Lassiter Trojans TFR 2019 Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

 

**Incase you missed it, you can check out our podcast interview with Coach Carmean Here: Lassiter Trojans Mustangs Podcast

 

                     The Skinny

 

 

Coach Sean Thom takes over for the Lassiter Trojans in 2019. The Trojans are looking to rebound from a 1-9 campaign a year ago. So it might be no surprise that when we asked Coach Thom about the biggest challenge for his team this upcoming season, he said,

“Changing the culture throughout LHS football program.”

The Trojans offense will welcome back some of their skill players including senior quarterback Mitch Storm. Joining Storm in the backfield will be sophomore Shai Velencia, who is also poised to get more involved in the Trojans offense at running back, while Matthew Grachen will lead the receiving unit.

 

 

On defense, the Trojans welcome back Jack Ferguson and Sam Carter IV to the secondary. Ferguson was an All-Region selection in 2018. Evan Manring and Brett Carr return as key contributors from last season at linebacker.  Channing Canty should also see more minutes this season at linebacker.

We asked Coach Thom if there were any rivalries or games circled on the schedule.

He replied, “Pope.”

In terms of success for the 2019 season, Coach Thom said,

“Achieving milestones each week and getting better each day. Becoming a mentally tough football team that plays with relentless effort each down.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Norcross Blue Devils TFR 2019 Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

 

 

         The Skinny

 

The Norcross Blue Devils look to extend their consecutive playoff appearance streak to 10 seasons in a row. Coach Keith Maloof has been at the helm for the Blue Devils since 1999. While the Blue Devils will have their work cut out for them on the field, when we asked Coach Maloof what the teams biggest challenge was, he replied,

“Social Media.”

And while we most certainly understand that in some places social media has its positives, it can no doubt be a distraction.

Offensively, the Blue Devils will be replacing most of their skill position starters from a year ago.  Quinton Bradford and Abel Aguirre well anchor the offensive line, while Randy Smith and Jaylen Green appear to be poised to lead the receivers.

 

 

 

Kicker/Punter Kellen Grave de Peralta was the team’s leading scorer in total points last season. The Navy commit connected on 34 of 36 PATs and 10 of 11 field goals last season.

Tyren Long will anchor the defensive line. Last season he recorded a team high 5.5 sacks. Long is also the team’s leading returning tackler, with 47 total tackles in 2018.  Safeties Josh Graham and Roland Jackson will lead the secondary. As a sophomore last season, Graham picked of 3 passes in the secondary.

We asked Coach Maloof if any games were circled on the calendar.

“North Gwinnett, Parkview (and) Brookwood.”

Expectations are high at Norcross year in and year out. So it was no surprise when we asked what a successful season would look like for the Blue Devils, Maloof replied:

“Region Title and then State Title.”

 

 

 

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North Paulding Wolfpack TFR 2019 Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

          The Skinny

 

The North Paulding Wolfpack enter season 2 under the leadership of Head Coach Jim Bob Bryant. Last season Coach Bryant continued a streak of 7 consecutive playoff appearances for the Wolfpack. Coach Bryant is no stranger to success as he won 3 North Carolina State Titles in 2011, 2012 and 2013.  We asked coach Bryant about the strength of his team coming into this season.

“The Pack is bringing back 17 starters and 32 lettermen from a 7-4 2018 team.  Last year was the first year (for me) at North Paulding after coaching for 21 years in North Carolina.  Our Defensive Coordinator, Dana Arthur is also back for his second season at North. The players will not have to learn a new offense and defense as they did last year,” he replied.

Perhaps the biggest name of them all is All-American punter and kicker Brock Travelstead. Travelstead , a Louisville commit, connected on all 39 of his PAT attempts in 2018 and was 18 for 19 in field goal attempts. He led the team in scoring in 2018. He also averaged 42.4 yards per punt last season.

While most of the skill players return for the Pack, they will need to find a replacement at quarterback for the pass-happy offense. 2018 leading running back Preston Rogers returns for his junior season. Last year Rogers averaged 4.4 yards per carry with 4-TDs. Junior Kyle Bird will step in at quarterback for North Paulding. Bird only attempted 5 passes in limited action last season., but he will have several weapons returning at wide receiver, including, the teams 3 top receivers from last year in Kellan Autenrieth (47 catches, 768 yards, 11-TDs), Jarrod Ray (46 catches, 535 yards, 3-TDs) and Ryker Brown (34 catches, 377 yards, 4-TDs).

 

 

 

The learning curve might be steep for Bird, but he will have the benefit of an experienced offensive line in front have him. The Pack returns 4 starters from last season. Headlining the linemen group is all-region performer Andrew Smith.

On defense, the North Paulding returns 3 of their top 5 tacklers from a season ago, linebacker Matt Hoffman (77-total tackles), linebacker Jacob Amos (76-total tackles) and DB Tyler Davis (89-total tackles).

We asked coach about any games or rivals that his team was looking forward to playing.

“Our biggest rivalry game is East Paulding,” he said, “(our) biggest region game…all of them.”

So what’s the outlook on the season for Coach Bryant?

“North Paulding is the second smallest 7A school in Georgia and plays in a brutal Region,” he said. “Last year Region 3 had three teams ranked in the top 100 in the country pre-season. If North can upset one or all 3 of these teams, we will have a chance to compete for the Region Championship.”

The certainly have the experience coming back to be in the mix come early November.

 

 

 

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Parkview Panthers 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

                The Skinny

 

The Parkview Panthers come into the 2019 campaign looking to defend their region title, as the went undefeated in Region 7-7A last season. We asked Coach Godfree about the upcoming season and some of the challenges the Panthers face on and off the field.

“Replacing our Defensive Line and raising money to pay for a new deck on our concession stand,” he replied.

Junior Running back Cody Brown led the team last season with well over 1,500 yards rushing and 25-TDs. He will be joined in the backfield by senior quarterback Jordan Williams, who threw for almost 2,000 yards and along with 14-TDs and only 2-INTS.

The Panthers top returning receiver, CJ Daniels, caught 39 balls last season for 594 yards and 6-TDs. Upfront, Tyler Wagner, a Coastal Carolina commit anchors the offensive line.

 

 

While the Panthers work out the kinks upfront on the defensive line, Kobe Wilson will steady the line backing crew. Wilson, a Memphis commit, led the team in 2019 with 108 total tackles, (including 66 solo tackles and 6-sacks). Newcomer Tony Ward will help bolster the line backing corps.  In the secondary, the Panthers will look for Quincy Bryant and Ronnie Hamrick to pick up where the left off last season and stifle any aerial threats.

While there are several important games for the Panthers this season, when we asked Coach Godfree which one was circled right now, he said “Lowndes”.

How will the Panthers define success this season? Coach Godfree gave us a little insight.

“If we stay healthy and catch some breaks, we can find ourselves in the state championship game in the highest level of football in GA,” he said.

 

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Roswell Hornets 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

          The Skinny

 

The Roswell Hornets are the defending Region 7-4A champs. There is no doubt that they will have a target on their back in region play this year. The Hornets return several All-Region performers from the 2018 season, so they should be one of the favorites in the region again this season. Despite the talent returning, Coach Kemper knows there are still challenges coming into this season.

“(Our) Biggest challenge is making sure are kids are in the right spots and well-prepared to start the season,” he said.

Quarterback Ethan Roberts will look to build on his past success. Last season, Roberts threw for 1,948 yards and 20-TDs. Roberts primary target also returns in senior tight-end John Copenhaver. Copenhaver, a UNC commit, caught 44 balls for 759 yards and 8-TDs.

Jacob Jarrett, the team’s second leading receiver from a year ago returns. He caught 30 passes for 596 yards to go along with 8-TDs for the Hornets.  Marquis Willis is another receiver that could have an impact on game day. Meanwhile, Trey Zimmerman, another UNC commit will anchor the offensive line.

 

 

Defensively, the Hornets return a host of All-Region selections. They are highlighted by Arizona State commit Doneiko Slaughter. Last season, Slaughter averaged 7.1 tackles per game and led the team with 8 sacks.

Slaughter will  be joined by fellow linebackers Khaleed Mobley (81 total tackles in 2018) and Will Troutman (68 total tackles in 2018). Upfront, Caden Bondurant will lead the line while John-Michael DiRoberto returns as a leader in the secondary.

The game that’s circled on their calendar…

“The Milton game is ALWAYS circled at Roswell,” said Coach Kemper.

How will success be defined this season for the Hornets?

Kemper said, “If we reach our potential as a team, and as student-athletes.”

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Walton Raiders 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

                The Skinny

 

Head Coach Daniel Brunner has led the Walton Raiders to the playoffs in his first two seasons. Entering 2019, the Raiders will have to replace a lot of their offensive fire power as their passing, rushing and receiving leaders from a year ago have all graduated. So it’s no surprise when we asked Coach Brunner about the biggest challenge entering 2019 he said, “Growing up our young players.”

The Raiders will turn the reigns over at quarterback to sophomore Zak Rozsman. Rozsman did play in 7 games last season and passed for 10-TDs with only 2 interceptions. Teagan Bierria is the team’s leading returning receiver. Expect for Bierria to see more targets this season. Kendall Stokes and Julian Bumper will look to replace the production of DJ Soyoye in the ground game. They will run behind an offensive line anchored by Tal Brill and Walker Hurst.

 

 

Much like the offense, Walton’s defense was hit hard by graduation. Jayden Smith will anchor the defensive line. Defensive end Jeb Carriere and linebacker Titus McBride will also be guys to keep an eye on for the Raiders.

When we asked Coach Brunner what the biggest challenge his team will face this year, he reiterated his teams youthfulness.

“We are young in some areas and on the field and game one is our focus.“

Regarding success this season, Coach Brunner kept it simple.

“We take every game one at a time and our goal is to be 1-0 after each game.”

 

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TFR 2019 Preseason GHSA Football Poll

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

We are less than two weeks away from the start of the regular season. Today, we release our GHSA Top-10 Football Poll in each classification. Polls are fun and can provide for spirited and healthy conversations and debates. We welcome any and all poll feedback.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Coahulla Creek Colts – 2019 Conversations with Coaches – Featuring Caleb Bagley

Posted on August 10, 2019 by admin

Coach Caleb Bagley is in his second season as head coach for the Coahulla Creek Colts, located in Northern Whitfield County. The Colts broke a long losing streak last year and maybe on the verge of turning the corner. We caught up with Coach Bagley to talk about the growth process of his team and to learn his thoughts on the 2019 Colts. Tune in and listen as Coach Bagley joins the show.

 

 

 

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

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River Ridge Knights 2019 Preseason Preview

Posted on August 10, 2019 by admin

 

 

 

           The Skinny

 

Michael Collins takes over as the new head coach of the River Ridge Knights. Coach Collins was most recently the Head Coach at Wheeler and also spent time coaching at Chamblee and Pebblebrook. As Coach Collins takes the helm, we asked what are some of his biggest challenges in year one.

“Trying to get players in the best positions to maximize their talent,” he said.

The Knights will look to Chase Begin to take the reigns under center. Aiden Ali could emerge as one of the top threats in the passing game while Kofi Reeves Miller and Amehre Morrison figure to help steady the rushing attack for the Knights.

 

 

Defensively, Kofi-Reeves Miller will be called upon to provide leadership for the Knights this season.

River Ridge will have their work cut out for them as they play a very challenging Region 6-6A.

There are no particular games circled on the schedule. Coach Collins looks to have his Knights focused on the one-game at a time cliché.

 What will a successful season look like for the River Ridge Knights?

Collins simply said, “If we show daily improvements.”

 

 

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Sequoyah Chiefs 2019 Preseason Preview

Posted on August 10, 2019 by admin

 

**Incase you missed it, you can check out our podcast interview with Coach Teter Here: Sequoyah Chiefs Podcast

 

 

           The Skinny

 

Coach James Teter has led the Sequoyah Chiefs to the playoffs in 6 of the last 7 seasons. In 2018 the Chiefs had perhaps one of the best seasons at Sequoyah; advancing to the Quarterfinals for only the second time in school history. As the Chiefs prep for the 2019 season, Coach Teter talked about the team’s biggest challenge this season.

“Filling in all of the spots from graduation. We lost a lot of key players from last year’s team. Many of which played for 3 years,” he said.

He continued by saying, “Finding those replacements and building some depth have been the biggest issues this offseason.”

While the Chiefs will be looking to fill those voids, the cupboard is not completely bare in Hickory Flat. The Chiefs will return 3 starters on the offensive line (Nick Balance, Wyatt Hampton and Connor Johnston) that helped pave the way to 235 yards rushing per game in 2018. Sequoyah returns fullback Jaden Mitchell, who was third on the team in rushing last season with 414 yards and 7-TDs. Look for the junior to get more touches this season. Colin Koprowski will take over at quarterback. He will have two play making receivers in Myles McGee and Christian Hodgins. Last season McGee was second on the team in receiving with 21 receptions for 362 yards and 5-TDs.

 

 

While the Chiefs also lose a lot on defense, they do return their top tackler in linebacker Grant Gibson. Gibson tallied 120 total tackles (71 solo) last season. Christians Kirby will He will join Gibson at linebacker. Up front, Connor Johnston and Damian D’Alessandro will anchor the defensive line and McGee (56 total tackles in 2018) will line up in the secondary for the Chiefs.

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

Teter said, “With the number of player that we lost from last season every game is the most important one on the schedule. We will truly work one game at a time and learn and build off of it.”

Finally, we asked Coach Teter how the Chiefs will define success in 2018.

“With us being so young experience wise success will not be measured by wins and losses but our teams ability to grow and work together throughout the season. If luck has it and we learn from the first half of the season then I think we will be able say we were successful and hopefully make a run at the playoffs,” he replied.

 

 

 

 

Posted in 2019 Cherokee County Football, 2019 Pre-Season Previews | Tagged | Leave a comment