U-R High School Football Preview 2014

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Baldwin Braves Head Coach: Lee Hannah Classification: GHSA Region 2-AAAA Last Season’s Record: 3-7 (2-5)

BHS BRAVES 2014 ROSTER

Baldwin’s Hannah injects energy NO. NAME 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 18 20 22 24 25 26 27 31 32 33 35

By KYLE COLLINS kcollins@unionrecorder.com

It’s a Brave new day e x t e r Copeland’s departure signified a necessary coaching change for Baldwin High School football.

The Braves limped to a 3-7 record in 2013 before Copeland was let go that December.

Then came a change of the guard in the form of Lee Hannah.

The Louisville, Ga. native began his coaching career at Sandy

D

Creek High School in 2000, where the team won two region championships in five years.

Hannah then spent years on staff at Mary Persons, Martin Luther King High School, Duluth High School and Mays High School this past season. Mays made it’s first second round GHSA playoff appearance since 2008.

The Braves’ head coach established a consistent reputation

Kyle Collins/The Union-Recorder

Baldwin opens the year at home Aug. 29 against Hancock Central. There’s no Peach County or Washington County on the schedule early. as a defensive coordinator throughout his resume. Each school showed steady improvement.

Hannah said during his March introduction Baldwin’s student-athletes had to fear wak-

Good Braves 2014 Football Schedule Luck Braves! ***All games 7:30 p.m. except Thomasville 8pm.

August 15 August 22 August 29

Week Week Week

Scrimmage 0 1 Hancock

Wilkinson OFF Central

Home

Alcovy Tift

Away Home

Thomasville

Away

Upson Lee

Home

Veterans OFF West Laurens

Away Home

Perry Mary Persons

Away Home

Howard

Away

Home

(RED OUT NIGHT)

September 5 Week September 12 Week

2 3

(PINK OUT NIGHT)

September 19 Week

4

(8 P.M. START)

September 26 Week

5 (YOUTH NIGHT)

October 3 October 10 October 17

Week Week Week

6 7 8 (HOMECOMING)

October 24 October 31

Week Week

9 10 (SR. NIGHT)

Home of the Braves

November 7

Week

11

Baldwin High School

155 Hwy. 49 West Milledgeville, GA • 478 453-6429 www.baldwinhighschoolnet.ipower.com

164394

ing up everyday and being a weak link.

Accountability is key.

“This is some place I want to start building something special.

Why not Baldwin?”

Hannah said.

The only remaining coach from the previous staff, offensive coordinator and line coach Randall Owens is happy working with Coach Hannah.

“We’ve been on the same page since day one. What he wants from the offense is in line with what he wants to do defensively,” Owens said.

Based on the team’s unity and confidence this summer, the players are fully committed to the new regime.

“The kids have really bought in,” Hannah said. “They see that expectations are high

from the coaching staff. We are just trying to hold these kids accountable to doing right and being successful not only on the field but in the classroom and other aspects of their lives. I’m here for them.” n The Baldwin captains, get on the line “In the years past, it’s been black shirts and white shirts. Now we are one family,” the first year head coach said. “That’s the mindset we have to have to be successful — playing hard for each other.”

Seniors Quavez Hill, Shelton Graves, Quondarius Holsey, Brandon Goodman, Trevan Gresham and Kentavious Thomas have more than led by example preseason.

Baldwin’s offensive

and defensive lines are gelling heading into late August. That was a spot of inconsistency last year.

“I truly believe that ball games are won up front,” Hannah said.

Gresham is a “smart player” that makes all the offensive line calls.

Coaches preach fundamentals as a way to greatness.

Players are requesting to hop in the trenches to do what’s best for the team.

Several Braves will split time on offense and defense, but most don’t seem to mind, according to Hannah. n New man under center Junior Felix Jones is the starting quarterback going into this season.

See

BHS, page 5

POSITION

Keldrick Bell DB/WR Malik Clark DE/TE Quondarius Holsey LB/RB Jerrel Simmons WR/DB Kenneth Morgan DB/WR Brandon Goodman WR/DB Ja’Tavious Harris WR/DB Kentavious Thomas RB/LB Felix Jones QB/DB Quavez Hill DB/RB Justin Jones QB/DB Malik Hurt QB/DB Derrick Villareal K/P Ty’Christian Henry RB/LB Tecorean Bland DB/WR Jalen Miller WR/DB La’Travious Saulsberry RB/DB La’Keith Redding WR/DB Antavious Tucker DB/WR Malik Waller WR/DB Kendrick Robinson DB/WR Tecorey Clayton DB/WR

CLASS

NO. NAME

POSITION CLASS

NO. NAME

FR SO SR SR JR SR FR SR JR SR SO SO JR SO FR SR JR JR SO JR JR SO

37 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 52 53 54 57 58 59 60 63 64 65

WR/DB LB/FB DL/LB LB/RB DL/OL LB/DL WR/DB DL/TE DB/WR DL/OL RB/LB DL/OL DL/OL LB/DE DL/OL OL/DL DL/OL DL/OL OL/DL DL/OL OL/DL OL/DL

66

Brandon Larry

LB/DE

FR

67

Darren Thomas

OL/DL

JR

68

Chris Davis

DL/OL

FR

69

Jalen Lumpkin

OL/DL

SR

71

Cameron Jones

OL/DL

JR

72

Kameron Abrams

OL/DL

SR

73

Kentavious Anderson

DL/OL

SO

75

Antonio Poole

DL/OL

SR

77

Jamiel Davis

OL/DL

FR

78

Miles Longino

OL/DL

FR

79

James Walker

OL/DL

JR

81

Kameron Collins

WR/DB

JR

82

Eric Ford

WR/DB

SO

Jatavious Tucker Willie Parks Shelton Graves Markel Collins Chris Veal Jimmy Havior Will Pope Jaytrin Hooks Javarious Shields Cedric Harper Eric Veal Kenneth Smith Quinon Thomas Josh James Tony Horton Trevan Gresham Tayron Greene Melieck Paschal Cameron Brown Marquis Warren Willie Williams Sylvester Clark

FR FR SR SO JR SO FR FR FR SO SO SO SO FR SR SR SR SR SO SO SO JR

Thomas looking at 2,000 yards, supports teammates T he community will have a m a j o r Division I caliber running back on display this fall.

Baldwin High School senior Kentavious Thomas, reigning The UnionRecorder All-County Offensive Player of the Year and Mississippi State commit, is ready to barrel through defenders.

Thomas had 2,100 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns his last two seasons. The powerful senior also has pass-catching ability, tallying six touchdowns and 834 receiving yards in the same span.

Kyle Collins/The Union-Recorder

RB Kentavious Thomas had 2,100 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns his last two seasons. The powerful senior also has pass-catching ability, tallying six touchdowns and 834 receiving yards in the same span.

POSITION

CLASS

83

Isaac Shields

WR/DB

JR

84

Dalvin Ruff

WR/DB

SO

85

Tyrik Carter

DL/TE

SO

86

Andrew Pope

WR/DB

JR

87

Marcus Butts

WR/DB

JR

88

William Anderson

K/P

SR

89

Shaquavious Scott

WR/DB

FR

KENTAVIOUS THOMAS SENIOR• RB/LB• BHS

By KYLE COLLINS kcollins@unionrecorder.com

Head coach of the Baldwin Braves Lee Hannah challenged Thomas and the offensive line going into 2014.

Hannah thinks Thomas can reach the 2,000 rushing yard mark.

“We are going to hand the ball off to him and hang our hat on that,” Hannah said.

“We are going to pound the football, and (Thomas) knows that.”

Thomas likes the family vibe created by the new head coach.

Offensive and defensive players came together preseason.

“Now, everybody is family — wanting to work hard and get it done,” he said.

Senior Trevan Gresham is a captain on the offensive line.

“Kentavious makes plays for us. He is the man,” Gresham said.

“He carries this offense for us.”

Thomas said he loves those guys up front. Without a cohesive offensive unit,

See

THOMAS, page 5

JMA Trojans Head Coach: J.T. Wall Classification: GISA Region 4-AAA Last Season’s Record: 11-2 (5-0)

Opening win bodes well for Trojan preparation

BHS Continued from page 2

By KYLE COLLINS kcollins@unionrecorder.com

JMA football smells state title ate round GISA playoff losses ended great runs for John Milledge Academy football in 2012 and 2013.

The program did everything possible in the spring and summer to hop over the state semifinal barrier this fall.

A 26-6 road win over Trinity Christian to open the year last week revealed the positive feelings out of camp weren't misplaced.

“They've worked hard. This has probably been the toughest summer and camp we've had,” Trojan head football coach J.T. Wall said. “I fell like we are more prepared coming out of camp than the last few years.”

JMA stayed at home instead of traveling away for a few days.

A fresh routine and filming every practice seemed to help the preseason development.

Senior leadership can't be underestimated, and the

L

Trojans don't lack in that category.

“We are trying to gel as a unit to go in with one heartbeat,” Wall said. “We want to be better on Nov. 22 than Aug. 22 obviously.”

Senior quarterback Colby McCommon is doing everything the right way, according to his head coach.

Classmates and fellow leaders Ben Bracewell, Chase Owen, Jordan Bush, Nick Bentley, Chase Register and Jon Qualls “stepped up.”

“They know what we expect and how hard we want them and everybody around them to work,” Wall said.

“Every year we can always tell how good we may be with how good our seniors are.” n Trojans have diverse offense Though McCommon is the No. 1 quarterback, sophomore Trevor Evans has the talent to successfully play the position when necessary.

Wall likes his “two lefties.”

Kyle Collins/The Union-Recorder

The JMA offensive line works on explosive drills earlier this month. Head coach J.T. Wall is pleased with the group heading into the season.

McCommon threw for nine touchdowns and ran for 11 scores during last year's 11-2 season.

The offensive line returns three starters and might be the largest ever per man — tackle to tight end.

Bush is set at tackle, Owen at center and Bracewell, who played guard last year, moved to tight end.

Junior Logan Jones and classmates Coleman Jones and Harrison Bryant will start on the O-line as well.

“They've stepped in and gelled well with these guys,” Wall said.

Senior Filip Velimirovich can play multiple positions in the offensive trenches as well.

JMA will employ “a

two-headed monster” at running back with senior Cody Miller and junior Cam O'Neal. Both were productive with limited touches in 2013.

“They are splitting reps right down the middle right now,” the Trojan coach said. “Both offer different things and can run every play in our offense.”

O'Neal and Miller can spread out at receiver as well.

“We are trying to keep them healthy because both start on defense as well,” Wall said.

Senior Keaton Drinkwater and sophomore Gunner Roberts supply the ground game depth.

Seniors Qualls, Register, Bentley and sophomore Cole Wilson are the Trojan

fullbacks.

On the outside, senior wide receiver Zach Meeks has the experience.

“He's the elder statesman in that room right now,” Wall said.

Sophomore Andrew Prestwood is developing well for JMA. Wall will likely use some four and five receiver sets this season.

Sophomores Jalen Beck and Jaylin Sealey and junior Hunter Galloway also made their mark at receiver preseason and could make an impact.

With longtime kicker and punter Trent Thiel long gone, JMA has several players filling those roles for the first time.

Junior Michael Martino should be the

main guy as the year progresses. n New coach, defensive expectations unchanged JMA's defense has more than choked out regular season opponents the last two seasons.

Even with key defensive line and secondary losses to graduation, Wall likes where the team sits at the moment.

Former University of Georgia linebacker and NFL player Tony Gilbert is the Trojans' newest defensive coordinator. “(Gilbert) brings a different voice in our team meeting room and on the field,” Wall said. “He's seen a little more football at higher levels than all of us have.”

See

JMA, page 9

Jones got limited playing time behind former Baldwin team member Tajhea Chambers, who transferred to Tift County High School.

Jones isn’t as physical as Chambers.

Coaches think the more reps the better for the junior QB. “It’s a huge challenge, but I think (Felix) welcomes it. We are looking for big things from him,” Hannah said.

Owens has the “big uglies” believing they can protect the quarterback and pave the way for a 2,000-yard rusher. n Thomas has ground, air support Reigning The UnionRecorder All-County Offensive Player of the Year and Mississippi State commit Kentavious Thomas won’t be the only one getting touches for Baldwin.

Thomas had 2,100 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns his last two seasons. The pow-

erful senior also has pass-catching ability, tallying six touchdowns and 834 receiving yards in the same span.

Junior La’Travious Saulsberry, sophomore Ty’Christian Henry and freshman Kelvin Hill are capable running backs.

On the outside, senior wide receiver Brandon Goodman will likely stand out.

He tallied 42 catches for 585 yards and six TD’s as a junior.

Classmate Jerrel Simmons will be a receiving threat in addition to lining up teammates.

“I call (Simmons) the technician because he lines us up, and he makes plays,” Hannah said. “He isn’t afraid to go across the middle and make that big catch.”

Freshman Ja’Tavious Harris should be a serviceable Baldwin receiver also.

“Maybe we can piggyback on this offense until we get this defense rolling,” the Braves’ head coach said.

Owens likes his

Thomas Continued from page 3 those rush yards and touchdowns don't come so easy.

“A man needs somebody to lean on, too. I lean on my offensive line a lot,” the talented back said.

With junior quarterback Felix Jones learning the offense, Baldwin will lean on Thomas while players adjust to new responsibilities.

“Pop” will have rushing relief if needed from junior La'Travious Saulsberry, sophomore Ty'Christian Henry and freshman Kelvin Hill.

“We just try to keep those guys protected and the big guys off of

offensive weapons heading into the season.

“This year we will be a little more balanced with two tight end sets, two backs in the backfield and on some occasions three backs,” Owens said.

“We’ll take advantage of our speed.” n Youthful defense learning new philosophy Senior Quavez Hill moved from corner to strong safety.

Hill made 30 tackles, grabbed three interceptions and forced nine pass breakups as a junior.

“I’m trying to get him in the box, so he can use that big body of his and get more physical,” Hannah said.

Along with linebacker Quondarius Holsey, who made 69 tackles (12 for loss) and had two sacks the previous fall, Hill will bring the younger defensive position players in the secondary and up front up to par.

Hannah said the secondary is a “point of emphasis.”

Baldwin wants all

them,” Gresham said.

Along with other senior Brave captains, Thomas sees nothing but the GHSA playoffs and the Georgia Dome in the future.

“We've got high expectations for our senior class, and we just have to go get it done,” senior linebacker Shelton Graves said.

Thomas can't wait to play against former teammate and quarterback Tajhea Chambers, now a member of Tift County football. The Sept. 12 home game could be epic.

Also, Hannah's former team and region foe Mary Persons comes to town Oct. 31 for Senior Night.

Thomas can't forget a key fumble made in last year's loss.

“I have to give it back to them and make up for that,” he said.

hats to the football.

The new coach sees his group as a third down team that can change the line of scrimmage.

“Make plays on defense. Don’t just have fun on offense,” Hannah said. “Special teams and defense wins ball games.” n Schedule change Baldwin opens the year at home Aug. 29 against Hancock Central. There’s no Peach County or Washington County on the schedule early.

The Braves travel up to Alcovy the next week before welcoming Tift at home.

The Tift County game Sept. 5 just became a rivalry considering the old Brave

BHS BRAVES 2014 SCHEDULE ***All games 7:30 p.m. except Thomasville, 8 p.m.

Aug. 15 Wilkinson Home Aug. 22 OFF Aug. 29 Hancock Central Home Sept. 5 Alcovy Away Sept. 12 Tift Home Sept. 19 Thomasville Away Sept. 26 Upson Lee Home Oct. 3 Veterans Away Oct. 10 OFF Oct.17 West Laurens Home Oct. 24 Perry Away Oct. 31 Mary Persons Home Nov. 7 Howard Away

playing quarterback.

“I think the guys will get up for that one,” Hannah said.

A Week 4 game against Thomasville is a final tune up for 2AAAA Region play.

“If we’re playing sound, fundamental football, we have a chance to be successful in this region,” Baldwin’s head coach said. “We aren’t overlooking anybody.”

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JMA QB matures into senior role

J

ohn Milledge Academy football features 13

seniors for the 2014 season.

Perhaps no other

offensive or defensive upperclassmen undergo the scrutiny levied

JOHN MILLEDGE ACADEMY-(T); 4.666"; 3.5"; Black; HIGHSCHOOL FOOTBALL; -

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COLBY MCCOMMON SENIOR• QB• JMA

By KYLE COLLINS kcollins@unionrecorder.com

JMA TROJANS 2014 SCHEDULE All games are at 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 22 Trinity Christian Away Aug. 29 Heritage Away Sept. 5 Bethlehem Christian Home Sept. 12 Brentwood Home Sept. 19 Piedmont Home Sept. 26 Edmund Burke Away Oct. 3 Open Oct. 10 Westminster Home Oct. 17 Westfield Home Oct. 24 Augusta Prep Away Oct. 31 Gatewood Away right reads,” Wall said. “It's like having a coach on the field if we get him to where we need him to be.”

McCommon said this summer's camp went

better without a trip to Americus.

JMA got more film sessions complete to adequately critique

See

QB, page 7

NO. NAME 2 Gunner Roberts

POSITION RB/DB

CLASS 10

NO. NAME 23

Cam O’Neal

RB/DB

11

68

Hunter Hulett

OL/DL

9

3

Nick Bentley

OL/LB

12

24

Zach Meeks

WR/LB

12

70

Chase Owen

OL/DL

12

4

Jaylin Sealey

WR/DB

10

25

Jalen Beck

WR/DB

10

75

Jacob Smith

OL/DL

9

5

Keaton Drinkwater

RB/DB

12

27

Blake Jackson

WR/DB

9

78

Logan Jones

OL/DL

11

7

Colby McCommon

QB/DB

12

31

Cole Wilson

RB/LB

10

80

Chad Freeman

TE/LB

11

8

Cody Miller

RB/RB

12

33

Garret Kitchens

WR/DB

12

81

Filip Velimirovich

OL/DE

12

10

Trevor King

WR/DB

10

42

Jake Ryals

TE/LB

10

82

Evan Galloway

TE/LB

9

13

Michael Martino

K

11

44

Cole Miller

OL/DL

10

83

Christian Johnson

WR/DB

12

14

Andrew Prestwood

WR/DB

10

49

Jon Qualls

RB/LB

12

86

Hunter Galloway

WR/DB

11

17

Kaleb Brown

WR/DB

9

50

Coleman Jones

OL/DL

11

87

Chase Register

RB/LB

12

18

Trevor Evans

QB/DB

10

51

Ben Bracewell

TE/LB

12

95

Harrison Bryant

OL/DL

11

20

Ford Roberts

WR/DB

10

55

Cole Yarbrough

OL/DL

10

Mgr Caleb Pool

22

Cody Rogers

OL/LB

10

66

Jordan Bush

OL/DL

12

Mgr Jay Bracewell

QB Continued from page 6 each team strength and weakness.

The quarterback gained personal confidence and teammate belief prior to his final Trojan football season.

“I feel good about this year,” McCommon said. “I'm stepping up a little bit — trying to work hard and get it done. I like seeing what we can accomplish.”

The JMA offense has different wrinkles for 2014 with a stable of receivers and backs

GIVE IT YOUR BEST TROJANS!

POSITION CLASS

NO. NAME

POSITION

CLASS

11

that aren't afraid to catch the ball downfield.

“It's going to be interesting to watch,” McCommon said.

From the junior to senior year, the Trojan QB improved speed, vision and overall physical strength to shed tacklers.

Kyle Collins/The Union-Recorder

Colby McCommon, John Milledge Academy's starting quarterback, is an effective runner with weapons on the outside in 2014. He seems poised to lead the Trojans over the playoff hump.

We support you & Wish you the Best of Luck!

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on the quarterback position.

Trojan quarterback Colby McCommon got a taste as the starter during JMA's recent 11-2 season that included a region championship and a tough semifinal state playoff loss.

JMA head football coach J.T. Wall said McCommon still has some growing up to do but seemed happy with his QB's progress over the last year.

“If (McCommon) keeps heading in the right direction, we feel like we have a shot,” Wall said. “He's really led and done a great job.”

McCommon was 39for-80 passing for 642 yards and nine touchdowns his junior season with just three interceptions.

The Trojan QB also tallied 71 carries for 519 yards and 11 TDs. The senior can change plays at the line of scrimmage as needed, because he's earned that trust.

“We've put (McCommon) in the situation to make the

JMA TROJANS 2014 ROSTER

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These gains showed in the Friday, Aug. 22 season opening 26-6 win at Trinity Christian.

McCommon led the Trojans offensively with 188 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. In addi-

tion, he passed for 32 yards.

The JMA coaching staff always puts their players in a position to flourish, according to McCommon.

Seeing the disappointment of late playoff round defeats the

last two years makes the team hungrier.

“We want to work harder and go further than we've been this year,” the senior QB said.

JMA faces Heritage on the road Friday starting at 7:30 p.m.

GMC Prep Bulldogs Head Coach: Steven Simpson Classification: GHSA Region 7-A Last Season’s Record: 4-6

GMC Prep eyes post-season

By STEVEN CARY

Bulldogs looking for improvement

H

men Jacob Smith and Hunter Hulett and sophomore Cole Yarbrough are in the game rep mix.

Linebackers Qualls, Register and Bracewell should be the leaders.

Cody Miller and junior Chad Freeman are quality strong safeties for JMA. “Chad is a tough kid that just wants to hit, and we want to put him in a position to hit somebody,” Wall said.

Drinkwater, who suffered a serious injury in the second game last year, leads the Trojan secondary.

“He has a different look in his eye and is practicing like it's his last practice everyday,” the Trojan

coach said.

O'Neal should anchor the other corner.

Meeks and Prestwood will plug in at the free safety position for 2014. n Two-time defending region champs want the big trophy JMA's coaching staff sees a better GISA AAA schedule without as much competitive drop-off at certain times this fall.

“The number of reps these guys are going to get and the level of competition from week to week is going to be a lot better,” Wall said.

“Hopefully, we will be more prepared in the playoffs.”

The Trojans narrowly lost at home in the 2012 GISA AA Semifinal round and

Kyle Collins/The Union-Recorder

Senior Trojan quarterback Colby McCommon hands off to senior running back Jon Qualls in preseason practice. got demolished on the road by Memorial Day in 2013. Both competitors won the state championship.

Steven Cary/The Union-Recorder

Wall said the team hasn't forgotten the disappointment but refuses to harp on it.

“It's a new year with a

new sense of enthusiasm. They want to make their own mark,” Wall said. “It will be fun to watch.”

Back TJ Lowe Foston will see plenty of carries this season for the Prep Bulldogs. tle depth on squad this fall, Simpson remains optimistic about the chances of making the GHSA playoffs with the addition of hall of famer Charlie Winslette to the Bulldogs coaching staff as offensive coordinator.

“The addition of Coach Winslette has been a huge help,” Simpson said. “He’s in the Georgia Coaches Hall of Fame for wins and he’s won a couple

state championships — he’s been around and he’s running our offense this year.

He’s simplified it, but added a lot at the same time.”

GMC Prep will sport a more versatile offense this season, posing more of a threat to their opponents with their dual running-passing game.

“I’m pretty excited offensively, even though we lost a tremendous amount on the offensive-side

of the football,” Simpson said. “T.J. Lowe [Foston] is going to be able to pick up some carries that Colby [Lawrence] took last year. He’s a different kind of runner than Colby was — he’s not a power guy, he’s more of a speed and slasher. Daniel Lane is coming back off of an injury, and he’s going to be more of our power runner.

We got Dylan Efird back — he decided to come back for his

Good Luck & Have a Great Season!

senior year. He’s another fullback, powerback-type guy.

“Tyler MacCartee has really developed as our quarterback,” he added. “He’s really accurate throwing the football, and he’s really starting to understand defensive schemes and able to sort of take the right read.

MacCartee is probably more of a polished passer at this point, and he’s doing

See

PREP, page 10

164543˙

coach Steven Simpson said.

“I think we’re ver y good one-deep. I think we can compete with anybody we play and anybody on the schedule, one deep. The key is going to be finding those subs that can take reps and finding those guys that can fill in on special teams, or if unfortunately you get that injury, is there somebody that can step in — it might be shuffling people to get the best fit and the position to make things work. Depth is definitely our biggest issue though.

Other than that, we’re pretty solid at every spot.

“Right now we’re really focusing on conditioning,” he added. “We can’t really afford for a kid to go down with cramps or for kids to be tired in the fourth quarter, because there’s just not a whole lot of extra people roaming the sidelines.”

Despite having lit-

Continued from page 4 Gilbert has the defensive flowing and flying around in practice. JMA will throw different defensive sets at opponents.

“It's a fun thing to watch. These guys are buying in,” Wall said.

“We still have a long way to go with the package he's putting in.”

The defensive line features several players pulling double duty on offense and defense.

JMA is working at least eight guys in the three key D-line spots.

Bush, Owen, Bryant, Logan and Coleman Jones, fresh-

sports@unionrecorder.com

igh school football is in full swing this weekend as prep athletes take to the gridiron for bragging rights, joy and glory.

After going 4-6 the past two seasons, Georgia Militar y Prep School sets its sight on making its first playoff appearance the school has seen in years.

The challenge of making the post-season will not be an easy one as the Bulldogs take on the likes of Lincoln County, Aquinas, First Presbyterian Day School, as well as the newly added Macon institutions of Mount de Sales Academy, Tattnall Square Academy and Stratford Academy this fall — a schedule sure to test the conditioning and fitness of any high school roster in the Georgia High School Association’s Class A. “We look good, but our biggest issue is lack of depth,” head

JMA

00164530

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Williams a four-year starter T

aking the field for the start of his final high school football season, senior left tackle and defensive end Parker Williams returns as one of Georgia Military Prep School’s leaders this fall.

Winning U-R Athlete of the Week last season for his performance on the field, the four-year varsity lineman will look to bring leader-

Prep Continued from page 8 really well with the

ship and guidance to the Bulldog’s young offensive and defensive lines this year.

“Basically, he’ll be a four-year starter on both sides of the ball,” head coach Steven Simpson said. “He’s come a long way since he was a freshman. As a freshman, he was a big kid and he’s still a big kid, but as a freshman he was a big kid and he had some tal-

leadership aspect.”

Simpson believes the current lineup will allow the offensive to have

ent, so we tried to make it work.

“He’s developed along the way and gotten a lot better,” the second-year head coach added. “Never hurts that your daddy is a college coach and he’s been around it all of his life. He’s got great football IQ, and really understands the game, really gets the concepts and grasps everything. You can

different looks without having to sub players in and out of the game — giving them the ability to

1

16452

basically tell him something that’s football-oriented and he’s going to get it.”

Williams uses his football IQ to help the Bulldogs on and off the field, serving as a pair of eyes on the field for the GMC Prep coaching staff.

“He plays very important positions — left tackle and defensive end for us,” Simpson said. “He pro-

catch teams off guard.

“We’re pretty excited about what we’re doing offensively,” he said. “You know, we’ve got Brandon Davis and Zach Whittle playing wide receiver, so we’ve got some options, we’re able to do a lot of different things, we’re able to go from a twoback power run game to a spread-run game, to a spreadpassing game, to a little bit of it all.

Coach Winslette and our personnel this year matches more for multiple sets without us having to take guys off the field.”

The only question mark remaining offensively will be the starting five up front, as the Bulldogs return only two starters from last season.

“What I thought coming out of last year would be a strength probably, is actually our weakness which is offensive line,” Simpson said. “We’re set with Parker Williams and

GMC PREP BULLDOGS 2014 ROSTER PARKER WILLIAMS SENIOR• LT/DE GMC PREP

By STEVEN CARY sports@unionrecorder.com

tects our quarterback and keeps our guards in shape — he lets them know where to go and what to do.

Defensive line-wise, he’s pretty much the leader on that and

Devin Hill, and they’ve been starters for us ever since they stepped on campus.

We’re also very excited about Jacob Bright — he’s a freshman, but he’s probably going to be either our starting center or our starting left tackle. Young guy, Laughlin Smith, he’s a senior but never played before.

He’s very strong and very intelligent — he catches on ver y quickly and he’s doing a great job at the right guard position.

Right now, we’re just trying to find that left guard position.”

While Winslette adds more flare to the Bulldogs’ offense, Simpson admits the defense will remain the same with few minor tweaks to accommodate for the personnel.

“On the defensiveside of the football, we feel comfortable, but I don’t feel like we’re quite where we need to be yet,” he said. “Our secondary is going to be extremely strong for

takes care of making sure everybody gets lined up where they’re supposed to be.

“It’s hard because he never comes off the

NO. 1

NAME Brandon Davis

NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

22

Marino McDonald

52

Brice Adams

64

Colter Barrett

2

Forrest Hobbs

24

Hunter Moody

53

LaDamein Lane

66

Braxton Gise

4

Jered Knowles

25

Zach Whittle

54

Trey Johnson

68

Clay Mitchell

7

Tyler Oates

32

Brandon Smith

55

Jim Rowell

71

Jacob Bright

8

Michael Francis

33

Michael Skinner

57

Grayson Goodwin

10

Corey Bivins

44

Daniel Lane

58

Parker Williams

75

Laughlin Smith

11

Dylan Efird

48

Colton Settle

61

Conner Deen

80

Trey Daniels

12

Tyler MacCartee

50

Logan Hatcher

62

Devin Hill

82

Daniel Hurt

13

TJ Lowe

51

Hunter Newell

63

Will McCue

83

John Methe

See WILLIAMS, page 11

us, which is something we kind of knew coming out of last year, and there’s about five guys competing right now for an inside linebacker spot. You got Parker and Devin again on the defensive line that are going to sort of be your anchors in holding that down.”

Despite losing a large group of seniors last year, the second year head coach is confident in his current line-up and eager to kick things off against Tattnall Square on Friday, Aug. 29 in Macon, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“We’re excited to start and kind of see where we are,” Simpson said. “We lost a tremendous class of seniors and several of those guys have gone on to play football at the next level. So, we lost some incredible talent, but I think we’re replacing them with kids that have equal talent, but it just might be in a little different manner or style. Our goal is just to be competitive.”

GMC PREP BULLDOGS 2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 8 Aug. 15 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct.24 Oct. 31 Steven Cary/The Union-Recorder

Taking the field for the start of his final high school football season, senior left tackle and defensive end Parker Williams returns as one of Georgia Military Prep School’s leaders this fall.

Williams Continued from page 10 field, but when he does — when you get a chance to get him to the sideline and talk to him — he’s that guy that’s on the field that cay say, ‘this is what they’re doing, this is what they’re running up, this what they’re doing to us defensively,’” he added. “He talks the game and you understand what he’s saying.”

Simpson believes that a player with Williams’ skill and knowledge has the possibility at playing on Saturday’s at the collegiate level.

“I think he’s a decent college

prospect,” Simpson said. “He’s got the potential to play at the next level, he’s got the size to play at the next level and he’s got the want-to to play at the next level, so we’re just trying to find him a place right now.”

From a coaching standpoint, Simpson admits Williams is precisely what a coach is looking for in a player at the high school level.

“He’s a leader for us in the locker room, he’s a leader on the field,” the head coach said. “He’s a hard worker — he works pretty well. He’s just one of those kids that there’s really no other way to put it than that he just gets it.”

All games are at 7:30 p.m.

Twiggs County Putnam County(Scrimmage) Tattnall Square Academy Glascock County Mount de Sales Academy First Presbyterian Day School Stratford Academy Open Aquinas Warren County Lincoln County Hancock Central

Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Away

GMC Junior College Bulldogs Head Coach: Bert Williams Classification: NJCAA Last Season’s Record: 11-1

Nixon and Robbins lead battles up front

GMC JUCO 2014 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

Aug. 23

Navarro

Corsicana, TX

Sept. 6

Kilgore College Home

Sept. 14

ASA Brooklyn

Morgantown, WV

Sept. 20

Mid. Georgia State

Home

Sept. 27

College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, IL

Oct. 4

Nassau

Garden City, NY

Oct. 11

Tyler

Home

Oct. 18

Atlanta Sports

Home

Oct. 25

Arkansas Baptist

Little Rock, AR

Nov. 9

Lackawanna College TBD

ore often than not the skill players on the football field tend to get most of the spotlight when a team is doing well, but rarely do the linemen get the credit they deserve.

On a team that will most likely field many freshmen and inexperienced sophomores this fall, Georgia Military College sophomores Chase Nixon and Blake Robbins stand above the rest in their will to succeed both on and off the field.

M

U-R file photo

Young Bulldogs face tough schedule fter posting a historic season last fall, fielding one of the strongest teams in program history, Georgia Military College returns with the same goals, yet a much different level of experience to work with at key positions.

The Bulldogs finished the 2013 campaign with an 11-1 record and a trip to the National Junior College Athletic Association national championship game where they wrapped up the season as league runner-ups.

A

Entering into the 2014 college football season, head coach Bert Williams admits there will be close to 50 new faces on the roster, all of whom are eager to follow up last year’s results.

“There will be a lot of fresh faces,” Williams said. “This will be the youngest team I’ve ever had since being the head coach here, at least as far as returning experience.”

Returning on offense is the league’s top rusher from last season in Jovon Robinson, who

BLAKE ROBBINS CHASE NIXON DE/OL• GMC JUCO

By STEVEN CARY stevencary@unionrecorder.com

one of the leaders coming back on the team.”

Following his performances in 2013 and during the spring, Nixon has received looks from upper-level National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I programs.

“He’s an extremely

conscientious guy and had a great spring, and has got some strong [NCAA] Division I attention,” Williams said.

“He’s done a great job in the cadet core and the classroom, so we’re looking forward to big

See FRONT, page 13

GMC JUCO BULLDOGS 2014 ROSTER Entering into the 2014 college football season, head coach Bert Williams admits there will be close to 50 new faces on the roster, all of whom are eager to follow up last year’s results.

Nearly 50 new faces on the team roster

Steven Cary/The Union-Recorder

GMC’s Blake Robbins helps lead up front.

As the only returning sophomore that took game-time snaps last season, Bulldogs’ tackle Nixon has provided the young squad with leadership on the offensive front, a place that needs stability on any team.

“He’s just really been a guy that every day you can always count on him to provide some leadership, provide some direction and provide a great work ethic with everything we’re doing,” head coach Bert Williams said. “He’d certainly be considered

carried the ball on 272 occasions for 2,387 yards and 34 touchdowns.

GMC also returns one of the most highly-touted receivers in the NJCAA in Zyrecus Letman, as well as Darius Williams and Keinan Lewis on offense.

Starting quarterback Emanuel Byrd finished with a 46 percent completion rate last season as the team’s back-up with three touchdowns, and looks to improve on that mark this fall.

“We’re returning the tailback after a great freshman year — a record-setting year,” Williams said. “With him, offensively we have Zyrecus Letman, receiver, who did a good job

for us and would be considered a returning starter as he did start most of the year for us last year. We have Darius Williams who played a lot at receiver as well, and Keinan Lewis, not as much as Darius and them, but played an appreciable amount last year.

Emanuel Byrd was our backup quarterback last year, and he returns. All of those guys are coming back and giving us some good players in the skilled positions. We’ve got a couple of good new guys that are all working together to see who is going to be the man, but we have experience there skill-wise on the offensive side, at least enough to draw from.”

By STEVEN CARY sports@unionrecorder.com

An area the Bulldogs may see the most inexperience in is the offensive line, where only one player has seen key snaps last season.

“O-line-wise, I really don’t have any,” Williams said. “Chase Nixon would probably be the guy that took the most snaps last year that were meaningful snaps

during games-on-theline type of thing. He had a good year and a good spring — he’s really the one guy that’s coming back that’s kind of really seen a true crunch time snap. So, we have a lot of fresh faces there on the Oline.”

See BULLDOGS, page 13

POSITION

NAME

POSITION

NAME

POSITION

NAME POSITION No. First Name Last Name POS

NAME 19 Dalaz Jones WR

44 Kenneth Williams TE

74 Sam Baptiste OL

1 Alexander Jackson ATH

20 Quez Nesbitt WR

46 Dezmin Reed LB

76 Ke’Andre Brooks OL

2 Jovon Robinson RB

21 Case Woodard CB

46 Ryan Woelhert LS

77 Chyshad McGriff OL

3 Jaquavious Mackey CB

22 Tresvon Coakley RB

47 Tyler Cooper LB

78 Terrell Battle OL

4 Buddy Byers CB

23 Trejon Monley CB

48 Brenton Wimberly LB

80 Landy Capetillo WR

5 Cameron Stinson CB

24 Taylor Payne DB

50 Omar Staley OL

81 Antonio Whipple TE

5 Darius Williams WR

25 Draequon Murphy DB

50 Roberto Val LB

6 Devontae Freeman DB

25 Nick Roberts RB

51 Ahmad Diallo OL

7 Kwon Williams CB

26 Rakeem Benjamin RB

51 Xavier Hughey LB

8 Zireycus Letman WR

26 Corey Neely FS

52 Solomon Parker DL

9 Jordan Brown WR

27 Ryan Humphrey RB

53 Jamal Green OL

10 Jeremy Boykins CB

27 Jarnor Jones DB

53 Stephon Jacobs LB

11 Donte Beckham DB

28 Jerod Boykins DB

54 Chris Cooks LB

12 Tyler Herman QB

29 Zentavius Cobb DB

55 Charles Brenner OL

13 Cody Wolfe QB

30 John Mote P

56 Jaylen Fareed OL

14 Emanuel Byrd QB

31 Carlton Jenkins LB

58 Shaquille Powell OL

93 Blake Robbins DE

15 David Mims DB

33 Jourdon Johnson RB

60 Jeremy Penn OL

94 Jacob Lee LS

16 Nicholas St. Germain PK

34 Keith Gordon FB

62 Chase Nixon OL

94 Devonta Walker DL

17 Dieonte Bryant WR

38 Montez Samuels LB

64 Jacob Barr OL

96 Royce Turnbull DL

17 Corey Moss FS

40 Dakota Greene LB

68 Dallas Hadley OL

97 Garrius Hudson DL

18 Marquise Fulton WR

41 Marchell Lewis LB

70 Akeem Cooperwood OL

98 Michael Parrish DL

18 Cinwon Whitehead DB

42 Antonius Sims DE

72 Chris Mackey OL

99 Dequan Reddick DL

82 Julian Williams WR 84 Dorren Miller WR 85 Anothony Roberson WR 86 Keinan Lewis WR 88 Dominique Taylor WR 89 Kalan Ritchie DL 90 Jarvis Jeffries DL 91 Devante Covington DE

Putnam County High School War Eagles Head Coach: Kyle Gourley Classification: GHSA Region 4-AA Last Season’s Record: 3-7

Front Continued from page 11 things from him in the future. He’s a Florida guy, not a local guy, but just somebody that’s really becoming an important guy on our team.”

With only Nixon returning on the offensive line, Williams admits Nixon will be a key element in the team’s success this season.

“The O-line, as far as setting a tone, setting a work ethic, all of those things are very, very

Bulldogs

Breeze file photo

Daily improvement may make all the difference for a War Eagle team that wants to make its way toward the top of the region.

Everyday improvement the goal for Putnam EATONTON — fter a poor 2013 season, third year head coach Kyle Gourley is up to the task of improving his War Eagle team. Last year, the War Eagles won three games and found themselves near the bottom of the region standings.

With only five seniors on the roster, Gourley will count on his group of experienced young guys to improve upon last year.

“The goal is to get better every day, and we hope that turns into a better record,”

A

Gourley said.

Scoring a modest 23 points per game last year the War Eagles have solid individuals on offense that Gourley thinks can make a big impact for the team.

“We are hoping our quarterback Tyrone Davis as well as running back Trevon Ellison and Mike Hill have big years for us on offense. Any success they have will hinge on our offensive line,” Gourley said.

This year Gourley and his coaching staff have emphasized the importance of each

individual focusing on his specific duty. Trust in one another will be a big aspect to this Putnam County team.

“We are really focusing on every man doing his job and not having any excuses,” Gourley

said.

The

War

Eagle

defense, which conceded 26 points per game last year, also has standout individuals that coach Gourley hopes will make consistent impacts.

“Defensively we are hoping for Deitrick Solomon to be our leader up front, at linebacker Jawshuwan Youmans is a key returner and Damarius Evans anchors our secondary,” Gourley said.

The region will not get any easier for Putnam County. Daily improvement may make all the difference

By MICHAEL WARRICK The Union-Recorder

for a War Eagle team that wants to make its way toward the top of the region. Getting better is the mantra that the War Eagles will hang their hats on in 2014.

“We are just trying to

get ourselves better at this point and be in the mix somewhere with the rest of the region,” Gourley said.

Putnam County opened its season Friday, Aug. 22 against Warren County.

Continued from page 10 Leading the charge defensively is the GMC secondary including local talents Donte Beckham and Taylor Payne at the safety position.

Beckham scored 42 total tackles as a freshman, while Payne notched 30.

“Where our experience jumps in for us is really on the back end on the defensive-side,” Williams said. “We have Donte Beckham, here from Baldwin, Taylor Payne and Corey Neely — all three of those guys at safety played good ball for us last year, and Buddy Byers at corner was one of our top three or four corners last year as a freshman. So, we’ve got a little bit out there on the edge, but it’s mainly the back end where we have some good returning experience on the defensiveside. We have all new guys at the specialteams positions as well.”

Again, the Bulldogs will be thin up front, but

important, and Chase has been good about doing all of those things and I think he’ll continue to do that and be a very important factor on our team,” he said.

Another key player for the Bulldogs continues to impress on the other side of the football at defensive end.

Robbins, a former walk-on at GMC, turned the heads of many last season when he racked up 19 tackles, 10 for a loss and 4 sacks over the course of the season.

“Blake’s a guy that walked on here initially,” Williams said. “He’s just

long, skinny kid that was about 6’ 4”, maybe a little taller and he probably wasn’t 220 [pounds] when he came on here.

He could run like crazy in high school, but he looked like a basketball player that had never played football. To his credit, he walked on and earned a spot, earned a scholarship and just really has a tremendous work ethic. He’s just a super, good young man.

Works hard and has a great demeanor, great attitude — just does everything you ask him to do.”

At the junior college

level, few players end up moving on to four-year schools, much less top Division I programs — Williams believes that Robbins is an exception to the rule.

“We’ll often have some guys come in as walkons, you know guys that we didn’t recruit earn their way on and they just continue to work to develop some Division I opportunities, but you may get one a year,” he said. “It happens, just not that often. Just proud of Blake and the performance he’s put in and the improvement that he’s made.”

Like Nixon, Robbins has received several looks from Division I schools — Williams now hopes the sophomore can seal the deal with his performances this fall.

“He played enough last year and impacted in manner to get several Division I offers, so there are some people excited about him and wanting him to be a part of their program,” the head coach said. “He’s just a great story, you know a guy that nobody really knew about — just a long-lanky kid that played single-A ball in a small town in South

Carolina, and he’s really just kind of growing and developing into his own.

He’s up to about 255 [pounds] now. I’m just excited to see how he can take a bigger, stronger body in play this year, and hopefully follow through and take advantage of the offers and the attention that he’s been getting.”

Both lineman will be looked upon this season to help provide leadership on both sides of the football.

“They’re guys you can count on,” Williams said.

“With a very young team, that’s important to have.”

return two standouts in Blake Robbins and Devante Covington at the defensive end positions.

“Defensively, we’re pretty much the same way in a botch for the defense,” Williams said.

“We’re a little bit better on the front in that we have a couple of guys that saw some good snaps, some crunch time snaps.

Blake Robbins, the defensive end, and Devante Covington, another defensive end — up front, those are the two guys that have seen a lot of snaps. Dezmin Reed played a lot for us the last five or six of the season, and played very well, but he’s the only returning linebacker at all from last year.”

Despite having to replace a lot of key talent in all areas, Williams is pleased with the outcome of the recruiting process, but understands the young players have little time to learn the new system.

“We had a good year — we feel real good about our talent, it’s just young,” he said. “We have a lot of learning to

do and a very short time to learn it.”

Facing national powerhouses like 2013 final ranked opponents Navarro College, ASA College, Nassau Community College and Tyler Junior College, the expectations ride high after the 2013 season.

The hall of fame head coach believes the key to the Bulldogs’ success this fall will be how well the coaching staff can simplify the game plan, and how well the young players can execute it.

“Expectations always seem to be very high here and there’s nothing wrong with that, they should be,” Williams said. “We certainly hold ourselves to a high standard and we’re going to go in there and do everything we can do to win every game. The biggest difference again, from this year to last year is the level of experience in our returning group, and that’s a very different picture than what we had last year. So, trying to meet those expectations we got to make sure as coaches that we don’t overcomplicate

what we’re asking them to do. We don’t want to slow the feet with too many things to think

about. We want to make sure we teach them enough from a schemeperspective, while

allowing them to play as fast as they can and as hard as they can to play at a high level.”

Nathaneal Greene Patriots Head Coach: J.B. Webb Classification: GICAA 1-A Last Season’s Record: 4-9

PCHS WAR EAGLES 2014 ROSTER NO. NAME

NO. NAME

0 Eric Reid

21 D’Marcus Crawford

34 40 42 44 45 48 50 51 52 54 55 56 58

25 Deon Hill

60 Scott Sharpe

28 Jamarcus Jones

65 M. Denham

32 Stephan Waller

67 Dettrick Solomon

33 Trevon Ellison

68 Cezar Munoz

2 Tyrone Davis 3 Gavin Hill 4 Mike Hill 5 Zavious Davis 6 Damarius Evans 7 Rey Drumgoole 9 Jaquarius Moore 10 Simon Petite 12 Torrance Calhoun 16 Jahshawun Youmans 19 Quintraius Lane

NO. NAME

Christian Batchelor Devontreze Williams D’Andre Reeves Dylan Wagner Malik Keely Aaron Lewis Ethan Connors Cory Johnson Darnell Pennamon Evan Conners Seth Wicker Charlie Farmer Devin Powell

69 Marquez Mathis 70 Jake Morris 71 Cameron Griffin 72 Keshawn Ellison 74 Tyree Miller 75 Stephen Ridley 76 Tom Reid 77 Chandler Toole 88 Casey Johnson 99 Jared Cornado

PCHS WAR EAGLES 2014 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

AUGUST 22

WARREN COUNTY

EATONTON

AUGUST 29

GREENE COUNTY

GREENSBORO

SEPTEMBER 5

MORGAN COUNTY

EATONTON

(PINK-OUT/TEACHER APPRECIATION NIGHT)

SEPTEMBER 12

OCONEE COUNTY

SEPTEMBER 19

SOCIAL CIRCLE

SEPTEMBER 26

MONTICELLO

OCTOBER 10

NE MACON

OCTOBER 24

LAMAR COUNTY

WATKINSVILLE SOCIAL CIRCLE MONTICELLO MACON EATONTON

(HOMECOMING) OCTOBER 31

MACON COUNTY

EATONTON

(SENIOR NIGHT)

NOVEMBER 7

164578

BLECKLEY COUNTY

COCHRAN

U-R file photo

Nathanael Greene Academy opened its season at home, Friday, Aug. 22 against Horizon Christian Academy.

Patriots only getting better GREENSBORO — athanael G r e e n e Academy football has reason to feel motivated.

After putting together a strong 2013 season that included a playoff berth, the Patriots return many of the same pieces from last year. It was the first time Greene Academy advanced to the playoffs in the past five years.

With seven seniors playing on both sides of the ball this fall, head coach J.B. Webb thinks this could be an even better season for his football team.

“We hope to start off real strong and be very competitive in the

N

By MICHAEL WARRICK The Union-Recorder

region,” Webb said.

Despite the experience of his players, Webb said his team still has areas that need improvement. Over the offseason, he has emphasized teaching his players the correct way to play their position and to do all the little things.

A productive offseason matched with an already solid offense is something Patriot fans should look forward to.

“We’re going to have a big offense now,” Webb said.

The strong suit for both the offense and defense is a big front

line.

“We’ve got an enormous line, averaging about 240 pounds across,” Webb said.

Having a strong line will certainly benefit, but the character of his team and the leadership of his seniors was something Webb was quick to rave about.

“All the kids have really bought into the program,” Webb said.

“The seniors have stepped up and made a big difference. The way

they’ve taken ownership of their responsibilities has changed the direction of the team.”

The seven Patriot seniors are Dylan Ellis, Eric Cano, K.C. Butler, John Brandon, Logan Crawford, Eli Boswell and Jacob Ward.

According to Webb though, the talent on his team does not just rest amongst the seniors.

“We go 23 strong,” Webb said. “We’ve got a bunch of good ones.”

A competitive Patriot team will have to play a different schedule this year. They are moving out of the Georgia Independent School Association. The 2014 season will be their first in the Georgia

Independent Christian Athletic Association, for schools with under 100 students.

Region play will not get any easier though, as fellow rivals made the league change as well.

As his football team nears competition, J.B. Webb remains confident that his team will only improve on a successful 2013 season.

“We’ll have a strong year,” Webb said. All the pieces have come together and will result in some wins on the football field,” Webb said.

Nathanael Greene Academy opened its season at home, Friday, Aug. 22 against Horizon Christian Academy.

John Hancock Academy Rebels Head Coach: Sid Kennedy Classification: GICAA 1-A Last Season’s Record: 0-11 (0-6)

League change to benefit Rebels SPARTA — John Hancock Academy will play an unfamiliar schedule this year.

In 2014, the Rebels will be competing in the Georgia I n d e p e n d e n t Christian Athletic Association.

GICAA member schools have fewer than 100 students.

With only 16 men on the roster, head coach Sid Kennedy hopes that the new schedule will benefit his smaller team.

“We’ve been outmanned in the past,” Kennedy said.

“Hopefully that will change with the new schedule.”

Also moving leagues is fellow rival

JOHN HANCOCK REBELS 2014 SCHEDULE

e’ve conditioned all summer and given it all we have.

“W

Getting into tremendous shape is our toughest

challenge and our focus. I appreciate the guys that worked so hard.”

Sid Kennedy Head Coach Nathanael Greene Academy.

The Rebels have some new faces on the roster. Although they lack experience, Kennedy believes that, with time, they will benefit the team.

“We’ve had some newer kids move and it’s going to take them a while to get up to speed,” Kennedy said.

“They will be nice assets.”

The continued challenge for the Rebels remains to be conditioning. With 16 players on the roster, most men are required to play both sides of the ball. Kennedy was happy with how hard his guys worked over the summer and the attitude they took with them to practice.

“We’ve conditioned all summer and given it all we have,”

Kennedy said.

“Getting into tremendous shape is our toughest challenge and our focus. I appreciate the guys that worked so hard.”

Q u a r t e r b a c k Michael Burton and tailback Chris Workman will carry the load on offense for the Rebels with a strong and experienced Tucker Allison manning the offensive

By MICHAEL WARRICK The Union-Recorder

line.

“The core of the team are the guys that can go all day, and we’ve got eleven or thirteen guys really ready to go,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy likes his team’s chances this coming season in the

new GICAA. “We have got good football players and have really looked good so far,” Kennedy said.

The Rebels kicked off their season Aug. 22 at home against Calvary Christian School.

GATEWOOD GATORS 2014 ROSTER NO. NAME

POSITION/CLASS

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 17 18 20 21 22 33 42

RB / DE Sr WR / DB Sr RB / LB Fr RB / DB Jr RB / DB Fr QB / DB Fr WR / DB Sr QB / DB So WR / DB So WR / DE Jr WR / DB Fr QB / LB Fr WR / DE Fr WR / DB Fr WR / DB So RB / DB Sr WR / DB So RB / DB Jr OL / DL Fr

Hunter Douglass Griffin Cornelia Brandon Belans Palmer Clark Reid Sasser Drew Haley Griffin Luttrell Cameron Hall Matthew Weeks Will Cullens Sean Dugan Jake McMillian Jake Turner Will Dutton Taylor Hyatt Tristan Fuller Charlie Caricofe Will Sasser Hart Alford

NO. NAME

POSITION/CLASS

44 Luke Leverett

RB / LB Sr

45 Cody Kauffman

RB / LB Fr

47 Jack Harty

OL / DL Fr

50 Isaac Weeks

OL / LB Sr

52 Tyler Myers

OL / LB So

54 Josh Arnold

OL / DL Fr

55 Austin Matysiak

OL / DL Jr

56 Evan Hallman

OL / DE Fr

60

OL / DL Fr

Will Schneider

63 Cameron Bonner

OL / DL Fr

65 Cody Little

OL / DL So

66 Cooper Welch

OL / DL Sr

71 Brayden Hill

OL / DL Fr

72 Rob Wright

OL / DL Jr

75 Noah Turner

OL / DL Jr

86 Ian Dutton

WR / DB Sr

99 Tonquavius Horton

OL / DL Jr

Aug. 22 Aug. 29 Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7

All games are at 7:30 p.m.

Calvary Christian Nathanael Greene Academy Central Fellowship Community Christian Creekside Christian Covenant Academy Fullington Academy Thomas Jefferson Unity Christian School Covenant Academy Nathanael Greene Academy

Home Home Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home Away

MILLEDGEVILLE 571 HAMMOCK RD. SUITE 106 LOCATED IN COLUMBIA CENTER (OLD MCGAW BUILDING)

(478) 452-6252

LAKE OCONEE

GRAY

1001 VILLAGE PLACE DRIVE SUITE 105 (LOCATED IN VILLAGE SHOPPES AT THE GREEN, NEXT TO REYNOLDS LANDING)

222 WEST CLINTON STREET SUITE 3 GRAY, GA 31032 (NEXT TO ADVANCE AUTO)

(706) 454-2000

(478) 986-5400 164293

We are proud to support all the local teams!

PREPARATION “It’s not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.”

- Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!!!

164293

Gatewood Gators Head Coach: Jeff Ratliff Classification: GISA 1-AA Last Season’s Record: 6-6 (4-1)

Gators Continued from page 20 lack of varsity reps, Ratliff sees potential in his first year starter.

“He’s got what it takes,” Ratliff said.

All-Region guard Isaac Weeks returns for his senior year to lead a strong offensive line that has experience. Ratliff predicts that if the offensive line can do its job, the offense will find success.

The game plan for the Gators does not stray from the productive style of football they played last year.

“We’re going to run the ball and play good solid defense,” Ratliff said.

Having a strong defense is a priority for Ratliff and the Gators. All region senior linebacker Luke Leverett will head up a unit that has pleased coach Ratliff up to this point in the season.

“I’ve liked the passion on

defense,” Ratliff said. “We’re physical.”

Ratliff had high praise for his experienced guys and the attitude that they have established. The second year coach is relying on his group of seniors this year, and said they have done a great job taking over the leadership role left behind for them.

“I am proud of my seniors and everything they have done. We’ll go where the seniors take us,” Ratliff said.

The mentality of the Gators has left Ratliff with plenty of confidence in his young group. He knows exactly what to expect from his guys when they take the field on Friday nights.

“We’re going to work hard on Friday night,” Ratliff said. “Play hard and be physical, that’s the motto.”

Catch the Gators in their first home game on Aug. 29 against Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School.

GATEWOOD GATORS 2014 SCHEDULE DATE

OPPONENT

LOCATION

AUGUST 21

PIEDMONT

AUGUST 29

MONSIGNOR DONOVAN EATONTON

SEPTEMBER 5

TRINITY CHRISTIAN

EATONTON

SEPTEMBER 12

BULLOCH

STATESBORO

SEPTEMBER 19

BRENTWOOD

SANDERSVILLE

SEPTEMBER 26

FLINT RIVER

EATONTON

OCTOBER 3

AUGUSTA PREP

EATONTON

OCTOBER 10

WESTFIELD

PERRY

OCTOBER 24

WESTMINSTER

AUGUSTA

OCTOBER 31

JOHN MILLEDGE

EATONTON

MONTICELLO

Contributed photo

Catch the Gators in their first home game on Aug. 29 against Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School.

Physical Gators eye repeat success EATONTON — he Gatewood Gators finished with a record of seven wins and five losses last year, advancing to the quarterfinals of the playoffs and ending a slump of three consecutive seasons without a winning record.

T

Jeff Ratliff seeks similar success in his second year as head coach of the Gators and has been pleased with how the team has shaped up over the offseason.

“I thought we had a real good summer, especially in the weight room,” Ratliff

By MICHAEL WARRICK The Union-Recorder

said.

The Gators are losing a talented class of seniors from last year that will not be easy to replace. Still, Ratliff finds confidence in his player’s work ethic.

“Those seniors are going to be hard to replace, but the guys have stepped up and

really worked hard,” Ratliff said. “The attitude is in the right place.”

On offense, sophomore quarterback Cameron Hall will replace all region quarterback Cal Taylor. Despite the

See

GATORS, page 21

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Hancock Central Bulldogs Head Coach: Zackery Harris Classification: GHSA Region 7-A Last Season’s Record: 4-6

Defensive minded Bulldogs are ready SPARTA — Poor region play was the story for Hancock Central football last season.

Having dropped five of their seven region games, head coach Zackery Harris eyes a new year, full of improvement.

A productive offseason has Harris feeling confident in his player’s abilities this coming season.

“We have put in the work, and I am very confident in our offseason workouts. Not many teams do what we do over the summer,” Harris said.

Despite a young roster, the Bulldogs have depth, an important

By MICHAEL WARRICK The Union-Recorder

aspect that was lacking last year.

“This year we are more of a complete team,” Harris said.

“We have a lot of talent.”

Offensively, the Bulldogs are strong at the skill positions.

Harris was quick to commend his senior q u a r t e r b a c k ,

Montkevious Fluellen on a great offseason.

“He’s done very well this summer and has shown full and total command of the offense,” Harris said.

Senior tailback Jermaine Reynolds, at 215 pounds will be a tough tackle coming out of the backfield and senior wideout

Sonaté Reynolds has offensive talent as well for the Bulldogs.

Reynolds provides first-class speed along the sidelines, having captured the 100 meter state title on the track this past spring.

Youth and inexperience crowd the offensive line for the Bulldogs, whose priority is to keep quarterback Fluellen upright and healthy.

Senior offensive tackle Melvin Alexander, standing at 6 foot 3, 280 pounds will lead the charge up front.

Having given up an

HANCOCK CO. BULLDOGS 2014 ROSTER NO.

NAME

NO.

NAME

Devonte Pearson

25

Austin Dixon

28

Mondrico Seals

Marquez Lundy

32

Keondre Strother

Quadarius Jones

33

Jermaine Reynolds

Gregory Collier Jamiltrius Ivey

Quaveonta Bell 1

Aaron Dixon

34

Damarquez Crayton

2

Sammie Mayweather

38

Johnathon Flournoy

5

Ravenel Hill

40

Ravenell Hill

6

Martravious Smith

42

Jonathan Flournoy

10 11 12 12 15 18 20 21 22 23 24 25

Montkevious Fluellen Kevionte Edwards Devojia Tucker Sonate Reynolds Marquis Stokes Ladarius Lundy Denzel Warren T'Challa Lewis Markellius Lamar Shymu Bryant Shimu Bryant Alonzo Usry

44

Ladarius Watkins

51

Tamayus Harper

54

Melvin Alexander

average of 27 points last year, defense is a major point of emphasis for Harris and the Bulldogs. The seven year Hancock Central coach understands the importance of defense and is pleased that it has rubbed off on his players.

“Offense can only take you so far,” Harris said.

“Dominant defense wins football games.”

Coach Harris has seen enough in the offseason to believe four or five of his defenders have the potential to start on any defense in the state.

Leading this highheralded defense is defensive end Tamayus Harper, who provides strength and speed coming off the edge.

Harris had nothing but praise and high hopes for Harper,

having seen the strides he’s made this summer. Also providing promise on defense is the tailback Reynolds.

Reynolds plays linebacker and Harris expects his tackle numbers to increase this fall.

The message Harris has for his defense is simple.

“Be physical, fundamental and fast.”

Expect a confident Hancock Central team to follow that motto throughout the season. Harris’ group has bought into the program and expects to only improve upon last season.

“Every year we’ve gotten better and better,” Harris said.

A talented and confident Bulldog team hopes for nothing different this fall. Watch the Hancock Central Bulldogs open their season under the lights Friday, August 29 at Baldwin High School.

HANCOCK CO. BULLDOGS 2014 SCHEDULE

Wilkinson County Warriors Head Coach: James Hagins Classification: GHSA Region 7-A Last Season’s Record: 4-6

Warriors strive for continued success IRWINTON — The Wilkinson County Warriors look to rebound on a moderate 2013 season. With a 4-6 record, James Hagins’ team finished in the middle of a difficult region. The Warriors had high hopes last year, but started their season with three consecutive losses, including the opener to rival

Wilcox County.

The Warriors managed to garner four region wins after their slow start, and advanced to the playoff where they lost a close first round game. The competitive 2013 season for the blue and gold should provide them with good experience to compete for a first place region fin-

ish this fall.

Hagins’ team returns a host of experienced players, especially on the offensive and defensive lines. Having collected three region shutouts in 2013, consistency will be a key for the defensive unit.

Region 7-A has recently been divided into two divisions. The Warriors will avoid

region champ Aquinas on the schedule but will face the strong region foe First Presbyterian on October 24.

The Warriors will hope to make middle of the pack finishes a thing of the past when they open their season at home against Central, Macon on Aug. 29.

By MICHAEL WARRICK The Union-Recorder

WILCO WARRIORS 2014 SCHEDULE Aug. 29

Central

Home

Sept. 5

Washington-Wilkes

Away

Sept. 12

Johnson County

Home

Sept. 19

Warrent County

Home

Oct. 3

Tattnall Square Academy Away

Oct. 10

Twiggs County

Oct. 17

Mount de Sales Academy Home

Oct. 24

First Presbyterian

Away

Oct. 31

Stratford Academy

Away

Home

Games denoted with * begin at 7 p.m. instead of 7:30.

Aug. 29

Baldwin

Away

Sept. 5

Greene County*

Home

Sept. 12

Josey*

Away

55

Jaquais Davis

Sept. 19

Tattnall Square

Home

61

Tyler Kelley

Sept. 26

Twiggs County

Away

Oct. 3

Aquinas*

Away

62

Antwan Barnes

Oct. 10

Warren County*

Home

81

Dennis Holsey

Oct. 17

Lincoln County*

Away

88

Justin Chatman

Oct. 31

GMC*

Home

Show your support for area schools this year, get out their and cheer!

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Each week The Union-Recorder will preview upcoming Baldwin County football games. Check in to see what’s in store for your favorite team.

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