Friday Night Lights. West Georgia Woman Magazine 2021 Football Preview.

2021 WEST GEORGIA football preview

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FEATURING: • BOWDON •BREMEN •BREMEN CARROLLTON • CENTRAL HARALSON COUNTY • HEARD COUNTY • MOUNT ZION TEMPLE • VILLA RICA • UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA

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2022 SPRING SPORTS PREVIEW Written by West Georgia’s Most Talented Sports Reporter, Corey Cusick

FEATURING: BOWDON BREMEN CARROLLTON CENTRAL HARALSON COUNTY HEARD COUNTY MOUNT ZION TEMPLE VILLA RICA UWG

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friday night lights There's something special about the bright lights at the local high school football field on Friday nights that evokes a sense of nostalgia in me. When I was in high school, I was a member of the marching band, and I enjoyed every single minute of each football season.

When I became older and had children of my own, my son, Zach, was also in the marching band. During those four years, I found myself right back on the football field every Friday night, reliving all those wonderful memories from my youth.

There's nothing quite like the excitement (or the smell of popcorn and nachos) that permeates the air during a local high school football game; children running around the bleachers, parents catching up with one another and cheerleaders rooting for the home team with the sound of brass instruments, woodwinds, whistles and cheers filling the air. I can't think of anywhere else I would rather be. in this special issue We are so excited to provide you with our first West Georgia Woman magazine 2021 Football Preview! We women love our football, too, and I've been wanting to publish an issue like this for a while now!

We have been working extremely hard so we could finish this fabulous special edition for you before football season officially Photo by Zachary Dailey begins. I hope you enjoy this exciting 2021 Football Preview as much as we enjoyed creating it for you.

This issue includes a season preview article, schedule, roster, quick facts information sidebar and tons of action photos featuring nine local high schools and the University of West Georgia.

Very special thanks to our community partner, Corey Cusick, for writing the articles included in our 2021 Football Preview. He is a terrific sports writer, and we are so grateful for his valued contribution to this special issue.

More special thanks go out to Zachary Dailey for taking all the headshots, action shots and other photos in this special issue. We couldn't do this without his amazing photos! Zach also designed our awesome cover!

From all of us at West Georgia Woman magazine, we are rooting for all our local teams and offer our best wishes for a safe and successful football season.

See you at the game!

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Volume 1 August 2021 WGW Sports: Fall Football Preview

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CONTENTS

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UWG Wolves Gear Up For Gridiron Return

Photo provided by the University of West Georgia, edited by Zachary Dailey

HIGH SCHOOL

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BOWDON

11

BREMEN

14

CARROLLTON

17

CENTRAL

22

HARALSON COUNTY

25

HEARD COUNTY

28

MOUNT ZION

31

TEMPLE

34

VILLA RICA

COLLEGE

37

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Central looking to build on playoff return this fall.

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West Georgia Woman Magazine TM

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Bowdon has a target on its back as defending region champ.

UWG

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WGW SPORTS AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 1 FALL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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Mabry Center – 201 Trojan Drive, Carrollton, GA, 30117 Applications are available at www.misswestga.com Deadline for applications: October 1st, 2021 Miss and Teen Director – Donna Barr For questions or more information, contact donnabarr@misswestga.com

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From the Hunter to the Hunted date Opponent 08/20

at Temple

08/27

vs. Bremen

09/03

at Haralson County

09/10

vs. Heritage, Newnan

09/17

OPEN

09/24

at Trion*

10/01

at Gordon Lee*

10/08

vs. North Cobb Christian*

10/15

OPEN

10/22

vs. Mount Zion*

10/28

at B.E.S.T. Academy*

vs. Armuchee* 11/05 *Indicates Region 6-A contest

Bowdon has a target on its back as defending region champ

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rom the hunter to the hunted.

That’s the status Rich Fendley has lifted the Bowdon High School program to since inheriting a 2-8 ballclub in 2018.

Now in his fourth year leading Red Devil football, the hard-nosed head coach has reinvigorated ‘The Friendly City’ into a rather unfriendly destination for opposing teams. And Fendley and his ‘Forks Up’ folks more than welcome the target as the defending Region 6-A champions.

But he’s been quick to remind his players that it’s a new year. Nothing is owed to them.

“I already told them, “It’s a new ‘The current region season, a new ballgame, and champion is the 2020 we’ve got to team. Not you guys.’ earn it every So we’ve got to come Friday night.” back and do all the little things the right way. We’ve got to practice the right way, we’ve got to watch film the right way,” Fendley said. “It’s a new season, a new ballgame, and we’ve got to earn it every Friday night.”

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Coming off back-to-back trips to the second round of the Class A Public state playoffs, Bowdon is focused on making a deep run in 2021 now that it has experience and an abundance of talent returning, including eight starters on defense and nine on offense.

Headlining that Bowdon brigade is junior quarterback Robert McNeal, the Junior reigning Region 6-A Player quarterback of the Year.

“This is Year 3, and if he progresses as he Robert McNeal. did from freshman year to sophomore year, he’s going to be a special player and we’re going to play a lot of football this year,” Fendley said. “He’s a hard-working kid, had a really good summer. He’s transitioning to a new offensive coordinator, but he’s got all five guys on the offensive line returning from last year.”

Another key weapon in the Red Devil arsenal is senior tailback Gage Stephens, who is coming off a monster 2020 performance.

Bowdon Red Devils Roster

“Gage has blown up No. 1 Tanner Langley this offseason. Not just No. 2 J’Kwon Cox on the recruiting trail and No. 3 Kizaiah Wilson offers, but he’s had a great No. 4 Chris Wyatt offseason as an individual.

No. 5 Javarius Glenn No. 6 Gage Stephens A weightlifting state No. 7 Luke Windom champion. He’s added No. 8 Kolton Drummond about 10 to 12 pounds to No. 9 Asher Christopher his frame, so he’s bigger No. 10 Isaiah Lay No. 11 Robert McNeal and stronger,” Fendley No. 12 Will Rainwater said. “He ran a 4.47 at our No. 13 Andrew Hopson Iron Red Devil, and he’s No. 14 Mason Daniel as good at catching the No. 15 Cameron Holloway football as he is running No. 17 Brian Gonzalez No. 19 Jacob Williams it out of the backfield.

No. 21 Dylan Akins We’re looking for a lot of No. 22 JaMichael Jones leadership out of him this No. 24 Jordan Beasley fall.”

No. 25 Cameron Prothro Stephens, who is battling No. 27 Douglas Bell No. 28 Dalton Bellenger back from a preseason No. 31 Layton Hernandez injury, noted how the No. 32 Tucker Ledbetter culture has changed during his Red Devil career with Fendley taking the reins.

“It’s crazy. Coming in my freshman year, we were just kind of seeing what everybody was capable of doing. We went 1-9 and he came in and turned the whole program around,” Stephens said.

Senior left guard/defensive tackle Blake Whitman has been another key component to that turnaround, and he’s embraced the same M.O. as his head coach when it comes to taking everyone’s best shot this season.

“We can’t let it get to our head. We’ve just got to keep that mentality of being the hunted and being on the defensive. We know people are going to come out fired up to play us,” Whitman said.

Even with last year’s success as a springboard, Fendley reserves a strong motivational resource to kick off the campaign.

The Red Devils stumbled out to an 0-3 start in 2020, suffering setbacks to local rivals in the process in the form of Temple, Bremen and Haralson County. Bowdon would rebound to win six of seven to close out the regular season, but Fendley ensured that his ballclub enters No. 33 Cody Wood No. 34 Aaron Rodgers No. 35 Charlie Prater No. 38 Eli Mays No. 42 Mason Lovvorn No. 43 Austin Crumbley No. 44 Jaxon Ledbetter No. 45 Brayden Swafford No. 50 Skylar Young No. 51 Kentrez Lay No. 52 Jackson Edwards No. 54 Quay Calloway No. 55 Trey Short No. 56 Austin Stephens No. 57 Mason Bailey No. 58 Blake Whitman No. 59 George Walters No. 61 Adam Stone No. 65 Aiden Nunn No. 67 Jamerson Mercer No. 68 Jag Garvin No. 69 Brody Lee No. 70 Hayden Bill No. 72 Colby Stanford No. 76 Bhrett Wiggins

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“It’s crazy. Coming

the year with a chip on its shoulder upon in my freshman facing those same local ballclubs. year, we were just “We’re going to play a very, very kind of seeing athletic Temple team with Cam Vaughn, what everybody their breakout quarterback coming back.

We turn around and play Bremen, who’s was capable of got a quarterback (Christian Burks) coming doing. We went in from Westlake. Then they’ve got Blake 1-9 and he came Matthews, who is a really good player. in and turned the They’re a big, physical team,” Fendley whole program said. “Then the next week, you’ve got arguably one the best players in the around.” area, Clay Hyatt, and a very, very physical Haralson County team. Probably, those Senior tailback Gage Stephens. three teams are all playing the best football they have in the history of their in with the goal of winning a region championship schools right now.” and getting back to a second-round playoff Bowdon kicks off region play on Sept. 24 at Trion, game,” Fendley said. “We sat down this winter, followed by another north Georgia road trip to we set the goal of we want to win another region Gordon Lee before hosting North Cobb Christian championship, we’re going to find a way to get past and Mount Zion on Oct. 8 and Oct. 22. The Red Game 12. The most important thing is the steps it’s Devils battle B.E.S.T. Academy on Oct. 28 and going to take to get there.” close out the regular season back at home against And for the Bowdon seniors, they’re ready to Armuchee on Nov. 5. leave everything on the field for one last dance as As the region favorite, Fendley understands what’s Devils. at stake. But he is also proud of the growth of this “It’s bittersweet. I don’t want it to end, but I group, as it marks his first full class to come through definitely want it to end on a good note,” Whitman the program from freshmen to seniors. said. “I want to get past the second round of the “After the 1-9 year, we set a goal to have a state playoffs and see how far we can take it.” WGW winning season and to make it to the playoffs. That bunch ended up with a first-round bye and went to Game 12 and we got beat. So last year we came

RED DEVIL QUICK FACTS

“We can’t let it get to our head. We’ve just got to keep that mentality of being the hunted and being on the defensive. We know people are going to come out fired up to play us."

Back left: Senior quarterback Andrew Hopson.

Foreground: Senior left guard/defensive tackle Blake Whitman.

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Head Coach: Rich Fendley enters his fourth season at Bowdon High School, where he is 16-17 with two state playoff appearances Assistant Coaches: Randall Curbow (offensive coordinator), Ty Runels (defensive coordinator), Clayton Young, Blake Morgan, D’Lonzo Harris, Jarrett Thomas, Joe Allison, Darius Dillard, Robert L. Thomas and Brandon Windom Home Stadium: Warren P. Sewell Field 2020 Record: 7-5 (Second round of Class A Public state playoffs)

Blue Devils Shooting for State Supremacy date Opponent 08/20

vs. Landmark Christian

08/27

at Bowdon

09/03

vs. Pepperell

09/10

OPEN

09/17

vs. Jackson, Atlanta

09/24

vs. Clarkston

10/01

vs. Darlington

10/08

OPEN

10/15

vs. Callaway*

10/22

at Temple*

10/29

vs. Heard County*

at Haralson County* 11/05 *Indicates Region 5-AA contest

Bremen hungry for plenty of home-cookin’ this fall

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resh off a run to Game 13 last fall, the Bremen High School football team is shooting for the top spot across all of Class AA in 2021.

Of course, that’s much easier said than done, but sixth-year Blue Devil head coach Davis Russell and crew are confident they have the potential to be a contender for the crown when the dust settles come December.

Behind a hungry core of upperclassmen, highlighted by a handful of Division I recruits, Bremen is focused on making a push toward a region championship and beyond if it can remain healthy and stay the course for the long haul.

“A state championship is very much in reach, I would say. It’s been a goal since the first day of practice, the first day of summer. And, really, it’s been a goal since last season ended and we started back in the weight room,” noted senior quarterback Christian Burks.

Following a summer of limited action in 2020 due to COVID-19, the Blue Devils have been out and about over the past few months at a much larger capacity, including 7-on-7 showcases at the Corky Kell and University of Georgia, along with an OTA at Buford High and other local play dates.

Russell recalled, however, what the Blue Devil coaching staff discovered when everything shut down last year and it had to implement a

quarantine-style system, some of which spilled over into this summer’s strategic preparations.

“It’s good because we’ve got some new guys in some new positions, so it was good to kind of see what we’re going to be. But I still say at the same time, with the COVID stuff, there was something “A state to be said championship for putting the ball is very much in down for reach, I would a month,” say. It’s been Russell a goal since said. “Kids the first day nowadays, of practice, they think the first day of the answer summer. And, is to pick really, it’s been up the ball, pick up the a goal since last season ball, pick up the ball. ended and we Sometimes, started back in the weight putting it room.” down and

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“Kids nowadays, they think the answer is to pick up the ball, pick up the ball, pick up the ball.

Sometimes, putting it down and lifting some weights and becoming a team ain’t so bad, either."

lifting some weights and becoming a team ain’t so bad, either. So we’ve taken some of that into this summer, too.”

The Blue Devil offense will feature new play-makers in the form of Burks and junior running back Dilon McCoy, but the brute of the attack will come from the hogs in the trenches, powered by senior Avery Hill and junior Cayden Sweatt – a pair of Division I recruits – on the left side of the line.

“A lot of people don’t see it, but everything kind of goes through us. However the offensive line goes, that’s pretty much how everything else goes. You can score points without a good offensive line, but if you really want to take over a game, you need the offensive line to be dominant,” Hill said.

On the other side of the ball, the Blue Devils will

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look for senior middle linebacker Jake Thompson to serve as the “heart and soul” of the Bremen defense, while senior safety Blake Matthews and senior cornerback Devin Coggins also return as key cogs to the unit.

“Our defensive line is kind of by committee.

Doc Pearson is playing linebacker/defensive line.

Barrett Greenhaw, Cayden and Avery both play some defensive line. So on that side, we may play a whole bunch of guys on defense until we figure out who our best 11 are,” Russell said.

Thompson is fired up about the opportunity to take the reins as a senior leader on the Blue Devil defense, noting it’s just a matter of bringing some of the younger guys up to speed during the non-region portion of play.

“It feels great. It feels like I just climbed

Bremen Blue Devils Roster No. 1 Christian Burks No. 2 Devin Coggins No. 3 A.J. Lipham No. 4 Brody Barrow No. 5 Blake Matthews No. 6 Doc Pearson No. 7 Cooper Elliott No. 8 Dilon McCoy No. 9 Parr Folsom No. 10 Jake Thompson No. 11 Nick Richardson No. 12 Mason Mims No. 13 Brody Derringer No. 15 J.D. Brown No. 16 Tyler Clark No. 17 Carson Kimball No. 18 Levi Kelly No. 19 Luke Bridges No. 20 Brodie Harper No. 21 Peyton Messer No. 22 Trent McPherson No. 23 Jake Steed No. 24 Zyler Crane No. 25 Brandon Huey No. 26 Cade Wallace No. 27 Grant Wilson No. 28 Joshua Murray No. 29 Aiden Price No. 30 Taylor Henderson No. 31 Andrew Muldoon No. 32 Ayden Haney No. 33 Jonah Hatchett No. 34 Jack Hicks No. 35 Barrett Greenhaw No. 36 Dylan Huey No. 37 Cole Pruitt

No. 38 Jamal Stevenson No. 39 James Bumgardner No. 40 Caleb Jones No. 42 Levi Odom No. 43 Cam O’Neal No. 44 Adam Chapman No. 45 Jacob Downing No. 47 Thomas Mann No. 48 Mayson McKinzie No. 49 Cole McKenzie No. 50 Evan Brown No. 52 Cayden Sweatt No. 54 Justin Eleton No. 55 Eli Summerville No. 57 Turner Greenhaw No. 58 Collier Hodge No. 59 Shepherd Hodge No. 60 Ethan Baker No. 63 Grant Waldo No. 65 Cole Norred No. 67 Landon Parker No. 68 Luke Elliott No. 71 Ben Causey No. 72 Carter Smith No. 73 Blake Wiggins No. 74 Josh Hulsey No. 75 Avery Hill No. 77 Landon Boyd No. 78 Kohlton Henderson No. 80 Drevin Terlaje No. 81 Nate Armas No. 83 Lando Oliveros No. 84 Ryan Sudo No. 85 Zach Burns No. 87 Wyatt Mathis-Kline No. 88 Rhett Pearson

a very large mountain, and now I’m ready to play and do really well this year,” Thompson said.

Matthews is a multiple-threat weapon for Bremen, coming off a season that saw him record 110 takedowns from his post in the secondary and also hauling in more than 550 receiving yards. The twoway talent committed to Troy prior to the start of the season, but he has plenty of unfinished business left at the prep level this fall.

“It’s relieving not being younger anymore. Being a senior, it means you’re one of the leaders of the team and everybody looks up to you. You want to play your senior season well

and go out with a bang,” Matthews said.

Bremen has the opportunity to make plenty of noise, especially early and often in the friendly confines of Redding Field, as six of its first seven – and seven of 10 games overall during the regular season – will be played on its home turf.

“If you’ve been to Bremen on a Friday night, you know it’s a great hometown, a great advantage for us to be able to do that, especially after getting charter buses all the way to the elite eight last year.

So we’re going to save a little money on travel this year,” Russell said.

The Blue Devils open the season by hosting Landmark Christian on Aug. 20, which will be followed by a rivalry road trip to Bowdon. From there, Bremen has five consecutive home dates, the last of which kicks off the Region 5-AA slate against defending state champion Callaway on Oct. 15.

Bremen finished as the No. 3 seed in league play last year, and once again the field is loaded with the likes of Callaway, Heard County, Haralson County and Temple in the fold.

But the Blue Devils aren’t concerning themselves too much with who they’re lining up against this fall, just as long as they take care of business on their end.

“We want the competition to worry about us rather than us worrying about them,” Burks said.

Entering 2021 with high hopes and plenty of promise, the Bremen seniors are ready to let loose and make a run toward a historic last hurrah. “It’s awesome. It feels like this is the best team yet that we’ve had come through,” Hill said. “We all jell together well. I think we can make a deep playoff run. Obviously, the goal is to win a state championship.

“But it’s just about having fun. We’ve got a bunch of leaders on the team. I think if we just play football and go out and have fun, it’s going to be a great year.” WGW

blue DEVIL QUICK FACTS Head Coach: Davis Russell enters his sixth season at Bremen High School, where he is 41-19 with five state playoff appearances Assistant Coaches: Drew Willis (offensive coordinator), Tim Hanegan (defensive coordinator), Nick Folds, Tony Armas, Brad Matthews, Mitch Hughes, Eric Schlageter, Robbie Ridley, Dawlon Cole and Clayton Fransisco Home Stadium: Redding Field 2020 Record: 8-5 (Quarterfinal round of Class AA state playoffs)

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A King’s Coronation in Carrollton date Opponent 08/20

vs. New Manchester

08/27

vs. Newnan

09/03

vs. Jonesboro

09/10

OPEN

09/17

at Dalton*

09/24

at Rome*

10/01

vs. South Paulding*

10/08

at Paulding County*

10/15

OPEN

10/22

vs. East Paulding*

10/29

vs. Alexander*

at Douglas County* 11/05 *Indicates Region 5-AAAAAA contest

Former OC takes the throne of Trojan football The Carrollton High School football program celebrated a coronation this offseason.

Initially arriving in the City of Dreams as a young coaching star in the making, Joey King showed plenty of promise as the offensive coordinator for the Trojans under former head coach Rayvan Teague before bursting onto the Peach State prep scene with back-to-back undefeated state championship seasons as the head man at Cartersville in 2015-16.

And after calling the shots for Trevor Lawrence, who would go “Carrollton has on to become always had a the No. 1 pick special place in the 2021 NFL in my heart, so Draft, King took I’m excited to be his talents to back here and the collegiate excited to have level, serving my children grow as a Division up as Trojans." I assistant at Coastal Carolina and South Florida over the past two seasons.

But when the head coaching position at

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Carrollton became vacant this offseason, King jumped at the opportunity to put his name in the conversation.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

“It’s so good to be back. This is a special place for us. I say a long time ago, but seven years ago is when we left. Carrollton has always had a special place in my heart, so I’m excited to be back here and excited to have my children grow up as Trojans,” King said.

King has picked up different coaching strategies and philosophies at every stop he’s been at since leaving Carrollton. Obviously, there’s varying degrees of all that between the collegiate and high school game, but he noted that, in the end, it’s all football.

“Just some X’s and O’s and details of the game that we won’t go into detail about. But just details of the game. Getting some affirmation of some of the things we did at Cartersville that I saw be successful at the next level,” King said. “Then learning under (Coastal Carolina head coach) Jamey Chadwell and (South Florida head coach) Jeff Scott, who was under Dabo Swinney at Clemson. That’s some quality leaders that I’ve been able to learn under. It’s been good.”

Now back at the prep level, King is familiar with his surroundings at Carrollton High, but there’s always

“It’s been a big

going to be growing piece of how pains upon taking over far we’ve come a program, regardless of because he’s where it’s at. a really great “We’ve had a few of coach. I feel like those here and there, but this summer and with those pains is going this offseason, everybody came to come great growth,” King said. “It’s been great together and we’ve had love, building relationships with passion and these guys and seeing gratitude with some familiar faces along each other.” the way, too. A lot of new faces, but a lot of familiar faces.”

The Trojan players are equally excited to have King back in the fold, even if they were youngsters when he was first donning the Black and Gold on the Trojan sidelines.

“It’s been a big piece of how far we’ve come because he’s a really great coach,” senior receiver Terrell Carmicheal said. “I feel like this summer and this offseason, everybody came together and we’ve had love, passion and gratitude with each other.”

With several younger players or first-time starters emerging into leading roles, the Trojan veterans are

focused on bringing them up to speed, especially before hitting the region gauntlet.

“We just have to show them things to do and things not to do,” noted senior running back Keshawn Ridley. “They look up to us and watch what we do. So we have to be good leaders.

They’re going to follow in our footsteps, and we want to leave a legacy to follow.”

Carmicheal and Ridley will serve as key weapons for quarterback M.J. Morris, who is committed to North Carolina State, while wide receivers Ace Williamson and Amare Hall, along with running back Bryce Hicks, will also keep opposing defensive coordinators on their toes.

Defensively is where the Trojans have the most holes to plug in from graduation, and senior linebacker Justice Ricks is eager to be a part of that process.

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Carrollton Trojans Roster No. 1 Kelvin Hill No. 2 Takare Lipscomb No. 3 Bryce Hicks No. 4 Keshawn Ridley No. 4 J.D. Penson No. 5 Justice Ricks No. 6 Montreze Smith No. 7 M.J. Morris No. 8 Jaylen Marsh No. 9 Taariq Miles No. 11 Terrell Carmicheal No. 12 Amare Hall No. 13 Jake Herrera No. 14 Jacambi Bailey No. 15 Seth Childers No. 16 Tucker McLeod No. 17 Malik Kemp No. 18 Ace Williamson No. 19 Jadyn Thompson No. 20 Donovan McCoy No. 21 Jaden Wolf No. 22 Keshun Johnson No. 23 Kayvion Copeland No. 24 Zion Cooley No. 25 Jace Black No. 26 Myles Butler No. 27 Andrew Albertus No. 28 Jordan Glass-Vernon No. 29 Tucker Waldrop No. 30 Jamun Evans No. 31 Tim Mullins No. 32 Brodie Bradburn No. 33 Michael Braden No. 34 Xavier Powell No. 35 Calik Hill No. 36 Chris Cutlip No. 37 Jamie Henderson No. 38 Quin Ackey No. 39 Dontavious Barker No. 40 Wyatt Jackson No. 41 Ti’Aries Warren No. 42 Cornelius Spencer No. 43 Malachi Kemp No. 45 Jay Farmer No. 46 C.J. Daniel No. 47 Jacob Easterwood No. 48 Carleton Bexley

No. 49 Christian Barr No. 50 Juan Carlos Galan-Chavez No. 51 Jacob Levy No. 52 Kaurice Carr No. 53 Enrique Diaz-Colorado No. 54 Darius Branscomb No. 55 Rodriquez Sims No. 56 Keaton Wood No. 57 Rhys McCoy No. 58 Nick Wren No. 59 Jaiden Hamilton No. 60 Kelvin Hernandez No. 61 Andrew Walker No. 62 Brantley Colquitt No. 63 Jamari Mason No. 64 Gage Kirby No. 65 R.J. Sizemore No. 66 Byron Lee No. 67 Kason Christian No. 68 Jabari Jones No. 69 Arrington Chambers No. 70 Jaylin Walton No. 71 Caleb Pryor No. 72 Hector Martinez No. 74 Jamir Russell No. 75 Jeremiah Ross No. 76 Godgift Dudley No. 77 Caleb Walton No. 78 Caden Jolly No. 79 Kendrick Johnson No. 80 Jordan Pass No. 81 Jasani Barry No. 83 Ben Cleek No. 84 Jacob Russell No. 85 Shavique Bascus No. 86 Letron Shiver No. 87 Preston Gentry No. 88 Jordan White No. 89 Glenn-Reece Ellison No. 90 Jordan Cardentey No. 91 Romnal De Leon Hernandez No. 92 Kyron Johnson No. 94 Derrian Williams No. 95 Marcus Cirius No. 96 Ben Parker No. 98 Connor Lopez No. 99 Zorius Rhame

“I see us being a lot more vocal this year on defense. Since we’re young, we really need to communicate. To win games, you have to communicate well,” Ricks said. “You’re going to see us doing all kinds of hand signals from the sidelines and all over the field.”

The early-season slate looms especially large for the Carrollton defense as it brings new talent to the forefront under defensive coordinator Justin Montgomery.

“We’re not going to have very many who have played under those Friday night lights. At least, not when it mattered. Some of them played some mop-up duty and this and that, but we’ve only got a handful,” King said. “So it’s not only learning a new system, it’s a lot of first-time players on Friday night.

16

It’s going to be a challenge. It has been a challenge.

We’ve made great strides, but we’re still really a long way away from where we need to be. Experience better happen quickly.”

But King is confident in his staff, which includes a mix of guys he played college ball with at CarsonNewman, coached with before at previous stops and a pair of Trojans he actually coached at Carrollton in quarterbacks coach A.J. Barge and tight ends coach Zach Gordon.

“I feel like we’ve got the best staff in the state of Georgia,” King said. “The staff that we put together, they’re great men. I’ve always hired people based on character, commitment and competency, and we’ve really got a staff that checks all three boxes.”

Carrollton kicks off the campaign with three consecutive home dates at Grisham Stadium, hosting New Manchester, Newnan and Jonesboro, respectively, before an open date leading up to the Region 5-AAAAAA schedule.

The Trojans burst right into league play with backto-back road trips to Dalton and Rome to close out the month of September before gearing up for the grind of the second half of the regular season.

“There’s really no drastic drop-offs throughout our region,” King said. “We’ve got some quality opponents. But, again, our focus is going to be on the Trojans and being the best that we can be and going 1-0 that week and making sure that we do the things required to win football games.”

And now that the 2021 season is officially here, King and his staff are fired up to see the Trojans reap the rewards of their hard work each and every Friday night to kick off a new chapter in the storied history of Carrollton High School football.

“They’re competitors. They love Carrollton.

They’re going to compete and they’re going to fight.

They haven’t backed away from a challenge that we’ve presented to them yet,” King said. “We’ve asked them to do some pretty hard things, and they keep showing up. As long as they keep showing up, we’re going to keep coaching them up.” WGW

TROJAN QUICK FACTS Head Coach: Joey King enters his first season at Carrollton High School. Coach King has a career record of 67-4 with two state championships Assistant Coaches: Reggie Perkins (offensive coordinator), Justin Montgomery (defensive coordinator), A.J. Barge, Carey Phillips, Red Keith, Jim Jones, Craig Ryan, Dwate Strickland, Zach Gordon, Jason Colts, Blake Haynes and Fred Ricks Home Stadium: Grisham Stadium 2020 Record: 9-2 (Quarterfinal round of Class AAAAAA state playoffs)

Lions Ready to Roar Back to State date Opponent 08/20

OPEN

08/27

vs. Chapel Hill

09/03

vs. Towers

09/10

vs. Whitewater

09/17

at Villa Rica

09/24

vs. Heard County

10/01

at Northwest Whitfield*

10/08

vs. Heritage, Catoosa*

10/15

at Pickens*

10/22

OPEN

10/29

vs. Cedartown*

at Ridgeland* 11/05 *Indicates Region 7-AAAA contest

Central looking to build on playoff return this fall

F

resh off its first state playoff appearance in five years, the Central High School football team is roaring to get back to the postseason in 2021 – and make some noise once it gets there.

The Lions enjoyed the experience of being among the final 32 teams still standing in Class AAAA last year, but they ran into a buzz saw in the opening round of the playoffs upon drawing top-seeded Marist, which rattled off a run to the state crown in 2020.

Fifth-year head coach Darius Smiley and his troops are focused on positioning themselves better to make a run of their own this fall with a top finish in Region 7-AAAA. “That’s been the main thing that they’ve preached about. Some “One of our goals of the guys is to get back to have been the playoffs. And breaking it not just get back down, ‘The to the playoffs, but try to have a home road to football game, state.’ We try to win a home were kind of playoff game. unfortunate Try to be better last year. We than just getting didn’t get to the playoffs.” the seed that we probably

should have got and we went and played the hand that was dealt, and that was the state champion,” Smiley said. “But that’s one of our goals is to get back to the playoffs. And not just get back to the playoffs, but try to have a home football game, try to win a home playoff game. Try to be better than just getting to the playoffs.”

For the Lion seniors, it’s something they’ve been working toward since last November.

“Last season was the first season we made the playoffs in a long time. A lot of people didn’t think we’d get to the playoffs, and that made it even better,” noted senior quarterback Daniel Phillips.

“This season, since we lost so much talent, we’ll have people again on the outside thinking we can’t get back to state. But our motto is, ‘Road to state.’”

Of course, there’s a lot of business to be settled between the lines before fans in Lion Valley can begin reserving their postseason tickets, and that begins a week later than most teams across the state as Central has an open date for Week 1.

The good news is that when Central does kick off the 2021 campaign, it’ll play four of the five non-region games in the comforts of Roy Richards Memorial Stadium, beginning with an Aug. 27 tussle with Chapel Hill.

“That’s huge. Playing at home is always an advantage. So being able to play at home, I Central Lions continued on page 20

17

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definitely feel like it will help us. Especially with our classmates, our student section and fans. Just all the support that will be there to watch us. It’s always fun on a Friday night in Lion Valley,” Phillips said.

After playing the Panthers, Central hosts Towers and Whitewater over the next two weeks before traveling to Villa Rica for a Carroll County Catfight on Sept. 17. The Lions close out the non-region schedule on Sept. 24 in another local showdown by hosting Heard County.

Once the Lions step into region play, they’ll square off against quality foes week-in and week-out with defending region champion Cedartown having the target on its back again this year as the team to beat.

But for now, Smiley is focused on getting some of his younger talents up to speed during the non-region portion of play, while leaning on his senior leaders to carry the torch.

Following the graduation of star tailback Narada Levett, who rushed for over 1,700 yards last season, Central will feature more of a backfield-by-committee in 2021.

“We’ve got four guys, and we’ve actually got a guy at each grade level who will contribute,” Smiley said. “We’ve got a freshman in Cam Bolton, who is probably the fastest of the four. Ty Brewer is a twoway guy and more of a bruiser type. Jadon Tolbert will be a junior. He’s a shifty back. And then Jacobi Almon is a senior who brings everything to the table. I’m excited about those guys.”

Central returns three of four starters at wideout,

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Central Lions Roster No. 1 Devan Powell No. 2 Cameron Bolton No. 3 Kameron Edge No. 4 Vicari Swain No. 5 DeCarlos Williams No. 6 Luke Worley No. 7 Andrew Sheffield No. 8 Jacobi Almon No. 9 Daniel Phillips No. 10 Josh Johnson No. 11 Zyleigh Person No. 12 Khaven Cochran No. 13 Aiden Relthford No. 14 Tucker Lambert No. 15 David Irby No. 16 Will Morris No. 17 Dylan McKnight No. 19 Isaiah Reading No. 20 Juliuz Walton No. 21 Ty Brewer No. 23 Jadon Tolbert No. 24 Jack Hood No. 25 Manny Palmer No. 27 Cade Morehead No. 28 Nate Horsley No. 29 Zion Higgins No. 31 Jayelen White No. 32 Beau Lambert No. 33 Cameron Cochran No. 39 Destin Smith No. 40 Lee Fleming No. 41 Jarrod Williams No. 42 J.G. Burns No. 43 Hunter Hooks No. 45 Jackson Rose

No. 46 Jesse Shope No. 48 Daelin Smith No. 49 Jerry Chandler No. 50 Evan Vaughn No. 51 Kampris Bailey No. 52 Mason Richardson No. 53 Brantley Dixon No. 54 Isaiah Wheat No. 57 Jacob Wilburn No. 58 Everett Fitts No. 60 Cameron Noland No. 62 Malaki Massey No. 63 Trent McSpadden No. 64 Alex Roberts No. 65 Slade Lathery No. 67 Ben Smith No. 68 Jackson Burns No. 69 Caiden Kitchings No. 71 Mason Shoemake No. 74 Chris Roberts No. 75 Tray Hodges No. 76 Will Smith No. 77 Nick Brewer No. 78 Logan Paschal No. 79 Lance Paschal No. 80 Connor Williams No. 81 Isaiah McMichael No. 83 Hunter Duncan No. 84 Braidyn Hutcheson No. 86 Owen Gordon No. 88 Walker Altman No. 91 Zachary Hearn No. 92 Anthony Shrout No. 99 Rafael Guevara

led by junior standouts Kameron Edge and Vicari Swain.

The matter of who will be throwing the ball to them this fall proved to be an ongoing battle throughout the summer and into fall camp between Phillips and sophomore Devan Powell.

“I’ve expressed to both guys that if nobody takes over, I’m not afraid to play both,” Smiley said. “I think both of those guys can manage the football game and not make turnovers or silly mistakes that get us beat. We’re going to use the first two scrimmages to evaluate that position. They’ve competed all summer long, so I’m proud of them for that.”

Defensively, the Lions are strong at linebacker with Edge, Brewer and Almon anchoring that unit, while senior Evan Vaughn brings size and strength on the D-line. Smiley noted that the secondary will be young, but more athletic in 2021.

Almon is confident the Central defense will be a force to reckon with this season.

“That’s been my dream, to be a leader on defense. I’m happy I’m in that role, and I’m going to

“That’s been my dream, to be a leader on defense.

I’m happy I’m in that role, and I’m going to make sure everybody gets to the ball. We’re trying to let nobody score on us.”

make sure everybody gets to the ball. We’re trying to let nobody score on us,” Almon said.

So as Central moves forward and mixes in some young blood to fill the gaps among the veteran returnees, this pride of Lions is ready to pounce back into the postseason and pack a punch in 2021.

“I think the potential is through the roof with this group. It’s a young group, but I don’t think it’s going to stop them from striving for excellence and striving for greatness and striving to be the best football team they can be,” Smiley said. “We’ve got a lot of young guys who return with playing experience, so that’ll help. We’ve got to get our newcomers going and once we get those guys going, I think we’ve got a great opportunity to make some noise with our schedule and within our region.” WGW

LION QUICK FACTS Head Coach: Darius Smiley enters his fifth season at Central High School, where his is 13-26 with one state playoff appearance Assistant Coaches: Jeffrey Cowart (offensive coordinator), Drew Fowler (defensive coordinator), Jasper Harvey (special teams coordinator), Cory Nix, Scott Ray, Andrell Roberts, Rick Dyer, Cody Crook, Dylan Wiggins, Pat Gamble and Devin Coleman Home Stadium: Roy Richards Memorial Stadium 2020 Record: 5-4 (First round of the Class AAAA state playoffs)

21

Haralson Honing in on Playoff History

date Opponent 08/20

at Pepperell

08/27

at Manchester

09/03

vs. Bowdon

09/10

vs. Model

09/17

OPEN

09/24

vs. Banks County

10/01

at Elbert County

10/08

at Callaway*

10/15

vs. Temple*

10/22

at Heard County*

10/29

OPEN

vs. Bremen* 11/05 *Indicates Region 5-AA contest

Rebels rumbling for first postseason ‘W’

O

n the heels of a school-record three consecutive playoff appearances, the Haralson County High School football team is honing in on a different history lesson this fall.

Entering his fifth season in charge of the Rebel program, Scott Peavey is proud of the steps it has taken upon establishing an expectation of playing beyond Game 10 "In our school year-in and yearhistory, we’ve out. But both the never won a Haralson head playoff game. man and his Rebel So our focus revelers have now is, ‘What reached the point are we going to where just making do to win one? the postseason What’s going to doesn’t cut it be different that anymore. we’ll be able to “It’s kind of take that next changed our focus. step?’" I think the whole time I’ve been here, our goal was to get there. And now we’ve got to take

22

the next step. In our school history, we’ve never won a playoff game,” Peavey said. “So our focus now is, ‘What are we going to do to win one? What’s going to be different that we’ll be able to take that next step?’”

Peavey firmly believes the band of brothers taking the field at Taylor Memorial Stadium this fall has what it takes to do just that.

Leading the charge in that pursuit is senior quarterback Clay Hyatt, a four-year starter who will be leaned on for not only his tremendous skill set, but also his leadership capabilities this fall.

“When you’re not the senior, you’re not really

senior talents such as running back/free safety JoJo Chandler and running back/defensive back Wesley Cole.

And now as “We’re feeling really good. Everybody’s in shape, the senior, everybody’s healthy and practicing hard. It’s feeling we’re going like a really good season is right around the corner,” to go as far Chandler said. as he goes.

What truly makes the Rebel defense click, Whatever he does and how however, is the presence and play of senior he leads us is defensive end Riley Bell, another all-state performer from a season ago. going to be “Riley is the leader of that defense. We have a important. nose guard, Zack Burrell, who is a really quiet, a We’re just really good football player. He’s real big and strong. looking for Kaden Mullins is a two-way starter for us, also. Then him to take that next step Wesley Cole is our leader on the back end. He’s a really underrated football player. He’s kind of an as a leader,” undersized kid who plays over his head,” Peavey Peavey said.

“He’s been said.

When breaking down the 2021 schedule, it is the leader, We wish you a great season! We are so proud of you! as far as his indeed a long journey between kickoff and the Love, Mom and Dad play, but now opportunity to suit up for Game 11.

Before the Rebels can begin worrying about the he’s got to be the vocal guy every day and be that guy. But he’s really good at it and does a really good postseason, or even region play, for that matter, they have a six-game non-region slate to navigate to job and is a really good football player. I’m excited for him. He’s put in a lot of years of hard work, and I’m looking for him to explode.”

Hyatt will have plenty of help from his fellow Haralson seniors this season, most notably a trio of multi-year starters on the offensive line in the form of Eli Salmon, Colton Sanders and Isaiah Reed with Salmon serving as a three-year starter and allstate performer.

The Rebels also feature several other two-way

Colton Sanders – Senior 2022 the leader haralson county high school of the team.

23

Haralson County Rebels Roster No. 2 Luke Armstrong No. 3 Holden Davis No. 4 Champ Cash No. 5 Jacob Key No. 6 Jacob Rodriguez No. 7 Tucker Wade No. 8 Haldyn Williams No. 9 Andrew Buchanan No. 10 Bowen Estes No. 11 Logan Addison No. 12 Clay Hyatt No. 14 Caden Hughes No. 15 Zeke Salmon No. 16 Jacob Lankford No. 18 Hunter Hulsey No. 21 Wesley Cole No. 23 Sam Patterson No. 24 Nic Wright No. 25 JoJo Chandler No. 26 Avery McAdams No. 27 Jered Rodriguez No. 29 Jason Groves No. 30 Ethan Bell No. 31 Bryson Boswell No. 33 Zac Sanders No. 34 David Whitton No. 35 Bryden Boswell No. 40 Frankie Patino No. 41 Eli Rider

No. 42 Leyland Mozley No. 44 Kaden Mullins No. 45 Dane Kimball No. 50 Austin Hicks No. 51 Luke Johnson No. 52 David Bruce No. 53 Nicholas Motes No. 54 Michael Hyatt No. 55 Lukas Shaw No. 56 Brayden Dryden No. 57 Logan Hicks No. 58 Jacob Starling No. 59 Karl Todd No. 60 Riley Pennington No. 61 Jacob Dupree No. 62 Seth Thompson No. 63 Isaiah Redd No. 67 Zack Burrell No. 68 Brody Salyers No. 70 Joshua Mercer No. 71 Benny Parker No. 72 Tyler Montgomery No. 73 Jacob Kimball No. 74 Colton Sanders No. 75 Wesley Downs No. 77 Eli Salmon No. 78 T.J. Davis No. 82 Kyle Miller No. 87 Riley Bell

prepare for the rigors of the 5-AA landscape.

Haralson County opens the campaign with back-to-back road games against Pepperell and Manchester before three straight home dates

against Bowdon, Model and Banks County with a bye week also in that stretch. The Rebels close out non-region play on Oct. 1 at Elbert County.

“It’s tough. We play Pepperell, and they’re a really good football team. Then you go and you play Bowdon, and they’re a crosstown rivalry right there and a good football program. They’ve turned the corner and been really good,” Peavey said.

“We play Elbert (County), and they’re a good football team, as well. Shoot, the biggest football team we played all year last year was Manchester, and all those kids are back. They’re the only team that lined up five 300-pound kids on the defensive line against us.”

Come Oct. 8, the real fun begins.

Haralson County kicks off the four-game 5-AA schedule against defending state champion Callaway, a team the Rebels just happened to hand its only defeat of the 2020 season to in a 36-29 thriller last year.

“Yeah, you sneak up and beat the state champions, and they’ve probably got something to prove against us, too. So you get a little target on you there,” Peavey said. “It’s exciting. You wouldn’t want to coach in any other region because we play real football.”

After the clash against the Cavaliers, Haralson hosts Temple on Oct. 15, travels to Heard County on Oct. 22, and following an open date, closes the regular season with a monumental matchup upon hosting in-county rival Bremen on Nov. 5.

And for players like Mullins, a senior linebacker who has long-awaited the opportunity to serve as a leader for the Rebel program, he is more than ready to make the most of what the fall of 2021 – and beyond ­– has in store for Haralson County.

“I think we’re definitely going to make it past the first round this year. We’ve got a really solid team with some good seniors. Then our young guys, we’ve got some really good young players. I expect these guys to be in the playoffs every year from here on out,” Mullins said. WGW

REBEL QUICK FACTS Head Coach: Scott Peavey enters his fifth season at Haralson County, where he is 25-17 with three state playoff appearances Assistant Coaches: Patrick Syer (offensive coordinator), Steve Martin (defensive coordinator), Darron Edwards, Josh Robinson, Triston Cash, Daryl Hamby, Darrell Cline and Jack Peavey Home Stadium: Taylor Memorial Stadium 2020 Record: 7-3 (First round of Class AA state playoffs)

24

Braves Kick Off Lasseter Era in Heard date Opponent 08/20

vs. South Atlanta

08/27

vs. Pepperell

09/03

vs. Manchester

09/10

at Darlington

09/17

vs. Cedartown

09/24

at Central

10/01

OPEN

10/08

at Temple*

10/15

OPEN

10/22

vs. Haralson County*

10/29

at Bremen*

vs. Callaway* 11/05 *Indicates Region 5-AA contest

New head coach aims to continue proud gridiron tradition

A

lthough much is new, much is the same for the Heard County High School football program as it kicks off the Shane Lasseter era in 2021.

The former HCHS athletic director and defensive line coach replaced longtime colleague Tim Barron when the former Brave head man took over the Villa Rica program during the offseason, setting off

a domino effect across the Franklin campus over the past several months.

But looking ahead to the fall campaign, it’s business as usual in Brave Country as the traditional power aims to extend its run of 16 consecutive state playoff appearances in 2021.

“It seems like it happened yesterday, and it seems like it’s been a long time all at the same time,” Lasseter said of taking over the program in December 2020. “We’re “We’ve had just excited to get going. It’s been a busy two padded summer.” camps, been to There will also be a sense of familiarity Kennesaw State within the coaching ranks at Heard to throw, we’ve County with defensive coordinator D.J. had a couple Curbow retaining his role, while former of teams we’ve Brave assistant Jake Yates returned to the thrown with, program after a three-year stint at Bowdon here and there.

We’ve been to take the reins of the Heard County practicing offense.

Lasseter noted how it’s been nice to full tip for basically two keep Curbow in tow as the architect of the months now.” Heard County defense, while Yates hasn’t

25

missed a beat operating the Brave offense.

“Having that consistency whenever there is so much change going on, that’s a good thing to have.

Coach Yates has been a very smooth transition.

Heard County Braves Roster No. 2 Maurice Fench No. 4 Caleb Sweet No. 5 Daven Enomoto No. 6 Jonathan Echols No. 7 Dereon Pearson No. 8 Chop Swint No. 9 L.J. Green No. 11 Messiah Williams No. 12 Jeremiah Eubanks No. 13 Isaiah O’Neal No. 14 Trey Allen No. 15 Rashaud Burden No. 16 Todd Huey No. 17 Caden Barno No. 18 Marquavious Nelson No. 19 Blake Baldwin No. 20 Jack Japour No. 21 Jack Banks No. 22 Michael Whitten No. 23 Antwon Carter No. 24 Tyler Lasseter No. 25 Kainnan Lindsey No. 26 Logan Cammon No. 27 Brandon Evans No. 28 Tucker Harvey No. 29 Dredyn Alexander No. 30 Gavin Barlow No. 31 Eli Lawson No. 32 Bryson Combs

26

No. 33 Tyler Brewer No. 34 Carter Coleman No. 35 Sammy Holliday No. 36 Hayden Holliday No. 37 Eli Dean No. 38 Nathan Allen No. 40 Chris Pruitt No. 45 Nathan McClellan No. 48 Blake Oldham No. 53 C.J. Allen No. 54 Dewayne Porritt No. 55 A.J. Rogers No. 56 Jackson Akins No. 58 Klayden Kennedy No. 61 Isaac Walls No. 62 R.J. Noles No. 63 Aydan Adcock No. 65 J.J. Johnson No. 66 Tommy Googe No. 69 Camden Cosper No. 70 Bradley Marsh No. 72 Brody Ogles No. 73 Justin Steverson No. 74 Lance Skinner No. 75 Braeden Scoggins No. 78 Justin Steverson No. 81 Bryson Reed No. 86 Tyler Bailey No. 88 Matthew Walker

He’s coached with us before back in 2017.

It was great that he did move on. He got to learn and grow,” Lasseter said.

“We felt like we brought back somebody 10 years older and he left just four years ago.

It’s been extremely good. The players have done real well accepting him coming in. He’s doing some different things with how we’re doing some stuff on offense with wristbands and things that are catered more to him. It’s been the smoothest transition that we could hope for in that situation.”

Heard County senior quarterback Maurice Fench has also been a fan of getting Yates back on board with the Braves.

“We started throwing two days a week back in March, and when you look up to right now, all that leads up to a lot of hours,” Fench said.

“Every single week, every single month, that’s a lot of hours.

All of that has paid off. Right now, to me, and I’m pretty sure to some of my teammates, I feel like he’s been here and we’ve been running the same offense.”

Fench is also looking forward to dialing up big strikes to fellow senior play-maker Isaiah O’Neal, who is shifting from fullback to receiver on offense and will still line up at linebacker on defense.

“Having him out wide is just like, ‘Wow. Where have you been?’ Our chemistry is A1. So it’s been

really good having him out there,” Fench said.

Heard County senior offensive lineman Jackson Akins, a firstteam all-region and all-state performer a season ago, also has high hopes for the Braves this fall after reaching the second round of the Class AA state playoffs last year.

“To be a Heard County Brave, it’s all about family.

At the end of the day, you are all there for each other and you’ll do anything for each other, whether it’s in the best times or the worst times,” Akins said.

Fellow senior Heard County trench trooper Isaac Walls echoed those sentiments.

“With that family atmosphere and blue-collar attitude, everybody knows it makes it easier to be a leader,” Walls said.

Heard County kicks off the 2021 campaign on Aug. 20 against South Atlanta, marking the first of three consecutive home games to open the year.

Following a trip to local rival Central on Sept.

24, the Braves have an open date to prepare for the Region 5-AA slate, which begins on Oct. 8 at Temple. And with five teams battling for four playoff spots once again, it’ll be a dogfight for the league crown, as the Braves wrap up the regular season by hosting defending state champion Callaway on Nov. 5 at Staples Stadium.

Lasseter stressed that it’s been a fun journey to get to this point on the eve of his first season in charge of Heard County football, and now he’s ready to put a top-quality product on the field and in front of the Franklin faithful.

“It started in January and the very next day, I was moving my office down into the weight room.

We’ve been doing a lot of different things and then from March through June, we were two days a week throwing in the afternoon,” Lasseter said. “Once we finished that first big week of June, we’ve had two padded camps, been to Kennesaw State to throw, we’ve had a couple of teams we’ve thrown with, here and there. We’ve been practicing full tip for basically two months now.”

Needless to say, the Braves are abuzz to begin a new era and carry the torch for the proud tradition at Heard County.

“It’s a blessing to be a part of this team and to be a leader. It takes a lot of energy from you. But I feel I’m up to the challenge to do that. I feel like this year is going to be a blast, especially with this group of kids,” Akins said. WGW

brave QUICK FACTS Head Coach: Shane Lasseter enters his first season at Heard County High School.

Assistant Coaches: Jake Yates (offensive coordinator), D.J. Curbow (defensive coordinator/assistant head coach), Kyle Yates (strength & conditioning coordinator), Dustin Lane, Tyler Napier, Cory Paul Shelnutt, Tyler Spradlin, Kody Waldrop and Dylan Yates Home Stadium: Staples Stadium 2020 Record: 7-5 (Second round of Class AA state playoffs)

27

Eagles Eye Return to Playoff Prominence

date Opponent 08/20 vs. Central, Talbotton 08/27 vs. Creekside Academy 09/03 at Landmark Christian 09/10 OPEN 09/17 vs. Dade County 09/24 at Heritage, Newnan 10/01 at Armuchee* 10/08 vs. Gordon Lee* 10/15 OPEN 10/22 at Bowdon* 10/29 at Trion* 11/05 vs. B.E.S.T. Academy* *Indicates Region 6-A contest

MZ aims to build on last season’s bounce-back campaign

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appearances was snapped, rattling off six straight he 2020 prep football season wasn’t ideal for wins to kick off the campaign and get back into the anyone. postseason.

Between COVID-19 protocols, the And now plowing full-steam ahead toward uncertainty of what the next day, week or month 2021, MZ and fifth-year head coach Brad Gordon would bring and, ultimately, trying to juggle school are focused on re-establishing themselves as a and success on the gridiron amid so much chaos, it perennial postseason fixture after that bump in the would have been easy to mail it in and simply look road two seasons ago ahead to next year.

“I guess we got But the Mount Zion when injuries ravaged to where we kind the roster.

High School football of expected to team had something “I guess we got make a run. So to where we kind of completely different that 1-9 gave us stirring up an expected to make a a nice little selfcheck and last run. So that 1-9 gave unsettling sentiment year we were able us a nice little self– a 1-9 finish the year to get back in the check and last year prior. playoffs and get we were able to get So with a renewed going in the right sense of urgency, the back in the playoffs direction.” and get going in Eagles returned to the right direction,” their winning ways Gordon said. “This after a streak of five consecutive playoff year we’re wanting

28

to make a statement where you’re expecting Mount Zion to be in that second and third round. We’ve got guys that if we can stay healthy this year, it will be exciting to see what happens.”

Although Mount Zion will be young at the skill positions, it will make up for it with a veteran presence on the offensive line. Gordon stressed that as the Eagle O-line goes, so go the Eagles.

“We are senior-heavy on the offensive line, and the two guys we’ve got coming back who aren’t seniors, they got a lot of playing time last year.

This is the most experienced offensive line we’ve had since 2017,” Gordon said. “That’s put a lot of pressure on them, because that was a state semifinals team. The good thing about them, we’re going to lean on them early because they’re some big guys, and that’s what we do is we move people out of the way.”

The MZ linemen, anchored by senior right tackle and Charleston Southern commit Garrett Gordon, understand that they’ve got to pave the way as leaders on and off the field this fall.

“Most of us have played since our sophomore year, so we’re three-year starters. We bring a lot of knowledge. We’ve been there, done it,” noted MZ senior center Kyle Leonard. “We need to step up

Mount Zion Eagles Roster No. 1 Stanley Cross No. 2 Malachi Ackles No. 3 Kurtis Beasley No. 4 Nathan Buchanan No. 5 Jasiah North No. 6 Preston Denney No. 7 Christian Terrell No. 8 Kevin Berrios No. 9 Sherrod Montgomery No. 10 Ethan Lepard No. 11 Noah Williamson No. 12 Jai’lon Parham No. 13 Tyler Hurston No. 14 Carlos Randall No. 15 Kareen Hammock No. 16 Devonte Ware No. 17 Zandyr Novak No. 18 Hayden Young No. 20 Kayvion Platt No. 21 Tristan Jordan No. 22 Javarion Watkins No. 23 Jerry Terrell No. 24 Logan Hudson No. 25 Daniel Entrabartlo No. 26 Carter Cook No. 28 Nathan Hollis

No. 32 Dylan Roulaine No. 38 Will Richey No. 40 Jordan Sheppard No. 42 Ryan Bearden No. 43 Kannon Crane No. 44 Braxton Hames No. 45 Aiden Denney No. 50 Cohen Hancock No. 51 Avery Lepard No. 52 Walter Myers No. 53 Kyle Leonard No. 54 Skyler Walker No. 55 Vincent Harrison No. 56 Garrett Gordon No. 57 Devon Wilkinson No. 58 Blake Lipscomb No. 59 Nickiah Wilkinson No. 61 Conner Duke No. 62 Aidan Spradlin No. 63 Caleb Potts No. 64 Jett Liles No. 67 Dylan Buchanan No. 68 Jasen Scarborough No. 70 Dillon Bearden No. 72 James Chastain No. 75 Charles Culver

now and help the younger kids out.”

Senior tight end Dylan Roulaine added that last year’s rebound performance was just as rewarding

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mentally as it was physically for the Eagle players.

“It built some confidence in the seniors. It let us know that we have the ability to do whatever we want, as long as we put forth the effort and dedication that we have to do it,” Roulaine said.

The Eagles face four of the same five teams they lined up against last year in the first half of the season for their non-region schedule, but there won’t be too much familiarity since four of them have new coaching staffs in tow. That includes Central-Talbotton, which travels to MZ on Aug. 20 for the season opener, where Eagle fans will be treated to the amenities of a new jumbotron and LED lighting at Mount Zion

30

Stadium.

“So we’re, of course, trying to figure out what people are going to do. But the big thing for us, we’re going to do what we do and these first few ballgames are going to give us a chance to see what we need to fix,” Gordon said.

Region 6-A will once again serve as a gauntlet of a grind, including back-to-back road trips to rival Bowdon and Trion on Oct. 22 and Oct. 29.

MZ opens the region slate on Oct. 1 at Armuchee, while it hosts Gordon Lee on Oct. 8 and B.E.S.T. Academy on Nov. 5.

“Bowdon, I figure, has to be the favorite with the region player of the year coming back at quarterback (Robert McNeal) and they’ve got a great athlete in the Gage Stephens kid. Bowdon had a great year last year,” Gordon said. “Gordon Lee had a phenomenal year last year and almost went up to Commerce and beat them in the playoffs. Anytime you’re playing with Commerce, you’re doing something right. Then you’ve got Trion, B.E.S.T. Academy. Our region, from top to bottom, it’s fun to play in.”

And with the season right around the corner, the Eagles are flying high and eager to get back on their playoff perch in 2021.

“I’m pretty pumped for it. We’ve been working really hard over the summer and working out with high intensity,” Leonard said. “We’re just looking forward to playing football. Going out there and having fun.” WGW

eagle QUICK FACTS Head Coach: Brad Gordon enters his fifth season at Mount Zion, where he is 29-17 with three state playoff appearances Assistant Coaches: David Thrower (offensive coordinator), Justin Joyner (defensive coordinator), Levi Williams (strength & conditioning coordinator), Tim Barrett, Randall Wright, Rhett Robinson and Mark Lyle Home Stadium: Mount Zion Stadium 2020 Record: 8-3 (First round of Class A Public state playoffs)

Tigers Focused on Finishing the Drill date Opponent 08/20

vs. Bowdon

08/27

at Villa Rica

09/03

at Heritage, Catoosa

09/10

vs. Cass

09/17

at Pepperell

09/23

at B.E.S.T. Academy

10/01

OPEN

10/08

vs. Heard County*

10/15

at Haralson County*

10/22

vs. Bremen*

at Callaway* 10/28 *Indicates Region 5-AA contest

Temple aims to contend in loaded Region 5-AA

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inish the drill.

That’s the sermon Scotty Ward has been preaching to his congregation over the past 12 months.

The sixth-year Temple High School head football coach understands his ballclub was literally right there – until the very end versus some of the best of the best Class AA had to offer last year, including the eventual state champion.

Unfortunately, the Tigers found themselves on the short end of the stick more often

than not in a league featuring five quality programs, one of which was going to be on the outside looking in when all was said and done following Game 10.

Last year, that was Temple.

Fast-forward to 2021, where Ward and his Tigers are focused on “We had Haralson changing the County in triple overtime. Bremen narrative this goscores with three around. seconds left and goes “We had for two and beats us. Haralson County Even Callaway, it’s in triple overtime. close. It’s 26-20 and we’re on the 16 with Bremen scores six minutes left and with three seconds we end up throwing an left and goes for interception and they two and beats us. run it back and the Even Callaway, it’s game’s over. It was a little bit of a tough close. It’s 26-20 deal last year.” and we’re on the 16 with six minutes left and we end up

31

throwing an interception, and they run it back and the game’s over,” Ward said. “It was a little bit of a tough deal last year.”

The returning Tiger talents are also on board when it comes to looking at the big picture of playing all 48 minutes and delivering the desired outcome in the end.

“We have to be successful in the fourth quarter.

We want to dominate each quarter, but really when it comes down to the wire, we have to learn not to give up and keep going, no matter what’s happening,” noted senior lineman Javon Moore.

Fellow senior Tiger trenchman Tay Freeman added how doing all the little things right will take care of the big things.

“We need to dominate off the ball, eliminate all the little mistakes,” Freeman said. “We can’t be selfish. We have to look at each other as one and not individuals.”

Temple went 4-2 in the non-region slate last year, highlighted by rivalry wins over Bowdon and Central, along with double-digit victories against Pepperell and B.E.S.T. Academy.

The lone non-region losses came at the hands of AAAA Heritage and AAAAA Cass by a combined 11 points.

Looking ahead to this year, the Tigers have basically the same non-region schedule, only swapping out one local showdown for another, as they’ll host Bowdon in the season opener on Aug. 20 before visiting Villa Rica on Aug. 27.

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Temple Tigers Roster No. 1 Shemar Wicker No. 2 Sammy Zimbron No. 3 C.J. Gray No. 4 Cam Vaughn No. 5 Kael Whiddon No. 6 Freddy Watkins No. 7 Carter Kittrell No. 8 Qua Martin No. 9 Ji Boykin No. 10 Braderick Bennett No. 11 Chase Washington No. 12 Jaylen White No. 14 Demetrice Lester No. 15 Jace Glenn No. 16 Manny Watkins No. 17 Dominic Holcombe No. 18 Javian Dobbs No. 19 Lane Summerville No. 20 Micah Arrington No. 21 Chris Guzman No. 22 Vic Edwards No. 23 Micah Arrington No. 24 MacIann Metayer No. 25 Antoine David No. 26 Darrius McGee No. 27 Zek Bartee No. 29 Abraham Kight No. 30 Walter Clark No. 31 Ashton Askew No. 35 Cole Meadows No. 36 Joshua Hall

No. 37 Cayson McAnallen No. 38 Tez Scott No. 39 Andrew VanOrden No. 41 Christian Zehr No. 42 Xander Bartee No. 43 Cam Toledo-Chisum No. 50 Patrick Tripp No. 52 Blayne McRae No. 53 Alex Espinal No. 54 Tay Freeman No. 55 Javon Moore No. 57 Bryant Moore No. 58 Ashton Moore No. 60 Kavon Coleman No. 61 Damien Little No. 62 Andon Flotz No. 63 Scotty Taylor No. 64 Aayush Patel No. 66 Ashton Mason No. 68 William Martin No. 70 Austin Spear No. 72 Michael Helfrich No. 73 Peyton Sanders No. 74 Ethan Chancey No. 76 Cameron Tant No. 77 Chase Ferrell No. 78 P.J. Lee No. 80 Daniel Long No. 85 Chase Ogles No. 98 Dalton Whitmire No. 99 Blake Hayes

“It should be something good. For Bowdon, I feel that’s something we should play every year. This will be the first time we’ve played Villa Rica in the history of Temple football. So it should be interesting.

I know they’re AAAAA, but we’re going to strap it on and give them a shot,” Ward said.

The Tigers enjoyed a productive summer, competing in 7-on-7 showcases at LaGrange High School and Auburn University, along with an OTA at Paulding County and other local play dates.

Fueled by Freeman and Moore anchoring

“We have to be successful in the fourth quarter. We want to dominate each quarter, but really when it comes down to the wire, we have to learn not to give up and keep going, no matter what’s happening.” the offensive line, the Tigers also bring back starting signal-caller Cam Vaughn, who had a breakout campaign last season. Ward is also looking for weapons such as Shemar Wicker, Carter Kittrell and Kael Whiddon to provide a spark offensively.

The one area the Tiger head man wants to shore up before region play begins is in the backfield following the graduation of all-state tailback Phillip Johnson.

“For us, it’s going to start with Cam up front throwing the football and a couple of guys who are seniors up front leading us,” Ward said.

“Hopefully, we’ll find something when it comes to running the football,

because we’ve got to find somebody to tote the mail.”

The month of October will tell the tale for the Tiger season, as all four region games stretch a span of four consecutive weeks, beginning at home with Heard County on Oct. 8, followed by a road trip to Haralson County, a home date against Bremen and closing out the regular season against defending state champion Callaway on Oct. 28.

And for the Tigers, they’re ready to rumble in the jungle and get this thing started.

“It’s here. It’s here. I feel like, ‘Hey, it’s time.

You know what? It’s game time.’ It’s time for us to work and become better as a team and play ball,” Freeman said. “We’re excited and we feel like big things are coming.” WGW

Tiger QUICK FACTS Head Coach: Scotty Ward enters his sixth season at Temple, where he is 24-28 with two state playoff appearances Assistant Coaches: Vaughn Lee (offensive coordinator), David Head (special teams coordinator), Ed Silva, Chris Armstrong, DeVante Wynn, Brad Alligood and Dillon Singleton Home Stadium: Rogers Stadium 2020 Record: 5-5

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A New Sheriff in the City of Gold date Opponent 08/20

at Pope

08/27

vs. Temple

09/03

OPEN

09/10

at Northgate

09/17

vs. Central

09/24

at Grady*

10/01

vs. Chapel Hill*

10/08

North Springs*

10/15

at Lithia Springs*

10/22

OPEN

10/29

at New Manchester*

vs. Jackson, Atlanta* 11/05 *Indicates Region 6-AAAAA contest

Barron era begins at Villa Rica High in 2021

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here’s a new sheriff hitting the streets in the City of Gold.

Following a historic run as the head honcho for the Heard County High School football program, highlighted by a Class AA state championship in 2018, Tim Barron is now tackling the biggest task of his career.

The first-year Villa Rica High School head coach fully understood and appreciated what he was undertaking, and it’s proven to be every bit as challenging as expected.

But it’s also served as an opportunity to do something special in a very special place.

“I’ve never been this busy in my entire life,” Barron said.

“Just mentally your brain is always spinning because there’s always something.

When we came in, we had to change so many things. Not just at the high school level, but at the middle school level. It’s been a huge, huge takeover. Luckily, I’ve got a booster club that’s in. They’re

34

the nucleus of those VR people who want to win so badly, and they’re working their tail off to make it happen.”

Barron marks the fifth different head coach in the past six years at Villa Rica – and fourth different one in four years. As opposed to the revolving door the VR program has endured, Barron comes from a program that served as a model of stability over the past two decades with him at the helm.

With that in mind, the veteran head coach stressed that it’s imperative to earn the "When we came in, trust of not only his players, we had to change but everyone else within the so many things. walls of Villa Rica High School.

Not just at the And he realizes that doesn’t high school level, happen overnight. but at the middle “They’ve had such a school level. It’s turnover of coaches. This been a huge, huge coach, that coach, that coach. takeover. Luckily, The kids have seen this show I’ve got a booster club that’s in. before. And in their mind, They’re the nucleus they know how it’s ended. The of those VR people teachers in that building have who want to win so seen that show, and they know badly, and they’re how it ended,” Barron said. working their tail off “It’s been a challenge to try to to make it happen.”

get to know people within that building and develop some trust that we’re not just football coaches coming in here. That’s not our DNA. We care about every program. So what can we do to help you and establish that brotherhood within a faculty and establish that love that we’re mentors to the kids?

We’re more than just a football coach.”

As far as things on the field go, the Wildcats remained busy through the summer and into fall, including scrimmages against Sonoraville and Bowdon leading up to the Aug. 20 season opener at Pope.

For the VR seniors, they’re looking forward to showcasing their skills after a long offseason of work and transition.

“We’re going to take it dayby-day and game-by-game.

We’re going to set the tone for the season by doing the best we can do every Friday night,” senior running back/defensive back Zantavious Graham said.

Fellow senior running back/defensive back Ty McKey added that even though the senior class is working with its fourth different coaching staff in four years, the players believe in what Barron and Co. are

selling.

“We’ve worked hard all summer in the weight room, and you could tell that people were starting to buy in and we’re working toward all becoming one,” McKey said.

Graham and McKey are part of a deep backfield for the Wildcats, something VR hopes to utilize as the backbone of its offense in 2021.

The offense will be under the direction of coordinator Joey Marinelli, who has established himself as a versatile offensive guru that caters to the skill set of his players rather than expecting them to adapt to his style.

“Our genetic makeup this year, we’ve got a ton of running backs and we’ve got some skill kids. So a lot of Rockmart-style offense. A lot of Jet, a lot of misdirection,” Barron said. “Then we want to play-action off of it and sprint game out of it. That’s the makeup of our kids. Then we look at eighth grade and we’ve got a guy coming up who can sling it around. So their DNA may be a little bit different than what we have right now.”

Defensively, Barron didn’t have far to look for

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Villa Rica Wildcats Roster No. 1 Bryson Ausby No. 2 T.J. Harvison No. 3 Zantavious Graham No. 4 Todric Walters No. 5 Ty McKey No. 6 Quess Dunson No. 7 Colby Nalley No. 8 Raf Lawson No. 9 Isaiah Hair No. 10 Davajay Foster No. 11 Mark McNeil No. 12 Devon Barnes No. 13 C.J. Lowe No. 14 Caleb Odom No. 15 Anthony Ndiaye No. 16 Layton Hyneman No. 17 Ricky Kilpatrick No. 18 Cooper McClain No. 19 Carson Nalley No. 20 Jaiden Terry No. 21 Micah Alba Jr. No. 23 Jadun Rozier No. 24 Mekhi Boykin No. 25 Emmanuel Mullins No. 26 Jaylin Hesler No. 27 Myrion Robinson No. 28 James Hutter No. 29 Landen Kittle No. 31 Terry Sylva No. 32 Manny Garcia No. 33 Nate Edwards No. 35 Brady Cole No. 38 Jeremiah Fuller No. 40 Antravious Jester No. 42 Xavier McCullough No. 43 A.J. Sinkfield No. 45 Daimon Smith

No. 46 Alex Womack No. 47 Calib Ryan No. 48 T.J. Finley No. 49 Dominick Eberhart No. 50 Jatavius Shivers No. 51 Willie Wilson No. 52 R.J. Johnson No. 53 Dontavious Pounds No. 54 Isaiah Johnson No. 55 Tayvierre Clay No. 56 Bo Adcock No. 57 Jaden Dean No. 58 Sawyer Daniell No. 59 Michael Smallwood No. 60 Delontiz Daniel No. 62 Jesh Zelaya No. 63 Chase Chandler No. 65 Hudson Hyneman No. 66 Lawson Aycock No. 67 Trey Sparks No. 68 Thomas Daniels No. 70 Caleb Starnes No. 72 Noah Grace No. 74 Jahaven Champagne No. 77 Jeremiah Stevens No. 81 Israel Evans No. 82 Kason Ward No. 84 Sumo Hair No. 85 Marquel Wilson No. 86 Kalob Armstrong No. 88 Tayyeb Grant No. 89 Eli Brown No. 90 Bryan Frey No. 91 Christian Arnell No. 93 Jacob Roach No. 95 Trey Long No. 97 Javone Cooke

a coordinator, as his son, Austin Barron, a former standout at Heard County who went on to play at the University of West Georgia, will take over the Wildcat attack.

Austin Barron cut his teeth in the coaching world as an assistant under Cedartown head coach Jamie Abrams, and the elder Barron noted how it was the best experience he could imagine for an upand-coming student of the game.

36

“That was huge to prepare him to be in that position at a young age. But surrounding him are veteran guys. You’ve got Micah Alba, who’s been a head coach and been a great mentor to Austin.

You’ve got coach (Michael) Hilbert coming over. Just a wonderful man on the D-line and ready to contribute and help out,” Barron said. “I think we’ve surrounded ourselves with some really good people. That’s what you’ve got to do.”

Following the Aug. 20 season opener at Pope, the Wildcats celebrate the opening of their new facility on Aug. 27 against Temple and will also host local rival Central at the freshly-renovated Sam McIntyre Stadium on Sept. 17.

The beautiful facility serves as a point of pride for all of Villa Rica High School, and Barron said it shows the commitment and dedication Carroll County Schools has for its students.

“I’ve seen what new facilities can do to a kid’s mindset and to his expectations. If the board is going to build all these things, there’s got to be some expectations. If we’re going to do this, we expect you to be the best version of you that you can be,” Barron said. “I think kids rise to that occasion. I think they see that there’s people invested in them financially. Nice equipment, nice stuff, nice stadium.

They’ve got coaches who love them. With that, comes expectations. We want to get your best effort every Friday. I’m so excited about that.”

And you’d better believe the Villa Rica seniors are ready to soak up the excitement every Friday night this fall.

“It came by so quickly. It feels like I’ve been waiting for this my whole life. But now looking at it, it’s been so quick. So us seniors want to make the most of it and have a great season,” Graham said. WGW

wildcat QUICK FACTS Head Coach: Tim Barron enters his first season at Villa Rica High School. Coach Barron has a career record of 163-91 with one state championship Assistant Coaches: Joey Marinelli (offensive coordinator), Austin Barron (defensive coordinator), Michael Hilbert, Micah Alba, Justin Brown, Kyle Gamble, Kris Beasley, Brian Beasley and Neil Strickland Home Stadium: Sam McIntyre Stadium 2020 Record: 4-5

Wolves Gear Up For Gridiron Return

One of the major storylines for 2021 will be who takes the reins of the UWG offense following the graduation of three-year starter Willie Candler, who ended his career as West Georgia’s alltime leader in touchdown passes (69) and passing yards (7,972). date Opponent Garrett Bass gained some quality at Carson-Newman, 7 p.m.

09/02 experience in 2019 when Candler was vs. Morehouse, 6 p.m.

09/11 battling injuries, completing 66-ofvs. Delta State*, 6 p.m.

09/18 117 attempts for 714 yards with seven at Shorter*, 1 p.m.

09/25 touchdowns and four interceptions. The vs. West Alabama*, 6 p.m.

10/02 sophomore signal-caller will compete at Mississippi College*, 3 p.m.

10/09 against freshman quarterback Ben at West Florida*, 7 p.m.

10/16 Whitlock for the starting nod this fall. vs. North Greenville*, 6 p.m.

10/23 “It’s going to be a heck of a at Valdosta State*, 7 p.m.

10/30 competition.

They battled in the fall, OPEN 11/06 they battled in the spring. One looks vs. Delta State*, 1 p.m.

11/13 good one day and one looks good *Indicates Gulf South Conference contest another day. I think it’s going to be Photo provided by the University of West Georgia, edited by Zachary Dailey something that we have to decide UWG Football Commemorates 40th Year at NCAA Level in 2021 pretty quickly because I want our he University of West Georgia football program football team to know who’s going to be the starter and have confidence in who we got,” Dean said. is primed for a return to the gridiron in 2021.

“They’re both very talented. Garrett’s proven that There will be several new faces in key places he can go out and play well on Saturdays and this fall, as fifth-year UWG head coach David Dean Ben, even though he hasn’t had college football brings a fresh crop of talent to the field to mix in experience, he’s a heck of a talent.” with a proven core of returnees.

Freshman tailback Semaje Banks recorded a pair The Wolves endured a frustrating fall in 2020 of touchdowns in the spring game for the Wolves, as the COVID-19 pandemic derailed the season, while sophomore Christian Royalston returns to the making for a long wait since they last played a UWG backfield on the heels of a promising freshman meaningful game against an actual opponent. campaign in 2018, where he rushed for 453 yards But that is all set to change. and two touchdowns on 79 carries. He missed the West Georgia kicks off the 2021 campaign and majority of the 2019 season due to injury.

40th year of football at the NCAA level on Sept. 2 Wideouts Julius Cobb and Tay Huff hauled in in a Thursday night affair against Carson-Newman touchdown passes during the spring showcase, and in Jefferson City, Tennessee. The home opener is senior Quan Harrison is back this fall after leading slated for the following week on Saturday, Sept. 11, West Georgia with 47 receptions for 670 yards and against Morehouse. UWG swings into Gulf South two touchdowns in 2019.

Conference play on Sept. 18 at home against Delta One area the UWG coaching staff hit hard State.

“I don’t know who’s going to be more excited, the over the past two recruiting periods was building depth on the offensive line. The Wolves added coaches or the players? It’s just going to be good to six O-linemen on National Signing Day back in get back and get everybody together and start to February, joining the class that signed in 2020 work on the season. Hopefully, all this COVID mess and has yet to suit up on Saturdays. Dean noted is going to stay away and allow us to have a season how injuries to the offensive line in 2019 proved again,” Dean said. “We’re going to have to be very detrimental down the stretch of the season, careful, but everything looks like it’s going to be a go, which is really exciting. We’ve been away from it ultimately serving as a major factor in UWG missing out on making a third straight trip to the postseason. for too long. We need to get back.”

Senior Benjamin Walters is back for his third year Coming off a 6-5 finish the last time they suited starting on the offensive line and will anchor that up in 2019, the Wolves are focused on returning unit. to the playoffs this fall after making back-to-back On the defensive side of the ball, West Georgia postseason appearances in 2017-18 during Dean’s will lean on veterans such as senior safeties Chris first two seasons at the helm.

T

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Blackston and Raekwon Chatman, along with sophomore safety M.J. Latimer.

On the defensive front, junior linemen Deandre Gardenhire, Shahin O’Neal and Marzavion Dix return with experience, while sophomore linebacker Nasier Currie-Sudler will also play a pivotal role under new defensive coordinator Nate Masters, who will make his debut on the UWG sidelines this fall following a successful run as the defensive coordinator at Berry College.

Juniors LaPerion Perry (return specialist) and Joe Skinner (long snapper) are once again expected to serve as key cogs on the special teams unit after Second-Team All-GSC performances in 2019.

Joining them will be 2021 Preseason All-GSC kicker Omar Cervantes.

And as bad as the players are itching to get back on the field, Dean noted how it took a toll on the coaching staff, as well, in not being able to coach the players up and compete in practice and on Saturdays last year.

“When you do this, you love the competition of game-planning and seeing guys develop, seeing the things that you coach carry over to game day and develop through the season. I think that’s what we’re really excited about is being able to watch that growth from the players, but also that competition from being able to compete against other coaches,

put game plans together and see our guys go out and execute those game plans,” Dean said.

The Wolves are now at the start of that process by working through fall camp and preparing for the Sept. 2 season opener against Carson-Newman, which features a new coaching staff under the direction of head coach Mike Clowney, who was an All-American linebacker for the Eagles during his playing days.

“I’ve been to Carson-Newman several times, and they play at a different level there. They’re a different team playing at home. They’re very, very tough at home. So it’s going to be a heck of a challenge,” Dean said. “You look back to the 2019 season, West Florida won the national championship and lost to Carson-Newman the first game of the year on a Thursday night. So we’re going to see exactly where we stand when we get through fall camp and have to line up against those guys.”

The Gulf South Conference will once again feature a loaded field, as Valdosta State and West Florida were the headliners in 2019. The Blazers ran the table in league play to capture the crown, while the Argos finished 7-1 in GSC action before rattling off an incredible run to the Division II NCAA national title, capped by a 48-40 victory over Minnesota State in the championship showdown in McKinney, Texas.

Good luck this season!

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West Georgia Wolves Roster No. 1 Jaeven West No. 3 Zay Britt No. 4 Nasier Currie-Sudler No. 4 Christian Royalston No. 8 Mason Huntley No. 8 Laperion Perry No. 9 Ben Whitlock No. 10 Brooks Norton No. 11 Za’Tarious Anderson No. 12 Griffin Collier No. 12 Scooter Risper No. 13 Davin Bryant No. 14 Devin Edwards No. 15 Garrett Bass No. 15 Brian Dillard No. 16 Phil Patterson No. 17 Jelani Baker No. 17 Ben Fortson No. 18 Isaiah Lancaster No. 18 Mike Miller No. 20 Raekwon Chatman No. 21 M.J. Latimer No. 22 Rajaez Mosley No. 23 Deontae Overstreet No. 24 Ghetti Brown No. 24 Michael Elliott No. 25 Grant Walker No. 26 Quan Harrison No. 27 Chris Blackston No. 28 Semaje Banks No. 28 Brandon Brown No. 29 Devonte Mathews No. 31 Jordan Davis No. 33 J.B. Carlisle No. 34 Damarkus Robins No. 35 Brandon Booker No. 36 Raymone Devezin No. 37 Jaylen Brown No. 38 Tanner McCrary No. 39 Ke’Andre Gregory No. 40 DeAndre Gardenhire No. 41 Amos Dahn No. 42 Derrick Shaw No. 43 Trey Lovelace No. 45 Keondre Williams No. 46 Landon Mathis No. 46 Hayden Wells No. 47 Jalen Brown No. 47 Marcus Gray No. 48 Omar Cervantes No. 48 Cody Gast No. 49 Matthew Parker No. 50 Jalon Miller No. 51 Darian Daniels No. 52 Mitchell Grimes No. 53 Shahin O’Neal No. 54 Parker Gibbs No. 54 Kennan Williams No. 56 Malcolm Mercer No. 57 Jalen Moore No. 59 Owen May No. 63 Brandon Onuorah No. 64 David Bodden No. 67 Austin Donaldson No. 69 Derrick McFerrien No. 70 Sam Regina

No. 71 Benjamin Walters No. 72 Kyree Jones No. 74 Tyrique Sellers No. 75 Christian Brown No. 76 Bailey Cannady No. 77 Aidan Sanchez No. 78 Marvin James No. 80 Marcus Brown No. 80 Joe Skinner No. 81 Jacob Pinch No. 82 Judah Johnson III No. 84 Dylan Jordan No. 85 Brandon Shelnutt No. 86 Jerry Mays No. 88 Tay Huff No. 89 Trey Wiggins III No. 90 Elijah Mayes No. 91 Marzavion Dix No. 92 Allen Johnson Tyrin Arceneaux T.J. Arnold Ronnie Blackmon Cameron Cobb Terrill Cole Antoine Davis Tyray Devezin Dawson Duncan Andrew Dyer Camyen Feagins Cade Fox Harrison Frost Ja’Quine Gilmore Kobe Goudelock Delvontae Harris Walt Hawthorne Traevon Hinton Pate Hogan Connor Howard Javon Jackson Jaden Johnson Jace Jordan Trevon Lambert Yaqym Lowery Braxton McPherson Tripp Miller Isaiah Miranda Zack Obi Brock Pellegrino Zyquez Perryman Brandon Pippen Anthony Polite John Quinn Reed Reagin Deon Richardson Ashaud Roberson Drew Rutledge Kadarius Satterwhite Jalin Shephard Mechane Slade Jevin Stevens Ethan Todorovich James Wade Jackson Walls Tre Williams Mason Yos

The Wolves face the two preseason favorites on the road in 2021, traveling to Pensacola on Oct. 16 and Valdosta on Oct. 30.

West Florida was tabbed No. 1 in the GSC Preseason Coaches’ Poll, followed by Valdosta State, Delta State, West Alabama and West Georgia, respectively, in the eight-team league.

“So two of what people think are the premier programs in the conference this year, we have to play them on the road,” Dean said. “Then we have to play Delta State, who traditionally is good year-in and year-out, we have to play them twice. It’s a heck of a schedule on top of how good the Gulf South Conference is already. It’s going to be a grind, it’s going to be tough, but that’s why you get into this.

You don’t want to have an easy schedule rolling through. You want to play these tough teams. If you survive that and get into the playoffs, that’s what’s going to help you be successful.”

The 2021 campaign will be a special one for the West Georgia football program as it commemorates the 40th year of football at the NCAA level. Dean has a unique perspective on the history of UWG football since he was here in the ‘90s as an assistant under former head coach Charlie Fisher, coached on the opposing sidelines at rival Valdosta State and returned as the head man at UWG in 2017.

The veteran head coach said it’s been quite the journey to witness the program evolve through the years to where it is today.

“When (Fisher) came in, he did an outstanding job of turning this program around and getting people to believe that you could win at West Georgia.

Obviously, Will Hall and his staff did a great job here. So when we all came in, just carrying over that winning tradition was good,” Dean said.

“To see this program from when I came in 1992, we struggled a little bit in ‘92 and ’93 and we were able to make the playoffs in ’95 and ’96 with a couple of conference championships in there. It was all just a matter of believing that you could win, and that’s the way our guys are now. People who come through this program, they come here because they feel like they can win. They’ve got a chance to win championships and they can be competitive.” WGW

wolf QUICK FACTS Head Coach: David Dean enters his fifth season at West Georgia, where he is 25-11 with two NCAA Division II playoff appearances. Dean has a career record of 104-38 with two NCAA Division II national championships Assistant Coaches: J.R. Dorman (assistant head coach), Graham Craig (offensive coordinator), Nate Masters (defensive coordinator), Kyle Skierski, Will Patterson, K.J. Parmer, Roosevelt Maggitt, Clayton Swint and Dan Sutton Home Stadium: University Stadium 2020 Record: No season (COVID-19)

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