Redan Raiders 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

           The Skinny

 

 

Coach Rahman Sparks takes over as head coach for the Redan Raiders this season. Redan plays in a very challenging Region-5, which is home to the defending Class AAA state champion Cedar Grove Saints.

Offensively, the Saints will return their leading rushers in Jaquez Williams and Corey Mikel. Williams averaged 5.3 yards per carry a season ago. Quarterback Ali McDaniel also returns for the Raiders to lead the offense. Redan graduated three of their top four receivers so they will be looking for someone to fill the void.

 

Meanwhile, on defense, Redan will look to Christian Wilson and rising sophomore Marcus Abney to help steady the defensive line.

There are no particular games circled for the Raiders. They are taking things one game at a time.

When we asked Coach Sparks what a successful season would look like in year one, he said,

“Graduate ALL seniors.”

 

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North Hall Trojans 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

Coach David Bishop is in his 5th season as head coach for the North Hall Trojans. Coach Bishop has had the Trojans in the playoffs for the last four years. We asked him what his biggest challenge was as North Hall opens the 2019 season.

“Filling QB and center on offense as well as 3 safety spots on defense,” he said.

The Trojans are a run heavy team; last season, they averaged almost 300 yards rushing per game. Much of the load this season will fall to junior J.T. Fair. As a sophomore, Fair rushed for 901 yards and 9-TDs. His efforts earned him All-Region honors in 2018. Clark Howell should also have an opportunity to factor into the run game this season.

Defensively, Luke Volle and Austin Sullens were All-Region selection in 2018. Volle led the team in interceptions with 3 in 2018. The aforementioned Fair will also see time at safety.

 

Dalton Battle is the Trojans leading returning tackler. He recorded 72 total tackles a year ago. The entire front four returns for the Trojans to also help steady the defense.

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

“Greater Atlanta and Dawson County,” he said.

These are the teams that most people expect to be on top of the region and are indeed a measuring stick in Region-7.

How will the Trojans define success this season?

Coach Bishop said, “By meeting our potential, we have a veteran squad returning but leadership is going to be the key to meeting it.”

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Lumpkin County Indians 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

          The Skinny

 

Coach Caleb Sorrells takes over for the Lumpkin County Indians. There is no doubt that  Sorrells will be looking to impress his idea of culture on the Lumpkin program. As he begins his journey, we asked Coach Sorrells what his team’s biggest challenge was.

“Culture change- kids will have to deal well with adversity & believe in what we are doing and IN EACH OTHER, even when it gets hard, if we lose, or when things go poorly,” said Sorrells.

Last season, the Indians were a run oriented offense. But most of that production has graduated. Coach Sorrells will have some pieces at the skill position to work with as they return starting QB Tucker Kirk and running back BoJack Dowdy.

We asked Coach about his starting QB and what he expects.

“(We run a) new offense that will allow him to showcase an arm and legs that were hidden last year,” he said.

 

 

On defense the Indians return All-Region selection Aaron Hopkins on the defensive line. Hopkins led the Indians in total tackles (63) and sacks (7) last year.

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

“The next one. Same answer every week!” exclaimed Sorrells.

How will the Indians define success this season?

Sorrells replied, “Getting the most out of our potential. Are we willing to sacrifice more than we ever have to achieve more than we ever have? One of our slogans is “Want more? Be more!” If we are willing to BECOME better young men (on and off the field) and set a high standard for our team, school & community, the W/L record will take care of itself. Success is measured by how faithfully we can live out our values, not whether those values translate into wins or losses.”

 

 

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Lovett Lions 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

          The Skinny

 

Head coach Mike Muschamp begins his 15th season at the helm for the Lovett Lions. Lovett has never missed the post-season under his guidance. As the Lovett enters the 2019 season, we asked Coach Muschamp what his biggest challenge was this season.

“We must find some depth up front on both sides of the ball. Also, replacing 2 Division I signees will be hard to do,” he said.

While the Lions will be looking for depth along the offensive line, they have the luxury of returning starting QB Blaine McAllister.  McAllister, an All-Region selection in 2018, passed for 1,771 yards and also rushed for 461 yards with 24 total TDs.

Muschamp added, “Blaine McAllister has had a great off season. I’m excited to see how he performs.”

Henry Beery will look to play a bigger role in the ground game with the graduation of KJ Wallace.

 

 

Meanwhile on defense Colin Goldberg returns to the secondary. Goldberg was second on the team in total tackles last season and also intercepted 3 passes. The Lions will lean on him to become a leader in the secondary.

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

He said, “GAC (Greater Atlanta Christian), because it is the first one we play.”

How will the Lions define success this season?

Muschamp said, “Our goal is the same every year. We want to be playing the best football this group can when the end of the season comes, hopefully sometime in December.”

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Jefferson Dragons 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

        The Skinny


Coach Gene Cathcart begins his 3rd season as head coach for the Jefferson Dragons. Coach Cathcart has had success in his previous stops during his career and has had the Dragons in the playoffs in his first two seasons. We asked Coach Cathcart the biggest challenge he and his staff face coming into 2019.

“The biggest challenge for the upcoming season will be finding the proper roles for a number of talented players who could contribute to the team. The pieces are all there; it’s just a matter of putting all the pieces together,” Cathcart said.

Some of the talent that Coach Cathcart eluded to includes quarterbacks Colby Clark and Carter Stephenson. Stephenson was an All-Region selection last season for the Dragons. Fullbacks Kade McNally and Paxton Corkery return for the Dragons . Corkery was an All-Region selection as well. He averaged 5.7yards per carry.

Donsha Gaither will also line up in the backfield for the Dragons. Gaither was second only to Colby Clark in rushing yards in 2018 with 515 and 7-TDs. Mason Ware (2018 All-Region selection) and Hurst Young will anchor the Dragons offensive line.

 

 

On defense, Corkery, McNally, and Clark will play both ways for the Dragons at linebacker, but it was Rem Maxwell who garnered All-Region honors at the position in 2018. Nick Evans returns in the secondary for the Dragons.

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

Cathcart said, “Some big games for Jefferson this season are at defending region champion Monroe Area and at region rival Hart County. We also start the season by hosting local rival Oconee County. “

So, how will the Dragons define success this season?

Cathcart said, “Success for Jefferson this season will be judged for continuously improving throughout the season and being in a position to compete for a region championship.”

 

 

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Islands Sharks 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

          The Skinny

 

Robert Zoller begins his 5th season as the head coach for the Islands Sharks. Islands is coming into their 6th year of varsity football. We asked Coach Zoller what his team’s biggest challenge is entering the 2019 season.

“Cohesiveness and getting our guys to trust and believe in the scheme,” he said.

The Sharks offense will be anchored by linemen Jashad Royals (2018 All-Region selection)  and Chris Brown, while  Greg Pinkney Jr. and Dalton Singletary will provide depth at wide receiver.

 

 

Meanwhile, on defense the Sharks return a pair of All-Region selections in Mike Robertson and James Shellman. Robertson is a Power-5 prospect . Shellman has also picked up offers from Power-5 schools.

We asked Coach Zoller if there were any games circled on the schedule this season for the Sharks.

“All region games, every week is important to our success,” he said.

How will the Sharks define success this season?

Zoller responded, “Getting better, Growing as a team, and getting more players in college.”

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Haralson County Rebels 2019 TFR Football Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

  The Skinny

 

Coach Scott Peavey begins his 3rd season as head coach for the Haralson County Rebels. In 2018 the Rebels had one of their best seasons on the field in over 10 years as they won eight games and advanced to the state playoffs for the 4th time in school history. We asked Coach Peavey what his teams biggest challenge is coming into the season.

“Skill development,” he said.

All-Region offensive lineman Beau Chaffin returns to anchor the line for the Rebels. Clay Hyatt looks to be set to run the offense at quarterback while Marc Harris will have a chance to make in impact on offense at running back.

 

 

Defensively,  All-Region defensive end Trey Lovelace will anchor the Rebels front line. Lovelace was also recently named to the Recruit Georgia pre-season All-State team. The aforementioned Chaffin will also play on the defensive line for the Rebels while Antonio Crapp will look to make an impact at linebacker.

We asked Coach Peavey if there were any games circled on the schedule for the Rebels.

“LFO (Lakeview Ft. Oglethorpe) and Calhoun,” he replied.

How will the Rebels define success this season?

Peavey said, “Winning playoff games.”

 

 

 

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Greater Atlanta Christian Spartans 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

         The Skinny

 

Coach Tim Hardy will enter his 8th season as head coach for the Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC) Spartans. The Spartans have won five consecutive region titles during Hardy’s tenure. We asked Coach Hardy what will be the biggest challenge in 2019.

“Every year is a challenge as you build the personality and culture of that year’s team,” he said. “We have a really good group of Seniors that I think will lead us well.”

Some of that senior leadership that Coach Hardy eluded to can be found in returners like running backs Tyler Bride and Montae Bailey. The two backs combined for 1,010 rushing yards and 10-TDs in 2018. Bride has committed to play at Georgia Southern.

Jackson Hardy will take over at quarterback full-time this season. A year ago, he threw for 791 yards and 10-TDs while splitting time with Josh Rose. Hardy is committed to the University of Richmond.

 

 

Christian Thomas should be one of the top receivers for the Spartans while Myles Hinton will anchor the offensive line. Hinton was an All-Region selection last season and is committed to Stanford.

On defense, Bride will see double duty at cornerback. A position that he was honored as an All-Region selection in 2018. Evan Byrd adds experience and will join Bride in the secondary.

Choe Bryant-Strother, another senior and All-Region selection, will be back at linebacker for the Spartans. Last season, Strother led the Spartans in total tackles. He has received interest from Power-5 schools as well.

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

“Prestonwood Christian,” he said.

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Cherokee Bluff Bears 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

The Cherokee Bluff Bears begin their second year of varsity football. Coach Tommy Jones has been charged with leading the young program in its infancy.  We asked Coach Jones what his biggest challenge was coming into the 2019 season.

“We are a second year school. Obviously, we are still a very young program,” Jones said.

While the program is young indeed, there are some pieces to build around. We asked Coach Jones about some of those players that the team will lean on this season.

 

 

 

“Jaylon Justice and Jacob Carlson  both caught over 30 balls last year,” Jones replied.

Regarding the defense, Jones added, “Garrett Davis and Brayden Nance are both key returning starters from last season.”

Coach Jones talked a little about the future of the up and coming program and the direction they are headed in.

“The future is extremely bright for Cherokee Bluff Football. All of the ingredients are in place for long-term success- community, administration, staff, support, etc… Our focus right now is building it on a solid foundation.”

 

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Coahulla Creek Colts 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

 

**Incase you missed it, you can check out our podcast interview with Coach Bagley here: Coahulla Creek Colts Podcast

 

                    The Skinny

 

Coach Caleb Bagley enters his 3rd season as head coach for the Coahulla Creek Colts. Last season, Bagley and the Colts broke the schools winless streak that extended back to 2015. We asked Coach Bagley what the team’s biggest challenge was in 2019.

“Breaking through the wall of having a winning season (school has never had one),” Bagley said.

The returners for Coahulla Creek did get to realize the joy of winning last season. Some of those returners include starting QB Cade Bates. Last season, Bates threw for 1,039 yards and 7-TDs.

The Colts also return their top two backs, Austin Hernandez and Titus Underwood who accounted for over 800 yards on the ground last season. The Colts offensive line will be anchored by Wade Wiggins and Dan Smith.

 

 

On defense, the Colts return linebackers Underwood and Boone Creswell. Jake Young is also back to anchor the defensive line.

When we asked Coach Bagley what games are circled on the schedule, he said,

“The Next game is the most important, so right now that is Northwest Whitfield.”

What will make 2019 a successful season for the Colts?

Bagley said, “If we compete and be the best version of ourselves every day.”

 

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