2018 Class 3A Region Previews

Posted on August 11, 2018 by admin

Our 3A region previews are listed below. You’ll find players to watch, key games and our predicted region finish. Please feel free to comment if there are any corrections that need to be made. Thanks for reading. Please feel free to share.

 

Short Take

 

Crisp County is our pick for region champion. Much like last season, we believe that this should be a run-away for Crisp. Expect for Monroe and Cook to battle it out for the number two spot.

 

Short Take

 

This region looks like it will come down to the Liberty County vs. Pierce County match-up at the end of the season on November 2nd. Appling County should be much improved, but they are probably a year away from challenging Liberty or Pierce.

 

 

Short Take

 

Benedictine moves up in classification this season, but we still believe that they will claim the top spot in region 3. Southeast Bulloch and Jenkins should battle for the second seed. We just think Benedictine is too strong, even with the losses that they suffered from last season.

 

Short Take

 

Perhaps our most unconventional pick in Class 3A, we like Westside Macon to shake things up in region 4 and replace Peach County at the top of the region. We think that the November 2nd match-up between Peach and Westside will determine the region champ.

 

 

Short Take

 

We believe that once again, it will be Cedar Grove atop the region, and everyone else will be playing for second place. It should be a three horse race for the remaining playoff spots behind Cedar Grove, with Lovett, Pace and Westminster battling it out.

 

Short Take

 

Calhoun won the class 3A state title last season, so it should be no surprise that the Jackets top our list of Region 6 teams. North Murray should contend along with Adairsville and Ringgold. But we don’t think any of these teams will be in reach of Calhoun in 2018.

 

Short Take

 

Greater Atlanta Christian looks to be the class of region 7. They sport an imposing offensive and defensive line. Dawson County should head up the best of the rest. The Tigers could have the best shot at knocking of GAC, but we just don’t think that will happen this season.

 

 

 

Short Take

The Jefferson Dragons drop down in classification, and like Benedictine, we expect for them to be at the top of the region when the dust settles. It won’t be a run away, as Morgan County and Monroe Area should have plenty of talent to compete with the Dragons.

 

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2018 Class 6A Region Previews

Posted on August 11, 2018 by admin

Our 6A region previews are listed below. You’ll find players to watch, key games and our predicted region finish. Please feel free to comment if there are any corrections that need to be made. Thanks for reading. Please feel free to share.

 

Short Take

 

Lee County is the defending state Champion in 6A. We believe that they have enough fire power to hold off Coffee, who was the runner-up last season. We expect a bit of a bounce back from Valdosta. The Cats could challenge for a number 2 seed in a very challenging region.

 

 

Short Take

This region felt like a toss-up between the Glynn County schools, Brunswick and Glynn Academy. We like Glynn Academy, but it won’t be a run-away for the Red Terrors. We expect for both Brunswick and Richmond Hill to be in the mix all the way down the stretch.

 

 

Short Take

 

We are really buying in to the Grovetown Warriors and Coach Damien Postell. They might just have enough fire power to knock off the defending region champs, but don’t count Evans out. The November 2nd match-up should determine the Region Champion.

 

 

 

 

Short Take

 

We expect this region to come down to one game, November 2nd when Tucker and Stephenson tangle. Tucker might not be as talented as they have been in years past, but we believe the return enough fire-power to best Stephenson and the rest of the region.

 

 

 

Short Take

The Mays Raiders will look to defend their 2017 region title. In order to do so, they will need to replace several starters on offense and defense. The Raiders return a couple of pieces to the puzzle at the skill positions. Just enough, we believe, to maintain the stranglehold on the top seed. Don’t expect Douglas County, Hughes or Alexander to go quietly into the night. We believe that any four of these teams has a legitimate shot to hoist a region trophy at the end of the season.

 

Short Take

 

This region no longer has to deal with Justin Fields. That’s good news for everyone in Region 6, but Harrison. We believe Allatoona is poised to wrestle the top spot in the region away from Harrison. We feel the Bucs sport the best quarterback in the region and Sequoyah’s quarterback is not too far behind. If Creekview and Sequoyah can match Allatoona’s physicality, then perhaps they will be able to claim the top seed. Both Harrison and Dalton are well coached, so we can’t count them out either. South Cobb will be knocking on the door this season. We’ll take them as our dark horse.

 

 

 

Short Take

 

We selected Centennial as our region champ because we believe they return the best quarterback in region 7. Pope should close the gap a bit with Alpharetta. But we feel pretty confident in the Centennial, Alpharetta, Pope and Chattahoochee all to be in the top 4 at the end of the season.

 

 

 

 

We have Dacula as our region winner and of course, we will stick by that pick. Habersham Central is a team that’s trending up, so don’t be surprised to see the Raiders to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2011. We expect Gainesville and Lanier to battle it our for the fourth spot in the region.

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Brookwood Broncos Football Preview

Posted on August 11, 2018 by admin

 

**Don’t forget to listen to our podcast interview with Coach Jones. The link is here: Coach Philip Jones Interview**

 

The Skinny

 

The Brookwood Broncos made an impressive run into the the state semi-finals before falling to Colquitt County last season. While expectations are generally high at Brookwood, each season does present a new set of challenges.

Coach Jones said, “replacing 20 starters from last year’s team.” (will be the biggest challenge).

However, there is plenty of talent left on the Brookwood roster that should be poised to step up in 2018

Perhaps the top returner on offense for the Broncos is lineman Aiden Perkins. The junior is a load at 6’2” 287.  Sean Hill is also a player on the offensive line that could provide some significant contribution up front for the Broncos.

Running Backs Chris Carter and Eli Kohll will look to replace the production Brookwood lost to graduation. MeKal Fuller joins the Broncos this season and should be a productive player for Coach Jones. Last season, Fuller had 489 receiving yards and 4 Tds for Lanier. Omajuwa Etiwe is another wide receiver that could help the Brookwood offense.

 

 

CB Michael Killebrew returns as one of the leaders on defense. Killebrew is a sure tackling ball-hawking defensive back . Linebacker Tony Ward is another player to watch for the Broncos. Ward is a physical attacking linebacker that will also be called upon to step up with the losses that the Broncos had to graduation.

We asked coach Jones if there were any games that were circled on the schedule. There were two that stood out.

“(the) Opener vs. North Gwinnett in Mercedes Benz Stadium,” he said, (and to no ones surprise), “Game 8 vs. Parkview.”

What will make 2018 a successful season for the Broncos?

Jones said, “Loving each other sacrificially and competing daily to be the very best we can be!”

 

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Camden County Wildcats Football Preview

Posted on August 11, 2018 by admin

 

**Be sure to check out our Podcast interview with Coach Sphire. The link is here: Coach Bob Sphire Interview**

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Bob Sphire enters his second season as the head coach down at Camden County. Coach Sphire is looking to wake the sleeping giant of southeast Georgia. (Camden County has been a perennial power over the past four decades.)

There are certainly some pieces to build around for Coach Sphire and his staff. On offense the Wildcats return leading receiver and Second Team All-Region selection Logan Berryhill (384 yards,  5 TDs). The team also returns their leading rusher, Jalen Davis, who ran for 533 yards and 2 TDs while sharing time in the backfield last season.

Look for Kaleb Keaton to also add production from his slotback position.  Up front, linemen Micah Morris and Christopher Hunt (First Team All-Region) will be charged with making holes for Davis and the rest of the Wildcats.

 

 

Defensively, Camden County returns a trio of linebackers with significant game experience including Second Team All-Region selections Ronnin Wright and Desmond Fogle. Tristan Berryhill will add depth and experience at linebacker. Up front, Myson Livingston will anchor the defensive line.

We asked Coach Sphire what games, if any were circled on the schedule.

“All three region games Lowndes, Colquitt, and Tift,” he said.

While we don’t have a clear picture of how the Wildcats will define success this season, we certainly believe it involves improving week to week and being competing to the best of their ability.

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Campbell Spartans Football Preview

Posted on August 11, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

In his first season, Coach Kyle Adkins guided the Campbell Spartans to their first playoff appearance since 2006. It was also the Spartans highest win total since 2007. After that success in year one, we asked coach Adkins what would be his staff’s biggest challenge coming into the 2018 season.

“Creating depth at multiple positions,” he said.

The Spartans will have some holes to fill with the losses of running back Coby Deprill, receivers Ray Decosey and Marcus Rogers as well as Brandon Lewis on the line. All four made the all region team in 2017. This year’s offensive line for the Spartans will be anchored by Eduardo Pimental and Tomas Salvador.

Tavion “Tank” Jackson seems poised to take over as the starting running back for Campbell. Javaiz Bradford could also be poised to help the Spartans on offense.

 

 

On defense, Campbell will be led by linebackers Kobe Marshall and Terrence Pratt. Pratt is a physical linebacker that seems to always be flying around the field. Jordan Outlaw will lead the secondary for the Spartans .

We asked coach Adkins if there were any games that were circled on the schedule for his Spartans.

“All ten games,” Adkins said.

We asked Coach Adkins how success would be defined for Campbell this season.

“Playing fast and physical every week. Consistency is what we need,” he said.

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Colquitt County Packers Football Preview

Posted on August 11, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

 

It’s no secret that the Colquitt County Packers have had tremendous amount of success in Coach Rush Probst’s tenure. In his 11 seasons, the Packers have missed the playoffs only once. They have won two state titles and have made deep runs in all of their playoff appearances in the last 10 years.

While the state may have come to expect a high level performance from the Packers each season, in 2018, the Packers do have some hurdles to overcome.

We asked Coach Probst about the biggest challenge coming into the 2018 season.

“(We are) inexperienced at the quarterback position, (the) task of finding a player that can do the minimum to help our offense generate points,” he said.

We asked about the outlook for the Packers this season.

Probst said, “We have a good nucleus of players returning with valuable playing experience. We also have great depth in numbers, and an excellent kicker returning for special teams.”

While the Packers are trying to find a replacement at quarterback, they do return a bevy of talent on offense, highlighted by running backs Daijun Edwards and Ty Leggett. Edwards and Leggett combined for over 2,300 yards rushing and 25 TDs in 2017.  Leggett was a First Team All-Region selection in 2017 while Edwards was a Second Team All-Region selection.

The Packers also have the luxury of returning four experienced offensive lineman from last seasons team. All of whom wereAll-Region selections. William Rykard (First Team), Kamar Bell (First Team), Kameren Barnes (Second Team) and Jerick Davis (Honorable Mention) are all back to help pave the way for the Packers ground game.

 

 

 

A pair of Second Team All-Region selections are back to lead the Packers receiving corps. K.T. Wilson (356 yards, 5 TDs) and Josh Hadley (207 yards 2 TDs) will be called upon to help fill the void left by Cam Singletary. Marvion McDonald (230 yards 2 TDs) and Tyrique Williams are also names that we could here often for the Packers through the air.

The Colquitt County defense also returns a host of All-Region performers. The defensive line will be anchored by First Team All-Region selection Brian Merritt and All –Region Honorable Mention selection, Kree Herring. Merritt led the Packers in sacks last season with 7.5.

Colquitt also welcomes back three experienced linebackers, highlighted by All-State Honorable Mention selection Rashard Revels. Revels recorded a team high 201 total tackles and 5 sacks last season. He will be joined by Marcus Anderson, (Second Team All-Region) who was second on the team in total tackles, (with 148) and Camari Louis, an All-Region Honorable Mention selection.

The secondary will be patrolled by Jay Ward, Nyqann Washington and Kamrin Woods. Ward, a First Team All-Region selection, was second on the team in interceptions, with 4 last season. While Washington, a Second Team All-Region selection, led the Packers in picks with 5. Woods also garnered an All-Region Honorable Mention selection in 2017.

Let’s also not over look the fact that the Packers return Ryan Fitzgerald on special teams, as Coach Probst mentioned before. Fitzgerald was the special teams player of the year for Region 1-7A. He also earned First Team All-State honors as a kicker in 2017. His leg could prove to be a huge weapon again for the Packers.

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

He replied, “The entire schedule, this is another challenging season.”

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Discovery Titans Football Preview

Posted on August 11, 2018 by admin

 

**Don’t forget to check out our Podcast interview with Coach Efrem Hill. The link to the interview is here: Coach Hill Podcast Interview**

 

The Skinny

 

The Discovery Titans are still a program in it’s infancy stage. The Titans will be playing only their 3rd year of varsity football. Coach Efrem Hill has been charged with starting the program from scratch. Coach Hill talked briefly about the biggest challenge he and his staff face as they prepare for the upcoming season.

“The biggest challenge is getting 14,15,16,and 17 year olds to understand the importance of Rest, Re-hydrate, and refuel,” he said.

The Titans players will certainly need to embrace those three “R’s” that Coach Hill referenced as they play in a very challenging region that is home to the defending state champion, (North Gwinnett).

We asked Coach Hill about any players that were poised for a breakout season.

“I believe that this is going to be the year of the big guys up front. (Offensively and defensively), “ he said.

Some of the offensive lineman that Coach Hill will be leaning on this season are Christian Beltran, Wilson Ruiz, Christian Davis and Ariel Gonzalez.  (Davis was a Second Team All-Region selection last season.)

 

 

 

At the offensive skill positions, the Titans return leading passer Alex Drazic (1,336 yards, 8 TDs).  Joining Drazic in the backfield will be Junior Shameski Rucker and at receiver, Kobe Johnson looks poised to build on his success as the leading receiver in terms of catches (37) in 2017.

The defense  welcomes back their two leading tacklers from a year ago, linebackers, Noble Joyner (64) and Blamassi Meite (61).  Joyner also lead the team in sacks last season. Mustafa Alkhatib will help anchor the defensive line , while Kai Felder and Anthony Rochester look to lead the secondary.

We asked if any games were circled on the calendar.

Coach Hill said, “Dacula, the opener!”

We can be sure that the Titans won’t be looking past anyone.  We also asked Hill how he would define success this season.

“Success will be defined on us improving from day to day game to game. Are we better today than we were yesterday,” he said.

 

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Forsyth Central Bulldogs Football Preview

Posted on August 11, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Frank Hepler will begin his 3rd season at Forsyth Central in 2018. While the Bulldogs were winless in 2017, it certainly doesn’t mean they were not competitive. So it might be easy to assume that Coach Hepler’s definition of success would be winning a few games this season. But it looks like Hepler is building far beyond wins and losses.

“So many ways that don’t have anything to do with winning, but will eventually lead to winning. We are still in a building process,” Hepler said.

Offensively, Coach Hepler will have a few skill players returning to help build upon. Running backs Hunter Cagle and Devron Orsan return for the 2018 campaign. Orsan was a Second Team All-Region selection and lead the Bulldogs in rushing with 591 yards and 10 TDs. On the line, Ben Ranke looks poised to help make running lanes available for Orsan and Cagle.

 

 

On defense, the Bulldogs return their leading tackler Jackson Leak. Leak was a First Team All-Region selection last season. Joining him in the box will be lineman Matt Quinn and linebacker Mitchell Weber.  Matt Quinn brings back quality experience in the secondary.

While Coach Hepler isn’t taking any game for granted, the game that is probably circled on the calendar is the first region game. This season that happens to be County rival, North Forsyth.

We will keep an eye on the Bulldogs as Coach Hepler continues to rebuild the program.

 

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Meadowcreek Mustangs Football Preview

Posted on August 11, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

Last season, Coach Jason Carrera led the Meadowcreek Mustangs to their first playoff appearance since 1988. The Mustangs also tied a record for the most wins in school history. The Mustangs will be without First Team All-State running back Chauncey Williams. While we know that will be a big challenge for the Mustangs, we asked Coach Carrera what would be one of the biggest challenges outside of replacing Williams.

“Transiency and building numbers, depth,” he said.

The Mustangs will return their starting quarterback, Quincy Bonner. Bonner was second on the team in rushing in 2017. Demarcus Jones is shaping up to be a go to receiver for Bonner.

 

Two way players James King (OL/DL) and Desmon Jackson (RB/DE) should be returners that help out both the offense and defense. Promise Williams will add experience to the defense as well.

We asked coach Carrera if there was any game that was circled on the schedule for the Mustangs.

“The first one and everyone after that,” he said.

How will Meadowcreek define success this season?

“Being the best we can be each week with perfect effort and demanding excellence,” said Carrera.

 

 

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Parkview Panthers Football Preview

Posted on August 11, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

The Parkview Panthers enter the 2018 season with a “youthful, but talented offense” according to head coach Eric Godfrey. Coach Godfrey’s Panthers reached the quarterfinals last season. It was the team’s best finish in the past five years. This season the Panthers will be without All-State Honorable Mention QB Fred Payton and 2nd team All-State RB Christian Mallory.

The Panthers lost most of their production on offense to graduation. However, the teams second leading receiver, Malik Washington returns for his senior season. His season was cut short, but in 6 games he did manage 517 receiving yards that was good for second on the team. Godfrey has high praise for his senior receiver.

“Malik Washington (is) probably the best overall athlete in the state of Georgia,”  Godfrey said.

But Coach Godfrey is not alone in his assessment. In 2017, GHSF Daily named Washington as on of the top 10 athletes in the state.

 

 

Junior LB Kobe Wilson, was second on the team in tackles last season, with 90.  DE Bryce Wilson is also a sure tackler. He led the team with 3.5 sacks on the season. Justin Triplet, a 6’2” 284lb defensive end will help bolster the Parkview defense. We also expect for Malik Washington to be patrolling the defensive secondary for the Panthers as well.

While the Panthers won’t be overlooking any of their opponents this season, you can believe that they will be eagerly anticipating their annual matchup against neighborhood rival Brookwood on October 19th in the Battle of Five-Forks.

Postseason play has become the rule and not necessarily the exception for the Panthers. With that said, it’s no surprise that when asked about what would make this season a success for the Panthers.

“Playoff victories,” Coach Godfrey said.

 

 

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