic and academic career. Earle’s signing continued coaches Frantz’ and Farlow’s impressive run of getting their players the opportunity to play in college. Over the past two seasons, four Central Christian seniors have moved on.
The player that can catch is another freshman, Acai’ Harrison. Coach Frantz shared, “the two best players we have right now are Harrell and Harrison.”
Central Christian Eight is enough
DEFENSE – To set up an eight-man defense, the ends are important. They control the line and keep the tight end off of the Coublelinebackers.willbeatone of the end positions and the other will be split between Reeves and Maloye. Hill and Rainey will man the nose guard position to disrupt the middle and allow the ends to work from the outside. Scruggs will return to one linebacker spot, where he was last year, and Reeves will get some time at the other linebacker spot.
OUTLOOK – History has proven that you never count out a Paul Frantz/Joey Farlow-coached team. Workout attendance and practice participation can be discouraging at times, but Coach Frantz said, “That is just small school stuff; we do what we can do. We work the kids that show up; that is all we can do.”
SPECIAL TEAMS – Scruggs will return to handle the kicking duties. He had a knack last year of creating success on-side kicks from the free kick formation.
The Crusader offense will run from multiple formations, Coach Frantz shared, “My philosophy is that it is easier to run multiple formations with the same plays than to teach your kids a bunch of plays.”
Teams and
The offensive line brings a little more experience than the skill positions. Seniors Noah Hill, who started last year, and Ryan Scruggs along with junior Evan Couble will start up front. They will get relief from backups Leron Rainey, Kadon Jones, Ben Green and Zion King.
COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 2022
www.KAMEB.com*AsreportedbyCaseMetrix, LLC,
Yours, Wishing Our
Coach Frantz is not a fan of punting, but Scruggs will handle that as well when the situation arises.
From
CENTRAL FROM PAGE 36 CENTRAL • 38
Having a freshman at quarterback is always an adventure, but Harrell has the size and physicality to lead the team. If he grows up quickly, the Crusaders could return to early 2021 form. The key to the season once again will be injuries. If Cen-
$1 Million – Our firm has more $1 Million + injury settlements and verdicts in Coweta County than any other law firm. an independent database of settlements and verdicts. Our Winning Team to Local Fans a Safe and Memorable Season 770-251-7100
Harrison has a lock on one corner while Pettinger and Travick will be on the other side. Harrell will handle the safety spot, which is a general rule for Coach Frantz. He said, “My quarterback can only play safety on defense, where he's a little bit more protected.”
CRUSADERSCHRISTIANCENTRALROSTER
2022 COWETA KICKOFF GUIDE 38
Fri. Aug. 26 New Creation Home Fri. Sept. 2 Victory Baptist Home Fri. Sept. 9 Fideles Christian Away Fri. Sept. 16 Lafayette Christian Away Fri. Sept. 23 Johnson Ferry Home Fri. Sept. 30 Praise Academy Away Fri. Sept. 7 Sherwood Christian Home Fri. Oct. 21 Young Americans Away Fri. Oct. 28 Vidalia Heritage Home Fri. Sept. 4 Horizon Christian Away
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CENTRAL FROM PAGE 37 tral Christian can avoid any major time loss from an injury, history has shown that the team under the coaching staff will get better each week and peak at playoff time. The Central coaching staff knows how to win at eightman football, and the banners that hang in their gymnasium are proof.
KEY-GAME ON THE SCHEDULE – The Crusaders' opening game against New Creation Christian Academy is on Aug. 26, 2022. The Crusaders carry a lot of unknowns going into the season, but one of those will not be an understanding of their opening opponent. Central Christian has a bye the first week of the season while NCCA hosts Lafayette Christian. The Crusaders need every advantage they can muster, so having a firsthand look at their opponent will be critical in the week of preparation leading up to the contest. A NAME FROM THE PAST – In their game against Ballard Christian Academy in 2011, the Crusaders rushed for 528 yards and nine touchdowns in their 68-54 victory. Two Central Christian running backs ran for over 200
Hunter Harrell RyanFR Scruggs GrantSR Maloye EthanJR Reeves NoahSR Hill LeronSR Rainey EvanSR Couble KadonJR Jones ZionFR SRCornellFRAçaíJRGaberalSOPHBenSOPHKingGreenPetengerHarrisonTravick yards. Noah Parkerson had 272 yards on the ground while JD Farlow added 220 yards. The 2011 Crusaders finished the season 7-3, which included a heartbreaking 46-43 loss to CrossPointe Christian Academy.
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS SCHEDULE 2022
FULL SERVICE LAWN MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND INSTALL 770.463.0608 2226 Hwy. 34 E NEWNAN | www.moremulch.com Landscaping Supplies Landscaping Installation • MULCH • AGGREGATES • PAVERS • SAND & SOIL • STONE • POTS • METAL ART 770.252.0006 Make Your Yard a Showcase!
www.utility.org | 770-502-0226
