Football 2015

FOOTBALL 2015 1B

MISSION POSSIBLE Wednesday, August 19, 2015

East Coweta junior linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel

Newnan senior linebacker Emanuel bridges

Northgate Senior Linebacker James Skalski

Ministers of Defense

PHOTOS BY JEFFREY LEO

INSIDE: TEAM, REGION PREVIEWS OF COWETA COUNTY’S HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

DIVISION I LINEBACKER RECRUITS FROM COWETA’S HIGH SCHOOLS CONTINUE TO PUNISH OPPONENTS

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

T

EAST COWETA PAGE 2B

NEWNAN PAGE 4B

hey are talented, athletic, and overflowing with a type of brash confidence their coaches love.

Soon all three will play in front of thousands of screaming, rabid college football fans when they take their game to the next level.

But that’s not where the similarities end for Newnan senior Emanuel Bridges, Northgate senior James Skalski and East Coweta junior Jeremiah Gemmel.

The trio are among the best linebackers in the state with a long list of accolades that began when they played in Pop Warner Leagues back in elementary school.

Jump ahead several years, and the honors have continued, including being named to the Newnan Times Herald AllCounty Team last season. The paper trail of awards also includes All-Region and All-State selections.

Bridges, Skalski and Gemmel flew on to the college recruiting radar because of their nose for being around the football and their ability to hit hard.

If there’s a common denominator between the three football warriors, it’s chasing down ball-carriers and planting them into the turf.

All three were among their team’s leading tacklers last year, generating impressive numbers in just nearly every defensive statistical category.

NORTHGATE PAGE 6B

PAGE 1C:

Skalski finished his junior year with 78 tackles, including 10 for a loss. He also had a sack and caused two fumbles.

At Newnan, Bridges led the Cougars with 68 tackles, including 43 solo hits. He also forced a fumble.

Opponents, meanwhile, might have had a hard time believing Gemmel was just a sophomore last season at East Coweta. After all, he’s already 6-1 and weighs 190 pounds. He also led the Indians with 91 tackles, including six for a loss. The rising junior also picked off two passes in the Indians’ 8-3 first-round playoff season under first-year head coach Steve Pardue.

This year, he had fellow Indians’ All-County linebacker Alec Jimerson are the only two starters back on defense for the Indians.

Although Bridges and Skalski probably won’t ever be on the field at the same time when their future ACC Conference teams meet, they might just have a chance to exchange greetings once a year.

That’s because Bridges verbally committed to Georgia Tech two weeks PAGE 2C ago, while Skalski plans on signing with the Yellow Jackets’ biggest ACC rival, Clemson.

Gemmel’s recruiting odyssey is just getting started. Unlike Bridges and Skalski, the Indians’ outside linebacker has two full seasons remaining in his high school career.

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN PAGE 6C

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

HERITAGE SCHOOL

SEE DEFENSE, page 9B

BETHLEHEM TEMPLE PAGE 7C

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2B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 19, 2015

EAST COWETA

INDIANS

GHSA REGION 3-AAAAAA

Primed for next step

FOLLOWING MOST SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN IN THE PROGRAM SINCE 2007, INDIANS TURN ATTENTION TO MAKING LONGER RUN IN STATE PLAYOFFS

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

2015 SCHEDULE

W

hen East Coweta administrators put out the “Help Wanted” sign in a search for the high school’s next football coach following the 2013 season, they couldn’t have asked for a more qualified candidate than Steve Pardue.

His resume was filled with exactly the credentials they were looking for. Near the top of his qualifications were three state titles at LaGrange and 13 trips to the state playoffs.

It didn’t hurt that Pardue had college coaching experience as well in the SEC, serving as the University of Kentucky running backs coach for two seasons.

Once he decided to return to the high school sidelines, Pardue didn’t disappoint the Indians’ faithful.

East Coweta kept its annual state-playoff streak dating back to the 1996 football season alive in Pardue’s first season, going to the postseason for the 18th straight year.

More impressively, the Indians’ 8-3 record was the best finish for the school since a 10-2 mark in 2007.

Now, as Pardue gets ready for his second campaign as head coach at East Coweta, he is confident the team has enough returning talent to make a run even deeper into the playoffs.

“The second year is always easier than the first,” he said.

“The coaches are all on the same page and the kids know what we are trying to do.

They have responded well.”

However, something that Pardue will never be satisfied with is quick one-anddone trips to the playoffs.

Despite playing eventual Class AAAAAA state semifinalist McEachern tough through three-plus quarters on the road, East Coweta’s playoff run ended in the first round last year.

“We are trying to build on something, which is going deep into the playoffs all the time,” Pardue said. “In our region, just getting in the playoffs is always going to be tough, but we feel we have the team to be right there.

I have always enjoyed the playoffs, but just going one round into the playoffs isn’t much fun.”

Last year’s staff, which included new offensive and defensive coordinators David Pleasants and Rusty Easom last year, realized the competitiveness of the region while needing to beat South Cobb in a 63-45 shootout in the final week of the regular season just to make the playoffs.

“If we didn’t win that last game, we are 7-3 and sitting home for the playoffs,” he said. “Everybody in our region is going to battle for a spot.”

Easom, from Griffin, and Pleasants, who was a former colleague at LaGrange provided the perfect fit for Pardue and the Indians, with both having been a part of state title staffs.

Last year, the Indians averaged nearly 26 points per game, but allowed just over 19 while adjusting to new

Aug. 28 Arabia Mountain Sept. 4 Harrison Sept. 11 Whitewater Sept. 25 at Campbell* Oct. 2 Westlake* Oct. 9 at Langston Hughes* Oct. 16 Pebblebrook* Oct.23 at Douglas County* Oct. 30 at Newnan* Nov. 6 South Cobb* *Region 3-AAAAAA game Home games in BOLD

2014 RESULTS

Aug. 29 at Arabia Mountain W42-14 Sept. 5 at Harrison W24-7 Sept. 12 Whitewater W17-14 Sept. 26 Campbell* W41-14 Oct. 3 at Westlake* L35-0 Oct. 10 L. Hughes* L28-10 Oct.17 at Pebblebrook* W 41-7 Oct. 24 Douglas County* W28-14 Oct. 31 Newnan* W15-13 Nov. 7 at South Cobb* W63-42 GHSA Class AAAAAA State Playoffs Nov. 14 McEachern L23-3 * Region 3-AAAAAA game Home games in BOLD

Senior Lernilous Newsom is among a large group of returning running backs for East Coweta after finishing with 384 yards and three touchdowns.

EAST COWETA INDIANS AT A GLANCE Stadium: Garland Shoemake Colors: Purple and Gold: Head Coach: Steve Pardue (2nd year; 8-3; 18 overall 169-48 overall) Coaching Staff: David Pleasants (offensive coordinator, running backs), Rusty Easom (defensive coordinator), Jamie Glover (offensive line), Andy Washington (receivers), J.R. Revere (quarterbacks), Trace Overton (tight ends), Tom Gochenour (defensive line), Darron Edwards (secondary), Roc Coleman (linebackers) Lloyd Knott (head trainer).

2014 Record: 8-3 overall, 5-2 in Region 3-AAAAAA (3rd).

Points Scored/Avg.: 284/25.8 Points Allowed/Avg.: 211/19.1 Recent history: 5-6 (2013), 5-7 (2012), 7-4 (2011), 7-4 (2010): Outlook: If there is a question mark for the Indians heading into the 2015 season, it’s replacing nine starters on defense where only linebackers Jeremiah Gemmel and Alec Jimerson return.

However second-year coach Steve Pardue had nothing but praise for the way the off-season went on both sides of the ball. With several skilled players back on offense, including junior quarterback Will LaGuardia the Indians are ready to contend for a trip to the playoffs. LaGuardia will be surrounded by an experience backfield and that includes Devonte Brown, Carlos Ford and Lernilous Newsom. If the Indians can fill in the gaps on defense, they have a shot at making a deeper run in the playoffs.

schemes on both sides of the ball.

“Both coaches brought plenty of experience to the team,” Pardue said. “It was really an easy transition, but we expect better things this year.”

Heading into the fall, however, East Coweta’s offense might be a step ahead with most of its skill position players returning including starting quarterback Will LaGuardia (5-9, 231, Jr.), top running backs Devonte Brown (5-9, 168, Jr.) and Lernilous Newsom (6-0, 216, Sr.), as well as hulking fullback Carlos Ford (5-10, 253, Jr.) Easom’s biggest task this year will be rebuilding a defense hit hard by graduation. Only linebackers Alec Jimerson (5-11, 217, Sr.) and Jeremiah Gemmel (6-1, 200,

Jr.) return to the starting lineup.

Gemmel was named CoDefensive Player of the Year after making a shift from defensive line.

Then again, some of last year’s biggest question marks have evaporated.

LaGuardia returns for his second season as the team’s starting quarterback on offense, surrounded by plenty of help.

As just a sophomore, LaGuardia passed for 852 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for 171 yards and seven scores.

The Indians’ quarterback benefitted last season from having Pardue’s first high school starting quarterback in his corner in assistant J.R. Revere.

It’s hard to ignore the similarities coach and player

“The second year is always easier than the first. The coaches are all on the same page and the kids know what we are trying to do. They have responded well.”

— Head coach Steve Pardue

bring to the football field.

Like LaGuardia, Revere took over as a starting quarterback at LaGrange more than a decade ago when he was just a sophomore, running almost the same offense under Pardue’s watch before heading off to a stellar career at Georgia Southern.

“We have modified the offense a little bit, but it helps having Coach Revere. He knows what we are trying to do and he can relay it to LaGuardia.”Pardue said.

Revere likes the way LaGuardia quickly adjusted to being a starting quarterback.

“The first thing I noticed about Will was his maturity level,” Revere said last season. “He has been able to handle playing at the Class AAAAAA level.”

2015 East Coweta Roster NO. PLAYER HT WT 1 Christian Reid 5-9 163 2 Chaz Cherry 5-10 168 3 Devante Ford 5-9 167 4 Justin Crump 5-8 152 5 Damion Hart 5-9 147 6 Devonte Brown 5-9 168 7 Will Morris 5-10 163 8 Malcolm King 5-10 172 9 Nick Clarke 6-1 146 10 C.J. Powell 5-9 181 11 Jovan Rembert 6-0 183 12 Andreco Ingram 5-9 145 13 Chris Franklin 5-9 176 14 Jonah Steerman 6-1 170 15 Will LaGuardia 5-9 231 16 Blake McMahan 5-7 150 17 Reggie Jones 5-9 160 18 Harris Maloy 6-1 195 19 Emanual Bridges 6-1 147 20 Jacob Gill 5-9 141 21 Aaron Singleton 5-5 163 22 Dalton Crosby 5-10 152 23 Dontavius Burks 6-2 240 25 Carlos Ford 5-10 253 26 Jamarcus Bridges 5-10 144 27 Jerico Searcy 5-9 138 30 Jake Goodman 5-10 133 31 Elishua Orr 5-5 154 32 Lernilous Newsom 6-0 216 33 Jeremiah Gemmel 6-1 200 34 Blake Crow 6-0 170 36 Noah Burgess 5-6 185 37 Julian Connell 6-1 159 38 Jack Newton 5-8 164 39 Bailey Whitton 5-11 181 40 Connor Shoemaker 5-8 213 41 Matthew Bush 6-0 196 42 Aryaan Adams 5-8 142 43 Josh Martin 5-9 152 44 Triston Marchman 6-4 223 45 Calvin Kirby 5-8 155 46 Jaylen Ingram 5-10 155 47 Jaelen Brown 5-11 173 48 Tyler Combs 6-0 193 49 Tray Martin 5-10 186 50 Will Underwood 6-2 296 51 Austin Vaughn 5-11 183 52 Cody Durrough 5-11 217 53 Jonathan Gardiner 6-0 200 54 Logan Dockery 6-0 220 55 Alec Jimerson 5-11 217 56 Damon Ware 5-9 237 57 Michael Slaven 5-11 220 58 Rodrigo Salas 6-2 248 59 Lejoi Allen 6-5 273 60 Jacob Maraman 6-1 203 61 Charlie Gochenour 5-10 234 62 Chris Tornatore 6-0 184 63 Andrew Bolen 6-1 229 64 Jacob Sheneyfelt 65 Landon Mathis 5-11 214 66 Kamron Reese 6-2 239 67 Dooley Bunn 5-7 170 68 Sam McCarty 6-4 305 69 Jaden Render 5-8 249 70 Stephen Gardner 5-9 249 71 Evan Fields 6-5 251 72 Coleman Wood 6-1 250 73 Jaylin Davis 6-0 350 74 Jaylon Thomas 5-6 220 75 James Leist 6-1 215 76 Tray Hart 6-3 230 77 Darius Sloan 5-8 321 78 Jarmaine Elder 5-5 199 79 Noah Adams 6-1 167 80 Deyatti Heard 5-7 148 81 Joshua Vincent 6-6 237 82 Juan Calipolitti 5-8 150 83 Frankie Prather 6-1 198 84 Ryan Griffin 5-10 154 85 Ronald Baker 6-2 231 86 Jalen Smith 5-9 215 87 Jonathan Craig 5-7 155 88 Sean Helmeczy 6-0 156 89 Trejon Townsend 6-1 158 90 Bradley Waczkowski 5-7 138 91 Sontiago Spencer 5-7 158 92 Deon Woods 5-10 140 93 Peter Walker 5-11 144 94 Eli Ross 5-11 183 95 Robert Grooms 5-11 141 96 Lamund Alexander 5-5 164 97 Devon Wood 5-10 134 98 Christian Pace 5-9 131 99 Andrew Murphy 6-2 162 Several of last year’s offensive linemen will move to the opposite side of the ball to replace a group of graduating starters that included Newnan Times-Herald CoDefensive Player of the Year Alex Heard and All-County standouts Noah Rutherford and Dawson Ellis.

But Pardue likes what he sees from those contending for a job on the offensive line, where only junior Logan Dockery (6-0, 220) is a returning starter.

Dockery, however, will move to guard and tackle while junior Charlie Gochenour (5-10, 234) moves to center. Four Indians are fighting for playing time at the tackles, including senior

SEE INDIANS, page 3B

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East Coweta students and fans should have a good reason to pack the stands at Garland Shoemake Stadium this year, with the Indians coming off an 8-3 season in 2014.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 3B

THE 2015 EAST COWETA INDIANS

INDIANS

2014 EAST COWETA TEAM STATISTICS OFFENSE

Continued from page 2B Andrew Bolen (6-1, 229), Sam McCarty (6-4, 305), Tray Hart (6-3, 230) and sophomore Evan Fields (6-5, 251).

Seniors James Leist (6-1, 215) junior Steven Gardner (5-9, 192), sophomore Landon Mathis (5-11, 214) and junior Logan Dockery (6-0, 220), who played center a year ago, are also expected to see time at either tackle or guard.

Junior Stephen Gardner (5-9, 192) has been battling a thumb injury during preseason camp but should play on the offensive line, Junior Coleman Wood (6-1, 250) is getting looks on both sides of the ball, but could figure into the Indians’ offensive line plans.

Seniors Dontavius Burks (6-2, 240), Tyler Combs (6-0, 193) and junior Triston Marchman (6-4, 223) are slated to share time at the tight end spot.

Marchman returns to East Coweta after starting his high school career with the Indians, before spending last year at Whitewater.

Sophomore Ronald Baker (6-2, 231) will also get a look at tight end.

Sophomore Christian Reid (5-9, 163) and junior Harris Maloy (6-1, 195) will serve as backup quarterbacks.

The Indians bring depth back to the backfield in Brown, who was the team’s leading rusher, gaining 757 yards with four touchdowns.

He was also one of the Indians’ leading receivers last year. Among six catches, two went for touchdowns.

Newsom added 385 yards and three touchdowns, while junior Carlos Ford was a beast in short-yardage situations with 224 yards and eight touchdowns.

“Hopefully, he can stay healthy, because he just adds another dimension,” Pardue said. “I don’t think he was ever 100 percent last year.”

Junior Calvin Kirby (5-8, 155) is also slated to play at the fullback spot. Kirby saw limited action last year, carrying the football four times for 15 yards.

Senior Eli Orr (5-5, 154) also brings back experience in the Indians’ backfield after rushing for 109 yards on 27 carries.

Sophomore DeVante Ford (5-9, 167) is also expected to dress with the varsity and see time in the backfield.

At the wide receiver position, seniors Nick Clarke (6-1, 146) and Chaz Cherry (5-10, 168) return after seeing time last year.

Both will have an opportunity to step into a No. 1 role held down by E.J. Ransom last season. Ransom’s 27 catches were nearly double that of Cherry, who finished with 14 for 128 yards.

Junior Sean Helmeczy (6-0, 156) and senior Malcolm King (5-10, 172) are also working at receiver.

At wingback, senior Chris Franklin (5-9, 176) and junior Justin Crump (5-8, 152) return. Although Gemmel is expected to see most of his action on defense, he may also be used there on offense.

“I have always liked to use one of my bigger linebackers at wingback on offense. Jere-

Junior quarterback Will LaGuardia enters his second year as a starter after connecting on 62-percent of his passes.

miah is really athletic and fits into that role,” Pardue said.

Gemmel’s biggest job however will be anchoring the defense along with fellow linebacker Jimerson.

Gemmel was the team’s leading tackler last season, finishing with 82. Jimerson added 66 tackles, and two sacks. He also finished with an interception.

“Jimerson is really the quarterback of our defense,” Pardue said. “He is really improved a lot. We are really excited about what he can do for us.

Gemmel is just heading into his junior season, but is already getting several Division I looks. He was recently offered by Oklahoma State, with several SEC schools also in pursuit.

Sophomore C.J. Powell (5-9, 181) is expected to hold down the backup spot at middle linebacker and Senior Jaelen Brown (5-11, 173) at the weakside.

Juniors Matt Bush (6-0, 196) and Jonah Steerman (6-1, 170) are also among a group of players vying for time at the position.

Senior Will Morris (5-10, 163) will play the rover spot.

Morris contended early in his high school career for the starting quarterback role, but has impressed coaches on the defensive side of the ball.

In the secondary, Malcolm King has been slowed by a hamstring this summer, but should be one of the starters. Juniors Reggie Jones (5-9, 160) and Andreco Ingram (5-9, 145) have also earned playing time in the defensive backfield.

Clark and Cherry might also see time in the team’s secondary.

The Indians are trying to replace four players on the defensive line, including Dawson Ellis, who now plays at Mercer University.

“We are not going to be as big up front but we should be more athletic,” Pardue said.

Senior Dontavius Burks (6-2, 240) and Logan Dockery (6-0, 220) are among the players who are expected to play up front on both sides of the ball.

Junior Jovan Rembert (6-0, 183) was slated to play mainly in third-down situations, but could play an even bigger role after impressing coaches at camp.

Juniors Eli Ross (5-11, 183) and Jacob Maraman (6-1, 203) are also in the mix for playing time up front.

Senior defensive lineman Michael Slaven (5-11, 220),

Damon Ware (5-9, 237) and junior Jaylen Davis (6-0, 350) have had a solid preseason.

“We have a lot of depth at different positions, and nobody’s job is safe right now,” Pardue said.

The Indians’ special teams took a big hit with the loss of place kicker and punter Cole Antley, who is on Ouchita Baptist’s football roster this fall. Antley, converted on 33 of 35 extra points and 8-11 field goals. He also averaged just over 38 yards a punt.

Sophomore Wyatt Palmer and senior Jonathan Craig have been in a tight competition to take over for Antley.

“One day I think Palmer has won the job, and another day I think Craig has won it,” Pardue said. “One might be the kickoff guy and the other the place-kicker.”

Devonte Brown will handle the punting duties.

“He has a strong leg and it gives us an option to do some other things,” Pardue said.

“He can throw it and he can run it.”

As for Region 3-AAAAAA, Pardue expects another competitive schedule led by defending champion Westlake.

“I don’t have a great feeling about how it stacks up,” he said. “There are some really good teams and there might be some surprises. We just want to be one of the four teams to make the playoffs.”

Points Scored/Avg: 284/25.8 Rushing No. Player Att. 6 Devonte Brown 137 32 Lernilous Newsom 70 24 Alex Branch 67 25 Carlos Ford 54 15 Will LaGuardia 70 11 Tyler Poythress 15 36 Eli Orr 28 29 Austin Russell 9 7 Will Morris 9 2 Micah Flournoy 7 27 Cole Antley 1 16 Davion Jackson 4 45 Calvin Kirby 4 43 Jovan Rembert 2 26 Kevin Lashley 2 80 Aaron Singleton 2 19 Christian Reid 1 Totals 482

SPECIAL TEAMS

Yds. 826 384 248 223 152 138 109 102 72 49 32 20 15 9 1 -3 -4 2,373

Avg. TDs 6.0 4 5.5 3 3.7 3 4.1 8 2.2 7 9.2 0 3.9 0 11.3 0 8.0 1 7.0 1 32.0 0 5.0 0 3.8 0 4.5 0 0.5 0 -1.5 0 -4.0 0 4.9 28

Punting Punts Avg. 26 38.2 Kickoffs No. Player Kickoff TB 28 Cole Antley 53 37 Kickoff Returns No. Player Att. Avg. 26 Kevin Lashley 5 27.4 37 Matthew Shellnutt 2 21.5 6 Devonte Brown 11 20.1 16 Davion Jackson 4 19.3 29 Austin Russell 2 19.0 86 Chaz Cherry 1 18.0 11 Tyler Poythress 4 10.5 24 Alex Branch 2 6.5 Punt Returns No. Player Att. Avg. 81 E.J. Ransom 8 10.1 No. Player 28 Cole Antley

Perc.

70.0

DEFENSE

Points Allowed/Avg. 211/19.2 Tackles No. Player Solo Asst. Total Passing 33 Jeremiah Gemmel 57 34 91 No. Player Comp Att. Yds TD INT 55 Alec Jimerson 42 32 74 26 Kevin Lashley 41 23 64 15 Will LaGuardia 76 123 940 5 2 84 Noah Rutherford 38 24 62 81 E.J. Ransom 1 1 22 1 0 37 24 61 28 Cole Antley 1 1 22 0 0 11 Tyler Poythress 34 17 51 7 Will Morris 0 1 0 0 0 40 Alex Heard 71 Dawson Ellis 28 19 47 12 Jacob Bergstrom 0 1 0 0 0 17 MaKenzie Martin 33 12 45 19 Christian Reid 0 1 0 0 0 12 Jacob Bergstrom 22 13 35 Totals 79 129 1,026 6 2 1 Michael Singleton 23 10 33 50 Jamal Thomas 16 16 32 Receiving 27 Malcolm King 15 7 22 Nick Bridges 2 4 6 No. Player Rec. Yds Avg. TD 8 2 0 2 81 E.J. Ransom 27 292 10.8 1 99 Marquis Whitfield 86 Chaz Cherry 14 128 9.1 1 6 Devonte Brown 9 131 14.5 2 Tackles For Loss 37 Matthew Shellnutt 1 24 Alex Branch 8 88 11.0 0 No. Player No. Totals 14 40 Alex Heard 9 29 Austin Russell 6 121 20.2 0 55 Alec Jimerson 6 Forced Fumble 23 Reagan Thomas 6 62 10.3 0 33 Jeremiah Gemmel 6 No. Player No. 12 Jacob Bergstrom 4 71 17.8 1 11 Tyler Poythress 3 17 MaKenzie Martin 2 44 Jaquez Williams 2 42 21.0 0 71 Dawson Ellis 2 84 Noah Rutherford 2 16 Davion Jackson 1 41 41.0 0 84 Noah Rutherford 2 1 Michael Singleton 1 26 Kevin Lashley 1 34 34.0 1 12 Jacob Bergstrom 2 11 Tyler Poythress 1 33 Jeremiah Gemmel 1 22 22.0 0 44 Jaquez Williams 1 33 Jeremiah Gemmel 1 32 Lernilious Newsom 1 15 15.0 0 43 Jovan Rembert 1 12 Jacob Bergstrom 1 Totals 79 1,026 13.0 6 Damon Ware 1 8 Nick Bridges 1 Totals 33 Totals 9 Scoring Sacks Fumble Recoveries No. Player TD EP FG 2pt Tot. No. Player No. No. Player No. 28 Cole Antley 0 33-35 9-14 0 60 40 Alex Heard 11 84 Noah Rutherford 2 25 Carlos Ford 9 0 0 0 54 84 Noah Rutherford 7 33 Jeremiah Gemmel 1 15 Will LaGuardia 7 0 0 0 42 71 Dawson Ellis 6 17 MaKenzie Martin 1 10 Devonte Brown 6 0 0 0 36 55 Alec Jimerson 3 71 Dawson Ellis 1 32 Lernilous Newsom 3 0 0 0 18 11 Tyler Poythress 2 40 Alex Heard 1 24 Alex Branch 3 0 0 0 18 99 Marquis Whitfield 2 99 Marquis Whitfield 1 29 Austin Russell 1 0 0 0 6 Damon Ware 1 Totals 7 Totals 32 26 Kevin Lashley 2 0 0 0 12 17 MaKenzie Martin 1 0 0 0 6 Blocked Kicks Interceptions No. Player No. 81 E.J. Ransom 1 0 0 0 6 No. Player No. 34 Blake Crow 2 86 Chaz Cherry 1 0 0 0 6 12 Jacob Bergstrom 3 33 Jeremiah Gemmel 1 2 Micah Flournoy 1 0 0 0 6 17 MaKenzie Martin 3 36 Eli Orr 1 7 Will Morris 1 0 0 0 6 33 Jeremiah Gemmel 2 17 MaKenzie Martin 1 12 Jacob Bergstrom 1 0 0 0 6 27 Malcolm King 1 6 Devonte Brown 1 98 Jonathan Craig 0 2-2 0 0 1 55 Alec Jimerson 1 4 Justin Crump 1 Totals 37 35-37 9-13 0 284 50 Jamal Thomas 1 Totals 7 1 Michael Singleton 1 26 Kevin Lashley 1

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4B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 19, 2015

NEWNAN

COUGARS GHSA REGION 3-AAAAAA

Newnan Cougars 2015 Roster

PHOTOS BY JEFFREY LEO

Longtime Newnan High trainer James “Radar” Brantley keeps a watchful eye on a drill during a recent practice as a group including assistant Dustin Alley, offensive coordinator Kenny Morris and assistant Alexander Ogletree look on.

Welcoming a clean slate

COUGARS READY TO PUT SUB-PAR 2014 IN REAR-VIEW MIRROR

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

I

NEWNAN COUGARS AT A GLANCE

f ever there was ever a season that Head Coach: Mike McDonald (7th season, 31-26, 10th overall, 64-42) Newnan head football coach Mike Coaching Staff: Kenny Morris (Offensive Coordinator), Laverrett Pearson (defenMcDonald wanted to erase from his sive coordinator), Adam Daigler (Offensive line), Adam Strakose, (inside linebackers), memory bank, it’s the 2014 season.

Alexander Ogletree, Burt Horton, Chad Blevins (Offensive line), Dustin Alley (Outside The Cougars tripped and stumbled linebackers), Doug Glacone. their way to a very unlikely and a disapStadium: Drake pointing 3-7 season.

Colors: Navy, White and Gold It was Newnan’s least successful fin2014 Record: 3-7 ish record since forfeiting eight games in Recent History: 6-5 (2013), 9-3 (2012), 6-6 (2011), 7-5 (2010) 2001 and losing two others to officially Points scored: 243/24.3 go 0-10.

Points allowed: 280/28.0 It was also the worst on-the-field Key Losses: 39 RB/S J.K. Britt (North Carolina; All-Region 3-AAAAAA 1st Team; performance since finishing with a 3-7 All-County); 29 CB Frankie Williams (All Region 3-AAAAAA 1st Team, All-County); record in 1998.

65 OL/DL Christian Shellabarger (All-Region 3-AAAAAA 2nd Team; All-County; 64 C Newnan also missed out on the playDavid Quesinberry (All-County, All-Region HM), 41 DE Danquez Sinkfield (All Region offs for the first time since 2002 when it HM). went 5-5.

Outlook: Newnan’s top priority this year will be to get back to the playoffs. With During the offseason, the CouChancellor Johnson back at quarterback, and several skilled-position players returngars began a fast track back to what ing to the lineup, including wide receivers Randell Arnold and P.J. Harris as well as they hope is a return to the playoffs. It running backs Marquis Hill and Darryel Hines, the Cougars should be able to move included participation in 7-on-7 comthe ball against opponents after gaining nearly 400 yards of offense in its prepetition and time spent in the weight season scrimmage. On the defensive side of the ball, J.K. Britt is gone after signing room. a letter of intent with North Carolina. However, Emanuel Bridges, who led the team With the season rapidly approaching, in tackles last year, is back for his senior year. K.D. Satterwhite will serve as the McDonald is confident his team is ready. backup quarterback, but will also play an important role in the secondary.

The Cougars faced an early-season test last Friday when it traveled to LaGrange for a scrimmage with the Grangers and came away with plenty of positives. rollton, Newnan hits the road for games Newnan racked up close to 400 yards against Marietta and Sandy Creek. of offense in a 14-13 “We face three scrimmage win in really good test what should be a early,” McDonshot of confidence ald said. “They are to a Cougars team Aug. 28 Carrollton good measures sticks.” that was picked The Cougars enter the Sept. 4 at Marietta to finish third in season with experience Set. 11 at Sandy Creek this year’s Region at quarterback.

Sept. 25 at South Cobb* 3-AAAAAA preSenior Chancellor season coaches Oct. 2 Douglas County* Johnson (6-6, 217) moved poll. into a starting role by the Oct. 9 at Westlake* A chance to midpoint of last season.

Oct. 16 Campbell* prove their worth Johnson, a right-handed begins a week from Oct. 23 at Pebblebrook* fireball pitcher for Friday at Drake Newnan’s baseball Oct. 30 East Coweta* Stadium against team, finished his Nov. 6

Langston Hughes* Carrollton. first year of action * Region 3-AAAAAA game “It seems like on the football it happens a lot Home games in BOLD varsity by conquicker than it necting on 54 of used to,” McDon116 passes for 792 ald said. “The scrimmage gave us a yards, seven touchdowns chance to find out both our strengths and two interceptions. and weakness, so that is a good thing.”

K.D.Satterwhite will The scrimmage and intense practices spend most of his time in might be the best remedy if the Cougars the defensive backfield, but hope to put last season’s disappointing is also listed as the backup year behind it. quarterback.

The Cougars opened the 2014 season “He spent most of his time with a dramatic 28-22 win over Carthis summer taking snaps, rollton, but hit a wall until mid Octoso he will be ready if we need ber while dropping its first two Region him,” McDonald said.

3-AAAAAA games, including a 42-39 The Newnan coaching knows loss to South Cobb. The team was dealt Johnson’s experience will help him a similar heartbreaker to close the regu- as he moves into his second year as lar season in a 15-13 loss to rival East a starter.

Coweta.

“We are excited about some of the “We were in some games that we just things he (Johnson) can do for us,” couldn’t pull out,” McDonald said. “We McDonald said. also battled some injuries that took us out of some games.”

SEE COUGARS, page 5B After the home opener against Car-

2015 SCHEDULE

No. Player Pos. 1 Randell Arnold OLB 2 Emanuel Bridges LB 3 Dezmon Stegall WR/DB 4 Malik Ball DB 5 D’Shon Rosser WR/DB 6 K.D. Satterwhite WR/DB 7 P.J. Harris WR 8 Ian Alce DB 9 Chancellor Johnson QB 10 Zavin Cooley-Smith WR/DB 11 Desmond Blacksher QB 12 Kylnell Johnson WR/DB 13 Jameek Callaway ILB 14 Marquan Hill WR/DB 15 Tyrell Harris LB 16 Dezmand Pleasant DE 17 Taylor Higgins QB 17 Tristan Escoe QB 18 Jaelin Hunter DE 19 JaDarius Ingram WR/DB 20 A.J. Robinson RB 21 Quantavias Amie RB 23 Marquez Brown DB 24 Dezmin Jennings LB 25 Joshua Hunter DB 26 Darryel Hines WR 27 Eric Russell RB/LB 28 Keonte’ Hart RB/DB 29 Clifford Bridges DB 30 Jarred Rosser WR 31 Marquis Hill RB 32 Emmanuel Williams LB 33 Zhackery Smith LB 34 Joshua Bridges TE/LB 35 Delvontae Harris WR/DB 36 Andre Taylor ILB 37 Romir Fowler DB 38 Jayland Florence ILB 39 Elijah Toty DB 40 Isaiah Brooks LB 41 Josh Russell RB 42 Dalton Byrom OLB 43 Josh Smith RB 44 Ashton Harris RB 45 Martavious Parks RB 46 Gage Wrye WR 47 James Mason OLB 48 A.J. Alford WR 49 Elijah Griggs ILB 50 Casey Thompson OL 51 Deonte Terrell TE/DE 52 Terrance Herndon OL 53 Brandon Moore LB 54 Jamil Mitchell OL/DL 55 Brian Harris OL 56 Rylan Williams OL 57 Dahlton Cash OL 58 Demarcus Tinsley OL/DL 59 Tristan Gonzalez OL 60 Antoino Ellis DL 61 Charles Bishop OL 62 Austin Spradin OL/DL 63 Nathan Baytes OL/DL 64 Alex Perry OL 65 Jamison Phillips DL 66 Jermiah Russell OL/DL 67 Chris Britt DL 68 Braxton Cleveland DL 69 Trevor Houston OL 70 Joel Hughes OL/DL 71 Anthony DeGennaro OL 72 Cameron Beaver OL 73 Steven Smith OL 74 Tyler Stephens DL 75 Jordon Woods DL 76 Garrison Morgan OL 77 Corey Coleman OL/DL 78 Michael Lowery OL 79 Rufus Neely DL 80 Rogeli Lanchro K 81 Justin Geter WR 82 Janiel Sewell RB 83 Jacorey Harris WR 84 Tyrone Cox WR 85 Royce Hoskin WR 86 Jay Jones WR 87 Josh Britt TE 88 Dominik Rados TE 89 Collin Wade OL 90 Giovanni Alfaro DB 91 Giovanni Enriquez K 92 Dominique Addie OLB 93 Quindarrius Coley DL 94 Powers Leavell DL 95 Patrick Henson DL 96 Rad Wyrick K 97 Maxwell Gruber OL 98 Chance Hicks DL 99 Ryan Hall LB

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

Wt. 191 219 170 172 222 172 198 141 217 149 150 172 173 148 192 197 150 155 165 185 216 164 148 170 180 167 216 163 141 175 186 159 237 210 194 205 155 218 166 168 144 190 168 157 157 137 179 150 156 185 241 258 197 217 307 240 181 306 226 268 199 223 185 247 263 223 201 185 308 279 240 227 198 273 173 241 253 145 368 168 168 140 178 164 167 168 217 197 153 164 147 170 217 254 267 160 212 306 218

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

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 5B

COUGARS Continued from page 4B Newnan brings back a solid offensive line that returns three key contributors from last year. They include junior Joel Hughes (6-4, 279) and senior Tristen Gonzalez (6-1, 226), at the guard spots.

Last year’s graduates included All-County and AllRegion selection Christian Shellabarger.

Seniors Cameron Beaver (6-0, 227) and Brian Harris (6-1, 307) are also expected to get playing time.

Junior Austin Spradlin (6-2, 223) steps in at center to replace All-County standout David Quesinberry.

Seniors Jermiah Russell (6-1, 223) and Demarcus Tinsley (6-5, 306) are in competition for playing time at the tackle.

Two of Johnson’s top targets from last year also return, led by third-year starter Randell Arnold (5-10, 191). The All-County selection finished with a teamhigh 23 receptions for 329 yards and three touchdowns.

Sophomore P.J. Harris (6-4, 198) burst on the scene as a freshman last year with 18 catches for 230 yards and two touchdowns. Because of his size, Harris is able to go over the top of defenders to make catches.

“He really had a terrific year,” McDonald said. “It’s hard to believe he is just a sophomore.”

Juniors wide receivers Marquan Hill (5-9, 148) and Zavin Cooley-Smith (5-11, 149) bring depth to the position.

Sophomore wide receiver Jarred Rosser (6-5, 175) has concentrated on basketball the past couple of years, but has impressed the coaching staff with his athletic ability on the football field and should also see time at wide receiver.

Newnan also plans on utilizing its tight ends with senior Dalton Byrom (6-2, 190) and junior Josh Bridges (5-10, 210) contending for playing time.

One of Newnan’s task heading into the 2014 season is replacing J.K. Britt’s 737 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Britt was a two-way specialist for the Cougars, also playing in the secondary before signing a letter of intent to the University of North Carolina.

However, the cupboard isn’t bare for the Cougars at the running back spot.

Senior Marquis Hill (5-9, 186) was the team’s second leading rusher last season, averaging 10.8 yards per carry and finishing with 584 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior Darryel Hines rushed for 243 yards and five touchdowns. He is also a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield. Last season, Hines caught 15 passes, including one for a touchdown.

Hines, who earned praise for his blocking abilities, earned All-Region 3-AAAAAA First-Team honors with Britt last season.

Junior A.J. Robinson (5-10, 216) is also expected to get playing time this year in the offensive backfield.

Up front on defense, senior nose guard Tyler Stephens (6-1, 273) returns after making 40 tackles, including a team-leading nine for a loss.

Stephens suffered a seasonending injury late in the season but has made a full recovery.

Junior Corey Coleman (6-2, 253), seniors Rufus

Neely (6-5, 368), D’Shon Rosser (6-3, 222) and Desmond Pleasants (6-5, 195) are also expected to play. Junior Deonte Terrell (6-3, 241) will also get playing time.

Senior linebacker Emanuel Bridges (6-3, 216) returns after leading the Cougars with 68 tackles, and a forced fumble. Bridges verbally committed to Georgia Tech earlier this month, and plans to enroll in January and go through spring practice with the Yellow Jackets.

Junior Tyrell Harris (5-10, 192) is back at one of the linebackers positions after finishing with 13 tackles and a sack last season. Senior Zhackery Smith (5-8, 237) is also expected to see plenty of playing time. JaDarius Ingram (6-0, 185) turned into a solid pass-rusher last year, finishing with 45 tackles, including four for a loss with two sacks. Junior Eric Russell (5-10, 216) finished with 16 tackles last season.

Junior Delvontae Harris is listed on the roster as a defensive back, but could also see time at linebacker (6-0, 194). Harris finished with five tackles last season.

The Cougars come into the new year trying to replace Britt’s 50 tackles out of the secondary, and Frankie Williams’ team-leading five interceptions. Two of them were returned for touchdowns, including the eventual gamewinner in last year’s season opener. Williams also earned All-Region 3-AAAAAA and All-County honors.

It will be up to Satterwhite (5-10, 172) to anchor things in the secondary. He returns as one of the team’s most athletic and experienced cornerback after finishing with 33 tackles.

2014 RESULTS

2014 NEWNAN TEAM STATISTICS DEFENSE

OFFENSE

Points Scored/Avg.: 243/24.3 Rushing No. Player Att. Yds. Avg. 39 J.K. Britt 142 737 5.2 31 Marquis Hill 54 584 10.8 26 Darryel Hines 59 243 4.1 28 Kelvin Khayyam 17 100 5.9 21 Damion Key 15 50 3.4 1 Randell Arnold 7 30 3.3 10 Bailey Bryant 12 25 2.1 32 Corey Bryant 3 5 1.7 1 Randell Arnold 1 4 4.0 7 Mike Buckhanna 2 4 2.0 24 Ian Alce 1 2 2.0 49 Keonte’ Hart 1 0 0.0 9 Chancellor Johnson 30 -30 -1.0 Totals 344 1,754 5.2

TDs 11 2 5 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 24

Passing No. Player Comp. Att. Yds. TD INT 9 Chancellor Johnson 54 116 792 7 2 10 Bailey Bryant 31 64 424 2 2 Totals 85 180 1,216 9 4 Receiving No. Player Rec. Yards Avg. 1 Randell Arnold 23 329 14.3 30 P.J. Harris 18 230 12.8 26 Darryel Hines 15 204 13.6 11 K.D. Satterwhite 6 67 11.2 29 Frankie Williams 6 136 22.6 39 J.K. Britt 8 79 9.9 12 Mitchell Burk 3 43 14.3 21 Damion Key 3 36 12.0 28 Kelvin Khayyam 2 17 8.5 14 Zack Bowles 1 54 54.0 Totals 85 1,216 14.3

TD 3 2 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 9

SCORING

No. Player TD EP FG 2pt Totals 39 J.K. Britt 11 0 0 1 68 29 Frankie Williams 5 0 0 0 30 26 Darryel Hines 5 0 0 0 30 8 Jacob Bryant 0 19 0-1 0 19 9 Chancellor Johnson 3 0 0 0 18 1 Randell Arnold 3 0 0 0 18 10 Bailey Bryant 2 0 0 0 12 31 Marquis Hill 2 0 0 0 12 30 P.J. Harris 2 0 0 0 12 28 Kelvin Khayyam 1 0 0 0 6 12 Mitchell Burk 1 0 0 0 6 38 Hunter Bless 0 0 0 1 2 Totals 36 20 0 1 243

Points Allowed/Avg.: 280/28.0 Tackles No. Player Solo Asst. Total 2 Emanuel Bridges 45 23 68 39 J.K. Britt 39 11 50 19 JaDarius Ingram 36 9 45 74 Tyler Stephens 25 15 40 11 K.D. Satterwhite 29 4 33 41 Danquez Sinkfield 19 13 32 36 J.T. Grier 22 9 31 13 Tae Gates 25 6 31 5 D’Shon Rosser 14 8 22 12 Mitchell Burk 20 0 20 29 Frankie Williams 20 1 21 27 Eric Russell 12 4 16 15 Tyrell Harris 10 3 13 25 Josh Hunter 6 2 8 37 Zavin Cooley-Smith 4 2 6 18 Jaelin Hunter 5 0 5 21 Damion Key 4 0 4 35 Delvonte Harris 5 0 5 28 Kelvin Khayyam 1 1 2 3 Dezmon Stegall 1 0 1 Sacks No. Player 19 JaDarius Ingram 15 Tyrell Harris 74 Tyler Stephens 5 D’Shon Rosser Totals

No. 2 1 1.5 0.5 5

Tackles For Loss No. Player No. 74 Tyler Stephens 9 36 J.T. Grier 4 19 JaDarius Ingram 4 15 Tyrell Harris 3 29 Frankie Williams 3 13 Tae Gates 2 41 Danquez Sinkfield 2 5 D’Shon Rosser 2 39 J.K. Britt 1 11 K.D. Satterwhite 1 2 Emanuel Bridges 1 27 Eric Russell 1 Totals 26 Hurries No. Player 36 J.T. Grier 41 Danquez Sinkfield 19 JaDarius Ingram 74 Tyler Stephens Totals

No. 4 2 2 1 9

Pass Breakups No. Player No. 2 Emanuel Bridges 1 11 K.D. Satterwhite 1 39 J.K. Britt 1 29 Frankie Williams 1 13 Tae Gates 1 19 Jadarius Ingram 1 Totals 6 Fumble Recoveries No. Player No. 28 Kelvin Khayyam 1 2 Emanuel Bridges 1 Totals 2 Forced Fumbles No. Player No. 11 K.D. Satterwhite 1 2 Emanuel Bridges 1 36 J.T. Grier 1 25 Josh Hunter 1 Totals 4 Interceptions No. Player No. 29 Frankie Williams 5* 12 Mitchell Burk 2 39 J.K. Britt 2 Totals 9 *2 Returned for Touchdowns

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Aug, 29 at Carrollton W28-22 Sept. 5 Marietta L 37-14 Sept. 12 Sandy Creek L31-14 Sept. 26 South Cobb L 42-39 Oct. 3 at Douglas Co. L 46-30 Oct. 10 Westlake L46-13 Oct. 17 at Campbell W 35-7 Oct. 24 Pebblebrook L35-6 Oct. 31 at East Coweta L15-13 Nov. 7 at L. Hughes L2822* Region 3-AAAAAA game Home games in BOLD

THE 2015 NEWNAN COUGARS

Senior Dezmon Stegall (6-3, 216), junior Keonte Hart (5-9, 163) and senior Marquez Brown 6-0, 148) should all see time in the defensive backfield.

Senior Malik Ball (6-1, 172) and junior Kylnell Johnson (6-2, 172) bring depth to the safety spots.

Although several players will again line up on both sides of the ball, McDonald said his teams experience could go along way in getting them back on a winning track.

“The good thing about it, is we are not having to play as many sophomores this year, McDonald said. “We have experience on both sides of the ball.”

At the Region 3-AAAAAA coaches and media meeting earlier this summer, Newnan was picked to finish third in the preseason poll, which would assure the them a return trip to the playoffs.

However, McDonald said there are no guarantees and all six seven teams will be fighting for one of the four playoff spots.

“We know, Westlake, Langston Hughes and East Coweta are all going to be good,” he said. “There are going to be several teams fighting for a playoff spot.”

Newnan coaching staff comeback back intact, however, Alexander Ogletree has joined his alma mater after playing briefly at Georgia.

McDonald now has three of his former players on staff.

Adam Strakose returned to Newnan last season his playing career ended at West Georgia. Prior to arriving at Newnan, McDonald coached assistant Dustin Alley at Union Grove.

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6B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 19, 2015

NORTHGATE

2015 SCHEDULE Aug. 28 at Shaw#

VIKINGS

GHSA REGION 4-AAAAA / SUBREGION 4A-AAAAA

Sept. 4 at Troup@ Sept. 11 Woodland-Henry Sept. 17 at Morrow*^ Sept. 25 Mundy’s Mill* Oct. 2 at McIntosh* Oct. 16 Forest Park* Oct. 22 at Drew*% Oct. 30 Starr’s Mill* Nov. 6 Region Play-In Game Home games in BOLD #Kinnett Stadium, Columbus ^Tara Stadium @Callaway Stadium % Southern Crescent

Getting back on course VIKINGS FEEL GOOD ABOUT CONTINUED PROGRESS

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

T

he Northgate Vikings might be the first to admit they strayed off course two years ago, not so much in terms of wins and losses, but in their

identity.

But the 2014 season proved they hadn’t lost their way either.

If there’s any lineup out of GHSA subregion 4A-AAAAA that might have unfinished business left from last year heading into this fall, it’s Northgate. A 6-4 record was a fluke extrapoint miss and a bad first quarter away from a potential return to the state playoffs.

The Vikings finished with 4A-AAAAA’s best defense in terms of scoring average among a group of schools that combined for 60 points or more in two-thirds of the 21 games between its seven subregion teams.

Along the way, Northgate overcame a host of hardships starting with a season-ending injury in week one to its top returning running back. But it might have been a sign for Murphy’s Law ahead.

The adversity, though, fortified the lineup for a potential playoff run in 2015. And along the way, Northgate may have also reclaimed its pride.

“We felt like at the end of the season we were as good as any team in the subregion. As far as getting in the playoffs, there’s just no margin for error. We control those things and we know that,” said sixth-year head coach Tommy Walburn. “But I felt like last season, we got back to where we need to be as a football program. We’ve gone back to that team philosophy. We’ve talked to the kids about what are you willing to do to sacrifice for the team.”

A late-season surge included Northgate winning four of its last five games following an impractical finish against Mundy’s Mill where kicker and All-County linebacker James Skalski recorded his only PAT miss of the season on what could have been a gamewinning extra point.

It was just one of a series of obstacles the team was forced to overcome at the end of the season.

A fresh slate should do wonders for the Vikings, who showcase talent and depth throughout the lineup.

On offense, a pair of 1,000-yard junior running backs — Ton Evans (1,286) and Kyle Cater (1,024) — benefit from the return of senior Kamari Ray to his natural position after unselfishly contributing as a starter on defense with 31 tackles.

Cater led Northgate with 13 touchdowns and Evans added 10 to combine for more than half of the Vikings’ scores last year.

The Vikings’ offensive line is also dominated by returning starters despite losing All-Region 4-AAAAA First Team center Dylan Huffman to graduation.

“From tackle to tight end it’s the same players except for one guy,” Walburn said.

While senior Caleb Blankenship (6-1, 260) shifts to Huffman’s former spot at center, All-Region Second Team selection Zack Lyle (6-5, 265) and Jaylen Buckhanna (6-0, 270), both seniors, are expected to start at tackle, while two more seniors — Sean McCool (6-1, 200) and Austin Smith (5-10, 205) handle the guard spots.

Providing depth are seniors Austin Thomas, a transfer from LaGrange, and Dylan Johnson, who was slowed last year by a broken collarbone.

Senior Chris Age (6-4, 245) also is back as the Vikings’ starting tight end after finishing second among receivers with four catches for 21 yards.

PHOTOS BY JEFFREY LEO

Junior running back Ton Evans led the Vikings with 1,286 yards last season while adding 10 touchdowns during a 6-4 season. He will be rejoined in the Northgate backfield with fellow 1,000yard rusher Kyle Cater (44, below), who led the team with 13 rushing scores.

NORTHGATE VIKINGS AT A GLANCE

Head Coach: Tommy Walburn (6th season, 31-22; Overall 15th year; 93-62) Coaching Staff: Kelsey Dalrymple (offensive coordinator), Davis Russell (defensive coordinator), Adrian Anderson, Chris Rippy, Justin Crews, Marcellous Johnson, Blake Turner, Todd Herrington, Kevin Jeffers, Chris Wickstrom, Corey Searcy Stadium: Henry Seldon Field Colors: Cardinal Red and White 2014 Record: 6-4, 4-2 in 4A-AAAAA (4th) Points scored/Avg.: 299/29.9 Points allowed/Avg.: 235/23.5 Recent History: 4-6 (2013), 5-6 (2012), 11-1 (2011), 5-5 (2010) Key Losses: QB Tyler Rowland, WR Quinn Franklin; RB/DB Malik Wade; DL Jackson Dorman; RB Kevin Teasley Key Returners: 2 WR Anthony Dickerson, Sr.; 7 RB Ton Evans, Jr., 9 WB Kamari Ray, Sr., 16 QB Kyle McLaren, So., 22 LB/K James Skalski, Sr., 28 DB Cameron Ramsey, Jr.; 40 LB Kyle Feldbauer, Sr.; 44 FB Kyle Cater, Jr., 50 NG Drew Latham, Sr.; 52 C Caleb Blankenship, Sr.; 81 TE Chris Age, Sr.; 87 DE Dalton Elliott, Jr.; 99 DE Jackson Sims, Jr. Outlook: Take away a fluke missed extra-point in a game that seemed decided against Mundy’s Mill and a poor first quarter against Starr’s Mill and the Vikings seemed poised to get back to the postseason in 2014 despite a rash of injuries early. Now healthy and with less question marks than a year ago, Northgate should be among a small group of teams that has the talent on paper to compete for a Region 4-AAAAA title. The coaching staff is high on sophomore quarterback Kyle McLaren, who could add yet another dimension to an offense that already has a pair of returning 1,000-yard rushers. The line is battle tested while Kamari Ray returns to his former wingback position this year after being desperately needed on defense.

On the other side of the ball, Northgate should equally be stout between three talented linemen and its top two tacklers returning in senior linebackers Kyle Feldbauer and James Skalski, a Clemson commit. The secondary is one of the deepest positions on the team, while special teams are equally in good hands with Ton Evans as a returner and Skalski as a top kicker and punter.

Junior fullback Kyle Cater

Junior Dalton Elliott, a starting defensive lineman, acts as a capable backup.

“The guys who play on the line of scrimmage, we try to keep them on one side of the ball,” Walburn said.

Replacing a two-year starter at quarterback in Tyler Rowland (530 yards passing, 5 TDs) with a sophomore without varsity experience could seem daunting. But Kyle McLaren’s potential has Walburn and his staff thinking bigger.

McLaren, who helped lead Madras to a Coweta County Middle School Athletic League Championship two years ago, was last year’s starter on the junior varsity while described by Walburn as a tremendous passer.

“We do think that he’s going to add another dimension to our

2015 Northgate Vikings Roster NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 36 37 38 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 61 64 65 66 68 71 77 79 80 81 85 87 89 91 97 98 99

PLAYER Isaiah Prayor Anthony Dickerson Hunter Lambert Jie Smith Jay Anderson Ryan Gordon Ton Evans Justin Laycoax Kamari Ray Bryce Bates Lawrence Jenkins Jack Eskew Terrance Carter Carlos Hernandez Levi Robinson Kyle McLaren Adam Samples Chandler Cline Paul Gordon Matthew Lewis James Skalski Clayton Francisco Jordan Gunn Nick Carter Sawyer Crow Connor Fortner Cameron Ramsey William Young Austin Jones Dylan Vandeford Turner Hughes Trandon Torres-Niles Camron Walker Carter Kingston Ryan Smith Kyle Feldbauer Diante Forney Campsen Burley Josh Dolan Kyle Cater Matthew Rivera Zach Bartlett Carson Storey Kevin Atkins Drew Latham Austin Thomas Caleb Blankenship Garrett Worth Jaylen Buckhanna Nate Hamilton Courtney Johnson Sean McCool Dylan Johnson Ryan Quinn Marhsye Thompson Austin Smith Nick Moen Tucker Estes Will Roden Zach Lyle Mason Wolfe Lanier Brooking Chris Age Austin McKeehan Dalton Elliott Billy Kilgore Kortavious Hardy Carlisle Taylor Robert Given Jackson Sims

POS. YR. WR Jr. WR Sr. OLB Sr. WR Sr. DB Jr. DB Sr. RB Jr. DB Sr. WB Sr. QB Sr. RB So. QB So. DB Jr. LB Jr. WR So. QB So. DB Jr. DB Jr. DB So. DB Sr. LB Sr. DB Sr. WR Sr. RB So. DB Jr. WR So. DB Jr. DB Sr. DB So. OLB Jr. RB Jr. DB So. LB Sr. DB So. WR Jr. LB Sr. DB Jr. LB Jr. LB So. FB Jr. DL Jr. LB Jr. LB Sr. RB So. DL Sr. OL Sr. OL Sr. OL Sr. OL Sr. LB So. OL So. OL Sr. OL Sr. OL So. OL Jr. OL Sr. DL Sr. OL So. OL Jr. OL Sr. DL Sr. TE Jr TE Sr. WR So. DE Jr. WR So. LB So. K Jr. DL So. DE Jr.

Skalski (6-0, 230) and Kyle Feldbauer (6-2, 200) in the middle of a veteran defensive unit should be comforting to Northgate fans.

Skalski (see related story) verbally committed to play at Clemson in the spring after finishing with 78 tackles as a junior in just seven games after missing time with a broken hand.

Feldbauer led all defenders with 87 tackles and the duo combined to make 19 hits behind the line of scrimmage.

“They’re both very intelligent football players, so now in the game plan you can have more checks and they know how to get the defense lined up,” Walburn said.

The linebackers— who will be joined by fellow senior Carson Storey among starters — also includes three sophomores, three juniors and two juniors working at the position.

Up front, Northgate returns three battleoffense,” he added. “We’re going to be careful how we bring him along, but at the same time, tested defensive linemen that showcase size, speed and skill. In his we’re going to ask him to do third year as a varsity a bit more than most sophocontributor, senior more starting quarterbacks.

Drew Latham (6-1, The only thing he doesn’t 240) expects to be have right now is a lot of FriAug. 29 Shaw W35-22 a force at the noseday night game experience.”

Sept.

5 Troup L29-7 guard position after No returning receiver Sept. 12 at Woodland-Henry L23-14 finishing third among contributed more than Age’s Sept. 19 Morrow* W28-20 Vikings with 63 tackfour catches. But that could les, including a teameasily change among a group Sept. 26 at Mundy’s Mill* L41-34 high 15 for loss. of receivers showcases both Oct. 3 McIntosh* W42-28 Ends Jackson Sims size and depth and could Oct. 17 at Forest Park* W51-12 and Dalton Elliott, produce big-play potential. both juniors, have Anthony Dickerson, at 6-2, Oct. 24 Drew* W43-30 the potential to cause 190 is a larger target that Oct. 31 at Starr’s Mill* L24-14 problems. Sims (5-11, primed for a bigger seaNov. 7 Luella W31-6 210) finished with son. Jordan Gunn, Isaiah *Region 4A-AAAAA game 55 tackles as a 10th Prayor, Turner Hughes and grader, while Elliott Jay Anderson, who returned Home games in BOLD (6-4, 215) moves to a to the area with his family defensive role primarafter a short move to Califorily while continuing nia, are also capable, while to be a backup at tight end. defensive back Cameron Ramsey could get The secondary sees senior lacrosse standhis share of offensive snaps. out Clayton Francisco return to the program “The more weapons that you have on as a starting strong safety. Jacob Young moves offense, other than your quarterback, the to rover after playing cornerback, outside more pressure it takes off of him,” Walburn linebacker and safety last year. said. “ As important as Evans and Cater’s return as offensive playmakers will be to the Vikings SEE VIKINGS, page 7B on offense, having senior linebackers James

2014 RESULTS

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 7B

Sop homore Ky le M cL aren steps into his first year as a varsity starting quarterback for Northgate this season after starting for the junior varsity in 2014.

VIKINGS Continued from page 6B This year’s group of cornerbacks, meanwhile, expects to be the deepest since Walburn came on staff prior to the 2011 season. Juniors Cameron Ramsey (6-0, 167), Jay Anderson, Matt Lewis and Ryan Gordon should all see playing time. Ramsey, who led Northgate with two interceptions last year, came on as a starter early in the season and Smith is back after battling an injury.

At free safety, junior Terrance Carter (5-10, 160) returns after finishing with 24 tackles. Senior Jai Smith (5-10, 165) has also moved to the position “and we feel like we’ve found him a home there,” Walburn said.

Like McLaren on offense, the few changes on defense expect to bring smooth transitions. The biggest comes in new defensive coordinator Davis Russell, who grew up in Statesboro where his grandfather Erk was quite the coaching legend at Georgia Southern.

A player for both of Valdosta State’s Division II national championships under coach David Dean in the early 2000s, Russell arrives from LaGrange following a twoyear stint as the Grangers’ offensive coordinator.

“He’s got aspirations of being a good football coach one day,” said Walburn, who coached with Russell in high school All-Star events. “He’s got a good football mind. I’ve always had the philosophy that if you can coach, you can coach anything.”

While Russell replaces Walburn’s longtime colleague Bubba Jeter, there expect to be little changes in the type of defensive play at Northgate heading into the fall.

“Our philosophy on defense is going to be the same. There may be a few tweaks here or there just cause of the nature of the teams we play. The majority of them are spread [offenses],” Walburn said.

“Coach Jeter did a great job for us and I miss him, even though I still see him a lot.

But Coach Russell has come in here and fit like a glove.”

Special teams are equally in great shape heading into the fall. Skalski was automatic as a clutch kicker, hitting 37-of-38 PATs, while also averaging 40 yards per punt.

McLaren had eight punts as a capable backup.

Northgate’s schedule includes two short weeks with Thursday night games in Clayton County on Sept.

17 against Morrow at Tara Stadium and Oct. 22 in a showdown with defending subregion champion Drew at Southern Crescent. Otherwise, the Vikings face a comfortable rotation of alternating home and away games following two consecutive non-region road trips to begin the year Aug. 28 at Shaw and Sept. 4 at Troup.

“I think that we have some intangibles that are good.

I think we’re a little bigger on the line than we’ve been.

We’ve got some talented players and more team speed in the defensive secondary than we’ve had. We’re seasoned,” Walburn said. “The last two years we’ve just been snakebit by injuries. Maybe we’ll stay free of those things.”

THE 2015 NORTHGATE VIKINGS 2014 NORTHGATE TEAM STATISTICS OFFENSE

TDs 10 13 6 0 3 1 2 1 0 0 34

Passing Comp. Att. Yards 33 59 530

No. Player 14 Tyler Rowland

TD INT 5 6

No. Player 20 Quinn Franklin 81 Chris Age 1 Malik Wade 44 Kyle Cater 7 Ton Evans 5 Kevin Teasley 87 Dalton Elliott 80 Cameron Ramsey 2 Anthony Dickerson 24 Jordan Gunn 47 James Skalski Totals

Receiving Rec. Yards Avg. 11 273 24.8 4 21 5.3 3 71 23.7 3 46 15.3 3 32 10.7 3 19 6.0 2 32 16.0 1 20 20.0 1 10 10.0 1 3 3.0 1 3 3.0 33 530 16.1

No. Player 44 Kyle Cater 7 Ton Evans 47 Jamie Skalski 1 Malik Wade 20 Quinn Franklin 14 Tyler Rowland 9 Kamari Ray 36 Cameron Ramsey 52 Caleb Blankenship 10 Jai’Eon Madison 32 David Noe Safeties Totals

SCORING TD EP FG 2pt Total 13 0 0 0 78 10 0 0 0 60 2 37-38 1 0 52 5 0 0 0 30 4 0 0 0 24 3 0 0 0 18 1 0 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 6 1 0 0 0 6 0 3-3 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 2 41 40-41 1 0 299

TD 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

No. Player 30 Turner Hughes 7 Ton Evans 1 Malik Wade 9 Kamari Ray 44 Kyle Cater 5 Kevin Teasley

Punting Punts 18 8 26 Kick Returns Ret. 8 14 4 3 1 1

Avg. 40.0 31.0 37.2 Avg. 19.6 19.2 10.8 14.3 13.0 10.0

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No. Player 40 Kyle Feldbauer 47 James Skalski 50 Drew Latham 99 Jackson Sims 25 Brody Lloyd 41 Dexter Hill 51 Jackson Dorman 29 William Young 9 Kamari Ray 32 David Noe Tackles For Loss

No. Player 50 Drew Latham 99 Jackson Sims 47 Jamie Skalski 40 Kyle Feldbauer 41 Dexter Hill 93 Victor Taggart 52 Caleb Blankenship 51 Jackson Dorman 32 David Noe 9 Kamari Ray 28 Cameron Ramsey 25 Brody Lloyd Totals

No. 15 10 10 9 8 5 4 4 2 2 1 1 71

Interceptions

No. Player 28 Cameron Ramsey 1 Malik Wade 29 William Young Totals * 1 Returned for TD

No. 2* 1 1 4

Solo 54 53 43 35 25 24 22 18 20 16

Asst.

33 25 20 20 17 12 11 13 11 11 Sacks

No. Player 99 Jackson Sims 50 Drew Latham 40 Kyle Feldbauer 41 Dexter Hill 51 Jackson Dorman 47 James Skalski 48 Alex Norton 32 David Noe 93 Victory Taggart Totals

Tackles Total 13 Terrance Carter 87 1 Malik Wade 78 28 Cameron Ramsey 63 93 Victor Taggart 55 52 Caleb Blankenship 42 21 Matthew Lewis 36 48 Alex Norton 33 3 Michael Matthews 31 12 Bryce Walburn 31 4 Jie Smith 27 61 Jared Monk Fumble Recoveries No. 6 1/2 5 2 1/2 2 1 1/2 1 1 ½ 1 20

Caused Fumbles

No. Player 47 Jamie Skalski 93 Victor Taggart 9 Kamari Ray 50 Drew Latham Totals

No. 2 2 2 1 7

No. Player 41 Dexter Hill 99 Jackson Sims 1 Malik Wade 52 Caleb Blankenship 9 Kamari Ray 50 Drew Latham 93 Victor Taggart Total

Hurries

No. Player 99 Jackson Sims 41 Dexter Hill 51 Jackson Dorman 50 Drew Latham 52 Caleb Blankenship 40 Kyle Feldbauer 9 Kamari Ray 93 Victor Taggart Totals

No. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 No. 9 6 4 3 2 2 1 1 28

21 3 24 16 6 22 17 5 22 9 11 20 8 7 15 8 2 10 3 1 4 2 0 2 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 Pass Breakups

No. Player 1 Malik Wade 29 William Young 21 Matthew Lewis 9 Kamari Ray 47 Jamie Skalski 4 Jie Smith 32 David Noe 28 Cameron Ramsey 25 Brody Lloyd 13 Terrance Carter 40 Kyle Feldbauer 51 Jackson Dorman Totals

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No. 6 4 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 22

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No. Name 39 Jim Vermilya 50 Drew Latham Totals

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SPECIAL TEAMS No. Player 47 James Skalski 16 Kyle McLaren

Points Allowed/Avg.: 235/23.5

DEFENSE

Points Scored/Avg.: 299/29.9 Rushing No. Player Att. Yds. Avg. 7 Ton Evans 189 1,286 6.8 44 Kyle Cater 184 1,024 5.6 1 Malik Wade 25 189 7.6 5 Kevin Teasley 25 174 7.0 14 Tyler Rowland 25 83 3.3 9 Kamari Ray 11 59 5.4 47 James Skalski 9 52 5.8 10 Jai’Eon Madison 8 45 5.6 30 Turner Hughes 4 15 3.8 49 Colt Dooley 2 13 6.5 Totals 482 2941 6.1

No. 3 1 4

8B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 19, 2015

REGION 3-AAAAAA PREVIEW

Our Predicted Order of Finish 2014 Record in parenthesis

WESTLAKE LIONS (9-2)

WHAT WE THINK: It’s taken head coach Bryan Love just two seasons to turn the Lions from an struggling program that went winless into a playoff contender after generating a 9-2 record last year. Despite being hit hard by graduation, there is enough talent on both sides of the ball to repeat as champions Westlake was picked by coaches at the annual Region 3-AAAAAA Media Day to win the region for the second straight time One of the goals this year finding a way to put the ball in the hands of A.J. Terell (6-2, 170).

EAST COWETA INDIANS (8-3)

WHAT WE THINK: Steve Pardue’s first year as head coach translated to the program’s most successful football season in seven years. Little should change in year two of the Pardue era. With the return of quarterback Will LaGuardia, All-Region running back Devonte Brown (826 yards, 4 touchdowns) and linebackers Jeremiah Gemmel and Alex Jimerson, the Indians are expected to be in the playoff mix for the 19th straight year. The key in 2015 comes in how quickly the Indians can replace the other nine starters on defense, as well as kicker.

NEWNAN COUGARS (3-7)

WHAT WE THINK: The Cougars haven’t posted consecutive losing seasons since the late 1990s, so the odds are good that last year’s struggles were more of a rarity. On paper, it seems the case, with the offense which will have most of last year’s skill position players returning with an added year’s experience. The return of linebacker Emanuel Bridges and safety K.D. Satterwhite provides a boost as well.

LANGSTON HUGHES PANTHERS (9-3)

WHAT WE THINK: The Panthers graduated one of its largest and arguably most talented senior class in its short history of varsity football last year. Gone are eight senior All-Region players led by Defensive Player of the Year D’Andre Jordan (Georgia). While the program has turned a corner under head coach Willie Cannon over seven-plus years, it’d be hard not to expect a slight dip in production this season with a nucleus of newcomers taking over. All-region standouts Demetrius Whitmore, at running back, and senior Jeffrey Allison, at linebacker, lead respective offensive and defensive units.

DOUGLAS COUNTY TIGERS (5-6)

WHAT WE THINK: In just three seasons as head coach of the Tigers, Jason Respert is gradually turning around the program. In each season, he has improved the team’s win total including leading the squad to the playoffs for the first time since 2008. Six starters are projected to return on defense including senior cornerbacks Darryl Avery and Germane Burroughs, who are getting looks at the next level. With a year of experience under his belt, junior quarterback Malik Oliver should help the Tigers fight it out for one of the four region playoff spots again this season.

SOUTH COBB EAGLES (4-6)

WHAT WE THINK: The Eagles goal this year is two fold in both finding a way to replace Region 3-AAAAAA Offensive Player of the Year Kylil Carter, who passed for 2,700 yards and 27 touchdowns before signing at North Carolina A&T, while also trying to get back to the playoffs for the first time in three years. All-Region wide receiver Michael Lapeyrolerie returns for his senior year as does All-Region defensive back Terry Davis. The Eagles had a couple of near misses against region playoff teams last season after losing to Langston Hughes 20-13 and East Coweta 63-42 in a game that was close until the fourth quarter.

CAMPBELL SPARTANS (3-7)

WHAT WE THINK: Second-year coach Ryan Brady’s mission is pretty clear, finding away to lead the Spartans back to the playoffs for the first time in eight years, or at least produce the first winning season since 2007 when the team went 6-4. If that is to happen, the team is going to have to find away to replace All-Region kicking returner Cameron St. Cyr and cornerback Cortavian Hinton.

PEBBLEBROOK FALCONS (2-8)

WHAT WE THINK: There has been a changing of the guard with the Falcons as Kevin Saunders becomes the fourth coach at the school in 10 years. His first task is trying to rebuild a team hit hard by graduation. Several returners might be asked to play on both sides of the ball. It could be a growing experience for the Falcons, and success might not be measured in wins and losses this year, buy improvement each week.

REGION 3-AAAAAA TEAMS AT A GLANCE CAMPBELL SPARTANS

City: Smyrna Stadium: Richard McDaniel Color: Royal Blue and Silver Head Coach: Ryan Brady (second year) 3-7 overall Recent History:4-6 (2013), 3-7 (2012), 1-9 (2011), 1-9 (2010) Preseason Poll: 7th Offensive Outlook: An experienced group of seniors, including quarterback Jawan Nobles (5-10, 180), and Hassan Graham (5-10, 180), who can lineup at running back or in the slot, should help with experience and depth.

Wide receivers Randy McClure (6-5, 200), and Emmanuel Monyel (6-1, 165) are also expected to see plenty of playing time.

Up front senior left tackle Mayrius Williams (6-0, 195), Montayo Hood (6-2, 310) and McKhki McKinney (6-5, 235) have played in the program the last three years.

Defensive Outlook: Led by junior Kyre Hassell (6-5, 235) and senior Thomas Carter (6-0, 195), the Spartans are set at the defensive end spots. Linebackers Myles James (5-11, 220), Salteno Summerall (5-10, 184) and DeAndre Sede (5-10, 194) should be able to rush opposing quarterbacks. Cornerbacks Ray Decossey (5-10, 163), and free safety Robert Bass (5-11, 170) figure into the mix on defense.

2015 SCHEDULE Aug. 21 at South Atlanta# Aug. 28 Stone Mountain^ Sept. 11 at Lakeside-Atlanta Sept. 25 East Coweta * Oct. 2 Langston Hughes* Oct. 9 at Pebblebrook * Oct. 16 at Newnan * Oct. 23 South Cobb * Oct. 30 Douglas County * Nov. 6 at Westlake * HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 3-AAAAAA game #Lakeside ^North DeKalb 2014 RESULTS Aug. 22 South Atlanta W 48-6 Aug. 29 Stone Mountain W33-8 Sept. 12 Lakeside (Atlanta) L 42-38 Sept. 26 at East Coweta* L 41-14 Oct. 3 at Langston Hughes* L 38-3 Oct. 10 Pebblebrook* W 31-14 Oct. 17 Newnan* L35-7 Oct. 24 at South Cobb* L62-39 Oct. 31 at Douglas County* L47-14 Nov. 7 Westlake* L42-8 HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 3AAAAAA

DOUGLAS COUNTY TIGERS

City: Douglasville Stadium: Tigers Stadium Colors: Blue and Gold Head Coach: Jason Respert (4th season, 10-21) 2014 record: 5-6 (4th) Recent History: 3-7 (2013), 2-8 (2012), 2-8 (2011), 5-5 (2010) Preseason Poll (4th) Offensive Outlook: In helping lead the team to the playoffs for the first time in five years, senior quarterback Malik Oliver is back after passing for 1,545 yards and 15 touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Yassar Junior running back Brian Curd (5-8, 175) is expected to see more action this season after rushing for 123 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior Emrik Foster is also slated to be one of the main running backs out of this season.

On the offensive line, junior Bruce Wiggins (5-7, 230) can play either center of guard for

the Tigers. Junior Rodney Gill (6-1, 280) and Emardre Brown also figure in the team’s plans.

Defensive Outlook: The Tigers have switched from a 3-4 defense to a 3-3-5 for the upcoming season, and will rely on experience at the linebacker spots to anchor the defense, including linebacker Austin Perry who had 48 tackles and five sacks.

The Tigers also bring back depth at in the secondary. Senior Joe Caldwell (5-11, 171) had 65 tackles and one interception. Germaine Burroughs (5-10, 180) finished with 26 tackles and an interception. Darrell Avery, who spent most of his time on offense last year, could also figure into the Tigers plans in the secondary.

2015 SCHEDULE Aug. 21 New Manchester Aug 28 at Alexander Sept. 11 Kennesaw Mountain Sept. 25 at Langston Hughes * Oct. 2 at Newnan * Oct. 9 South Cobb * Oct. 16 at Westlake * Oct. 23 East Coweta * Oct. 30 at Campbell * Nov. 6 Pebblebrook * HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 3-AAAAAA game 2014 RESULTS Aug. 22 at New Manchester L35-20 Aug. 29 Alexander L30-12 Sept. 12 at Kennesaw Mtn. W35-9 Sept. 26 Langston Hughes* L24-9 Oct. 3 Newnan* W46-30 Oct. 10 at South Cobb* W40-30 Oct. 17 Westlake* L 34-3 Oct. 24 at East Coweta* L 28-14 Oct 31 Campbell* W 47-14 Nov. 7 Pebblebrook* W33-10 GHSA CLASS AAAAAA STATE PLAYOFFS Nov. 14 at Hillgrove L 58-14** *Region 3-AAAAAA game HOME GAMES IN BOLD

LANGSTON HUGHES PANTHERS

City: Fairburn Colors: Forest Green/Vegas Gold/Black Head Coach: Willie Cannon (7th season, 36-29) 2014 Record: 9-3, 6-1 (2nd) Recent History: 10-2 (2013), 10-2 (2012), 3-7 (2011), 2-8 (2010) Preseason Poll: Second Offensive Outlook: Junior Quarterback Isaiah Green (6-2, 197) got his feet wet on the varsity last year, playing in all 12 games for the Panthers and completing 145 of 285 passes for 1,933 yards and 16 touchdowns. If there is a drawback to the Panthers’ offense this season, it’s trying to replace three running backs lost to graduation. Junior Demetrius Whitmore, however, (6-0, 185) is back after rushing for 647 yards and 10 touchdowns. Whitmore also showed his ability to catch the football out of the backfield, hauling in 15 passes.

Sophomore Joshua Brown (6-1, 185) could also figure into the team’s plans at running back after playing on the junior varsity last year.

Junior wide receiver Sean Nelson (6-1, 185) saw limited action in three games last season, but figures in the mix this season after a solid summer, including participating in 7-on-7 drills.

On the offensive line: senior D’Andre Walker is back.

Defensive Outlook: Senior linebacker Jeffrey Allison (6-1, 235) returns after finishing as one of the (6-1, 235) Panthers leading tacklers last season, including 80 solos. In addition to his ability to tote the football for the Panthers out of the backfield, Whitmore is expected to play an important role on defense. Last season, he had 64 tackles and two interceptions.

Sophomore defensive back Christian Royston has been elevated to the varsity after a good off season. Two senior defensive tackles Key-

shawn Clark (5-10, 240), and Ricky Brown (5-9, 220) are expected to start for the Panthers this season. Sophomore Joshua Swilling (6-2, 228), son of former Georgia Tech All-American Ken Swilling and nephew of former Yellow Jacket and New Orleans Saints standout Pat Swilling is expected to get playing time.

2015 SCHEDULE Aug. 22. at Mays Aug. 28 at Creekside Sept. 4 at Grayson Sept. 25 Douglas County * Oct. 2 at Campbell * Oct. 9 East Coweta * Oct. 16 South Cobb * Oct. 23 at Westlake * Oct. 30 Pebblebrook* Oct. 6 at Newnan * * Region 3-AAAAAA game HOME GAMES IN BOLD 2014 RESULTS Aug. 23 Mays^ W 27-7 Aug. 29 Creekside W 21-20 Sept. 5 Grayson L 26-16 Sept. 26 at Douglas County* W 24-9 Oct. 3 Campbell* W 38-7 Oct. 10 at East Coweta* W 28-10 Oct. 17 at South Cobb* W 20-13 Oct. 25 Westlake* L 14-6 Oct. 31 at Pebblebrook* W 38-14 Nov. 7 Newnan* W 28-22 Class AAAAAA State Playoffs Nov. 14 North Cobb W 42-28 Nov. 21 at Milton L17-14 HOME GAMES IN BOLD Region 3-AAAAAA game ^at Tri-CIites High School

PEBBLEBROOK FALCONS

City: Mableton Stadium: Falcon Colors: White and Blue Head Coach: Kevin Saunders (First Year) 2014: 2-8 Recent History: 2-8 (2013), 0-10 (2012), 4-6 (2011), 4-6 (2010) Preseason Poll: 8th Offensive Outlook: Whether it’s on the offensive or defensive side of the ball, firstyear head coach Kevin Saunders has his work cut out for him. Saunders becomes the school’s fourth head coach since 2005 and will try and direct the team to the playoffs for the first time in eight years.

The Falcons are building their offense around senior quarterback Jacobe Burke (5-9, 150) who might be undersized for the typical Class AAAAAAA single caller, but has shown his ability roll out of the pocket and move the team down field.

Many of the other starting jobs are up for grabs, but senior fullback Darryl Dennis (5-8, 185) and senior running back Tre Wright (5-8, 165) bring much needed leadership back to the offense. Wide Receiver Jai Nunn-Liddell (6-3, 190).

Senior wide receiver Hakeem Bailey (6-1, 180) and Kendell Quarles (6-3, 185) are expected to be two the team’s favorite targets this season.

Senior Offensive lineman Keith Brown and tight end Sulton Rahim bring some size up front.

Defensive Outlook: In addition to playing on the offensive side of the ball, Bailey and Quarles are slated to play in the Falcons secondary along with sophomore Malik Matthews (5-9, 152). Ceavon Traylor (5-11, 220) will see time at both linebacker and defensive end.

The kicking game is also in good shape at Pebblebrook. Edgar Cortes and Jose Cano are battling it out for both the kicking and punting duties and could share the duties.

2015 SCHEDULE Aug. 28: Miller Grove Sept. 4 at Osborne Sept. 12 at Alcovy^ Sept. 25 Westlake Oct. 2 at South Cobb Oct. 9 Campbell Oct. 16 at East Coweta Oct. 23 Newnan Oct. 30 at Langston Hughes Nov. 6 at Douglas County HOME GAMES IN BOLD * Region 3--AAAAAA game ^Sharp Stadium 2014 RESULTS Aug. 29 at Miller Grove L 20-14 Sept. 5 Osborne W13-0 Sept. 12 Alcovy W7-6 Sept. 26 at Westlake* L42-6 Oct. 3 South Cobb* L42-21 Oct. 10 at Campbell* L31-14 Oct. 17 East Coweta* L41-7 Oct. 24 at Newnan* L35-6 Oct. 31 Langston Hughes* L38-14 Nov. 7 Douglas County* L33-10 HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 3-AAAAAA game

SOUTH COBB EAGLES

City: Austell Stadium: Clay Colors: Blue, White Head Coach: Sherrod Rainge (second season, 4-6 overall) 2014 record: 4-6 Recent History: 3-7 (2013), 7-3 (2012), 8-4 (2011), 7-4 (2010) Preseason Poll (5th) Offensive Outlook: Junior Troy Hill (6-0, 210) and Jermaine Smith (5-10, 167) have spent the offseason in a battle for the starting quarterback role and it could come down to the final week of the preseason before a starter is named.

Whomever wins the job will have depth at both wide receiver and running back positions.

Seniors Michael Lapeyrolerie (5-8, 165) and Dorquincy Jordan (5-10, 160) returns as the starting wide receiver. Jordan (5-8, 170), and senior Trevon Vaughn (6-2, 180) also add depth to the team at wide receiver.

Senior Tyreik Fitzpatrick (5-7, 160) brings experience back to the backfield.

On the defensive side of the ball, senior Elijah Ponder (6-3, 235) has been a starter for three years. He has been offered by no fewer than 17 FCS schools including Mercer and Kennesaw State. Senior Calil Tiggs (6-2, 230) returns at defensive end.

2015 SCHEDULE Aug. 21 Creekside Aug. 28: Pope Sept. 11 at Marietta Sept. 25 Newnan* Oct. 2 Pebblebrook* Oct. 9 at Douglas County Oct. 16 at Langston Hughes * Oct. 23 at Campbell * Oct. 30 Westlake * Nov. 6 at East Coweta * Region 3-AAAAAAA game 2014 RESULTS Aug 22 at Creekside L 55-41 Aug. 29 at Pope W57-35 Sept. 12 Marietta L44-28 Sept. 26 at Newnan* W42-39 Oct. 3 at Pebblebrook* W42-21 Oct. 10 Douglas County* L40-30 Oct. 17 Langston Hughes* L 20-13 Oct. 24 Campbell* W62-39 Nov. 1 at Westlake* L 53-27 Nov. 7 East Coweta* L 63-42 * Region 3-AAAAAA game HOME GAMES IN BOLD

WESTLAKE LIONS

City: Atlanta Stadium: Westlake Colors: Royal Blue, Gray and White Head Coach: Bryan Love (3rd year, 14-8) 2014: 9-2 overall, 7-0 (1st) Recent History: 5-6 (2013), 0-10 (2012), 4-6 (2011), 3-7 (2010) Preseason Poll: 1st: Offensive Outlook: One of the first objectives for third-year head coach Bryan Love is to find a replacement for quarterback Dakota Rocker, who passed for 1,767 yards and 20 touchdowns, before signing a scholarship to Tuskegee University. Senior Joshua Jones (6-1, 165) is set to take over in the starting role.

Jones appeared in five games last year in a backup role, passing for 77 yards and throwing a touchdown.

Jones will have plenty of returning support in the backfield with senior running backs Justin Broughton (5-9, 165), who rushed for 573 yards and seven touchdowns and Jorden Thomas (5-11, 180) returning after rushing for 506 yards and nine touchdowns.

Two senior wide receivers return after playing key roles in the Panthers’ region title last year.

Ronnie Blackmon (5-10, 177) finished with 24 catches and four touchdowns. Jamauri Elliott (5-9, 175) finished the year with 23 catches and three touchdowns. Senior Marquez Louder (6-2, 194) can play both wide receiver and tight end for the Lions and will also be one of the team’s weapons.

On the offensive line, junior Derrick Frasier (6-0, 229), sophomore Isaiah Freeman (6-0, 265), senior Drew Rocker (6-2, 250) bring back experience up front. Although not the biggest line, they are athletic and should be able to open holes.

Defensive Outlook: The biggest task for Westlake on the defensive side of the ball will be replacing end Daquan Hawkins who signed with the University of Georgia after a stellar high school career that included seven sacks and 63 tackles last year. The team also has to find away to replace Nigel Warrior, the son of former NFL defensive back Dale Carter.

Warrior transferred to Peachtree Ridge earlier this year.

Among the leading tacklers coming back from last year are senior inside linebacker Jarrod Jones (6-0, 230) who had 59 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Senior defensive back Khalil Strong (5-10, 210), only played in three games last year but is expected to figuring in on the team’s plans this year. Junior DE Jadenn Hunter (6-3, 220) is getting looks from several colleges and junior Tre Person (6-0, 165) is expected to start at free safety after contributing with 27 tackles in just eight games. Blackmon also had 571 kick return yards last season.

2015 SCHEDULE Aug. 28 at Banneker Sept. 4 at Shiloh Sept. 11 Newton Sept. 25 at Pebblebrook * Oct. 2 at East Coweta * Oct. 9 Newnan* Oct 16 Douglas County* Oct. 23 Langston Hughes * Oct. 30 South Cobb* Nov. 6 Campbell * * Region 3-AAAAAA Game 2014 RESULTS: Aug. 29 Banneker W47-0 Sept. 5 Shiloh L14-7 Sept. 12 Newton Susp.

Sept. 26 Pebblebrook* W42-3 Oct. 3 East Coweta* W35-0 Oct. 10 at Newnan* W46-13 Oct. 17 at Douglas County * W34-3 Oct. 25 at Langston Hughes* W14-6 Nov. 1 South Cobb* W 53-27 Nov. 7 at Campbell* W42-8 GHSA CLASS AAAAAA STATE PLAYOFFS Nov. 14 North Paulding W41-13 Nov. 21 Etowah L 23-6 *Region 3-AAAAAA game HOME GAMES IN BOLD

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 9B

DEFENSE Continued from page 1B So far, however, his list of accomplishments is impressive.

Despite playing in only 21 high school football games so far, he has been a defensive contributor to state-playoff teams while starting as both a freshman and sophomore.

His junior year begins with much the same promise when East Coweta plays hosts Arabia Mountain.

Still, Louisville, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Tennessee and Oklahoma State already have Gemmel on their wish lists, going as far as making an official offer.

Within the next few months, the recruiting letters and phone calls should double or triple for Gemmel.

“It’s been really excited,” Gemmel said. “It’s nice to have offers this early, but I know there are still things I have to work on.”

College recruiting has changed over the years.

Schools seldom wait for highly-touted athletes to enter their senior season before extending an offer.

Like Gemmel, Skalski and Bridges were also offered by teams early in their high school careers.

Even though Skalski hasn’t yet made the two-hour trek down Interstate 85 for an official visit to watch a game in the sea of orange known as to Death Valley, he hasn’t thought about playing anywhere else.

“I haven’t had a chance to get to a game there yet, but I am looking forward to it,” said the Viking senior.

However, since verbal commitments are non-binding until February, there’s nothing stopping coaches from other schools from placing those late-night phone calls.

It’s how the sometimes nasty recruiting game is played. It’s also why many coaches such as Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson are in favor of an early signing

THE CASE FILES ON COWETA’S TOP LINEBACKERS EMANUEL BRIDGES

NEWNAN HIGH Year: Senior Height: 6-2 Weight: 215 Verbal Commitment: Georgia Tech 2014 Highlights: All-Region Second Team; All-County, 68 tackles, two solos. period just like they have in other college sports.

The proposal has picked up some steam, but was tabled by the NCAA last spring and could still be years away from becoming a reality.

While Bridges can’t wait to play for Yellow Jacket defensive coordinator Ted Roof, other programs might make one last pitch in hopes Bridges changes his mind before he officially signs with the Yellow Jackets the first Wednesday in February.

Tennessee and Ole Miss were among the early frontrunners for Bridges’ services, but a visit to Atlanta sealed the deal in the mind of the Newnan football player.

“I had a great visit to Georgia Tech,” Bridges said. “I look forward to becoming a football player there. I know I will get a great education too.”

Yellow Jackets fans might be able to rest a little easier knowing Bridges plans on finishing high school in December and enrolling at Georgia Tech when spring classes start in January.

Newnan has had a history of sending players off to the major college ranks over the years.

J.K. Britt signed a letter of intent to the University of North Carolina in February and will begin his college career with the Tar Heels this fall.

Britt joins Tray Matthews, who is now factoring into Auburn’s defensive plans after sitting out a transfer year in 2014.

JAMES SKALSKI

NORTHGATE HIGH Year: Senior Height: 6-1 Weight: 223 Verbal Commitment: Clemson 2014 Highlights: Region Defensive Player of Year; All-County, 78 tackles, 10 for a loss.

Coweta County has had a pipeline to Georgia Tech over the years. Former offensive lineman Ray Beno played most recently at Bobby Dodd Stadium for the Yellow Jackets. The list includes four players that eventually went on to play professionally in the NFL. In addition to linebackers Vernon Strickland and Keith Brooking, who played at Newnan and East Coweta, Bridges would join fellow Newnan football alumni in offensive lineman Michael Cheever and the late Drew Hill.

Bridges looks forward to getting a jump on his college career and joining the long list of Yellow Jackets who first suited up for the Cougars.

“Starting early will help me get adjusted to college,” Bridges said. “It might also help give me the chance to play early.”

One of the most impressive factors with the recruitment of Skalski was Clemson made the offer despite that fact the Vikings’ linebacker missed three games after suffering a broken hand his junior year.

Despite the time away from the football field, Skalski finished as the Vikings’ second leading tackler.

It also made him realize how important football is his everyday life.

“It was terrible sitting out,” he said. “It was a helpless feeling.”

Northgate head coach Tommy Walburn wishes he could bottle the linebacker’s enthusiasm and high-energy

YOUR Future. YOUR Way.

JEREMIAH GEMMEL

EAST COWETA Year: Junior Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Offers: North Carolina, Louisville, Mississippi St., Oklahoma St, Tennessee.

2014 Highlights: Co-Newnan Times-Herald Defensive Player of Year; 91 tackles.

approach to the game.

“He just loves football and it shows whenever he takes the field,” Walburn said.

“When he was out, it hurt us and it hurt him. He couldn’t wait to get back out there.”

Skalski could become Walburn’s third major Division I signee at Northgate.

Former Northgate standout and current Virginia Tech cornerback Brandon Facyson was the first Division I player off of one of Walburn’s teams to sign. Facyson broke his leg in practice with the Hokies last season, but appears health and is back for his redshirt sophomore year.

As for Bridges, Newnan coach Mike McDonald equally has high-praise for his top senior linebacker.

The Cougars’ pipeline of linebackers moving on to college ranks continues to grow and includes two current Newnan assistants —Adam Strakose (West Georgia) and Alexander Ogletree (Georgia). More recently, Tonarius Portress was a three-year starter with the Cougars who helped groom Bridges by his senior year when Bridges moved into the starting lineup by the time he reached his sophomore year.

“Emanuel has been an important part of the team since he was a freshman,” McDonald said. “He just keeps getting better and better. Our younger players really look up to him.”

Pardue sent several players on to the college ranks while coaching at LaGrange, and is excited to see just how much

better Gemmel can become over the next two seasons.

“He really is just getting started,” Pardue said. “He is a talented football player with a lot of ability.”

Gemmel could start drawing comparisons to Brooking, who went on to play in the NFL for over a decade with both the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys.

Skalski may have inherited some of his football skills from his father, John, who was a member of the Oklahoma Sooners in the early 1980s.

An athletic family also includes older sister Brenna, an All-County outfielder at Northgate who enters her sophomore year at Georgia State.

“My Dad never put a lot of pressure on me,” Skalski said.

“I just love football. I have played since I was young and this is a dream come true.”

However, Skalski hasn’t limited himself to just the gridiron. His strong leg has made him a standout on the soccer field. He also wrestled briefly for the Vikings, getting a couple of pins. If Clemson ever gets desperate to find a punter or place kicker, Skalski can fit that bill too.

Last season, he punted for a 40-yard average and hit 37 of 38 extra points.

Gemmel’s older brother Bryce was a two-sport athlete at East Coweta, quarterbacking the football team and playing in the Indians’ outfield. He has been a big influence on his younger brother’s athletic career over the years.

“I have tried to model myself after him.” Gemmel said. “He did a great job while he was here, and I look up to him.”

All three linebackers have one thing in common. They all want to get back to the playoffs.

Bridges and his teammates suffered through a rare losing season at Newnan last year and the Cougars missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2002 after going 3-7.

“It was just a strange season,” Bridges said of a 2014 season that included a threepoint loss to South Cobb and a two-point heartbreaker at East Coweta in Region 3-AAAAAA play. “We were in games, but just couldn’t find away to win them. We were better than our record showed. We have worked hard this offseason and really want to turn things around.”

Northgate is trying to return to the playoffs for the first time since Skalski was a sophomore. He wasn’t the only member of the Vikings who missed time because of injuries last year and the all the bumps and bruises played a major factor in the 6-4 record.

“Last year we just had some really bad luck,” said Skalski, who’s only PAT miss came in the final seconds of the fourth quarter in an eventual loss to Mundy’s Mill. “We feel like we have a really good team this year. If we can stay healthy, I think we have a shot to go pretty far.”

Gemmel is excited to play in Pardue’s system for the second year.

“There was a period of adjustment last season because we were all trying to get to know each other, but we had a nice year” Gemmel said. “We have all worked hard during the off-season. I think it is going to be a good year. To make a deeper run in the playoffs would be great.”

Regardless, all three stand to make quite a hit for respective GHSA football programs in Coweta County this fall.

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10B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 19, 2015

REGION 4A-AAAAA PREVIEW

Offense could again reign supreme in 4A-AAAAA

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN

arriving at their bye week.

McIntosh came up short last fall in a bid for consecutive win2014 Record in parenthesis ning seasons for the first time in If you enjoy touchdowns, Region DREW TITANS (7-4) school history. The Chiefs will fol4A-AAAAA was for you last year. In WHAT WE THINK: Losing star running back Marquis Terry is a blow, but an offense that averaged low up a 3-7 effort in 2014 by trying the 21 games played between among nearly 43 points per game should remain tough to stop. The Titans will have to find a way to improve to replace a group of graduating the subregion’s seven teams, 62-peron the other side of the ball to avoid taking a step backward. seniors led by quarterback Duke cent included both teams combining NORTHGATE VIKINGS (6-4) Kinnamon and running back Josh for 60 or more points.

WHAT WE THINK: The Vikings’ defense posted the top scoring average in a subregion full of offenAnge.

Unfortunately for defenses, that sive talent. Senior linebackers James Skalski and Kyle Feldbauer provide a solid nucleus, while a Kinnamon, who threw for 1,027 trend could easily continue through crop of young offensive skill players seemed primed to take another big step. Northgate was also yards and nine touchdowns showthis fall. the only school to hand Drew a subregion loss, doing it in dominating fashion. It wouldn’t surprise us cased his athleticism in a move from Drew, Starr’s Mill and Mundy’s at all to see the Vikings make a substantial bid for its first region title since 2011. wide receiver last year, eventually Mill made up three-quarters of STARR’S MILL PANTHERS (6-5) earning a baseball scholarship to 4-AAAAA’s state playoff teams last WHAT WE THINK: The Panthers arguably have their best lineup since reaching the 2010 Class AAAA Stanford. year. Along with Northgate, the four title game, with a host of skill position players returning following a late-season run to the state playThis year’s successor, however, subregion teams all finished above offs. While replacing openings at quarterback and kicker will be key, 16 starters return. should be well protected. The .500.

MUNDY’S MILL TIGERS (7-4) line of scrimmage expects to be Shootouts became the norm in WHAT WE THINK: The Tigers continue to make a surge under head coach Dorwyn Lyles following among McIntosh’s strengths with 2014, including a 110-point shootconsecutive state playoff berths. But in order to keep pace, the program will have to replace a talthis year’s group including senior out between eventual 4A-AAAAA ented starting quarterback and six key contributors on defense.

Hunter Fox (6-3, 285). champion Drew and Starr’s Mill.

MCINTOSH CHIEFS (3-7) Senior Derek Bertke (6-2, 230) With a host of last year’s offensive WHAT WE THINK: After taking a dip below .500 following a state playoff berth in 2013, the line of helps solidify the corps of defensive standouts returning, scoreboards scrimmage could be among McIntosh’s greatest strengths this year. Replacing talented quarterback linemen for the Chiefs. Six starters could continue to get a workout.

Duke Kinnamon will be among this year’s challenges. are back on defense including both “I’ll say this, football in our MORROW MUSTANGS (3-7) Bertke and linebacker Owen Pearegion is underrated,” Northgate WHAT WE THINK: Last year’s three wins were the most for the Mustangs in a single season since cock (6-0, 200). head coach Tommy Walburn. “Espe2006. Junior quarterback Josiah Dixon could be the key to sustaining improvement this fall.

The group on offense will be cially on our side of the region.”

FOREST PARK PANTHERS (0-10) showcase more youth and inexpeLast year’s top-four finishers WHAT WE THINK: The Panthers went through a pair of coaching changes in the offseason, the latter rience despite returning receiver could again distance themselves of which just days before the first day of school. The program hasn’t won more than two games in a Taylor Casterline (11 rec., 249 yds, 3 from the pack again in 2015, though single season since 2002, with 10 head coaches in 13 years.

TDs). there seems to be no clear-cut favor“We’re looking to work hard, take ite in 4A-AAAAA. Defending subseven victories in 2014 as the subre- it one game at a time and return region champion Drew faces chalgion’s most successful team while to the state playoffs,” Chiefs head lenges despite returning a wealth continuing to experience a surge of talent from a 7-4 team that lost coach Lee Belknap. in success under fourth-year head its GHSA first-round state playoff Morrow’s three wins were the coach Greg Manior. game by an extra point in overtime program’s most in a single season “Our guys know what to expect to Glynn Academy. since 2006, as well as a step toward —Northgate head coach Tommy Walburn now,” said Manior. “The bar has Titans head coach Dorwyn Lyles ending a streak of 16 consecutive been raised by the classes before understands that expectations are losing seasons. Head coach Leroy them. It’s understood now.” for 489 yards. even higher for the Clayton County offense and the field experience Foster feels like his team is “turning Both Mundy’s Mill and Northgate the corner here.”

Phillips thinks the group of skill they’ve achieved is critical [to sucprogram, which will be tested Oct. led the region in defensive scoring players could be the most talented 2 at home against Starr’s Mill before cess],” said Lyles, addressing his “They played us about as good as since 2010 when Zack Laskey (Geor- average at just under 24 points per team’s strengths. facing Mundy’s Mill and Northanyone. We beat them on the scoregame. The Tigers, who are searchgia Tech, St. Louis Rams) led the While Drew will also have speed gate over consecutive weeks in mid board, but they outplayed us last ing for their third straight state in its return game on special teams, team as a senior. Phillips is expectOctober. year,” admitted Walburn. playoff berth, return six key contribfinding pieces around five returning ing sophomore receiver Brandon “This season will be a chalJunior Josiah Dixon moves into utors on that side of the ball.

Rew (6-4, 168) to have a breakout starters on defense could prove the lenge in moving to the next step his first season as the Mustangs’ Along with the return of senior difference. Seniors Jallah Neal (5-11, season. of achievement,” Lyles said. Comstarting quarterback. Receivers running back Khalid Hylton (1,103 Two key positions that face tran220) at linebacker and Quarderman ing off a playoff year, expectations George Carter and Josh Lowery yards, 10 TDs) provides a strong sitions are quarterback and kicker.

Sloan (5-7, 168) lead the group. are high and the potential is there. provide two talented targets for an nucleus. Hylton also was a key Junior quarterback Stone Kasten Starr’s Mill, meanwhile, could [Our} success will depend how new offense that looks to improve from receiver with 10 catches for 124 (1,316 yds, 16 TDs) transferred to challenge for its first region title additions will contribute and prolast year’s 19-point scoring average. yards and posted 81 tackles as a since 2010, the same year Chad Phil- Whitewater, making the Aug. 28 duce on the field.”

Forest Park, meanwhile, may face season opener against the Wildcats starting safety. lips was promoted to head coach.

Drew, will continue to run a another uphill battle. A winless 2014 An opening must be filled at even more intriguing. Starr’s Mill The Panthers held off Northgate to spread offense that averaged 42.9 season was followed by a pair of also graduated kicker Brandon Oot, quarterback, however. The losses points a game under senior quarter- clinch third place in 4A-AAAAA coaching changes. Former assistant to graduation for Mundy’s Mill who will play at Wofford. back Joseph Newman (6-0, 173), who before defeating Dutchtown in the Dale Myers takes the reins this fall includes Rodricous Gates (1,241 yds, for a program that hasn’t posted a In a high-scoring league, howregion play-in game to earn the No. finished with 1,505 yards passing 13 TDs) among three key skill posiever, making plays on defense and and 24 touchdowns and also ran for 3 seed in the GHSA state playoffs. winning season since 2000. tion players. Five defensive starters limited big plays could be as much Of that group 16 starters return, 1,084 yards and 11 scores.

Last year’s struggles saw the team lost included safety Gerald Miller a key to this year’s success. Senior split equally among eight on both The Titans graduated star rungive up just over 40 point in seven Satchel Goodrich (6-0, 175) finished (76 tackles). sides of the ball. ning back Marquis Terry, who of its 10 games. Senior running back In all, the team loses its quarterwith four interceptions last year Along with star sophomore Rico finished last year with 1,883 yards Christopher Winston (513 yds rushFrye, who rushed for 1,316 yards and among a group of returning starters. back, two leading rushers and most ing) and quarterback Courtney and 18 touchdowns. Newman has “If we expect to return to the state of its offensive line.

15 touchdowns as a ninth grader, the top targets Bryson Duckworth and Williams Jr. (367 yds passing) lead The Tigers’ schedule, outside offense is cemented by three senior playoffs, we must be more consisMason Williams back as well as this year’s offensive returners while of a Sept. 25 game at Northgate is tent on defense and tackle better in the bulk of the team’s offensive line linemen along with tight-end Garjoined by senior wide receiver/ back-heavy with consecutive games safety James Ragland. space,” Phillips said. rett Houston and Dion Munerlyn, back as returning seniors. against Starr’s Mill and Drew before Mundy’s Mill matched Drew’s who caught a team-best 27 passes “The group of returners on

Our Predicted Order of Finish

cgoltermann@newnan.com

“I’ll say this, football in our region is underrated.“Especially on our side of the region.”

REGION 4A-AAAAA TEAMS AT A GLANCE DREW TITANS

Head Coach: Dorwyn Lyles (2nd season, 7-4; 5th overall, 10-31) City: Riverdale Stadium: Southern Crescent Colors: Old Gold, Navy Blue 2014 Record: 7-4, 5-1 (1st subregion; 2nd region) Points Scored/Avg: 472/42.9 Points Allowed/Avg: 310/28.2 Recent History: 4-6 (2013), 6-4 (2012), 7-4 (2011), 2-8 (2010) Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple 4-3 Key Losses: RB Marquis Terry (1,883 yds., 18 TDs; Highlands Community); MLB Deveall McClendon (140 yds rush, 6 TD; 15 tackles; Benedict), DE Latyreon Temple (Reinhardt) Key Returners: Offense — 7 QB Joseph Newman, Sr. (6-0, 173; 1,084 yds rush, 11 TD; 1,505 yds pass, 24 TD); 17 WR Bryson Duckworth (6-5, 210) Sr., 8 WR Mason Williams, Sr. (5-11, 175), 75 OL Shamarious Gilmore, Sr. (6-3, 270), 54 OL Jared Hagan, Sr. (5-9, 250), 50 OL Antonio Gamble, Sr. (6-2, 265), 69 OL Noah Tucker, Sr. (6-3, 225); 2 RB Quarderman Sloan, Sr. (5-7, 168); Defense — 47 LB Jallah Neal, Sr. (5-11, 220), 3 CB Kahari Richards, Sr. (6-1, 190), 22 LB Justin Fantroyal, Jr. (5-9 177), 49 DL Nelson Armour Jr. (5-11, 226), 13 CB Shemar Vance, Jr. (5-8, 174).

2015 SCHEDULE Aug. 28 at Fayette County Sept. 4 at Lowndes Sept. 11 at North Clayton# Sept. 25 at Forest Park #* Oct. 2 Starr’s Mill*# Oct. 9 at Morrow*# Oct. 16 Mundy’s Mill*# Oct. 22 Northgate*# Oct. 30 at McIntosh* Nov. 6 Region 4-AAAAA play-in game HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 4A-AAAAA game #Southern Crescent Stadium 2014 RESULTS Aug. 28 Fayette County W44-27 Sept. 5 at Lowndes L50-14 Sept. 12 North Clayton LW42-0 Sept. 25 Forest Park * L72-0 Oct. 3 at Starr’s Mill * W67-43 Oct, 10 Morrow * W54-18 Oct. 17 at Mundy’s Mill* W40-28 Oct. 24 at Northgate * W43-30

Oct. 31 McIntosh* W49-13 Nov. 7 at Stockbridge^ L53-26 GHSA Class AAAAA State Playoffs Nov. 14 Glynn Academy L35-34 OT HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 4A-AAAAA game ^ Region 4-AAAAA championship

FOREST PARK PANTHERS

Head Coach: Dale Myers, First Season City: Forest Park Stadium: Tara Colors: Maroon and Gold 2014 Record: 0-10, 0-6 in 4A-AAAAA (7th) Points Scored/Avg: 120/12.0 Points Allowed/Avg: 441/44.1 Recent History: 2-8 (2013), 0-10 (2012), 1-9 (2011), 2-8 (2010) Key Losses: 1 QB/RB/FS Lester Miller (240 yds passing; 295 yds rushing, 4 TDs; 51 tackles); 2 WR/CB Amir Ziyad (27 tackles); 22 TE/OLB Keonte Brocks (4 rec., 132 yds; 90 tackles, sack); 25 LB Karnard Weston (61 tackles, sack); 45 Teshon Gwinn; 50 QB/DE Kadarius Kendrick (57 tackles) Key Returners: 6 RB Christopher Winston, Sr. (5-10, 170; 513 yds rushing, 3 TDs); 8 WR/FS James Ragland, Sr. (6-3, 175; 24 rec., 321 yds, 2 TDs; 42 tackles); 10 QB Courtney Williams, Jr. (5-10, 160; 367 yds passing, 2 TDs); 12 Kejuan Ethridge, Jr. (6-0, 170; 28 tackles); 24 RB/ OLB Jersavious James, Sr. (5-9, 175; 22 tackles); 55 C/NG Malik Williams, Sr. (5-9, 300; 31 tackles); 56 G/NG Corey Funches, Sr. (6-0, 265; 41 tackles); 2015 SCHEDULE Aug. 27 at Spalding Sept. 4 at Woodland-Henry Sept. 10 Luella# Sept. 18 at Starr’s Mill* Sept. 25 Drew^ Oct. 9 at Mundy’s Mill*@ Oct. 16 at Northgate* Oct. 23 McIntosh *# Oct. 30 Morrow*# Nov. 6 Region Play-In Game HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 4A-AAAAA #Tara Stadium ^Southern Crescent Stadium @Twelve Oaks Stadium

2014 RESULTS Aug. 28 Spalding L22-7 Sept. 5 Woodland (Henry) L37-13 Sept. 12 at Luella L52-12 Sept. 19 Starr’s Mill* L56-6 Sept. 25 at Drew* L72-0 Oct. 9 Mundy’s Mill* L41-7 Oct. 17 Northgate* L51-12 Oct. 24 at McIntosh L51-22 Oct. 31 at Morrow* L14-13 Nov. 7 at Ola L45-28 HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 4A-AAAAA game

MCINTOSH CHIEFS

Head Coach: Lee Belknap (5th Season, 17-24) City: Peachtree City Stadium: McIntosh Stadium Colors: Green and White 2014 Record: 8-3 overall, 2-4 (4th in 4A-AAAAA) Points scored/Avg: 254/25.4 Points allowed /Avg: 315/31.5 Recent History: 8-3 (2013), 5-5 (2012), 1-9 (2011), 2-8 (2010) Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Key Losses: QB Duke Kinnamon (Stanford); RB Josh Ange (124 yds rush; 28 rec., 531 yds, 3 TDs); MLB Patrick Triana (35 tackles); S Juan Clark (12 tackles); DL Jacob Bolen (11 tackles) Key Returners: QB Taylor Casterine, Sr. (5-8), MLB Owen Peacock, Sr. (39 tackles), OLM Dawson Riesselmann, Sr. (5-9, 170; 35 tackles), S Robbie Mustic, Sr. (31 tackles), SS Patrick Anderson, Sr. (6-2, 190; 24 tackles); DL Daniel King, Sr. (10 tackles).

2015 SCHEDULE Aug. 21 Fayette County Aug. 28 at Luella Sept. 11 Ola Sept. 18 at Mundy’s Mill* Sept. 25 Morrow* Oct. 2 Northgate* Oct. 9 at Starr’s Mill* Oct. 23 at Forest Park* Oct. 30 Drew* Nov. 6 Region 4-AAAAA Play-In Game HOME GAMES IN BOLD * Region 4-AAAAA game 2014 RESULTS Aug 22 at Fayette County W28-25 Aug. 29 Luella L20-16 Sept. 12 at Ola L29-14 Sept. 19 Mundy’s Mill L41-29

Sept. 26 at Morrow* W56-28 Oct. 3 at Northgate* L42-28 Oct. 10 Starr’s Mill* L42-7 Oct. 24 Forest Park* W51-22 Oct. 31 at Drew* L49-13 Nov. 11 Union Grove L17-14 HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 4A-AAAAA game

MORROW MUSTANGS

Head Coach: LeRoy Foster (5-25 fourth season) City: Morrow Stadium: Tara Colors: Green and Gold 201 4 Record: 3-7, 1-5 in 4A-AAAAA (6th) Points scored/Avg. 192/19.2 Points allowed/Avg. 381/38.1 Recent History: 1-9 (2013), 1-9 (2012), 0-10 (2011), 2-8 (2010) Key Losses: RB Shawn Murphy, LB Najarri Clay (Cheyney University), Trevon McCall (Sewanee University), QB Larry Hodnett (Peru State), OL/DL Andre Cowins, Key Returners: 5 QB Josiah Dixon 10 WR George Carter, Sr (6-0, 176).; 21 WR Josh Lowery, Jr. (5-6, 130), 53 OL/DL Gino Smith, Jr. (6-0, 234), 25 MLB William Covington, So. (5-10, 235) 2015 SCHEDULE Aug. 28 at Mt. Zion-Jonesboro^ Sept. 4 Ola Sept. 11 Stockbridge# Sept. 17 Northgate*# Sept. 25 at McIntosh* Oct. 1 at Mundy’s Mill*^ Oct. 9 Drew*# Oct. 16 Starr’s Mill*# Oct. 30 at Forest Park*# Nov. 6 Region Play-in Game HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 4A-AAAAA game ^ Twelve Oaks #Tara Stadium 2014 RESULTS Mt. Zion-Jonesboro W27-24 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 at Ola L41-39 Sept. 12 at Stockbridge L38-0 Sept. 19 at Northgate* L28-20 Sept. 26 McIntosh* L56-28 Mundy’s Mill* L59-18 Oct. 3 Drew* L54-18 Oct. 10 Oct. 16 at Starr’s Mill* L55-8 Forest Park* W14-13 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 at Osborne W20-13 HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 4A-AAAAA

MUNDY’S MILL TIGERS Head Coach: Greg Manior (4th season, 19-15; 12th overall, 53-62) City: Jonesboro Stadium: Twelve Oaks Colors: Navy Blue, Orange and White 2014 Record: 7-4, 5-1 (2nd subregion; 3rd in region) Points Scored/Avg.: 366/33.3 Points Allowed/Avg: 262/23.8 Recent History: 8-5 (2013), 4-6 (2012), 2-8 (2011), 4-6 (2010) Key Losses: QB Rodricous Gates (1,241 yds pass, 13 TD; 580 yds rush), RB Devonte Haley (648 yds rush, 7 TD; 6 rec. 156 yds; 64 tackles); WR/DB Cornell Washington (25 rec., 378 yds, 6 TD); DB Gerald Miller (76 tackles, INT); DE/TE Brandon Crawford (55 tackles, sack); FB/LB Kevin Shedd (52 tackles, FR); DE Ato Hughes (36 tackles); DL Quintavious Thomas, Sr. (2 sacks) Key Returners: 1 RB/SS Khalid Hylton, Sr. (5-8, 175; 1,103 yds rush, 10 TDs; 10 rec., 124 yds; 81 tackles); 2 WR/S Kimani Donaldson, Jr. (6-0, 165; 37 tackles); 3 RB Marqarius Crutchfield, Jr. (5-10, 160; 497 yds, 5 TDs);5 FB/MLB Kolby Williams, Jr.. (5-9, 187; 75 tackles) 8 QB/CB Kaziah Hall, Jr. (5-10, 175; 112 yds rush); 12 WR/ QB Armani Donaldson, So. (5-10, 148; 16 rec., 405 yds, 8 TDs); 32 FB Josh Harrison, Jr. (5-10, 225; 177 yds rush, 4 TDs) 2015 SCHEDULE Aug .28 at Lovejoy# Sept. 4 Central Gwinnett# Sept. 11 Union Grove# Sept. 18 McIntosh*# Sept. 25 at Northgate* Oct. 1 Morrow*# Oct. 9 Forest Park*# Oct. 16 at Drew* Oct. 23 at Starr’s Mill Nov .6 Region Play-In Game HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 4A-AAAAA #Twelve Oaks Stadium ^Southern Crescent Stadium 2014 RESULTS Aug. 29 Lovejoy L47-13 Sept. 5 at Central Gwinnett L21-8 Sept 12 at Union Grove W49-24 Sept. 19 at McIntosh* W41-27 Sept. 26 Northgate* W41-34 Oct. 3 at Morrow* W59-18 Oct. 9 at Forest Park* W41-7 Oct. 17 Drew* L40-28 Oct. 24 Starr’s Mill* W33-16

Nov. 7 Woodland-Henry W47-14 GHSA Class AAAAA State Playoffs Nov. 14 at Coffee L14-6 HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 4A-AAAAA game

STARR’S MILL PANTHERS

Head Coach: Chad Phillips (32-24, 6th season) City: Peachtree City Stadium: Panther Stadium 2014 Record: 6-5, 4-2 (3rd in 4A-AAAAA) Points scored/Avg.: 333/30.2 Points allowed/Avg.: 294/26.7 Recent History: 4-6 (2013), 3-7 (2012), 5-5 (2011), 14-1 (2010) Key Losses: K Brandon Oot; TE/DL Terence Harper (Campbell University), 10 QB Stone Kasten, Jr. (1,316 yds, 16 TD, 5 INT; transferred to Whitewater).

Key Returners: 1 RB Rico Frye, So. (1,214 yds, 14 TDs; 9 rec, 140 yds); 4 Dre Davis, So. (160 yds, 2 TDs); 8 WR/RB Dion Munerlyn, Jr (27 rec., 489 yds); 11 WR Satchel Goodrich, Sr. (140 yds rush; 19 rec., 385 yds; 4 INT); 3 LB Melvin Bloomfield, Sr.; 18 WR/DB Marcel Ray, Sr. (8 rec., 114 yds), OL Devin King, OL Ryan Speicha, 69 C Colin Maguire, Sr. (6-4, 245).

2015 SCHEDULE Aug. 28 at Whitewater Fayette County Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Dutchtown Sept. 18 Forest Park* Oct. 2 at Drew* McIntosh* Oct. 9 Oct. 16 at Morrow*^ Mundy’s Mill* Oct. 23 Oct. 30 at Northgate* Nov. 6 Region Play-In Game HOME GAMES IN BOLD *Region 4A-AAAAA ^Tara Stadium 2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 29 Whitewater L46-21 Sept. 5 at Fayette County L21-14 Sept. 12 at Dutchtown W35-33 Sept. 19 at Forest Park W56-6 Drew L67-43 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 at McIntosh W42-7 Oct. 16 Morrow W55-8 Oct. 24 at Mundy’s Mill L33-16 Oct. 31 Northgate W24-14 Nov. 7 at Dutchtown W17-14 Class AAAAA State Playoffs Nov. 14 at Ware County L45-10

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 11B

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Wednesday, August 19, 2015 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 12B

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FOOTBALL 2015 1C

MISSION POSSIBLE Wednesday, August 19, 2015

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE ALAN BONNER

ALEC OGLETREE

Maturing Ogletree ready to branch out

From the school of ‘Hard Knocks’

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN

TEXANS WIDE-RECEIVER ALAN BONNER OVERCOMES INJURIES WHILE CONTINUING NFL DREAMS

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

Alan Bonner knew all about “Hard Knocks” even before an HBO crew stepped foot on the field during the Houston Texans preseason camp.

A pair of injury setbacks, however, haven’t done anything to quell the former Newnan High All-State receiver’s motives for playing on Sundays this fall.

As Texans camp opened this month with a television crew ready to document behind the scenes footage for the much beloved NFL series on cable, the 2013 sixth-round draft pick out of Jacksonville State was determined to continue his dream of playing professional football. “ I am all about competing,” said Bonner, who is one

of two primary backups at receiver in Houston, which saw All-Pro Andre Johnson leave for Indianapolis in free agency after spending his first 11 years with the Texans. “ All I had to do was get healthy and come out here and show what I can do.”

Bonner, however, has become a master of patience starting from his days as a high school senior. Despite helping lead the Cougars to both the GHSA state football and basketball semifinals while joined by friend and teammate Russell Powell -Newnan’s quarterback and point guard -- neither was heavily recruited by major Division I schools.

While Powell made the most of a basketball scholarship at Jacksonville University, playing four seasons and going on to become a head coach at Stanton College Prep nearby, Bonner

cgoltermann@newnan.com

PHOTO COURTESY HOUSTON TEXANS

Former Newnan All-State receiver Alan Bonner, a sixth-round draft pick in 2013, is hoping to put a series of injuries behind this year.

equally took advantage of his opportunity to showcase his talents at the college level while earning honors in the Ohio Valley Conference as a receiver and punt returner.

That versatility had Bonner in line to make the Texans’ 53-man roster as a rookie before a hamstring issue relegated him to the practice squad. Poised for a comeback in 2014 after making an impression in OTA’s and mini-camp, Bonner broke his foot on the first day of the preseason before eventually being waived.

Houston, in its second year under former Penn State head coach and NFL assistant Bill O’Brien, invited Bonner back to training camp this year after being impressed with his recovery.

“The big thing with Alan is staying health,” O’Brien four days after Bonner was added to the preseason roster on July 31. “ If Alan can stay healthy and be out there a lot, that’s good. That’s good for him. He’s got speed, he’s

SEE BONNER, page 9C

When Alec Ogletree arrived at the University of Georgia as a freshman, there was an emphasis on the Bulldogs getting the former Newnan High star safety even bigger and stronger en route to making a position change.

Two years into his NFL career, though, the St. Louis Rams linebacker went the other direction, saying he’s trimmed his weight down as much as 10 pounds heading into preseason camp. “"I came in probably 10 pounds lighter than I did last year. I feel great,” said Ogletree, who is still listed officially at 6-2, 245 pounds.

"I knew I could stand to lose a couple pounds. I wanted to get down so I could move around a lot faster."

That’s not the only thing the 24-year-old has shed while becoming one of the key pieces to a Rams defense that could vault the franchise

Ten pounds lighter and newly married, Alec Ogletree has plenty of reasons to be smiling these days with the Rams.

back into the playoffs for the first time in 11 years.

Ogletree’s new look now includes a freshly shaved head, and growing in his goatee. The offseason also included waving goodbye to single life as the soon to be 24-year-old married his college girlfriend Alexandra in a fairy tale Atlanta wedding in March.

SEE OGLETREE, page 10C

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Local stars continue to shine at Mercer

Facyson back in action at Va. Tech

By DOUG GORMAN

By DOUG GORMAN

dgorman@newnan.com

dgorman@newnan.com

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

When Mercer University restarted its football program three seasons ago after a 70-plus year hiatus, one of the first geographical areas Bears coaches concentrated on during recruiting was Coweta County.

The decision has paid huge dividends for the private DB - LENDELL ARNOLD, JR. Southern Conference School OL - DAWSON ELLIS, FR. in Macon.

RB - ALEX LAKES , SO. Among the Coweta County RB - PAYTON USHER , JR. graduates who OL - DAVID RASCHEN, JR. are making a name for themselves at Mercer are starting running back Alex Lakes (5-11, 216) and starting defensive back Lendell Arnold (5-9, 199).

Payton Usher (5-7,176), who teamed with Lakes in the backfield for head coach Tommy Walburn’s Wing-T offense at Northgate, returns for his junior year with the Bears after missing playing time last season because of injuries.

“Alex and Payton ment a whole lot to this program when they were in high school,” Walburn said. “They are off to a great start in college and it’s nice to see.”

After sitting out his redshirt season after transferring from the Air Force Academy, Lakes burst on the scene last year, turning into one the premier backs in the Southern Conference.

Former Northgate cornerback Brandon Facyson’s college football career at Virginia Tech has been a mixed bag of success and heartbreak.

After a stellar first season that earned him Freshman All American honors and the praise of Hokies’ head coach Frank Beamer, Facyson’s second season came to a halt just three games into last fall when he suffered a broken leg in practice.

The injury earned him a trip under the Facyson surgeon’s knife and a medical redshirt while retaining three years of eligibility.

After intense rehab that included missing spring practice, all signs point to Facyson returning to the field at 100-percent.

Facyson’s first game back presents an immediate challenge while heading into a Labor Day night opener at home against defending champion Ohio State.

“He came out to one of our practice this summer right before he headed back to school, and he looked great. I think he is healthy again and should have a really good year,” his former coach high school coach Tommy Walburn said.”

Kickers and punters might just be the loneliest players on the football team. They also ride the full spectrum of emotions at the college level.

They can be a hero one minute, a possible ‘goat’ the next, especially when the game- WIL LUTZ , SR. winning field goal sails wide right or left, (GEORGIA STATE) or a punt is shanked, SPENCER SMITH setting up an opponent (MEMPHIS) in good field position for the game-winning COLE ANTLEY drive.

(OUCHITA BAPTIST) However, there is no doubt kickers and punters play a vital part in the outcome of a football game.

Coweta County has done its part in sending kickers on to the next level. Starting with East Coweta graduate Chris Hanson who played at Marshall almost two decades ago and went on to play for six NFL teams, including an All-Pro season with the New England Patriots, kickers from Coweta County have made strong contributions to their teams.

Currently, East Coweta graduate Spencer Smith and Northgate graduate Wil Lutz have used their legs to put up impressive numbers as walk-ons, Smith at Memphis and Lutz at Georgia State.

SEE MERCER, page 9C

SEE FACYSON, page 5C

Coweta’s specialists giving schools leg up

Britt making instant impact for Tar Heels

By DOUG GORMAN

dgorman@newnan.com

Former Newnan football player J.K. Britt hasn’t stepped on the college football field with the North Carolina Tar Heels for a game, but the freshman is already garnering accolades.

After being named the No. 48 safety in the country by ESPN, and the No. 75 cornerback by rivals, Britt enrolled early at North Carolina and made a strong showing in the spring contest for the Tar Heels, He has also impressed North CarBritt olina coaches with his strong work ethic.

Britt had several offers before signing with the Tar Heels and in enrolling early.

Among the schools showing interest in Britt were Kentucky, Georgia Tech, University of Louisville, and Ole Miss.

Britt went as far as verbally committing to Kentucky before switching to North Carolina after a great visit with the Tar Heels.

During the ACC media day meetings North Carolina head coach Larry Fedora said Britt is among the true freshman who could see playing time this year.

SEE LEG UP, page 9C

SEE BRITT, page 9C

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2C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 19, 2015

HERITAGE SCHOOL

HAWKS

Heritage School head coach D.J. Clay heads into his second season at the helm after leading the Hawks to its second GISA region football title in three years.

GISA REGION 1-AAA

PHOTO BY CINDY LAMARCA/PURE GRIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Champs again, Hawks come full circle Heritage School Hawks 2015 Roster

PHOTO BY JEFFREY LEO

This year’s Heritage School team is led by eight seniors including Matt Burns, Jake Henderson, Cody Chastain, Cole Jones, Maddux Jeffreys, Matt Henson, David Barber and Hayden Stanley. A full team photo was unavailable prior to deadline.

NO. PLAYER 2 Hamp Smith 4 Jake Henderson 5 Hayden Stanley 7 Hays Burns 8 Peyton Henson 10 Jacob Bryant 11 Henry Arnall 12 Patrick Griffies 13 Gridley Pendergrast 14 David Barber 15 Charlie Minor 17 Cody Chastain 20 Hunt Thomas 21 Matt Burns 22 Chase Evans 23 McCullough Burns 28 Matt Henson 32 Wright Arnall 33 Jake Trammell 34 Maddux Jeffreys 35 Cole Ayers 45 Robert Johnson 47 Jay Macke 50 Nick Obata 55 Thomas Crymes 70 Hayes Johnston 75 Ryan Blackstone 77 Austin Barbario 79 Ben Carnazzo 80 Andrew Vazquez 81 Kirby Arnall 82 Cole Jones 88 Jack LaMarca 99 Jack Stanley

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

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

HERITAGE FLYING HIGH AGAIN WHILE RIDING REGION TITLE INTO SEASON FULL OF POTENTIAL

By DOUG GORMAN

dgorman@newnan.com

T

he 2014 football season at The Heritage School was one centered on turning negatives into positives.

On the field, the Hawks turned things around in a hurry en route to the program’s second GISA region football championship in three years while going undefeated in 1-AAA. Off of it, the program found itself a new leader who handled a crisis with poise.

“It took a couple of weeks to get the guys on the right track,” said second year head coach D.J. Clay, who was promoted four days prior to last year’s season opener. “As soon as we were able to get these team together and bond that’s when we were able to start rolling.”

After falling to Flint River 13-12 and John Milledge 56-12 in two emotionally charged games to open the 2014 season, the Hawks hit their stride with a high-powered offense, winning the next seven games en route to a 7-3 season and a trip to the state playoffs as Region 1-AAA champions.

This year, however, Heritage has repeat on its mind — as well as the tools to accomplish the task. The Hawks return eight key contributors on offense and seven more on defense from a lineup that outscored opponents 446-201.

Heritage scored at least 42 points in each of its seven wins, and 60 or more in three of them. With the majority of last year’s lineup returning, the potential is there to match that success.

The Hawks expect to turn to Newnan High transfer Jacob Bryant to fill an opening at quarterback left by Brad Macke. In his senior year, Macke connected on 30 of his 60 passes for 951 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Along with Bryant, a junior, the Hawks also benefit heavily from the return of senior Peyton Henson, who stepped in last season when Macke was injured and contributed 322 yards passing and three touchdowns.

Henson remains one of the Hawks

2015 SCHEDULE

Friday at Flint River Aug. 28 at John Milledge Academy Sept. 4 Terrell Academy Sept. 11 Robert Toombs Academy Sept. 18 Griffin Christian * Sept. 25 at Bethlehem Christian * Oct. 2 at Loganville Christian * Oct. 16 Holy Spirit * Oct. 23 at Dominion Christian * Oct. 30 Trinity Christian* *GISA Region 1-AAA game Home games in BOLD

2014 RESULTS

Aug. 22 Flint River L13-12 Aug. 29 John Milledge L56-19 Sept. 5 at Terrell Academy Susp.

Sept. 12 at Young Americans W51-0 Sept. 19 at Griffin Christian W62-6 Sept. 26 Bethlehem Christian W60-13 Oct. 3 Loganville Christian W54-27 Oct. 17 at Holy Spirit W42-7 Oct. 24 Dominion Christian W65-21 Oct. 31 at Trinity Christian W56-30 GISA Class AAA State Playoffs Nov. 7 Gatewood School L28-25 *GISA Region 1-AAA game Home games in BOLD most versatile players while able to step into any offensive skill position in addition to kick and punt returns. He showed big-play potential, with two of his five receptions going for touchdowns, averaging 24.8 yards per catch.

“He is sort of a jack-of-all trades for us back there,” Clay said. “We are excited about that. We didn’t want to put our starting quarterback in that role of having to return kicks.”

Freshman Henry Arnall adds depth to the quarterback position after thriving at the middle school level.

In addition to Henson, who averaged

9.9 yards over 25 carries, three of which went for touchdowns, Heritage returns two of its top-three rushers in Hamp Smith and Matthew Burns.

As a sophomore, Smith barely missed out on the 1,000-yard mark last season, finishing with 987 yards and 15 touchdowns. Burns tallied 825 yards and eight touchdowns while now heading into his senior year.

Sophomore Hunt Thomas, who had 165 yards and a touchdown as a ninth grader, suffered a knee injury in the preseason and is out for the year.

There is equal depth on offense at receiver and tight end, with senior Cole Jones an interchangeable piece.

The 6-foot-4, 200-pound senior led Heritage with 19 receptions for 475 yards and eight touchdowns while proving to be a difficult matchup for opposing secondaries.

Senior Matt Henson finished last year with seven catches for 175 yards and two touchdowns.

Smith and Burns also combined for nine receptions for 180 yards out of the backfield.

“We have so much depth at our skill positions,” Clay said. “We can insert different people in different roles.”

Up front on the offensive line, the Hawks face replacing two graduating seniors in Trevor Henson and Thomas Gruber, but benefit from the return of juniors Ryan Blackstone, Jake Trammell, and Jay Macke after a year of valuable experience.

SEE HAWKS, page 3C

PHOTO BY MINDY LAMARCA/ PURE GRIN PHOTOGRAPHY

HERITAGE SCHOOL HAWKS AT A GLANCE Stadium: Hawks Colors: Royal blue, white and red 2014 Record: 7-3 overall, 7-0 in GISA Region 1-AAA (1st) Points Scored/Avg: 446/44.6 Points Allowed/Avg: 201/20.1 Recent History: 3-7 (2013), 11-2 (2012), 8-3 (2011), 4-6 (2010) Head Coach: D.J. Clay (2nd year, 7-3) Coaching Staff: Drew Henderson (Offensive Coordinator), Jake Copeland (Defensive Coordinator), Bart Henson, Dean Henson, Andy Gilroy, Jeb Moody, Murray Parks, Kase Cook.

Key Losses: 10 QB Brad Macke (951 yds pass, 11 TD; 825 yds rush, 10 TDs); 1 RB/WR Chaz Bankston (595 yds rush, 10 TDs; 9 rec. 249 yds, TD), 27 LB Trevor Sawyers (87 tackles), 17 LB Tristan Stoffle (35 tackles); 44 OL/DL Trevor Henson (44 tackles, 6 sacks); OL/DL 74 Thomas Gruber (29 tackles, 4 sacks) Key Returners: 2 RB/DB Hamp Smith, Jr.; 8 WR/DB Peyton Henson, Sr.; 14 K David Barber, Sr.; 21 RB/DB Matt Burns, Sr.; 22 OL/LB Chase Evans, Jr.; 28 WR/DB Matt Henson, Sr.; 33 OL/DL Jake Trammell, Jr.; 47 Jay Macke OL/LB, Jr.; 75 OL/DL Ryan Blackstone, Jr.; 82 TE/DL Cole Jones, Sr. Newcomers: QB/P Jacob Bryant Outlook: The Hawks overcame adversity to earn their second region title in three years. Now the goal is to sustain last year’s success. With eight contributors back on offense and seven more on defense, it’s certainly attainable. Bryant, in his first year as a varsity starter at quarterback, should have plenty of help. The key might come in fine tuning the defense after losing three key starters.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 3C

2014 HERITAGE SCHOOL STATISTICS DEFENSE

OFFENSE

Points Scored/Avg.: 446/44.6 Rushing No. Player Att. Yds. Avg. 2 Hamp Smith 132 987 7.5 10 Brad Macke 74 825 11.1 21 Matthew Burns 85 787 9.3 1 Chaz Bankston 76 595 7.8 8 Peyton Henson 25 247 9.9 20 Hunt Thomas 38 165 4.3 4 Jake Henderson 12 144 12.0 23 Parker Jones 14 81 5.8 7 Hays Burns 5 55 11.0 17 Tristan Stoffle 1 2 2.0 Totals 462 3,888 8.4 Passing No. Player Comp Att 10 Brad Macke 39 60 8 Peyton Henson 26 52 Totals 64 113

TDs 15 10 8 10 3 1 1 1 0 0 49

Yds TD INT 951 11 4 322 3 8 1,273 14 12

Receiving No. Player Rec. Yds. Avg. TD 82 Cole Jones 19 476 25.1 8 1 Chaz Bankston 9 249 27.7 1 28 Matt Henson 7 175 25.0 2 23 Parker Jones 7 78 11.1 0 8 Peyton Henson 5 124 24.8 2 21 Matthew Burns 5 42 8.4 0 2 Hamp Smith 4 138 34.5 1 4 Jake Henderson 1 22 22.0 0 11 Colin Kouters 1 3 3.0 0 Totals 64 1,273 19.9 10

SCORING No. Player TD XP FG 2pt Tot 1 Chaz Bankston 15 0 0 2 94 2 Hamp Smith 13 0 0 0 77 10 Brad Macke 10 0 0 0 60 14 David Barber 0 47-57 2 0 53 21 Matthew Burns 8 0 0 0 48 82 Cole Jones 7 0 0 0 42 8 Peyton Henson 5 0 0 0 30 28 Matt Henson 1 0 0 0 6 23 Parker Jones 1 0 0 0 6 20 Hunt Thomas 1 0 0 0 6 4 Jake Henderson 1 0 0 0 6 Totals 62 47 2 2 446

SPECIAL TEAMS No. Player 82 Cole Jones

Punting

Punts Avg. 5 38.0 Punt Returns No. Player No. Avg. 1 Chaz Bankston 5* 16.8 23 Parker Jones 1 11.0 2 Hamp Smith 1 11.0 *1 returned for TD Kickoff Returns No. Player No. Avg. 1 Chaz Bankston 17* 22.8 2 Hamp Smith 3 21.7 21 Matt Burns 13 20.6 4 Jake Henderson 1 11.0 *1 returned for TD

Points Allowed/Avg.: 201/20.1 Tackles No. Player Solo Asst. Total 27 Trevor Sawyers 74 13 87 22 Chase Evans 48 13 61 82 Cole Jones 56 9 65 44 Trevor Henson 39 5 44 17 Tristan Stoffle 31 4 35 2 Hamp Smith 22 10 32 74 Thomas Gruber 21 8 29 47 Jay Macke 27 1 28 23 Parker Jones 20 6 26 1 Chaz Bankston 15 9 24 21 Matthew Burns 20 1 21 66 Yovani Vera 15 4 19 75 Ryan Blackstone 11 6 17 4 Jake Henderson 16 0 16 33 Jake Trammell 13 1 14 28 Matthew Henson 12 1 13 8 Peyton Henson 11 1 12 15 Ben Cox 11 1 12 35 Davis McCondichie 7 2 9 3 Harrison Holland 6 2 8 20 Hunt Thomas 6 1 7 50 Nick Obata 3 2 5 42 Cole Ayers 4 0 4 11 Colin Kouters 4 0 4 88 Jack LaMarca 2 1 3 14 David Barber 2 0 2 10 Brad Macke 2 0 2 7 Hays Burns 1 0 1

Sacks Interceptions No. Player No. No. Player No. 44 Trevor Henson 6 21 Matthew Burns 4 74 Thomas Gruber 4 8 Peyton Henson 2 47 Jay Macke 3 17 Tristan Stoffle 2 28 Matt Henson 1 2 Hamp Smith 1 17 Tristan Stoffle 1 22 Chase Evans 1 75 Ryan Blackstone 1 47 Jay Macke 1 Totals 16 10 Brad Macke 1 1 Chaz Bankston 1 Tackles for Loss Totals 13 No. Player No. Forced Fumbles 44 Trevor Henson 9 No. Player No. 2 Hamp Smith 5 28 Matt Henson 1 74 Thomas Gruber 4 23 Parker Jones 1 82 Cole Jones 4 27 Trevor Sawyers 1 47 Jay Macke 3 74 Thomas Gruber 1 22 Chase Evans 3 Totals 4 17 Tristan Stoffle 2 28 Matt Henson 1 Passes Defended 21 Matthew Burns 1 No. Player No. 27 Trevor Sawyers 1 17 Tristan Stoffle 3 75 Ryan Blackstone 1 21 Matthew Burns 2 88 Jack LaMarca 1 8 Peyton Henson 1 Totals 35 22 Chase Evans 1 82 Cole Jones 1 Fumble Recoveries Totals 8 No. Player No. 27 Trevor Sawyers 3 Blocked Kicks 21 Matthew Burns 1 15 Ben Cox 1 35 Davis McCondichie 1 82 Cole Jones 1 42 Cole Ayers 1 Totals 2 50 Nick Obata 1 47 Jay Macke 1 Totals 8

PHOTO BY CINDY LAMARCA/PURE GRIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Hamp Smith and Matthew Burns both return to The Heritage School’s backfield this season after combining for 1,774 yards and 23 touchdowns.

HAWKS

Continued from page 2C Senior Cody Chastain, a transfer from Landmark Christian figures to be in the mix with Chase Evans and Maddux Jeffreys for the vacancies up front.

Evans and Jones are the team’s top returning tacklers on defense. The pass rush took a big of a hit considering 11 of Heritage’s 16 sacks came from graduating seniors.

Blackstone, Trammell and newcomer Grant Evans will also play on the defensive line. Blackstone finished with 16 tackles, and a sack, while Trammell had 14 tackles.

Jay Macke and Chastain join Chase Evans at linebacker.

Although Macke didn’t start last year, he still saw plenty of playing time and finished with 28 tackles and had three sacks and one interception.

The Hawks secondary is also loaded with experience led by Burns (4 interceptions) and Peyton Henson (2 INT).

Matt Henson also returns to the defensive backfield.

Heritage’s special teams should be in great shape between the return of kicker David Barber (47 of 57 PAT,

2 FG) and a combination of Jones and Bryant as experienced varsity punters.

The hope for Clay is that an influx of freshmen from Heritage’s successful feeder programs can supplement the lineup. They include varsity newcomers Henry Arnall, Wright Arnall and Gridley Pendergrast.

Most of the ninth graders expect to gain immediate playing time on special teams in addition to adding depth to both sides of the ball.

“I am really excited about some of our younger freshman,” Clay said. “I think they are going to be able to help us right away. We are trying to get these guys to buy in and let them know how important special teams can be.”

Off the field, Heritage faces a much smoother transition among staff members than a year ago despite making some changes for the fall.

Assistant Drew Henderson, a head coach at the Hawks’ feeder level, steps in as offensive coordinator for Nathan Watts, who earned an administrative promotion.

Clay, who was initially hired as the school’s defensive coordinator three years ago, hands over those reins to former Northgate standout Jake Copeland, who had been a defensive graduate assistant

at alma mater Lenoir Rhyne.

“I trust my coaches so much, so I am able to delegate, different responsibilities,” he said. “I love to spread the wealth to them, and I think it is making us a better group of coaches.”

The Hawks open with four-non region games starting with Friday’s trip to Flint River Academy. The schedule continues with a trip to John Milledge before opening the home schedule with games against Terrell Academy and Robert Toombs at home.

“Those are really good non-region tests,” Clay said.

“They should be really good measuring sticks. If we play well in those games, it just improves our confidence going into our region.”

The Region 1-AAA schedule expects to be even tighter following the departure of winless Young Americans.

The final four games includes matchups with Loganville Christian, Dominion Christian and rival Trinity Christian — all of which had at least five victories last season.

“I think we are going to face a challenge in all of our region games,” said Clay, “because whenever you are the region champions, teams are going to be going after you.”

4C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 19, 2015

TRINITY CHRISTIAN

LIONS

GISA REGION 1-AAA

Ready to make the ‘Sacrifice’

FIRST-YEAR HEAD COACH FOCUSED ON KEEPING PROGRAM ON RIGHT TRACK

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

T

rinity Christian’s football philosophy heading into the 2015 season can be summed up in a simple word. The Lions’ isn’t quite as short and succinct as one with three letters starting with a ‘W.’ But it’s one that when executed to perfection, could bring its greatest success yet since transitioning to 11-man football five years ago.

That word, is “Sacrifice.”

The Lions and first-year head coach Dan Matthews have made “sacrifice” their theme this fall as a reminder of the work ethic needed to potentially take the next step to creating a championship atmosphere around the program.

“We talked a lot about it at camp and how really to be successful at anything in life, you have to sacrifice,” Matthews said. “It’s easy to look at the guys today who have made it big, but you don’t see all of the sacrifices that they’ve made along the way. All we see is their success. We told them that they’re going to need to sacrifice to be successful in life. “ Just like his predecessor, Chris Hanson, who handed over the coaching baton while remaining both the rapidly expanding school’s busy athletic director and a football assistant at Trinity, Matthews’ central goal in his first head football coaching job will be to promote an environment that focuses on integrity and character.

“It’s about character and life changes and stuff they can take with them,” said Matthews. “Now when you win games, you’re able to get more kids out. But if you focus on building that character and getting that best effort out of your players, the wins will follow more naturally. It’s about putting the athletes in a position to be successful.”

The Lions are looking to take a bigger step in the program following a 5-6 finish in Region 1-AAA. The 2014 season ended with a loss to eventual state finalist John Milledge with Trinity again denied its first postseason victory since winning an 8-man championship in 2010.

Matthews, though, knows all about patience and persistence. A former college quarterback in Minnesota for the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, he left a job in insurance sales to pursue a passion for working with kids.

Of the dozen callbacks he received from a slew of job inquiries made after relocating closer to the area outside Virginia Commonwealth where he was pursuing a degree, he received one invitation from Chris Metzger, an incoming coach to Pinecrest (N.C.) Academy, which had gone 9-76 over an eight-year span.

“I had one guy who said if you think that you can pass a test, I’m willing to bring you in as a coach and we’ll work with you on getting your coaching certificate finalized once you get here,” Matthews said of Metzger. “The way we run the program now because of him and we’re very similar personal-

Trinity Christian’s senior class this season includes (alphabetically) Dominic Reed, Austin Hainey, Joseph Cotton, Tanner Johnson, Chris Clanton, Preston McDuffie, Evan Morrison, Colin Clayton and Drew Spiller. The Lions open the 2015 season on Friday at home against Terrell Academy.

TRINITY CHRISTIAN LIONS AT A GLANCE

Colors: Black, Purple, White Stadium: Trinity Head Coach: Dan Matthews (1th season) Coaching Staff: Chris Hanson, Bruce Sills 2014 Record (region finish): 5-6, 5-2 in 1-AAA (3rd) Points Scored/Avg.: 320/29.1 Points Allowed/Avg: 306/27.8 Recent History: 6-5 (2013), 6-5 (2012), 3-7 (2011) 13-0 (2010 - ISCGA 8-man) Key Losses: LB Diego Henriquez, WR Christian Downs,OL/DL Tyler Hood, RB Robby Blanchard, NG Will Townsend, WR Kasey McGinnis, RB Devin Colburn.

Key Returners: 7 RB/S Joseph Cotton, Sr.; 10 QB/TE/LB Tanner Johnson, Sr.; 50 OL/DL Evan Morrison, Sr.; 44 LB Preston McDuffie, Sr. Newcomers: 1 QB Dominic Reed, Sr.; 52 OL/DL Josh Henry; 66 OL/NG Colin Clayton, 43 OL/ DL Chris Clanton, Sr.; 5 RB/DB Luke Vermilya, Jr.; 85 TE/LB Drew Spiller, Sr.; 88 WR/LB Jacob Downs, Jr.; Outlook: With just 13 players returning off of last year’s roster, the preseason has been as much a new start with Matthews’ arrival this summer. But there is equal familiarity among the coaching staff. The key will be how quickly the Lions can get up to speed, especially during a challenging non-region schedule that includes Flint River and Class AAA power Westfield. The good news is that a bulk of the newcomers come from talented athletic backgrounds, some from other sports at Trinity or in other varsity programs last year. The challenge for Matthews is establishing a championship attitude within the program that can keep young talent from looking elsewhere as they come up through the middle school level.

2015TerrellSCHEDULE Academy

Friday Aug. 28 Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

Flint River at Westfield Griffin Christian* at Georgia Christian at Holy Spirit* Dominion Christian* at Bethlehem Christian* Loganville Christian* at The Heritage School

*GISA Region 1-AAA game Home games in BOLD

PHOTO BY JEFFREY LEO

Dan Matthews enters his first season as head coach at Trinity Christian after assisting winning programs at West Hall and at Pinecrest High in North Carolina.

ity wise. The things that I learned from him and took from him.”

Pinecrest had similar issues to Trinity Christian in its attempts to build a winning program. It was also surrounded by public schools that seemed to siphon much of the football talent while facing opponents that most often left them outsized and

outnumbered.

“We didn’t have big kids (at Pinecrest). But we had kids willing to work hard.

We were less athletic than just about every team we played,” said Matthews. “We had to fight that.”

Metzger, however, has turned the program into a winner while going 58-39 since his arrival. After four years learning under the

coach as an assistant while developing its speed program and coordinating college recruiting for its high school players, Matthews moved on to become an assistant at West Hall in Gainesville after looking at jobs in both Texas and Georgia while trying to work his way up through the ranks.

West Hall managed to improve from a 3-7 record in 2012 under head coach Tony Lotti to a 9-2 mark last year.

Trinity still has issues that were similar to what Hanson faced. The high school campus doesn’t have a dedicated weight room facility yet, which would enable student to take weight training classes in school. Matthews noted, however, how recep-

tive the administration was to the requests he’s had so far.

Matthews, who will be joined by Hanson and returning offensive coordinator Bruce Sills on staff, has tried to keep a simple approach with his philosophies on either side of the ball.

Last year’s wing-T based offense resulted in an increase in point total while averaging 29.1 per game. But an inexperienced defense struggled while giving up 142 points in three straight losses to playoff opponents to close the season.

“I like a fast-pace [offense] and to give options. We want to put the ball in the hands of our playmakers and let them make decisions on the field,” he said. “You can’t do too much. If I had to root it in anything, it’s simplicity.

We’re going to run the same five plays and do it out of a lot of formations. We did the same thing on defense.

We can move and shift and it may look like we’re doing a lot of different things, but it looks like a lot to someone playing us.”

With Trinity likely to stay rooted in the wing-T as it did last season, it helps to keep things simple with a host of new faces in the lineup. The Lions return senior Tanner

Johnson, who was a backup at quarterback last year.

The likely starter, though, is senior transfer Dominic Reed (6-0, 190), who has the same potential for playmaking abilities of former Lions standout quarterback Daniel Shoates, a Newnan Times-Herald Small County Offensive Player of the Year in 2013.

Both can be effective at alternate positions, Johnson at tight end or receiver and Reed also split out wide or start at wingback.

“We’re training everybody at multiple positions,” Matthews said. “That’s part of us keeping everything simple, because everybody is learning multiple positions.”

Freshman Stephen Spurgeon is being groomed as a valuable third string, a position that Matthews said both Pinecrest and West Hall faced at times due to injuries.

“You can never train too many kids to play quarterback,” he said. “And you can never train too many to play center.”

Trinity retains just 13 players from last year’s roster among a majority of newcomer to a current roster of 33 players. A downward trend in overall numbers,

SEE LIONS, page 5B

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 5C

2015 Trinity Christian Lions Roster

LIONS Continued from page 4C which included losing 10 of 11 defensive starters in 2014, is another reason why the Lions have adopted a message toward “Sacrifice.”

One of Matthews’ first goals when arriving in June was recruiting from within the halls and the pickups included some of the school’s standouts in other sports such as Josh Henry (baseball), Luke Vermilya (soccer) Connor Carlson (soccer), Ben Kritko (cross-country, track), Kyle McGuire (cross-country, track) and Drew Spiller (basketball).

Senior Chris Clanton and Colin Clayton, a transfer from Northgate, join a group of returning starters that includes senior Evan Morrison (6-0) and sophomore Trey Willoughby (6-0, 180).

Henry also expects to be a “huge” factor to the nucleus.

Matthews described this year’s group of offensive linemen one that has “bought in to the program.”

They’re picking it up fast and working hard,” he said.

“We’ve told them that as they go, we go.”

Two of last year’s freshmen, Buck Bodrey and Marc Robbins (5-10, 190), should also get significant time up front on offense. Sophomore Boyd Lundy has also bulked up over the summer. Carlson is also among the varsity newcomers at the position with sophomore Hunter Adams and freshman Steven Powell, listed at 5-11, 180.

“Steven’s a big freshman,” Matthews said. “I bet he probably weighs 205 [now].”

Senior Joseph Cotton is a veteran that both Reid and Johnson can rely on in the offensive backfield. He’ll be joined by a group of running backs also including

The 2015 Trinity Christian Lions “We talked a lot about it at camp and how really to be successful at anything in life, you have to sacrifice. It’s easy to look at the guys today who have made it big, but you don’t see all of the sacrifices that they’ve made along the way. All we see is their success. We told them that they’re going to need to sacrifice to be successful in life. “

—Trinity Christian head coach Dan Matthews

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31

2014 RESULTS At Terrell Academy

L41-26 At Flint River L34-6 Westfield School L42-14 At Griffin Christian* W41-6 Young Americans* W55-21 Holy Spirit* W28-7 At Dominion Christian* W21-14 Bethlehem Christian* W55-0 At Loganville Christian* L37-22 The Heritage School* L56-30 GISA STATE PLAYOFFS Nov. 7 at John Milledge L48-22 *Region 1-AAA game Home Games in BOLD

Vermilya, a sophomore, and McGuire, a 5-9, 155-pound freshman. Both have shown promise with McGuire moving up from the middle school team.

Kritko and senior transfer Austin Hainey could also factor into the backfield.

Along with Johnson, Spiller provides a sizeable and athletic target at 6-foot6, having been a standout center last year on the Lions basketball team.

While a back injury has prevented basketball and soccer standout Korey McGinnis from returning to the team, the wide receivers will include Michael Troyer, Hainey and Spurgeon, who “is fearless.”

“We’re going to be a run-first team so our wide receivers are going to be blue-collar type of player.

Byrom (5-10, 160) has also been getting looks at the position with Johnson and Willoughby.

Junior Eric Hudgins, a native of the Ukraine, has also given football a chance.

“He’s never played an organized sport before, so we’ve been working him at outside backer because it’s a little bit simpler responsibility wise. He’s good at setting an edge and going after the ball.

Johnson and sophomore

Nate Randolph have been the primary inside linebackers with Sam Cotton and McDuffie.

Along with Joseph Cotton’s return to the secondary, Reed will give the lineup a boost at safety after making 23 tackles last year at Sandy Creek. The group also includes Kritko, Hainey, Luke Vermilya, Spurgeon, Troyer and McGuire vying for playing time at the corners.

Senior Christian Alexan-

der has also rotated in with the secondary.

Among specialists, freshman Ethan Aldridge (5-9, 133) and junior Sarah Taylor are competing at kicker.

Joseph Cotton returns as a punter.

“I want there to be so much excitement that even if they don’t get on the field they want to be part of the program on Friday nights because we’re offering them so much more as an experience,” Matthews said. “The biggest attraction was when I sat down with the administration, Coach Hanson and [Headmaster Dean] Demos and they had this vision for where they wanted the program to go. I think they looked at the vision that I had and we both wanted the same thing.”

They’re going to be someone who has bought into the concept of team,” Matthews said.

Trinity will run a threeman front defensively, with the Lions expecting to rotate at least six players in and out to stay fresh.

Clayton leads the group at noseguard with Clanton, Carlson, Adams and Henry.

Mark Robbins is working at the tackle with Bodrey and Boyd Lundy.

“We even brought some of our [defensive backs] and one of our safeties down and they did a good job there,” Matthews said. “So who knows, we might throw that look out there sometimes and go small.”

Spiller and junior Jacob Downs (6-4, 180) are big bodies working the outside linebacker spots. Junior Zach

GRIDIRON 2015

FACYSON Continued from page 1C Facyson burst on the college football landscape two years ago as a freshman, making 27 tackles and picking off five passes.

One of his best games as freshman came on Thursday night when he returned home against Georgia Tech on ESPN, intercepting a pass and forcing a fumble in the team’s 17-10 win.

Before getting hurt last year, Facyson had his best game in an upset on the road against Ohio State, breaking up two passes and making two tackles.

In addition to his accomplishments on the football field, Facyson is also a top student, earning ACC Academic honors in biology with the hopes of becoming a heart surgeon.

No. Player Yr. 1 Dominic Reed Sr. 4 Christian Alexander Sr. 5 Luke Vermilya Jr. 6 Austin Hainey Sr. 7 Joseph Cotton Sr. 8 Kyle McGuire Fr. 9 Michael Troyer Sr. 10 Tanner Johnson Sr. 11 Ben Kritko Jr. 12 Stephen Spurgeon Fr. 22 Zach Byrom Jr. 24 Sam Cotton So. 28 Jim Vermilyea 38 Ethan Scruggs So. 42 Nate Randolph So. 43 Chris Clanton Sr. 44 Preston McDuffie Sr. 46 Sheffield Morse So. 50 Evan Morrison Sr. 52 Josh Henry So 55 Stephen Powell Fr. 65 Erik Hudgins Jr. 66 Colin Clayton Sr. 68 Hunter Adams So. 70 Boyd Lundy So. 71 Levi Mowrey So. 74 Buck Bodrey So. 75 Mark Robbins So. 85 Drew Spiller Sr. 88 Jacob Downs Jr. 92 Sarah Taylor Jr. 99 Ethan Aldridge Fr.

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6C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 19, 2015

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN

CRUSADERS GICAA 8-MAN DIVISION II WEST

THE 2015 CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS

Champs now on top of the 8-man world

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

T

he atmosphere surrounding Central Christian couldn’t be a bigger contrast than a year ago.

Once winless in 2013 and on the verge of the program’s extinction due to a lack of numbers — even for 8-man football — the Crusaders may suddenly feel like king of the mountain.

Now they have to prove they can stay on top this fall.

A whopping eight seniors, the majority of which were key contributors to league and national championships a year ago return in the most obvious evidence that Central won’t be a one-hit wonder in 2015.

They include the team’s starting quarterback, Jared Fowler, who racked up yardage at a clip that had only been seen in video games — 3,261 total over 13 games. Head coach Paul Frantz, now in his seventh year coaching at Central and third at the helm while continuing to stay on board well after his son’s high school graduation, knows his players will now have to live up to the expectations they created a year ago while averaging 50-plus points per game.

“We told them, ‘you have no excuse. You have nothing to fall back on,” said Frantz. “It was done, it can be done again. You have to work for everything. Nothing’s going to be handed to them.”

A year that was highlighted by an Alabama Christian Sports Conference title as well as a national championship after winning last year’s NHSA Tournament produced memories that will be hard to erase for Central Christian.

They will live forever in the form of championship rings as a reminder of a year where the Crusaders not only racked up 744 points, but earned a reputation as a physical team.

“Every coach has a brand, whether you think you do or not.

For me, we will be physical and we will never quit,” Frantz said. “We’re not going to finesse anybody. We’re going to punch you in the mouth.”

While Frantz takes pride in seeing his players wear their championship rings, his remains at home on the majority of days.

“When I see them wearing it or one of our coaches wear it, my chest goes out a little bit because I’m proud that we did that. I moved on the next day,” he said. “What do we expect? We expect the same thing as last year, which is to win every football game. I’ll never say that [disrespectfully]. My expectation is to win that week. You don’t come out here with the intention to lose football games.”

A move to the Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association this year presents new challenges with a 17-team league and new division rivals, including one led by Central’s former offensive coordinator.

But above all, complacency may be the program’s ultimate rival heading into this fall.

And with eight seniors and more than enough talent to match last year’s 13-1 season, the precedent has now been set.

“Everyone thinks 8-man football is a lower level, but I probably have a starting five or six that could start for any public school around

Central Christian Crusaders 2015 Roster

Central Christian enters this season with eight seniors, six of which were members of last year’s 13-1 lineup that won both league and national tournament 8-man championships. The senior class includes Jesse Parkerson, Jared Farlow, Jacquez “Deion” Blackmon, Jordan Fuller, Jared Ruck, Bailey Todd, Caleb London and Colt Dooley.

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS AT A GLANCE

Colors: Royal Blue, White Stadium: McKnight Field, East Coweta Middle Head coach: Paul Frantz (3rd year, 7th overall) Coaching Staff: Brian Todd, Joey Farlow, Tyler Smith 2014 Record: 13-1, 4-1 in Alabama Christian league Recent History: 0-10 (2013), 9-2 (2012), 7-3 (2011), 2-8 (2010).

Postseason: Won NHSA National Championship Key Losses: 1 TE/MLB Wyatt Martinez (130 tackles, sack, INT), 6 Charlie Lee, Jr. (1,287 yds.. rushing, 23 TDs; 16 rec, 372 yds..., 3 TD; 72 tackles), 15 TE/DB Rodney Allen (74 tackles, 6 rec., 201 yds..., 6 TDs), 20 FS/RB Austin Stover (43 tackles), 75 OL/DL Christian Parkerson (26 pancake blocks; 128 tackles, 12 sacks) Key Returners: 2 QB Jared Farlow, Sr., 22 FB/LB/CB Bailey Todd, Sr., 44 OL/DL Jesse Parkerson, Sr.; 52 OL/DL Jordan Ruck, Sr.; 55 OL/DL Jordan Fuller, Sr..

Newcomers: 3 RB/CB Jacquez “Deion” Blackmon, Sr.; 36 TE/LB Colt Dooley, Sr. Outlook: It will be impossible to recreate the experience that Central’s players felt in turning an 0-10 campaign in 2013 into a 13-1 championship season over the course of a year. But not all sequels are bad. With eight seniors back, the Crusaders’ confidence has never been higher. With the majority of contributors in place again, Central has all the reason to believe it can build on that success while moving into a competitive Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association alignment that includes division foes Ballard Christian, CrossPointe Christian, Lafayette Christian and Holy Ground from a winless 2013 schedule. Despite games closer to home, seven bus trips presents a challenge in 2015. here,” Frantz said. “You always here after you win a championship that the target’s on your back. We’re not targets. We’re the hunter, not the hunted.”

Overcoming its only loss of the season to Evangel Christian in the league championship, the Crusaders 13-man squad consistently bucked the odds after being outnumbered by opponents throughout 2014.

A 38-13 victory in the NHSA title game came against a Memphis Skyhawks program with nearly triple Central’s numbers.

“The good for the kids is they can forget about coming out here with the smallest team in the league while thinking you don’t have a chance. Even Memphis had a 30-something man roster,” said Frantz, who equally could jest about the success. “The bad of it, and I say this tongue-in-cheek is that now the school assumes it can be done no matter how many kids we have.”

The ones Frantz has on this roster — 16 in all — have much the same potential on paper heading into Friday’s trip to former division opponent Ezekiel Academy in Montgomery.

Farlow, who finished with a whopping 2,527 yds. rushing and 36 touchdowns while also passing for over 1,000. As a junior, he was just as impressive on defense, finishing

second on the team with 69 tackles and seven interceptions. Of Central’s 101 touchdowns, the 6-0, 180pound quarterback had his hands on the football during scoring plays for nearly half of them.

“He’s the ultimate dual threat,” said Frantz of Farlow. “You try to drop into coverage, you probably don’t want to chase him. What do you want to do, man up? I’ve got a couple of kids who can move and Jared’s got an arm. It’s kind of like pick your poison.”

A key to continued success is three senior linemen returning including the last of three Parkerson brothers that have come through the program and made heavy contributions. Jesse, a returning senior captain at 6-0, 250 pounds, follows brothers Christian and Noah in keeping Central’s small program rooted in talent.

“This will be my seventh year and I’ve had a Parkerson every year,” Frantz said. “Every one of them has been a player. Some of that stuff, that’s 100-percent attributed to his parents. Their parents taught them to work hard in life. They taught core values and that’s the kid you want playing for you.”

While a bit quieter vocally than his older brother, both of which are described by Frantz as leaders by

example, Jesse joins fellow senior linemen Jordan Fuller (5-11, 225) and Jared Ruck (5-10, 250).

Fuller, who played mostly defensive line last year, moves to center.

Parkerson shifts to right guard and Ruck returns to last year’s starting job at left guard. Senior Caleb London will also factor into playing time.

Both tight ends will be newcomers after losing standout Rodney Allen to graduation. Frantz already has senior transfer Colt Dooley penciled in at one of the positions.

The other remains up for grabs with freshman Zach Obie among the candidates.

Just as important to this year’s offense is the return of fullback Bailey Todd, who got a chance to showcase some of his playmaking abilities last year. He finished with 938 yards rushing while playing all 14 games last year.

With former offensive coordinator Jeff Weaver accepting a head coaching job at GICAA division rival CrossPointe in Williamson — creating a neat storyline for Central’s regular season finale on Oct. 30 — the 5-11, 185-pound fullback will be counted on heavily as a lead

SEE CENTRAL, page 7C

No. Player 2 Jared Farlow 3 Jacquez Blackmon 7 Avery Staples 10 McKinley Reese 12 Chris Nugent 15 Caleb Ruck 16 Dustin Terrell 22 Bailey Todd 36 Colt Dooley 36 Marcellus Giles 44 Jesse Parkerson 50 Caleb London 52 Jared Ruck 55 Jordan Fuller 65 Zach Obie 66 A.J. Whiteside

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

2015 SCHEDULE

Friday at Ezekiel Academy Aug. 28 Hancock Academy Sept 4 Solid Rock Academy Sept. 11 Appling Christian Sept. 18 at Twiggs Academy Sept. 25 at Lafayette Christian* Oct. 2 at Evangel Family Oct. 9 Holy Ground* Oct. 16 at Ballard Christian* Oct. 23 at Hancock Academy Oct. 30 at CrossPointe Aca.* *GICAA Division II West game Home games in BOLD at East Coweta Middle

2014 RESULTS

Aug. 15 Freedom Christian W52-22 Aug. 22 Ezekiel Academy* W54-7 Aug. 29 Lighthouse HomeSchool W62-6 Sept. 5 at Hope Christian* 50-45 Sept. 12 at East Memorial Chr. W74-28 Sept. 19 at Evangel Christian L40-14 Sept. 26 Fountain Inn, S.C. W60-0 Oct. 3 Evangel Family Christian* W56-6 Oct. 10 Coastal HomeSchool W68-0 Oct. 24 at Ballard Christian* W64-40 Alabama Christian Playoffs Oct. 31 Hope Christian W46-12 Nov. 7 at Evangel Christian W50-42 NHSA National Tournament Nov. 12 Christian HomeSchool W56-0 Nov. 14 Memphis Nighthawks 38-18 *Alabama Christian opponent Home games in BOLD

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 7C

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN 2014 STATISTICS OFFENSE Points Scored/Avg.: 744/53.1 Rushing No. Player Att. Yds. Avg. 2 Jared Farlow 217 2,527 11.6 6 Charlie Lee Jr. 97 1,287 13.3 22 Bailey Todd 121 938 7.8 20 Austin Stover 49 380 7.8 15 Rodney Allen 15 86 6.1 10 McKinley Reese 2 9 4.5 Totals 501 5,227 10.4 Passing No. Player Comp . Att. Yds. TD 2 Jared Farlow 29 69 734 15 Rodney Allen 0 6 0 6 Charlie Lee Jr. 0 1 0 Totals 29 76 734 Receiving No. Player Rec. Yds. 6 Charlie Lee Jr. 16 372 22 Bailey Todd 7 161 15 Rodney Allen 6 201 Totals 29 734

TD 36 23 14 7 2 0 82

INT 10 0 0 10

1 0 0 1

Avg. TD 23.3 3 23.0 1 18.3 6 25.3 10

DEFENSE Points Allowed/Avg.: 266/19.0 No. Player Solo Asst. Total 1 Wyatt Martinez 95 35 130 75 Christian Parkerson 80 48 128 22 Bailey Todd 50 41 91 44 Jesse Parkerson 49 28 77 15 Rodney Allen 42 32 74 6 Charlie Lee Jr. 54 18 72 2 Jared Farlow 43 26 69 55 Jordan Fuller 37 31 68 20 Austin Stover 29 11 43 52 Jared Ruck 20 15 35 10 McKinley Reese 4 7 11 60 Patrick Coffee 6 2 8 Sacks No. Player No. 75 Christian Parkerson 12 44 Jesse Parkerson 9 55 Jordan Fuller 3 52 Jared Ruck 3 Two with 2 Two with 1 Totals 33

SCORING Interceptions No. Players TD FG PAT 2pt Tot. No. 2 Jared Farlow 39 0 0 30 294 No. Player 7* 6 Charlie Lee Jr. 27 0 0 12 186 2 Jared Farlow 4 22 Bailey Todd 15 0 0 9 108 6 Charlie Lee Jr. 20 Austin Stover 3 15 Rodney Allen 10 0 0 10 80 22 Bailey Todd 2 20 Austin Stover 8 0 0 5 58 15 Rodney Allen 1 1 Wyatt Martinez 1 0 0 1 8 1 Wyatt Martinez 1 75 Christian Parkerson 1 0 0 0 6 *2 Returned for TD 10 McKinley Reese 0 0 0 1 2 Totals 18 44 Jesse Parkerson 0 0 0 1 2 Totals 101 0 0 69 744 Fumble Recoveries No. Player No. SPECIAL TEAMS 55 Jordan Fuller 2 Punts 44 Jesse Parkerson 2 No. Player Punts Avg. 22 Bailey Todd 1 2 Jared Farlow 11 26.9 20 Austin Stover 1 15 Rodney Allen 1 Kickoff Returns 52 Jared Ruck 1 No. Player Ret. Avg. 6 Charlie Lee Jr. 1 2 Jared Farlow 9 21.7 44 Christian Parkerson 1 6 Charlie Lee 4 46.3 Totals 10 15 Rodney Allen 1 9.0 22 Bailey Todd 3 3.7 Caused Fumbles 20 Austin Stover 2 3.0 No. Player No. 75 Christian Parkerson 6 Punt Returns 55 Jordan Fuller 2 No. Player Ret. Avg. 44 Jesse Parkerson 2 6 Charlie Lee 1 30.0 Three with 1 2 Jared Farlow 3 27.0 Totals 14 20 Jared Stover 1 21.0

CENTRAL Continued from page 6C blocker in addition to getting periodic carries.

“He’s not that big a kid, but if there’s someone standing there in the open field, he lowers his shoulder. That’s the way he runs,” Frantz said. “He just enjoys that contact. He’s going to get his carries.”

Todd’s abilities could play heavily into the success of senior running back Jacquez “Deion” Blackmon, a transfer and cousin of former standout tailback Charlie Lee Jr., who also gained over 1,000yards rushing with Farlow and eventually earned the NHSA National Tournament’s Most Valuable Player Award.

Even with Farlow’s arm strength, the Crusaders will remain foremost a smashmouth style offense On defense, the starting linemen will turn around to start with a bit of shifting from last year. Parkerson, who had nine sacks to go with 77 tackles last year, moves into his brother’s former tackle position while Ruck shifts into Parkerson’s old spot. Fuller looks to create havoc in the middle at the noseguard position.

Both Ruck and Fuller contributed three sacks while contributing 35 and 68 tackles, respectively a year ago.

The loss of top-tackler Wyatt Martinez, who finished his varsity eligibility under GICAA bylaws that mirror the Georgia High School Association, creates a void that hopes to be filled

by Dooley. The other starting job in the middle of the defense is up for grabs.

With Farlow at safety, with hopes of keeping him healthy while playing both ways, the plan is to place Blackmon at a cornerback position. Todd and sophomore Avery Staples are also vying for playing time.

An added bonus to having eight seniors is a slight increase in roster size to 16.

Frantz, along with assistants Brian Todd, Joey Farlow and Tyler Smith — a former Crusader lineman who played with Frantz’s son at the school — are hoping that this year’s group of underclassmen will mature quickly.

McKinley Reese, who had 11 tackles last year, is the only junior on this year’s roster, which also includes four sophomores and two freshmen.

“The three extra kids give us a little extra depth than we had last year. The good thing for this year’s team is we have eight seniors,” Frantz said. “I despise the

whole rebuilding thing.

What I’m counting on is those seniors to pass the baton at the end of the year so these younger kids already know what Crusader football is about.”

Another bonus heading into the fall is a move to the GICAA, which now has more 8-man football teams than the Georgia Independent Schools Association’s number of 11-man programs, will cut down on some of the travel for Central. The Crusaders made four trips to Alabama last year, have cut that number by one while retaining Ezekiel Academy and Evangel Family Christian on the schedule. Both were Alabama Christian opponents out of Montgomery.

“I’m going to continue to play those guys. As long as I’m here, my motto is I’ll play anybody at anytime,” Frantz said. “I want to play the best.

We tried to play Memphis again, but we couldn’t work it out with the schedules.”

Frantz, who calls his team ‘the hunter, not the hunted,’ in its attempts to continue last year’s success, doesn’t expect the focus to change from any previous season.

They included a winless mark in 2013.

“When we were 0-10 and going into our last game against Harvester, who was undefeated,” he recalled. “I had a long talk with the kids.

Even though we lost 36-30 with nine kids, our mantra going into that game was ‘believe or leave.’”

And the Crusaders hope to be big believers again in 2015.

BETHLEHEM TEMPLE

RAMS

A fresh start

GISA REGION 1-AA

FORMER DAWSON STREET SCHOOL STARTS FRESH AS BETHLEHEM TEMPLE RAMS IN NEWNAN

By CHRIS GOLTERMANN cgoltermann@newnan.com

So long, Dawson Street.

Hello, Bethlehem Temple Christian.

The school colors may remain the same on the football field this fall, but the former GISA program located in LaGrange is in many ways starting from scratch when it comes to a football program that has been in existence since 2005.

Two years after relocating to the former facility used by Newnan Christian School on Highway 29, its sports teams will now be known as the Bethlehem Temple Rams as the program reverts back to the ministry its was founded under.

“When we first started out school it was Bethlehem Temple Christian, but when LaGrange was nice enough to give us one of their old public schools, we changed the name,” said Principal Albert Jackson III, who will be helping first-year head football coach Brandon Kelley this year. “Now that we’ve completed the transition [to Newnan], we’re going back to Bethlehem Temple Christian.

With it, the former Wildcats now become the Rams, who got a chance to test themselves prior to Friday’s season opening game by scrimmaging Highway 29 neighbors Heritage School last week in a 28-6 loss.

The Rams, who will play home games this year at East Coweta Middle School’s McKnight Field starting with the opener against Griffin Christian, dressed just 14 players — most of whom were from the area. Jackson said several were still getting their paperwork finalized.

“We’re kinda behind the eight ball, so it’s a work in progress,” Jackson said.

“The biggest thing for the kids [with the scrimmage] is hitting somebody other than ourselves. Coming up with Griffin, we feel like it will help us prepare and get ready.”

Dawson Street has been a dominant basketball program in Class AA, reaching the Final Four each of the last five years while winning two state titles.

On the football field, however, the program has gone through more adversity. Over Dawson Street’s nine varsity seasons, the school finished over .500

W HOLE SA LE

BETHLEHEM TEMPLE AT A GLANCE

Stadium: McKnight Field, East Coweta Middle Colors: Red and White Head Coach: Brandon Kelley 2014 Record: 2-9 overall, 0-2 (3rd in 1-AA) Points scored/Avg: 254/25.4 Points allowed /Avg: 315/31.5 Recent History: 8-3 (2013), 5-5 (2012), 1-9 (2011), 2-8 (2010)

2015 SCHEDULE

Aug. 21 Griffin Christian^ Aug. 28 at Loganville Christian Sept. 11 at Windsor Academy Sept. 18 at Monsignor Donovan Sept. 25 SW Georgia Academy^ Oct. 2 Flint River^* Oct. 9 Dominion Christian^ Oct. 16 Piedmont Academy* Oct. 23 at Holy Spirit ^ East Coweta Middle School *GISA Region 1-AA game Home games in BOLD

three times including last year’s 2-9 finish. Part of the dilemma comes in GISA having slimmed down to just 38 schools that play football among two classifications.

Bethlehem Temple plays in Region 1-AA with Flint River and Piedmont Academy, forcing the school to find five non-region games. The first three will be against schools competing against Heritage

2014 RESULTS

Aug. 22 at Griffin Christian W42-6 Aug. 29 at Loganville Christian L38-0 Sept. 5 at Dominion Christian L31-0 Sept. 12 Calvary Christian L34-8 Sept. 19 Monsignor Donovan L52-0 Sept. 26 at SW Georgia Aca. L30-8 Oct. 3 at Flint River* L42-12 Oct. 17 Grace Christian W30-20 Oct. 24 at Piedmont Aca.* W62-12 Oct. 31 Skipstone Academy L54-22 Nov. 7 at Brentwood School L47-32 *GISA Region 1-AA game Home games in BOLD in 1-AAA — Griffin Christian, Loganville Christian and Dominion Christian.

The majority of Rams on this year’s roster are newcomers, with senior quarterback Corey Perkins and junior lineman Ray Phillips among the returners. The bulk of a 20-man roster is made up between six sophomores and eight juniors.

“This year, we completely started over with the move,”

Jackson said. “We had 10 seniors, so we’re going to be young. But we feel like once we get in and get them in better shape, we’ll be alright.

We’re trying to refocus to where we can start young.

We eventually want to be at a point where we can keep them coming back every year.”

Perkins, who broke away for several long runs in last week’s scrimmage despite being intercepted twice

by Heritage, returns as the team’s starting quarterback after earning All-Region honors and was one of last week’s captains along with juniors Terrico Lindsey and Ray Hughey.

Lindsey came up with an interception on Heritage’s first offensive series of last week’s scrimmage.

Returning junior L’Kristian Ragland played center and defensive line last week, with Phillips playing a guard spot. Hughey and sophomore Michael Sims were at the safeties. Linebackers included Polarius Shells, Ty Cheeks and Lindsey, with senior D.J. Downs and junior Martavious Melson rotating into the middle of the defense.

Perkins and junior Darrell Fields manned the corners, with Fields lining up as a receiver on offense.

In their final year as Dawson Street, the program opened the 2014 season with a 42-6 win over Griffin Christian, which finished 2-8.

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8C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 19, 2015

GISA REGION 1-AAA PREVIEW

Our Predicted Order of Finish 2014 Record in parenthesis

HERITAGE SCHOOL HAWKS (7-2, 7-0; 1ST)

WHAT WE THINK: All the pieces are in place for a run at a repeat. There’s 15 starters as well as junior transfer Jacob Bryant moving into an opening at quarterback.

Unlike the chaos that surrounded last year’s coaching change heading into their season opener, the Hawks seem to be flying high once again.

LOGANVILLE CHRISTIAN LIONS (8-3, 6-1; 2ND)

WHAT WE THINK: Loganville expects to be nipping on Heritage’s heels this fall. Despite losing one of its top running backs, all the pieces seem to be there for the Lions to make a formidable challenge to Heritage as 1-AAA’s top team. Loganville should showcase the same depth that had the program successful in its first GISA season a year ago.

TRINITY CHRISTIAN LIONS (5-6, 5-2; 3RD)

WHAT WE THINK: The Lions need to find chemistry between a large group of new faces while also going through a coaching transition. Trinity will have new starters at the majority of skill positions, but should have depth and leadership on the line of scrimmage.

DOMINION CHRISTIAN KNIGHTS (7-4, 4-3; 4TH)

WHAT WE THINK: The line of scrimmage should be a strength for the Crusaders, with linemen comprising at least half of this year’s 10 seniors. The team faltered down the stretch in 2014, however, dropping three consecutive games to close the season.

BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN KNIGHTS (1-9, 1-6; 7TH)

WHAT WE THINK: The Knights had the region’s poorest defense, giving up on average just under 50 points per game. But a larger roster that includes 15 seniors — led by 6-foot-6 quarterback Jacob Parker — may be ready to turn the corner in its fourth year of varsity play and first with an on-campus home field.

HOLY SPIRIT PREP COUGARS (4-6, 2-4; 5th)

WHAT WE THINK:The Cougars have 11 seniors on the roster including the majority of last year’s offensive and defensive leaders statistically. Respective units went in opposite directions in 2014, with the offense needing to improve drastically to catch up with a defense that kept the team competitive.

GRIFFIN CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS (2-8, 2-5; 6TH)

WHAT WE THINK: With Young Americans quickly bowing out of GISA after just one season, Griffin could be in for an even longer season after yielding an average of 52.6 points per game. In last year’s six region games, the Crusaders were held to 12 or less points in four of them.

BETHLEHEM CHRISTIAN KNIGHTS

GISA REGION 1-AAA OPPONENTS AT A GLANCE

Colors: Blue & Gold Head Coach: Lance Fendley (2nd season, 4-6 overall) 2014 Record: 1-9, 1-6 in 1-AAA (7th) Recent History: 4-6 (2013), 3-7 (2012) Points Scored/Avg: 132/13.2 Points Allowed/Avg: 499/49.9 Key Returners: 8 SS/MLB Aaron Gano (6-2, 165, Sr.), QB Jacob Parker (6-6, 225, Sr.), 10 OLB/RB Dylan Cofer (5-10, 150, Sr.), 23 WR/ CB Jacob Matlock (5-10, 150, Sr.); 25 TE/CB Josh Farr (5-10, 165, So.); 56 G/LS Anderson Millsaps (6-0, 175, Sr.), 75 G/DE Cason Ware, Jr.; Outlook: Bethlehem hopes to have turned a page heading into its fourth varsity season with seven starters returning, four of which on offense. Parker, who is among 15 seniors this year, was part of a run to last year’s GISA State Baseball Semifinals following a Region 1-AAA title. This year’s team, however, will have to greatly improve a league worst defensive scoring average and the schedule includes six teams that made the state playoffs. A positive, however, will be that the school will play its home games on campus for the first time this year.

2015 SCHEDULE Friday at Windsor Academy Aug. 28 Piedmont Academy Sept. 4 John Milledge Academy Sept. 11 at Dominion Christian* Sept. 18 Holy Spirit* Sept. 25 Heritage School* Oct. 9 at First Presbyterian Oct. 16 Trinity Christian* Oct. 22 at Griffin Christian* Oct. 30 at Loganville Christian* *Region 1-AAA game HOME GAMES IN BOLD 2014 RESULTS Aug. 22 Windsor Academy L62-32 Aug. 29 At Piedmont Academy L77-0 Sept. 5 At John Milledge L52-0 Sept. 12 Dominion Christian* L52-9 Sept. 19 At Holy Spirit* L27-6 Sept. 26 At The Heritage School* L60-13 Oct. 3 Young Americans* W21-14 Oct. 17 At Trinity Christian* L55-0 Oct. 24 Griffin Christian* L50-31 Oct. 31 Loganville Christian* L50-20 *Region 1-AAA game HOME GAMES IN BOLD

DOMINION CHRISTIAN KNIGHTS

GRIFFIN CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS

City: Marietta Colors: Royal Blue, White, Red Head Coach: Javier Jenkins 2014 Record: 7-4, 4-3 (4th) Points Scored/Avg: 386/35.1 Points Allowed/Avg: 251/24.5 Recent History: 4-7 (2012), 2-8 (2010) Key Losses: WR/DB A.J. Wilson, ; WR/DE/ OLB James Grosse, Sr. (5-7, 170), OL/DT Andrew Giles, Sr. Key Returners: 1 RB Cody LaVigne (6-1, 147, Sr.), 11 DE Jaylen Waters (6-6, Sr.); 18 QB Manny Carucci (6-1, 175, Sr.); 24 RB/LB Darius Brown (5-10, Sr.); 28 WR/DB Dorien Jenkins (5-8, 150, Sr.); 56 C/DT Levi Lewallen (6-1, 275, Sr.); 65 OL/DL Arlis Johnson, Sr.; 77 OT/DT Jordan Hair (6-2, 230, Sr.); 78 OL/DL Eric Lu (5-10, 225, Sr.) Outlook: It was feast or famine for the Knights last season among just two games that were decided by seven or less points. Dominion allowed 65 points in a loss to Heritage and then 75 two weeks later in its playoff loss to Westfield. Carucci is among a group of 10 seniors including five returning linemen. Jenkins and Lewallen are both returning captains.

2015 SCHEDULE Crown Athletics Friday Aug. 28 at Georgia Force Sept. 4 Windsor Academy Sept. 11 Bethlehem Christian* Sept. 18 at Loganville Christian* Sept. 25 at Trinity Christian* Oct. 9 at Bethlehem Temple*# Oct. 16 at Griffin Christian* Oct. 23 Heritage School* Oct. 30 at Holy Spirit* *Region 1-AAA game #East Coweta Middle School HOME GAMES IN BOLD 2014 RESULTS Aug. 22 At Crown Academy W35-18 Aug. 29 Georgia Force W44-21 Sept. 5 Dawson Street Christian W31-0 Sept. 12 At Bethlehem Christian* W52-9 Sept. 18 Loganville Christian* L27-20 Sept. 26 At Young Americans* W37-7 Oct. 10 Trinity Christian* L21-14 Oct. 17 Griffin Christian* W56-0 Oct. 24 At The Heritage School* L65-21 Oct. 31 Holy Spirit* W41-8 GISA Class AAA Playoffs Nov. 7 Westfield School L75-35 *Region 1-AAA game

Colors: Red, White & Blue Head Coach: Eddie Jones (1st year) 2014 Record: 2-8, 2-5 in 1-AAA (6th) Points Scored/Avg: 199/19.9 Points Allowed/ Avg: 526/52.6 Key Losses: 12 QB C.J. Lewis (1,039 yds rush, 11 TDs; 481 yds pass, 6 TDs; 56 tackles, sack, INT); 15 Chandler Gann (383 yds rush; 4 TDs; 39 tackles); 21 Darien Vinson (7 rec., 59 yds; 13 tackles); 22 Bryce Landers (37 tackles); Key Returners: 10 QB Sam Massengale, So.; 34 Bobby Ewing, Sr.; 54 Jacob Gates, Sr. Outlook: Jones told the Griffin Daily News this summer that the program had 22 athletes committed to play football, but numbers may still be lower than last year’s 28 players led by three seniors. Losing Lewis, last year’s top player on both sides of the ball, makes matters even more difficult. Outside of a season-ending game against former 1-AAA opponent Young Americans, it could be tough finding wins on the schedule.

2015 SCHEDULE Friday vs. Bethlehem Temple# Sept. 3 Piedmont Academy Sept. 11 at Trinity Christian* Sept. 18 at The Heritage School* Sept. 25 Holy Spirit* Oct. 2 Windsor Academy Oct. 9 at Loganville Christian* Oct. 16 Dominion Christian* Oct. 23 Bethlehem Christian* Oct. 30 Young Americans *Region 1-AAA game #East Coweta Middle School HOME GAMES IN BOLD 2014 RESULTS Aug. 22 Dawson Street L42-6 Sept. 5 At Piedmont Academy L56-0 Sept. 12 Trinity Christian* L41-6 Sept. 19 The Heritage School* L62-6 Sept. 26 At Holy Spirit Prep L52-20 Oct. 3 At Windsor Academy L74-12 Oct. 10 Loganville Christian * L66-25 Oct. 17 At Dominion Christian* L56-0 Oct. 24 At Bethlehem Christian* W50-31 Oct. 31 Young Americans* W74-46 * Region 1-AAA game HOME GAMES IN BOLD

HOLY SPIRIT PREP COUGARS

City: Atlanta Colors: Green & Gold Head Coach: David Rosenzweig (4-6; 2nd season) 2014 Record: 4-6, 3-4 in 1-AAA (5th) Recent History: 1-8 (2013), 4-5 (2012), 1-9 (2010) Points Scored/Avg: 165/16.5 Points Allowed/Avg: 286/28.6 Key Losses: 50 OG/FB/ILB Drew Vincent (67 tackles, 2 sacks); 55 G/DT Taylor Hazen (31 tackles) Key Returners: 2 QB/WR/CB Ryan Durham, Sr. (5-9, 140, Sr.; 319 yds rushing; 41 tackles, 2 INT, 2 FR); 7 QB/FS Bryan Mocarski (5-9, 140, Sr.; 66 tackles, 5 INT; 107 yds passing); 8 Conner Whelan (5-6, 142, Jr; 428 yds rushing, 4 TDs); 25 RB/OLB Derrick Gomez (5-4, 150, Sr; 73 tackles, 2 sacks); 60 T/DE Chris Bell (31 tackles, 3 sacks); Outlook: The Cougars struggled offensively last year, finishing with 1,600-yards total offense for the season and just 250 passing. But the team will return all of last year’s offensive leaders from a roster that was dominated by juniors. Defensively, however, Holy Spirit finished with 16 sacks, 12 caused fumbles and 10 interceptions while holding four of six region opponents to 35 points or less.

2015 SCHEDULE Friday North Georgia Aug. 28 Community Christian Sept. 4 at Monsignor Donovan Sept. 11 Loganville Christian* Sept. 18 at Bethlehem Christian* Sept. 25 at Griffin Christian* Oct. 2 Trinity Christian* Oct. 16 at Heritage School* Oct. 22 Young Americans* Oct. 31 Dominion Christian* *Region 1-AAA game HOME GAMES IN BOLD 2014 RESULTS Aug. 22 North Georgia W18-8 Aug. 29 at Windsor Academy L44-6 Sept. 5 Monsignor Donovan L37-0 Sept. 19 Bethlehem Christian* W27-6 Sept. 26 Griffin Christian* W52-20 Oct. 3 at Trinity Christian* L28-7 Oct. 7 at Loganville Christian* L34-13 Oct. 17 Heritage School* L42-7 Oct. 24 at Young Americans* W27-26 Oct. 30 at Dominion Christian* L41-8 *Region 1-AAA game HOME GAMES IN BOLD

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LOGANVILLE CHRISTIAN LIONS

Colors: Navy Blue, Gold & White Head Coach: Andre King 2014 Record: 8-3, 6-1 in 1-AAA (2nd) Points Scored/Avg.: 401/36.4 Points Against/Avg. 286/26.0 Key Losses: RB Jantzen Brinkley (942 yds rush, 14 TDs); FB/LB Logan Forrester (55 tackles), WR/DB A.J. Towe (46 tackles; 3 rec., 14 yds, TD); 60 OL/DE Elijah Hickey (29 tackles).

Key Returners: 2 WR/CB Gaines Roberts, Sr. (11 rec., 179 yds, TD; 34 tackles, INT); 5 FS/ WR Collin Hall, Sr. (67 tackles, 5 INT, 1 FF; 6 rec, 76 yds, 4 TDs); 8 QB/FS Donovan Taitt, Sr. (803 yds pass, 8TDs); 9 DE/TE Mike Meme, Sr. (41 tackles, 7 sacks; 13 rec., 175 yds, TD); 15 RB/LB Trevor Callaway, Jr. (511 yds. rush, 5 TDs; 46 tackles, 2 INT, 2 FR); 18 WR/DB Cole Cook, Sr. (22 rec., 176 yds; 22 tackles); 22 RB/DB John Heart, Sr .(970 yds rush, 10 TDs; 32 tackles), 44 LB/OL Matt Hardeman (57 tackles); 55 C/DL/LB Colin Sweet, Jr. (48 tackles); 80 DE/TE Dallas Frye (6-2; 32 tackles, 3 sacks, INT) Outlook: Much like The Heritage School, the Lions have the majority of last year’s top contributors to a 8-3 season. Loganville will also continue to have depth, especially at the skill positions. At least 11 players last year made a pass reception in addition to 11 ball carriers that combined for 2,742 yards rushing in 2014. The roster includes 2015 SCHEDULE Friday Monsignor Donovan Aug. 28 Bethlehem Temple Christian Sept. 4 Unity Christian Sept. 11 at Holy Spirit* Sept. 17 Dominion Christian* Oct. 2 Heritage School* Oct. 9 Griffin Christian* Oct. 24 at Trinity Christian* Oct. 31 Bethlehem Christian* *Region 1-AAA game HOME GAMES IN BOLD 2014 RESULTS Aug. 22 At Monsignor Donovan L64-0 Aug. 29 Dawson Street Christian W38-0 Sept. 12 Holy Spirit Prep W45-21 Sept. 19 At Dominion Christian* W27-20 Oct. 3 At The Heritage School* L54-27 Oct. 10 At Griffin Christian* W34-13 Oct. 17 Young Americans* W66-25 Oct. 24 Trinity Christian* W37-22 Oct. 31 At Bethlehem Christian* W50-20 GISA State Playoffs Nov. 7 Westminster-Augusta L27-22 *Region 1-AAA game

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Wednesday, August 19, 2015 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 9C

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

(The following a partial list of Coweta County athletes who are listed on college football rosters this fall. The Newnan Times-Herald will post periodic updates through the season. If you know of a player who has been inadvertently left off this list, please email Sports Editor Chris Goltermann at sports@ newnan.com. Note: Some schools, including Point, did not have a roster listed yet for this season.)

Boston, Matthews look to factor into Auburn secondary in 2015

LISTED ALPHABETICALLY

BY SCHOOL AIR FORCE Benton Washington— Northgate (RB 5-11, 205, So.): Like most freshman at Air Force, the former Viking running back worked with the school’s prep team in 2014.

He was a standout in last year’s preseason scrimmage and carried that momentum in to spring practice. The position is “wide open” accordingo to Falcons coach Troy Calhoun.

No running back received more first and second-team work than Washington in the spring.

BERRY Andrew Brady— Northgate (DB -5-10, 185, Jr.): Last year in nine games, the Viking defensive back finished with 17 tackles.

Edwin Rivera Jr. —Trinity Christian (LB 5-8, 194, So): Rivera appeared in one game during his freshman season on Nov. 8 after making continued progress.

BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN Chaz Ferdinand —Newnan (HB 5-10, 203, Jr.): Ferdinand enters his third year of college football while also competing in sprints and throws for the school’s track and field team in the spring.

BROWN UNIVERSITY Sanoj Allen—East Coweta(DE 6-3, 235, So): Sat out most of the year last season because of an injury, but played against Harvard’s junior varsity.

GARDEN CITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Bryce Gemmel—East Coweta (QB, So.): Was a two-sport athlete for the Indians, playing both football and baseball. Went to junior college because he gave him the chance to play both sports.

Anfenney Turner —Newnan: (OL, So.) Is entering his second season of college football after playing on both the offensive and defensive lines in high school.

Matthews

Boston

Markell Boston and Tray Matthews weren’t your typical rivals in high school despite playing in one of the state’s most well-known rivalries.

Together, the friends, teammates and fellow Auburn University defensive backs could play a big role in the Tigers’ 2015 season among what could be another wild year for the SEC West Division.

Matthews came out of the spring raring to go after sitting out a redshirt-freshman season upon transferring from Georgia. He impressed new Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp while using a bit of that pent-up energy by picking off a pass in the end zone during the Tigers’ A-Day Game in the spring. He was named the A-Day’s Defensive MVP in what was a banner day for the two Coweta County standouts with Boston recording a game-best seven stops.

Matthews added five tackles in the spring game to go with his interception.

“It felt great,” Matthews told AL.com. “Family was out there. Great fans. It was an overwhelming feeling. I’m blessed to be in this position.

I’m taking advantage of every opportunity I have.”

Of late, Matthews has been hampered by a hamstring injury and didn’t play in Saturday’s scrimmage while missing the bulk of practices over the past week. He is an expected starter at safety this season for the Tigers.

The 6-1, 213 pound sophomore battled a nagging hamstring injury in 2013 and played in just eight games, including six starts, before he was dismissed from the Bulldogs' football program in the spring of 2014.

Boston also spent the 2014 season learning the ropes in the program after being part of Auburn’s 2014 signing class. The 6-2, 200-pound safety has been described by position coach Charlie Harbison as versatile.

He can do a lot of things. I think he'll be a special player for us."

Garden City did not have a 2015 roster listed at deadline for this publication.

GEORGIA SOUTHERN DeMarcus Godfrey — East Coweta (RB 5-9, 179, R-So.): The former All-Region selection and 1,000-yard rusher for the Indians did not see in action during his first year after being redshirted by the Eagles. He earned a spot on Eagle Honor Roll for his work in the classroom.

KENNESAW STATE Tonarius Portress — Newnan (LB 5-11, 245): The former All-County product from Newnan will have three years of eligibility left. He began his career at Garden City Community College where he played last season before joining the Owls for their first football team ever.

Michael Willis—Northgate (RB 5-10, 210, Jr): After playing two seasons at Southern Illinois where he joined his brother Tay, a standout running back, the former Newnan Times Herald All County running back will be part of the Owls’ backfield when they open on the road at East Tennessee on Thursday Sept. 3.

Wilis is expected to play an important role in the team’s triple-option.

MERCER Continued from page 1C If opponents didn’t know too much about Lakes before the start of the season, they did by late November.

Lakes led the Southern Conference with 1,107 yards on 200 carriers. His 17 rushing touchdowns were best in the league and 10th in the nation.

Arnold, who played for head coach Mike McDonald at

LIVINGSTONE Tristen Bridges —Newnan (LB, 5-9, 190, Fr.): The former Cougar signed with Livingstone after playing for Atlanta Prep last year.

E.J. Ransom (WR, 6-1, 190, Fr.) —East Coweta: Ransom, who was a top receiver for the Indians during his junior and senior seasons signed with the school in Salisbury, N.C. last year.

MERCER UNIVERSITY Randell Arnold —Newnan (DB 5-9, 199, Jr.) Dawson Ellis— East Coweta (OL 6-4, 260, Fr) Alex Lakes— Northgate (RB 5-10, 216, So) David Raschen —Newnan (OL 6-4, 300, Jr.) Payton Usher— Northgate (RB 5-7, 173, Jr) See Page 1C MILLSAPS Bailey Bryant — Newnan (QB, 6-5, 201, Fr): Bryant enters his freshman season after starting for the Cougars for three years.

Ben Dudley—The Heritage School (P, 5-10, 200, Jr): Dudley 37.6 yards per kick on 54 attempts in nine games, including a long of 59 yards during his sophomore year.

The former high school soccer goalie for the Hawks also put 21 inside the 20. Might also have a chance to do some

Newnan, has been a two-year starter for the Bears at the free safety position. After finishing with a team-leading 62 tackles as a freshman, he turned in a solid sophomore year with 52 tackles and two interceptions.

Usher hopes his upcoming junior year resembles his first in college football. As a freshman , he started nine games and rushed for 776 yards and two touchdowns. Usher played in nine games as a sophomore, but nagging injuries kept his numbers down to 268 yard rushing and one touchdown.

place kicking this season.

MORTHLAND COLLEGE Corey Bryant—Newnan (RB, 5-6, 182): Bryant signed in march to play at the school in West Frankfort, Ill. NAVY Sean Spencer— Northgate (DE 6-3, 250 So) —Spencer began his college career playing for the Naval Prep team.

His older brother Greg played football at Army, while sister Kelly played volleyball at the Air Force Academy.

NORTH CAROLINA J.K. Britt— Newnan (DB 6-0, 195, Fr.) See Page 1C NORTH GREENVILLE Nigel Gay—East Coweta (DB 5-9, 160, Jr): The former Indians standout finished as his team’s fifth leading tackler last season, with 70, including 28 solo hits. He also finished with three three interceptions.

SAMFORD Carson Barnett-Landmark Christian (QB 6-1 200, R-Sr): The Coweta County resident saw action in seven games as a backup quarterback and completed 23-of-32 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns . He also rushed 14 times for 84 yards and a touchdown .

East Coweta graduate Dawson Ellis (6-4, 259) hopes to see time on the Bears’ offensive line as a freshman.

Ellis was named All-County three-straight years and became a top defensive lineman for the Indians as a senior in 2014, finishing with 47 tackles and six sacks.

Newnan junior David Raschen (6-4, 300) was on the Mercer scout team last year and is back on the roster this year as a offensive lineman. Raschen played in two games for Mercer his freshman year.

SAVANNAH STATE Dee Snelling —Newnan (WR, 5-9, 160, So.): Snelling appeared in three games as a true freshman while appearing as both as wide receiver and kick returner. He caught one pass for four yards last year.

Qua Fuller —East Coweta (OL 6-2, 290, So.): Fuller appeared in three games during his freshman season.

SHORTER UNIVERSITY Chris Beno—Newnan (OL, 6-0, 270, Sr): Beno, who has already started his graduate degree at the Division II school in Rome while finishing out his NCAA eligibility, started in all 11 games at guard. Of the Hawks’ 570 offensive snaps, Beno was on the field for a remarkable 557. He earned an All-Gulf South Conference 2nd Team selection while also being named to USA College Football All-American 2nd Team. Beno was also named to the GSC’s Fall 2014 Academic Team and GSC Academic Honor Roll.

VIRGINIA TECH Brandon Facyson—Northgate (CB, 6-2, 192 R-So.): See Page 1C WEST GEORGIA David Singleton —East Coweta (CB 6-0, 170 R-Jr): Singleton ended the year with three interceptions and eight tackle while helping the Wolves earn a trip to the NCAA Division II Final Four. West Georgia was picked to win the Gulf South Conference in the preseason poll.

Tyler Poythress—East Coweta (LB 6-2, 210, Fr): Poythress enters his freshman season after signing with the Wolves in February.

J.D. Farlow—Trinity (RB) Farlow suffered a season-ending injury last year at Reinhardt and has transferred to UWG while waiting for doctors to clear him to play.

YALE Candler Rich —The Heritage School (RB 5-11, 206, Jr); Rich has put up big numbers for the Bulldogs during his first two seasons. He was named Honorable Mention All-Ivy League as a sophomore after playing in all 10 games.

He carried the ball 67 times for 502 yards and a team-high 7.5 yards per carry, including two touchdowns and a long of 51 yards. He excelled on special teams with six kickoff returns for for 82 yards. He rushed for three touchdowns and caught two during his freshman year.

LEG UP Continued from page 1C school’s career record with 19 field goals. Lutz has been almost automatic on extra points during his time with the Panthers, converting 78 of 79.

Like many kickers, Lutz started his career as a walk-on after an impressive high school career at Northgate before earning a scholarship. Lutz also holds the record the record with a career long 53-yard field goal against Alabama.

Smith earned a starting role for Tigers as a redshirt freshman last year

BONNER Continued from page 1C hands. It’s a very, very competitive spot there, that position, that wide receiver position, so the guys that are competing, they need to stay out there, stay healthy, and that’s what Alan is trying to do.”

Sitting without a job the past year, Bonner has made it his mission to find a way back into the Texans good laurels through his work ethic. When the Texans released their first depth chart last week, Bonner was at one of the backup receiver spots among the top four at the position with 2014 firstround pick DeAndre Hopkins (Clemson) along with veterans Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts.

“It was tough,” said Bonner.

“It was all just being strong within my head. I had good teammates around me to lift me up. That all just kept me going. The training staff just kept pushing me so I just had all positive energy all around me.”

Bonner — who continues to wear jersey No. 16 from his years at Jacksonville State — hasn’t wasted any time, making two impressive grabs in a combined practice with the Washington Redskins.

Besides kick return abilities, his ability to line up either outside or in the slot has kept him among the top four at his position, with hopes of sticking in Houston by the time the Texans have to trim the roster from 90 to 75 by Sept. 1 and to 53 by Sept. 5.

“It is good just getting back out there,” said Bonner in his first days of camp. “I’m just trying to better myself and make sure I can be an asset to this team.”

BRITT Continued from page 1C “There aren’t many freshman that have stood out,” except Mike Hughes, Tyson Williams and J.K.Britt, the guys that have been here (si nce en rol l i n g e a rly),” Fedora told Tar Heel Times Britt divided his time on both sides of the ball for head coach Mike McDonald’s Cougars. As a senior, Britt had 50 tackles, broke up two passes and had two interceptions.

On the offensive side of the ball, he rushed for 776 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Britt could also see some time on special teams for the Tar Heels.

and averaged 40.4 yards per punt. His impressive stats, included nine kicks of 50-plus yards and 18 punts that landed inside the 20.

Smith had just one touchback during the 2015 season, and ranked third in the American Conference and 49th nationally. Smith had one of his best performance last year when he placed four punts inside the 20 against UCLA. Antley brings some impressive numbers into the Arkansas private school.

Last season, he hit 33-35 extra points and 9 of 14 field goals.

All three kickers were named to All-County selections during varsity careers.

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10C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 19, 2015

COMPOSITE SCHEDULE FOR 2015 SEASON - H.S., JV, 9TH, MIDDLE Thursday’s Games

MIDDLE SCHOOL Trinity Christian ‘B’ at Flint River, 6 p.m.

Friday’s Games

HIGH SCHOOL Region 3-AAAAAA Campbell vs. South Atlanta, Lakewood New Manchester at Douglas County Creekside at South Cobb Region 4A-AAAAA Fayette County at McIntosh Region 4B-AAAAA Luella at Shaw, Kinnett Stadium Central-Phenix City, Ala. at Stockbridge Dutchtown at Osborne North Springs at Woodland-Henry GISA Region 1-AAA Heritage School at Flint River Terrell Academy at Trinity Christian Bethlehem Christian at Windsor Academy Crown Athletics at Dominion Christian Griffin Christian at Greater Bethlehem North Georgia at Holy Spirit Monsignor Donovan at Loganville Christian GICAA Division II 8-Man Central Christian at Ezekiel Academy, 7 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CCMSAL Jamboree, ECMS, 6 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL Region 3-AAAAAA Langston Hughes vs. Mays, Lakewood Stadium

Tuesday, Aug. 25

MIDDLE SCHOOL CCMSAL (games at 5 p.m.)

Madras at East Coweta Lee at Evans Smokey Road at Arnall

Thursday, Aug. 27

HIGH SCHOOL Region 4-AAAAA Forest Park at Spalding County NINTH GRADE (Games at 5:30 p.m.)

Sandy Creek at Newnan Northgate at McIntosh MIDDLE SCHOOL Strong Rock at Trinity Christian ‘B’, 6:30 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CCMSAL (Games at 5 p.m.)

Evans at Arnall Lee at Madras Smokey Road at East Coweta

OGLETREE Continued from page 1C Maybe most importantly for St. Louis, though, he’s discarded any of the image problems that had NFL franchises shying away from picking him until the 30th selection of the 2013 draft.

Ogletree, who was known locally as being quiet and reserve off the field, hasn’t allowed the Rams to rethink their decision. His 10 forced fumbles over two seasons are the second highest of any defender in the league next to St. Louis defensive teammate Robert Quinn.

Off the field, he’s been a model athlete both in the local community and closer to home here in Newnan, where he gave out Thanksgiving meals to families in need and donated $10,000 to his high school alma mater for new facilities in the Cougars weight room.

O g let re e re cent ly told Atlanta Journal Constitution Georgia beat writer Seth Emerson that it’s all been a part of maturing as an adult,

HIGH SCHOOL Region 3-AAAAAA Harrison at East Coweta Westlake at Shiloh Newnan at Marietta Langston Hughes at Grayson Pebblebrook at Osborne (Campbell, Douglas County, South Cobb off) Region 4A-AAAAA Ola vs. Morrow, Tara Stadium Fayette County at Starr’s Mill Northgate at Troup, Callaway Stadium Central Gwinnett vs. Mundy’s Mill, Twelve Oaks Drew at Lowndes Forest Park at Woodland-Henry (McIntosh off) Region 4B-AAAAA Luella at Tift County Locust Grove at Union Grove Ola vs. Morrow, Tara Stadium Forest Park at Woodland-Henry Dutchtown at Lovejoy (Stockbridge off) GISA Region 2-AAA Trinity Christian at Westfield School Terrell Academy at The Heritage School John Milledge at Bethlehem Christian Piedmont Academy at Griffin Christian Windsor Academy at Dominion Christian Griffin Christian at Trinity Christian-Dublin Holy Spirit at Monsignor Dominion GICAA 8-Man Division II Solid Rock at Central Christian

Wednesday, Sept. 9

HIGH SCHOOL Region 3-AAAAAA Arabia Mountain at East Coweta Carrollton at Newnan Westlake at Banneker Campbell vs. Stone Mountain, North DeKalb Stadium Douglas County at Alexander Langston Hughes at Creekside Miller Grove at Pebblebrook Pope at South Cobb Region 4A-AAAAA Northgate at Shaw Starr’s Mill at Whitewater Drew at Fayette County Morrow at Mt. Zion-Jonesboro McIntosh at Luella Mundy’s Mill at Lovejoy Region 4B-AAAAA McIntosh at Luella Union Grove at Eagle’s Landing Locust Grove at Ola Eagle’s Landing Christian at Stockbridge Dutchtown at Camden County Woodland-Henry at Apalachee GISA Region 1-AAA Heritage School at John Milledge Flint River at Trinity Christian Piedmont Academy at Bethlehem Christian Greater Bethlehem at Loganville Christian Dominion Christian at Georgia Force Community Christian at Holy Spirit (Griffin Christian off) GICAA 8-man Division II Hancock Academy vs. Central Christian, ECMS

Tuesday, Sept. 1

JUNIOR VARSITY (Games at 5:30 p.m.)

Starr’s Mill at Newnan East Coweta at Fayette County Sandy Creek at Northgate NINTH GRADE (Games at 5:30 p.m.)

Newnan at Starr’s Mill Northgate at Sandy Creek MIDDLE SCHOOL Trinity Christian ‘B’ at Renaissance, 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 4

Saturday’s Games

Friday, Aug. 28

Thursday, Sept. 3

MIDDLE SCHOOL CCMSAL (games at 5 p.m.)

Madras at Smokey Road East Coweta at Evans Lee at Arnall

Thursday, Sept. 10

HIGH SCHOOL Region 4A-AAAAA Luella vs. Forest Park, Tara Stadium JUNIOR VARSITY (Games at 5:30 p.m.)

Newnan at McIntosh Starr’s Mill at East Coweta Northgate at Fayette County NINTH GRADE (Games at 5:30 p.m.)

McIntosh at Newnan East Coweta at Northgate MIDDLE SCHOOL Heritage School at Trinity Christian ‘B’, 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 11

HIGH SCHOOLS Region 3-AAAAAA Whitewater at East Coweta Newnan at Sandy Creek Newton at Westlake Kennesaw Mountain at Douglas County Campbell vs. Lakeside, Adams Stadium South Cobb at Marietta (Langston Hughes off) Region 4A-AAAAA Woodland-Henry at Northgate Dutchtown at Starr’s Mill Ola at McIntosh Union Grove vs. Mundy’s Mill, Twelve Oaks Drew vs. North Clayton, Southern Crescent Morrow vs. Stockbridge, Tara Stadium Region 4B-AAAAA Woodland-Henry at Northgate Dutchtown at Starr’s Mill Ola at McIntosh Union Grove vs. Mundy’s Mill, Twelve Oaks Morrow vs. Stockbridge, Tara Stadium GISA Region 1-AAA Bethlehem Christian at Dominion Christian

having turned pro before his 21st birthday.

“I definitely learned a bunch of life lessons,” Ogletree told Emerson. “Stuff I did back then, it is behind me now, and it’s about what you’re doing now, and pushing forward. I just want to be a better person, and have a great career here.

Leave all the off-field issues.”

He now enters his third professional season after leading Rams defenders in tackles. Despite a 6-10 finish last year, some NFL analysts feel the team is poised to leapfrog Arizona and San Francisco in what has been a competitive NFC West alignment led

by Seattle’s back-to-back Super Bowl appearances.

“The goal is to start fast, be the top five defense in every category that we can possibly be in, and win games,” Ogletree said during the offseason.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about winning, and we definitely want to start that trend this year. We want to come out every day and compete, even in training camp.”

Like others in the defense, Ogletree has a lot more con-

ALL KICKOFFS AT 7:30 P.M., UNLESS NOTED Griffin Christian at Trinity Christian Robert Toombs at The Heritage School Loganville at Holy Spirit GICAA 8-Man Division II Appling Christian vs. Central Christian, ECMS

Saturday, Sept. 12

HIGH SCHOOL Region 3-AAAAAA Pebblebrook vs. Alcovy, Sharp Stadium

Tuesday, Sept. 15

MIDDLE SCHOOL CCMSAL (Games at 5 p.m.)

Arnall at Smokey Road Evans at Lee East Coweta at Madras

Thursday, Sept. 17

HIGH SCHOOL Region 4A-AAAAA Northgate vs. Morrow, Tara Stadium Junior Varsity East Coweta at Newnan, 5:30 p.m.

Ninth Grade Newnan at East Coweta, 5:30 p.m.

Middle School Creekside at Trinity Christian ‘B’, 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 18

HIGH SCHOOL Region 3-AAAAAA (All Schools off) Region 4A-AAAAA McIntosh vs. Mundy’s Mill, Twelve Oaks Forest Park at Starr’s Mill (Drew off) Region 4B-AAAAA Woodland-Henry at Dutchtown Union Grove at Tri-Cities Stockbridge at Rockdale County Ola at Lamar County (Luella off) GISA Region 1-AAA Holy Spirit at Bethlehem Christian Dominion Christian at Loganville Christian Griffin Christian at The Heritage School Trinity Christian at Georgia Christian GICAA 8-Man Division II Central Christian at Twiggs Academy

Thursday, Oct. 1

HIGH SCHOOL Region 4A-AAAAA Morrow vs. Mundy’s Mill, Twelve Oaks JUNIOR VARSITY (Games at 5:30 p.m.)

Newnan at Whitewater McIntosh at East Coweta NINTH GRADE (Games at 5:30 p.m.)

Whitewater at Newnan East Coweta at McIntosh

Friday, Oct. 2

Tuesday, Oct. 20

HIGH SCHOOL Region 3-AAAAAA Westlake at East Coweta Douglas County at Newnan Langston Hughes at Campbell Pebblebrook at South Cobb Region 4A-AAAAA Northgate at McIntosh Starr’s Mill at Drew (Forest Park off) Region 4B-AAAAA Dutchtown at Stockbridge Luella at Union Grove Ola at Woodland-Henry GISA Region 1-AAA Heritage School at Loganville Christian Trinity Christian at Holy Spirit Windsor Academy at Griffin Christian (Bethlehem Christian, Dominion Christian off) GICAA 8-Man Division II Central Christian at Evangel Family Christian, 7 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CCMSAL Championship, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 22

HIGH SCHOOL Region 4A-AAAAA Northgate vs. Drew, Southern Crescent MIDDLE SCHOOL MACAC Playoffs, First Round

Friday, Oct. 23

HIGH SCHOOL Region 3-AAAAAA East Coweta at Douglas County Newnan at Pebblebrook Langston Hughes at Westlake South Cobb at Campbell Region 4A-AAAAA McIntosh vs. Forest Park, Tara Stadium Mundy’s Mill at Starr’s Mill (Morrow off) Region 4B-AAAAA Union Grove at Dutchtown Luella at Ola Stockbridge at Woodland-Henry GISA Region 1-AAA Heritage School at Dominion Christian Loganville Christian at Trinity Christian Bethlehem Christian at Griffin Christian Young Americans at Holy Spirit GICAA 8-Man Division II Central Christian at Hancock Academy

MIDDLE SCHOOL CCMSAL First Round Playoffs, 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 8

MIDDLE SCHOOL CCMSAL (Games at 5 p.m.)

Madras at Evans Smokey Road at Lee Arnall at East Coweta

Thursday, Sept. 24

JUNIOR VARSITY (Games at 5:30 p.m.)

Newnan at Whitewater East Coweta at Sandy Creek Northgate at Starr’s Mill NINTH GRADE (Games at 5:30 p.m.)

Whitewater at Newnan Sandy Creek at East Coweta MIDDLE SCHOOL Flint River at Trinity Christian ‘B’, 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 25

HIGH SCHOOL Region 3-AAAAAA East Coweta at Campbell Newnan at South Cobb Westlake at Pebblebrook Douglas County at Langston Hughes Region 4A-AAAAA Mundy’s Mill at Northgate Morrow at McIntosh Forest Park vs. Drew, Southern Crescent (Starr’s Mill, Region 4B-AAAAA schools off) GISA Region 1-AAA Heritage School at Bethlehem Christian Holy Spirit at Griffin Christian (Trinity Christian, Loganville Christian) GICAA 8-Man Division II Central Christian at Lafayette Christian

JUNIOR VARSITY (Games at 5:30 p.m.)

Northgate at Newnan East Coweta at Whitewater NINTH GRADE (Games at 5:30 p.m.)

Newnan at Northgate Whitewater at East Coweta MIDDLE SCHOOL Skipstone at Trinity Christian ‘B’, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 29

MIDDLE SCHOOL MACAC Playoffs, Second Round

Friday, Oct. 30

Friday, Oct. 9

HIGH SCHOOL Region 3-AAAAAA East Coweta at Newnan Westlake at South Cobb Douglas County at Campbell Pebblebrook at Langston Hughes Region 4A-AAAAA Starr’s Mill at Northgate Drew at McIntosh Forest Park vs. Morrow, Tara Stadium (Mundy’s Mill off) Region 4B-AAAAA Stockbridge at Union Grove Dutchtown at Ola Woodland-Henry at Luella GISA Region 1-AAA Trinity Christian at Heritage School Bethlehem Christian at Loganville Christian Dominion Christian at Holy Spirit Young Americans at Griffin Christian GICAA 8-Man Division II Central Christian at CrossPointe Christian

HIGH SCHOOL Region 3-AAAAAA East Coweta at Langston Hughes Newnan at Westlake Campbell at Pebblebrook South Cobb at Douglas County Region 4A-AAAAA McIntosh at Starr’s Mill Drew vs. Morrow, Tara Stadium Forest Park vs. Mundy’s Mill, Twelve Oaks (Northgate off) Region 4B-AAAAA Union Grove at Ola Stockbridge at Luella (Woodland-Henry, Dutchtown off) GISA Region 1-AAA Dominion Christian at Trinity Christian Bethlehem Christian at First Presbyterian Griffin Christian at Loganville Christian (Heritage School, Holy Spirit off) GICAA 8-Man Division II Holy Ground vs. Central Christian, ECMS

Thursday, Nov. 5

Wednesday, Oct. 14

MIDDLE SCHOOL MACAC Championship Game

NINTH GRADE Northgate at East Coewta, 5:30 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CCMSAL Semifinals, 5 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 6

HIGH SCHOOL Region 3-AAAAAA South Cobb at East Coweta Langston Hughes at Newnan Campbell at Westlake Pebblebrook at Douglas County Region 4-AAAAA Play-In Games, TBD GISA Class AAA First Round State Playoffs

Thursday, Oct. 15

Tuesday, Sept. 29

fidence in his grasp of the system entering coordinator Gregg Williams' second season back with the Rams.

"I'm totally way more comfortable in the defense," Ogletree said. "Right now, it's about fine-tuning stuff and making sure you're consistent."

In his first two seasons, Ogletree learned the value of practice. In college, he might have been able to get by on sheer talent.

The Rams, who haven't fielded a winning team in a decade, have posted seven, seven and six victories the first three seasons under coach Jeff Fisher.

Substituting for size, he'll rely on leverage and better use of his hands at the point of attack. He vows to spend more time watching film, too.

"I'll hopefully continue to lead the team in tackles, and in other categories, too," he said.

"Most of all, I want to win. The individual stuff, that'll take care of itself as long as we're winning."

(The Associated Press contributed to this story)

Douglas County at Westlake South Cobb at Langston Hughes Region 4A-AAAAA Forest Park at Northgate Starr’s Mill vs. Morrow, Tara Stadium Mundy’s Mill vs. Drew, Southern Crescent (McIntosh off) Region 4B-AAAAA Ola at Stockbridge Woodland-Henry at Union Grove Dutchtown at Luella GISA Region 1-AAA Trinity Christian at Bethlehem Christian Dominion Christian at Griffin Christian Holy Spirit at The Heritage School (Loganville Christian off) GICAA 8-Man Division II Central Christian vs. Ballard Christian

JUNIOR VARSITY Whitewater at Northgate, 5:30 p.m.

NINTH GRADE Northgate at Whitewater, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 6

Tuesday, Sept. 22

MIDDLE SCHOOL CCMSAL (games at 5 p.m.)

East Coweta at Lee Arnall at Madras Evans at Smokey Road

Wednesday, Sept. 30

Trinity Christian ‘B’ at Heritage School, 6 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 16

HIGH SCHOOLS Region 3-AAAAAA Pebblebrook at East Coweta Campbell at Newnan

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