Football 2014

Making the

FOOTBALL 2014 R IGHT C A L L

When it comes to X’s and O’S locally, here’s the reason ’Y’

foot ball prev iew

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN and DOUG GORMAN sports@newnan.com

Editi on

East Cow eta H

The H erit Scho age ol

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New nan

Trini Chris ty tian

HS

High school math can get complicated. There’s algebra, trigonometry and of course, the granddaddy of ‘em all — calculus. Individually, they focus on the specific operation, position and change of numbers, in that order.

But when it comes to football, one equation may best incorporate operation, position and change into success on the field.

Namely X plus O times “Y” equals W — as in Wins.

And entering a new season, much of this year’s focus has been on the ‘Why?’ in the above equation.

As Coweta County’s six varsity programs hit a 120-by-53 yard football field again this fall, the goals may remain the same. Offenses are diagrammed to dictate the tempo just as defenses are designed to disrupt the flow of play. Their success ultimately leads to victory.

How they came into using their methods, though, is all too often unique.

THE NEED TO ADJUST Some have stayed firm in their foundations.

Others have been forced to change — either out of necessity or in order to spotlight a potential strength in the lineup.

This year, Newnan’s offense comes full circle by returning to the I-formation after a decade with quarterbacks in the shotgun, a decision that hopes to put the focus on the Cougars’ depth at running back and on play-action passes.

“You’ve just got to adapt to your personnel,” said Kenny Morris, Newnan’s offensive coordinator for the last 17 seasons. “What we’re doing in the I (formation) is almost what Coach [Robert] Herring brought here with him in 1999. He adjusted to his personnel. We were in the I, and with what we had, we adjusted to the spread and had a lot of success over 10 years.”

Nort hgat e HS

Cent Chris ral tian

X AND O’s, page 10B

The Inside Draw: Previews, Rosters, Schedules for the upcoming High School football season C1 football front C

FOOTBA LL 2014

1C

ld — 1C

Times-Hera 20, 2014 | The Newnan Wednesday, August

draft pick led the St. Louis a giant for the Rams. The first-round At times, Alec Ogletree played like interception return. and set a new team-record for an Rams in tackles as a rookie linebacker

The Inside Dr aw:

Tree climber Whareer e n following rookie seaso you love.

Rams LB growing up fast ANN

By CHRIS GOLTERM m @newnan.co cgoltermann

the y

F o rg ePatges! 1C D o n ’t Section Continues eers

our years later, the wide much child-like smile — still be playlike a boy thrilled to — ing his first year of football Ogletree may hasn’t changed. Alec as well as his be most comfortable, in the sport best, when he’s thriving his showcased first he in which fields of the superb abilities on the DepartRecreation County Coweta ment as a pee-wee. to feel at But he’s truly beginning the field as a home, both on-and-off Rams. member of the St. Louis

F

now ?

ting paid to do something much more,” You can’t really ask for upon said Ogletree this summer to presHigh returning to Newnan , 8C $5,000 check s playing in college ent his alma mater a faciliA list of local athlete sensational freshman year, 9C to upgrade its weight-roomities. You build on Facyson looks to ties. “You have responsibil and you’ve facing one of start playing those bills, respectability while stuff taken and this fall could taxes in his footthose all got round selection. And his greatest challenges definitely has the out of your check. You also shape into one that ball career. parents. poised he your for week, linebacker bye respect a have starting outside Prior to last year’s tackles over “You grow up.” for a breakout season. averaged just over six removed “It’s a lot like team filled his career.

Now 22 and four years Even after leading a the first 10 games of here in Newnan. at Newnan veterans blosfrom his playing days with established young Those numbers, however,tackles The people are Ogletree tackles in 2013, Ogletree’s High as a star safety, somed to averaging nine since being with 155 to nice. It’s a big enters his second season a late first- rookie season was a slow rise change. I mean, it’s with Louis St. drafted by But you’re geta job. It’s a business.

bills, You start playing those taxes and youve got all those and stuff taken out of your check. You definitely have a respect for your parents. up. grow You

IMHO from Alec Ogletree

Football Special The Three Mercer-t now give Arnold, Lakes, Usher

ind in Coweta three -of-a-k

East Coweta Page 2B

newnan Page 4B

northgate

the heritage school

Page 6B

Page 2C

trinity central christian christian Page 4C

Page 6C

Bears program

sold its full school has already reportedly for 2014. allotment of season ticketsso far,” Arnold “It has been a lot of fun on board. I said. “All of Macon jumped on ESPN a think we were even mentioned resumed couple of times last year.” hen Mercer University when it reintroafter a Mercer’s initial plan its football program was to play in school the to it football duced 70-year hiatus last season, FCS Patriot League, the the non-scholarship didn’t take long for the most into place when but things quickly fell the South’s Georgia Southern, school to establish that three teams including Elon left the Southand popular sport belonged State n Appalachia other leagues. on the picturesque private ern Conference to join fit for the conference school in Macon.

Mercer was a perfect private and public The Bears’ inaugural that is a blend of both the season was everything colleges. while head-to-head school had hoped for, Now, the Bears will go and defending finishing at 10-2. with Furman, Wofford, than ever as champion SamExpectations are higher Southern Conference second season as a a Lenits into goes Newnan’s team player, the others in a quest to win County high school Conference, one top ford among the member of the Southern I-AA) leagues in dell Arnold returns as one of the Bears league title. the new season of the best FCS (Division “We are excited about defensive backs.

Thursday in Conference,” the country.

The season begins next which began and joining the Southern of tradition and of matching last hopes has lot Mercer a If Usher said. “There is Waleska against Reinhardt,the leadership players from Coweta teams in the league, under year’s success, three there are some good its football program were major conwe which of two feeling — the County last fall. but we are going in with to have a major role. of Danny Cronic fever spread tributors — are likely Payton Arnold said football can win every game.” year, and the Former Northgate standoutsin the Merthroughout Macon last reunite Usher and Alex Lakes while another Allcer backfield this fall

It has been a lot of fun so far. All of Macon jumped on board

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

W

Written by: Chris Goltermann, Doug gorman photographed by: jeff leo • page design by: maggie bowers, Chris Goltermann IMHO from Lendell Arnold

with As a freshman, Payton Usher fi nishedefforts 776 yards, including four 100-yard

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2B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 20, 2014

East Coweta dians In

GHSA Region 3-AAAAAA

Pardue, ECHS find a match

Photo by Cheryl A. Copson

Matthew Shellnutt makes a tackle during East Coweta’s scrimmage game against Griffin last week.

See INDIANS, Page 3B

IMHO from Indians head coach Steve Pardue

“I never set out to be a college coach. Joker [Phillips] is one of my best friends. If he had been coaching some place else, I probably wouldnt have gone. It was a lot of fun. I got to coach at LSU, and in the Swamp against Florida, but I am glad to be back in the high school game.”

2014 Roster

No. Name 1 Michael Singleton 2 Micah Flournoy 3 Satchel Horton 4 Justin Crump 5 Brett Anander 6 Devonte Brown 7 Will Morris 8 Nick Bridges 9 Destin Holmes 10 Nick Clarke 11 Tyler Poythress 12 Jacob Bergstrom 13 Chris Franklin 14 Chris Norcross 15 Will LaGuardia 16 Davion Jackson 17 MaKenzie Martin 18 Harris Maloy 19 Christian Reid 20 Kentavious Walker 21 Tyler Bunn 22 Dalton Crosby 23 Reagan Thomas 24 Alex Branch 25 Carlos Ford 26 Kevin Lashley 27 Malcolm King 28 Cole Antley 29 Austen Russell 30 Tay Amie 31 Christian Scanlon 32 Lernilous Newsom 33 Jeremiah Gemmel 34 Blake Crow 36 Elishua Orr 37 Matthew Shellnutt 38 Matthew Ragan 39 Bailey Whitton 40 Alex Heard 41 Matthew Bush 42 Josh Searcy 43 Jovan Rembert 44 Jaquez Williams 45 Calvin Kirby 46 Reggie Jones 47 Jaelen Brown 48 Tyler Combs 49 Andreco Ingram 50 Jamal Thomas 51 Austin Vaughn 52 Devon Looney 53 John Gardiner 54 Logan Dockery 55 Alec Jimerson 56 Kyler Albanez 57 Collin Morgenroth 58 Lanier Brooking 59 Lejoi Allen 60 Jacob Maraman 61 Charlie Gochenour 62 Jose Reyes 63 Andrew Bolen 64 Jacob Shaneyfelt 65 Zeyad Alibban 66 Anthony Griggs 67 Dalton Chocallo 68 Sam McCarty 69 Greg Williams 70 Stephen Gardner 71 Dawson Ellis 72 Coleman Wood 73 Jaylin Davis 74 Jacob McGregor 75 James Leist 76 Tray Hart 77 Jacob Singleton 78 Sean Simmons 79 Clifton Fisher 80 Aaron Singleton 81 E.J. Ransom 82 Jonah Steerman 83 Tristan Davenport 84 Noah Rutherford 85 Emanual Bridges 86 Chaz Cherry 87 Frankie P:rather 88 Sean Helmeczy 89 Nate Gick 90 Dontavious Burkes 91 Bradley Waczkowski 92 Kamron Reese 93 Deyatti Heard 94 Eli Ross 95 Michael Slaven 96 Brandon Nino 97 Patrick Carson 98 Jonathan Craig 99 Marquis Whitfield

Jamarcus Bridges

Jerico Searcy

Josh McClendon

Andre Pike

Gamaliel Bridges

East Coweta indians at a glance Stadium: Shoemake Colors: Purple and Gold Head Coach: Steve Pardue (1st year; 161-45 overall in 17 seasons) Coaching Staff: David Pleasants (offensive coordinator, running backs), Rusty Easom (defensive coordinator, linebackers), Jamie Glover (offensive line), Andy Washington (receivers), J.R. Revere (quarterbacks), Trace Overton (tight ends), Tom Gochenour (defensive line), Darron Edwards (secondary), Lloyd Knott (head trainer).

2013 Record (region finish): 5-6, 3-2 in Region 3-AAAAAA (2nd) Points Scored/Avg: 274/24.9 Points Allowed/Avg: 296/26.9 Recent History: 2012 — 5-7; 2011 — 7-4 Preseason Poll: 3rd Key Losses: WR/S Markell Boston (NTH Player Kevin Lashley of the Year; Region Defensive Player of Year; 588 rec; should see a lot 96 tk, 4 int, 8 TDs); QB Bryce Gemmel (NTH Offensive of playing time Player of Year; All-Region 1st; 667 rush, 8 TDs; 1,570 for the Indians as pass, 11 TD); OL Qua Fuller (All-Region 1st; ), FB Malik a running back, Robinson (All-Region 2nd; 429 rush, 9 total TD ); RB starting safety Weylin Orr (340 rush, 5 TD). and as a kick College Signees: Boston (Auburn), Gemreturner. mel (Garden City, Kan. CC), Fuller (Savannah State), Robinson (Middle Georgia), Orr (Cumberland), Sanoj Photo by Cheryl A. Copson Allen (Brown), Chris Burton (Mesabi Range CC, Minn.),

Sophomore Will LaGuardia looks to take over an opening at quarterback this year.

Anthony Parks (Arkansas Baptist).

Top Positions: DL, DB, K/P , OL Question Marks: RB DEFENSE Returners (8): 1 CB Michael Singleton, Sr. (AllRegion 2nd; 41 tk, 2 int, 3 fr); S Kevin Lashley, Sr. (AllRegion 2nd; 2 INT); 17 CB MaKenzie Martin, Sr. (6-1, 175); 11 LB Tyler Poythress, Sr. (All-Region 2nd, 66 tk, 2 sk); 84 DE Noah Rutherford, Sr. (56 tk); 40 DE Alex Heard, Sr. (36 tk), 33 LB Jeremiah Gemmel, So. (55 tk, 5 sk, 3 fum), R Jacob Bergstrom, Sr. (7 tk) Outlook: The Indians have plenty of assets for new coordinator Rusty Easom to work with, including a secondary that remains intact for the most part from 2013. Lashley, a three-sport standout, moves into

Boston’s former safety spot and has the athleticism to thrive much like his predecessor en route to signing with Auburn. One of the biggest changes has rising star Jeremiah Gemmel moving from defensive end where he had five sacks - to will linebacker to sure up the position with Poythress. Newcomer Alec Jimerson, a 5-11, 200-pound junior, joins the group while Bergstrom expects to hold down the rover spot. Gemmel’s move also stems from increasing depth on the front line where newcomers Jamal Thomas (6-2, 300) and baseball standout Jaquez Williams join returning ends Noah Rutherford and Alex Heard. Starting offensive lineman Dawson Ellis (6-4, 280) should also see some snaps on the other side of scrimmage.

OFFENSE Returners (9): 81 WR E.J. Ransom, Sr. (All-Region 1st; 40 rec., 506 yds. 3 TD), 71 OL Dawson Ellis (AllRegion 2nd), 12 WR Jacob Bergstrom, Sr. (17 rec., 246 yd); 66 OL Anthony Griggs, Sr. (6-2, 270); 78 OL Sean Simmons, Sr. (5-10, 200), 24 RB Alex Branch (5-9, 175; 66 yd), 25 FB Carlos Ford, So. (5-10, 225; 54 yd); 23 WR Reagan Thomas, Sr. (5-9, 165), 34 FB Dexter Boyd, Sr. (5-9, 185; 73 yd); K/P Outlook: Of the nine returners who saw some varsity action, less than half were prominent contributors for a unit that averaged just under 25 points per game last year. Will LaGuardia, who excelled at the middle school level, should get first crack at replacing standout Bryce Gemmel, who was at the heart of last year’s suc-

HT WT 5-9 144 5-9 — 5-11 166 5-8 145 5-10 143 — — — — 5-11 168 5-10 133 6-0 135 6-2 201 5-9 155 5-8 168 5-9 138 5-11 208 — 152 6-0 165 6-1 185 5-11 160 5-10 163 — — 5-10 148 5-10 150 5-8 165 5-9 248 5-11 167 5-10 166 5-11 155 5-7 159 5-9 156 5-11 160 6-1 200 6-1 193 6-0 165 5-5 151 6-0 181 5-8 161 — — 6-1 210 6-0 190 5-10 163 6-1 180 — — 5-9 157 5-10 152 6-0 167 6-0 168 5-9 147 6-3 290 5-10 177 6-0 215 6-0 195 6-0 218 5-11 198 — — 6-3 220 6-0 180 6-5 266 6-1 190 5-10 222 5-9 210 6-2 221 5-10 — 6-1 208 6-1 270 5-10 202 6-5 290 5-9 180 5-8 184 6-5 265 — — 6-0 303 6-4 250 6-2 239 — — 6-2 224 5-9 208 6-2 255 5-6 150 6-1 181 6-1 167 — — 6-4 193 — — 5-11 165 6-1 188 5-11 136 5-10 134 6-2 226 — — 6-2 226 5-7 136 — — 6-0 230 5-7 130 5-10 148 5-8 152 — — 5-11 143 — — — — — — — —

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

cess. The 5-11, 195-pound sophomore has the benefit of three starters back on the line as well as receiver E.J. Ransom. Much of this year’s success may be shouldered instead on how quickly a new group of running backs - none of which registered more than a handful of carries in 2013 - can release some of the pressure on LaGuardia’s capable arm.

Senior kicker Cole Antley, meanwhile, is an asset most region opponents won’t have in its arsenal, while capable of connecting from beyond 40 yards if necessary.

This and that: East Coweta is coming off backto-back losing seasons for the first time since 1981 and 1982… Pardue’s first team at LaGrange in 1994 finished 5-5, but over 18 seasons, the Grangers only finished under .500 only twice. … Pardue hired former LaGrange colleague David Pleasants as his offensive coordinator, with most of Clint Wade’s staff staying on board from 2013. Wade joined Mike Earwood’s staff at Our Lady of Mercy after retiring from the Coweta County School System… Antley has been ranked as the No. 1 prep kicker out of Georgia and could follow a trend of Indians at the position that moved on to college ranks. … East Coweta plays Newnan on Halloween, the first time the rivals have met prior to the final week of the regular season since 2001. The Indians also face Whitewater for the first time in school history after being regular scrimmage opponents for the past four years. …. East Coweta faced seven teams that made the state playoffs in 2013 with its opponents comprising a combined record of 75-48-2.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 3B

Games 2014 Schedule All games 730 p.m.

Aug. 29 Arabia Mountain Sept. 5 At Harrison Sept. 12 At Whitewater Sept. 26 Campbell* Oct. 3 At Westlake Oct. 10 Langston Hughes* Oct. 17 At Pebblebrook* Oct. 24 Douglas County* Oct. 31 Newnan* Nov. 7 At South Cobb*

* Region 3-AAAAAA game

home games in BOLD

2013 Results 5-6 Overall, 3-2 in 3-AAAAAA (2nd) Aug. 30 Henry County W49-8 Sept. 6 At Archer L21-17 Sept. 13 Sandy Creek L54-35 Sept. 20 At Lovejoy L39-35 Sept. 27 Central, Phenix, Ala. W41-40 Oct. 11 Westlake* W14-7 Oct. 18 At Tri-Cities* W28-19 Oct. 25 Langston Hughes* L42-14 Nov. 1 Douglas County* L21-7 Nov. 8 Newnan* W24-7 State Playoffs Nov. 15 Lowndes L38-10 * Region 3-AAAAAA game

2013 Statistics

Points scored/Avg: 274/24.9 Points allowed/Avg.: 295/26.8 OFFENSE Rushing No. Player Att. Yds. Avg. TD 2 Bryce Gemmel 134 667 5.0 8 21 Malik Robinson 87 429 4.9 8 5 Weylin Orr 60 340 5.7 5 4 Markell Boston 11 82 7.5 0 34 Dexter Boyd 5 73 14.6 0 24 Alex Branch 11 66 11.0 1 25 Carlos Ford 9 54 6.0 1 15 Will LaGuardia 1 22 22.0 0 7 Will Morris 2 22 11.0 0 13 Chris Franklin 1 2 2.0 0 Totals 336 1,804 5.4 24 Passing No. Player Comp Att Yds TD INT 2 Bryce Gemmel 129 244 1,570 11 9 15 Will LaGuardia 1 2 18 0 0 Totals 130 246 1,588 11 9 Receiving No. Player Rec. Yds Avg. TDs 81 E.J. Ransom 44 506 11.5 3 4 Markell Boston 36 588 16.3 5 12 Jacob Bergstrom 17 246 14.5 2 21 Malik Robinson 8 34 4.3 1 23 Reagan Thomas 6 53 8.8 0 10 Nick Clarke 3 24 8.0 0 5 Weylin Orr 4 26 6.5 0 86 Chaz Cherry 1 18 18.0 0

Austin Russell 1 15 15.0 0 25 Carlos Ford 1 10 10.0 0 1 Michael Singleton 1 9 9.0 0 Alex Branch 1 5 5.0 0 Totals 130 1,585 12.1 11 Scoring No. Player TD PAT FG 2pt Total 21 Malik Robinson 9 0 0 0 54 4 Markell Boston 8 0 0 0 48 2 Bryce Gemmel 8 0 0 0 48 28 Cole Antley 0 33-35 4-6 0 45 5 Weylin Orr 5 0 0 0 30 81 EJ Ransom 3 0 0 0 18 12 Jacob Bergstrom 2 0 0 0 12 25 Carlos Ford 1 0 0 0 6 24 Alex Branch 1 0 0 0 6 47 Elishua Orr 1 0 0 0 6 67 Matthew Shumake 0 1-1 0 0 1 Totals 38 33-35 4-6 0 274 SPECIAL TEAMS No. Player Punts Avg. 28 Cole Antley 41 34.63 22 Gameliel Bridges 1 14.0 Totals 42 34.1 DEFENSE Tackles No. Player Solo Asst. Total 4 Markell Boston 57 39 96 11 Tyler Poythress 48 21 69 20 Jay McKnight 38 27 65 84 Noah Rutherford 27 29 56 33 Jeremiah Gemmel 33 22 55 1 Michael Singleton 38 10 48 6 Devontay Parker 34 14 48 26 Kevin Lashley 34 12 46 36 Nick Fraser 21 16 37 17 McKenzie Martin 26 8 34 40 Alex Heard 31 5 36 9 Hamp Morris 7 12 19 59 Chris Burton 12 6 18 48 Brock Meeker 10 7 17 32 Matthew Shellnut 7 5 12 12 Jacob Bergstrom 5 2 7 85 Sanoj Allen 3 3 6 3 Satchel Horton 1 1 2 2 Bryce Gemmel 1 1 2 58 Tristan Davenport 1 0 1 89 Nick Bridges 1 0 1 77 Anthony Parks 0 1 1 Tackles For Loss No. Player Total 11 Tyler Poythress 8 33 Jeremiah Gemmel 7 80 Nick Rutherford 4 4 Markel Boston 2 36 Nick Fraser 2 20 Jay McKnight 1 40 Alex Heard 1 Total 25 Sacks No. Player Total 33 Jeremiah Gemmel 5 80 Noah Rutherford 3 36 Nick Fraser 2 11 Tyler Poythress 2 20 Jay McKnight 1 Total 13 Forced/Recovered Fumble No. Player Total 33 Jeremiah Gemmel 3 1 Michael Singleton 3 40 Alex Heard 3 80 Noah Rutherford 2 Total 16 Interceptions No. Player Total 4 Markel Boston 4* 26 Kevin Lashley 2 1 Michael Singleton 2 20 Jay McKnight 1 *1 Returned for TD Total 9 Pass Breakups No. Player 26 Kevin Lashley 6 Devontay Parker 4 Markel Boston 20 Jay McKnight

Total 13 3 2 2

The 2014 East Coweta Indians

INDIANS Continued from page 2B

Junior Will Morris and freshman Christian Reid are also both capable at the position.

“All three of those guys are talented and have shown some good stuff during seven on sevens, Pardue said. “They are all getting a grasp of the offense.”

They all got to take their share of snaps last week when the Indians knocked off defending Class AAAA state champion Griffin 31-20 in a preseason scrimmage.

The good news for Pardue is he didn’t have to work too hard to find a senior-dominated offensive line.

“That might be one of the strengths of this team,” he said. “We have some guys coming back with plenty of size.”

Dawson Ellis, a 6-5, 265-pound senior, can play any position on the line after beginning his career as a center while getting interest from big schools. Ellis graded out at 65 percent with 15 pancakes en route to All-Region 3-AAAAAA Second-Team honors in 2013.

Anthony Griggs (6-1, 270) and Sean Simmons (5-9, 208) are also back for their senior years among returning starters.

Right tackle Collin Morgenroth is also expected to see playing time up front.

With Ellis likely to move to guard or tackles, Logan Dockery, Coleman Wood and junior John Gardner are fighting for playing time at center.

Backups include Devon Looney, Andrew Bolen and James Leist.

“We do feel like we have a little bit of depth on the offensive line,” he said.

“That is something that could benefit us going into the season.

Newcomer Jaquez Williams and returning defensive linemen Noah Rutherford and Alex Heard will see time at the tight end spot.

One of the biggest vacancies comes at running back, where Alex Branch (66 yards) and Carlos Ford (54) are the team’s top statistical returners. Along with Gemmel (667), last year’s top performers included two other standouts — Weylin Orr (340; Cumberland College) and Malik Robinson (429; Middle Georgia) who signed with colleges.

Those two will again be counted on to produce yardage for the Indians.

Junior Lernilious Newsom is also in the mix.

Running back Michael Flournoy is expected to get plenty of playing time this season out of the backfield too.

The Indians are giving several players the chance to crack the lineup at running back.

Tyler Poythress, Kevin Lashley, Elishua Orr, Devonte Brown and Satchel Horton are among a group that could contribute.

East Coweta also lost a playmaker in all three phases in Newnan Times-Herald Most Valuable Player Markell Boston, who signed with Auburn. But at receiver,

the Indians also return a capable successor in senior E.J. Ransom.

Ransom, who was limited this summer due to injury, leads a group of returning receivers after leading the team in receptions last year with 44, three for touchdowns.

“He has come back healthy since July, and he is a great leader for us,” Pardue said.

Jacob Bergstrom came on strong during his junior year to finish with 17 receptions for 246 yards and two scores, and is a solid No. 2, while Reagan Thomas (6 rec., 53 yards) and Chaz Cherry (1 rec, 18 yards) seem ready to move into bigger roles in the offense.

Nick Clark, Justin Crump and McKenzie Martin also had good camps at wide receiver and will get plenty of playing time.

Several of the Indians will be used on both sides of the ball, with Rutherford and Heard returning as the team’s defensive ends.

Williams and Dontavious Burkes will also see time up front on the defensive line.

Jamal Thomas was hurt last year during preseason camp and missed all of last season, but he is healthy again and ready for his senior year. He will anchor the defensive tackle spots along with Ellis.

Zeyed Alibban, Marquis Whitfield and Lajoi Allen will play in backup roles at defensive tackle.

The inside linebacker spots are also set for the upcoming season with Alec Jimerson expected to start. Jeremiah Gemmel, who had a breakthrough freshman year with 55 tackles, has also been moved to one of the linebacker spots.

Alex Branch, Matthew Reagan and Mat-

thew Busch are also stepping it up for the Indians at the inside linebacker positions.

Tyler Poythress and Jacob Bergstrom are slated to start at outside linebacker. Tay Aimee is also projected to get playing time, while Matthew Shellnut and Christian Scanlon have impressed the East Coweta coaching staff.

Lashley is set to lead the secondary after an All-Region season last year that included 46 tackles and two interceptions. Blake Crow will back up Lashley.

“I think he’s got a chance to go to the next level,” Pardue said at this year’s preseason Region 3-AAAAAA meeting.

McKenzie Martin will start at one cornerback spot with Sachel Horton and Malcolm King in the mix to start at the other opening with sophomore Reggie Jones.

Michael Sington has battled injuries and has not returned yet, but could do some big things in the defensive backfield once he is cleared to play.

The kicking game is also in good shape with Cole Antley set to handle the kicking and punting duties.

Last season he connected on 33 of 35 extra points and hit on 4 of 6 field goals and finished with 45 points. He also punted 41 times, averaging 34.6 yards per kick.

“I have been blessed over the years to have some really good kickers, and he is really good too,” Pardue said.

Lashley will handle kick-return duties.

Reagan Thomas is set to be the team’s long snapper.

“Long snapping isn’t something that you just wake up and are able to do,” he said. “It’s something you have to develop as you go along.”

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4B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Games 2014 Schedule All Games 730 p.m., unless noted Aug. 29 At Carrollton Sept. 5 Marietta Sept. 12 Sandy Creek Sept. 26 South Cobb** Oct. 3 At Douglas County** Oct. 10 Westlake** Oct. 17 At Campbell** Oct. 24 Pebblebrook** Oct. 31 At East Coweta** Nov. 7 At Langston Hughes** *Region 3-AAAAAA game home games in BOLD 2013 Results 6-5 overall, 3-2 in 3-AAAAAA Aug. 23 Marietta L52-21 Aug. 30 At LaGrange W42-20 Sept. 6 At Sandy Creek L55-28 Sept. 13 Troup W17-7 Sept. 27 Hardaway W29-27 Oct. 11 Tri-Cities** W14-9 Oct. 18 At Hughes** L30-3 Oct. 25 At Douglas Co.** W28-7 Nov. 1 Westlake* W9-6OT Nov. 8 East Coweta** L24-7 State Playoffs Nov. 15 At Colquitt Co. L41-10 * Region 3-AAAAAA game

2013 Statistics Points scored/Avg: 208/19.8 Points allowed/Avg. 278/25.3 OFFENSE Rushing No. Player Att. Yds Avg. TD 39 J.K. Britt 83 431 5.2 3 28 Kelvin Khayyam 66 426 6.5 1 26 Darryel Hines 115 477 4.1 4 11 Dee Snelling 17 198 11.6 2 24 Tonarius Portress 19 123 6.5 2 21 Damion Key 22 52 2.7 1 1 Randell Arnold 1 0 0.0 0 10 Bailey Bryant 38 20 0.5 0 Totals 361 1,727 4.8 13 Passing No. Player Comp Att Yds TD INT 10 Bailey Bryant 133 242 1,494 11 8 Receiving No. Player Rec. Yds Avg. TD 1 Randell Arnold 37 397 10.7 3 3 Chrishawn Dix 31 360 11.6 1 11 Dee Snelling 23 276 12.0 1 16 Spencer Perry 11 73 6.6 0 17 Immanuel Griggs 9 142 15.8 3 39 J.K. Britt 7 106 15.1 1 26 Darryel Hines 7 57 8.1 2 28 Kelvin Khayyam 4 21 5.3 0 21 Damion Key 1 6 6.0 0 Totals 130 1,438 11.1 10 SCORING No. Player TD PAT FG 2pt TP 35 Connor Cox 0 25 7 0 46 26 Darryel Hines 6 0 0 0 36 39 J.K. Britt 4 0 0 0 24 1 Randell Arnold 3 0 0 0 18 17 Immanuel Griggs 3 0 0 0 18 11 Dee Snelling 3 0 0 0 18 24 Tonarius Portress 2 0 0 0 12 3 Chrishawn Dix 1 0 0 0 6 6 Mark Harris 1 0 0 0 6 28 Kelvin Khayyam 1 0 0 0 6 29 Frankie Williams 1 0 0 0 6 21 Damion Key 1 0 0 0 6 20 Terence Geter 1 0 0 0 6 Totals 26 24 6 0 198 DEFENSIVE TACKLES No. Player Solo Asst. Total 24 Tonarius Portress 85 50 135 2 Emanuel Bridges 62 30 92 31 Josh Hill 42 25 67 15 Chris Porter 35 28 63 13 Tae Gates 42 21 63 6 Mark Harris 36 22 58 9 Brandon Tennie 31 17 48 52 William Langley 10 21 31 29 Frankie Williams 26 1 27 20 Terrence Geter 20 10 30 39 J.K. Britt 17 5 22 79 Rufus Neely 12 10 22 41 Danquez Sinkfield 10 10 18 74 Tyler Stephens 9 9 18 34 Tristan Bridges 12 4 16 8 Tim Hardaway 6 2 8 16 Spencer Perry 6 1 7 75 Anfenney Turner 1 4 5 28 Kelvin Khayyam 2 2 4 49 Kadarius Satterwhite 1 0 1 76 Marquis Whitfield 0 1 1 Sacks No. Player Total 15 Chris Porter 6 2 Emanuel Bridges 4 24 Tonarius Portress 3 6 Mark Harris 3 13 Tae Gates 2 74 Tyler Stephens 2 79 Rufus Neely 2 20 Terence Geter 1 41 Danquez Sinkfield 1 Totals 24 QB Hurries No. Player Total 2 Emanuel Bridges 16 6 Mark Harris 13 24 Tonarius Portress 10 13 Tae Gates 9 15 Chris Porter 7 52 William Langley 7 41 Danquez Sinkfield 4 31 Josh Hill 4 20 Terence Geter 3 79 Rufus Neely 3 28 Kelvin Khayyam 2 74 Tyler Stephens 1 Totals 82 Forced Fumbles No. Player Total 15 Chris Porter 3 52 William Langley 2 31 Josh Hill 1

6 Mark Harris 13 Jervontae Gates 29 Frankie Williams Totals

1 1 1 9

Fumble Recoveries No. Player Total 6 Mark Harris 4 13 Jervontae Gates 2 9 Brandon Tennie 1 8 Tim Hardaway 1 15 Chris Porter 1 34 Tristan Bridges 1 Totals 10 Interceptions No. Player Total 29 Frankie Williams 4* 39 J.K. Britt 4 24 Tonarius Portress 1 16 Spencer Perry 1 20 Terence Geter 1* 6 Mark Harris 1* * Touchdown return Totals 12 Pass Breakups No. Player Total 34 Tristan Bridges 7 29 Frankie Williams 6 39 J.K. Britt 3 20 Terence Geter 1 42 Tonarius Portress 1 31 Josh Hill 1 Total 19

Newnan ougars C

GHSA Region 3-AAAAAA

Clawing back into contention

IMHO from Cougars head coach Mike McDonald

“It was tough, but it gave a chance for a lot of our younger kids to go in and play, and hopefully thats going to help us out and pay off some.”

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

2014 Roster

H

ead football coaches understand the need to take the good with the bad at any level. But had they been put in a room together, Mike McDonald and Mike Smith would have surely been sympathetic to the other’s plight in 2013.

Newnan, much like the Atlanta Falcons last fall, had high expectations following a successful 2012 campaign that included a playoff victory that seemed to put them on the brink of greater achievements to follow.

Then the bottom completely fell out.

The Cougars lost their top receiving target by Week 4, with an inexperienced defense still trying to equally find its footing. The team’s starting quarterback was forced to deal with an offensive line in a continuous state of flux. And a running back in a No. 39 jersey had the least successful year of his career due to a myriad of setbacks that were out of his control.

Does that sound familiar, Falcons fans?

“Last year wasn’t much fun. It just really piled on, but the kids and coaches kept working hard,” Newnan’s McDonald said of a year that added to a string of eight consecutive playoff appearances. “You know you’re going to have injuries, that’s just part of the game. Last year, there were just a lot. It’s happened to us before, but we had a lot more depth.”

Among an influx of newcomers, the Cougars dropped three of their last five games, including a 24-7 loss to rival East Coweta, before exiting the playoffs in the first round for the first time since 2007.

“It was really a tale of two halves. We kind of did a 180 [degree turn] last year, where we started out struggling early on defense and scoring a lot of points.

When the injuries hit [on offense] we were winning games by scores like 9-6 or by scoring defensive touchdowns,” McDonald said.

“When you start a season, one side’s always going to be a little bit ahead of the other. But to see it where both sides go the opposite, I’ve never seen a season go like that.”

The Cougars are fortunate that many of the same faces are back in uniform following a 6-5 season. Nine contributors are back on offense and seven more on defense return with varsity experience, the majority after being thrust into starting roles for the first time in 2013.

“It was tough, but it gave a chance for a lot of our younger kids to go in and play,” McDonald said, “and hopefully that’s going to help us out and pay off

Senior J.K. Britt looks for running room during Newnan’s scrimmage against LaGrange at The Drake.

some.”

The biggest changes this year come in tweaks to its previous offensive and defensive formations to complement some of the program’s strength and depth at running back and linebacker. Heading into next Friday’s daunting opener at Carrollton, the program was selected

by Region 3-AAAAAA’s coaches and media members to finish second behind defending champion Langston Hughes.

Improving on the win total may still be difficult, especially with an opening stretch of three non-region opponents that went 36-6-1, but all signs point to a more talented and deeper roster capable of taking the next step.

The Cougars, whose points-per-game average (18.9) took a dip to less than three touchdowns partly due to an injury-plagued year, have shifted some of the focal point on their new-found depth at running back.

What had been a multiple two-back spread-style offense has been shifted to one with multiple looks out of the I-formation.

“As we got into spring, we knew it was an easy decision,” McDonald said. “We knew we had done the right thing. I think the kids have liked it.”

Senior J.K. Britt (6-0, 185) is back following an injuryplagued year that included multiple ankle sprains. He remains a top-playmaker

on both sides of the ball after going through a tough junior season that limited the UNC commit to 431 rushing yards and 22 tackles, despite four interceptions at safety that helped earn him Second Team AllRegion honors.

“It was a little frustrating because it was the first time in my career that I had been injured,” he said this summer after verbally committing to the Tar Heels.

“You’ve got to keep fighting for your teammates.”

Britt’s injury, though, gave a chance for junior Darryel Hines to showcase his abilities as a starter.

Hines finished with a teamhigh 477 yards while Kelvin Khayyam (5-9, 175) was also among three Cougars that gained over 400 yards rushing last season.

“We’re crosstraining a couple of those guys between fullback and tailback,” McDonald said.

“There will be times when Darryel and J.K. are both on the field together. We can mix and match.”

Junior Marquis Hill among the fastest of this year’s group - and senior Damion Key also have the ability to gain playing time this fall.

After stepping away from football last year, Hill “had a great spring,” said offensive coordinator Kenny Morris. “We’re looking for him to come on this year.”

See COUGARS, Page 5B

No. Name 1 Randell Arnold 2 Emanuel Bridges 3 Dezmon Stegall 5 D’Shon Rosser 6 Jameek Callaway 7 Mike Buckhanna 8 Jacob Bryant 9 Chancellor Johnson 10 Bailey Bryant 11 Kadarius Satterwhite 12 Mitchell Burk 13 Jervontae Gates 14 Zack Bowles 15 Tyrell Harris 16 Dezmand Pleasant 17 Geoffery Bonner 18 Jaelin Hunter 19 JaDarius Ingram 20 A.J. Robinson 21 Damion Key 23 Marquez Brown 24 Ian Alce 25 Joshua Hunter 26 Darryel Hines 27 Eric Russell 28 Kelvin Khayyam 29 Frankie Williams 30 P.J. Harris 31 Marquis Hill 32 Corey Bryant 33 Zhackery Smith 34 Joshua Bridges 35 Delvontae Harris 36 J.T. Grier 37 Zavin Cooley-Smith 38 Hunter Bless 39 J.K. Britt 40 Isaiah Brooks 41 Danquez Sinkfield 42 Dalton Byrom 43 Dezmin Jennings 44 Deonte Smith 45 William WImbley 47 Traylin Jackson 48 Marquan Hill 49 Keonte’ Hart 50 Casey Thompson 51 Stephan Holt 52 Luke Keith 53 Chance Kimbrough 54 Jamil Mitchell 55 Andrew McHague 56 Rylan Williams 57 Dahlton Cash 58 Demarcus Tinsley 59 Tristan Gonzalez 60 Grant Dudley 61 Charles Bishop 62 Austin Spradlin 63 Nathan Baytes 64 David Quesinberry 65 Christian Shellabarger 66 Jermiah Russell 68 Dalton Youngblood 69 Trevor Houston 70 Joel Hughes 71 James Godfrey 72 Cameron Beaver 73 Darrius Ballard 74 Tyler Stephens 75 Alex Wood 77 Corey Coleman 78 Jamal Hill 80 Trentyn Jackson 81 Kylnell Johnson 87 Deonte Terrell 88 Christian Bass 91 Reeves Coggin

Pos. WR/OLB TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB DB WR/DB QB QB QB WR/S WR/DB LB WR LB DE WR/DB DE WR/DB RB RB/OLB DB DB DB WR RB/LB RB DB WR RB RB LB TE/LB WR/DB DE WR/DB P/K/H RB/S LB DE OLB LB WR/DB WR WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB OL DE OL OL OL/DL OL/DL OL OL OL/DL OL OL OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL OL OL/DL OL OL OL DL OL OL/DL OL WR/DB WR/DB TE/DE TE OL/DL

Ht. Wt. 5-8 181 6-1 213 5-7 161 6-1 224 5-9 174 5-7 159 5-11 145 6-5 218 6-5 201 5-10 169 5-9 163 5-10 196 5-10 167 5-8 183 6-2 196 5-7 134 6-0 161 5-11 190 5-8 200 5-10 191 5-11 140 5-5 143 6-1 173 5-7 165 5-7 197 5-9 185 5-8 149 6-2 176 5-8 172 5-6 182 5-7 230 5-9 190 5-10 174 6-2 226 5-9 149 6-2 186 6-0 184 5-7 167 6-3 220 6-0 180 6-0 171 5-7 167 5-11 166 5-8 127 5-8 131 5-8 153 5-9 161 6-0 242 5-10 232 5-8 268 5-10 197 6-3 175 6-3 226 5-10 183 6-3 296 5-11 246 6-0 227 6-0 183 6-2 199 5-10 169 5-11 190 6-1 231 6-0 215 6-3 312 6-3 322 6-3 264 5-10 248 6-0 229 6-3 262 5-11 280 6-3 244 6-1 232 5-9 292 5-7 127 6-0 166 6-2 208 6-2 184 5-10 154

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

Head Coach: Mike McDonald Coaching Staff: Kenny Morris (Offensive coordinator), LaVarrett Pearson (Co-Defensive coordinator), Marvell McKelphin (Co-Defensive Coordinator), Jerry Allen, Dustin Alley, Chad Blevins, Adam Daigler, Jason Earwood, Bob Sandlin, Adam Strakose HEAD TRAINER: James “Radar” Brantley

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 5B

The 2014 Newnan Cougars

COUGARS

Cougars quarterbacks Chancellor Johnson, left, and Bailey Bryant

Newnan Cougars at a glance Tyrone Rosser and Damion Key are battling for the other job. Up front, Sinkfield and Stevens provide experience, with Sinkfield having “an awesome offseason.”

OFFENSE Returners (9): 10 QB Bailey Bryant, Sr. (6-5, 205; 1,495 yds. passing, 15 TD), 39 RB J.K. Britt, Sr. (431 rush, 3TD; 7 rec, 106 yd, TD), 28 RB Darryel Hines, Jr. (2nd Team, All-Region; 477 yds rush, 4 TD), RB 28 Kelvin Khayyam, Sr. (5-9, 175; 426 rush, TD), 1 WR Randell Arnold (37 rec., 397 yds), 64 C David Quesinberry, Sr. (5-11, 190).; 65 OT Christian Shellabarger, Sr (6-1, 232).; 59 OL Tristan Gonzalez (6-0, 245), 66 Jermiah Russell, Jr. (5-11, 205).

Outlook: The Cougars have tried to make the most of a frustrating season dominated by injuries that stunted the offense while failing to score more than twice in any of their final five games. After years of spreading the field, Newnan had turned to a more I-oriented attack that, while still being multiple, should benefit the team’s depth at running back. While Bryant and backup Chancellor Johnson (6-5, 210) are equally stout, there is little depth at receiver heading into the opener. Up front, however, the Cougars go from a team that started three sophomores, to one of depth upon the return of senior center David Quesinberry from a season-ending injury in Game 5. Along

Stadium: Drake Colors: Navy, White and Gold Head Coach: Mike McDonald (6th season, 28-19; 9th overall, 61-35) Coaching Staff: Kenny Morris (Offensive coordinator, quarterbacks), Marvell McKelphin (co-defensive coordinator, running backs), LaVarret Pearson (co-defensive coordinator), Jason Earwood (defensive line), Adam Daigler (offensive line), Chad Blevins (offensive line), Jerry Allen (receivers), Dustin Alley (outside linebackers), Adam Strakose (inside linebackers), Bob Sandlin (special teams), James “Radar” Brantley (head trainer).

2013 Record (region finish): 6-5, 3-2 in Region 3-AAAAAA (3rd) Points Scored/Avg: 208/18.9 Points Allowed/Avg: 278/25.2 Recent History: 9-3 (2012); 2011 (6-6), 2010 (7-5), 2009 (13-1).

Preseason Poll: 2nd Key Losses: LB Tonarius Portress (NTH Defensive Player of Year; All-Region 1st, OL Anfeney Turner (All-Region 1st), WR Chrishawn Dix (All-Region 2nd), DE Chris Porter (All-Region 2nd), DL Mark Harris (All-Region 1st), K Connor Cox (All-Region 2nd), WR Dee Snelling, LB Josh Hill.

College Signees: Portess (Garden City, Kan. CC), Turner (Garden City, Kan. CC), Porter (Point), William Langley (Bethany), Hill (Kennesaw State, track).

Top Positions: RB, QB, DB, LB Question Marks: DL DEFENSE Returners (7): 39 S J.K. Britt, Sr. (All-Region 2nd; 22tk, 5 int; N. Carolina commit), 29 CB Frankie Williams, Sr. (27 tk, 5 int, TD; 6 pbu), 11 S K.D. Satterwhite, So; 2 LB Emmanuel Bridges (6-1, 215; AllRegion 2nd; 92 tk, 4 sk); 13 LB Trey Gates, Sr. (5-10, 195; 63 tk, 2 sk); 41 DL Danquez Sinkfield, Sr. (18 tk, 1 sk); 74 NG Tyler Stephens, Jr. (5-11, 275; 16 tk, 2 sk).

Outlook: While the changes aren’t nearly as drastic as on offense, Newnan is tweaking the defensive scheme into more of a traditional 3-4 than in previous years among greater depth at linebacker. The secondary should be more fine tuned with a healthy Britt rejoined by Williams, a breakthrough star as a junior, and Satterwhite, a promising sophomore. The linebackers, despite losing a top performer in Portress, should also be able to regroup around Bridges and Gates, the starter on the will side. Junior Deshon Rosser (6-2, 230) is being counted on to develop as a starter on the outside, while

with four returning linemen, coordinator Kenny Morris feels that big sophomore Joel Hughes (6-3, 265) is ready to challenge for a starting job while battling with three others for playing time. The varsity’s lone freshman, middle school standout P.J. Harris (6-2, 174), could be the answer at wideout Newnan is looking for in a bigplay receiver to go along with Arnold, the only returning starter at the position.

This and That: After playing Marietta a week earlier than most schools the past two years, this is the latest opener for Newnan since 2008 … The Cougars three non-region opponents (Carrollton, Marietta and Sandy Creek) reached the state playoffs and posted a combined record of 36-6-1 in 2013. The schedule also bookends with two tough matchups with East Coweta on Halloween and defending region champions Langston Hughes. It’s the first time since 2001 that Newnan and East Coweta do not end the regular season against one another…

Last year’s opponents went a combined 65-56-2. Longtime assistants Jeff Bryant (co-defensive coordinator) and Hap Hines moved into administration during the offseason and the program added former longtime Carrollton assistant Marvell McKelphin and former Newnan High All-State linebacker Adam Strakose to the staff.

Newnan

Newnan co-defensive coordinator LaVarret Pearson works with cornerback Joshua Hunter at practice.

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one of the smarter football players I’ve ever had in knowing the game. All these college coaches coming through, they noticed it.”

Satterwhite made the jump to defensive back after playing linebacker and running back on the freshman team. He’ll start at safety as a sophomore.

“It was all new to him last year when we put him back there,” McDonald said. “But we’ve had him there all summer and he’s gotten better and better and better.”

Burk, Hines and Stegall are all battling for the other cornerback position and are projected to play.

Emmanuel Bridges, a 6-1, 215-pound junior, asserted himself last year as a sophomore on the rise, finishing with 92 tackles and earning All-Region Second Team honors. Bridges again looks to line up outside after posting four sacks and leading the team in both tackles for loss and hurries, with 16 in each category.

Trey Gates will start at the will linebacker position as the second-leading tackler among last year’s returners. Junior D’Shon Rosser and Damion Key are among those vying at the inside position.

Up front, junior Tyler Stephens (5-11, 275) looks to have locked down the nose spot in between Sinkfield (6-2, 230) at one end. The other starting job has senior J.T. Grier, who played junior varsity, among the leaders.

Last year’s ends, Mark Harris and Chris Porter, each earned All-Region selections after combining for 121 tackles and nine sacks as major contributors.

Among the specialists, junior Hunter Bless returns as the Cougars’ starting punter. Sophomore backup quarterback Jacob Bryant has stepped into placekicker duties and connected on 1 of 2 field goal attempts in last week’s scrimmage against LaGrange, hitting from 35 yards and having a second attempt clang off the left upright.

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Sewer Lines

plished receiver out of the slot, should offset some of the immediate losses to graduContinued from page 4B ation while a group including defensive backs Frankie Williams (5-9, 160), Mitchell Offensive line has equally become a position of strength Burk, and K.D. Satterwhite (5-10, 157) adjust. Along with for Newnan, which returns Satterwhite, a sophomore five Cougars who saw ample with loads of potential, is P.J. playing time in a season Harris, the lone freshman on where the team lost startthis year’s varsity roster. ing center David QuesinOn the other side of the berry just prior to the region ball, Newnan also goes schedule. through changes, both in Now fully recovered, scheme and staff. Joining Quesinberry (6-1, 190) and co-defensive coordinator senior tackle Christian ShelLaVarret Pearson is Marlabarger (6-1, 232) comprise vell McKelphin, who led the a much more stable unit in defense for Class AAAA front of senior quarterback Bailey Bryant. Juniors Tristan runner-up Carrollton while spending 15-plus years as an Gonzalez (6-0, 245), who filled in for Quesinberry, and assistant for the Trojans, next week’s opening opponent.

Jermiah Russell (6-1, 225) “The defense is still very were starters at points of last young,” Pearson said. season.

The Cougars move to “David plays hard and he a more traditional 3-4 overcomes his size with his after using five-linebacker disposition. He wants to do right all the time,” McDonald schemes in past years. The said. “He’s a wrestler and that bulk of veterans come among a group of linebackers and helps him out.”

The other opening up front, an equally talented group of left by All-Region First Team defensive backs led by Britt at safety. selection Anfeney Turner, Newnan, though, nearly will come down to a group went the other direction this including sizable sophomore spring before quickly putJoel Hughes (6-3, 265), who has impressed coaches while ting the brakes on what could have been a 4-man front this entering his first varsity year. campaign.

“We looked at a 4-3 defense Senior James Godfrey as all spring and got about seven well as juniors Cameron Beadays in, and we all looked at ver (5-11, 230) and Demarcus Tinsley are all capable of each other and said, this ain’t us,” McDonald said. “So we stepping into the lineup. went back to a 3-man front in The tight ends will rotate a hurry. It’s just more of a 3-4 between starting defenders than a 3-5.”

D’Shon Rosser (6-0, 232) and In the secondary, Britt and All-Region Second Team linesenior cornerback Frankie backer Emmanuel Bridges, Williams (5-9, 160) each led both of whom are juniors. the team with four intercepFor two capable quartertions last year, one of which backs led by Bryant - who is was returned for a touchnow heading into his third down during a win over year as a starter - it’s a more Douglas County. comfortable setting than the As Division I schools made previous year. their rounds to see Britt this The 6-5, 200-pound southpast spring, college coaches paw still managed to throw were among those to immefor 1,495 yards and 11 touchdiately notice Williams’ downs, though his intercepabilities. tion total rose slightly.

“He’s very rarely out of While Bryant had every position and understands passing attempt for Newnan coverages and what the in 2013, junior Chanceloffense is trying to do,” lor Johnson (6-5, 210) seems McDonald said. “Frankie’s ready to step in as well. The two are among the more imposing quarterbacks in the region.

Along with the depth at running back, another factor in switching to a more ground-oriented style offense because of a lack of returners at wide receiver. Junior Randell Arnold (5-9, 175) is the only returning wideout that caught more than 10 passes last year.

Britt, who is also an accom-

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6B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Games 2014 Schedule All games 730 p.m.

Aug. 29 Shaw Sept. 5 Troup Sept. 12 at Woodland-Stockbridge) Sept. 19 Morrow* Sept. 26 at Mundys Mill ,Twelve Oaks* Oct. 3 McIntosh* * Oct. 17 at Forest Park Tara Stadium* Oct. 24 Drew * * Oct. 31 at Starr’s Mill* * Oct. 7 4-AAAAA Play-in game * Region 4B-AAAAA game Home games in bold 2013 results Aug. 30 Heritage-Conyers L14-7 Sept. 6 at Griiffin L35-0 Sept. 13 North Clayton W33-7 Sept. 20 Ola * W63-7 Sept. 27 at Union Grove W17-14 Oct. 4 at Whitewater L17-6 Oct. 11 at Creekside * L41-13 Oct. 25 Starr’s Mill * W17-14 Nov. 1 at McIntosh* L37-14 Nov. 8 at Mundy’s Mill L27-10 Home games in bold

Scoring No. Player 41 Benton Washington 15 T.J. Womack 47 James Skalski 26 Kevin Teasley 30 Ton Evans 9 Torres Johnson 40 Kyle Feldbauer 5 Isreal Bolton 2 Bo Zachary 32 David Noe Totals

TD PAT 9 0 5 0 0 19 3 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 25 21

1 1 1 1 1 0 0

FG 2pt Tot 0 0 54 0 0 30 3 0 25 0 0 18 0 0 18 0 0 12 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 6 0 0 2 3 0 180

SPECIAL TEAMS Punting No. Player Punts Avg. 47 James Skalski 41 36.0 Lane 2 32.0 Totals 43 35.8 DEFENSE Tackles No. Player Solo Asst. Total 45 Ryan Fagerstrom 93 47 140 47 James Skalski 77 35 112 4 Matt Smith 33 26 59 20 Rashad Menefee 29 18 47 3 Marquis Jennings 27 18 45 9 Torres Johnson 30 14 44 51 Jackson Dorman 28 14 42 11 Christian Gaston 23 18 41 90 Nebiyou Maddox 20 14 34 8 Wendell Watson 21 12 33 7 Armond Upshaw 20 11 31 1 Malik Wade 15 6 21 34 Brennan Wilcox 4 3 7 63 Malyk Hibbert 1 4 5 16 Jaelin Ware 3 0 3 75 Nick Heavner 1 2 3 93 Victor Taggart 2 1 3 2 Bo Zachary 2 0 2 15 T.J. Womack 2 0 2 27 Carson Story 1 1 2 31 Kamari Ray 1 1 2 44 Cody Kellogg 1 0 1 35 Walker Peace 1 0 1 61 Jared Monk 1 0 1 97 Jaylen Buckhanna 1 0 1 13 Bryce Walburn 0 1 1 Sacks No. Player Total 20 Rashad Menefee 5 47 James Skalski 4½ 90 Nebiyou Maddox 1 34 Brennan Wilcox 1 3 Marquis Jennings ½ Totals 12 Interceptions No. Player Total 11 Christian Gaston 3 47 James Skalski 1 31 Kamari Ray 1 7 Armond Upshaw 1 45 Ryan Fagerstrom 1 Totals 7 Pass Breakups No. Player Total 4 Matt Smith 8 7 Armond Upshaw 7 11 Christian Gaston 4 1 Malik Wade 4

Willing to make the sacrifice

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

Points scored/Avg.: 180/18.0 Points allowed/Avg.:213/21.3 OFFENSE Rushing No. Player Att. Yds. Avg. TD 41 Benton Washington 130 801 6.2 9 15 T.J. Womack 127 757 6.0 4 21 Kevin Teasley 86 470 5.5 2 30 Ton Evans 37 411 11.1 3

Kyle Cater 3 15 5.0 0 9 Torres Johnson 1 4 4.0 0 2 Bo Zackary 3 -7 -2.3 0 14 Tyler Rowland 22 -28 -1.3 0 Totals 409 2,423 5.9 19 Passing No. Player Comp Att Yds TD INT 14 Tyler Rowland 28 66 466 4 4 15 T.J. Womack 1 2 10 1 0 2 Bo Zackary 0 6 0 0 3 Totals 29 74 476 5 7 Avg. TD 11.6 23.8 15.2 21.0 21.5 35.0 6.0 17.5 5

GHSA Region 4-AAAAA

With internal competition high, team hopes timing is right in '14

2013 Statistics

Receiving No. Player Rec. Yds. 15 T.J. Womack 8 93 5 Isreal Bolton 5 119 21 Kevin Teasley 5 76 40 Kyle Feldbauer 4 84 2 Bo Zachary 2 43 7 Armond Upshaw 1 35 41 Benton Washington 1 6 Totals 2 456

northgate s g n i k i V

8 Wendell Watson 4 9 Torres Johnson 1 3 Marquis Jennings 1 47 James Skalski 1 Totals 30 Caused Fumbles No. Player Total 20 Rashad Menefee 3 15 T.J. Womack 1 7 Armond Upshaw 1 90 Nebiyou Maddox 1 21 Kevin Teasley 1 3 Marquis Jennings 1 Totals 8 Fumble Recoveries No. Player Total 3 Marquis Jennings 1 20 Rashad Menefee 1 11 Christian Gaston 1 9 Torres Johnson 1* * Scored touchdown

T

he best thing a high school football team can do to put a disappointing season behind to is focus its attention on the upcoming campaign.

That’s why veteran head coach Tommy Walburn can’t wait to kick off the season next Friday night at home against Shaw.

Northgate finished last year with a 4-6 record and missed the playoffs for the first time in two years.

Walburn won’t make a lot of excuses for his team missing out on the postseason party, but he does know the Vikings played one of the toughest schedules in the state.

When the dust settled on the 2013 campaign, Northgate played two state champions in Class AAAA’s Griffin and Class AAAAA’s Creekside.

The other teams they lost to went at least one round into the playoffs.

“It was a tough schedule and we had some depth issues and lack of experience in spots,” Walburn said. “We had some injuries that forced us to move up kids and play them before they were ready.”

Northgate also caught several teams who got hot at the right time.

“Football is a lot about timing,” Walburn said. “We happened to play some teams that had the best seasons they ever had including Creekside who won it all, but also squads like Mcintosh who had their best season in school history.”

Walburn hopes last year’s losing record is just a bump in the road at Northgate.

“We felt like our goals took a little bit of a step back, because when you build a football team your goals are to consistently make the playoffs. We did that two years in a row, and felt like we really had that opportunity last year.”

The veteran coach, who is in his sixth season at Northgate and is 87-58 in a 14 year career, is happy with the effort the Vikings have shown since he arrived on campus.

“The thing I am proud of is every year we have been here, we went into the 10th game of the year for something to play

Northgate head coach Tommy Walburn directs his team during practice heading into the 2014 season. The Vikings open against Shaw Aug. 29

See VIKINGS, Page 7B for.”

The team is also hungry to get back to the postseason.

“We have had some great workouts and participation,” he said. “We have the most people playing football since I have been here. Our attitude is great.

We have asked these kids to do some things and sacrifice some things and do some things that maybe we didn’t ask other teams to do.”

The Vikings head into the season settled on a quarterback, something that didn’t happen last year until the Griffin game.

2014 Roster

No. Player Pos. 1 Malik Wade RB 2 Anthony Dickerson WR 3 Michael Matthews DB 4 Jie Smith WR 5 Kevin Teasley RB 6 Ryan Gordon WR 7 Ton Evans RB 8 Justin Laycoax DB 9 Kamari Ray OLB 10 Jai’Eon Madison FB 11 Carlisle Taylor K 12 Bryce Walburn WR 13 Terrance Carter QB 14 Tyler Rowland QB 15 Jordan Dahlquest WR 16 Kyle McLaren QB 17 Adam Samples DB 19 Chandler Cline DB 20 Quinn Franklin WR 21 Matthew Lewis DB 22 Caleb Cross DB 23 Noah Ratliff DB 24 Jordan Gunn WR 25 Brody Lloyd DB 27 Austin Reid DB 29 William Young DB

Tyler Rowland is back for his second season as a starter. Last year he passed for 444 yards and threw four touchdowns.

Rowland spent the offseason getting bigger and stronger in the weight room and has gained nearly 40 pounds.

“When he first got here, he wasn’t a great weight room kid,” Walburn said. “Now he is one of the leaders. He is playing with a lot more confidence. When you quarterback situation is settled, everything else falls into place.”

There are two guys set to back him up including freshman Kyle McLaren and sophomore Terrence Carter.

Both led Madras Middle School to the county title.

Up front, senior center Dylan Huffman is back after starting a few games last year. Guards Jackson Dorman spent most of his time playing defensive end, but has been moved to the other side of the ball and will play guard in 2014.

“We kind of felt like we needed a little bit of an defensive mentality up front on offense,” Walburn said. “He unselfishly has made the move. Sometimes when you ask a kid to make a move, especially his senior year, they might pout a little bit. He is handling it well.”

Sean McCool is playing the other guard position.

Jaylen Buckhanna and Zach Lyles are slated to start at tackle for the Vikings.

Two guys are battling it out at the tight end spot, including Chris Age, and Dalton Elliott.

“Dalton has battled through some injuries since we put on pads, we just have to get him well,” Walburn said.

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

We have the most people playing football since I have been here. Our attitude is great. We have asked these kids to do some things and sacrifice some things and do some things that maybe we didnt ask other teams to do.”

IMHO from Vikings head coach Tommy Walburn

No. Player Pos. 30 Turner Hughes RB 31 Dylan Vanderford OLB 32 David Noe K 33 Hunter Lambert DB 35 Marquez Mitchell DE 36 Cameron Walker DE 38 Ryan Smith WR 39 Jim Vermilyea DB 40 Kyle Feldbauer TE 41 Dexter Hill DL 42 Campsen Burley LB 44 Kyle Carter FB 45 Matthew Rivera LB 46 Zach Bartlett LB 47 James Skalski LB 48 Alex Norton OL 49 Colt Dooley RB 50 Drew Latham OL 51 Jackson Dorman LB 52 Caleb Blankenship OL 53 Christian Knobloch OL 54 Garrett Worth OL 55 Jaylen Buckhanna DL 56 Dylan Huffman OL 58 Sean McCool OL 59 Dylan Johnson OL

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

No. Player 60 Jasjit Gandhi 61 Jared Monk 63 Chase Copeland 65 Austin Smith 66 Nick Moen 67 Colin Clayton 68 Austin Black 69 Denis Mena 70 Wes Mortimer 71 Will Roden 72 Chip Davenport 74 Josh Blume 77 Zach Lyle 79 Mason Wolfe 80 Cameron Ramsey 81 Chris Age 84 Isaiah Prayor 87 Dalton Elliott 88 Patrick Pitzer 90 Joseph Shiffert 93 Victor Taggart 98 Jon Mabe 99 Jackson Sims

Pos. OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL DL OL WR TE WR TE TE DL DE DL DE

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

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 7B

The 2014 Northgate Vikings

VIKINGS Continued from page 6B

Kyle Feldbauer, who started his career playing tight end on the varsity as a freshman, now spends most of his time playing linebacker on the defensive side of the ball, but will also be used as tight end when needed.

The Vikings have several players set to tote the football out of the Vikings’ wing-T offense.

Senior Kevin Teasley brings back the most experience out of the backfield after rushing for 470 yards on 86 carries and scoring two touchdowns. After playing wingback in 2013, he has been moved to fullback this season.

Sophomore Kyle Cater is in the mix and can play all the positions in the backfield.

Sophomore Ton Evans is slated to start at halfback.

Evans was the team’s fourth leading rusher last year, finishing with 411 yards on 37 carries and three touchdowns.

“He played a lot as a freshman last year, and that experience is only

going to help him this year,” Walburn said. “He made some big plays against Union Grove. That was probably our biggest win.”

Kamari Ray is also expected to play in the backfield after playing primarily on defense on the junior varsity in 2014.

James Skalski, who plays on defense and kicks, can also carry the football.

“We have plenty of depth out of the backfield, but one thing that as a staff we have to do is maximize our skill spots, and some of our players are going to have to step over and play both ways.”

Several players are catching the coaching staff’s eye at wide receiver including Cameron Ramsey and Isaiah Prayor.

Juniors Anthony Dickerson, Jordan Gunn and senior Quinn Franklin will get plenty of playing time.

“We feel good about our depth in there,” he said. “There are several players we can roll in and out.”

On the defensive line, Jackson Simms is slated to start at one of the end spots and Dexter Hill at the other.

Hill missed all of last season with a knee injury, but is back healthy

heading into this year.

Caleb Blankenship comes over from playing on the offensive line and has made the switch the other side of the ball.

Drew Latham is also expected to start up front. Senior Victor Taggert will also see action.

Skalski is set to anchor the defense from his inside linebacker.

A year ago, the junior was the team’s second leading tackler with 112. He also had an interception.

Feldbauer will also play one of the other inside linebacker spots.

“We feel like linebacker is his natural spot,” Walburn said. “He and James are big buddies and have played football together for a long time. “It is fun to watch them work hard out there.”

David Noe is also going to see playing time at one of the outside linebacker spots.”

“He is what I call a program kid,” Walburn said. “He has paid his dues, and now he is going to get his chance to get plenty of playing time.

He has worked hard in the weight room and he has made himself a football player. I am proud to see him doing well.”

Brody Lloyd is scheduled to play

the rover spot for the Vikings There is a two-way battle at one of the corners with Terrence Carter and Jaie Smith set to play.

Senior Malik Wade is back at free safety after making 21 tackles last season.

“He has had a good solid camp,” Walburn said. “We feel like he is starting to play up to his potential.

He has battled some injuries during his career, but he has had a good offseason.”

Junior Matthew Lewis is also scheduled to play in the defensive backfield and make his first contribution to the varsity. Walburn had hoped to bring him up from the junior varsity squad last year prior to an injury.

Michael Matthews is also in the mix to get playing time.

The Vikings are set with three kickers.

Skalski is back as the starting punter after averaging 36 yards per kick. He also is slated to return as the placekicker. A year ago, he booted the game-winning field goal as time expired against Union Grove.

David Noe could also kick field goals and extra points.

Sophomore kicker Carlisle Taylor is a transfer from the Heritage School.

Feldbauer is slated to be the long snapper on field goals extra points and punts. Wes Mortimer can handle long-snapping duties.

The Vikings move into newly revised and subdivided Region 4-AAAA that includes several teams from Clayton County.

There are be some familiar opponents on the schedule, however, including Mcintosh, Starr’s Mill and Mundy’s Mill.

Outside the league, the Vikings open with Shaw and Troup, a place where Walburn coached for five years.

“For the most part, you can’t control your schedule,” he said. “We want to worry about Northgate, and not worry about anything else.”

There will also be a region playin game to close the regular season, with the top seeded teams from each subregion playing for the region title.

“I like the way that is set up because it really gives you something to play for at the end of the season,” he said.

Northgate Vikings at a Glance Barry K. Marcum, D.M.D. Eric D. Mobley, D.M.D.

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8B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 20, 2014

REGION PREVIEWS

An inside look at

Region 3-AAAAAA

Our Predicted Order of Finish

Compiled by Chris Goltermann

2013 Record in Parenthesis

1. Langston Hughes (10-2) What We Think: The Panthers are proof that good things come to those who wait, having suddenly rattled off consecutive 10-win seasons in a program only entering its sixth varsity year. They garnered 11 of 13 potential first-place votes in this year’s preseason poll, and for good reason. A loaded defense has seven starters back, including its entire front four led by explosive end D’Andre Walker. Once again, region quarterbacks are on notice among a line that recorded 32 total sacks in 2013, three touchdowns worth from Walker, last year’s Region 3-AAAAAA Player of the Year.

2. Newnan (6-5) What We Think: The Atlanta Falcons weren’t the only team locally that had the rug pulled from under its feet in 2013 after entering the season with high hopes.

Injuries riddled the Cougars in 2013, the result of which left a younger group of starters, particularly on the O-line, vulnerable. Yet it also provided experience for the future. With two of the key injured - senior center David Quisenberry and two-way starter J.K. Britt - back, along with shifts in offensive and defensive schemes during the offseason to better fit its personnel, Newnan - like the Dirty Birds - has reason to believe better days are ahead.

3. East Coweta (5-6) What We Think: The hiring of Steve Pardue was as much a coup for East Coweta following the first consecutive .500 seasons the program has seen since the 1981 and ‘82. The Indians new head coach brought in two veteran coordinators with extensive resumes to go with a staff that has been around during the bulk of a string of 17 consecutive state-playoff seasons. The leadership on defense should be strong with as many as eight seniors expected to start or see considerable playing time. The key will be how well East Coweta can replace its top-two playmakers.

4. Westlake (5-6) What We Think: The Lions aren’t about to surprise anyone anymore after going from a winless team to a state-playoff berth in 2013. It resulted in the program’s first offseason without a head coaching change in three years. Seven starters are back on defense led by outstanding noseman Daquan Hawkins and junior defensive back Nigel Warrior. The offense, however, took a bigger hit. Coordinator Jared Zito took a head coaching job at Ola and the lineup lost nine starters to graduation. Following a year where Westlake struggled to score points in the red zone, it could be the team’s Achilles Heel when it comes to trying to return to the state playoffs.

5. Campbell (4-6) What We Think: The Spartans, who are among three Region 3-AAAAAA programs going through a coaching transition, are still in good shape with five starters back on offense — including three on the front line. There’s also strength at running back despite losing All-State talent Mike Rogers, who signed with Central Florida. The defense, however, has to improve after a dreadful 2013 campaign that saw teams post at least 23 points — and as many as 63 — over the final eight games of the season. First-year head coach Ryan Brady, however, has the depth at running back in order to better control the clock.

6. Douglas County (3-7) What We Think: The Tigers, who have been in the midst of a youth movement, were dealt a stunning blow in the preseason. Projected starting tackle Zyrees Oliver collapsed at home and was eventually taken off life-support last week. Inexperience and size had already a expected to be an issue in certain areas including the offensive line. That’s not a good combination for a program that had difficulty at times in both holding onto the ball and playing disciplined. Third-year head coach Jason Respect has made both priorities heading into this fall.

7. Pebblebrook (3-7) What We Think: The Falcons lost 37 seniors from last year’s roster, creating openings throughout the lineup including one at quarterback. The team’s offense struggled in 2013, averaging just 15.4 points in Region 4-AAAAAA, despite making a three-win improvement from the previous season. The entire offensive line was lost to graduation although newcomer Jose Diaz Torres, a 6-6, 360-pound senior has created a buzz, despite not having much varsity experience. The deepest position on the team could be linebacker, where six athletes including junior Brhyan Perry, are vying for three starting positions in a 4-3 scheme.

8. South Cobb (3-7) What We Think: Don’t sleep on the Eagles, who missed the state playoffs for the first time in 2013 following three consecutive trips to the postseason. The offseason, however, hasn’t been the smoothest, with the Cobb County school board ruffling feathers among a coaching transition that eventually saw former assistant Sherrod Rainge taking the helm. How quickly South Cobb can put their recent woes behind them could be the difference in whether the team can challenge for a state-playoff berth. Rainge brings in a wide-open spread that won’t use fullbacks or tight ends on offense.

Region 3-AAAAAA Teams at a Glance Langston Hughes Panthers City: Fairburn Stadium: Panther Pit Colors: Forest Green/Vegas Gold/Black Head Coach: Willie Cannon (6th season, 27-26 overall) 2013 Record (region finish): 10-2, 5-0 in Region 3-AAAAAA (1st) Points Scored/Avg: 416/34.7 Points Allowed/Avg: 110/9.2 Recent History: 10-2 (2012), 3-7 (2011), 2-8 (2010), 2-7 (2009 - 1st varsity) Preseason Poll: 1st Key Losses: RB Keion Davis (3-AAAAAA Off Player of Year; 1,652 rush, 24 TDs), WR Kenny Moxie (All Region 1st; 498 yds., 6 TD), WR Bingo Morton (All-Region 1st; 480 yds., 3 TD), DB Robert Saunders (57 tk), OL Jahlil Mathis-Ellis (All-Region 1st, 54 pb), OL Jeremiah Culbreth.

College Signees: Davis (Marshall), Morton (Chattanooga), Mathis-Ellis (Texas Southern), DEFENSE Returners (7): 1 DE D’Andre Walker, Sr. (6-4, 210; Region Player of the Year; 108 tk, 21 sk, 7 cf); 50 DT Deonte Jackson, Sr. (5-9, 208;All-Region 1st, 79 tackles, 8 sacks); 58 DT Connor Johnson, Sr. (5-9, 283; All-Region 2nd; 63 tackles, 3 sacks, INT, FF); 28 DE Keyshaun Clark, Jr. (5-9, 225; 56 tackles, 7 sacks); 2 LB Montavious Atkinson (6-1, 205; All-Region 1st; 137 tackles, 2 sacks, Auburn commit); 12 LB Jalen Turner 27 (6-1, 202, Sr.); 27 DB Chance Turner, Sr. (5-10, 192; All-Region 1st;, 4 INT).

Outlook: The front four - all of whom were named to 1st or 2nd All-Region teams - is scary. Trying to double-team Walker, who has offers from nearly every major school in the southeast, only opens up a lane for another lineman or Atkinson.

Offense Returners (5): 4 QB Kinan Humphrey, Sr. (5-9, 180; All Region, 2nd, 1,539 pass, 15 TDs), 14 WR Kenyen Houston, Sr. (5-9, 168), 53 OT Trent Levell, Sr. (6-3, 243), 51 OT Jeremiah Culbreth, Sr. (6-5, 265; All-Region 1st), 52 OG Jekervin Ray, Sr. (5-9, 206) Outlook: Humphrey, who took over midway through his sophomore season, is as much a comfort to the Panthers staff as three returning starters on the line.

This and That: Walker has posted 21 sacks in each of his last two varsity seasons.

Schools with offers, according to recruiting websites, span the SEC (13 schools, no Vandy), ACC (8), Big Ten (4), Big 12 (2) and Pac 12 (2) .

2014 Schedule All Games 7:30 p.m., unless noted Saturday Mays# Aug. 29 Creekside Sept. 5 Grayson Sept. 26 At Douglas County* Oct. 3 Campbell* Oct. 10 At East Coweta* Oct. 17 At South Cobb* Oct. 24 Westlake* Oct. 31 At Pebblebrook* Nov. 7 Newnan* #Game at Tri-Cities (8 p.m.) * Region 3-AAAAAA game

Westlake Lions City: Atlanta Stadium: Westlake Colors: Royal Blue, Grey and White Head Coach: Bryan Love (2nd year, 5-6 overall; 2013 Record (region finish): 5-6, 1-4 in Region 3-AAAAAA (4nd) Points Scored/Avg: 164/14.9 Points Allowed/Avg: 188/17.1 Recent History: 0-10 (2012), 4-6 (2011), 3-7 (2010), 7-4 (2009).

Preseason Poll: 4th Key Losses: OL Jonathan Sherman (All-Region, 1st), DB Terrence Montgomery (All-Region, 1st; 85 tk, 4 int), LB Tyrone Pope (All-Region, 2nd; 97 tk, 3 sk, 2 int), OL Tedrick Cofield (All-Region, 2nd), OL Jordan Shaw (All-Region, 2nd), OL Kameron Jones, DB Quantavious Pope (All-Region, 1st; 69 tk, 2 sk, 2 int).

College Signees: Cofield (Albany State), Jones (Minnesota-Crookston), Montgomery (Clark Atlanta), Shaw (Johnson C. Smith), HB Daylan Rollins (Maryville), WR Quran Hasan (Belhaven) DEFENSE Returners (7) 53 NG Daquan Hawkins, Sr. (All-Region, 1st; 43 tk; Kentucky commit), 27 DE/OLB Jamal Angrish, Sr. (6-0, 210; 30 tk), 4 OLB Julian Jones, Sr (6-3, 205; 27 tk).; 32 MLB Jarrod Jones, Jr. (6-1, 220; 37 tk, 2 fr); 9 SS Josh Poole, Sr. (6-0, 177), 18 FS Nigel Warrior, Jr. (6-1, 177; 32 tk), 43 CB Jarrett Cornelius, Jr. (5-9, 175; 9 tk).

Outlook: Hawkins is expected to be one of this year’s top defenders. Angrish is flexible enough to start on the line or as an outside backer, and his abilities as a pass rusher in either instance remains an asset.

Julian and Jarrod Jones look to fill the hole left by Pope among the linebacking corps.

OFFENSE Returners (5) 4 Julian Jones, Sr. (6-1, 173; 135 rush, 110 pass, 2 TD); 21 RB Jorden Thomas, Sr. (All-Region 1st; 863 rush, 8 TD); 50 OL Jalan Daniels, So. (6-1, 241); 51 OL Kenneth Rawlings, Sr. (5-9, 207), WR Jamauri Elliott, Jr. (5-10, 167; 20 rec, 207 yd, 6 TD).

Outlook: The Lions will continue to use a 2-back spread attack despite changing coordinators in the offseason. Thomas is the region’s top returning running back, but the team will have to find three new starters to fill big holes on the front line.

This and That: Westlake played one of Region 3-AAAAAAs three newcomers last year, defeating South Cobb 18-10. Former offensive coordinator Jared Zito was hired as Ola’s head coach in the offseason. Four of Westlake’s first five games come at home.

2014 Schedule All Games 7:30 p.m., unless noted Aug.29 Banneker Sept. 5 Shiloh Sept. 12 At Newton Sept. 26 Pebblebrook* Oct. 3 East Coweta* Oct. 10 At Newnan* Oct. 24 At Langston Hughes* Oct. 31 South Cobb* Nov. 7 At Campbell* *Region 3-AAAAAA Games

Campbell Spartans City: Smyrna Stadium: Richard McDaniel Colors: Royal Blue and Silver Head Coach: Ryan Brady (1st year) 2013 Record (region finish) 4-6, 2-6 in 4-AAAAAA (7th) Points Scored/Avg: 290/29.0 Points Allowed/Avg: 331/33.1 Recent History: 3-7 (2012); 1-9 (2011), 1-9 (2010), 2-8 (2009).

Preseason Poll: 6th Key Losses: RB Mike Rogers (4-AAAAAA Player of the Year; 1,735 yds, 23 TDs), QB Rickey James; WR Marlon Horne (All-Region, 1st); OL Dekevion Byrd (AllRegion, 1st), LB Gaiyon Reavish (All-Region, 1st), DL Braxton Stephens (All-Region, 2nd), LB David Collins (All-Region, 2nd).

College Signees: Rogers (Central Florida), James (Reinhardt), Horne (Northwestern State) Defense Returners (8): 84 DE Monty Daniel Jr., Sr. (6-4, 220), 75 NG Carlton Moore, Sr. (6-4, 290), 6 OLB Irvan Deravine, Sr. (5-11, 185), OLB 39 Salento Sumrall, Jr. (6-1, 185), ILB Kobe Palmer, Jr.; 30 CB Darius Hall, Jr.; 26 Jyshon Gilliard, Sr.; 38 FS Cortaviaun Hinton, Sr. (5-8, 160) Outlook: Campbell, which will run a 3-4, has the bulk of its returners back among its front seven led by Daniel who should be a pass-rush threat off the end .

Offense Returners (4): 79 LT Mayaius Williams, Jr. (6-0, 195), LG 65 Amonte Hampton, Sr., C Preston Fussell Sr. (6-2, 315), 3 WR Chauncey Werah (5-10, 160, Sr.), 2 WR Cameron St. Cyr, Sr. (5-8, 155).

Outlook: The Spartans, amidst a coaching change, also has to find a way to restock an offense that included three main weapons led

by All-State running back Michael Rogers, who signed with George O’Leary’s Central Florida program. While a unique talent, the core of running backs provides the talent and depth that could keep the offensive scoring average around four touchdowns a game as it did in 2013. The line is a solid mix between three veterans led by Fussell and two unproven, yet sizable sophomores - Montayo Hood, (6-0, 297) and Mehki McKinney (6-5, 270).

This and That: Brady had been an assistant at Hillgrove, which finished 11-2, for the past three years. He was previously a defensive coordinator at Cass in addition to working at high schools in both Florida and New York. Last year’s four wins were the most in the program since 2007. Even after the success, however, head coach Harris Rainbow was relieved of his duties.

2014 Schedule All Games 7:30 p.m., unless noted Friday South Atlanta Aug. 29 Stone Mountain Sept. 12 Lakeside, Atl. Sept. 26 At East Coweta* Oct. 3 At Langston Hughes* Oct. 10 Pebblebrook* Oct.17 Newnan* Oct. 24 At South Cobb* Oct. 31 At Douglas County* Nov. 7 Westlake* * Region 3-AAAAAA game

Douglas County Tigers City: Douglasville Stadium: Tiger Stadium Colors: Blue and Gold Head Coach: Jason Respert (3rd year, 5-15 overall) 2013 Record (region finish) 3-7, 1-4 in 3-AAAAAA (5th) Points Scored/Avg: 213/21.3 Points Allowed/Avg: 291/29.1 Recent History: 2-8 (2012), 2-8 (2011), 5-5 (2011) Preseason Poll: 5th Key Losses: RB Juany’a Smith (1st Team, All-Region; 632 yds rushing, 8TD); OL Quinzavious Sands (1st Team; All-Region; 54 pancakes; Catawba); LB Shayne Carey (1st Team, All-Region; 92 tackles); WR Justin Bridges (2nd Team, All-Region; 417 yds receiving); P/K Juan Carlos Serna (2nd Team; All-Region), OT Zyrees Oliver, Sr. Key Returners: QB Malik Oliver, Jr.; WR Donovan Richardson, Sr.; RB/LB Israel Strickland, Sr.; C Larry Leger, So.; OT Travis Booker, Jr. College Signees: Serna (Fort Valley State), Michael Parris (Point), Sands (Catawba).

Defense Returners: CB Devante Williams (6-1, 175), MLB Israel Strickland, Sr. (5-8, 152), 44 Battle Drake, Sr. (5-8, 195), 55 DE Jonathan Cline (6-2, 175), 93 DT Brandon Walker, So. (5-10, 316) Outlook: Douglas County enters its second year in a 3-4 scheme with athleticism.

Size will be an issue, especially up front.

Offense Returners (6) QB Malik Oliver, Jr.; WR Donovan Richardson, Sr.; RB/LB Israel Strickland, Sr.; C Larry Leger, So.; OT Travis Booker, Jr., E D’Ondre Glenn, Sr. (6-5, 205) Outlook: The Tigers have moved Richardson from cornerback to wide receiver in hopes of replenishing lost talent on offense. Glenn also provides a larger target for Oliver, who is heading into his second full year as a starter. There’s a bigger rebuild, however, among the corps of running backs as well as the offensive line, which went through a tragic loss in the preseason when starting tackle Zyreese Oliver (6-0, 220) died after collapsing at home shortly after a practice.

This and That: Oliver reportedly drank four gallons of fluid during and shortly after practice because he felt dehydrated. Afterward, he went home, where he later collapsed. He was taken off life support after doctors told his family he would never recover..

2014 Schedule Friday at New Manchester Aug. 29 Alexander Sept. 12 At Kennesaw Mountain Sept. 26 Langston Hughes* Oct. 3 Newnan * Oct. 10 At South Cobb* Oct. 17 Westlake* Oct. 24 At East Coweta* Oct. 31 Campbell* Nov. 7 Pebblebrook* * Region 3-AAAAAA game

South Cobb Eagles City: Austell Stadium: Clay Colors: Blue, White Head Coach: Sherrod Rainge (1st season) 2013 Record: (region finish): 3-7, 3-5 in 4-AAAAAA (5th) Points Scored/Avg: 199/19.9 Points Allowed/Avg: 347/34.7 Recent History: 7-3 (2012), 8-4 (2011), 7-4 (2010), 2-8 (2009).

Preseason Poll: 7th Key Losses: DL Justin Jones (AllRegion, Sr.), LB Darrius McCauley (6-0, 220, Sr.), Sam Jackson, Allan Hawthorne, Jarrell Pinkney.

College Signees: Jones (N.C. State) DEFENSE Returners (2): 93 DL Elijah Ponder, Jr. (6-3, 235).

Outlook: Rainge expects the starters to be dominated by newcomers, with juniors and sophomores pegged for starting roles.

The Eagles coach is hoping that Ponder can turn into the star that former teammate Justin Jones was last year en route to signing with N.C. State. Sophomore Jaylen Henry (6-0, 290) is a promising prospect at defensive tackle.

OFFENSE Returners (4): 10 QB Malik Carter, Sr. (5-11, 200), 73 OT Tyler Kendell, Sr. (6-2, 280; All-Region, 2nd), 72 OT Henry White, Sr. (All-Region, 2nd; 6-4, 325), 93 K Carlos Saldana, Sr. (All-Region, 2nd).

Outlook: The Eagles are expected to use four and five-wide sets to try and spread the field on opponents. Having Carter back is a big plus, with the senior tossing just one interception between 11 7-on-7 and six 11-on-11 scrimmages this summer.

This and That: The offseason wasn’t the smoothest for South Cobb. Rainge, who had been on last year’s staff after first arriving as a lay coach, was hired after the Cobb County School District rescinded an offer by the school to former Chapel Hill head coach Geoff Pastrick despite being on the job for three weeks. Rainge, however, is no stranger to football, having played free safety for Joe Paterno at Penn State from 1986-89. … Counting Pastrick’s brief tenure, the Eagles have had four head coaches in a span of three years dating back to Ed Koester, who led the program to a 22-11 record from 2010-12 before leaving for South Paulding, which finished 10-2 in 2013. … South Cobb played two of last year’s 3-AAAAAA opponents, losing to Westlake 18-10 and Douglas County 31-6 to open the season.

2014 Schedule All Games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted Aug. 22 At Creekside Aug. 29 At Pope Sept. 12 Marietta Sept. 26 At Newnan* Oct. 3 At Pebblebrook* Oct. 10 At Douglas County* Oct. 17 Langston Hughes* Oct. 24 Campbell* Oct. 31 At Westlake* Nov. 7 East Coweta* *Region 3-AAAAAA

Pebblebrook Falcons City: Mableton Stadium: Falcon Colors: Maroon, white and blue Head Coach: Tommy Macon (3rd season, 3-13; 68-155-2 overall in 23 years) 2013 Record (region finish): 3-7, 1-7 in 4-AAAAAA (8th) Points Scored/Avg.: 154/15.4 Points Allowed/Avg: 288/28.8 Recent History: 0-10 (2012); 4-6 (2011), 4-6 (2010), 6-4 (2009).

Preseason Poll: 8th Key Losses: QB Dezmon Huntley, DB Jarrett Sharp (All-Region, 2nd), K Jose Garcia; TE/DE Jarvis Ruff College Signees: Huntley (West Alabama) DEFENSE Returners (8): 9 CB Javion Lawson, Sr. (6-0, 185), 11 CB Hakeem Bailey, Sr. (6-2, 180, 3 int), 31 S Kendall Quarles, Sr. (6-3, 190), 38 LB Victor Edwards, Jr. (6-0, 183), 39 LB Brhyan Perry, Jr. (5-11, 181), 81 DE Brian Miller, Sr (6-4, 215, 53 t, 4.5 sk), 56 DL Jesus Izaguirre, Jr., 30 DT Ceaveon Traylor (5-11, 220, Jr.) Outlook: While not overloaded on returning starters, the Falcons have a larger group of returners on defense, especially in the secondary. Along with two-way players Lawson, Bailey and Quarles, junior Nick Smith (5-9, 174) expects to start in what should be the most stout of positions.

OFFENSE Returners (5) 9 RB Javion Lawson, Sr. (6-0, 185), 11 WR Hakeem Bailey, Sr. (6-2, 180), 12 RB Tyreek El-King, Jr. (5-10, 150), 31 WR Kendall Quarles, Sr. (6-3, 190, 282 yd, 2 TD), OL Jose Diaz Torres, Sr. (6-6, 340).

Outlook: The Eagles will run the spread mixed in with a bit of the I-formation. The key will be finding a suitor at quarterback among three vying candidates who are trying to replace former standout Dezmon Huntley. They include sophomore Christian Swann (5-6, 140), junior Jacobe Burke (5-10, 150) and Jevon Haskell, a 6-1 senior that sat out the spring with a broken arm.

2014 Schedule All games 7:30 p.m., unless noted Aug. 29 At Miller Grove Sept. 5 Osborne Sept. 12 Alcovy Sept. 26 At Westlake* Oct. 3 South Cobb* Oct. 10 At Campbell* Oct. 17 East Coweta* Oct. 24 At Newnan* Oct. 31 Langston Hughes* Nov. 7 Douglas County* Glossary sk - Sacks tk - tackles fr - fumble recoveries cf - caused fumbles pb - pancake blocks pbu - pass breakups int - interceptions *Compiled with help from Georgia High School Football Historians Association (ghsfha.org)

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 9B

An inside look at Region 4B-AAAAA McIntosh Chiefs

City: Peachtree City Stadium: McIntosh Stadium Colors: Green and White Head Coach: Lee Belknap (Fourth Season, 14-17) 2013 Record (subregion finish): 8-3 overall Recent History: 5-5 (2012), 1-9 (2011), 2-8 (2010) Points scored Avg. 38.3 Points allowed Avg 38.6 Key Returners: 17 QB Duke Kinnamon, SR (5-10, 175); OL Dylan Stewart. Sr (5-10, 225); RB, Josh Ange, Sr, (5-9, 170), 38 WR Hank Morgan, Sr. (6-4, 225); 54 G Max Hurd, Sr. (6-0, 220); 62 T Asa Smith, Jr. (6-6, 245); 77 Hunter Fox, Jr. (6-3, 290).

2014 Schedule: Aug 22 at Fayette County Aug. 29 Luella Sept. 12 at Ola Sept. 19 Mundy’s Mill Sept. 26 at Morrow* Oct. 3 at Northgate* Oct. 10 Starr’s Mill* Oct. 24 Forest Park* Oct. 31 at Drew* Nov. 11 Region 4-AAAAA Play-in Game * Region 4-AAAAAB games 2013 Results North Springs W55-7 Alexander W21-7 Ola W24-6 Drew W48-40 Mundy’s Mill W28-27 Whitewater W35-15 Starr’s Mill L42-27 Creekside L41-10 Northgate W37-14 Drew W77-56 Northside Warner Robins L31-7

Starr's Mill Panthers

Drew Titans

City: Fayetteville Stadium: Panther Stadium Head Coach: Chad Phillips (26-19),fifth season 2013 Record: 4-6 Points scored/Avg 276/27.6 Points allowed/Avg 303/30.3 Recent History: 3-7 (2012), 5-5 (2011) , 14-1 (2010) Key Players:TE Terrence Harper, Sr, 8 WR/RB Dion Munerlyn, Jr (5-11, 182); 11 QB Satchel Goodrich, Jr (6-0, 165); DB Luke Schoolcraft Sr; LB Melvin Bloomfield, Jr; 22 LB Garrett Houston (6-1, 205, Jr.) 2014 Schedule Aug. 29 Whitewater Sept. 5 at Fayette County Sept. 12 at Dutcbtown Sept. 19 at Forest Park (Tara Stadium) Oct. 3 Drew Oct. 10 at McIntosh Oct. 16 Morrow Oct. 24 at Mundy’s Mill (Twelve Oaks) Oct. 31 Northgate 2013 Results North Cobb L48-7 Fayette County W28-26 West Forsyth L33-29 Mt. Zion (JonesboroW49-22 Drew L35-34 Creekside L37-3 McIntosh W42-27 Northgate L17-14 Whitewater L38-35 Forest Park W31-20

City: Riverdale Stadium: Southern Crescent Head Coach: Dorwyn Lyles (3-27), first season at Drew 2013 Record: 4-6 Points scored/Avg 347/43.7 Points allowed/Avg:317/31.7 Recent History: 6-4 (2012), 7-4 (2011), 2-8 (2010).

Key Players: RB Marquis Terry, Sr. QB Joseph Newman, Jr, DL Javonte McGirt, Jr, K Abdou Sarr, 2014 Schedule Oct. 28 Fayette County Sept. 5 at Lowndes Sept. 12 North Clayton (Southern Crescent Stadium) Sept. 25 Forest Park * (Southern Crescent Stadium) Oct. 3 at Starr’s Mill * Oct, 10 Morrow * (Southern Crescent) Oct. 17 at Mundy’s Mill (Twelve Oaks Stadium ) Oct. 24 at Northgate * Oct. 31 McIntosh Nov. 7 Region 4-AAAAA playin game 2013 Results Riverdale L29-26 Rockdale County L42-21 McIntosh L48-40 Starr’s Mill W35-34 Forest Park W27-12 Mundy’s Mill L30-14 Ola W41-14 Mount Zion (Jonesboro) W68-7 Union Grove L24-19 McIntosh L77-56

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Forest Park Panthers

City: Forest Park Head Coach:Reginald Austin, First season 2013 Record: 2-8 Points scored/Avg 124/12.4 Points allowed/Avg 307/30.7 Recent History: 2012 (0-10): 2011 (1-9), 2010 (2-8) Key Players:QB Jamar Mitchum, Jr; RB, Blake Kennedy, Jr; OL/DL 2014 Schedule Aug. 28 Spalding Sept. 5 Woodland (Stockbridge) Sept. 12 at Luella Sept. 19 Starr’s Mill * Sept. 25 at Drew * (Southern Crescent Stadium) Oct. 9 Mundy’s Mill* (Southern Crescent Stadium) Oct. 17 Northgate* (Tara) Oct. 24 at McIntosh Oct. 31 at Morrow* (Tara) Nov. 7 Region 4-AAAAA Play-in Game 2013 Results Chattahoochee L48-6 Morrow W36-28 Union Grove L24-0 Creekside L66-14 Whitewater L35-8 Drew L27-12 Mundy’s Mill L26-6 Ola L 35-0 Mount Zion W22-13 Starr’s Mill L31-20

MorroW Mustangs City: Morrow Head Coach: LeRoy Foster (2-18) , third season 2013 Record: 4-6 Points scored/Avg 174/17.4 Points allowed/Avg 338/33.8 Recent History: 1-9 (2012), 0-10 (2011), 2-8 (2010) Key Players:QB Montravius Nunally, DB/RB Shelton Payne, Sr. 2014 Schedule Aug. 29 at Mount Zion (Tara Stadium) Sept. 5 at Ola Sept.12 at Stockbridge Sept. 19 at Northgate * Sept. 26 McIntosh * (Tara Stadium) Oct. 3 Mundy’s Mill (Tara Stadium) Oct. 10 at Drew (Southern Crescent) Oct. 16 Starr’s Mill Oct. 31 at Forest Park (Tara) Nov. 7 Region 4-AAAAA Play-in 2013 Results Campbell L 38-8 Forest Park L38-26 Locust Grove W26-24 Lee County L43-14 Rockdale County L30-6 Lovejoy L42-6 Alcovy L29-0 Luella L43-27 Druid Hills L66-46 Newton L49-30

Mundys Mill Tigers

City: Jonesboro Head Coach: Greg Manior (46-58, third season) 2013 Record: 8-5 Points scored/Avg 365/28.0 Points allowed/Avg 268/20.6 Recent History: 4-6 (2012), 2-8 (2011), 4-6 (2010) Key Players:QB Rodicous Gates, Sr.; DE Quantavious Thomas, Sr. 2014 Schedule Aug. 29 vs;. Lovejoy (Twelve Oaks) Sept. 5 at Central Gwinnett Sept.12 at Union Grove Sept. 19 at McIntosh* Sept. 26 Northgate (Twelve Oaks) Oct. 3 At Morrow* (Tara) Oct. 9 at Forest Park* (Southern Cresent) Oct. 17 Drew *(Twelve Oaks) Oct. 24 Starr’s Mill* (Twelve Oaks) Nov. 7 Region 4-AAAAA Play-in * Region 4B-AAAAA Game 2013 Results Lovejoy L41012 Whitewater L32-0 Coffee L18-14 McIntosh L28-27 Mt. Zion-Jones W49-2 Drew W30-14 Forest Park W26-6 Union Grove W24-17 Ola W54-10 Northgate W27-10 State Playoffs Houston County W33-13 Lee County W41-35 Gainesville L42-28

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10B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 20, 2014

X’s & O’s Continued from page 1B

Last week’s 23-7 scrimmage effort over LaGrange saw the Cougars using three and four-receiver sets as they did during a 2013 season when they averaged under 24 points a game and struggled down the stretch.

“Every summer we throw a lot of stuff, but it seems to be different almost every year because every quarterback and every receiving group have different things they excel at,” Morris said. “So what you have to do is narrow that down to what they feel comfortable in doing and what the receivers feel comfortable doing and put that together. You can’t be hard-headed. You’ve got to adjust to a group of kids.”

Senior quarterback Bailey Bryant, entering his third year as a starter, didn’t seem to mind the switch, throwing a 70-yard touchdown on his first completion of the year in a preseason debut where the Cougars had 107 yards rushing and 136 passing at halftime.

“I like the pro style,” Bryant said.

“Lining up with a tight end with his hand on the ground and being in the I formation really help establish the run game.”

Many experiments have become permanent. A few have been mere stop-gaps. Last year, The Heritage School’s offensive struggles while using 16 freshmen and sophomores in the lineup, forced the Hawks to put quarterback Brad Macke in the shotgun while getting away from of its traditional wing-T option attack.

Unlike college, where athletes are recruited to what best fits a particular scheme, there’s no guarantee that one high school class will be similar to the next in factors including size and experience.

Yet with most coaches and coordinators, the reasoning in any choice takes in consideration one central theme.

Which is creating an environment that fits their players best.

“I try to design what’s gonna put our young athletes in the best possible position to succeed,” Hanson said, who will be calling offensive plays for the Lions for the first time in his career this fall. “It’s going to be as much a learning curve for me during games, calling for the plays and thinking about the next one. But I’m looking forward to it.”

At Northgate, the Delaware wing-T remains prominent in the Vikings’ offense. East Coweta and Trinity Christian will also run its versions of the wing-T this fall.

“AS OLD SCHOOL AS YOU CAN GET” Trinity will be among three teams with offenses based out of the wingT, which much like the simple workings of a combustion engine, hasn’t had to adapt nearly as much as other aspects of high school football.

For a veteran head coach like Tommy Walburn at Northgate, the mantra doesn’t fall far from ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ After attending what was then known as West Georgia College around the same time Danny Cronic was the Braves’ offensive coordinator in a NCAA Division III powerhouse, Walburn installed the Delaware Wing-T and kept it during coaching stops at Troup County and Crisp County before arriving at Northgate in 2010.

While in use for over 50 years, the motion and misdirection off the option-oriented offense has found

more consistent success at the highschool level, where defensive players are more prone to be undisciplined with their assignments. The end result when it’s done well, can result in six quick points.

“Tommy Walburn is about as old school as you can get,” he said jokingly in the third-person while now entering his 18th year as a head coach. “We are going to run the Delaware Wing-T.” The success can be measured in win-loss records, not only Walburn’s mark of 87-58, but around the state. Walburn is a protege of both Cronic, now head coach at Reinhardt, and Mike Earwood, who enters his fifth season at Our Lady of Mercy, whom Walburn called “two of the best in the business,” and have identical win-percentages of .660 with over 200 wins to each’s credit. The two also worked together as assistants at West

Georgia.

“We will get in the shotgun and change things up a little bit,” Walburn said. “But when all else fails we go to the old-fashion guard trap, or the buck sweep.”

Both are plays that equally became second-nature for Steve Pardue and David Pleasants during state championship years at LaGrange High, where the Grangers went 161-45 with three championships from 1994-2010.

This year, the two will base East Coweta’s offense out of the wingT, much as it did under Cronic’s head coaching tenure from 19902007. While expecting to be equally multi-faced, the origins remain the same.

“We try and sell our kids on it,” Pardue said of the buck sweep. “It is a hard-nosed play. A lot of teams don’t run it anymore, but we are going to run it 52 weeks a year. It

starts with our offense with that one play. That sets up everything else.”

The same theory applies whether it’s 11 or 8 men in the starting lineup.

While traditional 7-on-7 camps in the summer are geared to improve the passing game, 8-man football still has roots in power running games.

“When I started last year it was all about installing the I-formation,” said Central Christian 8-man head coach Paul Frantz. “For me, I would run straight up the middle every play. If you want to take the wind out of a team’s sails on defense, you keep running the ball through the tackles, and I can’t do nothing about it.”

Frantz, who was the school’s longtime defensive coordinator before being promoted to head coach last year, feels that a running game remains essential to avoid becoming one dimensional.

“That sets up everything,” he said.

NUMBERS ON A STEADY CLIMB UPWARD Nearly every Coweta program defines its schemes with the term “multiple,” especially as the game has evolved. The NFL has gone from “three yards and a cloud of dust” to a quarterback dominated league, and the trends have continued to trickle down to college and now varsity play, where the wideopen spread has become the dominant offense.

Scores are also skyrocketing, both locally and nationally.

In a study of data from 5,700 high school programs released last May

by MaxPreps, passing yards per year over a 10-year span had risen from 1,168.4 to 1,330.2 while rushing yards jumped from 111.4 to 122.3.

Also up were passing touchdowns (11.3 to 13.8) as well as rushing touchdowns (23.2-25.7) per season.

Closer to home, the trend in points allowed has shifted upward.

Among Coweta’s three GHSA schools and two GISA schools over the past three seasons, the number of games yielding 28 points or more has jumped from 15 in 2011 to 25 in 2013.

As much of the growth in offense comes from taking a play and running its out of several formations while trying to force defenses out of a rhythm.

See NUMBERS, Page 11B

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 11B

NUMBERS

“I dont really have a specific favorite, I get excited about anything that I feel like can help our team move the football.

Continued from page 10B

“We want to have a few things that we do well,” Morris said. “But we’re going to do them out of multiple formation because the defense, they’ve got to line up different.”

Deception played as much a role in special teams, where at times, players can tend to lose focus during a game.

“Mainly when I focus on creating a special teams play, I always like to find which one best fits our team and then I always have a counter or a fake off of that particular special teams play,” said Trinity’s Hanson.

“Some kind of deception.”

The former NFL punter equally keeps a continuous balance in practice between running base schemes and working in potential fakes as a way of keeping players mentally ready.

“First, it keeps the guys interested in it each week, because whenever I put in a formation and put a counter with it, they don’t know when we’re going to run it. But that anticipation keeps them locked in and focused to what we’re doing,” Hanson said.

“We try to make it interesting.”

While Heritage returns to an offense that had the Hawks scoring at least four touchdowns in 11 of its 13 games en route to reaching a 2012 Class AAA state final in the GISA, Heritage is keeping the shotgun in place for quarterback Brad Macke, a switch from his predecessor, Joe Bonner.

Which may be just how the Hawks senior quarterback likes it.

“I really like the zone-read options just to be able to run the ball if I have to,” he said. “It gives you the option of running the ball or passing.”

“I KNEW WE HAD TO DO SOMETHING” Scoring trends have put defenses on … well on the defense.

Locally, coaches have come to their current schemes after experiments that eventually became standard in their programs.

Newnan head coach Mike McDonald began running its current 3-man defensive fronts during the infancy of Union Grove’s program. While the Cougars shift a bit from five starting linebackers in recent years to four this fall, it’s essentially similar to his initial rea-

gap defense. If we make a mistake, we’ve got to make it 100 miles per hour.

We try to instill into their minds that they have to be mistake-free.

And we have to this year.”

An influx of new starters has Weaver planning to use 160pound Will Townsend, who has a background in wrestling, as his noseguard.

“My whole mindset when I put him in that position, is he was one of our hardest workers in summer conditioning, and come to find out, he’s a wrestler,” Weaver said.

“His mentality is fast motor and he’s been able to get on both sides of the gaps. I feel like he can be a gamechanger, too.”

If anything, high school football is a series of experimentation, especially in the offseason. Some become a stroke of genius, while others fizzle out as quickly as New Coke.

At Newnan this spring, one nearly blew up in the Cougars’ face.

“This spring we went the opposite direction. “We went to a 4-3 defense and got about seven days in and all looked at each other and said, ‘This ain’t us’,” McDonald said.

“So we went back to a 3-man front in a hurry.”

As always, when it comes to high school players, winning football games trumps any favorite play that could be signaled in from the sidelines.

“I don’t really have a specific favorite,” said Bryant as the Cougars prepare to open the season next week against a strong Carrollton program. “I get excited about anything that I feel like can help our team move the football.

IMHO from Newnan senior QB Bailey Bryant

Newnan head coach Mike McDonald first started experimenting with 3-4 defensive schemes at Union Grove against opponents that had thrived while using the spread. sons for moving away from 4-man fronts previously in his first stop as a head coach with the Wolverines.

“It came to a point where I knew this is where I could get some of my best players on the field, whereas if we were in our base, we may have an average 1-technique or 3-technique,” McDonald said. “We just figured it out as we went along. It was really good to us. We got really good at it at Union Grove.”

Since McDonald’s arrival at Newnan as an assistant and eventual defensive coordinator, the Cougars have thrived at producing dominant linebackers among a trend that’s included Adam Strakose and Zander Ogletree during back-toback state semifinal appearances in 2008 and 2009, and more recently, 2013 Newnan Times-Herald Defensive Player of the Year Tonarius Portress.

McDonald initially installed one in the summer prior to the 2006 season while preparing for a showdown with Jackson, which ran a wideopen offense under Mike Parris The end result saw Union Grove, coming off a 9-3 season, nearly bump off Jackson in a 22-21 overtime loss.

“I knew we had to do something with them if we were going to have a chance. We lost by a touchdown, but they were far superior than we were,” McDonald said. “We kind of went back to our four-man front that year, but the next year, the spread had kind of taken off, so I really liked it, and some of the advantages it gave you against the spread. So I started packaging it.”

Defense can also be a saving grace in years of transition among the offense. Northgate coordinator Bubba Jeter brought an old-school

philosophy by using the wide-tackle six. The formation, which dates back the 1930s, has teams using six linemen and two linebackers.

“It’s a defense that Bear Bryant was running at Alabama,” said Walburn, a huge fan of the Tide. “We have modernized it a little bit for today’s football.”

Still, there can be years where defensive coaches also have to be creative. At Trinity, the Lions have one returning starter, Diego Henriquez.

“If there’s a team that we feel has a weakness or we have a quality player, like for instance Diego, we’re going to bring him off the edge. We’re going to bring him from different places,” Trinity defensive coordinator J.P. Weaver said. “A guy like that can set up your defense around to structure and balance it out. We’re playing a structured

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12B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 20, 2014

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1C

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

FOOTBALL 201 Wednesday, August 20, 2014 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 1C

Ogletree reaches for more

At times, Alec Ogletree played like a giant for the Rams. The first-round draft pick led St. Louis in tackles as a rookie linebacker and set a new team record for an interception return.

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The Inside Draw:

Tree climber Where are Rams LB growing up fast following rookie season

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

“”You start paying those bills, and you've got all those taxes and stuff taken out of your check. You definitely have a respect for your parents. You grow up.”

F

our years later, the wide child-like smile — still much like a boy thrilled to be playing his first year of football — hasn’t changed.

Alec Ogletree may be most comfortable, as well as his best, when he’s thriving in the sport in which he first showcased his superb abilities on the fields of the Coweta County Recreation Department as a pee-wee.

IMHO from Alec Ogletree

But he’s truly beginning to feel at home, both onand-off the field as a member of the St. Louis Rams.

“It’s a lot like here in Newnan.

The people are nice. It’s a big change. I mean, it’s a job. It’s a business. But you’re getting paid to do something you love. You can’t really ask for much more,” said Ogletree this summer upon returning to Newnan High to present his alma mater a $5,000 check to upgrade its weight-room facilities. “You have responsibilities. You start playing those bills, and you’ve got all those taxes and stuff taken out of your check. You definitely have a respect for your parents.

“You grow up.”

Now 22 and four years removed

they

now?

A list of local athletes playing in college, 8C

Facyson looks to build on sensational freshman year, 9C from his playing days at Newnan High as a star safety, Ogletree enters his second season since being drafted by St. Louis with a late firstround selection. And this fall could also shape into one that has the starting outside linebacker poised for a breakout season.

Even after leading a team filled

with established young veterans with 155 tackles in 2013, Ogletree’s rookie season was a slow rise to respectability while facing one of his greatest challenges in his football career.

See TREE, Page 11C

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Arnold, Lakes, Usher now give Coweta three-of-a-kind in Bears program “It has been a lot

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“It has been a lot of fun so far,” Arnold Former Northgate standouts Payton said. “All of Macon jumped on board. I Usher and Alex Lakes reunite in the MerSee MERCER, Page 11C think we were even mentioned on ESPN a cer backfield this fall while another All-

IMHO from Lendell Arnold

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2C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 20, 2014

s k w a HERITAGE H

GISA REgion 1-AAA

The 2014 Heritage School Hawks

A double dose of adversity

Games 2014 Schedule All Games at 730 p.m.

Friday Flint River Academy Aug. 29 John Milledge Academy Sept. 5 At Terrell Academy Sept. 12 At Young Americans* Sept. 19 At Griffin Christian* Sept. 26 Bethlehem Christian* Oct. 3 Loganville Christian* Oct. 17 At Holy Spirit* Oct. 24 Dominion Christian* Oct. 31 At Trinity Christian* *Region 1-AAA game

Old wounds gone, healthy program suddenly dealt another tough blow with resignation of head coach

2013 Results 3-7, 1-4 in GISA Region 2-AAA Aug. 30 At Flint River L25-13 Sept. 6 At Dominion Christian L33-26 Sept. 13 At Community Christian W29-14 Sept. 20 Dawson Street W38-6 Sept. 27 Southland Academy L43-8 Oct. 4 Mount de Sales* L45-7 Oct. 18 At Stratford Academy* L50-0 Oct. 25 Westminster* W25-20 Nov. 1 At Tattnall Square* L38-14 Nov. 8 Trinity Christian* L12-0

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

T

he old adage “tough times don’t last; tough people do” never had more meaning to The Heritage School’s football program.

The program’s emotional rollercoaster ride seemed ready to streamline into a straight line to glory heading into this week’s season opener.

Yet suddenly the Hawks face having to hold on the rail with both hands as it jerks them again in a completely new direction at the most inopportune moment.

Head coach Kevin Prisant’s Clay abrupt resignation on Monday threw a program in remission back into therapy heading into 2014. The wounds, both spiritual from the loss of teammate Tyler Henson, and physical through a grueling 3-7 season, were showing signs of a complete recovery.

In a release, Prisant called his decision “the most difficult thing I have ever done in my 29 years.”

“This decision has come based on a self reflection that I have done in the recent weeks while also confiding in friends and family.”

Now interim coach D.J. Clay suddenly holds the immediate future of the program in his hands with less than a week to prepare for Friday’s opener against Flint River. The healing process begin a new within the Heritage family.

“It’s going to be an emotional game,” Clay said, “The thing I have instilled in the guys is this is a family. When family is down and not doing well, we

“The thing I have instilled in the guys is this is a family. When family is down and not doing well, we have to pick ourselves up. When you have a challenge like this, it gives you opportunity.”

2014 Roster

IMHO from Heritage interim coach DJ Clay have to pick ourselves up. When you have a challenge like this, it gives you opportunity.”

This summer, all signs pointed to clear skies for a program that was on the immediate rebound to potential successes not unlike Prisant’s first two seasons in Newnan. The 29-year-old leaves it in both good hands with Clay and in good shape after riding out a stormy 2013 campaign.

A 3-7 season that snapped a string of five state-playoff appearances in the GISA provided an opportunity for leaders to begin to emerge and younger faces to begin to shine in the lineup.

As the GISA goes through its own share of growing pains, the Hawks are still one the most established program in Region 1-AAA. With 16 freshmen and sophomores from last year’s team returning - most of whom from their first taste of varsity football - there’s a renewed level of energy.

Prior to his resignation, Prisant had faith that the program was ready to take a step back in the right direction.

“Last year, it was eyes wide open, hoping to survive,” he said. “This year, when they’re seeing things, the game has slowed down for them.”

Senior quarterback Brad Macke leads a Heritage offense that has its share of playmakers.

While the record was lopsided, Heritage came within a victory of extending its state playoff streak among a roster dominated by underclassmen. The Hawks, who still carried heavy hearts into the season following the death of standout student athlete Tyler Henson, were equally short on seniors..

See HAWKS, Page 3C

No. 1 2 3 4 7 8 10 11 14 15 17 20 21 22 23 27 28 31 33 35 42 44 47 50 66 71 74 75 81 82 88

Name Chaz Bankston Hamp Smith Harrison Holland Jake Henderson Hays Burns Peyton Henson Brad Macke Collin Kouters David Barber Ben Cox Tristan Stoffle Hunt Thomas Matt Burns Chase Evans Parker Jones Trevor Sawyers Matt Henson Philip Griffies Jake Trammell Davis McChondichie Cole Ayers Trevor Henson Jay Macke Nick Obata Yovanni Vera Dennis Brenye Thomas Gruber Ryan Blackstone Kirby Arnall Cole Jones Jack LaMarca

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

Grade Sr. So. Sr. Jr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Jr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Fr. Sr. So. Fr. So. Sr. Sr. So. So. Jr. Fr.

2013 Offensive Statistics No. Player 10 Brad Macke 21 Matthew Burns 11 David Bready 1 Chaz Bankston 2 Hamp Smith 32 Dalton Trammell 23 Chase Evans 34 Will Haugen 5 Haydon Stanley 81 Kirby Arnall Totals

Rushing Att. Yds. Avg. TD 91 665 7.3 6 81 442 5.5 0 35 206 5.9 0 30 124 4.1 2 26 108 4.2 0 15 79 5.2 3 10 63 6.6 0 2 47 23.5 0 3 26 8.7 0 2 5 2.5 0 295 1,765 6.0 11

Passing Comp. Att. Yds. TD 89 175 1,134 8 5 11 43 0 94 186 1,145 8 Receiving No. Player Rec. Yds. Avg. TD 82 Cole Jones 18 346 19.2 2 12 Peyton Henson 17 221 13.0 2 21 Matthew Burns 16 152 9.5 1 1 Chaz Bankston 13 182 14.0 2 2 Hamp Smith 12 102 8.5 1 11 David Bready 7 82 11.7 0 23 Chase Evans 6 51 8.5 0 Totals 94 1,145 12.2 8 No. Player 10 Brad Macke 12 Peyton Henson Totals

INT 10 0 10

Scoring No. Player TD PAT FG 2pt Total 10 Brad Macke 9 0 0 0 54 1 Chaz Bankston 4 0 0 0 24 32 Dalton Trammell 3 0 0 0 18 82 Cole Jones 2 0 0 0 12 12 Peyton Henson 2 0 0 0 12 21 Matthew Burns 2 0 0 0 12 14 David Barber 0 9-10 1-2 0 12 2 Hamp Smith 1 0 0 0 6 15 Carlisle Taylor 0 3-6 0 0 3 17 Tristan Stoffle 0 0 0 1 2 Team 0 0 0 3 4 Total 23 12-16 1 -2 3 160

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 3C

Hawks

There’s also a lot of experience at linebacker led by senior Trevor Sawyers, who enters his third year as a starter.

While undersized for the majority of his career, the Hawks standout continued to produce on the field while leading last year’s defense with 90 tackles.

Senior Tristan Stoffle has also emerged into a starting role after finishing with 36 tackles and an interception in 2013.

He’ll play on the outside as one of Heritage’s ‘ponies’ with Smith, who had 51 tackles as a freshman, senior Ben Cox and freshman Hays Burns.

Jones, who had 65 tackles and three sacks last year, will start on the strong side to go with 1,134 yards passing Trevor Henson and Thomas Creek, has the size to eventu- opposite Stoffle, while Evans, Trammell and Bankston are Gruber, both of whom have and eight scoring throws. ally make an impact. Senior contributed heavily the past Along with Macke, the Philip Griffies could also step interchangeable among the three starting jobs in the midthree years and will lineup on in to help add depth while Hawks return junior Matdle of the field. opposite ends of center to bal- freshmen Nick Obata, Cole thew Burns (442 yards) and In the secondary, Clay and ance the unit.

Smith in the backfield (108) Ayers and Jack LaMarca are hopes to keep his starting Henson will start at right while welcoming back senior waiting in the wings. quarterback from going both guard next to promising Parker Jones after being Along with Bankston and forced to sit out last year with sophomore Ryan BlackJones, Peyton Henson expect ways if possible, even though Macke contributed heavily stone, a right tackle with an injury. to play a major role in the last fall with 37 tackles. size, strength and loads of Freshman Hunt Thomas passing game again. Henso Senior Harrison Holland’s potential. will also get a chance to see was second on the Hawks last return from a year-long At left tackle, Gruber, like his first varsity action among year with 18 receptions for injury should help with that Henson, provides stability Heritage ball carriers.

221 yards. Junior Matt Hendecision. Matt Burns and Senior Chaz Bankston, who among what looks to be a son and senior Collin Koutrushed for 124 yards and also rotation among Jake Tramers also return at the position Parker Jones also lead a group in the defensive backfield that mell and converted fullback caught 13 passes for another after making contributions includes junior Jake HenChase Evans. Sophomore 182, will shift back to a fulllast fall. derson and Peyton Henson time wideout next to 6-foot-3 Jay Macke shifts to center in Most of the starting offenamong those with experience. front of his older brother. junior tight-end Cole Jones. sive linemen will be asked to Heritage’s kicking game Seniors Davis McCondichie turn around and play both Jones led the Hawks in both and Dennis Brenye should catches (18) and receiving ways in a 3-5 set, with Gruber, should remain solid with junior David Barber returnyards (346) while remaining a also complement the group Trevor Henson and Blacking. He connected on 9 of 10 up front. Sophomore newtop-notch blocking threat on stone comprising a “formiPATs and was 1-for-2 in field comer Yovanni Vera, who an offensive line that should dable” group. Jay Macke also joined the program late as a equally be stout. has the athleticism to help out goal attempts while also averaging 28.5 yards per punt.

The group is led by seniors transfer student from Sandy at nose up front.

The Heritage School Hawks at a glance

Continued from page 2C

Clay, however, has the advantage of 14 upperclassmen to call on in hopes that the leadership will unify the team as it again battles adversity.

“Even though we have lost one of our captains, we still have a bunch of lieutenants ready to step in, and that starts with our seniors,” Clay said on Monday. “It’s going to be bumpy at first, but I think our defense is going to help set the foundation.”

If there’s a saving grace to Heritage’s situation, it’s the rapid maturity that came with last year’s struggles.

The Hawks played 16 freshmen and sophomores, forcing the program to grow up in a hurry.

Outside of a collarbone injury to sophomore Kirby Arnall, the Hawks remained healthy heading into last week’s scrimmage against Briarwood Academy at the Bob Peck Kickoff Classic.

Clay’s defense set the tone in a 7-0 shutout win, as much a boost of confidence in a trip that did not include Prisant.

The tempo in practice has ramped to a point where the offense has gone back to what was successful in leading the Hawks to a berth in the 2012 GISA Class AAA state championship game. After further opening up its passing attack a year ago out of necessity when averaging just 16 points a game among a much higher number of throws (186), Heritage will go back to its wing-T

and veer roots with a couple of twists - one of which by using senior quarterback Brad Macke in the shotgun.

The other had the Hawks using more no-huddle during drives prior to Prisant’s departure.

“Macke is a general out there, and it is big having him come back,” Clay said.

“He has plenty of weapons to throw to. We have lots of confidence in Brad.”

Athletic director Nathan Watts, who shared play-calling duties, take full control of the offense.

Macke, who was thrust into a starting role to open 2012 following an injury to starter Joe Bonner, continues to develop into a two-way offensive threat after leading Heritage in rushing yards (665), yards-per-carry (7.3) and rushing touchdowns (6)

2013 Defensive Statistics

No. Name Solo 27 Trevor Sawyers 53 32 Dalton Trammell 54 82 Cole Jones 40 2 Hamp Smith 33 54 Caleb Woodruff 27

Jack Weaver 30 10 Brad Macke 25 17 Tristan Stoffle 18 77 Thomas Gruber 18 11 David Bready 20 44 Trevor Henson 14 21 Matt Burns 13 81 Kirby Arnall 7

Tackles AstTot No. Name Solo AstTot 37 90 56 Patrick Pitzer 8 4 12 31 85 1 Chaz Bankston 7 3 10 25 65 50 Hamp Carter 5 2 7 18 51 4 Jake Henderson 3 4 7 18 45 23 Chase Evans 3 3 6 14 44 35 Davis McCondichie 4 1 5 12 37 33 Jake Trammell 2 3 5 18 36 5 Haydon Stanley 2 0 2 12 30 34 Will Haugen 2 0 2 8 28 14 David Barber 2 0 2 9 23 12 Peyton Henson 2 0 2 10 23 28 Matt Henson 0 1 1 5 12

Forced Fumbles No. Player Total 32 Dalton Trammell 6 27 Trevor Sawyers 1 54 Caleb Woodruff 1 Totals 8 Fumble Recoveries No. Player Total 54 Caleb Woodruff 2 32 Dalton Trammell 1 17 Tristan Stoffle 1 21 Matthew Burns 1 27 Trevor Sawyers 1 Totals 6

Tackles For Loss No. Player Total

Jack Weaver 4 54 Caleb Woodruff 3 32 Dalton Trammell 3 82 Cole Jones 1 17 Tristan Stoffle 1 2 Hamp Smith 1 23 Chase Evans 1 Totals 14 Sacks No. Player Total

Jack Weaver 6 32 Dalton Trammell 4 82 Cole Jones 3

54 Caleb Woodruff 2 27 Trevor Sawyers 1 Totals 16 Interceptions No Player Total 10 Brad Macke 4* 82 Cole Jones 3 54 Caleb Woodruff 1 21 Matt Burns 1 17 Tristan Stoffle 1 2 Hamp Smith 1 4 Jake Henderson 1 * Returned for touchdown Totals 12

Pass Breakups No. Player Total 21 Matt Burns 8 17 Tristan Stoffle 4 82 Cole Jones 3 2 Hamp Smith 2 10 Brad Macke 1 81 Kirby Arnall 1 11 David Bready 1 32 Dalton Trammell 1 Totals 21

Heritage Hawks Football 2014

Student-athletes at The Heritage School are given the opportunity to reach their highest potential in athletics.

The Heritage School offers13 sports including 3 competitive football teams at the Lower School, Middle School and Varsity levels.

Lower School Football Schedule (Games at 5:00 PM unless otherwise noted*)

8/23 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 10/16 10/25

Creekside - 10:30 AM Harvester @ Trinity @ Loganville Griffin @ Flint River MACAC Bowl (Time TBD)

* Game dates/times are subject to change.

Visit www.heritageschool.com for updates.

Varsity Football Schedule

Middle School Football Schedule (Games at 6:30 PM unless otherwise noted*)

8/23 8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/30 10/23 10/30

Creekside - 12 noon Loganville @ Trinity @ Loganville Covenant @ Creekside - 5:15 PM Playoffs - Semifinals (Time TBD) Playoffs - Championship (Time TBD)

(Games at 7:30 PM unless otherwise noted*)

8/22 8/29 9/5 9/12 9/19 9/26 10/3 10/10 10/17 10/24 10/31

Flint River John Milledge @ Terrell Academy @ Young American @ Griffin Bethlehem - HOMECOMING Loganville Off (no game) @ Holy Spirit Dominion - SENIOR NIGHT @ Trinity

The Heritage School is an independent, college-preparatory day school serving students from ages 4 through 12th grade.

To learn more or to schedule your private tour, please contact the Office of Admissions at 678.423.5393.

2093 Highway 29 North | Newnan, GA 30263 | 770.253.9898 | www.heritageschool.com

4C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 20, 2014

trinity christian

Lions

GISA REgion 1-AAA

Games 2014 Schedule All Games at 730 p.m.

Friday Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

At Terrell Academy At Flint River Westfield School At Griffin Christian* Young Americans* Holy Spirit* At Dominion Christian* Bethlehem Christian* At Loganville Christian* The Heritage School*

*Region 1-AAA game

2013 Results 6-5, 2-4 in GISA Region 2-AAA Aug. 30 At John Milledge L33-12 Sept. 6 At Community Christian W43-22 Sept. 13 At Dominion Christian W39-7 Sept. 20 Flint River W23-15 Sept. 27 Piedmont Academy W27-7 Oct. 11 Stratford Academy* L47-12 Oct. 18 Tattnall Square* L27-0 Oct. 25 At Mount de Sales* L20-3 Nov. 1 Westminster* W33-14 Nov. 8 At The Heritage School* W12-0 GISA Class AAA State Playoffs Nov. 15 At Westfield School L42-13

The 2014 Trinity Christian Lions

Quality control Lions look to handle learning curve in youth movement

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

IMHO from Trinity Christian head coach Chris Hanson

I

f Trinity Christian wants to reach the GISA state football playoffs for the third consecutive year, a group of 25 players and four coaches will have to stick together in what fourth-year head coach Chris Hanson admits is one of a youth movement within the program.

“Every year, every team goes through a transition where you lose a lot of seniors and gain a lot of freshmen,” he said. “We’re at that point where we had 13 seniors last year. This year, we’ll have 8 freshmen that will play.”

The good news is that Trinity is suddenly among the largest schools in the GISA following a new reclassification this year that saw several longtime football powers — including Macon schools Stratford Academy, Tattnall Square and Mount de Sales — leave for the Georgia High School Association.

Heading into Friday’s opener against Terrell County, Trinity hasn’t faced an opponent since falling in the first round of last year’s state playoffs to eventual state champion Westfield Academy.

Westfield is also among three tough non-region opponents on a schedule that will immediately test the Lions.

“You can only know so much about your team until you get to that first game. I think the guys are ready to hit somebody else other than themselves,” Hanson said.

“Anything we do is a marathon, not a sprint. A lot of times when it’s a sprint and we’re not warmed up for it, we’re pulling muscles.”

Trinity enters a region full of equal doubts elsewhere.

Outside of the Lions, only Dominion Christian posted a winning record, with it coming in Class AA. Still, Hanson and his staff are preaching patience to their players in a one-weekat-a-time philosophy that has been repeated as much on a weekly basis.

“It’s going to take time. But that investment is what makes it worth it in the end,” Hanson said. “Through that process they understand how to handle themselves and understand that things take time if you want to be successful. It’s not going to happen

"What I've been most impressed with within our team this year is the attitude and effort within every single player, playing for each other and understanding their role on the team and actually creating a bond with each other with a strong brotherhood.”

Trinity Christian Lions at a Glance

Trinity defensive coordinator J.P. Weaver says fundamentals have been stressed more during the preseason than in years past after losing 10 of the Lions ’ 11 starters from 2013. overnight.”

Despite an influx of youth and inexperience, help could soon be on the way in the program. Between this year’s majority of underclassmen on the roster coupled with a large eighth-grade class waiting in the wings, Trinity’s youth movement will be more of a speed bump than a detour.

For now, though, this year’s varsity will have to face the adversities together, which is something that Hanson feels has already sped up the chemistry between teammates during summer workouts.

“I’ll tell you what I’ve been most impressed with within our team this year is the attitude and effort within every single player, playing for each other and understanding their role on the team and actually creating a bond with each other with a strong brotherhood,” he said. “That’s one of the strongest things I’ve seen in the summer, throughout camp and heading into this season is the unity that we have, the camaraderie we have. And it’s awesome to see that.”

The pace, meanwhile, has been amplified in the preseason.

On the sidelines, the Lions’ staff has taken quality control to heart. They’ve increased

the efficiency of practices as well as the conditioning level on the field on a roster whose size has almost been cut in half.

“The thing I can say this year is that everybody will be dog tired after our football games. We’re there at that point where it’s going to be ironman football and we focused a lot on our conditioning, heavy conditioning, because we knew we were going to have to rely on our players to play all four quarters in all three phases.”

Of the group, only 13 started last year on Trinity’s roster in what has suddenly been a massive turnover from veterans to youth and inexperience. Hanson is hoping a focused approach at practice will increase productivity.

“One word that came to mind after last football season was ‘efficient.’ We have to be more efficient in what we do,” Hanson said. “We’re on and off the field in two hours. I think they’re seeing that sense of urgency. They’ve bought into it.”

The two-hour sessions, though, have been intense as Lions work at two and, at times, three positions daily.

See LIONS, Page 5C

2014 Roster No. Player Yr. 2 Will Townsend Sr. 5 Devin Colburn Sr. 6 Jeremiah Pape Jr. 7 Joseph Cotton Jr. 8 Christian Downs Sr. 9 Jake Estes Fr. 10 Tanner Johnson Jr. 11 Kasey McGinnis Jr. 12 Grant Hurston Jr. 22 Zach Byrom So. 24 Sam Cotton Fr. 42 Nate Randolph Fr. 44 Preston McDuffie Jr. 45 Robby Blanchard Sr. 46 Diego Henriquez Sr. 50 Evan Morrison Jr. 52 Sheffield Morse Fr. 56 Trey Willoughby Fr. 66 Tyler Hood Jr. 74 Buck Bodrey Fr. 75 Marc Robbins Fr. 85 Michael Troyer Jr. 88 Jacob Downs So.

Josh Wren Jr. Head Coach: Chris Hanson Assistants: J.P. Weaver (Defensive Coordinator), Bruce Sills (Offensive coordinator/Offensive line), Mark Bryan (Defensive line)

Colors: Black, Purple, White Stadium: Trinity Head Coach: Chris Hanson (4th season, 14-18 overall) 2013 Record (region finish) 6-5, 2-3 in GISA Region 2-AAA (4th) Points Scored/Avg.: 217/19.7 Points Allowed/Avg: 234/21.2 Recent History: 6-5 (2012), 2-8 (2011), 13-0 (2010 - ISCGA 8-man) Key Losses: QB/S Daniel Shoates (NTH Offensive Player of Year; 1,276 yd, 12 TD; 4 int defense), FB/DL J.D. Farlow (All-County; 317 yd), Jared Farlow (All-County; 410 rush; 4 int), FB/DL Conner Owen (All-County), OL/DE Aaron Johnson (All-County), LB Gavin Smith (All-County), TE/FS Joe Hogan, OL/DL Bryan Railey, OL/DL Christian Salvanera, OL/DL Wyatt Martinez.

College Signees: Shoates (Tuskegee), J.D. Farlow (Reinhardt) Key Returners: LB Diego Henriquez, Sr. (AllCounty; 86 tk, 6.5 sk; 152 yd rush), QB/LB Grant Hurston, Jr. (146 yd rush; 17 tk), WR Christian Downs (22 rec; 326 yd, 3 TD), OL/DL Tyler Hood, Sr.; Tanner Johnson (4 tk), Jacob Downs (2 tk), Robby Blanchard (5 tk), Will Townsend.

Strengths: A group of nine juniors has a chance to set the foundation in leadership that will be needed as Trinity’s numbers eventually expand again in upcoming years. Hurston is capable of stepping in immediately at quarterback and senior linebacker Diego Henriquez led the Lions in tackles in 2013 while also returning. The team has also focused heavily on both efficiency and stamina during the summer while trying to overcome deficiencies in depth and experience Areas of Concern: Nine freshmen will have to step in immediately, creating a learning curve that would be difficult at any level of high school football. Last year’s defense will essentially be rebuilt after losing 10 of 11 starters.

Outlook: Nine freshmen, most from last year’s middle school champions, have plenty of potential, but it may take time for them to start factoring heavily into Trinity success. The non-region schedule will equally be challenging,

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 5C

Junior Grant Hurston, left, and freshman Jake Estes are working at quarterback for Trinity this season while trying to replace the production of Daniel Shoates from 2013.

LIONS Continued from page 4C

“The word versatile on our team is a big word with a capital ‘V’ with every player,” Hanson said. “Honestly, it makes it fun. It makes it challenging for us as coaches to make sure the guys are in the right positions for the right opponent. But it also gives them a chance to learn different positions that if they were at a bigger high school, they might get lost in the shuffle.

You’re going to play somewhere on the field.”

Trinity lost at least a dozen players during the offseason, the majority to graduation in what gutted the starting roster. Of those who contributed to the Lions’ 1,765 yards rushing, only senior Diego Henriquez (152) and junior Grant Hurston (146) remain, each after carrying the ball 40 times or less.

Both will play major roles in keeping the Lions on course in a Region 1-AAA alignment that includes question marks for all eight of its schools.

“There’s a lot of teams we don’t know anything about,” Hanson said. “But they won’t know much about us either.”

Positions that seem stable include quarterback. Hurston has the athleticism and arm strength to step in following the graduation of “Small County” Offensive Player of the Year Daniel Shoates (1,276 yards passing, 12 TDs, 11 INT). If Hurston is needed elsewhere, however, freshman Jake Estes would move behind center after leading Trinity’s successful “B” team to a MACAC Championship.

“I think we have two solid quarterbacks who can run our team and lead our offense,” Hanson said.

Both players should benefit from having senior Christian Downs back after finishing with 325 yards receiving and three touchdowns. His 22 receptions ranked second on the team to go with an average catch of 14.8 yards.

Newcomers Joseph and Sam Cotton should give the lineup a boost as transfers. Joseph, a junior, played last year at Sandy Creek.

Junior Michael Troyer also returns with varsity experience while sophomore Kasey McGinnis joins the program after excelling on the soccer field for Trinity last spring.

Among the newcomers

along with Estes are two more freshmen, Buck Bodrey and Trey Willoughby, working at center.

A pair of veterans, junior Tyler Hood, at 6-0, 260 pounds, and Robby Blanchard, could give a calming presence for new offensive line coach and coordinator Bruce Sills, who previously coached at the feeder-program level at Trinity. Also working up front are sophomore Jacob Downs, senior Will Townsend and freshman Mark Robbins, among others.

Along with the addition of Sills, Hanson will be handling play-calling duties for the first time since arriving at the school. The two will base the offense out of the wing-T. “Right now we’re basing it out of the wing-T. We’re going to stick to that base and build off it,” Hanson said.

Trinity’s defense will center around Henriquez, a Times-Herald “Small County” selection who led the Lions in tackles despite missing last year’s playoff game to an injury.

The senior is also the only returner among last year’s starting lineup. But even he could be on the move on a game-by-game and even a play-by-play basis.

“A guy like that can set up your defense around to structure and balance it out. He’s going to be all over the field,” Lions defensive coordinator J.P. Weaver said. “He’s not a very vocal guy. He’s going to be all over the field. This year he’s going to be playing more of a safety role.”

Tanner Johnson and Hurston should see most of their time at outside linebacker, a position where Estes could also get significant snaps.

“He played quarterback on the middle school team and they limited him on defense.

I’m really looking forward to what he could bring to the table,” Weaver said. “He’s young, but he’s very instinctive as a middle linebacker.

He’s going to have to step up this year.”

Along with Henriquez, senior Devin Colburn has experience despite missing last season with an injury.

“If we make a mistake, we’ve got to make it 100 miles per hour. We try to instill into their minds that they have to be mistake-free. And we have to this year.” Weaver said.

“Defensively, we’re working on a lot more on fundamentals this year than we have

the past two. It reminds me a lot of that first year we were here [in 11-man football].”

Hood will also factor on the defensive line with Townsend, nearly 100 pounds lighter, at noseguard in a move made immediately by Weaver at the start of camp with hopes of taking advantage in Townsend’s background as a wrestler. The Lions coach also sees junior Joseph Cotton becoming a force at defensive end, even though his natural position fits more of a safety role.

Blanchard, Evan Morrison and Zach Byrom are also seeing considerable time on the defensive line.

Weaver also feels Jacob Downs has the size and range to be a strong end.

In the secondary, junior Jeremiah Pape has made improvements over the summer to gain confidence at one corner, while Christian Downs is likely to earn time at the other spot with Josh Wren in the mix between safety and cornerback.

Hanson, meanwhile, wants to keep the focus of his players centered on spiritual development, while letting the growth of the program among wins and numbers take care of itself.

“I’m a competitor and my coaching staff are competitors. But in the grand scheme of things, 10 years down the road from now are we going to remember how many wins and how many losses we have,” he said. “A high percentage of players who come through in high school aren’t going to make it to the pros.

They might not even [play] in college. But the life lessons you learn in high school football is so more important than just the plays.

“It’s not just about X’s and O’s. It’s asking the question – are we making an internal impact?”

2013 Statistics

GISA Class AA

Dawson Street opens with scrimmage win

TRINITY CHRISTIAN LIONS (6-5) Points scored/Avg.: 217/19.7 Points allowed/Avg: 234/21.2 OFFENSE Rushing No. Name Att. Yds. Avg. TD 2 Jared Farlow 85 410 4.8 0 35 J.D. Farlow 68 317 4.7 5 8 Daniel Shoates 79 314 4.0 7 43 Conner Owen 53 249 4.7 3 9 Rodney Neely 30 177 5.9 2 46 Diego Henriquez 37 152 4.1 0 1 Grant Hurston 40 146 3.7 0 Totals 392 1,765 4.5 17 Passing No. Name 8 Daniel Shoates

Comp. Att. 88 181

Yds TD 1,276 12

Int 11

Receiving No. Name Rec. Yds 80 Glen Whisby 34 412 11 Christian Downs 22 326 12 Joe Hogan 11 241 43 Conner Owen 6 126 2 Jared Farlow 6 74 1 Grant Hurston 5 50 35 J.D. Farlow 2 26 46 Diego Henriquez 2 21 Totals 88

Avg. TD 12.1 5 14.8 3 22.0 3 21.0 1 12.3 0 10.0 0 13.0 0 10.5 0 1,276 14.5 12

SCORING No. Player TD PAT 8 Daniel Shoates 7 0 80 Glen Whisby 5 0 35 J.D. Farlow 5 0 43 Conner Owen 4 0 11 Christian Downs 3 0 12 Joe Hogan 3 0 9 Rodney Neely 2 0 1 Grant Hurston 1 0 Totals 31 —

FG 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

2pt Total 0 42 2 34 0 30 0 24 0 18 0 18 0 12 0 6 7 217

DEFENSE Tackles No. Player Solo Asst. Total 46 Diego Henriquez 37 49 86 52 Wyatt Martinez 22 39 61 28 Gavin Smith 14 32 46 43 Conner Owen 19 23 42 10 Chris Brownlee 16 26 42 2 Jared Farlow 19 13 32 44 Aaron Johnson 13 18 31 9 Rodney Neely 17 12 29 35 J.D. Farlow 15 13 28 8 Daniel Shoates 11 10 21 75 Christian Salvanera 4 15 19 1 Grant Hurston 6 11 17 80 Glen Whisby 7 6 13 12 Joe Hogan 5 6 11 56 Christian Stearley 4 7 11 7 Daniel Jones 3 3 6 45 Robby Blanchard 3 2 5 66 Tyler Hood 2 3 5 51 Tanner Johnson 2 2 4 23 David Ito 3 0 3 71 Jacob Downs 0 2 2 Sacks No. Player Total Interceptions Total 46 Diego Henriquez 6 ½ No. Player 2 Jared Farlow 4 10 Chris Brownlee 4 43 Conner Owen 3 ½ 8 Daniel Shoates 4 1 Grant Hurston 2* Totals 19 80 Glen Whisby 2 10 Chris Brownlee 1 Hurries 56 Christian Stearley 1 10 Chris Brownlee 7 9 Rodney Neely 1 46 Diego Henriquez 5 12 Joe Hogan 1 56 Christian Stearley 2 46 Diego Henriquez 1 Totals 20

Serving Newnan since 1994

Two years removed from making the GISA Class A semifinals, Dawson Street Christian looks for a similar turnaround heading into Friday’s season opener at Griffin Christian.

The school, which recently relocated its main campus to Newnan, draws students from south Fulton to LaGrange and plays its home games at Hendrix Stadium in Hogansville.

Last Friday, the program put together an auspicious debut by dominating a scrimmage against Young Americans in Conyers.

Dawson Street, which is led by head coach Vince Sutton and assisted by Brandon Kelly, Oliver Patterson and Terrance Sykes, outscored the Eagles 40-14 while being led by a senior passing duo of quarterback Durrell Vaughn and receiver Deion Cato.

Vaughn threw three touchdown passes to Caton on connections of 66, 55 and 48 yards in a balanced effort.

The Panthers added three long rushing touchdowns led by Ty Seals’ 68-yard run.

Mike Taggert scored from 28 yards, while Rashan Tucker scampered in from 12 in the scrimmage.

On defense, the Wildcats forced four fumble recoveries, led by Devan Ticker’s 13 tackles including two sacks. Other top performers included Deandre Davidson (6 tackles), Ken Cameron (5 tackles, 1 sack), Mike Bell (3 tackles), Lachristian Ragland (4 tackles) and Jay Sutton.

The school moves up to Class AA this season in the GISA and will hold its first home game on Aug. 29 against Loganville Christian.

2014 Schedule Friday At Griffin Christian Aug. 29 Loganville Christian Sept. 5 At Dominion Christian Sept. 19 Monsignor Donovan Sept. 26 At SW Georgia Academy Oct. 3 At Flint River Oct. 10 Young Americans

Best of luck to all area teams in the upcoming football season!

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6C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 20, 2014

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN

Crusaders

8-mAN ALabama-Christian

The road to recovery

In year of changes, 8-man program sees plenty of progress

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

I

t’s hard to keep a good team down.

At least that’s the philosophy Central Christian’s football program is telling itself heading into the 2014 season, especially after a disappointing 2013 campaign.

The Crusaders are going through a period of transition that includes more than a name change following years as Heritage Christian.

After competing in the Independent Christian Schools of Georgia and Alabama athletic league Central has joined the Alabama Christian Leauge and will compete in a division against teams from Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama with the hopes of making it to a national tournament at the end of the season.

The eightman football squad got a jump on the rest of Coweta’s teams last Friday with a dominating 52-20 victory over visiting Freedom Academy from Huntsville, Ala. It was as much a sign that the previous winless campaign was over.

Central rushed for 428 yards in the opener and scored on three consecutive series midway through the first half while dominating Freedom.

It was a far cry from the struggles of the previous year, which had the Crusaders peaking in its final two games. They included a one-point loss to rival Ballard, Ala. prior to a 36-30 defeat against Harvester in the ICSGA quarterfinals.

“Last year wasn’t the year we wanted it to be, but there is lessons to be learned, win or lose,” second year head coach Paul Frantz said. “I think what happened last year, makes them that much more hungry.”

Frantz has seen the program endure both ends of the spectrum of success.

A renewed attitude started in the offseason with the Crusaders intensifying its weight-room sessions in an effort to get stronger.

“If the weight-lifting program is not where you want it to be, you are not going to have a very good season,” Frantz said. “This team has always had a tough mindset. They will do whatever you ask of them, and they will do it 100 percent.”

Frantz said he believes the team’s dedication to the weight room will pay dividends throughout the season.

“Sometimes to appreciate the highs, you have to have some lows,” he said.

“We are really hungry going into this season.”

Along with a solid group of returners led by “Small County” honorees Christian and Jesse Parkerson, the Crusaders welcomed back quarterback Jared Farlow following a year at nearby Trinity among a large group of six juniors.

Farlow, who led Trinity with 412 yards rushing opened the season with touchdown runs of 32 and 65-yards and added an interception as a member of a skilled secondary unit.

The Parkersons, meanwhile, continue to anchor both front lines having each played in the program for at least the past three years.

“They are our leaders,” he said. “I don’t think they missed a workout all summer.”

Rodney Allen, who started last season, should also get plenty of reps as Farlow shifts between center and the backfield.

“At times we will probably move Farlow back to the two-back position,” Frantz said. “There probably won’t be a game, where you won’t see those two in the lineup at the same time. It’s not going to be what people think of twoplatoon football. It won’t be one player will run one series and then the other player, the other series, but they are both going to be in there.”

The Crusaders also return experience at running back with Austin Stover and Charlie Lee. Lee led last Friday’s rushing effort and four touchdowns, while also adding six tackles on defense.

Bailey Todd joins the duo in the backfield as the team’s starting fullback.

“Our running backs are going to have to be interchangeable at times,” he said.

The 2014 Central Christian Crusaders

IMHO from Crusaders head coach Paul Frantz

“I "Sometimes to appreciate the highs, you have to have some lows. We are really hungry going into this season.””

Jared Farlow and Jesse Parkerson, who are both coming off All-County seasons, are among Central Christian's six juniors. The Crusaders got an early start to the season last Friday with a convincing 52-20 victory over Freedom Academy.

“We are not that big. There may be times when when Stover goes to fullback to give Bailey a break, and Jared might to go back out there and give Charlie some relief. They all know the offense very well. So we are prepared to use any of them when needed.”

Frantz, a former defensive coordinator who handled a bulk of the Crusaders’ play-calling duties, has help in new offensive coordinator Jeff Weaver, who has installed a run-oriented offense.

Weaver led Trinity’s offense last year while working side-by-side with son, J.P., the Lions’ defensive coordinator.

“We have never historically been a passing offense here,” Frantz said. “At some point, we might have to change, and we are prepared to do that. When you start putting in another offense, you have to start off by running the football first.”

Lee also gives Central an option as a receiver.

With 15 players on the roster, most will again be asked to contribute heavily on defense as well.

“The Parkinson brothers have anchored our line for about five years,” Frantz said, “They are bigger stronger and faster, and after last year they are ready. They are scary ready.”

Jarred Ruck and Wyatt Martinez are also expected to garner time up front.

Martinez also arrived after a season at Trinity, playing basketball for Central last year. He was selected to last year’s “Small County” team along with Farlow and Christian and Jesse Parkerson.

Martinez could see time at several positions, including linebacker with Allen.

Frantz says he is most excited about the secondary with Farlow, and Allen

playing the corners and Stover at safety.

After playing mostly zone a year ago, the skill in the defensive backfield will allow the Crusaders to play more manto-man in addition to Cover 2.

“A lot of times, we have had really good lines, but not always great secondary,” he said. “This year we are really excited about the secondary. We will probably be doing a lot of man to man stuff. That’s how much faith we have in them.”

Don’t look for the Crusaders to punt much, either, regardless where they are on the field.

“I am not going to say we will never punt, but I am not a fan of punting,” he said. “We are not scared to punt, but unless it’s fourth and 100, we will probably try and pick it up.”

There remains an emphasis on special teams, especially in its return game.

Farlow and Lee will share kick-return duties, though teams may be unlikely to aim it in either’s direction as games progress.

“I almost dare you to kick it to those guys,” he said. “Teams might kick to them once.”

Frantz says football isn’t any different at Central than at other schools.

“I have been here so long, and I don’t know what it is about this school, or this football team, but we seem to attract kids whether they are in eighth grade, a senior or have never played before,” he said. “But they learn pretty quick 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 since I have been here is something I stole from somebody else and that is hustle, hit and never quit, and our kids have taken to it.”

2014 Roster Head Coach: Paul Frantz Staff members: Jeff Weaver, Joey Farlow Colors: Royal Blue, White, Black No. Name Off./Def. Ht. Wt. 1 Wyatt Martinez TE/MLB 5-11 223 2.

Jared Farlow QB/SS 6-0 178 6 Charlie Lee Jr. RB/LB 5-10 163 10 McKinley Reese TE/DE 5-10 197 15 Rodney Allen QB/LB 5-11 202 20 Austin Stover FS/RB 5-7 192 22 Bailey Todd FB/CB 5-11 190 44 Jesse Parkerson C/DL 6-0 244 50 Caleb London OG/DT 5-10 235 52 Jared Ruck OG/DE 5-9 245 55 Jordan Fuller OT/DE 5-10 219 60 Patrick Coffee OT/DE 6-0 217 75 Christian Parkerson OG/DT 6-2 264

2014 Schedule

Yr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. 8th Sr.

All Games at 7:30 p.m., Unless Noted Home games at East Coweta Middle Aug. 15 Freedom Academy Won 52-20 Friday Ezekiel Academy, Ala.* Aug. 29 Lighthouse HomeSchool (Ala)* Sept. 5 at Hope Christian, Ala.* Sept. 12 at East Memorial, Ala.^ Sept. 19 at Evangel Christian, Ala.* Sept. 26 Fountain Inn, S.C. Oct. 3 Evangel Family Christian Academy, Ala. Oct. 10 Coastal HomeSchool Oct. 24 at Ballard Christian, Ala.* Oct. 31 Playoffs * ACSC Region Game ^ 8 p.m. kickoff

An inside look at

Predicted Order of Finish 1. Heritage School (3-7 in GISA Class AAA) The Hawks were cruising through the summer on a mission, having withstood last year’s hardships that forced 15 freshmen and sophomores into the lineup. But the program was dealt a stunning blow with head coach Kevin Prisant’s sudden resignation this week. In what is a region still dominated by question marks among programs, staying the course is still possible should the team use its latest hardship as a rallying cry.

2. Loganville Christian (10-1 in ICSGA 11-man) The Lions are coming off back-to-back championships during the final two years of the now defunct Independent Christian Schools of Georgia and Alabama, having defeated Dominion Christian, Griffin Christian and Young Americans during the span. The team loses only four seniors off last year’s roster while entering its first full season against GISA opponents. While still not an easy transition, the program’s success provides a good foundation on which to start.

5. Bethlehem Christian (4-6 GISA Class A) The program enters just its third full year in the GISA, but improved on its win total for the second consecutive season. But the Knights make a far more difficult jump from Class A to the league’s largest classification this year. Bethlehem also lost three AllRegion 1-A players to graduation.

6. Holy Spirit (1-8 in Glory for Christ League) It wasn’t that long ago that Holy Spirit was giving opponents fits in the GISA. The program went 7-3 in 2009 before losing to powerhouse program Westfield and 300game winning head coach Ronnie Jones in the state playoffs. From there, however, the Catholic school out of Atlanta tailed off and interest waned between coaches and players. Former assistant David Rosenzweig returns in hopes of leading the program’s revival.

7. Griffin Christian (1-9 in ISCGA) The Crusaders return to a full GISA football schedule for the first time since going winless in 2011. The past two seasons have equally been struggles and the program 3. Trinity Christian (6-5 will also go through a coaching change.

GISA Class AAA) Along with a lack of numbers, that’s a tall The Lions certainly have momentum order. First-year head coach Paul Ferguson entering 2014, coming off back-to-back has seen his share of success, however, state playoff seasons. But there may be a having coached feeder teams at Rising higher learning curve than ever between Starr Middle in Fayette County from 2003new faces in the lineup. The non-region schedule is an immediate challenge to how 11, while also a member of a staff at Starr’s Mill in 2010 that reached the Class AAAA well Trinity can cope in a year of transistate finals in the GHSA. Griffin, though, tion. Only one defensive starter from last has seen its share of basketball success in season returns in a year where most will the GISA as a Class AA school last year. be asked to play both sides of the ball immediately.

8. Young Americans (1-9 in ICSGA) 4. Dominion Christian The school, located in Conyers, hasn’t (7-4 GISA Class AA) had much success so far against oppoThe Knights are coming off their most nents, starting with an 0-10 finish in the successful season heading into their fifth varsity campaign in history. All have come GISA that eventually saw the program move to a non-region schedule. Last year, under head coach Javier Jenkins, who the Eagles finished 1-9, with their only win should again have Dominion spreadcoming by forfeit. Their two games against ing out opponents with a spread offense GISA schools, including one against a solid that scored at least 35 points in six of its Flint River team, resulted in an 0-2 record seven wins. Despite moving up to Class while being outscored 85-20. The school’s AAA, Dominion went 3-1 against its curfeeder program teams, however, have rent region foes last year. But its one loss came to Trinity while being held to a single been strong, winning a region title in the Metro Atlanta Christian Athletic Confertouchdown. ence, a league that includes teams from The Heritage School, Trinity Christian and Loganville Christian.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 7C

GISA REgion 1-AAA

A closer look at this year's region opponents

Bethlehem Christian Knights

Colors: Blue & Gold Head Coach: Lance Fendley (2nd season, 4-6 overall) 2013 Record (region finish): 4-6 Points Scored/Avg.: 265/26.5 Points Allowed/Avg: 381/38.1 Key Losses: RB Michael Kamm (1,500 yds; Valdosta State) Key Players; RB Graham Doolittle, RB Dylan Kofer, QB Dakota Parten, 2014 Schedule Friday Windsor Academy Aug. 29 At Piedmont Academy Sept. 5 At John Milledge Sept. 12 Dominion Christian* Sept. 19 At Holy Spirit* Sept. 26 At The Heritage School* Oct. 3 Young Americans* Oct. 17 At Trinity Christian* Oct. 24 Griffin Christian* Oct. 31 Loganville Christian* *Region 1-AAA games 2013 Results Aug. 23 At Augusta Prep L42-6 Sept. 6 Covenant Academy W30-26 Sept. 13 At Westminster (Augusta) L52-26 Sept. 20 Central Fellowship W12-6 Sept. 27 David Emanuel L68-52 Oct. 4 At John Hancock W44-20 Oct. 11 Curtis Baptist L54-6 Oct. 18 At Dawson Street W43-24 Nov. 1 Nathanael Greene L22-20 Nov. 8 Thomas Jefferson L67-26

Dominion Christian Knights

City: Marietta Colors: Royal Blue, White, Red Head Coach: Javier Jenkins 2013 Record (region finish): 7-4, 1-2 in GISA 4-AA Points Scored/Avg: 302/27.5 Points Allowed/Avg: 269/24.5 Recent History: 4-7 (2012), 2-8 (2010) Key Losses: RB Luke Lewallen, Sr.; WR/DB Donavan Ellison, Sr. Key Returners: QB A.J. Wilson, Sr. (6-0, 180), RB Cody LaVigne (5-9, 120); WR/DE/OLB James Grosse, Sr. (5-7, 170), OL/DT Andrew Giles, Sr. (6-1, 210) 2014 Schedule Friday At Crown Academy Aug. 29 Georgia Force Sept. 5 Dawson Street Christian Sept. 12 At Bethlehem Christian* Sept. 18 Loganville Christian* Sept. 26 At Young Americans* Oct. 10 Trinity Christian* Oct. 17 Griffin Christian* Oct. 24 At The Heritage School* Oct. 31 Holy Spirit 2013 Results Aug. 23 Crown Academy W48-34 Aug. 30 At Griffin Christian W43-20 Sept. 6 The Heritage School W33-26 Sept. 13 Trinity Christian L39-7 Sept. 20 At Unity Christian W47-6 Sept. 27 At Covenant W42-7 Oct. 11 Loganville Christian W35-13 Oct. 25 At Flint River Academy L41-20

Nov. 1 Nov. 8

Community Christian At Westwood School

W14-7 L49-6

Griffin Christian Crusaders

Colors: Red, White & Blue Head Coach: Paul Ferguson (1st year) 2013 Record: 1-9 Outlook: The Crusaders return to a full GISA football schedule for the first time since going winless in 2011. The past two seasons have equally been struggles and the program will also go through a coaching change. Along with a lack of numbers, that’s a tall order. First-year head coach Paul Ferguson has seen his share of success, however, having coached feeder teams at Rising Starr Middle in Fayette County from 2003-11, while also a member of a staff at Starr’s Mill in 2010 that reached the Class AAAA state finals in the GHSA. Griffin, though, has seen its share of basketball success in the GISA as a Class AA school last year.

2014 Schedule Aug. 22 Dawson Street Sept. 5 At Piedmont Academy Sept. 12 Trinity Christian* Sept. 19 The Heritage School* Sept. 26 At Holy Spirit Prep* Oct. 3 At Windsor Academy Oct. 10 Loganville Christian * Oct. 17 At Dominion Christian* Oct. 24 At Bethlehem Christian* Oct. 31 Young Americans* * Region 1-AAA game 2013 Results (1-10) Aug. 16 At Kings Academy L33-12 Aug. 22 At Central Fellowship L20-14 Aug. 30 Dominion Christian L43-20 Sept. 6 Loganville Christian L40-6 Sept. 13 Creekside Christian L13-0 Sept. 20 At Crisp Academy L26-21 Sept. 27 Calvary Christian L33-26 Oct. 4 At Colonial Hills W33-6 Oct. 18 Unity Christian L18-8 Oct. 25 At New Creation L21-6 Nov. 1 At Loganville Christian L(N/A)

Holy Spirit Prep Cougars

City: Atlanta Colors: Green & Gold Head Coach: David Rosenzweig (1st season) 2013 Record: 1-8 (Glory for Christ League) Recent history: 1-9 (2010), 7-3 (2009), 6-6 (2008) Key Players: 50 OL/FB/LB Drew Vincent, Sr. (5-10, 170), 51 C/ILB Patrick Daly, Jr. (5-10, 200); 73 OT/DT Roberto Goizueta, Sr. (6-3, 230), 78 DT Peter Nagel, Sr. (5-10, 205) 2014 Schedule Aug. 29 At Windsor Academy Sept. 5 Monsignor Donovan Sept. 12 At Loganville Christian* Sept. 19 Bethlehem Christian* Sept. 26 Griffin Christian* Oct. 3 At Trinity Christian* Oct. 17 Heritage School* Oct. 24 At Young Americans* Oct. 31 At Dominion Christian* *Region 1-AAA games 2013 Results Aug. 30 At Mosignor Donovan L34-14 Sept. 6 At Anderson Cavaliers L62-22

Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct.11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25

At East Atlanta L44-7 Freedom Academy L34-13 At North Georgia L34-7 Grace Christian W13-8 At King’s Academy L61-0 Johnson Ferry L20-0 Georgia Force L42-7

Loganville Christian Lions

Colors: Navy Blue, Gold & White Head Coach: Andre King 2013 Record (region finish): 10-1 (ICSGA champions) Key Losses: QB Nic Snowden Key Players: 8 QB Donovan Taitt, Jr.; 33 Jantzen Brinkley, Jr. (1,242 yds, 23 TD), 44 Logan Forrester, Sr.. (238 yd, 4 TD), 9 WR Mike Meme, Jr. (228 yd, 2 TD) 2014 Schedule Aug. 22 At Monsignor Donovan Aug. 29 Dawson Street Christian Sept. 12 Holy Spirit Prep* Sept. 19 At Dominion Christian* Oct. 3 At The Heritage School* Oct. 10 At Griffin Christian* Oct. 17 Young Americans* Oct. 24 Trinity Christian* Oct. 31 At Bethlehem Christian* *Region 1-AAA game 2013 Results (10-1) Aug. 23 At New Creation W21-14 Aug. 30 Calvary Christian W35-14 Sept. 6 At Griffin Christian W40-6 Sept. 13 Unity Christian W41-6 Sept. 19 Creekside Christian W35-12 Oct. 4 Horizon Christian W42-0 Oct. 11 At Dominion Christian L35-13 Oct. 18 At Young Americans W42-0 Oct. 25 Covenant Christian W35-27 ICSGA Playoffs Nov. 1 Griffin Christian W(N/A) Nov. 8 At Calvary Christian W29-6 Nov. 16 Covenant Christian W34-12

Young Americans Christian Eagles

City: Conyers Colors: Red, White & Blue Head Coach: Charles McCullough 2013 Record (region finish): 1-9 (ICSGA) Recent History: 1-8 (2012), 5-5 (2011), 4-6, (2010) 2014 Schedule Friday Creekside Christian Aug. 29 Community Christian Sept. 5 Windsor Academy Sept. 12 Heritage School* Sept. 19 At Trinity Christian* Sept. 26 Dominion Christian* Oct. 3 At Bethlehem Christian* Oct. 17 At Loganville Christian* Oct. 24 Holy Spirit* Oct. 31 At Griffin Christian* * Region 1-AAA game 2013 Results (1-9 in ICSGA) Aug. 23 Creekside Christian L47-18 Aug. 30 Horizon Christian W-Forfeit Sept. 6 At Calvary Christian L47-14 Sept. 13 At New Creation L47-14 Sept. 20 At Community Christian L35-0 Sept. 27 At Covenant Christian L61-14 Oct. 4 At Flint River L50-20 Oct. 18 Loganville Christian L42-0 Oct. 25 Unity Christian L36-27

8C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Where are they

now?

The following is a partial list of Coweta County athletes who will be appearing at college football programs this fall. The Newnan Times Herald will be posting updates on local football players periodically through the season. If you know of someone who has been inadvertently left off the list, please e-mail Sports Editor Chris Goltermann at sports@newnan.com.

NFL

Alec Ogletree - Newnan (OLB, 6-2, 245): Ogletree enters his second season with the St. Louis Rams as a starting outside linebacker after leading the team in tackles as a rookie (See related story, Page 1C) Alan Bonner - Newnan (WR, 5-10, 190): Bad breaks, quite literally, ended Bonner’s tenure with the Houston Texans after being drafted in the sixth round out of Jacksonville State in 2013.

The former All-State wide receiver at Newnan High suffered a fractured foot during OTA’s in July and later cut by Houston. He spent his rookie year on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. He did not play a game for the Texans.

Yale

Candler Rich (The Heritage School RB, 5-11, 196, So) The former

COLLEGE (listed alphabetically Air Force Benton WashingtonNorthgate (RB, 6-0, 200 Fr): The former Northgate running back has made a quick adjustment, stepping in immediately as a true freshman and rushing for a 60-yard touchdown in one of the Falcons’ initial scrimmages. Washington led Northgate as a senior in rushing yards (801), yardsper-carry (6.2) and touchdowns (9) while earning AllCounty honors in 2013.

Auburn Markell Boston - East Coweta (DB, 6-0, 191, Fr.): Boston, who entered camp as one of two No. 11 jerseys with the Tigers Boston with senior tight end Brandon Fulse, may be in line for a switch if he continues his steady progress in the preseason. The Newnan Times-Herald 2013 Most Valuable Player has already seen significant action and could wind up contributing immediately in Auburn’s secondary as a true freshman.

Last weekend at Auburn’s fan-day event, the former Indians standout was seen wearing a boot on his right leg, an injury that head coach Guz Malzahn didn’t seemed concerned about when asked

by Ryan Black of the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.

"He’s a little banged up," Malzahn said, "but he’ll be OK." Boston was one of Auburn’s final commitments prior to National Signing Day, making his decision with two days to go. Defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson has been pleased with the freshman’s effort so far, and hopes he isn’t out for long.

"We have been really pleased with Boston, then he got hurt.," Johnson told the Columbus paper. "For young freshmen, that's a hard thing because when they miss two or three practices, and you're in the middle of installing things, and they miss it, it can be really hard for them to catch up.”

Tray Matthews — Newnan (DB, 6-1, 192, So.): Matthews, who is wearing No. 39 with the Tigers, arrived in Auburn this year and will sit out the season under the NCAA Division I transfer rule from Georgia.

He was dismissed from the

Southern Illinois

Tay Willis (East Coweta, RB, 5-9, 169, Sr.)

The former NTH Player of the Year showcased his versatility last season, contributing as a running back, a receiver and a kick returner in his first year with the Salukis. Willis, who played in all 12 games last year while making three starts, has been moved to full-time receiver this fall after gaining 321 yards rushing at 5.3 yards per carry) while catching 23 passes and showcasing his speed as a kick returner with efforts that included a 92-yard kickoff return against Missouri State last year.

In all, among 96 touches, Willis racked up 794 all-purpose yards, fourth best among last year's lineup.

"I love returning kicks, “ Willis said. “You have 11 guys running at you full speed, but if you can make one or two guys miss, and you get good blocking, you have a chance to take it to the house.”

Willis had originally hoped to sign with Mississippi State while at East Coweta, but fell a point shy of qualifying on his ACT. After two solid seasons at Highland, he committed to Mississippi, but an issue with his transcript cost him the scholarship. He wound up sitting out the 2012 season before arriving at SIU in the spring of 2013 while currently a fifth-year senior.

“Not being able to play that season was hard on me,“ Willis said. “I stayed at home and worked out, and I'd see all my friends playing on TV. Sometimes, I would just turn off the set and go work out to take my mind off it.“” The Salukis are hoping Willis' move from running back to wide receiver goes smoothly.

“The tempo of playing receiver is different, also, and it's gotten me in a lot better shape,“ Willis said. “Some plays I’ll run 50 yards down the field and run right back to the huddle and do it all over again.”’

Willis' younger brother, Michael, joined Tay at Southern Illinois before returning to Georgia this year. He plans to join Kennesaw State’ s new program in the spring.

Bulldogs in June by head coach Mark Richt following a classroom disruption at the school. Prior to the incident, Matthews was arrested on a charge of theft by deception while among four players that allegedly attempted to double-dip their stipend checks from UGA. During his freshman year at Georgia, Matthews made six starts and contributed 36 tackles, an interception and a

fumble over eight games.

Berry Andrew Brady- Northgate (DB 5-10, 175, So.): Brady, who was an on Northgate’s Region 4-AAAA championship team in 2011 while earning AllBrady Region and All-

County accolades, stepped into the lineup immediately as a freshman at Berry.

Appearing in 10 games last year at strong safety while making 33 tackles among seven starts, he will move to free safety as a sophomore.

Last year’s individual efforts included a season-high seven tackles against Centre. He led the team’s depth chart at free safety heading into the fall.

Edwin Rivera Jr. — Trinity Christian (LB 5-10, 180, So.): Rivera battled to work his way into a starting job by last year’s season finale after contributing on special teams early.

Rivera He appeared in seven games last year as a freshman, including the Vikings’ last four to close a 1-9 season for the fledgling NCAA Division III program.

The former All-County standout for the Lions has five tackles while appearing in seven games last year for the Vikings. They included a pair in games against Hendrix on Oct. 19 and Millsaps on Nov. 2, while gaining playing time late in the season.

Bluffton College Cameron Walker Newnan (S 5-8, So.): The former Cougar enters his sophomore season with the Beavers while looking to step into one of the team’s three safety positions as a starter in a 3-3-5 defensive scheme.

Birmingham Southern Chaz Ferdinand - Newnan (HB, 5-9, 200, So.) - The former Cougar enters his

All-State standout for the Hawks contributed immediately as a true freshman as one of the Bulldogs’ top performers. Rich appeared in all 10 games as a freshman while running for 444 yards and three touchdowns on 91 carries. As a receiver, he also caught 12 passes for 152 yards and three more scores. He was named Ivy League Rookie of the Week last November after recording a pair of touchdowns in a 53-12 blowout of Columbia while posting 101 yards rushing and 28 receiving.

Rich sat out Yale's spring session.

The Bulldogs were selected to finish fifth in this year’s preseason Ivy League poll. sophomore season with the Panthers.

Brown University Sanoj Allen - East Coweta (DE; 6-3, 230, Fr.) - The recent honors graduate enters his first season.

Cumberland University Weylin Orr - East Coweta (RB, Fr): Orr enters his first season of college football after rushing for 340 yards and five touchdowns as a senior with the Indians.

Garden City Community (Kan.) Bryce Gemmel - East Coweta (QB, Fr.) Tonarius Portress Newnan (LB, Fr.) Anfenney Turner Newnan (OL, Fr.) The former high school rivals — all of whom earned All-Region 3-AAAAAA as well as All-County honors, join forces after being part of last year’s signing class for the Broncose, out of the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference (KJCCC).

Georgia Eddie McQuillen-Trinity Christian (OT, 6-8, 286, Jr): McQuillen (Seen atop page), who was a star contributor on the line in 2010 for Trinity en route to an ICSGA 8-man championship, is battling back from a torn ACL while

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serving on Georgia’s scout teams the last two years.

Georgia State Wil Lutz-Northgate (K, 6-0, 190, Jr): The former Viking standout was one of the Panthers’ lone bright spots during a winless 2013 campaign in the program’s first venture into the Sun Belt Conference. After earning his way into a starting job, Lutz connected 25 of 26 point-after attempts and was equally solid on field goals, by going 8 of 12. The successes included a school-record 53-yarder against then No. 1-ranked Alabama. Lutz also connected a clutch kick late against Jacksonville State in a game the Panthers eventually lost 32-26 in overtime. Georgia State opens the season on Aug. 27 against Abilene Christian, the first of three consecutive home games at the Georgia Dome. Lutz hit a 44-yard attempt during a scrimmage on Aug. 9.

continued, page 9C

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Wednesday, August 20, 2014 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 9C

Where aRe they now?

Facyson finds immediate success on, off field for Hokies

Georgia Southern Dee Godfrey-East Coweta (RB, 5-9, 179, R-Fr): After redshirting last season, the former Indians star running back could factor in the Eagles’ plans on offense this fall.

Hiram College Jacob Randig - Newnan (WR, 5-8, 180; So.): Randig enters his second season at Hiram, which finished 2-8 last season.

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

Brandon Facyson couldn’t have scripted his first year of college football at Virginia Tech any better.

The former All-County player at Northgate excelled on and off the field for Hokies, balancing the rigors of academic life as a biology major, with the hectic schedule that goes along with playing major college football in the ACC. In the end, he discovered he was pretty good at time management.

The rising sophomore’s long list of accolades includes earning third-team All-ACC honors and also being named a freshman All-American.

Virginia Tech’s 8-5 season was a mix of success and disappointment.

Facyson stepped right into his role as a cornerback for the Hokies, starting against SEC power Alabama when the two teams opened the 2013 college football season last fall in the Georgia Dome.

Despite managing just one tackle, there were bigger successes ahead as the 6-2, 189-pound cornerback finished the season with five interceptions, 27 tackles, including 20 solos.

Playing close to home appeared to agree with Facyson. In addition to his start against the Crimson Tide in the Georgia Dome to begin his college career, Facyson had one of his better games against ACC rival Georgia Tech in a ESPN prime time Thursday night contest, forcing a fumble and picking off a pass in a 17-10 win.

Both came as the Yellow Jackets drove deep into Hokie territory.

He stayed in town to watch Northgate play Union Grove the night after the Tech game and said

he was excited about the quick start to college football.

“I knew I wanted to make an immediate impact when I got here, but I wasn’t really expecting this. I am thankful for it, and I am thankful for the coaches for giving me the chance.”

Facyson left a huge impact in the Northgate community.

“The thing that stands out to me is off the field. He is a great football player, but just a better person,” Northgate head coach Tommy Walburn said. He is a smart kid. When he comes home, he is not a big shot.

He has a really good mom and dad.

His dad is not going to let him get out of line.”

Facyson is the second former high school star in recent years to carry on his success at Virginia Tech, joining former Newnan Cougar lineman Sergio Render, who was an All-ACC Second Team honoree selection during his career.

Some are already projecting Facyson could be ready to leave for the NFL by the time he’s a junior. It may not be an easy decision.

In addition to the NFL, Facyson wants to go to medical school to be a cardiologist.

“He is a smart kid who loves football,” Walburn said. “He has a bright future, whatever does after he graduates.”

Virginia Tech, which closed last year with a loss in the Sun Bowl, plays William and Mary to start the season on Aug. 30 before traveling to Ohio State for an 8 p.m. ESPN televised game the following week.

Later this season, Facyson and the Hokies will have back-to-back ESPN Thursday night contests when they play against ACC foe Pittsburgh on Oct. 16 and then at home against Miami.

LaGrange College Adam Rabern-Northgate (OL 6-0, 260, Sr): Rabern enters his final season after appearing in two games in both his junior and sophomore seasons.

Lenoir-Rhyne Chris Robinson-Newnan (RB, 5-8, 185, Sr): Robinson helped the Bears advance all the way to last year’s NCAA Division II Championship game. The former Cougar finished with 310 rushing and four touchdowns. Robinson also averaged 22.8 average on 36 kick returns.

Lenoir-Rhyne enters its first season under head coach Ian Shields, who arrived from Army.

The Bears have won three consecutive South Atlantic Conference championships.

Jake Slagle-Northgate (OL 6-1, 240, Jr): Slagle was a part of an offensive line that helped open the holes for Coweta teammate Chris Robinson and the rest of the Bears’ offense.

Memphis Spencer Smith-East Coweta (K, 6-1, 175, R-Fr): Smith redshirted last season and will compete for the Tigers’ kicking duties this year. He earned recognition on the Tiger 3.0 list academically for the Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 semesters while also being named to the American Athletic Conference’s All-Academic Team.

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KANSAS STATE Isaiah Riddle - Northgate (LB, 6-3, 235; Jr.): Hard work paid off for Riddle, who had two junior college stops before signing with the Big 12 school in February. He spent last season with Scottsdale Community College, making 61 tackles while helping SCC finish 10-1 with a Western States Football League Championship.

Louisville was among schools also showing interest in Riddle.

Millsaps Ben Dudley-The Heritage School (P, 5-10, 200 So.): Dudley started as a true freshman for the Majors last year and helped lead the team to a 9-1 record while averaging 35.6 yards among 50 punts. He also put 13 kicks inside the 20-yard line.

Navy Sean Spencer-Northgate (DE 6-4, 255): Spencer excelled while playing his freshman year at the Naval Academy’s Prep School and is now currently practicing with the Midshipmen. Last year, Spencer posted two sacks against Bridgeton Academy and helped the NAPS defense hold Army Prep to just 138 total yards.

North Greenville Nigel Gay-East Coweta (DB 5-9, 160, So.): The former AllRegion and All-County standout posted a pair of interceptions while averaging 10.2 yards on punt returns and 13.1 yards on kickoff returns.

Point Chris Porter — Newnan (DL, 6-3, 220, Fr.) Mark Harris — Newnan (DL, 6-1, 180, Fr.) Nolan Bryant — Landmark Christian (WR 6-2, 200, Fr.) All three players enter their freshman seasons at Point.

Savannah State Qua Fuller - East Coweta (OL, 6-2, 290, Fr.): Fuller enters his first college season after earning All-Region and All-County in 2013.

Shorter Chris Beno-Newnan (OL 6-0 270, R-So.): The redshirt sophomore is a starting offensive lineman for the Division II Hawks, who will play a full Gulf South Conference schedule after finishing 2-9 last year.

Troy Josh Harrison — Northgate (QB 6-1, 215; R-Fr): The former starter for the Vikings spent last season working with Troy’s scout teams during his redshirt season.

Tuskegee Daniel Shoates — Trinity Christian (QB/DB, Fr.): Shoates, who was last year’s NTH ‘Small County’ Offensive Player of the Year, enters his first year with the Tigers.

West Georgia Zack Fore — East Coweta (DL, 6-1 235, Sr): The fifth-year senior for the Wolves continued to gain playing time last year while contributing 12 tackles in 10 games. West Georgia enters its first season this fall under new head coach Will Hall.

David Singleton — East Coweta (CB, 5-9, 160 R-So). Singleton, an All-County standout who led Coweta in interceptions in 2011, gained his first action last year while contributing heavily on special teams. Along with 12 tackles, the former Indian scored his first collegiate touchdown after recovering a blocked punt.

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10C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Georgia Tech

Georgia Patient Mason finally gets his chance at QB

By PAUL NEWBERRY AP Sports Writer

ATHENS, Ga. — If they gave out an award for the most patient player, Georgia’s Hutson Mason would surely be one of the top contenders.

Four years after he signed with the Bulldogs, the quarterback job is finally his.

“You’re not really used to being the guy that people come to ask questions or to make important decisions,” Mason said. “You feel a little bit more important. To the guys, the coaches, the staff, you’re the guy.”

Mason was a backup through most of his career, but he got a head-start on his new role late last season when four-year starter Aaron Murray went down with a knee injury.

In the final two games of a disappointing 8-5 season, Mason gave his teammates plenty of reason to be hopeful. He completed 43 of 75 passes for 619 yards, with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

“It’s not a freshman coming in. It’s not even a sophomore. It’s a guy who’s been here for so long,” receiver Michael Bennett said. “He knows the offense in and out. He’s going to make the right decisions.

In addition to a new quarterback, here are five things to watch for when the Bulldogs open the season Aug. 30: EARLY SCHEDULE: For the second year in a row, Georgia will begin the season with two of its toughest games. The Bulldogs host Clemson in the opener at Sanford Stadium, looking to avenge last season’s 38-35 defeat in Death Valley, then travel to South Carolina to

take on Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks. That game usually sets the tone in the SEC East, with the winner gaining an early upper hand in the division race. South Carolina has won 18 straight games at Williams-Brice Stadium, where Georgia’s last victory came in 2008. If the Bulldogs win their first two games, they could very well be unbeaten heading into the annual showdown with Florida on Nov. 1.

NEW DEFENSIVE BOSS: Jeremy Pruitt takes over as defensive coordinator for Todd Grantham, who left to join Bobby Petrino’s staff at Louisville. Pruitt comes to Georgia after one highly successful season as the coordinator at Florida State, which won the national championship and led the country in fewest points allowed. Under Grantham, the Bulldogs had plenty of talented players — many of whom are now on NFL rosters — but developed a reputation for underachieving. Last year, with a very young group, Georgia surrendered at last 30 points in eight of 13 games.

GURLEY FOR HEISMAN: Todd Gurley just missed his second straight 1,000-yard season, despite missing three-plus games with an ankle injury and not being at full strength when he returned. One of the top priorities of the offseason was making sure Gurley was at full strength heading into his third — and possibly final — season in Athens.

As a freshman, he rushed for 1,385 yards and 17 touchdowns. He could very well be one of the top contenders for the Heisman Trophy if he stays healthy.

SHAKY SECONDARY: The Bulldogs were

Jackets look to surpass expectations

By CHARLES ODUM AP Sports Writer

GEORGIA 2014 Schedule

Aug. 30 Clemson, 5:30 p.m.

Sep. 13 at S. Carolina, 3:30 p.m.

Sep. 20 Troy, Noon Sep. 27 Tennessee, TBA Oct. 4 Vanderbilt, TBA Oct. 11 at Missouri, TBA Oct. 18 at Arkansas, TBA Nov. 1 Florida, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Kentucky, TBA Nov. 15 Auburn, TBA Nov. 22 Charleston Southern, TBA burned through the air in plenty of games last season, most notably when they gave up a 73-yard touchdown on fourth-and-18 with 25 seconds left against Auburn, giving the Tigers an improbable 43-38 victory. Now, they’ve got to replace three regulars. Richt kicked a pair of safeties, Josh Harvey-Clemons and Tray Matthews, off the team for violating team rules. Cornerback Shaq Wiggins followed Grantham to Louisville.

Damian Swann is the top returnee, J.J. Green moved over from running back, and several newcomers will get a shot at immediate playing time.

MITCHELL’S HEALTH: Malcolm Mitchell went into last season rated as Georgia’s top receiver. But he tore up his right knee in the opener and was done for the year, had to cut short spring practice because of a problem with his left knee, then re-injured his right knee just before the start of preseason practice while doing drills. He’s had four knee injuries in all, raising doubts about whether he’ll ever get healthy enough to make a big contribution.

The Bulldogs are still hopeful he can help the offense before his career is done. ___

ATLANTA —Paul Johnson’s first two years at Georgia Tech are looking better and better — and increasingly distant in the past.

Since winning a combined 20 games in 2008 and 2009, Georgia Tech has averaged seven wins the last four years. The Yellow Jackets, looking for their first Top 25 finish since 2009, are trying to end an ugly streak of five straight losses to state rival Georgia.

Johnson points to recent high finishes in the Atlantic Coast Conference’s Coastal Division as evidence criticism of his program is unwarranted. Georgia Tech has never finished lower than third in the division in Johnson’s six years.

The league’s media picked Georgia Tech to finish only fifth in the division this year.

The Yellow Jackets finished 7-6 overall and 5-3 in the ACC last year. Georgia Tech lost three of its last four games, including a Music City Bowl loss to Mississippi.

Justin Thomas is expected to replace quarterback Vad Lee, who transferred to James Madison. The running game should be strong as usual in Johnson’s spreadoption attack.

There are questions on both lines.

“We’ve got replace a lot of experience on the offensive line,” Johnson said. “So there are question marks. I can see why people would question (the team’s potential).

“Are we going to be the most talented team that we’ve had here individually? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean you’re not going to be the best team.

You just have to see.”

Here are five things to watch for when the Yellow

GEORGIA Tech 2014 Schedule

Aug. 30 Wofford, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 6 at Tulane, 4 p.m.

Sep. 13 Georgia Southern, Noon Sep. 20 at Virginia Tech, TBA Oct. 4 Miami, TBA Oct. 11 Duke, TBA Oct. 18 at North Carolina, TBA Oct. 25 at Pittsburgh, TBA Nov. 1 Virginia, TBA Nov. 8 at NC State, TBA Nov. 15 Clemson, TBA Nov. 29 at Georgia, TBA Jackets open the season Aug. 30: A STRONG START: Georgia Tech opens with nonconference games against Wofford, at Tulane and against Georgia Southern. There is potential to establish momentum before an ACC opener at Virginia Tech, but the visit from Georgia Southern could be interesting. Georgia Southern, moving up to Division I-A, upset Florida last season. Johnson won two I-AA national championships while coaching at Georgia Southern from 1997-2001 as well as two more as an assistant in the 1980s. This will be the first meeting between the state rivals.

NEW NAMES ON D-LINE: Junior tackle Adam Gotsis, a native of Australia, is the lone returning starter. Gotsis had 14.4 tackles for losses, including 5.5 sacks, as a sophomore in 2013. Among the players who must be replaced are ends Jeremiah Attaochu, a second-round pick by the Chargers, and Emmanuel Dieke, who was invited to the Giants’ camp. Tackle

Euclid Cummings moved on as well. Defensive end Kenderius Whitehead, a transfer from Georgia Military (Junior) College, must sit out the season. Whitehead began his career at N.C. State. Defensive end Jabari Hunt-Days, a converted linebacker, was declared ineligible for the season.

THOMAS TAKES OVER: Johnson experimented with the shotgun, including a diamond formation, with Lee last year. He said it will be back to basics with Thomas under center. Johnson said he is determined his offense again will be efficient in the triple-option plays which make Georgia Tech one of the nation’s top rushing teams. Thomas (5-11, 185) is small but could pile up big gains with his speed. Tim Byerly, a more physical runner, is the top backup.

DEPTH AT RUNNING BACK: Senior Zach Laskey looks to be the leader of a deep corps of running backs.

Laskey, who lines up behind Thomas in the B-back position, said he worked on trimming fat and adding muscle after running for 485 yards and seven touchdowns last year. He has almost 1,200 career yards rushing. Synjyn Days, a converted quarterback, moved into a starting role in the middle of his 2013 junior season. He can play as a B-back or one of the two A-backs who line up outside.

Johnson must replace Robert Godhigh and David Sims, the team’s leading rushers last season.

CONTINUITY ON DEFENSE: The defense should benefit from a second year with coordinator Ted Roof, who last year brought back a 4-3 look. Georgia Tech shut out Elon and Syracuse last year but gave up more than 30 points in losses to Miami, BYU, Clemson and Georgia.

No Manziel? No Clowney? SEC says no problem

By JOHN ZENOR AP Sports Writer

The Southeastern Conference finally got knocked off the mountaintop.

Now, Alabama and other aspiring national contenders are trying to begin the climb back in a league that suddenly has a fresh feel.

Gone are marquee names like Jadeveon Clowney and Johnny Manziel and Heisman Trophy finalists AJ McCarron and Tre Mason.

Presumed top contenders like Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia and LSU are breaking in new quarterbacks. Those factors —and the wild, unpredictable 2013 season — are giving other teams around the league hope.

Predicted order of finish: EAST — 1. South Carolina; 2.

Georgia; 3. Florida; 4. Missouri; 5. Tennessee; 6. Vanderbilt; 7.

Kentucky W E S T — 1. A l a b a m a ; 2 .

Auburn; 3. LSU; 4. Mississippi; 5.

Mississippi State; 6. Texas A&M; 7. Arkansas Title game winner: Alabama

CHANGING QBS: Seven of the top eight passers from last season are gone, including Texas A&M’s Manziel, Alabama’s McCarron and Georgia’s Aaron Murray. Only six teams have returning starters and one of those, Tennessee, carried over the competition into preseason camp. Freshmen are in the mix at

Texas A&M, Kentucky and LSU, and Florida State transfer Jacob Coker is the odds-on favorite to win the Crimson Tide’s starting job.

Plus, Auburn will start Jeremy Johnson in the opener against Arkansas after Nick Marshall’s offseason citation for marijuana possession.

SPLASHY HIRES: Despite the lack of head coaching turnover, Georgia and Alabama made big splashes hiring coordinators. Alabama landed former Tennessee, Southern California and Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin to run an offense that’s loaded at running back and wide receiver. Georgia lured Jeremy Pruitt away from national champion Florida State to improve a defense that was middle of the pack. The Bulldogs also have replaced the other three defensive

assistants.

FLORIDA’S HOPES: Coach Will Muschamp acknowledged at SEC media days that “there will be a lot of chatter about hot seat business” after Florida’s first losing season since 1979. Chances are there won’t be a repeat of the injury-plagued 2013 season, though. And quarterback Jeff Driskel returns from a broken leg with a new offensive coordinator in Kurt Roper, who came over from Duke. The Gators could be the SEC’s most likely candidate for a big turnaround a la Auburn.

FRESH FACES: All those early departures for the NFL gives more freshmen shots at making early impacts. LSU tailback Leonard Fournette was the nation’s consensus top prospect, and figures to carve a significant role in the

backfield. Top quarterback prospect Kyle Allen could claim Texas A&M’s starting job. At Alabama, Cam Robinson is the front-runner to start at left tackle and Tony Brown is competing for one of the cornerback spots.

EARLY SHOWDOWNS: Opening week could give a pretty fair idea of where teams stand. Texas A&M and South Carolina get the SEC season started on Aug. 28 in what gives the SEC Network a splashy debut. They’ve never played each other before. Alabama opens against West Virginia two days later, when Georgia also faces Clemson, LSU plays Wisconsin and Mississippi goes against Boise State.

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TREE Continued from page 1C

Prior to last year’s bye week, he averaged just over six tackles over the first 10 games of his career. Those numbers, however, blossomed to averaging nine tackles while more importantly, making nine of his 11 hits behind the line of scrimmage during the span. They also included his first career sack against Arizona and two forced fumbles against Tampa Bay. “Just making sure that I was lined up correctly, that was the biggest thing,” he said. “From the beginning of the season to the end of the season, I could tell the difference. It just feels more comfortable. You know what you’ve got to do and where to line up.”

That still may mean sizable changes this fall in a switch in comfort level that he referred to as “night and day.”

Veteran defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, in his first season with the Rams after being reinstated by the NFL last year, has plans to use Ogletree’s athletic 6-2, 245-pound frame in more pass-rushing situations after finishing with just 1.5 of the Rams’ 53 sacks last year — third most in the league.

“It’s way more intense.

His style of call is aggressive, where you’re coming at the quarterback all the time,” Ogletree said of Williams. “I think with the type of team we have with a lot of young guys, it fits us well.”

Along with Ogletree, the nucleus includes All-Pro Robert Quinn and Chris Long up front as well as middle linebacker James Laurinaitis, a second-round pick in 2009 out of Ohio State. Quinn, a first round pick in 2011, set a Rams single-season record for sacks last year with 18, while Long, at 29, is one of the most seasoned defensive starters while still adding 8.5 sacks of his own last year.

“It’s fun to line up with

them. They’re some of the smarter guys in the league and some of the most athletic like Robert and James,” said Ogletree , adding that Laurinaitis is “probably the smartest player I’ve ever met.

No joke. He rarely makes a mistake.”

Ogletree said veteran linebackers Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Will Witherspoon, another former Bulldog, also had an influence on helping him adapt to the pro game.

The Rams, meanwhile, are already learning how fortunate they are that so many other NFL teams took a pass on Ogletree. While some had him ranked among the top-10 in talent, others couldn’t see past transgressions made off the field.

A pair of arrests, one for the theft of a $35 scooter helmet as a freshman and the other a DUI charge while training for the draft,were bookends in between a fourgame suspension at UGA during his final season for allegedly failing a post-Spring Break drug test.

Ogletree may already be well on his way to proving his detractors wrong.

“He made the big plays and he’s got the big-play potential,” Fisher said. “[Coach Williams] is doing a nice job moving him around in the defense. He might be doing a little more pressure than he’s done before. From a cover standpoint, he can do it. So I’m pleased where he is right now.”

At Newnan High, the onetime All-State high school safety was known for feats that could eventually be passed down like folk tales locally. Two came in the same game against Grayson — a one-handed touchdown grab followed by a lunging gamesaving block to hold on to a victory. Both well on their way to a mix between sheer truth and herculean-like heroics.

Even as an NFL rookie, Ogletree seemed to provide a glimpse of that athleticism during a victory over the Houston Texans in Week 6.

MERCER Continued from page 1C

With Houston driving deep into St. Louis territory and dropping back to pass, Ogletree made his move.

“That whole time I had been telling myself, they’re going to throw this little route. Every play, I’m waiting just to jump that route so bad,” he said. “When it got to the goal line, I saw their quarterback go to it and I was like ‘Yes.’” “Yes,” as in a 98-yard interception return for his first career touchdown while also tying the longest ever by a rookie NFL linebacker.

Two months earlier in the preseason, those passes were getting by him for completions.

“At the beginning of the year, things were moving a lot faster,” Ogletree said. “But by the end of the year, those things, I was able to anticipate it and break on the ball.”

If St. Louis has any hopes of making a move on the likes of Seattle, San Francisco and Arizona, all with at least 10 wins in the league’s most competitive division, it’ll mean more of the same from the Newnan native up against a group of quarterbacks that include two rising stars in Russell Wilson of the Seahawks and Colin Kaepernick of the 49ers.

Neither seems any less of a challenge than the other.

“They’re both tough because they run different schemes,” Ogletree said.

“But we’ve got a great team.

Things are coming together slowly but surely.”

Now, the Bears will go head-to-head with Furman, Wofford, and defending Southern Conference champion Samford among the others in a quest to win a league title.

“We are excited about the new season and joining the Southern Conference,” Usher said.

“There is a lot of tradition and there are some good teams in the league, but we are going in with the feeling we can win every game.”

Usher is already entrenched in the Bears’ backfield after a solid freshman season while gaining 776 yards on 114 carries and two touchdowns. He eclipsed the 100-yard mark in four games last year including a season-best 115-yard effort in a season-opening win over Reinhardt in his college debut.

The sophomore was recently named to the preseason College Football Performance Running Backs Watch List.

Lakes observed last year’s success from the sidelines as a redshirt freshman, but is anxious to tote the football again after sitting out last season. He made an impressive showing in this year’s spring game Usher for the Bears, rushing for 109 yards on 13 carries.

“It’s good to be back with Payton,” Lakes said.”We kind of feed off each other.”

The two running backs shared NewnanTimes Herald honors as juniors at Northgate, each rushing for more than 1,000 yards.

“They are two really good football players, but they are even better people,” Northgate head coach Tommy Walburn said. “The one thing as a coach I have always appreciated is when a former player comes back to visit.

That’s when you know you have really made an impact.”

Lakes and Arnold both planned on playing at the Air Force after high school. Each spent a year at Air Force Prep before finding their way back to Georgia to be a part of the new program at Mercer.

Arnold made an immediate impact upon his arrival, playing in all 12 games as a freshman, including seven starts, while also finishing second on the team with 66 tackles.

Maybe the hardest part for Arnold and Usher was sitting out a year until the Reinhardt opener, after each was part of head coach Bobby Lamb’s first signing class.

“We were really ready to play once last season finally got here, Usher said. “That first fall all we did was practice. It was hard not to play and just sit around waiting.”

The long wait may have been worthwhile, as Mercer defeated Reinhardt 40-37 at home.

“We practiced five days a week that first

Alex Lakes was Mercer’s top rusher in its spring game and has continued his early success during team scrimmages this month. year and had nothing to look forward to at the end of the week,” Arnold added of the wait. “It was great to finally have a chance to play for real last year.

After jump-starting the season with the win against Reinhardt, the Bears flexed their muscles winning the first four games in their return to football.

Arnold helped anchor the defense with back-to-back shutouts, including a 61-0 win over Warner and a 43-0 victory over Berry early in the season.

The Bears played last season in the Patriot League, a conference that geographically is spread out all across the country, and defeated Drake 31-17 in the league opener.

“That was a big win for us,” Arnold said.

“That sort of set the tone for us the rest of the year against some bigger opponents. “We really felt like we were going to be a pretty good team after that win.”

Mercer didn’t drop its first game until falling to San Diego University 45-13 in a Patriot League game, but Arnold was the Bears’ leading tackler, finishing with eight in the contest.

Usher earned his preseason accolades this season with hard work in 2013.

Not only did he show he could make the transition from the high school game to the college game, with his ability to run through opposing defenses, he also had a knack for changing the Bears’ field position on kickoffs, leading the team with 30.5 yards per return.

Lakes took a roundabout way to joining the Bears. After signing with the Air Force Academy out of high school, the former Northgate standout enrolled at West Georgia.

However Usher and Arnold convinced him to join the upcoming program at Mercer.

“They told me about some of the things that were happening at Mercer,” Lakes said, “and it just seemed like a really good fit for me. It is a good school and something I really wanted to be a part of.”

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