Coweta Kickoff Guide 2023

Secret’s out, the season is here

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It’s time

My first memory of high school football is still very vivid. It was late 1974, and I was in the fourth grade. My mom gave me two dollars before I got on the bus that day, money that was earmarked for a football ticket.

We could buy tickets to the high school game at lunch at Hubbard Elementary School, and after the transaction occurred, I clutched that ticket as tight as if it was a winning lottery ticket.

All I could think about for the rest of the day was that ticket. It was beautiful in its simplicity, plain white card stock with black ink and the words “Admit One” written across it.

The high school my dad and uncles attended, and the one my sister and I would eventually attend, was playing a game against some big school from Atlanta with a funny name.

On a chilly night in November, the ninthranked St. Pius X Golden Lions invaded Mitchell Field in Forsyth, Georgia, to play the topranked and undefeated Mary Persons Bulldogs.

Back then, the home side of Mitchell Field is now the visitors. The sidelines were so close to the stands that you could almost reach out and touch the players. They seemed larger than life, even though they were only a few years older.

It is that time again; football season is here.

And although it is 49 years later, I still get that same feeling after lunch on Friday like I just bought the golden ticket. I hope that never goes away.

Whether you are a fan of Central Christian, East Coweta, Heritage, Newnan, Northgate, or Trinity Christian, it is all the same.

So, settle in for the next three months, prepare to cheer and encourage, but most of all, enjoy the feeling that only comes from high school football.

The secret is out; it is time. Please join me in making another season of memories.

Rob Grubbs Sports Editor

INSIDE

It’s Time

High School Football 2023:

It’s that time again. Coweta County football season is here.

Page 5

EAST COWETA 6 - 11

NEWNAN 12-16

NORTHGATE 18-23

TRINITY CHRISTIAN 24-28

HERITAGE SCHOOL 30-34

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN 36-38

East Coweta Built to Last

The numbers are impressive. The East Coweta Indians currently have over 200 players in their program, split between the varsity, the junior varsity, and the ninth-grade team.

The commitment is unwavering.

According to Head Coach

John Small, the Indian players and parents are as committed as he has ever seen. At a parent meeting earlier this month, Coach Small said 95% of the team was represented.

FOOTBALL

ON THE COVER

The tradition is rich. Since 1990, the Indians have been to the playoffs 30 of the last 33 years, including four region championships in the state’s highest classification.

The pedigree is well-documented. Five players from that run have made it to the highest level, the NFL, including Keith Brooking, who was a first-round pick in the 1998 draft.

It is an impressive resume, and Coach Small keeps writing more chapters to the story.

LEADERSHIP – Head Coach

John Small enters his seventh season leading the East Coweta program. During his tenure, the Indians have qualified for the state playoffs for the past five seasons.

Last year, Coach Small earned his 100th career win in their win over Newnan.

According to Coach Small, overall leadership is a collective within the whole program. He shared, “A coach-led team is an average football team, a coach/player-led team is a decent football team, but a player-led team is an outstanding football team.”

Coach Small and his staff constantly seek to develop leadership from within the team by challenging the men to grow into the role as opposed to trying to force them into it.

LAST YEAR IN REVIEW –

There were some ups and downs. The ups included enormous offensive outputs against Lowndes County and Hillgrove, while the downs were mostly around turnovers.

Fumbles and interceptions are always problematic, but they hit East Coweta in 2022 at the worst possible time.

The Indians enjoyed a win over Class 3A state champion Sandy Creek and region wins against Pebblebrook and Campbell, returning them to the state playoffs.

Those turnovers came back to haunt them in games against Carrollton and Westlake and the playoff game against Camden County.

Fortunately for Coach Small, those are teachable items that can be corrected. Those have been emphasized in the offseason and early season camp.

SPOTLIGHT ON ...

EAST COWETA

Secret’s out, the season is here

The cover photo is credited to Lawrence Wallis

Secret’s out, the season is here

OFFENSE – There is a battle at the quarterback position. Cohen Peeples and Andrew Shoch are neck-in-neck going into the final weeks of fall practice. Whoever wins the job will have the luxury of a huge offensive line.

Zach Clayton (6-foot-5), Courtlin Heard (6-foot6), Ashton Sample (6-foot-6), A.J. King (6-foot-1), and Chase Lewandowski (6-foot-1) are massive, and they will be a source of strength of the team. Silas Stover can move around if needed and add depth.

Dionte Jones, Dural Thompson, and even nose tackle Tyler Horsley will get a chance to run behind that army.

The receivers will include Deshun Horsley, Walter Maestre, Chris Bailey, Walter Maestre, Elijah Farrell and Seth Gritton. When the situation allows, the Indians have four tight ends they feel good about: PJ Clennon, Easton Bowles, Trace McWright, and Aidan Cagle.

DEFENSE – On the Indian’s three-man front, the linemen will be Tyler Cobb, Tyler Horsley, and Cagle. They will cloud things up for the linebackers to run free.

Those include Malachi Duggar, Lucas Naquin, Jaylin Thornton, Austin Arrington, and Josh Anderson.

There will be Derrion Horsley, Flenn Larkin, and Dylan Holston in the secondary.

There are not a lot of holdovers from last year’s defense, but this is a group that will grow each week and just keep getting better.

SPECIAL TEAMS – The Indians have one of the top long snappers in the country in senior Keaton McNutt, who has committed to play at Auburn next year. The kicking duties will fall to Aaron McWilliams and Brock Beldon.

EAST COWETA PHOTOS BY AELISE GAGLIANO

The Indian running game starts with senior Dionte Jones (No. 8).

EAST COWETA

FROM PAGE 7

OUTLOOK – Coach Small shared, “We knew we would be a young team coming into this year after graduating 39 guys. We have a lot of guys back that played a lot, so we’re working to find exactly what works best for our kids.”

Coach Small continued, “We are going to line up and play. They are not going to stop the season because we are young. We are going to jump in, and our expectation is to win every game. We tell our kids all the time, ‘The environment may change, but expectation does not.’”

Another challenge will be that the Indians will only play four games in the confines of Garland Shoemake Memorial Stadium.

Do not let the youth fool you, though. When the region games that matter come up in October, that youth will be older, and Coach Small and his staff will have them ready to compete.

KEY GAME ON THE SCHEDULE – The last time the Pebblebrook Falcons visited Garland Shoemake Memorial Stadium in 2021, they snuck out of town with a 38-21 victory that prevented the Indians from earning back-to-back region championships.

The Pebblebrook game will be the last of the regular season on Nov. 3. It will be chilly, and playoff implications will be on the line. It is the atmo-

With a new quarterback going into the season, his best friend will be the huge offensive line up front, including Zach Clayton (No. 72).

sphere that brings out the best in the Indians.

NAME FROM THE PAST – In 2002, the East Coweta Indians (7-4) traveled south to play the Warner Robins Demons (8-3) in the second round of the state playoffs. Head Coach Danny Cronic’s team had won their first-round matchup against Coffee County 31-9 and were poised to make a deep playoff run.

The crowd at McConnell-Talbert Stadium was electric, and newly elected Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue initiated the opening coin toss. The Demons scored first on an East Coweta muffed punt, but it was all Indians from there.

They scored 42 of the following 59 points to pull out a 42-21 victory and advance to the third round. East Coweta’s quarterback, Lee Heaberlin, finished the game 13-for-18 for 147 yards and a touchdown.

The Indians got three touchdowns from Derek White and one from Marquice Maynard, Brantley Kendall, and Antwoin Gates.

East Coweta defeated Harrison 35-28 the next week to go to the Dome for the semifinals,

where they lost to eventual state champion Parkview 24-0.

After college, Heaberlin returned to East Coweta to teach and coach. In May, he was named the Indians’ athletic director, replacing the departing Hap Hines.

Flenn Larkin (No. 12) will lead the defensive secondary, and he is not afraid to make a big hit on the opposing receiver.

2023 EAST COWETA INDIANS ROSTER

Ashton Sample (No. 75) is one of the members of the “Great Wall of Indian” on the offensive line; he is 6-foot-6 and 315 lbs.

Tyler Horsley (No. 44) is dominant at the nose tackle position, and may even get a few carries on offense this season.

Newnan Cougars: Under construction, with an end in sight

In the heart of Newnan, a new era has dawned for the Cougars at Drake Stadium. The facility, which has been the centerpiece of the Newnan High Campus since it opened in 1966, is now a backdrop for the awe-inspiring construction of the new Newnan High School.

Over the past three years, there has been uncertainty based on COVID, the tornado, and the impending construction. Despite the hardships, the team's spirit remains unyielding, and they continue to unite the community in support.

Newnan football has always been a symbol of pride for the town, dating back to its earliest days. The sight of cranes, bulldozers, and hardworking crews symbolized a fresh start, a renewed commitment to the values the Cougars stand for - perseverance, teamwork and resilience.

All the pieces are coming together to create something unique, that combination of community and school that makes Newnan one of the most special places in the state.

LEADERSHIP – Head Coach Chip Walker enters his seventh season at Newnan and his 19th season overall as a head coach. During the past four years, he has done much more than just coach.

In 2020, he maneuvered the team through the COVID regulations and the COVID season. After the tornado, he became the face of the school in their efforts to rebuild after a night of carnage.

And as the school was torn down in 2022 to make room for the new school that will open next year, he has become the master of doing whatever it takes.

While it may not be the job he signed up for, it is certainly not one he has backed down from. His leadership has steered the ship through turbulent seas, and the program's best days are ahead because of his calming presence.

While other teams work out and practice in multi-million-dollar facilities, the Cougars try to figure out where to store their helmets and shoulder pads.

There has been no complaint through it all, just a “what-

ever it takes” attitude until the construction is completed and the facilities are ready.

LAST YEAR IN REVIEW – It was a tough season for the Cougars, but looks can be deceiving. Of their six losses – two were against GHSA state champions (Sandy Creek and Langston Hughes).

They only finished one game out of the state playoffs in Region 5-6A. If the Cougars could have held on to defeat Paulding County at home, they would have been back in the postseason.

Their win over Alexander (34-33) was one of the most impressive games of the season. They rushed for 252 yards and were able to control the line of position for large portions of the game.

OFFENSE – Who will play quarterback? That is the question. The Cougars have three men who could start, but only one can play at a time. Junior Jeb Baggett and freshman Brodie Campbell and Haye Maginnis have been getting equal reps at the position.

The offensive line takes on much more significance with someone new at quarterback. Hudson Huey, Javeon Hinton, Jake Reese, Daylin Heath, and Zion Willams have the job to keep him safe.

The receiver group has Tristen Young, Jakeleb Stegall, Warren Moore, Gus Anderson, and Jeremiah George ready to catch passes, while Antevius Berry and Jalon Teagle will get the bulk of carries at running back.

DEFENSE – The Cougar defense is going to surprise a lot of people. Although they lost two key members to college, they still have a lot of talent.

Jaxon White, Zy’Kerion Tucker, Caleb Reid, and Josiah Smith are up front, while Rodney Colton, Brent Gregory, and Emarion Nicols are at the linebacker’s spot.

Nathan Scales, Austyn Philpot, Korey Turks, and Cam Johnson all man the defensive backfield and will look to

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLIFTON

Ethan Devers (No. 31) is one of the top kickers in the nation and will give the Cougar offense a chance to score any time they cross the 50-yard line.

NEWNAN

FROM PAGE 12

be ball hawks and create turnovers.

Having a strong and cohesive defense can make a significant impact on the team's performance. They could become a dominant group if they can work together effectively and utilize their skills.

SPECIAL TEAMS – Newnan has a kicker that is one of the best. Ethan Devers has been at it for a long time and keeps improving.

OUTLOOK – It sounds like a challenging situation for Coach Walker and his staff, as well as the young quarterbacks Baggett, Maginnis, and Campbell. Class 6A high school football is highly competitive, and putting the team's fate in the hands of three quarterbacks with zero career starts can create a lot of pressure.

Developing a quarterback, especially in such a competitive environment, requires a careful and strategic approach. The coaching staff will need to improve not only the players' physical skills but also their mental toughness, decision-making abilities and leadership qualities.

While it may be challenging, it can also be an excellent opportunity for Coach Walker and his staff to showcase their coaching abilities. They will need to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each quarterback and tailor their coaching to suit their individual styles.

KEY GAME ON THE SCHEDULE – (OTHER THAN EAST COWETA) – The goal is always a region championship and the state playoffs. The Cougars missed out last year but are clawing back to get there.

Last year, the Douglas County Tigers had a successful season, winning seven games and finishing with the third seed in the region.

The Cougars will travel to Douglasville this year for the next to last game of the season, a week after facing Langston Hughes. A win in this one would put Newnan in a good position to get to the postseason.

Douglas County likes to control the line of scrimmage and run the ball; they amassed almost 300 yards rushing last year in their win over Newnan; it will be up to the Cougar defense to make stops.

NAME FROM THE PAST – It was a mismatch of epic proportions. The Cougars opened the 2005 season with no returning starters on offense and only four on defense.

And their schedule needed to be easing them into the year; they opened against the two-time defending state champion LaGrange Grangers. Ultimately, it was the first victory ever by Newnan team against a top-ranked opponent.

LaGrange opened the game with a 15-play scoring drive, but it was all Cougars the rest of the night. Quarterback Thomas Darrah completed 19 of 34 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown.

A 20-minute lighting delay worked in the Cougars’ favor, and when Jason King scored on a short plunge with the first half running out, Newnan had a 10-7 halftime lead.

In the second half, the Cougars got a touchdown reception from Johnathan Walker and two more field goals from Michael Alteraris for

the 23-14 win.

PHOTO BY GREG KEITH Senior Zy’Kerion Tucker (No. 6) is one of the leaders of the Cougar defense.

Between Rodney Colton and Jameer Scandrick, the Cougar secondary is a no-fly zone.

SCHEDULE 2023

* - Coweta/Fayette Classic

Northgate Vikings Building on the Momentum

It's evident that the Northgate Vikings, under Head Coach Mike McDonald, are known for finishing strong, as demonstrated last year. Despite facing early setbacks, such as falling behind 21-0 to Whitewater in the Coweta/Fayette Classic and encountering adversity early on against Griffin, the team persevered and faced challenges.

They almost pulled out a win against Whitewater and won the Griffin game on a Matthew McDonald touchdown at the end.

Their turning point in the season came when they had an impressive victory over McIntosh, which sparked the positive momentum that carried them through to secure a playoff win.

The saying, "It's not how you start, it's how you finish," emphasizes the importance of finishing strong, which the Northgate Vikings exemplified. It shows their resilience and determination, qualities the Vikings will bring into the 2023 season.

LEADERSHIP – This will be Head Coach Mike McDonald's 17th season as a head football coach. He spent three years at Union Grove in Henry County, eight years at Newnan High, and this will be his sixth season at the helm of the Vikings.

He is currently the 6th longest-tenured head coach in Georgia Class 5A.

Before his time at Northgate, Coach McDonald was an assistant coach under Robert Herring at Newnan, and then later replaced Coach Herring as the Head Coach of the Cougars from 2009 through 2016.

He spent one year as the defensive coordinator at East Coweta under first-year Head Coach John Small in 2017 before taking the top spot at Northgate. This will be his 17th season coaching in Coweta County.

After the Vikings’ first-round playoff win against Arabia Mountain last year, it meant Coach McDonald had playoff wins for all three schools where he has been a head coach.

LAST YEAR IN REVIEW - The team coalesced as the 2022 season progressed and showed glimpses of their potential. An early comeback win over the Griffin Bears gave clues on what was ahead for the Vikings. Behind the play of running back Evan Garrett, Northgate pulled out a 33-28 victory.

The pieces came together when the Vikings got to region play. Northgate defeated McIntosh 37-0 in the first of four wins in the next five games, including a first-round playoff win over Arabia Mountain.

The season concluded with a loss to Dutchtown, but the program went into the offseason with a new level of optimism.

OFFENSE – The Viking offense is based on the spread-T formation, with the quarterback in the shotgun position. The most significant difference this year is the Vikings will have a three-year starter signal caller.

Ishan Metts got his first start in the 2021 opening game against Sandy Creek. He has taken some lumps along the way, but he is better for it and ready to take his game up a level.

The Vikings have a good one behind him on the depth chart; sophomore Dylan Barer had a prolific freshman year at Heritage and will be ready when needed.

Running back Evan Garrett is one of the best players in Coweta County. His tough-as-nails approach allows him to run the ball inside the tackle or break it to the outside if it is available.

Bryce Logan and Mark Hall will be available to give Garrett a breather. Last year, Josh Vigne got some carries, but he was moved out to a slot position. Coach McDonald said, “We just had to get Evan and Josh on the field at the same time.”

Cameron Coleman, who scored a touchdown on a pass from Metts in their second-round playoff game against Dutchtown, will move to the wideout position, and Graham Peeke will play another receiver.

Senior Malachi Mitchell anchors the offensive line and will also include Trey Graddy, Robert McClung, Hayden Privett, Darrian Parks, and Isak Bergum will pave the way for Garrett to get big chunks of yardage.

DEFENSE – In 2000, Coach McDonald drew up the 3-5 defense when he was the head coach at Union Grove. He brought it with him when he later moved to Newnan as an assistant. It is still his base, and he builds his defensive philosophy around it.

A prerequisite is a solid nose tackle, and senior Amir Hooper fits that bill perfectly. Other defensive linemen include Cade Bates, Aiden Kirby, Jett Clark, and Marcus Barnes. Coach McDonald shared, “A couple of years ago, we had a lot of guys with no experience, but this season, those guys are now experienced, and we have depth.”

At linebacker, the outside guys are Trent Gordon and Cooper Hill, while Jayden Middleton, Peyton Leggett, and CJ Allen are in the middle. Other linebackers include Bryson and Braxton Davies, and Torey Mason.

The secondary includes Mason McKnight, Antwan Herring, Keaton Stigall, Paul Walthall and Kieran Williams.

SPECIAL TEAMS – The Vikings lost a good one in Nickolas Troemel, who is kicking for Troy University this year. Jake Anderson will take his place for both punting and kicking.

OUTLOOK – With an experienced quarterback like Ishan Metts and a tough running back in Evan Garrett, the Vikings' offense is in excellent hands. This could be the most talented Viking team since the 2016 Northgate team won nine games.

If they continue to perform well as they did in the second half of 2022 and utilize their experience and skills effectively, this team will likely capture the first region title since 2011.

Regardless of the outcome, the prospects of the upcoming season are the highest since Coach McDonald took over the program.

NORTHGATE PHOTOS BY MICHAEL CLIFTON Jaden Middleton (No. 9) understands Coach McDonald’s defense and flies all over the field from his linebacker position.

NORTHGATE FROM PAGE 19

KEY GAME ON THE SCHEDULE - The Northside Columbus Patriots have been a thorn in the side of the Vikings the past seasons. In 2021, the Vikings lost by one point on a Thursday night, and then again in 2022, that time by six in Columbus.

The loss last season cost the Vikings a region championship, which would have been their first since 2011.

The Patriots have one of the top quarterbacks in the state, junior Caden Clay. As a sophomore, Clay

threw for 1,331 yards and 15 touchdowns.

NAMES FROM THE PAST – The 2000 Vikings, under the leadership of Head Coach Ron Beaucham, finished the regular season 9-1 and 5-2A champions. They hosted their first playoff game in school history when the Darlington Tigers came calling.

It was not the Vikings’ best effort of the year. Starting quarterback Mitch Stewart threw four interceptions in the game and found themselves behind 3-0 with less than eight minutes remaining in the contest.

From there, Stewart took over the game; he kicked a 40-yard field goal with seven minutes remaining to

NORTHGATE VIKINGS SCHEDULE 2023

After the playoff win last year against Arabia Mountain, the optimism going into the Northgate Vikings 2023 season is off the charts.

* - Coweta/Fayette Classic

NORTHGATE VIKINGS ROSTER

Senior quarterback

Ishan Metts (No. 15) is the most experienced returning quarterback in the county and has spent the summer at college camps perfecting his skills.

NORTHGATE FROM PAGE 20

force overtime.

After Darlington took the lead in the extra period, Stewart led a drive to score the potential tying touchdown on a 15-yard pass to DeMarcus Hunter. Coach Beaucham put it all on the line; instead of playing it safe with the extra point, he went for the win.

Stewart found Maurice Huffman for the conversion and the one-point lead, and the Viking defense closed out the 11-10 win, the first in Viking history.

IN MEMORY – When the Vikings take the field against Whitewater in the Coweta/Fayette Classic, they will miss one of their own. Javier Dodson would

have been a senior this year but passed away on February 16, 2023. We remember Javier and his family at this time and will continue to promote his legacy.

The Vikings’ running back Evan Garrett (No. 4) is one of the top players in the county.

Javier Dodson

Trinity Christian Lions

Next mission on the Horizon

The question going into the 2022 season was, “Can they do it? Can the Trinity Christian Lions replicate their success from Single A Private in the larger, more competitive Class 4A?”

The answer was a resounding “YES!”

Despite losing their top athlete, Aaron Gates, early in the season, the Lions finished 5-2 in Region 4-4A to continue their run of making the state playoffs for the 11th consecutive season.

Key region wins against Whitewater, Starr's Mill and Fayette County were what the Trinity fan base hungered for. It proved the Lions belonged within the top programs in their neighborhood.

The senior group that left closed the chapter on an era of unmatched success in GHSA football; a state championship, a state runner-up, a move up three classes and returning to the playoffs.

With only one holdover left from those back-toback state championship appearances, senior defensive lineman Cam Matthews, the Lions still have the same identity; they will have different names and faces in the lineup.

But isn't that the mark of a truly successful program? Young men come into the program, and during their time, they raise the level for those that come after them.

LEADERSHIP – Head Coach Kenny Dallas has been at the helm of the Trinity Christian program since 2017. In his six seasons, he has won a state championship (2021), two state runners-up (2017 and 2020), and three region championships.

Last season, he won his 150th career game when the Lions defeated North Clayton 53-12.

Coach Dallas is not only known for his coaching excellence, but he also made a significant impact by founding M46 Dads.

This remarkable initiative provides straightforward and biblical teachings specifically tailored to men as fathers. Based on the last verse of the old testament, Malachi 4:6, M46 Dads bring together a community of like-minded men who seek God's guidance, share their experiences, strength, and hope with one another.

LAST YEAR IN REVIEW – The Lions lost a lot from their 2021 state championship team, and moved up three GHSA classifications. After two tough losses to start the year, the Lions righted the ship in a road win against Mary Persons.

They took the momentum from there to win four consecutive region wins over Riverdale, North Clayton, Starr's Mill and Whitewater.

The Starr’s Mill game was a defensive struggle at home that the Lions ultimately won 3-0, and then the Whitewater game produced one of the most improbable comebacks.

They finished the regular season with a blowout win over the Fayette County Tigers, which completed a sweep against their neighbors from Fayette County. The Lions qualified for the playoffs for the 11th consecutive year.

OFFENSE – The Lions' offensive system puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback to make good decisions fast. For three seasons, David Dallas perfected the craft, and last year, Henry Brodnax carried the tradition.

This season, Jayden Jackman and Ronnie Frere will compete for the job but the decision will ultimately come down to who is the best and leading the offense.

A successful running game is often the result of talented running backs, effective blocking schemes, offensive line cohesion, and solid coaching. If the team can create a well-rounded offensive strategy that maximizes the strengths of Phoenix Moss and Bakari Hamilton, it could lead to a formidable and balanced offensive attack.

The receiving corps includes Logan Moss, Kaden Hanson, Wesley Middlebrooks, and Noah Tarver. The line will rely on a couple of seniors with Matthew McWilliams and Jonah Conaway.

DEFENSE – The defensive line, led by Cam Matthews, is expected to be aggressive and effective at pressuring the opposing team's quarterback. This pressure will create opportunities for linebackers Cody Anderson and Cam Rodgers, as they will have more open space to make defensive plays, such as

tackling ball carriers or covering receivers in the open field.

This coordinated effort between the defensive line and linebackers can greatly disrupt the opponent's offensive plays and contribute to the team's success on defense. Moss and Omari Stewart got a lot of playing time on the backend of the defense last season.

SPECIAL TEAMS – Senior Connor DePriest will get a shot at the kicking duties, while Kaden Hanson will punt.

OUTLOOK – There are a lot of pieces to replace on both sides of the ball, but the cupboard is certainly not bare. The Lions will rely on backs Phoenix Moss and Bakhari Hamilton to carry the freight until the quarterbacks get up to speed in the Lions system.

The defense has talent at each level, Matthews and Rodgers on the defensive, Anderson at linebacker, and Logan Moss in the secondary.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLIFTON

The defense has a lot of stars, including Cody Anderson (No. 32), making the tackle, and safety Preston Funk (No. 5)

TRINITY

FROM PAGE 25

Trinity Christian has an intrinsic quality that is hard to define with metrics based on size and speed. It could be the early morning offseason workouts known as “Crucibles,” which allow the team to develop a deep connection with each other and the coaching staff.

The Lions always seem to find a way. Just like the Whitewater game last year, this year’s team is poised to begin the journey to connect the opportunity with the moment. Never count out the Lions.

KEY GAME ON THE SCHEDULE – It was a heavyweight fight last year; the Lions and the Starr’s Mill Panthers went toe-to-toe for 48 minutes, with a Luke Schwarting field goal as the only points in a 3-0 Trinity Christian win.

Ultimately, the game meant the Lions would qualify for the playoffs in their first season in 4A, and Starr's Mill stayed home for the first time since 2013.

The game will be at Starr’s Mill this year, and the memories of last year’s slugfest will still be fresh for the Panthers. The Lions must run the ball to take the crowd out of the game and let those late-game intangibles pull them to another victory.

NAMES FROM THE PAST – In the infancy of football at Trinity Christian, the program started with 8-man football. Their first season of varsity 11-man came in 2011 under the leadership of Head Coach Chris Hanson.

It was rough sledding for the fledging Lions, and their schedule certainly did not help. But they began to show signs of life as the season went along. Against powerhouse Stratford, which was the Lions' fifth consecutive game against an undefeated foe, the Lions showed progress by scoring 28 points at home, which was East Coweta Middle School’s McKnight Field.

The stars aligned in Week Nine when the Lions won their first varsity game against Griffin Christian 36-0. Special teams set the tone for the victory. Cole Barnes blocked a punt, and Donterrious Snelling returned a kick for a touchdown.

Cody Houser caught a touchdown pass while Auggie Petit ran for another. The defense also got into the act; Gavin Smith recovered a fumble for a score.

It was their only win the first season, but it was a building block that led to the Lions making the playoffs every year since, a streak of 11 years in a row.

PHOTO BY AELISE GAGLIANO Cam Rodgers (No. 0) has the strength to play on the Lions defense front and the speed to make tackles anywhere on the field.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLIFTON

The offensive line, including Grayson Ingram (No. 77) will have to protect the new starter at quarterback.

Heritage Hawks Putting the Program Back Where it Belongs

The Hawks needed 2022 in the worst way. After defeating Loganville Christian 40-14 on Nov. 8, 2019, Heritage lost their next 20 games.

The Hawks jumped from the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) to the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) after the 2019 season, and being the smallest school at the table took a lot of work.

Overall depth and roster size were obstacles that proved challenging to overcome. But even though the losses stacked up, the records will show the Hawks competed to the whistle in each one.

Heritage moved back to GISA, and in their opening game against St. Mary’s Academy, they released waves of frustration with a 72-0 victory.

The Hawks finished 2023 with eight wins, but more importantly, they restored the pride of Heritage football and will continue to build on that legacy for years to come.

LEADERSHIP – Head Coach Jake Copeland has an impeccable background and experience in football. Having grown up in the area, he has a solid connection to the Heritage community and a deep understanding of the game.

Additionally, his involvement in developing football players to play at all levels, including the NFL, speaks to his ability to identify and nurture talent.

After two challenging years, he rebuilt the program and brought them back to the playoffs. This demonstrates his leadership skills and ability to motivate and elevate a team.

Coach Copeland added assistant Coach Alan Duff during the offseason to lead the offense.

Coach Duff has a long track record of coaching success, including last year when he was an assistant coach of the Sandy Creek state championship team.

In a move that goes full circle, Coach Duff was the Offensive Coordinator for Northgate when Coach Copeland played there.

LAST YEAR IN REVIEW – It was just what the doctor ordered. The Hawks reeled off six wins in a row and averaged 55 points a game in that stretch.

After losing to the Westfield School in week seven, the Hawks battled back for one of their most hard-

fought wins of the season, a 30-12 victory over Strong Rock Christian. They faced adversity for the first time in 2022 and fought through it.

They qualified for the state playoffs and defeated Lakeview Academy 36-6 at home for their first playoff victory since November 16, 2018, a 34-16 win over Southland Academy.

OFFENSE – Coach Copeland, who understands the secrets to developing quarterbacks, moved a veteran over to the position for the 2023 season. Thomas Scoggins was a two-year starter at wideout, including catching over 700 yards in passes last season. He will be throwing the passes this season.

His receivers are talented and will be one of the team's strengths. They include Miguel Owens, Landon Freeman, Field Champman, and Dominic DiGuilo.

Brady Bowman will be in the backfield and take the heat off Scoggins with a solid running game.

There are a lot of weapons at Coach Duff’s disposal, and he knows how to maximize talent.

Scoggins will depend on Reed Roberts, Matthew Tvrdik, a four-year starter, Dominic Chalfaedon, William James, and William Bracey.

DEFENSE – The defense will have to grow quickly to help the first-year quarterback, and they have the tools to do it. Keshawn Lakes will anchor the defensive front along with Roberts, Chapman, and William McCarthy.

Backing the lineup will be Owens and Truman Tolleson. The secondary will include Bowman, Scoggins, and DiGulio at safeties and Freeman and Garner at corners.

SPECIAL TEAMS – The Hawks will miss Mack Mikko, who was Mr. Consistent for four years, but they feel good about the next man up: Quint Johnson will be handling punting and kicking duties.

OUTLOOK – While there has been some roster turnover, the goal and the mindset are the same. Win with class and integrity; it has been the Heritage way since they started football in 2006.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MARTIN

Keyshawn Lakes (No. 9) brings back speed, strength and leadership to the Heritage defense.

HERITAGE

FROM PAGE 30

The Hawks are back to basics, with a senior quarterback who will make great decisions and a defense that will keep them in games until the end. The non-district schedule will prepare them for the key games that matter.

The Hawks will win some close games throughout the year and return to the Georgia Independent Athletic Association (GIAA) playoffs for the second consecutive year.

KEY GAME ON

THE SCHEDULE

– Last year, the Hawks managed to secure a hard-fought victory against the Strong Rock Patriots, triumphing with a score of 30-21 on their home turf.

That win had proven crucial, as it played a significant role in the Hawks' journey to the playoffs.

This year, however, the circumstances will be different. Most notably, the game is scheduled for Oct. 20, to be played at the Patriots' home field in McDonough.

Their playoff destiny will be on the line, so it will be a key game for the Hawks to coalesce as a roster and play their best when it matters the most.

NAMES FROM THE PAST – It was a tie game, 28-28, going into the fourth quarter of their game against the Monroe Academy Mustangs on Oct. 26, 2007, when the Heritage Hawks pulled away.

The Hawks had jumped to an early 21-0 lead only to see the Mustangs get back into the game with the benefit of a 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Heritage seemed poised to take the lead in the fourth quarter but was stopped short of the goal line.

Undaunted, Heritage immediately took advantage. They had the Monroe offense backed up, and Hanson Powell got a tackle for a safety to give Heritage the lead.

They were right back on offense, and Neal Farmer put the game away on the next drive with a touchdown for the final margin, 37-28.

In the win, Christopher Rich and Billy Powell scored two touchdowns, and Dylan Crumbley and Mills Adams recovered fumbles

that led to Hawks’ scores.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MARTIN Landon Freeman (No. 4) fought through a Brookstone double team last year; he will bring experience to both sides of the ball.

PHOTO BY JACOB RANDIG Brady Bowman (No. 1) chats with Offensive Coordinator Allen Duff; Bowman is the feature back in the Hawks offense.

PHOTO

Thomas Scoggins (No. 2) will

These girls are GOOD GOOD

Coweta flag football keeps getting better

BY ROB GRUBBS

NNo one has embraced flag football more than Coweta County. Since being sanctioned as a

dominated since the first season in 2020. playoffs, and the other just missed out.

der Head Coach John Perkerson, made it to the final four. They got the opportunity to play at the Atlanta Falcons training com plex, where they fell to Central Carrollton.

Lions won 12 games under the leadership of Head Coach Kayla Freund. They defeated Mc Donough in the state playoffs, the top team in the state.

Vikings won their last four games in a row to qualify for the state playoffs, where they lost a heartbreaker to West side Macon, 2-0. Margaret Horne coaches Northgate.

leads the Newnan Lady Cou gars, who just missed out on a playoff berth but will be back in contention this season.

son opens on Monday, Oct. 9.

PHOTOS BY AELISE GAGLIANO

The Northgate Lady Vikings celebrate a touchdown. They lost a heartbreaker in the playoffs last year, 2-0, to Westside Macon.

Sanaa Growe (No. 3) and the East Coweta Lady Indians made it to the final four last season.

Central Christian For Head Coach Joey Farlow, eight is more than enough

Football can mean big things at a small school. Central Christian has always experienced that. They have had ultra success, championships, wins, scholarships signed and great memories.

Football teaches lessons just as important as those in the classroom. Such as how even in the face of adversity, unity, determination, and love for the game can overcome any obstacle.

At times, the obstacles for Central Christian have seemed to be overwhelming. A small roster, multiple injuries and tough losses all combine to create discouragement, but the administration at Central Christian has always been able to overcome them.

When the 2023 Central Christian Crusaders take the field, there will be a new level of optimism.

A new coach, a more extensive roster, some explosive players and some experience are the ingredients for an exciting and memorable year. It just means more at a small school.

LEADERSHIP – Central Christian first fielded a football in 2007, and one man has been related to the program from the start. Joey Farlow has been a head coach, an assistant coach, a father, and an overall supporter from the beginning.

Last December, the program made a transition and called on Coach Farlow once again to lead the program. Farlow bleeds Central Christian blue; he has a passion for coaching young men and seeing his players get an opportunity to play at the next level.

Over the years, he has helped his players get to the table to sign with colleges to continue their careers. From his son Jared, who played at Ole Miss, to Ryan Scruggs from last year’s team with Shorter.

Coach Farlow was named the head coach for the 2016 season, and his first game was in the Crusaders' new stadium on campus. When they open their home schedule for 2023 on Sept. 1, it will be Coach Farlow leading the charge once again.

LAST YEAR IN REVIEW – It was a challenging start for Central Christian as they re-entered 8-man football for the 2022 season. Despite a promising victory of 41-0 over

New Creation in their opener, the team encountered difficulties due to injuries. The roster was young and small, and the injuries affected their performance.

Injuries can be a significant setback for any team, but they can be even more debilitating for a small school like Central Christian. With limited resources and a smaller pool of players to draw from, it becomes more challenging to replace key positions and maintain a competitive edge throughout the season.

The team shifted to patching holes caused by the injuries and trying to catch up to their opponents. That led to some valuable experience, which will start paying dividends in 2023.

OFFENSE – The offense is in the experienced hands of senior Hudson Byers. He took over the position last year by necessity when he was literally recruited from the hallways of Central Christian.

Also back is Hunter Harrell, who started the year at quarterback but fell to an injury. Harrell and Carter Patterson can be used as wing players, who each have the skills to find the seams available in 8-man ball.

At running back, Coach Farlow will go with Seth Rivers, who is a bruising inside runner who will get the tough yards that are needed. Acai Harrison has big play skills on the outside and will be a deep target for Byers.

The line is young and will be a work in progress that will come together as the season progresses. The group includes Ben Wright, J.R. Noles, Kaden Cook, Gabrielle Pettinger, Kaden Barnes, Issac Lundberg, and Asaph Vasquez.

DEFENSE – In a small school ball – the lineman switch between both sides, so the offensive lineman becomes a defensive lineman when the opponent has possession.

Evan Cauble is the name to remember; he was named to the GAPPS All-State team last year and is poised to be the focal point of this year's defense. Added to the mix is Landon Brooking at the other end spot. These bookends are going to give the opposing quarterbacks a fit.

Rivers will be at middle linebacker, and Harrell and Paterson will be on the outside.

Landon Couch, Caleb Yarborough, and Harrison will play defensive back.

OUTLOOK – Coach Farlow has done it before, and there is no reason to doubt that he will recreate the magic again.

The fewer players in 8-man football on the field can lead to a faster-paced and potentially higher-impact game. The game is built more around angles and creates mismatches instead of lining up and overpowering the other team.

The offense has the tools to move up and down the field, and the defense has playmakers on all three levels.

The Crusaders are ready to put the last season be hind them and use the lessons learned to win the games they fell short in last year. The playoffs are certainly within their reach.

KEY GAME ON THE SCHEDULE –get to the playoffs, you must beat teams that have been to the playoffs. Last year, the Crusaders lost to the Young Americans Christian Eagles 58-24.

The Eagles finished the 2022 regular season 5-4 and qualified for the GAPPS state playoffs. In their game last year, the Eagles brought in an experienced quarter back while the Crusaders’ Byers was still getting acclimat ed to the system.

In 2023, the two teams play in the final regular season game of the year, and this time, Central Christian will have an experienced signal caller. A playoff spot could be on the line going into this one.

NAMES FROM THE PAST – It was a historic win for the Heritage Christian (now Central Christian) on Sept. 30, 2011. They defeated Grace Baptist 54-8 to tie the school record for wins in the season. It was their fourth win of the season to improve to 4-2.

J.D. Farlow, Noah Parkerson, and Dutch Williams played critical roles in the victory. Farlow rushed for over 100 yards, Parkerson dominated from the defensive line and scored two touchdowns while Williams ran and threw for a touchdown.

Austin Reaves caught the touchdown pass from Williams. The Crusaders were under the leadership of cur rent Head Coach Joey Farlow that season.

Later in the month, the Crusaders defeated Ballard Christian 68-54 to finish the regular season 7-2 and qualify for the state playoffs for the first time in school history.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL CLIFTON

The team will be bolstered by the return of Hunter Harrell (No. 17). He was injured early last year and missed most of the season.

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS SCHEDULE

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS ROSTER

Hudson Byers

Carter Patterson

Hunter Harrell

Seth Rivers

Landon Brooking

London Couch

Evan Cauble

Acai Harrison

Grant Maloy

Carter Huckby

Asher Van Horn

Caleb Yarbrough

Ben Wright

JR Noles Kaden Cook

Gabriel Pettenger

Kaden Barnes

Isaac Lundberg

Asaph Vazquez

PHOTO BY AELISE GAGLIANO

Evan Cauble (No. 25) was named to the all-state team last year and will anchor the defense.

PHOTO BY AELISE GAGLIANO

The defensive backfield is led by Acai Harrison (No. 22); the sophomore is going to have a breakout season for the Crusaders.