Between the Lines NWGA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
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PUBLISHERS V3 Publications, LLC and Davis Communications Group MAG ART & DESIGN Ellie Borromeo EDITORIAL MANAGER Oliver Robbins WRITERS Ian Griffin, Elise Talent, Jim Alred, Matt Davis, Tripp Durden
publisher’s note Ladies and Gentlemen, football season is almost upon us. Whether you find yourself asking, “is it really that time of year again?” or you’ve been salivating over the arrival since the end of last season, it’s here and the excitement is at a fever pitch. While we’ve been waiting for gridiron action between the lines, local coaches and players have been sweating it out in the summer heat to prepare for combat. Their hard work and dedication is much appreciated, and this collaborative effort between V3 Publications and Davis Communications Group is our way of saying thank you to them and giving our readers the opportunity to ramp up the excitement for Friday Night Lights just a little bit more. The state of high school football in Northwest Georgia is strong. Last season, teams across the region made solid runs in the playoffs, with a few going on to win state championships in their classification. Our panel of writers, including Jim Alred, Elise Tallent, Matt Davis and myself, encountered coaches who are extremely optimistic about their teams and those genuine feelings, which are backed up by talent and experience, should translate into a lot of good football this fall. The profiles found in these pages provide the insight shared by the coaches and players concerning the team’s goals and expectations for 2017. Also included is a look back at the back-to-back State Champion Model Blue Devils from 1953-54. This retrospective feature includes pictures of star players, cheerleaders and historians that experienced the run, giving you the opportunity to relive it. Our first issue of “Between the Lines” featured seven schools in Floyd County alone, and in only two years we have expanded to 16 teams that reside in Floyd, Bartow, Gordon, Chattooga and Polk counties. If it wasn’t for the avid readers and supporters of these schools, that wouldn’t have been possible. So, this is your book, too. We thank you for your support and hope you enjoy this year’s edition. Now, it’s time to bring out the milk jugs and dried beans, and help cheer your favorite team to victory. Enjoy the season!
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EXECUTIVE PHOTOGRAPHER Cameron Flaisch CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Caleb Timmerman David Johnson AD SALES & CLIENT RELATIONS Chris Forino, Matt Davis, Elizabeth Davis, Randy Davis AD DESIGN & MARKETING CONCEPTS Laura Allshouse Ellie Borromeo CONTACT V3 Magazine 417 Broad Street Rome, Georgia 30161 Office Phone 706.235.0748 v3publications@gmail.com Davis Communications Group 2 Mt. Alto Road, Rome, Ga. 30165 706.378.8040 706.232.7767
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Kickoff your career at GNTC! Catoosa County Campus Ringgold, GA 706-965-1120
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Walker County Campus Rock Spring, GA 706-764-3510
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GNTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and an Equal Opportunity Institution.
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P.16 2017 Highschool Football Preview We break down your local gridiron match ups and give our outlook on this year's battles between the lines.
19 ROME WOLVES 20 CALHOUN YELLOW JACKETS 23 COOSA EAGLES 24 GSFD TIGERS 27 PEPPERELL DRAGONS 28 ADAIRSVILLE TIGERS 31 MODEL BLUE DEVILS 32 GORDON CENTRAL WARRIORS 35 ARMUCHEE INDIANS 36 TRION BULLDOGS 39 DARLINGTON TIGERS 40 SONORAVILLE PHOENIX 41 UNITY LIONS 42 ROCKMART YELLOW JACKETS 45 CEDARTOWN BULLDOGS 46 CHATTOOGA INDIANS 8
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P.10 Eternal Glory We remember a high school football team who achieved greatness, the two-time State Champion Model Blue Devils.
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eternal
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FOOTBALL LEGENDS ARE STORIES THAT STICK AROUND A HOMETOWN HIGH SCHOOL FOR DECADES, AND THIS IS ONE WE SHOULD NEVER FORGET. T E X T Tripp Durden
P H O T O G R A P H Y Caleb Timmerman / History photos courtesy of Model High School Yearbooks HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
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IN IN THE POPULAR MOVIE “The Replacements” starring Keanu Reeves, Shane Falcao (Reeves) leads a rag-tag group of replacement players to a playoff win against a team full of pros and against all odds. They fight their way through a tough season and an even tougher final game to claim victory. However, in the tradition of sports movies throughout history, the team was losing the game going into halftime. The team was downtrodden and broken. They were hanging their heads in defeat. Then, out of nowhere, they receive the perfect cheesy Hollywood spark from their QB. Keanu Reeves’ character breaks the huddle with, “Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory lasts forever.” The offense breaks the huddle and they proceed to march down the field for the win. The players go on to celebrate and live happily ever after and while this movie, in both its themes and processes, is extremely cliché, there is no denying that at least the last bit of what Reeves’ character says rings true. Glory, at least in small towns like Rome, Ga., really does last forever. If you don’t believe it, just ask the Class B Georgia Football State Champions from 1953 and 1954, the Model High School Blue Devils. In 1953 the Blue Devils were a dark horse in the Class B state playoffs. After winning their first two games of the season, they lost to Villa Rica by a single point. This caused them to drop low in the rankings because Villa Rica was also not favored that year. After this loss however, the Devils got back to their winning ways. Over the course of the regular season Model would not give up more than one touchdown to any team. They would shut out three of those teams on their way to seven straight wins. In what was one of the most lopsided seasons imaginable, Model outscored their opponents 239-7 over the course of the regular season. Because of this, heading into
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the playoffs they were ranked second, sitting only behind top ranked Ocilla who had held the number one spot the entire season. Model was positioned well going into round one of the playoffs. They faced Trion High School, a team they had already beat earlier that year. However, this game did not end in a blowout, but Model’s defense would once again hold
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
SHOWN ABOVE
Jerome Webb
strong. They did not give up a single point to Trion in either game that year giving the Bulldogs their only two losses the whole year. In the second round, they went on to rout their region counterparts (West Point) 45-19. It is obvious to anyone looking at the scores that Model’s defense was getting them over the hump and eventually into the state title game. They had not given up more than seven points all year until facing West Point. The old adage is that, “defense wins championships”, and this was the season to prove it. Model’s opponents could not overcome the smothering defensive prowess of the Blue Devils. Model had been riding largely on the play of two stars who also happened to be related. Mitchell Shellnut was known for his pedigree as a running back while his uncle, Wayne Shellnut, was known for being a bruiser on the defensive side of the ball. Wayne was, by all accounts, one of the most impressive high school age athletes anyone had ever seen. During his freshmen year, Wayne had 20 solo tackles and hit the running back so hard on one play that he broke his own helmet. Wayne came running off the field and exchanged helmets with one of the other freshmen. He then made the tackle on the very next play.
While Wayne was a tackling machine, his nephew was one of the best running backs in the state. The Blue Devils would certainly need the Shellnut duo to continue their stellar play going into the championship game versus Ocilla. The number one ranked Ocilla High School had been undefeated the entire season and were highly favored over the small-town team from Northwest Georgia. The 1953 State Championship game was one for the history books. This particular year, the two teams were extremely well matched. The game would go back and forth with both team’s defenses holding strong except for a few big plays. Mitchell Shellnut was truly stellar that night. Going into the fourth, he had two rushing touchdowns of over 20 yards. So, with the game deadlocked in the fourth, the entire stadium knew who the ball was going to. Mitchell received the handoff and took it 39 yards to the end zone to break the 19-19 tie. Model would go on to make a strong stance on defense to close out the game and win by a score of 25-19, bringing the championship back to Rome and the Model community Entering the 1954 season, the buzz around Model’s team was high once again. The uncle/ nephew duo of Wayne and Mitchell Shellnut
were both returning starters. This season would be a little different, however, because the Blue Devils were no longer a Dark Horse. This year, the entire state was aware of the tiny team from Floyd County that was trying to repeat as Class B state champions. The 1954 Model Blue Devil’s defense was once again a dominant force in Class B. This was true even despite an early season injury to the Blue Devil’s defensive star Wayne Shellnutt. He was sidelined during the third game of the season in a 20-7 win against the Rockmart Yellow Jackets. Even without one half of the legendary Shellnutts, the Blue Devils would end up holding their opponents to an average score of less than a touchdown a game through both the regular season and the playoffs. During the prior season, the defense had been the better half of the team. The offense scored enough points to win, while the defense frequently held their opponents to nothing on the scoreboard. The offensive story of the 1954 season could not have been more different. Almost every game that season was decided by two touchdowns or more. Mitchell Shellnutt scored at will. It was almost as if seeing his uncle injured on the defensive side of the ball gave him the spark he needed to put every game out of reach.
CLOCKWISE
Bobby Jones / B. Minshew / Coach Woodard, Quarterback B. Jones and Coach Tuggle / TD vs. Thompson
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The 1954 Blue Devil’s offense scored 267 points during the regular season, outscoring their mark from entire season (including playoffs) the previous year by over 30 points. The 1954 Blue Devils were firing on all cylinders, and on both sides of the ball. Heading into the playoffs, Model was highly favored to win the State Championship for the second year in a row. They would breeze their way past the first round, much like the way they had cut through the regular season like butter. The Blue Devils defeated Henry County 38-7, a convincing win to start their journey towards a repeat. The semi-Final game would be played at Barron Stadium against Thomson High. It was in this game that the Blue Devils would face their one and only true test. Mitchell Shellnutt once again proved himself to be an insatiable running back. He would run the ball 30 times for 227 yards and two touchdowns. This would give him an average of 7.5 yards a carry on the night. Unfortunately, Mitchell would go down hard late in the game with a broken collar bone. Model would win the game 27-20, advancing to their second straight championship, but would move on without their star player. For the first time in two years, Model would be forced to play a game without the help of the Shellnutts. The 1954 championship game was played in front of 3000 fans in Calxton, Georgia. The number one-ranked Model Blue Devils would be forced to find a way to win against the second ranked team in Class B minus their superstars. In a game that seemed to sum up what it means to play sound defense, both teams would enter the fourth quarter scoreless. Neither team had been able to find purchase against the other. Claxton seemed invigorated by not having to deal with the talent of Mitchell Shellnutt out of the backfield while Model’s defense did what they had done the whole season, shut down opposing offenses.
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Late in the fourth, with about four minutes to go, Model managed to drive down the field and were at the goal line. After three and half hard quarters, Model handed the ball off to Terry Murchison who found a way to rumble two yards and across the goal line for the first score of the game. All Model needed was for the defense to make one last stand and they would once again be state champions. No one in the stadium was surprised to see Model get the stop on defense but on the very last play of the game, something happened that caught the entire stadium off guard. Model’s QB, Bobby Jones took the snap and ran in order to run out the remainder of the clock. However, after finding a little space, he made his way up the field for a 39-yard touchdown that sealed the game once and for all. The Blue Devils would go on to win 14-0 over Claxton despite being away from their home field and missing their two stars. The game would end in a scuffle between two players that almost led to a riot. In the end, the history books had already been written. Model had repeated as State Champs. Since Model won their back to back titles in the 50’s, a lot has happened and even more has
this because there is a certain charm to an uncle and nephew duo leading a team to back to back state titles. It could be because we know the sons, daughters and grandchildren of players in the ’53 and ’54 state championship games, and we know that the game was decided by a 39-yard touchdown run. Watching a normal group of people rise above themselves and do something amazing is something that hits us in our core. Maybe the coach from the aforemention movie, “The Replacements” sums it up best saying, “When the team left the stadium that day, there was no parade, no endorsement deals for sneakers or soda pop, or breakfast cereal. Just a locker to be cleaned out and a ride home to catch. But what they didn't know, was that their lives had been changed forever because they had been part of something great. And greatness, no matter how brief, stays with a
changed. Presidents have come and gone, men have walked on the moon, and the shape and landscape of the American way of life has changed drastically. Yet, in 2017, we are still talking about a high school football team from the 50’s. There is even a group of Model students and teachers who are working on a documentary about the 1954 team titled “A Season to Remember”. Instead of fading, the memories of the ’53 and ’54 teams seem to be getting stronger. What is it that keeps us connected to things like this when there is so much more happening around us each day? As sports fans, we like to remember greatness. We are entranced by grand achievements
and glory. And when those things are achieved by normal men and women, people that we can relate to, we love them even more. If, like Keanu Reeves says in “The Replacements”, glory really does last forever, then it lasts twice as long in a small town. Because when our neighbors achieve something great, it feels like we did as well. In places like Rome and our surrounding counties, we tend to be connected to one another in a deeper way than other parts of the country. Maybe we hold onto things like
man. Every athlete dreams of this chance, these men actually lived it.” Hollywood has been using movies like “The Replacements” to capture the feeling from the ’53 and ’54 Model Blue Devil seasons for decades. However, the perfectly constructed narratives of the silver screen pale in comparison to the real thing.
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TEXT / JIM ALRED
TWO YEARS AGO, football’s status in the Greater Rome area seemed shaky. Pepperell missed the playoffs. Rome High missed the playoffs. And although Model and Coosa advanced to the second round, it marked the eighth year that a team from the area failed to advance to at least the state semifinals. New coaches at Rome and at Pepperell, along with some region and classification changes from the Georgia High School Association, helped usher in a new era or maybe a blast from the past for local football teams. In 2016 Rome High, under second-year coach John Reid, won the school’s first state title in any sport by beating perennial power Buford in the Georgia Dome. Under second-year head coach Rick Hurst, Pepperell won its first region title in more than 20 years and advanced to the state quarterfinalsfor the first time since 2008. Chattooga, Darlington, Model, Rockmart, Calhoun and Sonoraville all advanced to the playoffs with all but one grabbing at least one win. As the sun begins to rise on the 2017 season, expectations run high and Rome fan bases greet the season with renewed vigor and optimism. In short, what a difference two years can make. Starting with the defending Class 5A state champions makes the most sense. Rome remains in Region 7-AAAAA with other powers like Kell and Carrollton. Those three teams all made deep runs in the Class 5A state playoffs last season and should have similar runs this season. While the hubbub and delirium of Rome’s win has faded a bit, expect to see a ton of enthusiasm at Barron Stadium this season. With a slew of returners, Rome is eyeing a repeat, something long-time area football fans will be familiar with considering West Rome strung together four-straight state titles in the 80’s, and East Rome gabbed back-to-back state titles in the late 70s. Pepperell’s 10-2 campaign in 2016 has raised expectations even higher in Lindale. Rockmart will be a tough region foe as will Model and Chattooga,
but the talk around town this summer seems to say the fans in Lindale believe the Dragons are back and poised to make another deep run into the playoffs in 2017. As Rome teams seemed to take a step forward, old reliable Calhoun (which won its 16th consecutive region title) failed to reach the Georgia Dome for the second straight year. Last season marked the first time in a decade that Calhoun hasn’t appeared in the Dome at least once over a two-year span. Early-season games against Dalton and twotime state champion Cartersville will test the Jacket’s mettle early. One key to remember about Hal Lamb and Calhoun is every time rumors of the dynasty ending have surfaced, the Jackets have come back to sting foes with a purpose. Model fans might take umbrage at all the hubbub over Pepperell and Rome, because the Blue Devils remain the best-kept secret in Northwest Georgia football over the past few years. Head coach Gordon Powers has helped construct five-straight winning seasons and five-straight playoff appearances, both marking the most in school history. Bets are that the Devils are aiming to for the sixth-straight winning seasons and playoff appearance and possibly a playoff run, to boot. Coosa and Armuchee both enter the 2017 season looking to get back to the playoffs. The Eagles took a couple of steps back after winning a playoff game in 2014 and failed to reach the playoffs in 2015 and 2106. Coach Todd Wheeler has had time to whip his team back into shape and if the injury bug stays away and the Eagles can reverse some of tough, late-game losses from the last two years, they could be flying into the Class AA playoffs again. In Indian Country, Armuchee Indian Country that is, Coach A’s enthusiasm runneths over. The fourth-year coach continues to build the program with an aim at returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Youth and inexperience hampered the Indians in past seasons, but the Tribe faithful feels like the team can turn the corner this year and become a player in the Region 7-AA title hunt. Rockmart returns a lot of talent from one of the more surprising stories of 2016, as the Jackets won several big games and advanced to the second round of the state playoffs for only the second time in the last 28 years. Watch for Rockmart to play a major factor in the Region 7-AA race and possibly look at making an extended run in the Class AA playoffs. On the flip side, Chattooga graduates a slew of talent from the squad, which has reached three straight state playoffs, including a run to the Class AA 2016 quarterfinals.
Plenty of players remain and Coach Charles Hammon and company hope the winning attitude and hard work of the past three years rubs off on some of the younger players stepping into bigger roles this fall. Two close losses in 2016 kept Darlington from playing for a region title and knocked them from the state playoffs, respectively. But at Darlington, coach Tommy Atha and company find ways to reload and repeat, as the Tigers have reached the playoffs for 10 consecutive years and 13 of the past 14. The Tigers do it with a classic, hard-nosed running game and physical take-no-prisoners defense. New head coach Denver Pate plans to keep the Sonoraville Phoenix winning. Sonoraville has reached the state playoffs for four straight years and reached the second round of the playoffs the past two. The Phoenix remain in Region 6-AAA South with Calhoun and know they must find a way to topple the Jackets if they hope to play for a region crown, though. Adairsville took a step back last season after reaching the payoffs for four consecutive seasons. Look for the Tigers to get back on the winning track and be better than the three wins in 2016. Gordon Central has a new head coach in Cory Nix. The Warriors have struggled the past few years. But a new coach could help Gordon Central put more points on the scoreboard and more marks in the win column. New head coach Doyle Kelly takes over in Cedartown where a super tough region kept the Bulldogs out of the playoffs last season. Cedartown again faces a daunting region with Sandy Creek and two-time defending state champ Cartersville, but if the Bulldogs can reverse the trend from last year in a couple of late region games, they could find themselves in the playoffs. Unity Christian’s transition to eight-man football in 2016 proved rocky, but the Lions return a ton of players who understand the smaller-sided game better and head coach Mark Ackerman thinks this year’s squad will be much improved. And while they lie outside of the Rome area, it might be worth a trip to Carterville to catch a Purple Hurricanes game. The squad has rolled off two consecutive state titles and back-to-back perfect 15-0 seasons. Led by senior all-world quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the Canes are looking for a rare three-peat this season. Who knows what 2017 has in store for the area, but if 2016 is any indication Northwest Georgia fans may need to clear their calendars for November and early December so they can watch their teams make deep runs into the state playoffs.
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Rome Wolves
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SCHEDULE
8.25
AT HARRISON
9.01 DREW
9.08 KELL
9.22
AT PAULDING CNTY
9.29
CARROLLTON
10.06 AT HIRAM
10.13 CASS TEXT / JIM ALRED
WHEN TALKING to Rome coach John Reid about winning the state title in 2016, it takes about 10 seconds for him to issue a reminder. “The kids had the banquet, and they got their rings. It was a special season. But that was last year’s team,” he says. “This is a new team and the kids know that.” And with good reason as the Wolves face another daunting schedule this season, which includes games against Class 6A power Harrison and region foes Kell and Carrollton. Add to that a big target on their backs after claiming the school’s first state championship in any sport last fall, and the Wolves face a tough task this season. “We’re not going to be sneaking up on any teams this season. Being the state champion makes every teams’ practice week that much tougher, because there is more incentive to beat us,” Reid says. “It’s harder to stay on top than to get to the top.” But the challenges don’t seem too daunting to Reid, who gives lots of credit to his players. “Regardless of wining the championship, our kids are buying in to what we do and they understand the vision,” Reid says. “But the other thing about football is that it’s not about wining champion-
ships and rings. It’s a game and it’s supposed to be fun, and we never want to lose sight of that.” Rome lost some key players off the defense and offense, especially the offensive line, but the Wolves have a plethora of talent returning on both sides of the ball, including a number of kids already committed to college teams. “We have to replace players, who were big leaders on the team,” Reid says. “But we’re lucky to have a lot of raw material to work with. We have several players with Division I offers, and I think we’ll have even more get looks and offers before the season ends.” Rome’s offense remains strong, but the defense from last season proved to be almost impenetrable. The Wolves allowed just three rushing touchdowns all year, and the defense smothered Buford in the championship game. “I’m really proud of our defense. In a time when you have some incredible offensive production and strong running quarterbacks, our defense has been able to limit a lot of teams,” Reid says. “Two years ago, we gave up 36 points a game. Last year, we gave up about 15 points a game. If we can improve on that by another three or four points a game this year, we have a shot at being really good again.”
2016 CLASS 7-AAAAA STATE CHAMPIONS
10.20
AT VILLA RICA
10.27
REGION 7-1 2016 RECORD Overall 8-2 HEAD COACH John Reid
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AT EAST PAULDING
11.03
WOODLAND, CARTERSVILLE
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Calhoun Yellow Jackets
SCHEDULE
8.18
DOUGLASS, ATLANTA
8.25 DALTON
9.01
AT CARTERSVILLE
9.15
AT COAHULLA CREEK
9.22
NORTH MURRAY
9.29
HARALSON COUNTY
10.06
TEXT / MATT DAVIS
AT ADAIRSVILLE
REGION 4-0 2016 RECORD Overall 11-3 HEAD COACH Hal Lamb
10.20
SONORAVILLE
10.27
C
AT BREMEN
11.03
AT REGION 6-3A PLAY-IN
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THE THEME for this year’s Calhoun Yellow Jackets football team according to head coach Hal Lamb is “be phenomenal or be forgotten.” Lamb knows more than a thing or two about the subject, as his program has been one of the most phenomenal success stories in high school football in the state for quite some time. Last season, they added another region title to their continually growing list of accomplishments bringing the current streak to 16 consecutive region titles. Despite some bumps in the road in their non-region schedule with losses to two of the best teams in the state, Dalton and Cartersville, they were able to get on a roll and go undefeated in region play. By the way, they haven’t lost a single region game since the 2001 season. They would eventually make it all the way to the quarterfinal round of last season’s AAA state playoffs. As the Yellow Jackets finish preparation for the 2017 season, Coach Lamb acknowledges that his team has made significant progress since this time last year. However, he’s quick to point out there’s still room to improve and more work to be done in pursuit of becoming the best team they can be. “Our players have a higher level of confidence than they did this time last year,” Lamb says. “We have more returning starters than we did going into last season, particularly at the skill positions.” He also points out that one area they’re working on is filling some holes on the offensive
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
line, where they return only two starters from last year’s team. Unlike last season, Calhoun will not be breaking in a new starting quarterback, and there will be a lot of offensive weapons to choose from with several high caliber wide receivers and running backs who now have a lot of experience. Calhoun has solid speed and experience at the skill positions on defense much like they do on the offensive side of the ball, and in some cases, it is the same guys. Lamb seems to be really excited about where his team is defensively, and if you’ve followed Calhoun football for any length of time at all, you know that this team takes a lot of pride in the way they play defense. Despite some new faces, they should be solid up front of defense, as well. The Yellow Jackets have experience with their punter and long snapper. However, they will be in the process of gaining experience in terms of place kicking with this year’s squad. Overall, it looks like the Calhoun Yellow Jackets are poised for yet another very successful season. Going back to Coach Lamb’s theme for the season he says, “Our theme is to be phenomenal or be forgotten. To get to where we want to be, we have to be able to sustain our highest level of effort thru the entire season.” It goes without saying that Calhoun is the team to beat going into 2017. They have been for almost two decades.
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
#42984 HFB LocalChampions2017_V37.625x4.987.indd 1
7/25/17 12:54 PM
Coosa Eagles
BETWEEN THE LINES 2017
SCHEDULE
8.25
COAHULLA CREEK
9.01
NORTH MURRAY
9.08
AT MT. ZION, CARROLL
9.15
AT CHATTOOGA
9.22
PEPPERELL
9.29
AT ARMUCHEE
10.13
DADE COUNTY
10.20
TEXT / ELISE TALENT
AT ROCKMART THE EAGLES are looking forward to a fresh start with a more seasoned team going into 2017 after finishing 2016 with a 4-6 overall record and going 3-4 in the region. “Last season, we were a young football team,” says Todd Wheeler, Coosa’s leader on the field. “We started seven sophomores and we finished 4-6 and had a real good chance to be 5-5 or 6-4. Obviously, we made some young mistakes. Last season was not a bad season for us, being as young as we were, and we’re looking forward to this season.” Coosa is returning 14 seniors this year including linebacker Chandler Hubbard, wide receiver Cameron White, and offensive linemen Brooks Moore and Mason O’Neal. Hubbard, White, Moore, and O’Neal will anchor the Eagles on the field this season. “Our goals are to develop as a mature football team,” continues Wheeler, “Obviously, we were young last year, and we’ve got a lot of those guys coming back.” Coosa will face off against Coahulla Creek, North Murray, Mt. Zion, and the region competitors of Chattooga, Pepperell, Armuchee, Dade County, Rockmart, Model, and Gordon Central
this season. Experience will come as an asset on the Eagle’s side after encountering the growing pains of a young team in 2016, but with a full schedule ahead, Coosa will be taking on the competition, one game at a time. ”We’re looking to the first game,” says Wheeler. “I don’t think you can look any further than that one, so we’re focusing all of our sights on Coahulla Creek…but right now, we’ve got to take them one at a time and just focus on that one game. Hopefully, we can show a lot of improvement.” Nevertheless, the Eagles are embracing the improvements they’ve sought to make going into this season. “We’re just trying to get better at what we do; that’s about all we’re going to do,” explains Wheeler, “We’re thin in different areas and so we’re working on finding a way to strengthen those areas during games.” Coosa begins the season at home against Coahulla Creek on August 25, 2017. r points a game this year, we have a shot at being really good again.”
REGION 3-4 2016 RECORD Overall 4-6 HEAD COACH Todd Wheeler
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
10.27 MODEL
11.03
GORDON CENTRAL
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GSFD Tigers
SCHEDULE
8.26
AT TENNESSEE SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
9.09
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
9.16
AT NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
9.30
NORTH CAROLINA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
TEXT / ELISE TALENT
10.07
REGION 3-3 2016 RECORD Overall 3-3 HEAD COACH Eric Whitworth
AT MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
10.21
AT LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
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EVERY SEASON is one for the history books at the Georgia School for the Deaf, and the walls filled with old equipment, trophy cases and pictures of students dating back decades in head coach Erik Whitworth’s office are enough to see the pride that the Tigers embody every season when representing the state of Georgia in the Mason Dixon Conference. While GSD’s upcoming season may not be entirely predictable through the summer months until the students and players arrive in the fall, the dedication and hard work that the Tigers put forth while having an experience unlike any other are guaranteed each and every season. “That’s my biggest thing; to get them in shape and learn enough about the game. We want to play safely so that they can enjoy it and have that memory to take with them after they leave here,” says Whitworth. Traveling to places such as Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Knoxville, Tennessee; Jackson, Mississippi and Morganton, North Carolina to play other deaf schools in the Southeast, the Tigers spend entire weekends representing the state of Georgia on the football field and meeting lifetime friends while playing their tails off during the fall. While most other offenses and defenses in high school football come to the sidelines gasping for air and are often comfortably reliant on subs and multiple strings, coach Whitworth tells his players, to “get back out there” and “tough it out”, because while GSD has moved to eight-man football due to lack of numbers, eight-man football
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
at GSD means that every man on the team gets to play every down of the game. It has become a trend for the Tigers to only have eight players on the team due to the overall declining enrollment numbers at the school, but with extra emphasis on conditioning and perseverance, GSD players tackle the challenge head-on. “We take iron man football to the extreme,” says Whitworth, “That’s the one thing I try to do with such a small number. This year, we’re only playing six games but I try to make it where we play a game and then have a week off. That way, we have an extra week to recover from any injuries.” The Tigers will be on the road for the majority of their six-game season, splitting two games (one home and one away) with both Louisiana School for the Deaf and North Carolina School for the Deaf, while traveling to play against the Tennessee School for the Deaf and the Mississippi School for the Deaf. Homecoming for GSD will be at Van Cott Stadium against the North Carolina School for the Deaf on September 30, 2017. “I think it’s going to be a fun year…it always is,” continues Whitworth, “It’s always a surprising year around here. The fun part is when they accomplish something that you told them that they could do, yet they didn’t quite have the self confidence that they could. That’s what makes it exciting, that’s what makes it fun.” The Tigers will begin their season on the road in Knoxville against the Tennessee School for the Deaf on August 26, 2017.
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
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Pepperell Dragons
BETWEEN THE LINES 2017
SCHEDULE
8.25
AT RIDGELAND
9.01
PICKENS
9.08
CEDARTOWN
9.15
GORDON CENTRAL
9.22
AT COOSA
9.29 MODEL
10.13
AT ROCKMART
10.20
TEXT / JIM ALRED
AT DADE COUNTY FOR THOSE WONDERING when the Pepperell Dragons would regain their swagger, the answer came into full focus in 2016 as the Dragons won 10 games, captured the first region football title since 2006 and advanced to the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2008. What do the Dragons and third-year coach Rick Hurst do for the encore in 2017? By practicing what paved the path to success – hard work. “We pride ourselves on working and conditioning. This is what we do. These kids bought in from day one and the hard work paid off,” Hurst says. Hurst believes the conditioning played a huge role during the second half of close games last season. It also plays a huge role in the Dragons’ offense, as Pepperell aims to play fast. “As a coach, you want to get as many offensive plays as you can. When you play fast and increase your tempo, you can add an extra five or 10 plays a game. If you end up scoring another touchdown off those plays, it pays dividends,” Hurst says. The Dragons return a lot of offensive weapons in 2017, including tailback Tae Hammonds who rushed for more than 1,300 yards in 2016 while also playing defense.
Hurst also mentions he expects big things from Connor Chandler, T.J. Watkins, Camron Miles and Trevor Thomas. He also points out Brian Tanner, Jack Bennett, Brian Williams and kicker Ramiro Alanis. “I think Trevor (Thomas) at quarterback has a chance to have big year. This is his third year at quarterback, and you can tell that the game has slowed down for him and he feels really comfortable,” Hurst says. Pepperell did lose a lot of players off a defense that Hurst credits with being a big factor in the Dragon’s success. So, he knows that his squad has to work hard if they hope to repeat 2016’s success. “There are a lot of good teams in the region and we have our work cut out for us. We do start with some tough non-region games to help us get prepared, though,” Hurst says. “By the time we get to the region schedule, we should be in a position to make a run at the region title.” But between now and then there is a lot of work to do. Work his players have been accustomed to and now welcome, because they’ve already had a taste of what all that hard work can bring.
REGION 7-0 2016 RECORD Overall 8-1 HEAD COACH Rick Hurst
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
10.27
ARMUCHEE
11.03
AT CHATTOOGA
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Adairsville Tigers
SCHEDULE
8.18
RIDGELAND
8.25 AT CASS
9.01 MODEL
9.15
AT RINGGOLD
9.22
MURRAY COUNTY
10.06 CALHOUN
10.13
AT SONORAVILLE
10.20 BREMEN
10.27
AT HARALSON CNTY
REGION 1-3 2016 RECORD Overall 3-7 HEAD COACH Eric Bishop
11.03
AT REGION 6-3A PLAY-IN
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TEXT / JIM ALRED
GRADUATING PLAYERS hurts. Graduating tons of players, who helped your team make deep runs into the playoffs, hurts even more. The attrition showed for Adairsville in 2016, as the squad posted three wins and failed to the reach the postseason for the first time in five years. The win total also marked the lowest number for an Adairsville squad since the 1999 season. But even great teams and great programs sometimes have to take a step back to take a step forward, and the 2017 versions of the Tigers is poised to not only get back to their winning ways but also to get back to the playoffs. Adairsville’s offense managed to produce points last season, but the defense allowed way too many points, something the Tigers will work to iron out this season. A tough early-season schedule should help them prepare for Region 6-AAA South play as well. Adairsville faces Ridgeland, Model and Ringgold, all playoff teams from 2016, as well as Bartow County rival Cass, a Class 5A program.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
These games should get them primed for a tough region slate, which begins at home on October 6 against Calhoun. The Yellow Jackets are the defending region champions and won their 16th consecutive region crown last season. Adairsville then faces Sonoraville and Bremen the next two weeks and will need at least one win out of those three games to set them up for a meaningful region playoff play-in game. While Calhoun remains the biggest hurdle in the sub region, Sonoraville has reached the playoffs for four straight years and Bremen, which moved into the region after GHSAA reclassification last year, is always a strong team. A win or two during this span will help erase the memories from last season. A team doesn’t forget how to win in one year, and the history and work ethic from previous years can help carry the Tigers back to where they are used to being.
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
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Represent. It’s a word you take to heart each time you step onto the field. At Brinson Askew Berry, we stand strong behind our home teams and represent our community with the highest level of legal service.
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
Model Blue Devils
BETWEEN THE LINES 2017
SCHEDULE
8.25
SONORAVILLE
9.01
AT ADAIRSVILLE
9.08
NORTHWEST WHITFIELD
9.15
AT DADE COUNTY
9.22
ARMUCHEE
9.29
AT PEPPERELL
10.13
CHATTOOGA
10.20
GORDON CENTRAL
TEXT / JIM ALRED
TRIVIA QUESTION: Name the only public-school football team from Rome and Floyd County to reach the playoffs every year for the last five years? If you guessed the blue-clad Model Devils, you’d be right. And standing behind the great run of winning seasons and playoff appearances is coach Gordon Powers. “We’ve been lucky, because we’ve had a lot of dedicated athletes with great parents, who have gotten behind the program and supported us,” he says. “I give the players, the parents and the community a lot of credit, because they’ve made it important for us to stick together.” The current streak marks the most consecutive winning seasons and the most consecutive playoff appearances by a Model football team in school history. But the coaches aren’t resting on their laurels and looking back but instead evaluating what has to be done to ensure the 2017 team reaches the same plateau. “We had a lot of key players graduate, including four who are now playing college ball, so we have our work cut out for us,” Powers says. “But we’re not going to panic about anything. We have a good group of kids that know they‘re going
to have to outwork those other teams to win.” Model’s opening non-region games could prove vital as the Blue Devils face three playoff-caliber teams, Sonoraville, Northwest Whitfield and Adairsville, who hail from bigger classifications. “I think our non-region schedule really helps us, because by the time we roll around to region play, we’ve already played some pretty good teams,” he says. Powers points to some key seniors, who he believes can help lead the team. Those players, Hayden Smith, Liam Clay, O’Quavious Bullock and Mason Sinnock, draw high praise from the coach. “These guys played and started last year, and they have a lot of experience,” Powers says. “This is their fourth year, and we’re counting on them to be leaders.” The leadership will be key. Powers also names another major element he thinks can pay dividends for the Blue Devils and their aim for the playoffs and a possible Region 7-AA Title. “I now it’s cliché, but if we can build some good team chemistry it will help,” he says. “With hard work, good team chemistry and discipline I think this team can win some ball games.”
10.27
REGION 4-3 2016 RECORD Overall 7-3 HEAD COACH Gordon Powers
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
AT COOSA
11.03
AT ROCKMART
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Gordon Central Warriors
SCHEDULE
8.18
MURRAY COUNTY
8.25
AT SOUTHEAST WHITFIELD
9.08
LAFAYETTE
9.15
AT PEPPERELL
TEXT / MATT DAVIS
9.22
REGION 0-7 2016 RECORD Overall 0-10 HEAD COACH Cory Nix
CHATTOOGA
9.29
AT DADE COUNTY
G
10.13
ARMUCHEE
10.20 AT MODEL
10.27
ROCKMART
11.03 AT COOSA
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GORDON CENTRAL’S football program has had to endure more than its fair share of disappointment in recent years. Despite the hopeful enthusiasm that comes along with the start of a new season, that hope has shifted to “maybe next season” rather quickly for the Warriors the last four seasons. In fact, the Warriors have only been able to scrape together two wins total during that span. After the resignation of head coach David Humphreys back in January, Gordon Central was on the hunt for a new coach to guide the program. They decided that Cory Nix was the man for the job. Coach Nix has been working toward the goal of becoming a head coach for several years, and is excited and enthusiastic about the challenge in front of him. He’s very positive and sure that success can be achieved at Gordon Central, but he’s also very realistic about the work that must be done to get there. “The biggest challenge right now is instilling confidence in our kids. Everything around them is changing very fast and for the better. Whether that is in the weight room, the intensity of how we work, or keeping up with how we are pushing them and leading them,” says Nix. “It’s all about the players believing in the new culture and themselves.” Coach Nix has been an assistant coach at several schools in Georgia, and was serving as defensive coordinator at Temple when he applied for the head coaching position at Gordon Central. Last season was one of the most successful seasons that Temple has enjoyed in program history. Nix was also special teams coordinator at Roswell a couple of years back, and enjoyed being a part of a state championship while there. He’s seen and been a part of programs that have
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
been successful, which should serve as a road map for growing into and learning how to be successful in his new role as head coach. “You can’t just be worried about one side of the ball or special teams; it’s about the whole program. If you want it to be successful, you’ve got to get out in the community,” says Nix. “There’s so many roles that you have to play.” With so many changes happening, it is hard at this point to know what fans will be looking at with this season’s team. Coach Nix feels confident that they’ll be able to move the football on the ground, as they have installed a new system that he feels suits his personnel. He’s excited that there is good competition at the quarterback position with guys that have different skill sets. Even though he recognizes some positives happening, Nix is quick to point out there is still a lot of work to do on the offensive side of the ball. Coach Nix is really excited about the progress they are making on the defensive side of the ball, and feels that is the area where fans will see a positive change. Of course, that should come as no surprise considering he comes to this team after being a defensive coordinator. They are also putting a lot of stock in how they approach special teams. In fact, Coach Nix oversees special teams this year. It certainly sends a strong message to the team about how important this facet of the game is when the head coach is in charge of coaching it. Even though it is a mystery right now as to how this team will play once the 2017 season begins, there is one thing that is abundantly clear: Coach Nix expects maximum effort from his team. “We’re going to leave it all out there. We’re going to give it everything we’ve got,” Nix says.
The residents of Renaissance Marquis would like to wish all of our area teams the best of luck in the upcoming season!
www.renaissancemarquis.com • 706-294-0014 • 3126 Cedartown Hwy SW, Rome, GA 30161
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
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What is ESPLOST?
The Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, more commonly known as ESPLOST, is a continuation of a current one-cent tax on all consumer goods that must be approved by voters in a referendum and is in effect for five years. ESPLOST receipts can be used only for school-related capital improvements (buildings, infrastructure, and technology). The ESPLOST can pay bond debt and shares the cost of educational facilities and equipment with visitors and all citizens - not just property owners. The ESPLOST benefits students in Rome City Schools and Floyd County Schools.
Why renew the ESPLOST?
• Seamless Career Pathways and Move on When Ready Opportunities ( 6-12) • Updated Academic, Career Technical and Athletic Programs • Reduce Overcrowding in all Educational Learning Environments • Provide Security Enhancements for Safer Schools • Allow for Additional Upgraded Technology • Create Spaces for 21st Century Learning pportunities
PROPOSED PROJECTS
• New Main Elementary School • RCS Sixth Grade STEM Academy • RHS College & Career Academy with Expansions and Upgrades for Athletic Facilities • Air Conditioning in All RCS Elementary Gyms • Technology • Buses • More Security • Modernization of Armuchee High School • Pepperell Middle School Replacement
Modernization of Armuchee High School Proposed New Pepperell Middle School
Is this an additional tax?
No. This is a five year educational local option sales tax that will not change the existing sales tax in Floyd County.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES 10.10.17: Voter Registration Deadline 10.16.17: Early Voting begins | First day for Mail and Absentee Ballot 11.03.17: Mail and Absentee | Ballot Deadline 11.07.17: General Election and ESPLOST Vote To Contact a Member of your ESPLOST Committee, Email: RomeFloydCitizens4Schools@gmail.com
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ESPLOST November 2017 ... It Makes Good Cents BETWEEN THE LINE S
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
Armuchee Indians
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SCHEDULE
8.18
AT LAFAYETTE
8.25
LAKEVIEW-FT. OGLETHORPE
9.08
AT TEMPLE
9.15
ROCKMART
9.22
AT MODEL
9.29 COOSA
10.13
AT GORDON CENTRAL
TEXT / JIM ALRED
ANYONE WHO HAS seen Armuchee’s Muhammad Abdellatif on the sidelines knows the coach, entering his fourth season with the Tribe, brings a lot of enthusiasm and energy to the field. His demeanor and attitude continues to instill a can-do attitude in his players. Judging by record alone, the Indians struggled again in 2016 with only two wins. But looking deeper into some games, shows Armuchee came a lot closer to certain opponents than previous seasons. Most coaches and programs don’t believe in moral victories, but what Coach A is doing in Armuchee is getting noticed. At least three different Region 7-AA coaches pointed to the Indians when asked about teams to watch out for in 2017. And Armuchee’s spring game against Adairsville showcased a team that has copied its coaches’ enthusiasm and zeal on the sidelines, as they implored their teammates on the sidelines and attacked the Tigers from Class 3-A with ferocity on the field. The attitude is instilling a sense of hope in the faithful, who have seen the Indians post only two winning seasons since the turn of the century and just one trip to the playoffs, to boot. Armuchee’s spread offense seems to be ready
to hit on all cylinders with junior quarterback Brayden Perry leading the way. Against the Tigers in the spring, he tossed touchdown passes to Tae Allen and Will Hubbard. And the defense takes a page from Abdellatif himself with a bevy of players capable of delivering big hits, including linebacker J.C. Burkett. The early-season schedule features two teams from higher classifications in LaFayette and LFO followed with a game against Class AA Temple, which just missed the playoffs last season. Those games should help serve to prepare the Indians for the always-competitive Region 7-AA slate. Armuchee opens Region 7-AA play with games against Rockmart, Model and Coosa before getting a bye week. If the Indians could pull a win or two from those first three region games, they would put themselves in a good position to possibly get into the playoffs for the first time since 2009. Many teams who have found the going rough often need just one game to break through. The Indians seemed close in 2016; close enough to turn some heads of other coaches. And there is a chance that these Indians could be competing in some meaningful games into late October and possibly even early November.
10.20
REGION 1-6 2016 RECORD Overall 2-8 HEAD COACH Muhammad Abdellatif
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
CHATTOOGA
10.27
AT PEPPERELL
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Trion Bulldogs
SCHEDULE
8.25
LAFAYETTE
9.01
AT DADE COUNTY
9.08 BREMEN
9.15
TEXT / ELISE TALENT
BOWDON
9.22
REGION 3-3 2016 RECORD Overall 6-4 HEAD COACH Justin Brown
NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN
9.29
T
AT CHRISTIAN HERITAGE
10.13
AT DARLINGTON
10.20
MT. ZION, CARROLL
10.27
AT GORDON LEE
11.03
AT REGION 6-A PLAY-IN
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THE BULLDOGS are looking to build on last season’s experience in 2017 after finishing the 2016 regular season 6-4 and making it into the first round of the state playoffs. Trion graduated 10 seniors this past season but will double that amount in leadership this season with 20 seniors stepping up for the Bulldogs. This will prove to be a solid advantage for Trion this year after struggling to fill in holes left behind from the 2015 class last season. “Last year we came into the season and had a lot of question marks…we graduated eight starters on each side of the ball and basically had to replace our whole offensive line and some good skilled guys,” says head coach Justin Brown. “Those guys worked real hard, and we were pleased with the way the season turned out last year.” Starters returning include senior Jarrett Gill who will lead the Bulldogs’ offense at quarterback, and senior Logan Blevins will be a dual threat as the leading force of the defense as an inside linebacker and helping move the chains on offense as a fullback. “If it’s not the largest senior class we’ve ever had, it’s in the top three for sure. We’re expecting a lot of leadership out of them and we need to build around some of those guys,” says Brown, “We’ve got some guys that are three-year starters that are going to be out there and we’ve got a few places where we need some kids to step up.” Trion’s two most notable sub-region matchups to look out for this season will be when the Bulldogs face the Darlington Tigers on the road and Mt. Zion at home. “In our sub region, Darlington is going to be a challenge…year in and year out. I think they’ll probably be at the top. That’ll be one that should be very important for us,” explains Brown. “Mt. Zion had our number the last couple
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of years. They won the sub region last year so we’re hoping to get them at our place this year and have a little more success than we’ve had the past couple of years.” Trion will be introducing Roone Gable as the new defensive coordinator this season, but rather than introducing a new scheme, the Bulldogs will be making some changes within their current scheme. “I think that it’s not so much a scheme change, but I think Coach Gable has got some things that he wants to do differently within the scheme that we’ve got. We haven’t had to do a whole lot of changing the past four or five years. It’s just a matter of getting our systems in and trying to work on those little things within those schemes to be successful,” says Brown. As for seasonal goals, Trion aims to replicate their success with making the state playoffs once again this season. “Our first goal is we certainly want to make the playoffs; we’ve been in the playoffs the past four out of five years, and our kids are excited about this season and trying to get back there,” continues Brown. “We’re definitely excited about this season coming up.” The Bulldogs are looking to use their scrimmage against Chattooga as a gauge for seasonal success going into 2017 before they begin their regular season on August 25 at home against Lafayette. “I feel like we’ve had a good offseason and I think this team has got some expectations. You don’t know what you really have until you get out there on Friday night,” says Brown, “So we’re going to be real excited in our scrimmage against Chattooga to see what all of this hard work is going to do for us, and hopefully we can have some success in the scrimmage and roll it over into the season.”
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Darlington Tigers
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SCHEDULE
8.25
GASTON, AL
9.01
RIDGELAND
9.08
AT HEARD COUNTY
9.15
GORDON LEE
9.22
AT BOWDON
9.29
MT. ZION, CARROLL
10.06
TEXT / ELISE TALENT
THE TIGERS enter the 2017 season seeking to capitalize on their success after having secured a decade’s worth of consecutive state playoff appearances this past season. Darlington finished the 2016 season with an 7-3 overall record and a 5-1 regional record after falling to Landmark Christian in the second round of the state playoffs. “We had high expectations, and again, we advanced to the second round of the state playoffs,” says Head Coach Tommy Atha. “We came up short in the sub region by one game, and we had a tough loss to Mt. Zion, but we rebounded well after that, did well in our first playoff game at home and had our chances to win the second round.” After graduating 17 seniors in 2017, making Atha’s largest senior class, the Tigers’ class of 2018 will have nine seniors assuming the leadership of the Darlington football program. This class includes newly-transitioned offensive lineman and defensive tackle, Elijah Ball, tight end and defensive end Jacob Hunt, running back Tijai Whatley, along with Tigger Frix, Kelan Stepp and Karl Swiger. All have opportunities to play at the next level following their career with the Tigers. “That’s one of the things that has been really rewarding for me… is that our kids want to continue to play football after high school,” continues Atha, “And what that says is: they’ve had a positive experience… it’s not something that they just did because they were supposed
to in high school and then stopped.” Amidst a busy schedule, Mt. Zion, Ridgeland, Trion and Heard County were noted as upcoming games in which Coach Atha and the Tigers are looking forward to the rivalry and rigor of the competition. The Mt. Zion matchup will be host to new rival feelings as Darlington’s 2016 loss to the Eagles knocked the Tigers out of the opportunity to play for the region championship. “The Mount Zion game is a big one on our schedule…they knocked us off last year which really kept us from having the opportunity to play for a region championship, and they’ll be good again this year,” explains Atha. “That has turned into a big game for us year in and year out.” However, with a few minor changes this upcoming season (including the new hire of offensive coordinator Brent Bell), Darlington is eager to embrace the challenges that the upcoming season presents and keep their goals consistent. “We want to win game one, we want to have a winning record, we want to make the playoffs, we want to win the region, and we want to win the state championship,” says Atha, “Those are always our five goals, and we’re going to do everything we can to achieve those, and in the process, try to be a good football team and do things the right way.” The Tigers begin their season at home against Gaston High School (Gadsden, AL) on Friday August 25, 2017.
AT NORTH COBB CHRISTIAN
REGION 5-1 2016 RECORD Overall 7-3 HEAD COACH Tommy Atha
10.13 TRION
10.20
D
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
AT CHRISTIAN HERITAGE
11.03
AT REGION 6-A PLAY-IN
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Sonoraville Phoenix
SCHEDULE
8.25
AT MODEL
9.01 CASS
9.08
AT DALTON
9.15
AT LAKEVIEW-FT. OGLETHORPE
9.22
RINGGOLD
9.29 BREMEN
10.06
TEXT / MATT DAVIS
AT HARALSON CNTY
10.13
REGION 3-1 2016 RECORD Overall 8-4 HEAD COACH Denver Pate
ADAIRSVILLE
10.20
S
AT CALHOUN
11.03
AT REGION 6-3A PLAY-IN
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THE LAST COUPLE of seasons for the Sonoraville Phoenix have been the most successful the school has experienced in program history. The school first started playing football in 2006, which was a year after opening. In 2014, Jim Kremer was brought in as head coach, and the Phoenix really blossomed under his leadership, going to the playoffs in all three of his seasons at the helm. The last two seasons they made it to the second round of the AAA playoffs, earning the team their only playoff victories in school history. Now that the Kremer era is over, there’s a new head coach in town. However, he’s no stranger to the program. Denver Pate, who was an assistant under Kremer for the last couple of seasons, will be taking over the reins in his very first season as a head coach at any school. He feels confident about the transition and his new role. “It’s been a smooth transition.” says Coach Pate. “Coach Kremer did a good job of laying out the foundation, and we’re trying to evolve to take it another step further.” One thing that should be helpful as Coach Pate works toward growing in his new role is that the cupboard wasn’t exactly left bare. In fact, this year’s team has a lot of returning starters that are talented and experienced. “We’re bringing back a lot of skill guys, as well as some key guys on the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.” In addition to his great senior class, Coach Pate
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
pointed out that he’s really excited about this year’s sophomore class. “Our sophomore class is very competitive, and they are chomping at the bit to earn some playing time,” Pate says. This should bode well for the future of this program. Sonoraville has had the benefit of having an exceptional kicking game in recent times. However, this year they’re working in some new guys after their star kicker graduated, so that is one of the question marks that remains with this team. They feel like the talent is there, but now the new guys have got to get the experience. Even though this is Denver Pate’s first year as a head coach, he’s been coaching at different levels and for many years. He’s gained more than enough experience to enter his career as a head coach with the right amount of confidence and sense of direction for how he wants to help his team accomplish big goals. He didn’t hesitate when asked about his central message to his team. “It’s all about competing every single day. Whatever it is you’re doing, whether it’s in the weight room, at a job, in the classroom, or on the field, it is all about doing the best that you can do at the task at hand.” The talent, effort and a clear message is all there for this team as they embark on a new era. As Coach Pate points out, the foundation is there, but now it is time for the Phoenix to rise to the next level.
Unity Christian Lions
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SCHEDULE
8.12
AT JOHN HANCOCK ACADEMY
8.18
SHILOH HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
8.25
YOUNG AMERICANS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
9.01
NEW CREATION CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
9.08
AT SHILOH HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
9.15
AT VIDALIA HERITAGE ACADEMY
9.22
AT ARLINGTON CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
9.29
TEXT / JIM ALRED
UNITY CHRISTIAN’S football team struggled in 2016. The squad moved from 11-man football to eight-man football. And if any players, coaches or fans felt the smaller- sided game would be easy, they were wrong. A year later and a season without any wins behind them, has the Lions positioned to not only improve but to maybe shock a few teams as well. “We had a rough year last year, but I feel like we have a chance of doing much better,” Unity Coach Mark Ackerman says. “Our kids understand the eight-man game more. We’re not having to make some of the adjustments we made last year and that’s good.” The move to eight-man football came about because most of the schools Unity competes against in other sports in the GICAA (Georgia Independent Christina Athletic Association) also made the transition to the smaller side. Almost 30 teams now play the eight-man division in the league, while fewer than 10 play in the traditional 11-man side. When asked about the upcoming season, it doesn’t take long for Ackerman to talk about seniors Janson Slaughter and Collin Mathis. Slaughter played quarterback last season but will move to a more natural wide receiver position this
PEACHTREE ACADEMY
year, while Mathis will have a chance to flash the speed he showed while placing among the state’s best on the track by helping the Lions on the gridiron this fall at tailback. Ackerman says Unity plans on rotating two quarterbacks in the system and is high on freshman Terry Curry, who will play some as the signal caller. While last year’s overall record appeared dismal, the bright cloud from the season should show up this fall as Unity returns a ton of players who got a lot of playing time and experience. “We played some really good competition last year. I think last year was the right time to play us,” Ackerman says. “This year, I think we have closed the gap on some of those teams. We’ll be able to start eight kids on both sides of the ball who have started or played a lot. Except this year, they are bigger, faster, stronger and more game ready.” The players have more experience, more knowledge and without a doubt a big chip on their shoulder pads. Unity remains young and boasts a roster of roughly 17 players, but Ackerman sees a team not only ready to make a mark on the eight-man league but eager to do it.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
10.13
AT HARVESTER CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
10.22
AT YOUNG AMERICANS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
10.27
AT CHEROKEE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL REGION 0-4 2016 RECORD Overall 0-8 HEAD COACH Mark Ackerman
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Rockmart Yellow Jackets
SCHEDULE
8.18
AT CEDARTOWN
8.25
AT PIEDMONT, AL (CED)(D)
9.01
AT WOODLAND, CARTERSVILLE
9.15
AT ARMUCHEE
9.22
DADE COUNTY
9.29
AT CHATTOOGA
10.13
TEXT / IAN GRIFFIN
PEPPERELL
10.20 COOSA
10.27
AT GORDON CENTRAL
11.03 MODEL
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REGION 6-1 2016 RECORD Overall 10-3 HEAD COACH Biff Parson
WHEN BIFF PARSON took over as the Head Coach for the Rockmart Yellow Jackets, he was tasked with what most called a rebuilding project. The Jackets had not enjoyed a winning season since a 7-4 campaign in 2010 and were coming off a 2-8 record in 2015. 2016 marked their return to Region 7-AA and while Parson deflects the credit to his player's buy-in, the new head man wasted no time making Rockmart a contender again. “Success came a lot quicker than we’d hoped,” says Parson. “We start every year with the same goal, and that is to compete for a region championship. We came darn close to getting it done and now our focus is to use that as motivation to get over the hump and bring this city its first region championship since 1988. It’s been too long.” In order to achieve that goal, the Yellow Jackets will have to replace 18 seniors from last year’s roster and no position will feel the sting of those losses more than the secondary. “We don’t have a lot of guys with significant grass time in our defensive backfield,” quips Parson. “Lucky for us, we have two quality scrimmages and two really tough non-region games before we get into region play. I believe these young players have the ability and will gain the experience they need in those four games to be ready for the meat of our schedule.” Those senior departures won’t be felt as
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
much at other position groups. Three starters return on the offensive line, anchored by 3-year starting center Cade Holder and “Mr. Everything”, Marcus Smith, returns to play just about every position on the field. Splitting time with Smith at QB is another junior in Dylan Bailey, who threw for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, so the offense should continue to score points in bunches. If the defense finds their footing, there is no reason the Jackets can’t compete for a 7-AA region title. With their first game coming against their biggest rival in Cedartown, the schedule will certainly make that path more challenging for the Jackets, as they have only four home games the entire season. That road warrior mentality is something the coaching staff is trying to instill over the summer to give their players the edge they need to survive such a daunting slate of games. “I firmly believe that Region 7-AA gets overlooked concerning the level of competition week in, week out,” says Parson. “We tell our boys to be ready for a dogfight every Friday night, because the players and coaches in this region are going to give you their best shot, whether it’s at your house or theirs.” Their opponents can certainly expect the same from them.
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
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Cedartown Bulldogs
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SCHEDULE
8.18
ROCKMART
8.25
CHEROKEE CNTY, AL
9.01 GILMER
9.08
AT PEPPERELL
9.22
AT CARTERSVILLE
9.29
LAGRANGE
10.06
AT CENTRAL, CARROLL
10.20 TROUP
TEXT / IAN GRIFFIN
IT’S A NEW ERA for the Cedartown Bulldogs. Kelly Doyle begins his first season as head coach this fall, taking over for Scott Hendrix, and brings with him a passion and understanding of the program that could only come with a coach that has put in over 20 years at the school. Doyle was an assistant coach for the football program and the head baseball coach for the Bulldogs before taking his latest position, and he inherits a team that makes up for its lack of depth with an abundance of talent and experience. One such player, standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, is senior quarterback Trevon Wofford. The experienced gunslinger is just one of many skill position players that will lead the way for the Bulldogs this season and in Region 5-AAAA, they will need every one of them to compete for a championship. “Our skill players are as good as we have ever had around here,” says Doyle. “That along with the buy-in we are getting from our kids has everyone excited about what we can accomplish this season, and we are setting the bar at winning our region. We tell our kids that if you don’t want
to go out and compete for a championship you might as well not even step on the field. They understand that and even though we play in a really tough region, they believe we can get it done.” Last year’s squad finished at .500 for the season and had opportunities to win in three of their five losses. While Doyle retained several of the coaches on staff last season, he did bring in several new faces that include a new offensive coordinator and line coach. This blend of old and new will bring a few new wrinkles when it comes to schematics, but his staff’s primary mission has revolved around implementing a rigorous training schedule to improve conditioning. “Depth was a huge issue last year because of our numbers,” says Doyle. “We would go out and look great for three quarters and then run out of gas because most of our guys were going both ways. That isn’t easy to do, but we are determined to put in the work on the front end to make sure we have enough left in the tank to finish the game this season.”
10.27
REGION 2-4 2016 RECORD Overall 5-5 HEAD COACH Kelly Doyle
AT SANDY CREEK
11.03
CHAPEL HILL
With a rotation that includes days known as “The County Fair” and “Going to the Beach”, one might think this off-season is all fun and games. However, when the fair games include flipping tires and sled pushes and your beach day is conditioning in a sand pit, it takes the glamour out of the equation. Flank that with days dedicated to running in the summer heat and humidity, and you should have a bunch of Bulldogs ready to play to the final whistle. “I can say a lot of good things about these young men, but them buying in to the system is what means the most to me,” says Doyle. “That dedication is how you win championships and that is what we are trying to do.”
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Chattooga Indians
SCHEDULE
8.25
FORT PAYNE, AL
9.01
AT DAWSON COUNTY
9.08
AT RIDGELAND
9.15 COOSA
9.22
AT GORDON CENTRAL
9.29
TEXT / ELISE TALENT
ROCKMART
10.13
REGION 5-2 2016 RECORD Overall 6-4 HEAD COACH Charles Hammon
AT MODEL
10.20
C
AT ARMUCHEE
10.27
DADE COUNTY
11.03
PEPPERELL
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THE INDIANS have their work cut out for them in 2017 juggling the loss of 18 seniors, only returning two offensive starters and a demanding schedule. Chattooga saw some success last season in making it well into the Region 7-AA state playoffs before falling to Hapeville Charter in the quarterfinals. The Indians fell 30-21 to the Hornets after having a touchdown called back late into the fourth quarter that could’ve changed the outcome of the game. “We had some great expectations going into last year and we got banged up pretty bad early in the season. During the time we were banged up, we just didn’t know if we were going to get our momentum back or not. But, by the time we reached the end of the season, our kids seemed to be playing their best football. So, that’s a lot of fun when we get to the postseason knowing we’ve got a chance,” says Charles Hammon, head coach for the Indians. Offensive tackle Dustin Pope and former wide receiver and tight end turned projected starting quarterback, CJ Martin, are the only two returning offensive players taking the field for the Indians this season. Along with the turnover on offense, Chattooga has called upon David Gann and Chris Hodges to be co-offensive coordinators for the new pro-set offensive formation. Five of the 12 seniors this season will be taking the field as team captains including Pope, Martin, defensive-end Quintell Price, strong safety Montavius Shropshire, and defensive
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tackle T.J. Adams. Hammon notes that he has no questions about the leadership of the senior class going into this season. “These kids have been with me since the seventh grade and they know what we do and what’s expected, and can pretty much run the program themselves. So, they’re great to have here every day whether it be in the weight room, doing drills or whatever we’re doing,” says Hammon. Chattooga will face off against Fort Payne, Dawson County, Ridgeland, and the region teams of Model, Pepperell, Rockmart, Coosa, Armuchee, Dade County, and Gordon Central for what Hammon says will be a challenging season. “As far as being challenging, I would almost say the entire schedule. We don’t have a Friday night where we know we’re going to get our back-ups a lot of reps,” says Hammon. After defeating Lee-Huntsville, a 5A school out of Alabama, in their spring scrimmage game, Hammon says he is pleased with the way things are looking for the Indians. “We want to have a winning season, and we want to make the playoffs. We’ve got a great group of kids and they buy-in and want to play and have fun. We try to act right before we win or lose and that’s the main thing - getting something we can carry on with us for the rest of our life, and we base things on that,” says Hammon. Chattooga begins their season at home against Fort Payne on August 25, 2017.
KEY
GAMES TEXT / JIM ALRED
There are plenty of games to get excited about in the 2017 high school football season. Here is a sampling of contests that all could play key roles in deciding region crowns and showcase some amazing teams.
ROCKMART AT CEDARTOWN AUG. 18 The Battle of Polk County continues to be a great rivalry. Like several other games on this list, it has no playoff implications, but don’t tell that to the fans, coaches or players. Last season, the Bulldogs romped all over Rockmart. Bets are the Yellow Jackets will be looking for revenge this year.
CALHOUN VS. DALTON AUG. 25 AND AT CARTERSVILLE SEPT. 1 These two games are meaningless as far as playoff implications and region titles go, but mean quite a lot to Calhoun. Last season, the Jackets lost both, including a drubbing at the hands of Cartersville. If the Jackets can win one or both of these games or be competitive with two-time state champion Cartersville, it could indicate the Jackets are back on track to possibly reach the semifinals or the Dome.
COOSA AT CHATTOOGA SEPT. 15 The Eagles would love to get back to the playoffs after missing the big dance the past two seasons. The Indians are hoping for a fourth consecutive trip to the playoffs. This early-season Region 7-AA game will give some insight into which team has the better shot at postseason play.
HOT, HUMID BARRON STADIUM (HARRISON AUG. 25, KELL SEPT. 8, CARROLLTON SEPT. 29) The first game is meaningless in region and playoff implications but sees the top-rated quarterback in the country, Justin Fields, bring a highflying offense into Barron against one of the toughest defenses in the state. The latter two games are must wins, if the Wolves want to repeat as Region 7-AAAAA champions. All three should see packed crowds at Barron.
MODEL AT DADE COUNTY SEPT. 15 The Blue Devils graduated a lot of talent off the 2016 team and opening Region 7-AA play on the road at Dade won’t be easy. A win here would give Model a big leg-up on reaching the playoffs for a sixthstraight year.
DARLINGTON AT BOWDON SEPT. 22 The Tigers face plenty of daunting region tests but the early-season contest against the Red Devils is key. A win would put the Tigers in the driver’s seat for a shot at the region crown. A loss doesn’t eliminate them, but would make the road ahead far tougher.
ARMUCHEE AT MODEL SEPT. 22, VS. COOSA SEPT. 29 The Armuchee Indians are hoping to enter the conversation when it comes to the region crown and the playoffs, but to do that they will need to grab an early-season region win or two. If the Tribe could win one or perhaps both of these games, a playoff appearance would be looming.
PEPPERELL AT ROCKMART OCT. 13 This game was the defacto Region 7-AA championship game last season and could easily prove the same in 2017. These two teams have a history of classic contests, and the winner of this game will probably be the favorite to win the region crown.
SONORAVILLE AT ADAIRSVILLE OCT. 13 Depending on how the Region 6-AAA South race is shaping up, this game could serve as an elimination game for either team or a game to help strengthen playoff and region title hopes.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017
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BETWEEN THE LINES
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BETWEEN THE LINE S
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2017