V3 2023 High School Football Preview

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

MY PARENTS USED TO TELL ME THE OLDER YOU GET, THE FASTER TIME FLIES BY. I remember thinking they were crazy. School years seemed to last an eternity, I never thought Christmas or my birthday would ever happen again, and most importantly for a pigskin fanatic like myself, the dog days of summer dragged on while I waited for the football season to arrive.

At the ripe old age of 43, I must admit, this season snuck up on me. I honestly can’t believe it’s time for high schoolers all over the country to lace up their cleats and kick this season off. 2022 was a season that saw a lot of area teams make deep playoff runs and the usual suspects should be in a position to repeat or exceed those efforts in 2023.

It is always a delight to bring the young men that entertain us all on Friday nights into our studio at V3 to put this issue together. A new season is a clean slate, and the excitement of its arrival is something they exude when they come in to get their pictures taken. It’s contagious, to say the least.

This season we also brought in cheerleaders, band members, and a few mascots to join in the fun. Their contributions to the atmosphere at stadiums across the region are such a huge part of what makes Friday nights in the fall so special. And as someone who’s not getting any younger, it’s a reminder of what a special time in their lives this is.

Northwest Georgia offers some amazing teams, athletes, coaches, and atmospheres to enjoy this sport we all love. Inside these pages, Jim Alred offers his insights into what fans of all our area teams can expect in 2023. It should be an amazing season.

And I’m sure it will be over in the blink of an eye. So soak it all in and best of luck to all of these wonderful young people that make Friday night lights shine.

OWNER & CEO

Ian Griffin

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Elizabeth Childers

WRITERS

Jim Alred, Ian Griffin

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Andy Calvert

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V3 Publications, LLC

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7 years”

2022 RECORD: 3-7, overall (1-5, region 7-a)

HEAD COACH: eric belew, first season

ARMUCHEE Indians

ALL TIME RECORD: 620 games - 215-394-11

TOTAL SEASONS: 64 first season: 1951

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2 (1994 last)

L-R: HAGEN TERRY, OLIVIA DORSEY, RYAN STRICKLAND, RYLAND STEEN

ENTHUSIASM AND

ERIC

EXCITEMENT PERCOLATE THROUGH NEW ARMUCHEE COACH

physical and super mature. If he makes a mistake, he fixes it immediately,” Belew says.

BELEW’S

WORDS as he describes the offseason for the Indians and the team’s chances as they prepare for the upcoming 2023 season.

First off, with a new head coach, it can sometimes take time for everyone to get on the same page, but Belew says the group at Armuchee is doing really well with that.

“Things have been going great. The kids have been doing a really good job of getting invested. It’s exciting to see them take in the new changes on offense, defense, and special teams and respond well,” he says. “They’ve taken everything in stride. The maturity of our team has really shown throughout the entire offseason.”

While every coach does bring changes, Belew notes he’s not making huge changes but rather minor tweaks on both sides of the ball.

“Really it’s just changing basic schematics. Our linemen are doing things differently and our quarterbacks are going to be making different reads. We’re not asking them to reinvent the wheel or anything. We are just moving them around,” he says. “We are running a different front on defense than in the past, and the players' ability to soak up and apply what we’re teaching them has been exceptional.”

The Indians' 2023 season finished with a 3-7 record, but the squad had a couple of close losses that could have gone either way. The Indians return a few all-region selections from the 2022 team and their presence along with several other players has Belew optimistic about the season.

“Ryland Steen (who was a second-team allregion linebacker last season) has absolutely shown out at a couple of camps. He is very talented and

Belew also mentions Jacob Seagraves, a receiver who earned first-team all-region honors last year, and Hayden Phillips, who earned secondteam all-region honors as a tight end last season, as key players.

“Seagraves on the perimeter is absolutely electric. He can not only go out there and make plays, but he can also turn on the jets,” Belew says.

While he doesn’t name a specific offensive lineman, Belew says the unit as a whole has been very impressive this summer, and he says they are all physical and love playing football.

At quarterback, Belew says both Blaine Ragland and Luke Lively have looked good and the two players are currently locked in a battle to be the starting quarterback. Belew notes that both also play a lot on defense as well.

The Indians play in Region 7-A, Division I, and that region is super tough. The Indians open region play with a home game against Coosa and a road game at Chattooga in mid-September. If the Indians could grab a win or two there then the possibilities of reaching the playoffs become much better.

When discussing the season and the toughness of the region, Belew gets a happy tone in his voice, and it’s easy to hear his excitement.

“To be honest, I’m really looking forward to seeing our kids have fun the first time we go up against other competition,” he says. “Just getting a chance to see them getting after it and competing this summer has been fun. It’s why we do this as coaches and teachers. We want them to experience what it feels like to work really hard and get positive results from that work.”

2022 RECORD: 3-7, overall (1-5, region 7-a)

HEAD COACH: joey mathis 8-20

COOSA Eagles

ALL TIME RECORD: 708 games - 345-347-16

TOTAL SEASONS: 69 first season: 1955

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 5 (1975 last)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2 (1969 last)

L-R: PACEY SMITH, ZANNAH WADE, WILL AYERS, CONNOR SOALES

ENTHUSIASM ENLIVENS COOSA COACH

JOEY MATHIS’ VOICE when he starts talking about the offseason and summer the Eagles’ football program has had.

“It’s just been a tremendous offseason. I’ve said it about 100 times already, but our attitude and our effort have been super,” Mathis says. “We started to close the gap against other teams last season, and we are working on trying to put four quarters together. Our staff also has done a great job helping to develop some depth, because last year we had a lot of kids that had to play offense, defense, and special teams and that’s a lot to ask.”

Many of Coosa’s hopes to improve from last season start by eliminating some of the mistakes. Mathis points out that he wants every Coosa offensive possession to end in a kick. Whether it’s a punt, field goal, or point after attempt, he doesn’t want the squad to turn the ball over.

“Now that we have helped create some depth, I think we need to work on some of the things that we can control. We need to eliminate turnovers,” he says. “We had a lot of great drives last year that we didn’t get anything out of, so we need to work on that. We also need to work on limiting explosive plays on defense and really focus on stopping the other team on third downs.”

By working on these aspects, the squad can focus on a goal that every team wants and that is to make the playoffs.

“Making the playoffs is the goal ever since we have been here. I believe you create your own luck, and the harder you work the luckier you get,” Mathis says. “We kind of feel like the number three and four spots in the region are a bit wide

open this season, and we’re hoping that we can make the plays to possibly get us in position for one of those playoff spots.”

To do that, several players will need to continue to play hard, and Mathis names several key players for the Eagle this season.

“Harrison East is going to be a player we rely on a lot on both offense and defense,” he says. “Connor Soales is a 6-6, 300-pound lineman with some college offers, and he’s going to be big for us too.”

Other players Mathis mentions are Jyshughn Turner, Lavanye Millsap, Pacey Smith, and Jaylen Worfford.

He also jokes that he has three different sets of brothers who are all going to be seeing the field for the Eagles this season.

“Sometimes it can be hard trying to keep track of everyone who is in or out when you have so many brothers playing for you,” he says.

Along with not making mistakes and taking care of business, Mathis says he thinks team chemistry will play a huge role in this year’s squad.

“I’ve always said team chemistry is very important. I think our team chemistry is great. Our seniors have done a great job of leadership. I’ve got a tremendous staff, and they do such a great job building relationships between us and our kids,” he says. “The players know we care about them, and they know we want to push them sometimes beyond where they can go themselves.”

And it’s that chemistry, team bond, and work that has Mathis and company excited for what the 2023 season has in store.

2022 RECORD: 11-1 overall (6-0, region 7-a)

HEAD COACH: wayne groves, first season

DARLINGTON Tigers

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN TWO DECADES, the Darlington football program will have a major change on the sideline. After longtime coach Tommy Atha retired last season, the Tigers brought in Wayne Groves to be the head coach.

Groves had been an assistant at Rome for a while, and his defenses were renowned around the state for playing tough football.

ALL TIME RECORD: 1,035 games - 627-371-37

TOTAL SEASONS: 113 first season: 1910

“We settled in and we got rolling. We started the first week of April, so we got a two-month head start on summer, which we needed. I felt like I was three months behind when I walked into the building,” Groves says. “I took over all the strength conditioning programs for all athletics. I wanted to install my system and speed program.”

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 12 (2022 last)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1 (1998 last)

Sometimes a shift at the top and lots of changes can upset the apple cart so to speak, but the Tigers' players have taken everything in stride getting to know the new coaching staff and working in the new programs.

“The kids have done a good job of buying in. I’m still running the defense and coaching linebackers. At a smaller school, a head coach has

to coach, and I still wanted to coach a position and still wanted to run the workouts,” Grove says. “We started summer after that first week of June. Attendance has been phenomenal with about 99 percent attendance.”

Attendance and buy-in are super important, as the coaches are teaching new systems and terminologies to the players.

“We have a new offensive and defensive system with new terminology and schemes, and this summertime has been invaluable,” Grove says. “Of course, the main thing is I have to get the kids in here trusting and believing in me. They have to see that they can count on me, and that I have a plan.”

Helping lead the new offensive system will be D’marion Floyd, who was the Tigers’ leading rusher in 2022 while earning all-state honors. All told he tallied more than 1,000 yards rushing.

Groves mentions several players who could make an impact at wide receiver including Talan Shirey, Hendrix Jones, Jake Trebus, and Miles Twyman.

The Tigers' offensive line did lose a few key players to graduation but also brings back some experience with Jack Chandler. Mackay Rush also got moved to the offensive line to help shore it up some as well as Connor Ellison.

“Our defense has six starters coming back, including Sam Wooten. He’s a junior that is a big, strong kid,” Grove says. “Noah Duggan will be an outside linebacker, and I expect big things from him.”

Groves mentions that the secondary might be the strongest spot on defense with Shirey and Floyd playing cornerback. Both players are threeyear starters. Groves says Sammy Kunczewski will start at strong safety and Trebus will also be a big name in the defensive backfield.

One question that will be answered closer to the start of the season is who takes over as the Tigers’ quarterback. Right now Kunczewski, Luke Parker, a transfer from Cartersville, and Henry Ledbetter are all battling it out for the spot.

“We’re trying to sort that out, and it’s great because it’s helping us build depth at that position,” Groves says. “I feel really good about all three of them.”

The Tigers open with a difficult non-region slate to help them prepare for what will be a tough region schedule.

“I’m not as familiar with the teams in this region. I think it will be a very competitive region. It could easily come down to a blunder or one different detail in a game,” Groves says.

As far as how the Tigers could fare this season, Groves says it could come down to a couple of key things.

“We feel really good about our skill guys. It’s just going to be the offensive line, the defensive line, and the players learning the new terminology and the new scheme,” he says. “If they develop the way we think they can, we’ll have a chance. That is the key.”

2022 RECORD:

6-5 overall (4-2, region 7-aa)

HEAD COACH: jeff hunnicutt 21-23

MODEL Blue Devils

ALL TIME RECORD: 794 games - 364-412-18

TOTAL SEASONS: 82 first season: 1931

A SOLID GROUP OF RETURNERS, GOOD NUMBERS OVERALL, AND A RISING FRESHMAN CLASS THAT WON A CHAMPIONSHIP as eighth graders have the Model coaching staff excited about the 2023 football season.

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 3 (1979 last)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 3 (1979 last)

“Our numbers are looking good. We have about 70 kids. Those are great numbers, and we’ve also got a great bunch of returning seniors,” Model coach Jeff Hunnicutt says.

The Blue Devils also took advantage of the summer participating in some seven-on-sevens and a couple of OTAs.

L-R: JOVON SAMPLES, LILLIE ESPY, KEITH SPRAYBERRY

“We really just enjoy doing those so that our kids can get out and compete with other kids,” Hunnicutt says. “We just had a good level of competition this summer.”

When talking about returning starters, perhaps the biggest name mentioned, quite literally, is Jeremias Heard, a Tennessee commitment. Heard stands about 6-8 and is awfully hard to miss. He will be a key player for Model, playing some on the line and even as a tight end.

Jake Sanders, who came in as a quarterback during the Trion game last year due to an injury, returns to the position, and Model coaches are happy with his progress.

“There aren’t many teams with quarterback returning in the region. Sanders threw for about 1,100 yards last year,” Hunnicutt says.

Two of his key targets will be Keith Sprayberry and Amir Pinkard.

“Sprayberry is going to do some good things playing both ways,” Hunnicutt says. “Pinkard is going to move from corner to safety on defense, and he is probably our best route runner on offense.”

Hunnicutt also notes that Jeremiah Gamble is probably going to need about 10 touches a game with his explosiveness. He also says Javon Samples is going to do good things at running back and tight end and is also one of the key leaders on the defense.

Model did end up taking a hit to their schedule when Cherokee County, Alabama, had to pull out of the season-opening game. Because of that, the Blue Devils will only play nine games this season.

“As soon as we got back from our Christmas break, we started lifting weights and started talking about going for the region title. It’s probably going to go through Rockmart, but I’m expecting everyone in this region to be fighting for all four of those playoff spots,” Hunnicutt says. “I hope that we are one of the teams fighting for the top spot.”

Hunnicutt says the play of the offense and specifically the quarterback is going to be one of the big keys to the Blue Devils’ success this season.

“Our quarterback play is going to be key to our offense this year. We’re going to run the football, but a few things have changed offensively for us as far as nomenclature,” he says.

Hunnicutt also talks about the importance of building depth for the squad.

“We’ve got to create some depth and helpfully stay away from tough injuries,” he says.

While the goal of possibly winning region title is foremost in their minds, another big goal sits out there as well.

“We really want to get a home playoff game and win that home playoff game. I’m not sure if Model has won a home playoff game since the 1979 team that won the state title,” he says.

With the numbers, attitude, and a new turf field, the Blue Devils can’t wait to get the season started.

“Everyone is really looking forward to this season. People are excited because we have a brand new turf here at Model,” Hunnicutt says. “I’m just looking forward to getting this thing rolling.”

2022 RECORD: 6-5 overall (4-2 region 7-a d1)

HEAD COACH: rick hurst 56-34 1 region championship

PEPPERELL Dragons

ALL TIME RECORD: 774 games - 419-341-14

TOTAL SEASONS: 74 first season: 1937

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 4 (2016 last)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1 (1990 last)

L-R: GRACIE PRESLEY, ERICK JENSEN, PEYTON OWEN, SARAH GEE

A DEFINITE YOUTH MOVEMENT IS UNDERWAY AT PEPPERELL.

The Dragons are young, but coach Rick Hurst points out that the offseason went well, and that while the players may be young they are ready to step up and see if they can get the Dragons back to the state playoffs again in 2023.

“We’ve had really good attendance all summer long,” Hurst says. “We do have a lot of younger players and our numbers are down a bit, but we really like what we do have.”

The team’s youth will definitely be tested early on in the season.

“We’ve got a lot of young guys, and they have to grow up really quick. We have a lot of sophomores, who didn’t play as freshmen,” Hurst says. “That’s sometimes really tough to ask a sophomore to step in but these kids have known this since January, so it’s time for them to step up.”

One key player stepping into a different role this season is sophomore Sam Ross. Ross played primarily at defensive back last season and was one of the team leaders in tackles. This season he takes over the starting quarterback role for the Dragons.

“He is a very talented athlete, and he gives us a threat in both running and throwing. He’s been making good decisions all summer but he’s only a sophomore and will go through some growing pains at quarterback,” Hurst says. “I think people will be impressed with his athleticism.”

Pepperell lost their dynamic running back, DJ Rogers, to graduation, but Rogers’ younger brother Tyler is waiting in the wings.

“I think any time you lose a major player like DJ Rogers that’s kind of hard to replace. I’ve been impressed with his younger brother Tyler. He is

going to be a force to deal with as a sophomore,” Hurst says. “He didn’t play tons last year, but he showed some flashes and has had a good summer catching it and running it.”

Hurst mentions that last year’s starting quarterback Erik Jensen will move to a wideout or tight end role this year and will be all over the field for the Dragons. He also says the line will be anchored by Eliot Goggans and Peyton Owen.

“Those two are big bodies that can definitely move people around,” Hurst says.

Like many years, Pepperell faces a daunting non-region schedule that should get the Dragons honed and ready for the start of region play in late September.

“We came out of the same non-region schedule 2-2 last year. If we could go .500 again this year or even come out with three or four wins, that would really give us momentum heading into region,” he says. “Hopefully, we can get better every week and stay healthy.”

If so, the Dragons could definitely be in the mix for the region title and another trip to the state playoffs.

“I think Trion is probably the favorite because they return a lot. After that there are probably three or four teams battling for the two, three, and four spots,” Hurst says. “It’s really a grind week in and week out. If we can stay healthy, our goal is to make the playoffs and host a playoff game here.”

Although the Dragons are young, several players have experience and a good offseason could have Pepperell ready to compete for the region title and get back to the playoffs. NEED

2022 RECORD: 12-2, overall (6-0, region 6-AAAAAA)

HEAD COACH: john reid 86-19

5 region championships

2 state championships

ROME Wolves

A SLEW OF TALENTED PLAYERS RETURNING FROM A TEAM THAT REACHED THE CLASS 6A SEMIFINALS before falling to eventual state champion Langston Hughes has the Wolves primed to attempt to make a run at another region title and possibly a deep run into the Class 6A state playoffs this fall.

Before he talks about that, Rome coach John Reid has a quick warning.

“I think it’s kind of silly to be talking about winning state championships when you’re a Class 6A football team,” he says. “So much goes into it.

ALL TIME RECORD:

367 games - 257-109-1

TOTAL SEASONS: 34

first season: 1992

We want to win state, but we need to win region and get home playoff games to be able to have a chance to get there.”

The Wolves also have a mini speed bump of sorts to clear as six coaches departed in the offseason, including two who took head coach positions. Reid wasted no time bringing in replacements and praised his new coaches and players for not allowing the changes to become a distraction.

“I think the coaches and the players did a great job of getting in here and adjusting to all the

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 12 (2022 last)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2 (2017 last)

changes,” he says. “We started making changes early in the offseason with our conditioning and weights program, and the kids and coaches did great with it.”

Something that makes the transition easier is the large amount of talented players Rome has returning from last year’s squad. The Wolves bring back a slew of quality players at almost every position on the field. Rome also has some younger players locals may not quite know yet ready to step up into bigger roles.

L-R: REECE FOUNTAIN, JONAH ROWELL, JALIYAH POTTS, DEKAYLON DANIEL

On offense, quarterback Reece Fountain returns. The senior holds a slew of Rome passing records and has taken a ton of snaps. One of his favorite targets, wide receiver DK Daniel is back as well a year after being chosen as the region’s offensive player of the year. Daniel leads a deep and talented group of receivers for the Wolves.

Reid also points out the offensive line returns a lot of quality starters.

“We have some good kids coming back on the offensive line. Byington at center, Jarvis Adams, Cesar Parker, and others,” he says. “Our line has a chance to be a very good unit this fall.”

Reid also has high praise for the defensive line, where Rome has a history of producing top-notch talent over the past few years.

“I think the defensive line has a chance to be one of our best ever. Rishard Sullivan, Justin Terrell, Treyvon Adams, and some others can be really good,” he says.

Rome also has a wealth of talent in the defensive backfield with Joe Wilkinson, Jaedon Harmon, Rae Sykes, and a handful of others.

The Wolves are a bit leaner than usual at linebacker but Reid believes some of the younger kids who haven’t made big names for themselves yet may have a chance to step up and contribute this season.

“I’d say our linebackers probably need the most work. But we have some players who I think are going to turn some heads this fall,” he says.

Rome’s early season schedule also presents some challenges with the Wolves playing a tough Cass squad in the Corky Kell Classic at Barron Stadium to open the season. The Wolves also play host to Carrollton and Pebblebrook before kicking off region play in late September.

“We know that some of those early games are going to be big, and we just need to be able to stay focused and not get too high or too low whether we win or lose,” Reid says.

Region play begins with Rome at Allatoona, the team that finished as region runner-up last season. Although Rome went undefeated in the region in 2022, Reid notes the region is anything but easy.

“There are a lot of good coaches and some challenging teams in this region. Almost every team is bringing back their quarterbacks, so I’m expecting every game to be tough,” Reid says. “The big question is which team is really going to step up and challenge everyone else.”

As far as trying to rise to the challenge, Reid says the philosophy at Rome is simple. He doesn’t want a wolf to beat a wolf.

“A lot of it is really up to our players. They need to buy in, be leaders and do what we expect of them. We don’t need pre-snap penalties. We don’t need stupid post-snap penalties. We don’t need to miss workouts or have bad attitudes,” he says. “If we come to play and be good teammates and buy into everything, then we’ll be fine.”

2022 RECORD: 11-1

HEAD COACH: david humphries

UNITY Lions

UNITY CHRISTIAN’S FOOTBALL PROGRAM

MIGHT BE ONE OF THE BEST-KEPT SECRETS in Rome and Floyd County. The team plays eightman football in the GAPPS (Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools) association where over the last three years they have won a state title, reached the state semifinals, and reached the finals.

In last year’s final, Unity scored a late touchdown to take the lead against Sherwood

TOTAL SEASONS: 13 first season: 2010

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2 (2020 last)

Christian Academy only to watch Sherwood score a late touchdown. The Lions, refusing to give up, were tackled at the 12-yard line as time expired or else they might have scored another touchdown to take the lead.

“I think one thing that has happened here is that we’ve had a lot of success. This team has more wins than anybody else in the county or city over the last few years. We won a state championship three years ago, went to the semis two years ago

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1 (2020 last)

and last year made it to the finals,” Unity coach David Humphreys says. “This team is used to winning. They’re an exciting group to watch. I’m just so proud of them, and they are working their tails off right now.”

One issue facing the Lions entering the 2023 season is that several key players from last year’s squad have departed, leaving the Lions with some big holes they need to fill, However, Unity also brings back some key players from last year’s squad.

L-R: EMMA MCWHORTER, EVAN WHITESIDE, ABBY CHIVERS, BEN ROOKE

“First off, we have our quarterback Evan Whiteside coming back. He rushed for more than 2,300 yards and accounted for 47 touchdowns between running and throwing,” Humphreys says. “He’s also only a junior.”

They also bring back Whiteside’s brother, Elliott, who plays center and nose guard.

“Elliott is a dang good ballplayer. He started last year, and he will be the anchor of our lines this year,” Humphreys says. “We do feel like our offensive and defensive lines will be one of our stronger position groups this year.”

Humphreys notes that senior Ben Rooke will be moving to tight end and linebacker this year a year after being a big contributor on both sides of the ball.

“Davis Blankenship started every game last year for us. He was another lineman that was kind of the surprise of the year last year because he was only a ninth grader,” Humphreys says. “From there we are pretty young. Ondreo Sawyer saw limited time at receiver and corner last year. He’s a very talented kid. Kyler Williams started at Holy Ground in the past couple of years. He’s an older kid that will help us at linebacker and receiver.”

Developing depth is also kind of a tough issue in eight-man football given that the rules in GAPPS limit eight-man teams to a roster of 20 players. Humphreys, who has coached at several schools over the last three decades, says the limit is a bit tough for him and forces him to change a few things.

“One of the big changes for me was practice. When you’re practicing with 20 players, you can’t do a three-hour practice,” he says. “I have to hold myself in check and not get too far out in front of these guys.”

Because of the large numbers of underclassmen Unity will need to step up, Humphreys notes it can be both fun and frustrating at the same time.

“First off you start off and you chew your fingernails as you see these guys. In a lot of places I’ve been you don’t expect ninth and 10th graders to hardly even practice. Here they get the opportunity of a lifetime. They get quality reps,” Humphreys says. “We get to watch their maturity. Typically, you think most ninth and 10th graders might be mentally inept because they have never been asked to do these things. These kids mature a lot faster than they would on other teams, and it’s fun to watch."

Humphreys mentions a few teams to watch out for this year in GAPPS, including Sherwood Christian, Praise Academy, Vidalia Heritage, and Lafayette Christian. However, he also notes that with only 20 players on a roster, if a school can get a couple of move-in players, it can make a huge difference for the team.

“There will always be that team that shocks everybody. We played Praise Academy last year. They didn’t have a whole lot of players, but it was a dogfight the entire game,” he says.

As for what Unity needs to do to possibly make another deep run into the state playoffs, Humphreys says a few things could be key.

“The main thing we have to do is that we can’t look at the product. We just have to get better each and every week,” he says. “The one thing we can’t recover from is self-inflicted wounds. We can’t have penalties and can’t have turnovers. If we can minimize those, I think we will be fine. It may take a game or two to get our sea legs underneath us, but I think the group will do well.”

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2022 RECORD: 10-2, overall (7-0, region 6-aaa)

HEAD COACH:

jon cudd 10-2

1 region championship

ADAIRSVILLE Tigers

ALL TIME RECORD: 708 games - 389-308-11

TOTAL SEASONS: 68 first season: 1956

ENTERING THE 2023 SEASON, ADAIRSVILLE’S FOOTBALL TEAM SEEMS TO BE IN SOLID SHAPE, and the Tigers are aiming to see if they can break through this season and get past the second round of the state playoffs, a hurdle that has hindered them the past several seasons.

“Our aspirations are to go further in the playoffs and to get past the second round. We’ve been in the second round several times but only been in the third round once since I’ve been here,” Adairsville coach John Cudd says. “We’ve got a lot of guys who have been on the staff here

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 9 (2022 last)

a long time, and we would like to get over that hump and get past the third round.”

Last season, Adairsville won the region title and 10 games before falling to eventual state semifinalist Oconee County in the second round of the Class 3A State Playoffs.

L-R: JONATHON GAUGH, BELLA PICK, ETHAN BLOME

This year, The Tigers return a lot of talent from last year’s team.

“We have 17 or 18 kids that have started a high school football game coming back for us. We probably played more kids last year than we’ve ever played before,” Cudd says. “When you have those back-to-back classes of 25 seniors and juniors, you are able to build some depth.”

Two big components coming back for Adairsville are three-year starting quarterback Jonathan Gough, who threw for more than 1,000 yards and rushed for almost 500 last year. He’s joined in the backfield by running back Ethan Blome, who tallied more than 1,500 yards in 2022 even though he had to miss a few games due to injuries.

“Bobby Campbell is also a big name for us. He’s started every game since he was a freshman, and he’s the anchor of our offensive line. He’s a great player and exactly what you want in a player and a leader,” Cudd says.

Cudd also mentioned Jett Johnson and Andrew Foster at defensive line as players who started every game last season and have high motors and great work ethic as well.

“Another one is Jamarian Pullman. He was an all-region cornerback last year, and he has really taken his game to another level, He is going to be a contributor for us on both sides of the ball this season,” Cudd says.

Along with the returners, Cudd mentions a couple of other players for fans and opponents to watch out for in 2023.

“Tre Winters is coming back. He’s kind of a new name. He started on defense last year. He’s

going to play a lot of offense. He’s a big, tall basketball kid that can go get the football. He has had a really good summer for us,” Cudd says. “We expect big things out of Tamarius Wilkey and Xavious Nalls. They played a lot of football last year but didn’t get the recognition that some of the others did.”

Having a lot of players coming back to this year’s team is huge for the Tigers, but so is keeping the coaching staff together.

“We’ve got a lot of guys on this staff that have been together for a long time. After Coach Bishop retired, we still have six or seven guys on staff that have been together for about 12 years. That’s kind of unheard of in this day and age,” Cudd says. “We’re a tight-knit group. We’re very fortunate that we have hired some guys that have played for us and hired some young guys we feel good about. It’s a blessing to be a part of this where you can put roots down and be with a great group.”

When asked about what it’s going to take for this squad to possibly repeat as region champs and make a deep run into the playoffs, Cudd doesn’t hesitate.

“The first thing is this group needs to come together as a team. I think the way that everything is set up, we are becoming more individualistic. Everybody is out doing their own thing,” Cudd says. “We have to find a way to get back together and be a team. I believe the sky is the limit for these guys. We have a ton of talent, but talent can only take you so far. We need to play together and reach our potential together. If we can do that, we will be right where we want to be.”

CARTERSVILLE Hurricanes

2022 RECORD: 12-2, overall (4-1, region 7-AAAAA) HEAD COACH: conor foster 46-6 2 region championships

WHEN TALKING ABOUT THE UPCOMING 2023 SEASON AND THE PREPARATIONS THE PURPLE HURRICANES HAVE MADE FOR IT, Cartersville coach Connor Foster brings up a word that he thinks is key for the program - continuity.

While the Hurricanes have to replace several starters from a squad that reached the Class 5A State Semifinals, Foster talks about how important it has been to keep mostly the same coaching staff together.

“I think we’ve had a great offseason. All of our coaches are back from last year and we added one more coach. I’m just really excited about having the continuity with the staff,” Foster says. “We

ALL TIME RECORD: 1,079 games - 717-332-30

TOTAL SEASONS: 111 first season: 1909

did lose quite a lot from last year’s team, but we have a lot of guys who have played in games over the last few years. It’s a fun group with a lot of great chemistry.”

One of the key factors in helping the Hurricanes have a better chance to reload with players who have game experience is that the team has regularly made deep runs into the playoffs and had some games with lopsided scores allowing other players a chance to see the field and get several extra weeks of practice.

“It’s really huge for us. A couple of years ago we took a different approach. We play so many more kids than we ever have and are more intentional

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 22 (2021 last)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 4 (2016 last)

that we are creating depth for the future by playing them,” Foster says. “That’s a huge advantage, especially with our young guys. We try to keep as many freshman and junior varsity players out as we can. It’s almost like they get an entire fourth or fifth year and it makes a huge difference for confidence and from a learning standpoint. It’s also big just to see what the playoff atmosphere is like just getting in a play or two against schools like Warner Robbins.”

The Hurricanes also eschew something that most other area teams do a lot in the summer months, and that is visiting OTA camps and seven-on-seven competitions.

L-R: MALACHI TOLIVER, LYDIA CHILDERS, KHRISTIAN LANDO

“We’re probably the exception to all that stuff. We go to a couple of seven-on-sevens. We throw with a couple of local schools. We don’t go to any OTAs or padded camps. We don’t play a spring game. We try to take the offseason and really focus on ourselves,” Foster says. “I think at times it’s easy to get caught up in an opponent at OTA or a seven-on-seven camp, but I feel like we need to work on ourselves. It also creates some eagerness to get the pads on and get after somebody.”

When talking about this year’s version of the Hurricanes, Foster begins with the offensive line and senior Malachi Toliver, a UGA commitment.

“He’s a two-year starter and just a tremendous talent and a great worker. I think our whole offensive line is going to be good because we have four starters coming back,” he says. “Langston Hogg is another one to watch out for on the line. We’re going to be big up front. Offensively, we may be playing a slightly different brand of football than we have in the past.”

Foster also mentions that the squad has good depth at running back with several players ready to take handoffs and deliver yards this season.

“Khristian Lando, Luke McBride, and Richard Houston are going to get the ball, and they are exciting players for us. Jamauri Brice at wide receiver is only a junior, but he’s talented and has a lot of room to grow,” Foster says.

Foster points out that Nate Russell will be taking over the quarterback position after taking snaps in 19 of the Hurricanes' 40 quarters last season and throwing for more than 500 yards.

He also says that most of the names he’s mentioned on offense will be big contributors on defense as well, and he says the Hurricanes

have a super strong linebacking group.

“Our linebackers with Bradfield, McBride, Kelson Mitchell, and others have a chance to be good, and we are really excited about defensive back Xavier Parker. I think he has a chance to have a big year for us,” Foster says.

Along with that, Foster adds that he knows there are going to be some names he hasn’t mentioned and fans may not be familiar with that will step up as the season progresses.

“There are going to be some other players who have big years for us. I think that’s one of my favorite things about each season because we don’t know who these guys are that are going to surprise us,” Foster says.

Cartersville will again have its work cut out for it in a tough region that saw all four playoff teams win first-round playoff games last season.

“Calhoun has a lot coming back after winning region last year. Dalton is always dangerous, Cass has one of the best teams it’s had in years and Hiram brings back 18 starters, so there are no easy games in this region,” Foster says.

As far as what it’s going to take to possibly chase the region title and make another deep run into the playoffs, Foster lays that on the coaches and the players.

“I think it’s all about us getting better every week and every day and focusing on being the best version of ourselves. We need to be intentional and specific about ways we can improve,” Foster says. “One of the words that has been big for us is refocus. I think elite teams are able to refocus. Can you get a big win one week and play even better football the next week and if you lose, can you refocus and get a big win the next week? That’s really important for us this year.”

2022 RECORD: 5-7, overall (2-3 region 7-aaaaa)

HEAD COACH: steve gates 16-17

CASS Colonels

EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING FOR THE CASS FOOTBALL PROGRAM. Last season, the Colonels, who historically haven’t had the greatest program, advanced to the second round of the Class 5A state playoffs before losing a heartbreaker to Mays 34-27.

ALL TIME RECORD:

701 games - 232-464-5

TOTAL SEASONS: 71 first season: 1953

This season, the Colonels return lots of talent, have a young crop of upcoming players, and look to continue to keep things trending in the right direction. But before anything else is said and done, Cass coach Steve Gates sends a quick message.

“We are still extremely young. We have several players with Division I offers but some of them

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1 (1983 last)

are still 14 and 15-year-olds. There is a lot of stuff about us on social media but that doesn’t mean a hill of beans when 14 and 15-year-olds are still having to go against a 17 or 18-year-old,” Gates says. “Just because social media says we are high and mighty doesn’t mean anything. We have three

L-R: JOHN MARK DRAPER, KEVIN HENDERSON, OLIVIA BARNETT, SACOVIC WHITE COVER: DEVIN HENDERSON

incredibly talented seniors but literally the next group are all sophomores and juniors.”

Those three seniors do pack a mighty punch for the Colonels. Devin Henderson was an all-state defensive back last season and the Region 7-5A Defensive Player of the Year. Kevin Henderson was all-state and all-region as a linebacker and Sacovie White was all-state as a wide receiver and was the region special teams player of the year.

Those three form a dangerous backbone of what promises to be an interesting Cass squad.

“There are the normal Sacovies, Devins, and Kevins that everybody knows about. And they are great players,” Gates says. “But we’ve also got some other guys who are really good too like Jakai Baldwin, Chase Tatum, and Jeremiah Deroche.”

Gates notes that Baldwin, a second-team allregion defensive back last season, is an unsung hero for the team and one of the best shutdown corners around.

“He shuts down the other side of the field, and I have 100 percent confidence about him guarding any receiver he faces this year,” Gates says.

Tatum, a sophomore tight end, has spent most of his life playing baseball and is just now morphing into a football player.

“He’s (Tatum) about 6’3” and 200 pounds and plays centerfield in baseball. He’s just now starting to realize how good he can be in football,” Gates says. “He’s somebody we are going to be counting on big time this season.”

Deroche is a rising junior inside linebacker that Gates says will be in charge of the box on defense.

The Colonels also bring back first-team allregion players Brodie McWhorter at quarterback, Mac Nelson at running back, and Kaden Ellis at defensive tackle, giving the Colonels plenty of

experience and star power across the field.

“Brodie is only a sophomore, and he’s already getting lots of looks from major schools,” Gates says. “He’s just a sophomore though and sometimes makes sophomore mistakes. Then he will turn around and make an elite throw, and you can see how much potential he has.”

Another key thing about Gates and the Colonels is that they don’t shy away from playing top teams. Cass opens the season this year again in the Corky Kell Classic against Rome at Barron Stadium on Aug. 18. The Wolves were a Class 6A Semifinal team last year.

“I don’t try to pad the schedule and just have us play Joey Bag of Donuts to get wins,” Gates says. “I want these kids to learn to deal with adversity and learn to deal with failure. That makes winning against the teams you beat that much more gratifying.”

Gates loves his players’ attitudes when they do go out and play top-notch teams.

“My kids will fight. They are not afraid of anybody now. In the past, when we would have a difficult game I would hear the rumblings ahead of time. Now I’m hearing that we get to play an opponent instead of we have to play an opponent,” he says. “That sentiment and that belief has already changed and the opportunity is there to showcase what we have. Anything can happen in any game fumbles, penalties, and turnovers.”

The Colonels also face a tough region 7-5A slate, which includes games against Cartersville, Calhoun, and Dalton. But the Colonels are used to it and with a few name players everyone knows and a few others people will learn about this year, Cass is primed to try to make another run into the Class 5A State Playoffs.

WOODLAND Wildcats

MORE EXPERIENCE, MORE HARD WORK, AND SOME RETURNING PLAYERS that are beginning to help change a mindset have Woodland coach Brandon Haywood super excited about the upcoming season.

The Wildcats finished 1-9 in 2022 but had several games that were close and Heywood understands the process of building the program.

“My mentor told me that when you’re taking over a program that has not been built on winning

that there are really four phases. The first phase is to create a sense of competitiveness. The second phase is to lose small. The third phase is to win small, and the final phase is to win big,” Haywood says. “I don’t believe in moral victories. And sometimes it’s tough to find a positive after a loss on Friday night, but we finally are starting to see a sense of confidence in our kids that hasn’t been around in a while.”

TOTAL SEASONS: 26 first season: 1998

That confidence and work ethic has shown in the offseason and this summer, as the squad prepares for the 2023 campaign.

“I think the summer is going extremely well. We are 180 degrees different as a team from this time last year,” Haywood says. “Just seeing the players in the system and understanding expectations. We’re getting some good senior leadership from a lot of kids. I put together as many seven versus seven games as I could to

2022 RECORD: 1-9, overall (0-5 region 7-aaaaa)

HEAD COACH: Brandon haywood 1-9

ALL TIME RECORD: 249 games - 72-177

L-R: MADI ANN TAFF, BRELACE WILLIAMS, FAITH OWENS

compete and a couple of OTA-padded camps. Right now, we are trending in the right direction. They are buying into what we are putting out.”

The Wildcats also have some good experience coming back with five returning players who earned all-region honors in 2022.

Those five players: Isaiah Livsey, Sam Carlsen, Kwadrus Wilson, Dylan Carver, and Zach Wiggins are all going to be counted on to play big roles this season.

“Isiah is a great running back, and we’re trying to find different ways to get him involved in the offense and try to create some matchup problems for opposing defense,” Haywood says. “Carlsen is a big offensive linemen. He’s been getting some looks from colleges and has really been excelling this summer.”

Haywood notes that Wilson might be the best defensive lineman in the region, as the interior defender recorded 60 tackles from his position.

“He’s destructive, and he’s really hard to block,” Haywood says. “We want to find different ways to get him more involved to create matchup problems.”

Dylan Carver an inside linebacker, who is a bit smaller than the typical linebacker size, makes up for his smaller size and weight by being a sparkplug on the field.

“Carver is known around the region as small dynamite. He is probably the smallest inside linebacker around, but he plays with a huge chip on his shoulder,” Haywood says. “The one thing people can’t measure is how big this kid’s heart is.”

Wiggins, a defensive back and wide receiver, rounds out the list of five returning all-region

players and the rangy defensive back with good hands helps the Wildcats on both sides of the ball.

“As coaches, we’ve tried to put these players in a lot of tough positions this summer just because region play is going to be a fight for our life in every game,” Haywood says. “And we’re not taking it easy in non-region play, because we have are starting off with Lassiter in a preseason game. We will see where we are.”

Haywood says he hopes to see the squad compete in the first couple of games and hopefully set the tone for the remainder of the season. The Wildcats open the regular season with East Paulding before taking on three Floyd County schools in Coosa, Model, and Pepperell and then facing Osborne before region play begins on Sept. 29 with a big away game at Cass.

“It’s always hard to take over a program. I think we are doing a better job this year by changing things offensively and defensively to fit our players better,” Haywood says. “We look and evaluate what we can do to help them, and that’s just letting them do what they are best at. I think we are doing a good job trying to utilize their skill set.”

Putting kids in the right positions, growing the right mindset, and continuing to build the program are all checkmarks on the list Haywood is using for the Wildcats.

“I’m just excited for the season. It’s always good to be in a spot where there are some low expectations. Everything the players have done might have surprised them,” Heywood says. “It’s no surprise to us. That’s one of the components we are building. Losing is a trait, but winning is one too. That’s what we’re aiming for.”

2022 RECORD: 2-8, overall (1-5, region 7-a d1)

HEAD COACH: roone gable, first season

CHATTOOGA Indians

IT’S NOT UNCOMMON FOR NEW COACHES TO GET A JUMPSTART on getting to know players and beginning to establish their philosophies and routines. Chattooga High’s new coach Roone Gable is no exception.

“Luckily, I was able to come in in January and bring in some other assistants that came in

ALL TIME RECORD: 646 games - 306-327-13

TOTAL SEASONS: 63 first season: 1961

March. With the remaining staff, we were able to get to work in the weight room and off-season work almost immediately,” he says. “We had a very good offseason. The kids have had to learn new systems on offense and defense, and it’s been fun just getting to know the players and having them get to know us.”

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2 (1974 last)

The solid offseason work morphed into a big summer for the Indians with solid attendance and a group that’s been sitting right at around 60 players.

“We’ve been holding at about 60 players this summer, but we want that number to be bigger. We only have seven seniors on this team so we

L-R: BUBBA BASS, BRANCYN SPEARS, ZAYDEN COOK, CRISSA ODUM

are still an underclassmen-heavy group here,” Gable says.

Although the underclassmen will need to step up, several more experienced players return for the Indians, including linebacker Bubba Bass who was all-region in 2022.

“He is a three-year starter, and he is definitely one of our leaders. He is also probably one of the hardest workers on this team,” Gable says.

Gable also mentions that seniors Korei Shaver, Ty Hall, and Hunter Brown are some other players that have done a good job stepping up for the squad and leading the team.

He also mentions that juniors like Dan Meyer and Quarry Gibson will also be key leaders even though they are just juniors.

“Gibson played quarterback and wide receiver last year. He is an explosive athlete, and we want to have the ball in his hands,” Gable said. “Meyer is another explosive kid on the outside. He is the kind of player that can catch a five-yard pass and turn it into a 50-yard touchdown.”

He also says that running back Zayden Cook is poised to have a good year. The junior has clocked at 4.5 in the 40 and finished third in the state in the 300 hurdles last year.

As for philosophies on offense and defense, Gable has made a couple of changes for the Indians.

“Offensively, we want to be as balanced as possible. We are still going to run the ball and be physical, but we want to be able to throw the ball. We have some good athletes on the outside, and we want the ball in their hands,” he says. “Our offense will be a mix between a pro-style and a spread-style team. We have a handful of playmakers, so it’s our job to get the ball in their hands.”

Danny Wilson will be the defensive coordinator, and Gable says the Indians will definitely find some ways to put pressure on opposing offenses.

“Danny is installing a new defense. We are aggressive. We want to bring some heat and pressure and be able to put pressure on the offense,” he says. “We feel like we have some athletes who can cover some people, so hopefully that pressure will do well for us.”

Chattooga plays in Region 7A, Division 1 and this season several coaches from the region mention that it looks to possibly be a bit wide open as to which teams might actually make the playoffs.

“I think that on paper, Trion and Darlington are probably the top two and then there is the rest of us. I think we are all in the same boat thinking that we might have a chance to get those three region wins and get to the playoffs,” Gable says.

To get to that position, Gable says some early non-region games could be the key for the young Chattooga squad.

“We need to have some early success. We need some good things to happen, and we need to stay injury free. If we can do that and build the belief in ourselves, I think we can be competitive,” he says.

Along with that Gable praises the assistant coaches and all of the players who have gelled and meshed over the offseason and into the summer.

“I was very blessed to bring on an amazing coaching staff. I joke all the time that there are over 300 wins and multiple state championships on my staff. I can’t say enough about our coaching staff and our kids buying in and putting in the work we asked to do,” he says. “We are excited about the future. It may not lead to a lot of wins this year, but the future is bright for Chattooga.”

2022 RECORD: 9-3, overall (5-1 region 7-a d1)

HEAD COACH: sean patrick 22-12

TRION Bulldogs

HOPE RUNS HIGH AT TRION WHERE THE BULLDOGS RETURN A LOT OF TALENT off a team that has reached the second round of the state playoffs two consecutive years. With the hard work from the off-season and the summer and the talent returning, the Bulldogs now look

ALL TIME RECORD: 946 games - 566-360-20

TOTAL SEASONS: 90 first season, 1933

to chase a region title and possibly find a way to get further in the state playoffs.

“We’ve had a good offseason. We are excited about this group. We have a lot of kids back that played a lot of snaps last year,” Trion coach Sean Patrick says. “We are hoping to build on what we’ve done the last couple of years.”

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 12 (2003 last)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2 (1974 last)

“Two years in a row, we have gone to the second round of the state playoffs. We lost a close one to Wilcox County two years ago, and we lost to a very talented St. Francis team last season,” Patrick says.

With the extra experience and a whole lot of the squad earning huge playoff experience the

L-R: TOBY MADDUX, KALYN BROWN CONTENTS: EZRA ADAMS

last two seasons, the Bulldogs find themselves in a bit of a different position entering the 2023 season as opposed to last year.

“We were really young last year. We were replacing eight starters on both sides of the ball. To have a 9-3 season with reclassification moving us into a different region and with replacing all those starters says a lot about our kids and our program,” Patrick says.

While the Bulldogs had to replace numerous starters on offense and defense last season, this season Trion has the luxury of having eight returning starters on both offense and defense.

Patrick does note that even with all of the starters returning, Trion is one of the smallest teams in the region and doesn’t have the luxury of depth.

The Bulldogs return three players who made the all-state team in Toby Maddux, Ezra Adams, and Andy Ramirez.

Maddux is a linebacker and running back and accounted for almost 1,900 yards last season with more than 1,000 yards rushing and close to 900 yards in receiving and return yards.

Adams, who plays offensive and defensive line, is an anchor for the Bulldogs on the line and has picked up some college offers. He’s also a three-year starter.

Ramirez is Trion’s kicker and is also just a junior. The three players give Trion lots of versatility and experience on offense, defense, and special teams.

“It’s a luxury to have this much talent and experience returning. We’re having to learn some new things on defense. Offensively, we can do a lot of stuff and that’s a credit to our kids learning our system and our coaches,” Patrick says.

He also points out that quarterback Kade Smith, who is a junior and set the school passing record last season, has been starting since his freshman season. Smith threw for more than 1,700 yards and 16 touchdowns last season

He also mentions that Lucas Stoker is a fouryear starter at linebacker and racked up more than 100 tackles in the past two seasons.

“Being able to have those two players as our field generals on offense and defense is really big,” Patrick says.

When asked about how this team can possibly improve on what the squad did the past two years, Patrick doesn’t hesitate.

“That’s really where intangibles come into play. We’ve got to get great leadership from these older guys. We also need to have some guys step up and make sure they hold their teammates accountable,” he says. “Hopefully, we can break through that second-round curse and move deeper into the playoffs, but we’ve also got to stay healthy.”

Patrick also notes that Region 7-A, Division I isn’t an easy region.

“Our region is really tough. We’ve got to strap it on and play every week. Every team in our region can beat you on any night,” he says.

Trion plays several non-region games to open the season including a date with Model, which reached the Class AA state playoffs last season, before opening the region slate on the road at Dade County. The Nov. 3 contest against defending region champion Darlington could be a huge contest as well.

ROCKMART Yellow Jackets

2022 RECORD: 1-3, overall (6-0, region 7-aa)

HEAD COACH:

biff parson 71-15

6 region championships

IT DOESN’T TAKE ROCKMART COACH

BIFF PARSON LONG TO GIVE A DETAILED RUNDOWN OF WHAT THE YELLOW JACKETS LOST TO GRADUATION. Last year, Rockmart won the region title and went to the third round of the Class AA State Playoffs before falling by a touchdown to eventual state finalist Fitzgerald.

While a lot of pundits and other coaches have pointed out that Rockmart might be the team to beat in Region 7-AA, Parson is quick to point out some other key factors.

ALL TIME RECORD: 899 games - 481-392-26

TOTAL SEASONS: 100 first season: 1923

“This reminds me of a lot of 2018 when we went and played for the state title, and we lost 23 seniors and a lot of those guys that played significant time. This year is similar to that,” he says. “We lost 15 seniors from last year and out of those 15, 10 were two-way starters and played significant roles. We lost a lot of speed. You don’t realize how much speed you lose until it’s gone.”

While the Jackets lost a lot from last year, the squad still has a good many weapons to utilize and has had a good off-season and summer.

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 15 (2022 last)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1 (1950 last)

“We’ve had a good offseason. Everybody has shown up. We’ve had a couple of padded camps and some seven on sevens and our middle school kids have gotten some work as well,” he says. “We feel like we’ve had a productive summer, but we feel like we still need some more time. We’ve got a lot to replace and we are in new territory replacing a lot of faces.”

Before anyone begins to worry too much about the Jackets, Parson points out that he and the coaching staff are used to it.

L-R: JD DAVIS, BRENT WASHINGTON

“That’s high school football in Class AA. You’ve got to patch it up. We’re not rebuilding. We want to reload and start the job of coaching the guys into positions to help the team,” Parson says. “We’ve got some experience coming back, and we’ve got some guys that have played a lot of football. We’re going to rely on those guys to help lead and guide the new faces.”

The first player Parson mentions is quarterback JD Davis, a three-year starter who was all-region last year and threw for just shy of 1,000 yards while also rushing for more than 350 yards. Davis is a threat to run or throw on every single play.

Another player Parson mentions is running back and linebacker Brent Washington, who played pivotal roles on both sides of the ball last season rushing for more than 400 yards and 10 touchdowns while also helping lead the defense.

Other players to look out for include Nahzir Turner and Bobby High, who both made the allregion team in 2022. Turner made the squad as an athlete and High as a defensive lineman. Parson also says he is excited about Tristan Anderson who also made the all-region team as a wide receiver and also plays defensive back.

“You’re looking at three or four guys that started the past three years and have had a lot of playing time,” Parson says. “These are the guys that have to help lead the team. We do have a lot of tackles and a lot of touchdowns coming back from last year.”

Parson also notes that Tristan Anderson is another returner that has played on both offense and defense and will contribute in 2023.

Along with that, Parson says that a lot of players were able to get some time on the field during games in 2022.

That could bode well because the offensive line is going to be young this season.

“We could be starting two freshmen and two sophomores on the offensive line. That’s just part of it though. We wouldn’t be putting them in there if we didn’t believe they could start,” Parson says.

And that also speaks to something that Rockmart has focused on over the past few years. When the Jackets have larger leads, they tend to begin subbing lots of players, allowing younger players the opportunity to get some big minutes in actual varsity games.

“We do call the dogs off at a certain score. We want to make sure that our program is getting work,” Parson says. “I’m not in the business of trying to score 80 points and the underclassmen don’t get under the lights. We start rolling in our younger guys when we get the chance to get them some good experience.”

Rockmart also plays a daunting early-season schedule, including games against larger schools like Cass and Dalton and cross-town rival Cedartown to help prepare them for the region schedule later on.

As far as what it’s going to take for the Jackets to make another run at the region title and a nice run in the playoffs, Parson doesn’t mince words.

“Really for us, I think it’s the word trust. The players need to trust the coaches, the process, and the grind. One of our deals that we talk about is just believing in one another and believing each guy has to do their job the best way they can,” Parson says.

And if the Jackets can do that, build on their experience while bringing the younger players up to speed, they could be right in the thick of the region race and a deep run in the playoffs yet again.

2022 RECORD: 14-0, overall (5-0, region 7-aaaa

HEAD COACH: jamie abrams 33-6 3 region championships

CEDARTOWN Bulldogs

ALL TIME RECORD: 1,057 games - 639-382-36

TOTAL SEASONS: 115 first season: 1907

REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS: 16 (2022 last)

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1 (1963 last)

L-R: NEVAEH BLYDEN, DREW LEDBETTER, CHUBB, TAIDJI NEAL

CEDARTOWN CAME WITHIN ONE YARD OF WINNING THE CLASS 4A STATE TITLE IN 2022 , but a late goal-line stand by Benedictine kept the Bulldogs from hoisting the championship trophy.

For some programs that would be a huge blow, but the Bulldogs treated it as a learning experience and got back to work as soon as possible.

“After that game was over, we got to go back to work. It’s the nature of the beast. There was no time to sit and feel sorry for ourselves, and we went full steam ahead in January,” Cedartown coach Jamie Abrams says. “We didn’t have a lot of time off, so we didn’t have a lot of time to sit and think about it.”

Along with getting back to work, the coaches began evaluating to see how they could fill some of the holes left by graduation.

“For us, we were really just trying to find the guys that can take the place of the guys that we lost. There are always guys who have been waiting in the wings and waiting for these opportunities,” Abrams says.

While the Bulldogs did lose several players from last year’s state finals team, they also brought back some key contributors as well.

Several all-region players return for the Bulldogs this season including Edgar Martinez, who plays tight end and defensive line, Jakoby Diamond, who plays center and defensive line, Demarcus Gardner, who plays cornerback and wide receiver, Taidji Neal, who plays running back, and a defensive back, Tae Harris and Sam Smith.

The Bulldogs did lose a lot of offensive production from last year’s squad to graduation, but Cedartown also had a lot of players get time on the field.

Having Martinez and Diamond back helps on the offensive and defensive fronts.

Gardner scored two recovering touchdowns last year and had 149 total receiving yards, while Harris contributed five total touchdowns either catching or running the ball for the Bulldogs.

“The experience we have coming back is invaluable to the team,” Abrams says.

That experience will help when the Bulldogs begin playing their schedule.

The Bulldogs won’t have an easy go of it as several solid teams populate their non-region roster. The season opens with county rival Rockmart, followed by games against Sequoyah, Calhoun, and Dalton, giving Cedartown plenty of opportunities to play some top-notch opponents before opening the region schedule on Sept. 29 against Central Carroll.

“Every one of our non-region opponents went to the playoffs in their classification last season. It means that we are going to be battle-tested,” Abrams says. “We also know because of what we’ve done the past couple of years, that we are going to be getting every team’s best game.”

When asked what it will take for Cedartown to win region again and possibly make another deep run in the state playoffs, Abrams’ comments are short and sweet.

“Basically we’re just going to have to do what we need to do to win,” he says. “I’d like to think that our guys have come in here from the winter to the spring to the summer with a great mindset to get better and to prepare for what they’re going to have to do to win.”

GAMES to WATCH

IT’S TOUGH trying to winnow a list of roughly 140+ high school football games to a select few viewers can’t miss. Without a doubt, some games on this list won’t turn out to be great, and some that didn’t make the list that could be instant classics.

However, I guarantee that several of these games are going to be huge, and many of the region contests listed will have major implications on both the region titles and the playoffs.

AUGUST 18

Rockmart at Cedartown

The annual grudge match between the Polk County schools is always an intriguing game. Both teams have made deep runs in the playoffs the past few years, so this one should be a lot of fun.

Cass at Rome

The nightcap of the Corky Kell Dave Hunter Classic games at Barron Stadium. Cass is getting all kinds of preseason hype given that they have a slew of athletes, including several with Division I offers. Rome returns a lot of talent from last year’s squad that reached the Class 6A State Semifinals. Oh, and Rome has a lot of players with major college offers too.

Unity Christian at Young American Christian

The Lions begin the season with a key region game against a Young American squad that reached the GAPPS state playoffs last season. Unity is looking to win the region title and get back to the state finals again and will need to be ready for this match-up.

AUGUST 25

Pepperell at Model

The Blue Devils got unlucky losing their seasonopening game to scheduling issues, so they will be playing for real for the first time. This is a non-region but both of these squads have serious playoff aspirations and this contest will help both squads get ready for their respective region slates.

SEPT. 1

Carrollton at Rome

These two squads have a nice little rivalry going. Two years ago, Rome’s win over Carrollton handed the Wolves the region title. Last year, the Trojans topped the Wolves in Carrollton in a close one and advanced all the way to the Class 7A State Finals. Both teams have a lot returning and aspirations of possibly playing the Benz at season’s end. This one could be an instant classic.

SEPT. 8

Pepperell at Woodland

The game features a non-region matchup between two interesting squads. The Dragons lost a lot from last year’s team but are hoping to get some big momentum early in the season before reaching region play. Woodland is coming off a tough year, but the Wildcats have a lot of momentum and would love a couple of non-region wins to get them prepped for the tough region slate.

Pebblebrook at Rome

This game turned into one of the key early-season wins for Rome in 2022 when the Wolves had to launch a game-winning touchdown drive with less than three minutes to play. The 7A Falcons will be looking to hit some big plays against the Wolves and this time try to finish off the deal. The Wolves will also be facing a tough team a week after having played Carrollton.

Adairsville at Cass

A big non-region game in Bartow County pitting two teams with hopes of deep playoff runs against each other. The Tigers return a lot of talent from last year’s 10-win squad and are hoping to get past the second round of the state playoffs. The Colonels also return a lot of talent and are hoping to make another run into the state playoffs. This one could provide lots of fireworks.

SEPT. 15

Trion at Model

This is a non-region contest between the squads but both teams harbor aspirations of region titles and deep runs into the playoffs, so this game could be a very good showcase of what the squads could do later in the season. This matchup has also produced some very fun games to watch over the past few years.

Lafayette Christian at Unity Christian

Unity gets a home against Lafayette, which reached the state semifinals last season before falling to eventual state champion Sherwood Christian. This is another big early–season test for the Lions.

SEPT. 22

Rome at Allatoona

The Wolves' first region contest might be the deciding factor in the region title hunt. Allatoona finished as the runner-up to Rome last year in the region and the Buccaneers might be the best chance for a region team to knock off the Wolves.

Coosa at Armuchee

Both the Eagles and the Indians are hoping to be able to grab the three region wins necessary to get to the playoffs. This game opens the Region 7A, Division 1 slate for both squads and they will be looking to make a statement. The winner still has playoff hopes while the winner will have a tough road to reach the postseason.

Darlington at Dade County

The Tigers have a couple of nice early-season matchups but this game could be the most intriguing. Dade County is a tough place to play and the Wolverines are somewhat enigmatic. Every season they tend to be a question mark, and the Tigers, who are looking to win another region title under new coach Wayne Groves, get the first crack at the Wolverines in region play. The winner gets set up nicely for the region race.

Adairsville at Ringgold

The Tigers should be the favorite to win Region 6-3A, and a win against last year’s region runnerup Ringgold would put them in a great spot for a shot at the region title and the state playoffs. A win here also puts them in the driver’s seat for the region title.

SEPT. 29

Cartersville at Calhoun

The Purple Hurricanes fell to Calhoun in overtime last season, paving the way for the Jackets to grab the region title. This year this game is at

Calhoun, and the Jackets return the bulk of last year’s squad. Cartersville has to replace a lot of players from last year’s state semifinal team, but this game will be good. The winner has the inside track to win the Region 7-5A title.

Rockmart at Model

The Jackets have a lot of firepower coming back from last year’s squad, but so do the Blue Devils. This is an early Region 7-AA match-up for both squads and the winner will most likely be the favorite to win the region title.

Cedartown at Central-Carroll

This might be one of the best Region 7-4A games of the season and it comes on the opening week of region play for both teams. The Bulldogs have been in charge of the region tile for a few years and Central is looking to knock them off the ledge.

Armuchee at Chattooga

This is another interesting early match-up in Region 7A, Division 1 between squads hoping to secure enough wins to sneak into the playoffs. With both teams having new coaches and both schools bringing back some talent, it will be very interesting to see how it plays out. Depending on how Armuchee fares the week before, this game could have huge meaning for them.

OCT. 6

Cass at Cartersville

This Bartow County rivalry has been one-sided the past several years, but Cass enters the season with a solid team that went to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs last season and is looking to make another run into the playoffs. Cartersville will have played at Calhoun the week before, so the winner of this game could be setting themselves up for a shot at the region title.

OCT. 13

Darlington at Pepperell

This game could go a long way in helping determine if either squad has a chance at a region title and the state playoffs. Both teams are used to being region contenders and state playoff bound, so this matchup should be at playoff intensity with the winner looking strong for a possible region title.

OCT. 20

Pepperell at Trion

A week after the Dragons face Darlington they hit the road to face the Bulldogs in what will be another big game in helping determine region standings and playoff seeding. Just like the week before for the Dragons, this game will play a big role in which team might win the region crown.

OCT. 27

Calhoun at Cass

Depending on how the rest of the region games play out, this game should factor into who wins the region crown. The pre-season hype is super high on both of these squads and if things go as pundits believe, both teams will be gearing up for what they hope will be deep playoff runs.

NOV. 3

Darlington at Trion

The Tigers won the Region 7A, Division I title last year, upending the Bulldogs. Trion returns a lot of talent from last year’s squad that reached the second round of the state playoffs. Both teams will most likely be playing to better their playoff seeding. If things go their way, the winner of this game could end up being the region champion.

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