Thomasville Bulldogs 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 17, 2019 by admin

 

               The Skinny

 

Zach Grage has led the Thomasville Bulldogs to the playoffs in his first three seasons as head coach down in the City of Roses. The Bulldogs generally find themselves in the post season more often than not. We asked Coach Grage what the biggest challenge was for his team coming into this season.

“Our schedule,” he said.

The Bulldogs offense lost a lot of firepower from last season. Kevin Cochran is one of the top returning  skill players for Thomasville. In 2018, Cochran caught 45 passes for 651 yards and 2-TDs.

All Region tight end Payten Singletary (a Cincinnati commit), also returns for the Bulldogs. Singletary caught 18 passes for 260 yards and 4-TDs in 2018. Grant Conger and William McBride will anchor the offensive line for the Coach Grage.

 

 

On defense, Singletary will also line up at defensive end will be joined on the line by senior lineman Chris Monroe. Jashawun Thornton will led the linebackers while KD Johnson will be a leader in the  secondary for Thomasville. Johnson is the team’s top returning tackler from last season.

We asked Coach Grage if there were any games that were circled on the schedule for his Bulldogs.

He said, “Cairo, Thomas County Central, Brooks Co, and Fitzgerald.”

What will a successful season look like for the Thomasville Bulldogs?

“Region Championship and a legitimate run at a state title,” said Coach Grage.

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Swainsboro Tigers 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 17, 2019 by admin

 

**Incase you missed it, you can check out our podcast interview with Coach Roberts Here: Swainsboro Tigers Podcast

 

     The Skinny

 

In 2018, Coach Scott Roberts led the Swainsboro Tigers to their first region title in 8 years.  The Tigers also made their deepest run in the playoffs since 2009, which was consequently during Coach Roberts first go round as the Tigers Head Coach. We asked Coach Roberts what the team’s biggest challenge was coming into this season.

“Not being complacent with being average. Finding a way to take the next step to becoming one of the best programs in AA,” Roberts said.

The Tigers will return the Region 2-AA offensive player of the year in quarterback Kade Youmans. Last season, Youmans passed for 2,261 yards and 32 TDs.

Youmans will have two of his top receivers back for the 2019 season in Javon Brown and Cedric Seabrough. Frederick Seabrough should could also factor in to the Tigers aerial assault at tight end.

 

 

Defensively, Ka’yun Davis and Armanie Sims, a pair of All-Region selections, will anchor the line for the Tigers. Sims led the team in sacks last year with 7.  KJ Starnes is back as well in the secondary, while John Henderson IV returns at linebacker. Henderson, Starnes and Sims are the teams leading returning tacklers from last season.

We asked Coach Roberts if there were any games circled on the schedule.

He said, “Our non-region schedule was set up to make sure we were tested by some of the best programs in AA. So, right now, all of those games are circled to see where we stand.”

How will success be defined by the Tigers this season?

Roberts said, “Like all coaches, we want to get the very best out of our kids that we can. Ultimately, we want to win state championships. From a win-loss perspective, there’s only one team in each classification that survives the gauntlet. We are trying to get there.”

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Putnam County War Eagles 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 17, 2019 by admin

 

              The Skinny

 

Shaun Pope begins his 2nd  season as head coach for the Putnam County War Eagles. While Coach Pope continues to put his stamp on the Ware Eagles program, we asked him about the biggest challenge for the 2018 season.

“Getting our young men to believe in themselves and play with consistent toughness,” he said.

We asked coach Pope to give us his thoughts on a few players that may stand out on the field on Friday nights.

“Marcus Jefferson and Cedrion Brundage are explosive athletes that I think will have a phenomenal year,” Pope replied.

Coach Pope also expects Jefferson to be a factor on special teams; specifically the return game.

 

 

 

Pope went on to add, “Waylon Wooten our QB is also ready to be a huge difference maker for us along with several others.”

Meanwhile, on defense, Coach Pope will build around defensive end, Michael Crumbley. Jamarcus Robertson also returns at defensive back. Robertson was an All-Region selection in 2018.

We asked Coach Pope about if there were any games that were circled on the schedule.

He said, “North Oconee because it’s the next one.”

What will a successful season will look like for the War Eagles.

“(If we) Improved each week and be the best that we can possibly be everyday,” Pope said.

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Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 17, 2019 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Lance Helton is now in his third season as head coach for the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets. Coach Helton has led the Yellow Jackets to the post season in both of his previous seasons. As the 2019 approaches, we asked Coach Helton what the biggest challenge was this season.

“(Our) tough and competitive region,” he said. “(and) Replacing multiple starters.”

The Jackets return two All-Region performers on the offensive line, Jaylen Grady and Christian Ray. They will be tasked with creating running lanes for Jashaun Kirby and Austin Wood. Both backs were All-Region selections in 2018 along with All-Region QB, Britt Metts.

 

 

Defensive leaders returning for the Jackets are Jaylen Grady along the defensive line, Tre Chandler at linebacker and safety Cade Walters.

We asked Coach Helton if there were any games circled on the schedule for the Jackets.

“Every Region Game in 2-AA,” he said.

What will a successful season look like for the Jackets?

Helton said, “Treating the game of Football the right way, and win or lose representing Jeff Davis County the right way.”

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Lamar County Trojans 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 17, 2019 by admin

 

        The Skinny

 

Jeff Sloan takes over as the Head Coach for the Lamar County Trojans. The Trojans had a run of 8 consecutive playoff appearances snapped in 2017. We asked Coach Sloan what his biggest challenge is coming into year one.

“Making sure that we take each day as a challenge to continually improve and only worry about the things that we can control,” he said.

The Trojans return several players at the skill position from last season. Both quarterbacks Grayson Jett and Devin Bateman return for 2019. They will be joined by receivers, Joey Stratton and Keilyn Tyus as well as fullback KT Brownlee. Meanwhile, Daniel Dinkins returns to help anchor the offensive line.

The defense returns several players with experience. Up front the line will be led by Bryce Boland, Aderrius Barron and Josh Wright. Linebackers Cory Young, Donovan Sanford and Stephon Manuel are all expected to have an impact at the position. Dre Blackmon and Grayson Jett will be called upon to lead in the secondary for Lamar County.

 

We asked Coach Sloan if there were any games circled on the schedule this season.

“The next game” he said, “so at the moment, that is our first game vs Mt. Zion.”

We asked Coach Sloan what a successful season will look like for the Trojans.

“We are in a growth phase in our program and how fast we are able to grow will largely be determined by how we perform this season. Our success will be determined by whether or not we are able to continue in our growth,” he said.

Sloan ended by saying, “With that being said we want to maximize the experience for our Seniors this year, so to say that we are not trying to make the playoffs, Win a Region/State Championship this year is a gross understatement. We have high expectations for our season and our working hard to make sure that we can realize those goals.”

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Hephzibah Rebels TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 17, 2019 by admin

 

**Incase you missed it, you can check out our podcast interview with Coach Harrell Here: Hephzibah Rebels Podcast

 

            The Skinny

 

The Hephzibah Rebels are coming off of a historic football season. The team won a school record 8 games and advanced to the state playoffs for only the 5th time in school history. So when we asked Coach William Harrell what the biggest challenge of 2019 is it’s no surprise when he said

“Replacing a historic-setting Senior class who won a school-record 8 games last season.”

One of those seniors was running back Rayquan Riley. The Rebels will be looking to replace Riley’s 1,600 yard, 20-TD season. Marshall Chambers does return at QB for his junior season. He and wide receiver E’Shawn Mayes will look to lead the charge for the offense this season. Mays was 2nd on the team in receptions and first in receiving yards in 2018.

 

 

The Rebels return two of their top tacklers in lineman Elijah D’Antignac and safety Enoch Howard. D’Antignac was second on the team in sacks with 5.5. Joining Howard in the secondary is Ronald Coleman. Coleman picked off 4 passes from his corner position and also made an impact on special teams with a blocked punt and 2 blocked field goals.

We asked Coach Harrell if there were any games circled on the schedule,.

“Both scrimmages and all 15 games,” he said.

When asked how success would be defined for the Rebels this season, Harrell replied,

“In addition, setting a new Standard: defeat Butler (Augusta), win the Region Title, and make a Playoff Campaign (minimum Quarterfinals appearance).”

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Chattooga Indians 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 17, 2019 by admin

 

          The Skinny

 

Coach Charles Hammon has led the Chattooga Indians into the post season in all of his 5 previous seasons at the Summerville School. We asked Coach Hammon about this season’s team and what’s the staff’s biggest challenge.

“Offensive line depth,” Hammon replied.

Dez Jones will anchor the offensive line for the Indians. Running behind Jones will be sophomore Shawn Lester. Last year, Lester rushed for 1,015 yards and 15-TDs as a freshman and garnered an All-Region selection. We expect to see his work load increase this season as the backfield will be a little less crowded.

 

 

On defense, All-Region linebacker Jacoby Cotrell returns for the Indians. He led the team in solo tackles and total tackles last season. Along the line of scrimmage, PJ Smith and Luis Medina will anchor the front while Dylan Woody and Jamarious Mosteller return to patrol the secondary.

We asked Coach Hammon if there were any games circled on the schedule.

He simply said, “Rockmart.”

How will the Indians define success this season?

Coach Hammon said, “(by) making the playoffs.”

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Pepperell Dragons 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 17, 2019 by admin

 

**Incase you missed it, you can check out our podcast interview with Coach Hurst Here: Pepperell Dragons Podcast

 

 

            The Skinny

 

Head Coach Rick Hurst has led the Pepperell Dragons to the state playoffs in each of his first four season as head coach over in Lindale. We know that with success comes expectations and different challenges. We asked Coach Hurst what some of those challenges were this season.

“Keeping our players focusing on improving their game each day,” he said.

While Coach Hurst will have his hands full keeping his players focused, he does return one of the better quarterbacks in the region and perhaps in Northwest Georgia in Gage Moses. Moses was an All-Region selection in 2018 as sophomore. He passed for 1,373 yards and 16-TDs. Moses also rushed for 407 yards and 2-TDs.

The Dragons lose their top rushers from a year ago to graduation, but Josh Ross appears to be poised to step into that role this season. Meanwhile, All-Region receiver Payton Rhoades returns and will likely be one of the top targets of Moses. Rhoades caught 47 passes last season for 594 yards and 8-TDs. Dawson Duncan and Clay Crawford will anchor the Dragons offensive line.

 

 

Defensively, the Dragons most experienced unit might be their secondary. Defensive back Ryan Hurst, an All-Region selection highlights the unit. He will be joined by John Ross at safety and Tray Robinson at corner. Jake Chandler will provide experience at linebacker while Tyler Liggons will lead the defensive line.

We asked Coach Hurst if there were any games that were circled on the schedule this season.

“They are all important,” he replied, “but the Region Title could come down to our game with Rockmart High School.”

We asked Coach Hurst how the Dragons will define a successful season?

Hurst answered, “The level in which we improve weekly from game to game will give us a chance each week.”

 

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Trion Bulldogs – Conversations with Coaches – Featuring Coach Justin Brown

Posted on August 17, 2019 by admin

Coach Justin Brown and the Trion Bulldogs continued their winning ways last season, advancing to the second round of the Class A Public playoffs. This season the Bulldogs have to replace a lot of offensive production as they graduated several starters on both sides of the ball. Today, we talk to Coach Brown about the success they had last year and get his insights into the 2019 Trion Bulldogs.

 

 

 

Please feel free to share! Follow us on Twitter: @turdfurgesonrpt and on the web at turdfurgeson.com

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Ringgold Tigers 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

  The Skinny

 

 

Coach Robert Akins begins his 13thseason at the helm for the Ringgold Tigers. Coach Akins guided the Tigers back to the playoffs after a two-year absence. We asked Coach Akins what the teams biggest challenge is coming into the 2019 season.

“Creating a “real” team, not just talented individuals,” he replied.

The Tigers boast one of the biggest offensive lines with a lot of experience. Center Reid Williams, a UTC commit will anchor the offensive line along with  Scott Clinton, James Booth Bo Black and Will House. The offensive line will be charged with creating holes for the youthful duo of Price Pennington and Kori Domas. Receivers Malachi Hill and Dylan Wright will also be instrumental in the passing game for the Tigers.

 

 

 

The Tigers also return several players with experience on defense. Logan Pavlik will be looked upon to lead the defensive front. Meanwhile, the Tigers return linebackers Brandon Orman, Josh Lane, McCain Magnum and Seth Parker. Sam Milles and Brayden Broome will return in the secondary for Ringgold.

We asked Coach Akins if there were any games circled on the schedule.

“North Murray,” he said.

How will the Ringgold Tigers define success this season?

Akins replied, “(Displaying) Mental and Physical toughness.”

 

Posted in 2019 Pre-Season Previews, 3-A | Tagged | Leave a comment