Football2016

Wednesday, August 17, 2016 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 1B

FOOTBALL2016 Coweta’s Coweta’s

CHANGING FOOTBALL CHANGING FOOTBALL

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By JEFF ARMSTRONG jarmstrong@newnan.com And then there were seven.

The Georgia High School Association has increased the number of football classifications in the state this year to seven — the second time in four years the GHSA has decided to realign all the prep football programs in Georgia.

A total of 48 teams will be included in Class AAAAAAA starting this fall, including local teams Newnan and East Coweta, who have moved up from Class AAAAAA. Local team

Northgate will move up to Class AAAAAA this season after competing in Class AAAAA last year.

East Coweta and Newnan will be competing in the six-team Region 2-AAAAAAA, losing Langston Hughes, South Cobb and Douglas County from their former region 3-6A. Those three teams will stay in 6A and two of them will join Northgate’s new region, 5-AAAAAA. The familiar foes for Newnan and EC include Westlake, Campbell and Pebblebrook while the new team in the region will be Wheeler High of Marietta. Both local teams will have to travel to Atlanta to face Westlake, while EC will make two trips to Cobb County (Pebblebrook and Campbell) and Newnan

will make one Cobb trip (Wheeler).

Northgate will be in a completely new region this year, which features eight other teams. The other foes for the Vikings will be Douglas County, Creekside, South Paulding, Alexander, New Manchester, Tri-Cities, Langston Hughes and Mays.

The Vikings possibly caught a break with the scheduling this season, as they have three straight home games from Sept. 30-Oct. 21 and their bye week is slated for Oct. 14. They have to travel to former region foe Starr’s Mill on Sept. 2 and start Region 5-AAAAAA play at Douglas County on Sept. 9, but four of Northgate’s next five games are at home. The Vikings finish their regular season with backto-back road contests at nearby Langston

Hughes (in Fairburn) and in Atlanta for Mays High.

The interesting news for the Vikings is five of their eight region foes had winning records last year, so they could be in for a serious battle to qualify for the postseason in 2016.

Out of the 48 schools in the new Class 7A, 17 of them are located in Gwinnett County and 10 are located in Cobb County. With that many schools in north metro Atlanta and further, it could put the pressure on the Cougars and Indi-

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EAST COWETA INDIANS INDIANS

2B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 17, 2016

EC Indians prepare to take the next step

By JEFF ARMSTRONG jarmstrong@newnan.com The East Coweta Indians football team could very well be on the warpath this season.

The Indians are a trendy pick to do very well this season, having completed back-toback 8-3 seasons under third-year head football coach Steve Pardue.

The coaching staff has been intact for three consecutive summers now and with that continuity and chemistry, the Indians could be a team on the rise in 2016, even with a move to the highest classification in the state (AAAAAAA).

It won’t be easy for EC at all, not when they’re going to Region 2-AAAAAAA with perennial contender Westlake High, which went 10-3 last year and advanced to the state Sweet 16. And of course EC has to contend with a certain county rival named Newnan High, wh ich went 9-3 last season a nd advanced to the second round of the state playoffs. Newnan also ended EC’s two-year win streak in the series with a 21-17 home win over the Indians last year.

“The way the region looks now, we will have our hands full with Westlake and Newnan, and it pains me to have to put Newnan that high up, but they are good,” said Pardue. “It’s nice to hear that we are on the high school football radar, but we have to play one game at a time and see where it all goes.

We can’t worry about press clippings and the other teams now — we’ve got to get our team together and prepare to win every game on the schedule.”

In order for the Indians to win as many games as possible, the team will need another special season out of senior linebacker Jeremiah Gemmel. Gemmel was the bellcow for the Indians last year, leading the team with 104 tackles (73 solo), 11 tackles for loss and he even blocked three kicks as well.

The North Carolina commit had a great junior year, Pardue said.

“And the great thing about Jeremiah is that he hasn’t stopped improving,” said Pardue.

“He just keeps on working and getting better.”

Pardue and Indians’ defensive coordinator Rusty Easom both agreed on the one thing about Gemmel that makes him stand out.

“Speed,” they both said in unison.

“I say he has functional speed, to be honest.

Pads just don’t slow Jeremiah down. He really flies to the football,” Pardue said. “And what makes him even more special is he doesn’t get caught up in the glitz and glamour; he is a quiet, laid-back kid — until he hits the field.”

The EC offense will rely on junior quarterback Christian Reid, who passed for 591 yards and four touchdowns in limited duty last season. With a full season under his belt, the coaching staff feels Reid will work the Hybrid Wing-T very well.

Key Indians linemen charged with protecting Reid will be junior tackle Evan Field and seniors Stephen Gardner and Charlie Gochenour.

Pardue said they will sometimes line up in the shotgun with three wide receivers and will also set up in the backfield with two run-

ning backs.

One of the backs who will line up and dish out punishment will be 5-foot10, 260-pound fullback Ca rlos Ford, who’s at h let ic enoug h

to hurdle a would-be tackler and strong enough to stiffarm one to the ground and run over several others.

“Carlos has been working hard to get in shape and I’m proud to see that,” Pardue said.

Also taking turns in the backfield will be junior DeVante Ford and senior Devonte Brown. Brown is the jack-of-all-trades for the Indians — he also plays safety and he even punts for EC. Defensively, the Indians should be pretty stout as they will start 11 seniors on that side of the football, led by Gemmel. They will run a 4-2-5 base defense and there will be a lot more secondary coverages than they have employed in the past.

Others besides Gemmel to watch for on defense will be senior defensive end Logan Dockery, senior defensive tackle Coleman Wood and senior defensive tackle Mark Wilson, who transferred to EC from South Carolina.

And the kicking game, which is big for Pardue since he really values that part of the sport, will be handled by junior kicker Wyatt Palmer. Pardue said Palmer had a terrific sophomore season and excelled in kickoffs and extra points. He only missed one extra point in 2015.

East Coweta begins the 2016 in a special way. They host the Lovejoy Wildcats on Aug. 19 and they will dedicate the fieldhouse next to Garland Shoemake Stadium to former longtime EC head football coach Danny Cronic that day. After that game, EC hosts Maynard Jackson before hitting the road to play a big game against LaGrange High on Sept. 9. Pardue coached at LaGrange for 20 years and led the Grangers to consecutive state titles.

“It will be different going to play at LaGrange, especially having to go to the visitors locker room,” he said.

The LaGrange game will be followed by two more non-region contests, and then EC will start Region 2-AAAAAAA play at Westlake on Oct. 7. The Indians end the regular season with their big rival showdown against Newnan on Nov. 4 at Garland Shoemake Stadium.

2016 East Coweta Indians Schedule Aug. 19 Lovejoy Sept. 2 Jackson-Atlanta Sept. 9 at LaGrange Sept. 16 North Cobb Sept. 23 Arabia Mountain

*Oct. 7 at Westlake *Oct. 14 Wheeer *Oct. 21 at Pebblebrook *Oct. 28 at Campbell *Nov. 4 Newnan

2016 East Coweta Indians Roster 1 Christian Reid 5’11 163 JR 2 Matthew Bush 5’11 192 SR 3 DeVante Ford 5’8 174 JR 4 Justin Crump 5’7 155 SR 5 Dantarius Chunn 5’7 156 SO 6 Devonte Brown 5’9.5 172 SR 7 Reggie Jones 5’10.5 163 SR 8 Juan Calipolitti 5’8.5 159 JR 9 Logan Dockery 6’0 217 SR 10 Jake Goodman 5’11.5 153 JR 11 Jovan Rembert 6’0 181 SR 12 Andreco Ingram 5’9.5 157 SR 13 Josh Martin 5’10 152 JR 14 Jonah Steerman 6’0 175 SR 15 Brayden Carey 5’10.5 158 SO 16 Blake McMahan 5’8 163 JR 17 Jonathan Hudson 5’10.5 213 SO 18 Harris Maloy 6’1 197 SR 19 Braden Blevins 5’9 167 JR 20 Jacob Gill 5’10 163 JR 21 Aaron Singleton 5’5.5 155 SR 22 Bryan Crow 5’8.5 138 SO 23 Calvin Kirby 5’8 164 SR 24 Jaylen Ingram 5’9 155 JR 25 Carlos Ford 5’10 268 SR 26 Chris Moore 5’11 199 FR 27 Deon Woods 6’0 154 JR 28 Wyatt Palmer 5’9 135 JR 29 Thomas Murphy 5’9.5 137 SO 30 Ramal Holston 5’8 130 SO 31 Lamund Alexander 5’6 174 JR 32 Gerald Green 5’8.5 171 SO

33 Jeremiah Gemmel 6’1 200 SR 34 Trevor Crowdis 5’6 135 SO 36 Gavin Hall 5’8.5 166 SO 37 Bradley Waczkowski 5’7 142 SR 38 Jack Newton 5’8 167 JR 39 Kenneth Bullard 5’3.5 118 SO 40 Marc Wilson 6’0 246 SR 41 David Sanchez 5’4 156 SO 42 DeAngelo Evans 5’6 131 SO 43 Jalen Whisby 6’0 155 SO 44 Ethan Martin 6’1 188 JR 45 Jayleen Heard 5’9 194 SO 46 Khalil Woodward 5’7.5 168 SO 47 Rayshaud Brown 5’10 172 SO 48 Andrew Murphy 6’3.5 180 JR 49 Tray Martin 5’9 186 JR 50 Will Underwood 6’2 288 JR 51 Tucker Cortez 6’2 212 SO 52 Cameron Childers 6’0 246 SO 53 Bubba Hill 5’8 257 SO 54 Kamron Reese 6’2 249 SR 55 Tyler Hughie 5’9.5 247 SO 56 Riley Jewett 6’3 215 SO 57 Ja’Kolby Smith 5’8 264 SO 58 Rodrigo Salas 6’3 280 JR 59 Ron Pettaway 5’11.5 235 SO 60 Avery Brook 5’9 192 SO 61 Charlie Gochenour 5’11 261 SR 62 Chris Tornatore 5’10 186 JR 63 Daecian Cox 6’0 221 JR 64 Jacob Shaneyfelt 5’11 237 SR 65 Landon Mathis 5’11 220 JR

66 Titus Aun 5’6.5 206 SO 67 Dooley Bunn 5’8 179 JR 68 Robert Jones 5’11.5 229 SO 70 Stephen Gardner 5’9 203 SR 71 Evan Fields 6’5.5 260 JR 72 Coleman Wood 6’1 253 SR 73 Jaylin Davis 6’0 356 SR 74 Jaylon Thomas 5’7 227 JR 75 Joshua Vincent 6’5.5 265 JR 76 Joshua Render 5’10 289 JR 78 Jarmaine Elder 5’5 215 JR 79 Noah Adams 6’1 173 JR 80 Deyatti Heard 5’7.5 158 SR 81 Christian Pace 5’10.5 140 JR 82 Julian Connell 6’2 160 JR 83 Devin Langley 5’8 135 SO 84 Ryan Griffin 5’11 162 JR 85 Ronald Baker 6’2 228 JR 86 Jalen Smith 5’9 230 JR 87 Darius Gates 6’0 181 SO 88 Sean Helmeczy 6’0 167 SR 89 Samuel Farrell 5’6 127 SO 90 Alex Derico 5’10 171 SO 91 Jacob O’Brien 5’6.5 211 SO 92 Jake Clark 6’0 195 SO 93 Peter Walker 5’11 151 JR 94 Ahumad Williams 5’9 135 SO 95 Zekkhi Selby 5’3 157 SO 96 Austin Dees 6’1.5 167 SO 97 Zion Selby 5’2 147 SO 98 Blake Lindler 5’10 154 SO 99 Tomas Robledo 5’11 196 SO

Wednesday, August 17, 2016 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 3B

Carrollton is under the direction of a new head 3-AAAAA. coach Sean Calhoun, who takes over for Ed DudThe overall series record can’t be any closer with the series, tied at 5-5. Northgate has won There is nothing ever dull about high school ley. It’s Calhoun’s first head-coaching position. football in Georgia.

Aug. 19 — Lovejoy at East Coweta: The four of the last five meetings in the series, includCertain games are circled on the calendar well Indians lead the series 10-6. This will be the first ing last year’s 21-7 decision.

It will only be the Panthers’ second game of in advance of the kickoff, and even the early-sea- meeting between the two teams since 2013 when the season after opening the season on Aug. 26 son non-region games can have plenty of drama. the Wildcats won the contest 39-35. against Newnan, while it will be Northgate’s This year, there are plenty of changes on the Although the Indians lead the series, they high school football horizon as the Georgia High will be trying to break a two-game losing streak third contest of the year.

School Association expands from six classifica- against Lovejoy.

Sept. 9 — East Coweta at LaGrange: East tions to seven.

The Wildcats also won 30-7 in 2012. Start- Coweta football coach Steve Pardue might feel a It also means East Coweta and Newnan are ing in 2004, East Coweta beat the Wildcats four little bit sentimental in this contest. Pardue spent moving into Region 2-AAAAAA, while North- straight times, also winning in 2005, 2008 and 17 seasons patrolling the sidelines at LaGrange, gate is moving into Region 5-AAAAAA. 2009. including guiding the Grangers to back-to-back Despite the changes, some long-time rivalries state title in 2003 and 2004. This will be the Aug. 23 — Trinity at Loganville Christian: will remain intact. ninth meeting between the two teams, but the Here is a list of 10 contests which could have A year ago, Trinity Christian bought into first- first since 1999. East Coweta holds a 5-3 lead. an impact on the 2016 season or at the very least year head coach Dan Matthews’ game plan, posting as 6-5 record, including winning five games Sept. 19 — Her itage at L oga nv i l le be fun to watch: in a row. One thing they have never done is beat Christian: The two teams have only met twice, Aug. 18 — Newnan at Carrollton: (Univer- Loganville. In a battle of two teams named Lions, with each earning one victory. The Hawks domisity of West Georgia): There’s plenty of tradition Loganville has won both meetings, including last nated the first meeting in 2014, taking a 54-27 between the two schools, and there’s no better year’s 24-7 meeting. Trinity would love nothing victory, while the Lions won last year’s game way to kick off the season as the Cougars and more than to break the losing streak this year.

12-10. Loganville’s victory came as part of 10-1 Trojans get a jumpstart on 2016 campaign with a Sept. 2 — Northgate at Starr’s Mill: This season.

Thursday night showdown at University of West Oct. 21 — Newnan at Westlake: The Couis one of the Vikings’ oldest rivalries. The two Georgia.

This will be the 28th meeting between the teams are no longer in the same region, but are gars and the Lions both move from Region two schools, including the third in the last three scheduled to play early-season contests for at 3-AAAAAA to Region 2-AAAAAAA, assuring the rivalry stays intact for a couple of years. least the next two years. years.

Last year, both teams earned one of the four With the Georgia High School AssociaNewnan comes into the contest with a 14-11-1 lead in the series. The Cougars won last year’s tion realignment, Northgate is now a member region playoff spots as Westlake finished 10-3 meeting 34-13, after besting Carrollton 28-22 in of Region 5-AAAAAA, while Starr’s Mill stays and Newnan 9-3.

2014. in Class AAAAA and is a member of Region The Cougars hold a 6-2 advantage in the series,

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan

Region 2-AAAAAAA Schedules 2016 Campbell Schedule Aug. 19 at Etowah Aug. 26 South Cobb Sept. 9 Sprayberry Sept. 16 at Hillgrove Sept. 23 Marietta Oct. 7 * Pebblebrook Oct. 14 * at Newnan Oct 21 * at Wheeler Oct. 28 * East Coweta Nov. 4 * Westlake 2015 Results (2-8) W South Atlanta 41-16 W Stone Mountain 38-8 L Lakeside 50-41 L East Coweta 28-6 L Hughes 49-14 L Pebblebrook 27-6 L Newnan 31-6 L South Cobb 34-7 L Douglas County 40-14 L Westlake 44-0

2016 Pebblebrook Schedule Aug. 19 South Cobb Sept. 2 Osborne Sept. 9 at Marietta Sept. 16 Berkmar Sept. 23 at North Cobb Oct. 7 * at Campbell Oct. 14 * Westlake Oct. 21 * East Coweta Oct. 28 * at Newnan Nov. 4 at Wheeler 2015 Results (4-6) L Miller Grove 26-8 W Osborne 51-7 W Alcovy 40-7 L Westlake 32-7 L South Cobb 42-7 W Campbell 27-6 L East Coweta 34-7 L Newnan 27-17 L Hughes 27-6 W Douglas County 22-16

2016 Westlake Schedule

Aug. 26 at Hughes Sept. 2 Shiloh Sept. 9 at Cartersville Sept. 16 McEachern Sept. 23 Lithonia Oct. 7 * East Coweta Oct. 14 * at Pebblebrook Oct. 21 * Newnan Oct. 28 * Wheeler Nov. 4 at Campbell 2015 Results W Banneker 69-0 W Shiloh 35-0 L Newton 27-7 W Pebblebrook 32-7 L East Coweta 7-0 W Newnan 41-21 W Douglas County 41-0 W Hughes 36-35 W South Cobb 41-6 W Campbell 44-0 Playoffs: W Lakeside 76-20 W Peachtree Ridge 28-9 L Grayson 35-28

but have lost the last two meetings between the two teams, including last year’s 41-21 decision.

Oct. 28 — Northgate at Langston Hughes: It’s first first meeting in the series between the two teams. For the past few seasons, Langston Hughes was a Region 3-AAAAAA rival with Newnan and East Coweta, but now will be a Region 5-AAAAAA foe with the Vikings.

It will be a good test for both teams. A year ago, Northgate advanced to the Class AAAAA Final Four, finishing with a 10-2 record. Langston Hughes made the playoffs in 2015, but finished with a losing 5-6 record.

Nov. 4 — Newnan at East Coweta: High School football in Georgia is full of great rivalries and this one is among the best. The two teams have played 24 times with East Coweta holding a slight 13-11 edge. Newnan won last year’s game 21-17. This series is highlighted by long winning streaks by both teams.

Newnan won eight straight in the series, from 2003-2011, while East Coweta won 10 in a row from 1993-2002.

Nov. 4 — Heritage at Trinity: By most definitions of a rivalry, there is not a whole lot of tradition in this series. The two teams have only played five times, with the Hawks holding a 4-1 lead, but the two Georgia Independent School Association opponents circle this game on their calendar each year. Heritage won last year’s contest 34-13. The Lions’ only victory in the series was a 12-0 decision in 2013.

What to Know in Region 2-AAAAAAA

By STAFF REPORTS sports@newnan.com

2015 Record: (2-8) Head Coach: Ryan Brady— Career Record (5-15) Players to Watch: Kendall Lawrence (Jr., RB/LB), Trey Wilson (Sr., WR) and Daniel Charles (Sr., DB).

What to Know: The Spartans went winless in their old region in 2015 and won just twice all year. This season, they have nowhere else to go but up. They come into the season looking for a new quarterback. Campbell hasn’t made the playoffs since 2006 when it went 9-3. It was the best record in school history.

Lots of changes are on the horizon for high school football teams in Georgia after the GHSA expanded from six classifications to seven.

One of the biggest changes is East Coweta and Newnan’s move to Region 2-AAAAAAA where it will play in a six-team region.

However, all but Wheeler are familiar foes for the Indians and Cougars after playing against the two Coweta County teams in the old Region 3-AAAAAA. Here’s a brief what to know Pebblebrook Falcons regarding the teams both East 2015 Record: (4-6) Coweta and Newnan will face Head Coach: Kevin Saunin the newly formed Region ders—Career Record (5-10) 2-AAAAAAA. Key Players: Jacob Bailey (Jr., OL), Mailk Matthews (Sr., Campbell Spartans

RB), Christian Swan (Sr., DB), Rakeem Smith (Jr., WR) and Jesus Izaguire (Sr., DL).

What to Know: The Falcons are looking for their first winning record since 2009.

Although Rakeem Smith might be the Falcons’ best athlete, his chances to catch the ball may be limited, as the Falcons are still a run first team.

Westlake Lions 2015 Record: 10-3 Head Coach: K a reem Reid—Career Record (0-0) Players to Watch: Jaden Hunter (Sr., LB), A.J. Terrell (Sr., DB), Brandon Dickerson (Sr., QB), Malik Willis (Sr,. Ath) and Tre Person (Sr., DB).

W h at to K now : We s tlake could be the team to beat this year in the newly-formed Region 2-AAAAAAA.

A year ago, the squad finished with a 10-3 record, but is under the direction of firstyear head coach Kareem Reid.

Several college prospects will again be dressed out for the Lions.

Wheeler Wildcats 2015 Record: 5-6 Head Coach: Michael Collins—Career Record (55-62) Players to Watch: Bennett Bay (Sr., DB), T.J. Smith (Sr., WR), Gabe Magerkurth (Sr., QB) What to Know: The Wildcats might be known more for basketball than football, but last year they made the playoffs on the gridiron for the first time since 2012 and just the second time since 2006.

2016 Wheeler Schedule Aug. 19 at Marietta Aug. 26 Centennial Sept. 2 South Cobb Sept. 16 Walton Sept. 23 at Lambert Oct . 7 * Newnan Oct. 14 * at East Coweta Oct. 21 *Campbell Oct. 28 at Westlake Nov. * 4 Pebblebrook 2015 Results (5-6) W Duluth 52-6 L Harrison 35-7 W Woodstock 42-21 W Milton 35-7 L Walton 22-19 L Cherokee 31-28 L Roswell 45-7 W Pope 42-10 L Etowah 41-0 W Lassiter 35-14 Playoffs L Grayson 38-10

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COUGARS NEWNAN COUGARS 4B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Cougars ready to build on last year’s success

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com Newnan’s Mike McDonald faces t he sa me di lem ma ever y h igh school football coach in the country encounters from time to time.

How to rebuild after its was hit hard by graduation.

As ma ny as 28 seniors completed their high school careers last year after helping the Cougars finish 9-3 and advance to the second round of the Class AAAAA playoffs.

It was a complete turnaround from t he 2014 season when Newnan had a rare playoff miss after going 3-9, and stayed home from the post-season party for the first time in eight years.

“We had a lot of great senior leadership,” McDonald said. “We went out and gained some confidence and by the end of year, we were a pretty good football team.

We do have a lot of guys back who played a lot of football for us and that helps.”

This year, the Georgia High School Association has expanded to seven classifications, and the Couga rs w i l l be a member of Region 2-AAAAAAA. The six-team league includes traditiona l riva l East Coweta , Campbell, Westlake, but also features Wheeler, and Pebblebrook.

“Westlake really has some highend type of players,” McDonald said. “East Coweta returns a lot, especially their kids on offense, and they are going to be good on defense. Pebblebrook has really made some strides. Wheeler is really kind of an unknown. I am sure they are going to be athletic, and I am sure they are really going to be pretty good.”

The Cougars tuned up for the upcoming season with the typical high school football summer.

Newnan’s preseason regiment included time in the weightroom and summer conditioning, as well as 7-on-7 passing competitions with other schools.

“We did passing leagues every Wed ne sd ay,” McD on a ld s a id .

“Summer goes quick. There’s just not lot of time. You put on the pads and it seems like it is time to play.”

McDonald said there are pros and cons to participating in 7-on-7 contests. “ It ’s pret t y much t wo -h a nd touch,” McDonald said. “Football is still about blocking and tackling, and that will never change.

What it does is allow your quarterbacks and receivers to work on timing, and on defense, it lets your guys work on communicating and seeing different routs.”

Newnan will be one of the first teams to play a high school football game this year when they open Thursday against Carrollton.

Other non-region games include Starr’s Mill, Etowah, Washington, and at Wheeler.

Tonight’s contest with the Trojans is set for 7 p.m. at University Stadium on the campus the University of West Georgia.

“It’s probably the first game in the state,” McDonald said. “There is just not too much time to prepare this days. We started in pads the first week of August and then boom we had scrimmage the next week. Now, it just happens so much faster, and then we will turn around in a week and play our first game.”

It w i l l be t he t h i rd-st ra ig ht meeting between the two teams.

“It’s becoming a really good rivalry,” McDonald said. “It’s one of those traditional deals. It’s good for our fans, it’s good for their fans. Playing at West Georgia is really going to be a neat experience for our kids.”

Newnan has won the last two contests.

This will be the 27th meeting between the two teams.

McDonald is entering his eighth year has the Cougars head coach.

The Trojans are under the direction of first-year head coach Sean Calhoun.

Senior K.D. Satterwhite takes over at quarterback for the Cougars. Satterwhite replaces Chancellor Johnson, a two-sport athlete, who is expected to play both football and baseball at Albany State.

Desmond Blackshire will back up Satterwhite at quarterback.

Satter white brings plenty of quickness to the position, and is also a threat to run the football.

Like Johnson, Satterwhite displays plenty of athletic ability and is also a standout on the baseball field.

T he Couga rs bring back the most dept h on offen se at t he wide receiver spot with senior Zavin Cooley-Smith and P.J. Harris expecting to be two of Satterwhite’s “go-to guys.”

A year ago, Cooley-Smith went into the playoffs with more than 20 receptions. Harris also was a sure-handed receiver for the Cougars. Through the regular season, Harris hauled in 15 catches.

Senior Marquan Hill will also be in the mix for playing time at wide receiver for the Cougars.

Senior running back A.J. Robinson returns to the Cougars’ lineup after getting playing time last.

Mautavier Parks is also expected to see action out of the backfield.

“Those two guys will share the reps there,” McDonald said.

Sophomores Ashton Harris and Josh Russell have been working hard to get some playing time at running back.

Rad Wyrick will handle both the place kicking and punting duties this season.

On the offensive line, Austin Spradlin and Joel Hughes return after starting last year.

However, from there there was some stiff competition with senior Garrett Coggins and Rylan Williams in the mix. Alex Wood, Garrison Morgan and Alex Perry will also see plenty of playing time.

“We got kids trying to fight it out to play on the offensive line,”

McDonald said.

The Cougars don’t use a tight end in every one of their offensive schemes, but junior Dominik Rados and Collin Wade can play the position.

On the defensive side of the ball, senior nose guard Corey Coleman, and senior defensive end Deonte Terrell anchor things up front.

Josh Bridges makes the switch from the offensive side of the ball where he played tight end to the defensive end slot.

Inside linebackers include Tyrell Harris, Brandon, Casey Thompson, Eric Russell and James Mason.

O utside l i nebacker Devonte Harris returns after starting every game for the Cougars last year.

Harris was in on several tackles and also forced a fumble. Dezmin Jennings is coming off a solid preseason and should also be in the mix for plenty of playing time.

Newnan’s secondary features free safety Klynell Johnson. The Couga rs’ sta rting cornerbacks include senior Keonte Hart and MarquHill, who will play on both sides of the ball, dividing time between wide receiver on offense and in the defensive secondary.

Sophomore Cliff Bridges will also see playing time in the secondary. Bridges is the younger brother of Georgia Tech freshman Emanuel Bridges.

After it’s game against Carrollton to open the season, Newnan returns home the following week FILE PHOTO:

COUGARS, page 7B

Newnan head coach Mike McDonald gets ready to lead the Cougars into the 2016 season.

FILE PHOTO

Senior K.D. Satterwhite (6) will take over as the Cougars’ starting quarterback this season. Newnan opens Thursday against Carrollton at the University of West Georgia.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 5B

Region 5-AAAAAA promises to be wide open

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com It’s way too early to tell just how competitive the new Region 5-AAAAAA lineup is going to be, but if history is any indication, the battle for the four region playoff spots is going to be wide open.

For the first time ever, the Georgia High School Association has expanded to seven classifications, with Northgate moving to Region 5-AAAAAA. Of the nine teams who will call Region 5-AAAAAA home for the next two years, six teams made the playoffs last year including Northgate, which advanced to the Class AAAAA Final Four and finished with a 12-2 record.

Other Region 5-AAAAAA newcomers who made the playoffs last year include Alexander (8-3), Creekside (8-3), Mays (10-2), South Paulding (10-2), and Langston Hughes (5-6).

Tri-Cities (6-4) just missed out on a trip to the postseason.

New Manchester (5-5) and Douglas County (2-8) will try to improve on the disappointing 2015 season.

Here is a look Northgate’s Region 5-AAAAA opponents in alphabetical order.

11 TDs), Sr; DE Trayzel Jureideni (20 sacks in to step in at quarterback. two seasons), Sr. Langston Hughes Panthers What to expect: The Cougars’ biggest Head Coach: Willie Cannon—Career question mark will center around who will step in at quarterback. Two juniors, Mason Record (41-35) Key Players: QB Isaiah Green (187 of 323, Wood and Bailey Switzer, spent the preseason 2, 634 yards, 17 TDs ), Sr; WR Sean Nelson, battling each other for the starting spot.

Sr; WR Tony Jones, Jr; DE Joshua Swilling (63 Creekside Seminoles tackles, 3.5 sacks), Sr; CB Aaron Finich, Jr; S Head Coach: Will Rogers—Career Record Joshua Brown, Sr. (8-3) What to expect: With plenty of talent on Key Players: CB D.J. Brown, Sr; CB Mailk both sides of the ball, the Panthers should be Fleming, Sr; DE Demterius Jackson, Jr; WR one of the favorites to get back to the postKahil McClan, Sr; FS Shannon Carter, Sr. season. This year’s Langston Hughes squad is What to expect: A strong defense could be loaded with college prospects. Wide receiver the key to the Creekside season. Eight starters Sean Nelson has committed to the University return to the defensive side of the ball which of Maryland in the Big 10. Joshua Brown is gave up 20 points or less seven times. Cor- getting some looks from SEC schools. Green, nerback D.J. Brown has committed to play at who is a three-year starter, is expected to sign Penn State. with a Division I school in February.

Douglas County Tigers

Head Coach: Johnny W hite— Ca reer Record (19-12) Key Players: CB Johnny Gooden, Sr; LB Braelin Oliver, Sr; WR Fiedel Ogbeirfun, Sr; RB Brian Curd, Sr ; WR Travis Brookins, Sr. What to expect: New head coach Johnny White takes over the program. White was a head coach at Creekside from 2009-2011 and Alexander Cougars never had a losing record.

Head Coach: Matthew Combs—Career He will be trying to find replacements on record (32-33) both the offensive and defensive lines. There Key Players: RB Daetrich Harrington will also be a fight among several candidates (1,527, 17 TDs), Sr; WR Justin Hall (1,300 yards,

Region 5-AAAAAA Schedules 2016 Alexander Schedule Aug. 26 Allatoona Sept. 2 at Carver-Atlanta Sept. 9 * South Paulding Sept. 23 * New Manchester Sept. 30 * at Northgate Oct. 7 * Tri-Cities Oct. 14 * at Hughes Oct. 21 * Creekside Oct. 28 * at Mays Nov. 4 * at Douglas 2015 Results (8-3) W Douglas County 42-20 W Paulding County 43-21 W Chapel Hill 27-20 W Lithia Springs 50-6 L Allatoona 35-15 W Hirman 43-17 W Villa Rica 29-17 W East Paulding 24-21 L South Paulding 33-14 W New Manchester 35-28 Playoffs L Gainesville 25-14

2016 Creekside Schedule Aug. 20 Miami-Norland Sept. 2 at Southwest DeKalb Sept. 9 * New Manchester Sept. 16 * at Northgate Sept. 23 * Tri-Cities Sept 30 * at Hughes Oct. 15 * at Mays Oct. 21 * at Alexander Oct. 28 * Douglas County Nov. 4 * at Paulding 2015 Results (8-3) W South Cobb W Hughes 30-7 W Carver (Columbus) 51-20 W Druid Hills 49-6 L Stephenson 49-12 L Mays 41-21 W Carver (Atlanta) 38-22 W Tri-Cities 41-7 W Banneker 41-0 W Southwest DeKalb 41-7 Playoffs L Kell 37-33

2016 Douglas County Aug. 26 at Lithia Springs Sept 3 at Carver (Columbus) Sept. 9 * Northgate Sept. 16 * at South Paulding Sept. 23 *Hughes Sept . 30 at * New Manchester Oct. 7 * Mays Oct. 14 * at Tri-Cities Oct. 28 * at Creekside Nov. 4 *Alexander 2015 Results (2-8) L New Manchester 29-28

L Alexander 42-20 L Kennesaw Mountain 17-14 L Newnan 49-21 W South Cobb 40-15 L Westlake 41-0 L East Coweta 42-20 W Campbell 40-14 L Pebblebrook 22-16

Sept. 23 * at Alexander Sept. 30 * Douglas County Oct. 7 * at Northgate Oct. 14 * South Paulding Oct. 21 * Hughes Nov. * at Tri-Cities

since the school first opened and was promoted in the offseason after serving as the Jaguars defensive coordinator. Bolt is starting to get college offers, and will be the team’s “go-to guy” from his wide receiver slot. One of the biggest question marks could be who will throw passes to Bolt as the starting quarterback. The starting quarterback position is up for grabs and is going to be decided during preseason drills.

South Paulding Spartans

Head Coach: Ed Koestner —Career Record (65-63) Key Players: FS Michael Carter, Sr; WR Cam Wyche (29 Rec), Sr; RB Jordan Anderson Sr; RB Jarek Gibbons, Sr; QB Jake Gravett, Sr. What to expect: Talented returners on both sides of the line of scrimmage should help the Spartans make a return to the playoffs. Defensive back Michael Carter is getting Mays Raiders several looks from ACC and SEC schools. GibHead coach: Corey Jarvis—Career Record bons primarily will lineup at running back, (91-38) but could also play on the defensive side of Key Players: DB Ferlando Jordan (4 INTs), the ball.

Sr; DB Anthony Cayetano, Sr; QB Baradenie Tri-Cities Bulldogs Phillips (155 of 250 2,443 yards 30 TDs), Sr; LB Head Coach: Kenneth Miller—Career Kortez Daniel, Sr; LB Antonio Grier, Jr; WR Record (43-41-1) Norman Price (4 TDs), Jr; RB Armis Stokes, Jr. Key Players: QB Nolan Arrington, Jr; RB What to Expect: The Mays’ offense should Andre Lawrence, Sr; RB Antonio Riggins, Sr; be able to flex its muscles after averaging 37.3 DE Jamar Stewart, Sr; S Malik Gibson, Sr; De points per contest in 12 games. The Raiders scored at least 30 points in 10 contests. Jaspar Maddox, Sr; K Claudio Quintanilla, Jr. What to expect: The Bulldogs are comDefense is going to be the Raiders’ biggest question mark, as only three starters return to ing off back-to-back 6-4 seasons, but could improve on that by bringing back several that side of the ball. experienced players on both sides of the ball.

New Manchester Jaguars Although quarterback Nolan Arrington is a Head Coach: Myron Terry—Career Record first-year starter, he did take some snaps in a backup role on the varsity last season. A year (0-0) Key Players: WR Julian Bolt, Jr; WR Jor- ago, Tri-Cities’ offense put up some big numdan Morgan, Sr; OL Dharion Wilson, Sr; CB bers, scoring at least 20 points four times, Femi Mays (2 INTs), Sr; CB Arin Horton, Sr; including scoring 47 points against Hardaway and 54 against Clarkston.

LB Nickolas Terry (37 tackles), Sr. Defensively, what the team lacks in size, What to expect: First-year head coach Myron Terry has been around the program they make up for in experience.

2015 Results (5-5)

W Douglas County 29-28 W Hiram 48-27 W Villa Rica 28-21 L East Paulding 46-21 Aug. 19 at Mundy’s Mill L South Paulding 37-34 Aug. 26 Westlake L Allatoona 42-27 Sept. 9 * at Mays L Paulding County 38-28 Sept. 16 * Tri-Cities W Chapel Hill 27-0 Sept. 23 * at Douglas County W Lithia Springs 35-33 Sept. 30 * Creekside L Alexander 35-28 Oct. 7 * at South Cobb Oct. 14 * Alexander 2016 South Paulding Oct. 21 * at New Aug. 26 North Paulding Manchester Sept. 2 at Hiram Oct. 28 * Northgate Sept. 9 * at Alexander Sept. 16 * Douglas County 2015 Results (5-6) Sept. 23 * Northgate L Mays 36-26 Oct. 7 * Hughes L Creekside 30-7 Oct. 14 * at New Manchester L Grayson 56-21 Oct. 21 * Mays W Douglas County 28-14 Oct. 28 * at Tri-Cities W Campbell 49-14 Nov. 4 * at Creekside W East Coweta 29-21 W South Cobb 35-14 2015 Results (5-5) L Westlake 36-35 W Sprayberry 14-7 W Pebblebrook 27-6 W Villa Rica 42-3 L Newnan 14-0 W East Paulding 21-7 Playoffs L Allatoona 25-18 L Tucker 38-28 W New Manchester 37-34 2016 Mays Schedule L Paulding County 31-28 W Chapel Hill 27-10 Aug. 27 Stockbridge W Lithia Springs 45-19 Sept. 2 at Peachtree Ridge W Alexander 33-14 Sept. 9 * Hughes W Hiram 50-2 Sept. 16 *at New Manchester Playoffs Sept. 30 * Tri-Cities W Loganville 34-16 Oct. 7 * at Douglas County L Drew 54-23 Oct. 15 * Creekside Oct. 21 * at South Paulding 2016 Tri-Cities Oct. 28* Alexander Aug. 27 Carver-Atanta Nov. 4 * Northgate Sept. 3 Woodland-Stockbrige 2015 Results (10-2) Sept. 16 * at Hughes W Hughes 36-26 Sept 23 * at Creekside W Glenn Hills 58-0 Sept. 30 *Mays W M.L. King 45-6 Oct. 7 * at Alexander W Southwest DeKalb 42-6 Oct. 14 * Douglas County W Lovejoy 32-4 Oct. 21 * at Nortgate W Creekside 41-21 Oct. 28 * South Paulding W Banneker 41-0 Nov. 4 * New Mancheter W Carver (Atlanta) 32-6 W Tri-Cities 41-7 2015 Results (6-4) L Stephenson 10-9 W Hardaway 47-21 Playoffs W Southwest DeKalb 18-17 W Creekview 31-0 W Union Grove 21-7 L Houston County 42-40 L Druid Hills 14-10 L Carver-Atlanta 52-6 2016 New Manchester W Banneker 26-12 Aug. 26 Paulding County L Creekside 41-7 W Clarkston 54-0 Sept. 2 at Heard County L Mays 41-7 Sept. 9 *at Creekside W M.L. King 30-6 Sept. 16 * Mays

2016 Hughes Schedule

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VIKINGS VIKINGS 6B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 17, 2016

NORTHGATE

Vikings plan for continued success

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com Veteran Northgate football coach Tommy Walburn knows the opposing teams will have games with the Vikings circled on their calendar.

Just about ever ybody on the Vikings’ 10-game schedule wants a piece of Northgate.

After all, that’s the price a team pays for success, and a year ago, the Vikings had plenty of it, compiling a 12-2 record and advancing all the way to the Class AAAAA semifinals before falling to eventual state champion Allatoona.

The Vikings’ success came in a season where they flexed their muscles on both sides of the ball and on special teams en route to their successful season.

Nor t hgate used a da ngerous Wing-T offense to generate 527 points, while the defense gave up just 142 poi nts a nd had f ive shut-

outs during the 14-game season.

The good news for the Vikings is they bring back their skilled position players on offense.

Defensively, Northgate was hit hard by graduation with the loss of some talented linebackers, including James Skalski, the Newnan TimesHerald Player of the Year in 2015.

Skalski is getting ready to start his college football career at Clemson next month after playing both football and soccer in high school.

Linebacker Kyle Feldbauer will also have to be replaced. Feldbauer is set to begin his college career at Berry.

Walburn, who is in his seventh season at Northgate and his 16th overall, can’t wait to get the year started despite some of the question marks.

“The longer you are in it, the quicker the seasons come around.

It seems we just wound up last year, and now we are ready to go again,” Walburn said. “We are always excited.”

Even though many players have

returned from last year’s team, the veteran coach cautions against comparisons to the 2015 squad.

“Our numbers in our program are good,” Walburn said. “We are not as a far along as we were last year because we had 18 returning starters last year. We are still bringing back players who have played a lot of football. It’s been challenging for the coaching staff, but it has been fun.”

Even after all these years in the coaching business, Walburn still gets excited at the started of the season.

“I wouldn’t call it pressure,” he said. “Pressure is when you are over in Afghanistan or Iraq. This is a game. It’s excitement. I am just as excited to be out there now as I was the first year I coached. When I quit being excited about it, I will step out, because you would be cheating somebody.”

The biggest question mark facing the Vikings this season is on the offensive line.

“We are replacing from tight end to tackle,” Walburn said.

Still, he is not about to panic.

“We are a lot furt her a lon g t h a n I thought we would be,” he said. “We are a work in progress, but we h ave some guys who have been in the program for several years.”

Senior Will Roden is slated to play center. Roden always had an upperclassman in front of him, but now he

is finally getting a chance to start.

Sophomore right guard Kevin Feldbauer gets his chance to start. He was promoted from the jayvee to the varsity late last year.

Junior Tucker Estes is slated to play the left guard spot. He moved from tackle to guard for the upcoming season.

Junior Robert Given moves over from defense to the left guard.

Sen ior rig ht tack le Ma rhyse Thompson has spent time as a backup for the Vikings, but has finally worked his way into the starting role.

Senior Dalton Elliott, who was the Vikings’ top defensive end last season, switches over to offense in 2016 and will start at tight end.

Elliott is familiar with the position after playing it some his sophomore year, when he split time with Chris Elliott.

Junior quarterback Kyle McLaren returns to the lineup after a solid campaign in 2015.

McLaren passed for 1,052 yards a year ago and threw for 15 TDs to help lead the Vikings deep into the playoffs.

“At the end of the season, I felt like he was as good of a quarterback as anybody around,” Walburn said.

“He is a great leader and a really intelligent kid. He is a coach on the field.”

T here is a lso plenty of help returning in the backfield.

Senior fullback Kyle Cater returns to the lineup as part of the Vikings’ one-two punch at running back.

Cater rushed for 1,200 yards and scored 17 touchdowns last season.

It was his second-straight year with

more than 1,000 yards.

Senior running back Ton Evans returns after leading the Vikings in rushing last year with 1,960 yards and 24 touchdowns. He has verbally committed to Georgia Southern.

“Georgia Southern is a really good fit for him. I am just glad we have one more year with him,” Walburn said.

Also back to help in the backfield is junior Nick Carter and senior Turner Hughes.

Junior Lawrence Jenkings adds depth to the backfield. Junior Levi Robinson has impressed Walburn and the rest of the coaching staff with a solid preseason camp and will see time at running back.

McLaren will have plenty of targets to choose from among his wide receivers.

Senior Isaiah Prayor brings experience back to the lineup after making some big catches last season.

Senior Jahee Anderson is listed at one of the wide receivers spots.

Anderson will return kicks and play on the defensive side of the ball in the Vikings secondary.

Senior Nate Lee is expected to see some time at wide receiver. Lee hasn’t played football before, but brings his athletic ability over from the basketball team.

On the other side of the ball, senior Jackson Simms anchors the defensive line. Simms has started for the Vikings since his sophomore year.

Seniors Zach Bartlett, Carlos Hernandez, and Matthew Rivera are expected to play on the defensive line.

NORTHGATE, page 7B

Wednesday, August 17, 2016 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 7B

CLASS

Continued from page 1B ans to get a good playoff seed and eliminate the need to travel that far for the postseason.

The fact that Gwinnett and Cobb counties have the most teams in 7A definitely caught the attention of Newnan head football coach Mike McDonald, who noted how much the high school football landscape has changed since his 10 years at the helm of the Cougars. In fact, McDonald said he isn’t sure that Georgia high school football “hasn’t changed more in the last five years than in all the years prior.”

“It is hard for our folks to travel up through Atlanta and further on a Friday night and vice versa,” McDonald said. “You have to get your kids out of school early and find a place to eat. It does create some real challenges.”

McDonald does lament the loss of rivalries and the increased travel time for games in recent years.

“We are losing some of those natural rivalries that made games special and new teams in new regions creates more travel; that is the downside of all this,” he

NORTHGATE Continued from page 6B

Junior Devonte Johnson will see action up front on defense. A year ago, he played in the offensive side of the ball and started the playoff game against Kell at tight end.

Replacing all-region linebackers could be a challenge for the Vikings’ coaching staff.

“The guys at linebacker will have big shoes to fill,” Walburn said. “At the same time, we are not going to put undue pressure them. We are not going to compare them to the guys last year.”

Set to play at middle linebacker is senior Campsen Burley. Other linebackers include junior Jack Estes, sophomore Will Sachs, and senior Sawyer Crowe.

Kyle Cater will play some

said. “I miss the days when things were a little bit more local.”

East Coweta head footba ll coach Steve Pa rdue said having seven classifications means Georgia will have eight different football champions (since Class A is divided into Class A - Public and Class A - Private).

“That’s a lot of champions for this state, for sure,” he said.

Pardue noted that if the Class 7A teams make the state playoffs, it will be tough sledding for all 32 teams that qualify.

“A No. 4 seed from any region in this class might be as strong as a No. 1 or a No. 2 seed. They are all going to be tough teams,” he said. “And I look at it this way — the further you go in state, the harder it will be for teams to win anyway. The competition is always tougher when you advance.”

Pardue said should his Indians qualify for postseason play, he will not be worried about having to travel to face a Gwinnett or Cobb team or any other team in between.

“We have to just take care of our business should we make the playoffs,” he said.

“We can’t worry about the other teams; we have to

focus on making sure we are ready to play.”

Northgate head football coac h Tom my Wa lbu r n has seen the change in the growth of prep football in Georgia. “ W hen I f i rst sta r ted coaching, some of the Gwinnett and Forsyth county schools were considered rural areas. Now they have a bunch of schools with more than 3,000 kids,” said Walburn. “Even in Coweta County, the growth has been huge. We have something like 1,800 kids, East Coweta has 3,000 and Newnan has about 2,400.”

Walburn said that with the growth of the schools means the increase in the number of students playing high school football. He has noticed the changing power shift in prep football.

“The strength of Georgia high school football when I started coaching was in south Georgia with teams li ke Va ldosta , Low ndes, Colquitt County and Tift County,” he said. “Now the power has shifted to north Georg ia , speci f ica l ly i n Gwinnett County. But to be honest, football in south metro Atlanta area is very underrated — three teams in our region went to the Elite 8 last year.”

at linebacker when the squad is on defense.

The Vikings have plenty of depth in the secondary with junior Connor Fortner, and junior Trandon Torres-Nile expected to start at safety.

Anderson will play one of the cornerback spots. He fills in for Matthew Lewis who will begin his college career at Reinhardt.

Senior Cameron Ramsey will see time in the defensive backfield.

Junior Koby Lawrence is expected to play in the defensive backfield.

Senior free safety Terrence Carter will start for his thirdstraight year.

In addition to his quarterback duties, McLaren will handle the punting for the Vikings.

Senior Carlisle Taylor and sophomore Harim Echalar will handle the placekicking and kickoff duties.

Will Sachs is the team’s long snapper.

Anderson will return kicks and punts for the Vikings.

With the Georgia High School A ssociation moving to seven classifications, Northgate is now a member of Region 5-AAAAAA. The Vikings’ new region is home to nine teams, including Alexander, Mays, Langsto n Hu g h e s , Tr i - C i t i e s , Creekside, Douglas County, New Manchester, and South Paulding.

With so many teams in the new region, the Vikings face only two non-region games, the opener on Friday at home against Veterans, and the following week on the road at Starr’s Mill.

“The thing about this new region is everybody has a chance to be really good. The difference in this region is your top teams are still very good. There is a lot of tradition with the teams in this region. From top to bottom, all the teams are good in this region,” Walburn said.

COUGARS Continued from page 4B

against Starr’s Mill.

T h e C o u g a r s h ave a n open date t he fol low i ng we ek , before pl ay i n g at home the next two weeks

against Etowah, on Sept. 9, and against Washington on Sept. 16.

New n a n h it s t he road again on Sept. 23 at West Forsyth to close out the nonregion schedule.

“One of the biggest challenges when you h ave a small region is coming up

w it h non-region ga mes,” McDonald said.

Newnan’s region games include at Wheeler (Oct. 7), at home against Campbell (Oct. 14), at Westlake (Oct. 21), at home against Pebblebrook (Oct. 28) and at rival Ea st Coweta (Nov. 4) to close out the regular season.

2016 Newnan High School Cougars

Aug. 18 at Carrollton (UWG) Aug. 26 Starr’s Mill Sept. 9 Etowah Sept. 16 Washington Sept. 23 at West Forsyth

*Oct. 7 at Wheeler *Oct. 14 Campbell *Oct. 21 at Westlake *Oct. 28 Pebblebrook *Nov. 4 at East Coweta

2016 Newnan Cougars Roster 1 Rickey Boozer DB 10 2 Clifford Bridges DB 10 3 Isaiah Brooks RB 12 4 Mautavier Parks RB 11 5 Kyle McDonald WR 10 6 KD Satterwhite QB 12 7 P.J. Harris WR 11 8 Dezmin Jennings LB 12 9 P.J. Jackson WR 11 10 Zavian Cooley-Smith WR 12 11 Desmond Blackshire QB 11 12 Klynell Johnson WR 12 13 Tyrone Cox DB 11 14 Marquis Hill WR 12 15 Tyrell Harris LB 12 16 Jay Jones WR 12 17 Jay Newekk DB 10 18 Logan Hudson QB 10 19 James Mason RB 11 20 A.J. Robinson RB 12 21 A.J. Alford WR 11 23 Elijah Griggs RB 11 24 Rodney Bozer DB 10 25 Elijah Totty OLB 11 26 Woody Waters WR 10 27 Eric Russell LB 12 28 Keonte Hart DB 12 29 Markell Bridges DB 11 30 Taylor Higgins WR 11 31 Geoffery Bonner DB 12 32 Emmamuel Williams LB 11 33 Brandon Moore LB 11 34 Joshua Bridges TE 11

35 Devonte Harris LB 11 36 Jon Arnold RB 10 37 Romir Fowler DB 10 38 Tyrig Hussie RB 10 39 Jacorey Harris DE 11 40 Wesley Spivey LB 10 41 Josh Russell RB 11 42 Elijah Williams LB 10 43 Charles Brewster RB 10 44 Ashton Harris RB 10 45 Jeremiah Pryor DB 10 46 Taren Brown DB 10 47 Malik Grant WR 10 48 Noah Herring DB 10 49 Will Gates DB 12 50 Casey Thompson OL 11 51 Deonte Terrell DE 11 52 Jordon Woods LB 11 53 Kendall Malcom OL 10 54 Austin Stewart OL 10 55 Patrick Henson DL 11 56 Rylan Williams OL 11 57 Antony Reale LB 10 58 Josh Britt OL 11 59 Dominique Addie OL 11 60 San Juan Warner LB 10 61 Charles Bishop OL 12 62 Austin Spradlin OL 10 63 Nathan Baytes OL 12 64 Alex Perry OL 12 65 Jamison Phillips OL 11 66 Steven Smith OL 11 67 Garrett Coggin OL 12

68 Thomas Kelleher LB 69 Maliek Burston OLB 70 Joel Hughes OL 71 Max Wilson OLB 72 Maxwell Gruber OL 73 Carson Knight OL 74 Wil Anderson OL 75 Alex Wood OL 76 Garrison Morgan OL 77 Corey Coleman DL 78 Michael Lowery OL 79 Chance Hicks DL 80 Tyrese Smith WR 81 Justin Geter WR 82 Ridge Miller WR 83 Jalen Gatlin WR 84 Jalen Horton WR 85 Royce Hoskins WR 86 Tucker Barnett TE 87 Dorien Henderson WR 88 Dominik Rados TE 89 Collin Wade TE 90 Kellen Lynch K/P 91 Tyler Vallery DE 92 Malik Hussie OLB 93 Vyshahn Wright LB 94 Issac Barnett DL 95 Michael Woods DL 96 Rad Wyrick K 97 Eric Geter NG 98 Jonathan Matthews LB 99 Kyler James WR

10 10 12 10 11 10 12 12 12 12 12 11 10 11 10 10 10 11 10 10 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 9 10 10

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2016 Northgate Vikings

Aug. 19 Veterans Sept. 2 at Starr’s Mill Sept. 9 *at Douglas County Sept. 16 *Creekside Sept. 23 *at South Paulding

Sept. 30 *Alexander Oct. 7 *New Manchester Oct. 21 *Tri-Cities Oct. 28 *at Hughes Nov. 4 *at Mays

2016 Northgate Roster 1 Jay McKenzie

RB

SO

27 Connor Fortner DB

JR

57 Courtney Johnson OL

JR

2 Sawyer Crow

DB

SR

28 Chandler Cao

DB

SO

58 Mason Smith

OL

SO

3 Trandon Torres-Niles DB JR

30 Gerald Harris

WR

OL

SR

5 Jay Anderson

SO

59 Dylan Victer

DB

SR

32 Turner Hughes RB

SR

60 Breshaun Newsome OL SO

6 Koby Lawrence DB

JR

33 Adam Samples

DB

SR

61 Ryan Quinn

7 Ton Evans

RB

SR

34 Markall Davis

LB

SO

62 Andrew Strickland OL

SO

8 Cameron Ramsay DB

SR

35 Carlisle Taylor

K

SR

63 Chase Copelan

SR

9 Chandler Cline DB

SR

36 Antwon Ferrell DB

SO

64 Marhyse Thompson OL SR

OL OL

JR

SO

37 Daniel Contreras DB

SO

67 Ben Maines

DL

SO

11 Lawrence Jenkins RB

JR

38 David Flowers

DB

SO

68 Tucker Estes

OL

JR

12 Jake Lyle

10 Stephen Hess

WR QB

SO

40 Jefferson Page

RB

SO

70 Jack Murray

OL

SO

13 Terrance Carter DB

SR

42 Campsen Burley LB

SR

71 Will Roden

OL

SR

14 Max Morlan

QB

SO

43 Josh Dolan

LB

JR

72 Nick Kemph

OL

SO

15 Levi Robinson

WR

JR

44 Kyle Cater

FB

SR

73 Robert Given

OL

JR

16 Kyle McLaren

QB

JR

45 Matthew Rivera DL

SR

76 Kaleb Broussard OL

SR

17 Jack Eskew

LB

JR

46 Zach Bartlett

LB

SR

80 Lanier Brooking TE

SR

18 Ryan Smith

WR

SR

47 Devontae Johnson DE

JR

84 Isaiah Prayor

WR

SR

19 Josh Smith

QB

SO

48 Quintavious Amey OLB SO

86 Nate Lee

WR

SR

20 Nick Carter

RB

JR

49 Kevin Atkins

RB

JR

87 Dalton Elliott

DE

SR

21 Kaceon Smith

LB

SR

50 Bryan Bordeaux OL

SO

91 Kortavious Hardy LB

JR

22 Hunter Frederick RB

SO

51 Juan Cosper

LB

SO

96 Harim Echalar

K

SO

23 Josh Lee

DB

SO

52 Kevin Feldbauer OL

SO

97 Jackson Sims

DE

SR

24 Billy Kilgore

WR

JR

54 Nichal Johnson LB

SO

98 Eli Widener

DL

SO

25 Kyree Neely

DB

SO

55 Will Sachs

OL

SO

99 Peyton Cochran DL

SR

26 Jaiden Stegall

DB

SO

56 Carlos Hernandez DL

SR

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8B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 17, 2016

HERITAGE

Heritage Hawks set for strong season

By JEFF ARMSTRONG jarmstrong@newnan.com The Heritage School Hawks look to soar in 2016 with one of their deepest teams in recent history.

Last year, the Hawks were on their way to claiming another region championship but they fell to Loganville Christian Academy on a last-second field goal and LCA went on to win the GISA Region 1-AAA title.

Heritage finished the season with a 6-5 overall record. As region runners-up, the Hawks hosted Brookwood School in the first round of the GISA state playoffs and fell 23-0. Needless to say, the Hawks are hungry to get another taste of the playoffs.

How hungry?

This past summer, 36 players came for tryouts and the Hawks will trot out the same number of players in the fall.

“The 36 guys on the roster is definitely our biggest group yet,” said Hawks head coach Derrick “DJ” Clay. “I was happy to see all those players come out.”

Clay is also happy to have 11 seniors on the roster and he has at least nine key players returning this season, starting with senior quarterback Jacob Bryant. Bryant did a nice job running the offense last year, according to Clay.

And speaking of running, Bryant will have no problem handing the ball to senior running back Hamp Smith, who has rushed for 1,800 yards and 30 touchdowns combined in the last two years.

Paving the way for Smith to get those rushing yards will be senior offensive linemen Ryan Blackstone, Chase Evans and Jake Trammell. Those three will also be stalwarts on defense as well.

Blocking was also a strong suit for senior wide receiver and defensive back Kirby Arnall, who Clay called the “best perimeter blocker on the team.”

Senior Jay Macke returns at wide receiver and linebacker and he will be also counted on to pro-

vide a defensive spark like he did last season.

Macke was named team Defensive MVP, as he had six takeaways which included three interception returns for touchdowns.

The Hawks will also get a boost from two senior transfers to the program this year — Will LaGuardia and Harrison Geerlings. LaGuardia comes to Heritage from East Coweta, where he lined up at quarterback last season. Clay said LaGuardia will mostly play the Sam linebacker and he will compete at quarterback with Bryant in 2016. Geerlings, who transferred in from Landmark Christian, will play wide receiver and defensive back for the Hawks.

“The good news is with all these seniors, it means we will have a lot of experience returning for this season,” Clay said. “Hopefully, we will also get good play from some of the younger players which will allow the upperclassmen to get a break every now and then.”

On offense, the Hawks will employ a spread formation and on defense, they will work with a multiple front and base out of a 4-2-5 set.

The Hawks will face a few pretty good teams before they start region play, facing the likes of Windsor Academy, Flint River and Terrell. They have a bye week before they look to get their revenge against LCA with a home game on Sept.

16. The LCA matchup will be the second of four straight home games in September for the Hawks.

They need to do well that month, since they end the regular season with two road games in October - at Bethlehem Christian Oct. 14 and at rival Trinity Christian on Oct. 21.

“We scheduled a strong non-region schedule so we can be ready for region play. Those teams will be great tests for us. If we do what we're supposed to do, I believe we will do well this season,” Clay said. “We have the best coaches in the state and we have one of the fastest and most athletic teams here since 2012. I’m looking forward to the season.”

2016 Heritage School Schedule Sept. 23 Holy Spirit

Aug. 12 at Windsor Aug. 19 Flint River Aug. 26 at Terrell Academy Sept. 2 Southland Sept. 16 Loganville Christian

Sept. 30 Dominion Christian Oct. 14 at Bethlehem Christian Oct. 21 at Trinity Christian

2016 Heritage School Schedule 1

Jay Macke

WR/LB

Sr.

35 Cole Ayers

OL/DL

Jr.

2

Hamp Smith

RB/DB

Sr

47 Grant Evans

OL/LB

Fr.

3 Kirby Arnall

WR/LB

Sr.

50 Nick Obata

OL/DL

Jr.

4

Peter Nell

WR/DB

So.

54 Cabe Corbitt

OL/DL

Fr.

5 Will LaGuardia

QB/LB

Sr.

55 Thomas Crymes

OL/DL

So.

7 Harrison Geerlings WR/DB

Sr

56 Ryan Grant

WR/LB

Sr.

10 Jacob Bryant

QB/DB

Sr.

66 Jack Hall

OL/DL

Fr.

11 Henry Arnall

QB/LB

So.

70 Hayes Johnston

OL/DL

So.

12 Patrick Griffies

DB/TE

So.

72 Vinny Carnazzo

OL/DL

Fr.

13 Gridley Pendergrast WR/DB

So.

75 Ryan Blackstone

OL/DL

Sr.

14 Brandon Scruggs

WR/DB

Fr.

77 Austin Barberio

OL/DL

Sr.

15 Charlie Minor

WR/DB

So.

79 Benjamin Carnazzo OL/DL

So.

17 Reece Overholt

WR/DB

Fr.

88 Jack LaMarca

OL/DL

Jr.

20 Jake Barberio

WR/DB

Fr.

99 Jack Stanley

OL/DL

So.

21 Hunt Thomas

RB/LB

Jr.

22 Chase Evans

OL/LB

Sr.

28 Hershall Smith

WR/DB

Fr.

Head Coach: Derrick Clay

30 Robert Johnston

OL/DL

Fr.

31 Jacob Rochester

RB/LB

Fr.

Offensive Coordinator: Nathan Watts

32 Wright Arnall

RB/LB

So.

33 Jake Trammell

OL/DB

Sr.

Asst: Drew Henderson, Bart Henson, Dean Henson, Murray

34 Alex Hardnett

OL/DL

Fr.

Parks, Kase Cook, Zack Slaney

Defensive Coordinators: Jake Copeland FILE PHOTO

Heritage senior running back Hamp Smith (2) plans to run through opposing defenses in 2016.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 9B

2016 Composite Football Schedule Aug. 18 Newnan vs Carrollton (University Stadium-West Georgia) Aug. 19 Lovejoy at East Coweta Veterans at Northgate Flint River at Heritage Bulloch Academy at Trinity People’s Baptist at Central Christian Aug. 26 Starr’s Mill at Newnan Heritage at Terrell Academy Trinity at Flint River Central at Appling County Sept. 2 Jackson-Atlanta at East Coweta Northgate at Starr’s Mill

Southland at Heritage Windsor at Trinity LaFayette at Central

Heritage at Holy Spirit Trinity at Loganville Christian

Oct. 21 East Coweta at Pebblebrook Newnan at Westlake Tri-Cities at Northgate Heritage at Trinity Hearts Academy at Central

Sept. 30 Sept. 9 Etowah at Newnan East Coweta at LaGrange Northgate at Douglas County Trinity at Westwood Sept. 16 Washington at Newnan North Cobb at East Coweta Northgate at Creekside LCA at Heritage Bethlehem at Trinity Central at Holy Ground Sept. 23 Newnan at West Forsyth Arabia Mountain at East Coweta Northgate at South Paulding

Alexander at Northgate Heritage at Dominion Central at Colonial Hills Oct. 7

Oct. 28

Newnan at Wheeler Westlake at East Coweta New Manchester at Northgate Trinity at Holy Spirit Central at New Creation

East Coweta at Campbell Pebblebrook at Newnan Northgate at Hughes Central at Grace Christian First round of GISA playoffs

Oct. 14 East Coweta vs Wheeler Campbell at Newnan Heritage at Bethlehem Christian Dominion Christian at Trinity Central Christian at Ballard Christian

Nov. 4 Newnan at East Coweta Northgate at Mays First round of GICAA playoffs Second Round of GISA playoffs

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LIONS LIONS

10B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 17, 2016

TRINITY

Lions, Matthews looking to make playoff run

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com Trinity head football coach Dan Matthews is excited about his second year in charge of the Lions.

Matthews’ squad opened the season last week with a game against powerhouse Deerfield-Windsor, but the team has nine games left on the schedule.

Last year, Matthews didn’t take over the Lions until late in the summer, giving him only a few weeks to get them ready for the season.

Despite the short time to prepare, Matthews guided his new team to a 6-5 record and a trip to the GISA playoffs.

“It’s always nice to have a new beginning and start fresh,” he said.

Jump ahead a little more than a year later, and Matthews sees big things in the Lions’ future.

The squad has benefitted from having a full offseason to work with the second-year coach.

Matthews has been able to put more of his game plan in place and hire some of his own assistant coaches during the offseason, something he said could pay big dividends down the road.

“One of the biggest challenges that happens is when you get hired late in the game like we did last year. You don’t have much time to put in your game plan.” he said. “Now, we have had an offseason, and I have been able

to develop athletes. I have been able to make a lot more things my own.”

This year’s Lions squad will be a blend of upperclassmen and younger players.

Of the 41 football players on this year’s roster, 18 are freshman, and of the seven seniors, only five have played varsity football.

On the offensive line, three players return with experience, including junior Sam Cotton and sophomores Hunter Adams and Boyd Lundy.

Senior Matt Smith steps into the starting role up front after transferring from McIntosh.

Juniors Nat Randolph and Mark Robbins are also expected to see playing time on the line.

Matthews admits playing on the offensive line takes a special breed of football player.

“Those guys have to go through a battle every single play,” he said. “We tell those guys each time we play that we have the highest level of respect for them.”

Senior Jacob Downs is back for his final season of high school football and will again be the team’s starting tight end. Cotton will fill in some at the tight end spot.

The Lions enter the 2016 season with a new quarterback. Senior Jim Vermilyea moves over from wide receiver to take the snaps this season.

“Since last season ended, when we had our end-of-the-season meeting and we told him he was going to move to quarterback, he and some of his teammates have been out there completely on their own throwing the ball.”

Matthews said his new quarterback has become a student of the game.

“He would come and see me whenever he could, and we would go over the different formations we want to use. He has been working very hard,” Matthews said.

Freshmen Shep Hancock and Devin Gelband could see time at quarterback this year.

“They both have done things extremely well,” Matthews said. “They did some good things in the scrimmage the other night.”

Two starting running backs return from last year’s team. Junior Luke Vermilyea will take handoffs from his brother at one of the running back spots, while sophomore Kyle McGuire is back as one of the starters.

“It is great to have two guys who made big plays for us last year returning this season,” Matthews said.

Junior Caleb Railey and senior Zach Byrom will see time at running back.

Byrom spent most of his time on the defensive side of the ball last season.

Freshman Edward Berry should get some playing time at running back in his first season of varsity action. A year ago on Trinity’s middle school team, he rushed for almost 1,500 yards.Ninth grader Brad Truskolaski adds depth to the Lions’ backfield.

At the wide receiver spot, senior Ben Kriko and sophomore Stephen Spurgeon both saw playing time last year and are set to start this season.

Sophomore Chase Metcalf didn’t play last season, but has football experience after suiting up in middle school. He will also play wide receiver.

Freshman Sharmari Reed will also line up at wide receiver.

On the defensive side of the ball, Matthews plans on using a six- or seven-man rotation,

with most of the team also playing on offense.

Luke Vermilya brings back experience to the defensive end position. Sophomore Adams and junior Robbins will share playing time on the defensive line.

Junior Nate Stanley hasn’t played football before but has impressed the Lions’ coaching staff during preseason drills and will play up front on defense.

Freshmen Tanner Diget and Randolph will see action on the defensive line.

The Lions enter the year seeking replacements for both of their graduated inside linebackers.

However, Cotton is familiar with the inside linebacker position and will start this year.

Smith will see playing time at the other inside linebacker spot.

Downs and Byrom can also play inside linebacker.

“Linebacker is probably our strongest position,” Matthews said. Senior Nick Ansel is a long-time soccer player for Trinity, but will play football for the first time, and will play linebacker.

In the secondary, Jim Vermilya and Kritko will be play the cornerback spots for the Lions.

Sophomores Metcalf and Spurgeon will start at the safety positions.

McGuire will rotate in at safety.

“We really try to give Jim as much of

break on defense as possible since he is our quarterback.”

Freshman Reed had a couple of big plays in Friday’s scrimmage and will lineup in the defensive backfield.

Ninth-grader John Geter could see playing time at cornerback for the varsity.

Sophomore kicker Ethan Aldridge is back to handle kickoff, field goal and extra points. A year ago, he booted a 40-yard field goal.

He is going to start the season as the team’s punter, but Hancock could challenge him for the punting duties.

“Ethan really loves to kick, and he is really accurate,” Matthews said. “I keep telling the guys, if they can block for him, he will not miss an extra point, and he shouldn’t miss many field goals, at least inside the 30.”

They begin the season with a tough, nonregion schedule. In addition to its opener at Deerfield, the Lions play host to Bulloch (Aug. 19), before going to Flint River (Aug. 26).

The Lions return home for a game against Windsor (Sept. 2), before closing out their non-region schedule at Westwood (Sept. 9).

The last five games are against region opponents, with the Lions playing at home against Bethlehem (Sept. 16), on the road against Loganville Christian (Sept. 23), at Holy Trinity (Oct. 7), at home against Dominion (Oct. 14) and at home against Heritage (Oct. 21).

2016 Trinity Lions Schedule Sept. 23 at LCA

Aug. 19 Bulloch Academy Aug. 26 at Flint River Sept. 2 Windsor Sept. 9 at Westwood Sept. 16 Bethlehem

Oct. 7 at Holy Spirit Oct. 14 Dominion Christian Oct. 21 Heritage

2016 Trinity Lions Roster 1 Sharmari Reed WR/DB 2 Stephen Spurgeon WR/DB 10th 3 Jim Vermilya QB/DB 4 Shep Hancock LB/QB 5 Edward Berry RB/LB 6 Tyler Roberts WR/LB 7 Devin Gelband QB/DB 8 Kyle McGuire RB/DB 9 Bailey Porter RB/DB 10 Luke Vermilya RB/DL 11 Ben Kritko WR/DB 12 Chase Metcalf WR/DB 13 Daniel Bodiford WR/DB 17 Caleb Railey RB/DB 22 Zach Byrom RB/LB 24 Sam Cotton OL/LB 25 John Geter RB/DB 28 Ryan Conner RB/LB 35 Austin Ingram RB/DB 38 Ethan Scruggs WR/DB

9th 12th 9th 9th 10th 9th 10 12th 11th 12th 10th 9th 11th 12th 11th 9th 9th 9th 10th

42 Nate Randolph 43 Gabe Page 44 Nick Ansel 46 Adam Grende 50 Bart Truskolaski 51 Mason Flury 52 Matt Smith 55 Hogan Ford 56 Jesse Cox 65 Hunter Adams 66 Thomas Jones 68 Luke Powell 70 Boyd Lundy 75 Mark Robbins 77 Nate Stanley 78 Tanner Diget 85 Trey Lucas 88 Jacob Downs 92 Sarah Taylor 99 Ethan Aldridge

OL/LB 11th K/P 9TH RB/LB 12th WR/DB 9th RB/LB 9th OL/LB 9th OL/LB 12th OL/DL 9th OL/DB 9th OL/DL 10th OL/DL 9th OL/DL 9th OL/DL 10th OL/DL 11th OL/DL 10th OL/DL 9th TE/LB 9th TE/LB 11th K/P 11th K/P 1Oth

Wednesday, August 17, 2016 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 11B

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12B — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 17, 2016

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Wednesday, August 17, 2016 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 1C

FOOTBALL2016 Coweta’s

ACC PIPELINE #33 – Emanuel Bridges Linebacker, Georgia Tech

#47 – Jamie Skalski Linebacker, Clemson University

#31 – Brandon Facyson Cornerback, Virginia Tech

ACC recruiting pipeline extends deep into Coweta County

#29– J.K. Britt

Safety, University of North Carolina

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com Some college sports fans think of the Atlantic Coast Conference as a league where any sport other than men’s basketball is an afterthought.

And there’s plenty of truth to the claim that basketball drives the ACC engine.

Original ACC members North Carolina and Duke have been known to dominate action on the basketball court.

More than 100 players from North Carolina, including Michael Jordan, who some argue is the best basketball player ever, donned the powder blue uniform for the Tar Heels before getting selected in the NBA draft over the years.

E i g ht y- si x pl ayer s from Duke have been selected by the NBA, ma k i ng t he Blue Devils historically one of the best

teams ever, too.

The Tar Heels have cut down the nets five times after winning the national championship.

North Carolina also has finished as the runner-up five times, including this past season when it lost to Villanova 77-74 at the buzzer.

The Duke basketball team has an impressive history, especially since the 1980s, when current basketball coach Mike Kzyzewski took over the Blue Devils’ program.

The man affectionately known as “Coach K” has led his team to five national titles, the most recent one in 2015.

For a period of about 15 years starting the mid 1980s, Georgia Tech was also a major player on the college basketball landscape.

The Yellow Jackets made it to the Final Four in 1990 and 2004. That 2004 squad advanced to the finals before losing to Connecticut, 82-73.

North Carolina State and Wake Forest have also enjoyed basketball success along the way.

North Carolina State won the NCAA Tournament in 1974 and 1983. Wake Forest has made six trips to the Elite 8.

The recent addition of the University of Louisville and Syracuse to the ACC added plenty of punch to the already-rich ACC basketball tradition.

Louisville won national titles in 1980, 1986, and 2013. Syracuse won a national title in 2003, and was runner-up in 1987 and 1996.

But football Saturdays in the fall are still pretty special to ACC schools, too.

Although the SEC still dominates in college football, the ACC puts a competitive product on the field.

Last year, Clemson fell 45-40 to Alabama in the national title game in a battle of the two conferences, and seven other ACC schools played in a bowl game.

Georgia Tech had a disappointing season a year ago, finishing 3-9 and snapped a string of 18- consecutive bowl trips.

The ACC got a huge boost back in the 1990s when traditional college football power Florida State joined the league and won national titles in 1993, 1995 and 2013.

The rich history of ACC football is not lost on players from Coweta County.

The league’s recruiting pipelines have run deep over the past couple of seasons, with players from both Newnan and Northgate finding their way to ACC schools.

For mer Nor t hgate sta ndout Brandon Facyson started the recent ACC tradition when he enrolled at Virginia Tech for the 2012 season.

Last season, JK Britt began his college career at North Carolina.

The ACC tradition continues this fall when former Northgate standout James Skalski begins his college career with Clemson, and Newnan’s Emanuel Bridges gets his career started with Georgia Tech.

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CRUSADERS CENTRAL CRUSADERS 2C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Changing of the guard: Farlow lights the way for Central

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com There been might have been a changing of the guard with the Central Christian football team, but new head coach Joey Farlow said he doesn’t expect the Crusaders to miss a beat.

Central has been one of Georg ia’s most dom i nating teams in eight-man football over the past few years, thanks to long-time coach Paul Frantz.

Last season, Frantz guided the Crusaders to the GICAA state title game, where they lost to Lafayette Christian 12-1 in league championship.

It was a rematch of the regular-season game, won by Central in overtime.

Frantz turned control of the football team over to Farlow, who has served as an assistant coach for several years.

A f irst-year head coach isn’t the only new thing going for the Crusaders. Lights have been installed on campus, which will allow Central to play home games on campus for the first time.

The Crusaders will christen their home stadium on Friday, Aug. 19, against People Baptist from McDonough.

“It’s been a work in progress,” said athletic director Justin Stephens. “We are all really excited about the chance to really play at home.”

One of Farlow’s first duties as head coach is finding a quarterback to replace his son Jared, who put up impressive numbers and is now a freshman at Ole Miss.

Farlow is excited about the opening game.

“That will be pretty neat to be able to finally play here,” he said. “The school has put in a lot of money recently, not just the lights, but in the gym.

They have put down a new

basketball floor.”

In addition to replacing his son at quarterback, Farlow also has to fill vacancies left by JaQuez Blackmon, Bailey Todd, Colt Dooley, Jesse Parkinson, Caleb London and Jordan Fuller.

Farlow expects only 15 to 16 players to dress out this season, but what the squad lacks in numbers, it makes up for in talent and effort.

“We have had fewer players in the past and gone deep into the playoffs,” Farlow said.

Several positions are up for grabs on this team, but junior Caleb Ruck should get the bulk of the snaps at quarterback.

Also, among the players expected to contend for playing time at running back are sophomore Chris Nugent and junior Dustin Terrell.

Sophomore Zach Obe could play as many as three spots for the Crusaders, including backing up at quarterback, playing tight end and linebacker on defense.

O n t he of fen sive l i ne , junior A.J. Whiteside returns to the team and will start at center. Right guard McKinley Reese returns for his senior year at right guard.

Newcomer Aaron Fuller will also play somewhere on the offensive line. At 6-2, and almost 300 pounds, Fuller brings plenty of height and size to the Crusaders.

First-year player Josh London could line up in a number of positions for Central.

Eighth-graders are eligible to play on the varsity in the GICAA, so Cody Earl is expected to see playing time somewhere in the Crusaders’ lineup.

“He has played a lot of little league football, and we think he will turn into a really good player for us. We aren’t sure just where he is going to play yet, but we will get him on the field.”

2016 Central Christian Crusaders Schedule Aug. 19 People’s Baptist 7:30 Aug. 26 at Appling Christian 7:30 Sept. 2 Lafayette Christian School 7:30 Sept. 9 Solid Rock Christian 7:30 Sept. 16 at Holy Ground 7:30 Sept. 30 at Colonial Hills 7:30 Oct. 7 at New Creation Academy 7:30 Oct. 14 at Ballard Christian 7:30 Oct. 21 Hearts Academy 7:30 Oct. 28 at Grace Christian 7:30

Postseason Nov. 4 First Round TBA Nov. 11 Second Round TBA Nov. 18 GICAA State Finals TBA

Fa rlow l i ke s h av i n g yo u n g e r pl a ye r s i n t h e program.

“It’s good for the future,” Farlow said. “We need to keep feeding the program.”

First-year player Danny Terrell is expected to see playing time at a number of positions.

Ju n ior M a rcelu s Gi le s returns at tight end but could also see time at fullback.

Alex Nugent will play fullback on offense and at outside linebacker on defense.

Liam Clayton will play tight end on offense and cornerback on defense for the Crusaders.

Shaquan Parson has been home-schooled i n recent years but has enrolled at Central for the upcoming season.

He will play running back on offense and safety on defense.

Farlow knows he is taking over a program with plenty of tradition.

“Paul left this program in a

good way,” Farlow said. “He did a lot to build this football program. I have big shoes to fill with him.”

Farlow reached back into the past and brought on some former players as assistant coaches.

Austin Stover and Jesse Parkinson are part of this year’s coaching staff.

“Jesse will be running the defense. He played under Coach Frantz since the seventh grade and knows Paul’s defensive scheme very well.

We are going to run basically the same system on defense with a few twists added.”

Other spots will be finalized over the coming days.

“We have some new guys out for the first time, so we are not even sure where they might play.”

Among the teams on the schedule this year are three eight-man powers in Holy Ground, Lafayette, and Colonial Hills.

* All home games to take place on Central Christian Campus

Central Roster Zack Obi Marcelus Giles Caleb Ruck McKinley Reese Cody Earle Shaquan Parsons Dustin Terell Daniel Terell AJ Whiteside Josh London Chris Nuggett Alex Nuggett Aaron Fuller Liam Clayton Nathan Matthews Jesse Gerken

Jr Jr Jr Sr 8th Fr Soph 8th Jr Soph Jr Jr Jr Jr Fr 8th

*Jerseys numbers were not assigned to players at the time of publication.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 3C

ACC

Continued from page 1C school players who get the chance to play at such as high level,” Newnan head coach Mike McDonald said. “J.K. and Emanuel meant a lot to our program, and it’s great to see them get this chance.”

Northgate football coach Tommy Walburn knows what both Facyson and Skalski meant to the team when they donned Viking uniforms.

“They are great football players,” Walburn said. “I think Brandon will have a chance to maybe play in the NFL. “He has battled some injuries, but he has got what the NFL is looking for.

He’s got height, he’s got speed.

He is a really determined guy.”

Walburn said it’s nice to when these guys go to programs that play on television. “ We gea r ou r Sat u rdays a rou nd watch i ng some of our guys when we know they are going to be on television, because it makes it a little more exciting,” Walburn said.

All four players from Coweta

County play on the defensive side of the ball for their respective college football teams.

Facyson is a red-shirt junior for the Hokies. The defensive back burst on the scene as a freshman and enjoyed a remarkable first year of college football, including pulling down five interceptions.

One of his best games came in a return trip home when he finished with an interception and a forced fumble against ACC rival Georgia Tech on Thursday night in an ESPN nationally-televised contest.

The next day, he stayed in town to cheer on his former Northgate football team in its victory at Union Grove when Skalski kicked the game-winning field goal for the Vikings.

The Northgate graduate’s sophomore season wasn’t as fun at Virginia Tech as he played in only three games after breaking a leg in practice.

Last season he bounced back, appearing in 13 games, finishing with 31 tackles.

However, luck continued to go against him after he suffered a knee injury in an offseason workout and was unable to participate with the Hokies in spring practice.

Britt made h is presence known early for the Tar Heels, earning playing time as a true freshman.

“We took some kids up to North Carolina for a foot-

ball camp and got to see J.K.,” McDonald said. “He seems to be fitting in really well there.

He has some players in front of him, but he as a chance to be a two-year starter before he is through.”

T he New na n graduate appeared in 10 games and tallied eight tackles and two pass break ups.

His best performance came when the Tar Heels beat the University of Illinois in a nonconference game.

T he 6 - 0 foot, 21 5 -pound safety played on both sides of the ball at Newnan, however, several college football recruiting services ranked him among the top 50 defensive backs in the country his senior season of high school.

Former Northgate standout James Skalski continued the recruiting pipeline from Northgate to the ACC when he signed with Clemson back in February.

The 6-2, 225-pound linebacker was named the Newnan Times-Herald’s Most Valuable Player after helping Northgate to its best season ever, including a 12-2 record and trip to the Class AAAAA semifinals.

Skalski, who was a two-sport athlete for Northgate, also excelled on the soccer field, finished with 168 tackles, including 31 for a loss. He had 11 sacks.

Although Skalski will be counted on to help the Clemson defense, he could be used as a

backup punter for the Tigers in an emergency, and possibly handle some kickoff duties for the Tigers.

Skalski averaged 40 yards per punt last season for the Vikings.

“Some of t he Clemson coaches I have talked with say he is doing great and fitting in really well,” Walburn said.

Georgia Tech signee Emanuel Bridges verbally committed to the Yellow Jackets early in the recruiting process and never wavered after enjoying an outstanding career at Newnan.

T he Yellow Jackets’ 6 -2 , 215-pound outside linebacker enrolled at Georgia Tech spring semester last year and went through spring practice for the Yellow Jackets.

Bridges f inished his high s c ho ol c a re er at New n a n by being named the Newnan Times-Herald’s Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

The former Cougar finished with 91 tackles and seven sacks to close out his high school career.

“I think being able to go through spring practice at Georgia Tech should really help him,”McDonald said.

Britt returns to Atlanta for the Tar Heels season opener on Sept. 3 when they play Georgia in the Chick-fil-A Classic at the Georgia Dome.

He will face Facyson and Virginia Tech on Oct. 8 in Chapel Hill.

Bridges and the Yellow Jackets could face all three former Coweta County players this season, as Georgia Tech is scheduled to play Clemson at home in an ESPN Thursday night showcase Sept. 22, at North Carolina on Nov. 5, and at home against Virginia Tech on Nov. 12.

If Bridges makes Georgia

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL E S T A B L I S H E D

“

Football is football and talent is talent.

But the mindset of your team makes all the difference.

— Robert Griffin III

The 2016 preseason all-Atlantic Coast Conference team was announced by the league and determined by a vote of 191 media members at the conference’s media days last week.

WR Artavis Scott, JR Clemson WR Isaiah Ford, JR Virginia Tech WR Travis Rudolph, JR Florida State TE Jordan Leggett, SR Clemson OT Roderick Johnson, JR Florida State OT Mitch Hyatt, SO Clemson OG Dorian Johnson, SR Pitt OG_Tyrone Crowder, JR Clemson C_Jay Guillermo, JR Clemson

QB_Deshaun Watson, JR Clemson RB_Dalvin Cook, JR Florida State RB_Elijah Hood, JR North Carolina

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4C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 17, 2016

West Georgia Wolves on the rise

By Staff Reports sports@newnan.com For the second consecutive season, the University of West Georgia Wolves have been tabbed as the preseason favorite in the Gulf South Conference football race.

UWG was named as the team to beat when the GSC released its preseason coaches' poll for the upcoming season.

UWG claimed the poll's top spot by receiving seven-of-nine first place votes from the league's head coaches.

That was enough to give the Wolves 63 points in the poll, 10 more than second-place North Alabama. Florida Tech, which received the other two first-place votes, placed third with 48 points.

The remainder of the poll had Delta State picked fourth. They were followed, in order, by Val-

dosta State, West Alabama, Mississippi College, West Florida, and Shorter. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own teams.

A year ago, UWG claimed a share of its first GSC title in 15 seasons as they tied for the crown with North Alabama.

It was the fourth time in the progra m's histor y that West Georgia has won a piece of the league title. The 2016 Wolves are hopeful of claiming the school's first outright conference crown.

Despite being named preseason league favorite, UWG surprisingly did not top the list for most players on the Preseason All-GSC Team. However, seven Wolves standouts did earn the honor.

Three seniors were voted to the defensive squad: ends Dylan Donahue and Alex Armah and linebacker Gabe Freeman. On

the other side of the ball, senior tackle Austin Kastl and junior wide receiver Oa Walerwer were voted to the offensive squad. Also, two senior special-teams standouts made the squad: Marcus Sayles as a kick-blocking specialist, and Telvin Brown as a kick returner.

The Wolves are hoping to make another deep run into the playoffs for head coach Will Hall. A year ago, Hall led UWG to a 12-2 record and a trip to the NCAA Division II semifinals before losing to Northwest Missouri State.

It was the second straight year UWG just missed out on a shot to play for the NCAA title. In 2014, West Georgia lost to Colorado State-Pueblo, 10-7.

The 2016 season begins Sept. 3 when Catawba visits Carrollton for a 2 p.m. battle on Ra-Lin Field.

Wolves to play twice on televi-

sion during regular season The defending Gulf South Conference champion UWG Wolves are set to make a pair of television appearances on the league's 2016 game-of-the-week schedule.

GSC Commissioner Matt Wilson a n nou nced recently t he lineup of games for its 12th edition of its Florida's Space Coast GSC Football Game of the Week featured live on ESPN3.

UWG is scheduled for a pair of game as part of the package. The Wolves' Oct. 1 game at North Alabama will be the Wolves' debut contest.

Two weeks later, TV cameras arrive in Carrollton as UWG entertains West Alabama.

UWG has made 26 previous appearances in GSC-TV contests.

That number includes three televised games during the 2000 GSC title season, and at least one

Local connections could have impact at Auburn

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com When the Auburn Tigers take the field for the 2016 opener on Sept. 3 at home against Clemson in a Saturday night showdown on ESPN, college football fans couldn’t ask for a better game to get the season started.

Coweta County should be well-represented in the game, especially on the Auburn side.

Former Newnan standout Tray Matthews has found a home at Auburn after transferring from the SEC rival Georgia, and former East Coweta standout Markell Boston is expected to see his first playing time for Auburn.

Matthew, a 6-1, 207-pound defensive back, jumped into the Tigers’ lineup in a big way

last year after sitting out the 2014 season per NCAA transfer rules.

Matthews quickly made a name for himself in his first game with Auburn last year when he helped the Tigers knock off the University of Louisville, 31-24, in a game played at the Georgia Dome the first week of the season.

On Louisville’s first play from scrimmage, Matthews intercepted a pass and returned it 35 yards. He also finished with eight tackles against the Cardinals.

Overall, Matthews finished the season with 46 tackles and two interceptions.

Matthews’ football career was rejuvenated after he left Georgia, but he had a slight setback and missed all of this past

spring practice with the Tigers after having shoulder surgery.

He is now healthy, and he is expected to start in the Tigers’ defensive backfield this season after missing all 15 of the Tigers’ practices in the spring.

Before he signed with Georgia, he already had a long list of accolades from his high school days at Newnan, including earning the Newnan TimesHerald Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Matthews enrolled early at Georgia and went through spring practice with the Bulldogs before h is fresh m a n season.

Tiger coaches have high hopes for Boston, who redshirted in 2013 and didn’t see any action last season.

However, in the 2015 spring

game, Boston was the leading tackler for his team, finishing with seven.

Boston put up amazing stats during his high school career, including earning Newnan Times-Herald honors. He was also a member of the Class AAAAA All-State squad after tallying 106 tackles and four interceptions, including two returned for a touchdown.

He turned in one of his biggest plays against rival Newnan his senior year when he forced a fumble to help clinch the win.

The victory snapped an eightgame losing streak by East Coweta against Newnan.

Auburn is trying to improve on its 7-6 record and 31-10 victory against Memphis in the Birmingham Bowl.

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"The Gulf South Conference's Game of the Week package has been a leader in Division II since its inception. Continuing our relationship with ESPN provides unparalleled exposure and distribution for the GSC," said Wilson, in the league's official release.

"We believe the ESPN3 and WatchESPN digital platforms are ideal for our fans, student-athletes and future recruits."

Each of the GSC's nine football playing schools is set for at least two appearances as part of the 2016 schedule. Florida Tech and West Alabama are the only two teams schedule for three televised games.

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Wednesday, August 17, 2016 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 5C

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6C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Mercer’s recruiting pipeline extends through Coweta County

By DOUG GORMAN dgorman@newnan.com

ARNOLD

When Mercer University decided to resurrect its football program in 2013 after a 71-year hiatus, one of the first things it did was hit the recruiting trail hard in Coweta County.

It has paid huge dividends for the Bears, who started out playing non-scholarship football, but elevated their program to a higher level of competition when it joined the Southern Conference, one of the NCAA Division I Football Subdivisions Championship’s most competitive leagues one season later.

Five players with ties to Coweta County will don uniforms for the Bears when they kick off the the 2016 season against the conference rival The Citadel on Thursday, Sept. 1.

The following week, the Bears jump up in competition when they make the short trek down the interest for a game against Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta.

Former Newnan standout and Georgia Tech freshman Emanuel Bridges could be in uniform for the Jackets.

Senior Lendell Arnold was the first of the home-grown talent to make his way to the school in Macon.

Arnold is a 5-9, 199-pound defensive back. The former Newnan High School

standout is entering his final season with the Bears.

Arnold had a nose for the football for Mercer last season, finishing as the team’s fifth leading tackler after ending the year with 23 tackles, including three solos. He had his best performance in the team’s upset over No. 3-ranked Chattanooga, finishing with 10 tackles.

Big things are also expected out of running back Alex Lakes. The former Northgate running back and the Newnan Times-Herald Co-Offensive Player of the Year played in 10 games and started three for the Bears last season.

Lakes finished with 692 yards and teamhigh seven touchdowns while battling through injuries.

Like he did in high school, Payton Usher again has teamed with Lakes in the backfield at Mercer. Usher helped restart the Mercer football program and was one of the team’s leading rushers as a freshman.

Usher has played an important role in the first three seasons of Mercer football.

Despite battling injuries last year, he rushed for 142 yards on 26 carries and a touchdown.

“Alex and Peyton meant so much to our program,” Northgate head coach Tommy Walburn said. “It’s great to see them doing so well at Mercer.”

Former Newnan offensive lineman David

LAKES Raschen is hoping to elevate his playing time this year for the Bears. He saw action in one game last season.

East Coweta graduate Dawson Ellis is a redshirt freshman offensive lineman, who will be seeking his first college football action for the Bears.

Johnson not worried about Georgia Tech’s low expectations

2016 Georgia Tech Schedule Sep. 3 Boston College, 7:30 a.m.

Sep. 10 Mercer, 3 p.m.

Sep. 17 Vanderbilt, 12:30 p.m.

Sep. 22 Clemson, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 1 Miami, TBA Oct. 8 at Pittsburgh, TBA

W HOLE SA LE

Oct. 15 Georgia Southern, TBA Oct. 29 Duke, TBA Nov. 5 at North Carolina, TBA Nov. 12 at Virginia Tech, TBA Nov. 19 Virginia, TBA Nov. 26 at Georgia, TBA

ATLANTA (AP) — Coach Paul Johnson isn’t concerned with low expectations at Georgia Tech.

It’s nothing new: Since Johnson took charge of the Yellow Jackets eight years ago, they’ve been ranked in The Associated Press’ final poll just three times, and this season hardly looks promising.

“We’re not at a place where we’re going to have all these AllAmericans and you just reload,” he said. “You’ve got to do it with blue collar and work ethic and that kind of thing. Hopefully it was a lesson a year ago.”

Georgia Tech is coming off a 3-9 record, 1-7 in the ACC, and missed out on a bowl game for the first time since 1996. The Jackets have been picked to finish sixth in the Coastal Division.

Not exactly inspiring stuff, but Johnson has tried to use the lack of respect to his team’s advantage.

He routinely tells the players that outsiders insist Georgia Tech can’t compete on the same level with Georgia and other major programs that border the state.

“I f you look , you’re su rrounded by prog ra ms w it h double the budgets and all the

things,” he said. “You have to have a chip on your shoulder to survive. You’re not the same in a lot of areas with the (programs) they want to compare you with.”

Johnson seems to have the players’ attention.

“Coach Johnson has definitely brought that up,” senior kicker Harrison Butker said.

After beating Georgia, advancing to the ACC title game and winning the Orange Bowl two years ago, Johnson thinks some players mistakenly believed they were better than they were.

“When people are telling you (that) you’re really good and you ought to run right through this and run right through that, our guys have historically not handled that very well here,” Johnson said.

HANGING IN THERE Senior quarterback Justin Thomas is eager to play alongside some familiar faces this year.

A fter a sensational 2014 season, Thomas’ statistics and confidence took a hit last season as the injuries mounted across the offense.

“We’ve all come together closely, and I think a lot of guys know what to expect and what to do,” Thomas said. “It’s not just me. We’ve got a whole lot of guys on both sides of the ball being more vocal.

NOT-SO-HOT SEAT Johnson doesn’t appear to have concerns about his job security. He’s under

contract through 2020, and it would cost the school over $9 million to buy out the last three years of his deal. Georgia Tech also is searching for a new athletic director after Mike Bobinski left last week for Purdue.

SEASON OPENER The Jackets begin Sept. 3 against Boston College in Dublin, Ireland. Senior center Freddie Burden has told his teammates to consider the long trip a blessing.

“I almost kind of look at it as making up for our bowl game we missed last year,” he said. “It’s going to be a fun, exciting time. Everybody’s hyping it up. Guys are excited to play. I think it’s everybody’s first time going to Ireland and a lot of guys’ first time flying overseas and being in a different country.”

KEY GAMES At Clemson Sept. 22, vs. Miami Oct. 1, at North Carolina Nov. 5, at Georgia Nov. 26 Johnson is 5- 4 against Clemson, including the vacated 2009 ACC title game victory. Former Georgia coach Mark Richt is now working in the same capacity with Miami. Johnson says last season turned on a lost fumble against North Carolina.

Each year, no game is bigger for Tech than the annual matchup with Georgia.

PREDICTION 5-7 overall, 3-5 ACC.

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Wednesday, August 17, 2016 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 7C

Alabama, SEC trying to stay in college football’s penthouse JOHN ZENOR, AP Sports Writer A postseason rampage put both Alabama and the Southeastern Conference back on top in college football last season.

Now, the trick will be staying there with three new coaches in the East and quarterback uncertainty across much of the league, including at ‘Bama.

The Crimson Tide is once again the team to beat after claiming the SEC’s eighth n at ion a l t it le i n 10 s e asons. That broke a two-year drought for the league, which went 9-2 in the postseason counting the Tide’s playoff wins over Michigan State and Clemson.

A laba ma defensive end Jonathan Allen doesn’t think coach Nick Saban will let complacency set in.

“The biggest thing at Alabama is that if you don’t have hunger,” Allen said, “then

you’re not going to start this year.”

It’s a luxury afforded by a string of top-rated recruiting classes, even with an unproven backfield.

Tennessee and Mississippi, which have the SEC’s most accomplished returning passers in Joshua Dobbs and Chad Kelly, are trying to continue climbing the ranks.

Longtime Tide defensive coordinator Kirby Smart is now trying to get Georgia over the hump. Will Muschamp’s back in the SEC East at South Carolina, and Barry Odom is tr ying to lead a comeback to division contention at Missouri.

In the West, Auburn and Texas A&M are trying to bounce back while LSU aims for a stronger finish.

THE FAVORITES

division title since 2007. They have 17 starters back from a team that went 9-4. Florida is the defending champion while three of the seven teams have new coaches. Unlike Tennessee, potential challengers Florida and Georgia entered fall camp without an established No. 1 quarterback.

We s t : A l a b a m a . T h e defending national champions, as usual, have talent all over the field. Cooper Bateman is the only quarterback with college experience, but Bla ke Ba r nett a nd Dav id Cornwell were highly-rated recruits. The division is typically loaded with coach Les Miles and Leonard Fournette trying to lead LSU back from late-season stumbles. Kelly helps make Mississippi — which has beaten the Tide two straight years — a strong threat, too.

can flirted with a 2,000-yard season and was a big Heisman Trophy favorite early last season. A more consistent passing game would help him out.

Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M. In a league full of elite pass rushers, he may be the best. Has 24 sacks in two seasons.

Cam Robinson, LT, Alabama. Started every game in his first two seasons and will be blocking for a new backfield.

Chad Kelly, QB, Mississippi.

Sugar Bowl MVP had thirdmost passing and total yards of any SEC quarterback in a season.

Nick Chubb/Sony Michel, RBs, Georgia. Both are trying to return from injuries, and both have posted huge numbers when healthy.

ON THE HOT SEAT

PICKS Gu s M a l z a h n , Aubu r n .

Three years removed from E a st: Ten nessee. West: an SEC title, he’s been unable Alabama. League champion: to beat the top teams since. Alabama.

Quarterback struggles held

Seven

NEW FACES

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Ea st: Ten nessee. Butch Kirby Smart, Georgia. The TOP PLAYERS Jones has positioned the Volstandard was made crystal unteers, led by Dobbs, as Leona rd Fournette, R B, clear when Mark Richt was front-runners for their first LSU. Consensus All-Ameri- fired after winning double-

Preseason SEC Team announced BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A list of the preseason All-Southeastern Conference teams voted on by those covering the league’s media days, with 321 voters:

FIRST TEAM Offense QB — Chad Kelly, Ole Miss (321) RB — Leonard Fournette, LSU (329) RB — Nick Chubb, Georgia (308) WR — Calvin Ridley, Alabama (318) WR — Christian Kirk, Texas A&M (223) TE — O.J. Howard, Alabama (294) OL — Cam Robinson, Alabama (315) OL — Dan Skipper, Arkansas (228) OL —Greg Pyke, Georgia (171) OL — Alex Kozan, Auburn (165) C — Ethan Pocic, LSU (188) Defense

DL — Jonathan Allen, Alabama (301) DL — Myles Garrett, Texas A&M (286) DL — Carl Lawson, Auburn (253) DL — Derek Barnett, Tennessee (171) LB — Reuben Foster, Alabama (265) LB — Kendell Beckwith, LSU (231) LB — Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Tennessee (223) DB — Eddie Jackson, Alabama (293) DB — Jalen Tabor, Florida (249) DB — Tre’Davious White, LSU (221) DB — Cameron Sutton, Tennessee (213)

back his normally prolific, fast offense last season.

Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M. An 11-13 record in SEC games over the past three seasons a nd trouble holdi ng onto quarterbacks could at least make it lukewarm.

Les Miles, LSU. Last year’s groundswell of support and a talented roster make him secure — at least until the next three-game losing streak.

Derek Mason, Vanderbilt.

Two SEC wins in as many seasons but 16 returning starters, including RB Ralph Webb and LB Zach Cunningham.

digit games nine times in 15 seasons. Smart will be chasing his mentor, Saban.

Trevor Knight, QB, Texas A& M . T he for mer Ok l ahoma starter could be the biggest on-field addition for any SEC team. Doesn’t hurt that he once led a Sugar Bowl win over Alabama.

Bo Scarbrough, RB, Alabama. He and fellow sophomore Damien Harris are vying to replace Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry. It’s the first time Saban hasn’t had an experienced back returning.

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8C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Included is a partial list of Coweta County athletes who currently play college football, based on school websites and rosters updated to reflect the upcoming athletic season.

The Newnan Times-Herald will offer updates on players, stats and games throughout the season.

Find your favorite college players and local athletes in the Times-Herald SPORTS section, and online at www.times-herald.com

Benton Washington - Northgate

Air Force Academy (RB 5-11, 205, Jr): The former Northgate running back saw his initial action with the Falcons last season after spending his first year at Air Force on the school’s prep team. Washington finished the year with 326 yards on 55 carries and four touchdowns. He appeared in 11 games for Air Force.

Rufus Neely - Newnan

DeShon Rosser - Newnan

Albany State

Albany State

(QB 6-6, 217, Fr): At one of the few schools to allow him to play both college football and baseball, the two-sport athlete signed with Albany State in February.

(DL 6-5, 368 Fr): Was a standout defender for the Cougars during his high school career and will begin his college career with the Golden Rams this fall.

Albany State

Chancellor Johnson - Newnan

DeMarcus Godfrey - East

Kyle Feldbauer - Northgate

Tonarius Portress - Newnan

Andrew Brady - Northgate Berry College

(DB 6-3, 222, Fr): Had a nose for the footba ll during his senior year, including forcing two fumbles.

Michael Willis - Northgate

(DB 5-10, 185, Jr): The Northgate graduate played in eight games last season and finished with 13 tackles.

Demarcus Tinsley - Newnan

Georgia Southern

Kennesaw State

Kennesaw State

(5-9,179, R-Jr): The former Indian saw limited playing time for the Eagles last season, finishing with 13 yards on two carries. Both rushing attempts came against New Mexico State University.

(DL 5-11, 248, Jr): Made his college debut against East Tennessee State University. Finished with two tackles in limited action. The former Newnan football player is expected to see more playing this year.

(RB 5-10, 195 R-Jr): Didn’t see any action last year after redshirting.

Willis transferred from Southern Illinois. He is hoping to see more time this year as part of the Owls’ triple option.

North Carolina A&T (OL 6-5, 306, Fr): Will begin his college football career at the Division I School in Greensboro.

Berry College (LB 6-2, 200, Fr): Feldbauer is getting ready to enter his first season at Berry after finishing as Northgate’s second leading tackler last season. He totaled 76 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles and had two interceptions in his senior year. Feldbauer helped his team reach the Final Four in the Class AAAAA playoffs for the first time in school history as a senior.

Matthew Lewis - Northgate

Jared Farlow - Central Christian Ole Miss

Reinhardt

(QB, 6-0, 188, Fr): Begins his college career at Ole Miss after leading the Crusaders to the GICA state title game as a senior. Farlow set several offensive records for the eight-man football team.

(CB, 5-10, Fr): Was named to the Newnan Times-Herald AllCounty Team last season. Finished his senior year with 20 tackles and two interceptions. Signed with Reinhardt in February.

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Wednesday, August 17, 2016 | The Newnan Times-Herald — 9C

Tristen Bridges - Newnan

Tyler Poythress - East Coweta

Candler Rich The Heritage School

David Singleton - East Coweta

Yale Shorter College

West Georgia

West Georgia

(CB, 5-11, 172, Soph): The former Cougar standout is hoping to make an impact for the Division II college this season.

(L B 6 -2 , 210, Soph): He i s expected to see his first full season of action with the Wolves this year.

(DB 6-0, 155, Sr): Played in 14 games last season with 11 total tackles and three pass breakups and one interception.

(RB 5-11, 206, Sr): The applied-mathematics major heads into his final season with the Bulldogs hoping to overcome injuries which kept him out of all but two games last year. Despite limited playing time, Rich finished with 124 yards on 31 attempts and a touchdown.

Georgia mandates national title for Smart ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — The championship mandate for new Georgia coach Kirby Smart could not be clearer.

Mark Richt’s firing despite a school-record .740 winning percentage left no question about Georgia’s goal of glory. Averaging almost 10 wins per season was not sufficient when his era ended with a 10-year title drought.

Richt closed his 15-year run trailing only Vince Dooley on the list of most wins at the school. Richt took Georgia to the Southeastern Conference title game in one-third of those 15 seasons, but he won only two — none since 2005. Richt, now Miami’s coach, never claimed a national title.

Georgia athletic director Greg McGarity chose Smart, the former Alabama defensive coordinator and former Georgia player and assistant, as the man who can bring the Bulldogs their first national championship since 1980.

Smart must pick a quarterback to lead the way.

Freshman Jacob Eason, the biggest prize in Smart’s first recruiting class, should eventually take over at quarterback. Eason (6-foot-5, 211 pounds) has size, a powerful throwing arm and an impressive list of national high school player or back of the year awards.

Eason enrolled early for spring practice but couldn’t immediately win the job over returning starter Greyson Lambert, the Virginia transfer, or junior Brice Ramsey. That threeway race continued through the start of preseason practice.

Smart has kept a close eye on top tailbacks Nick Chubb and Sony Michel as they recover from left knee and left forearm injuries, respectively. Chubb has practiced with no limitations and could be cleared for the opener against North Carolina.

Here are some things to watch: CHUBB WATCH: Chubb had 747 yards

rushing with seven TDs when he tore all the ligaments except the ACL in his left knee on the first play of the sixth game against Tennessee last season. Chubb was the 2014 SEC freshman of the year, when he ran for 1,546 yards and 14 TDs. Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney said Chubb looks strong in his comeback.

“I see Nick Chubb as being the player he has been before and hope he can continue to do so,” Chaney said. “I mean, he’s a downhill running son of a gun, so let’s hand him the ball and see what he can get done.”

SMART ON DEFENSE: Smart is working closely with defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.

“It’s not Mel’s defense. It’s not Kirby’s defense,” Smart said. “It’s UGA’s defense. ...

We won’t be taking credit as coordinator. We won’t be taking credit as head coach. Nor will we be getting blamed should things not go well one game. But I’ll be spending the majority of my time on the defense, because that’s where I feel like I can be the biggest asset.”

SEASON OPENER: There will be a biggame atmosphere when Georgia opens in the Georgia Dome against North Carolina, which is coming off an 11-win season. It will be Georgia’s first opener in Atlanta since 2011.

KEY GAMES: Tennessee, the choice at SEC media days to win the SEC East, visits on Oct. 1. The Bulldogs play at South Carolina the following week and face Florida in another division matchup on Oct. 29 in Jacksonville. Georgia will face Auburn on Nov. 12 in the first of three straight home games to close the regular season, including a visit from Georgia Tech on Nov. 26.

PREDICTION: Georgia will fall short of winning the East in Smart’s first season, especially with the uncertainty at quarterback, but should finish in the top three of the division at 9-3 overall.

TECHNICALLY, THE BEST!

Looking for opportunity?

2016 Georgia Schedule Sep. 3 North Carolina, 5:30 p.m.

Sep. 10 Nicholls, Noon Sep. 17 at Missouri, 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 at Mississippi, TBA Oct. 1 Tennessee, TBA Oct. 8 at South Carolina, TBA

Oct. 15 Vanderbilt, TBA Oct. 29 Florida, 3:30 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Kentucky, TBA Nov. 12 Auburn, TBA Nov. 19 Louisiana-Lafayette, TBA Nov. 26 Georgia Tech, TBA

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10C — The Newnan Times-Herald | Wednesday, August 17, 2016