Grovetown Warriors Football Preview

Posted on August 9, 2018 by admin

 

 

** The link to our podcast interview with Coach Postell can be found here: Coach Postell Interview**

The Skinny

 

The Grovetown Warriors have reached the postseason in both of the prior two seasons under the leadership of Coach Damien Postell. The Auburn football product guided the Warriors to a 7-5 record last season that concluded with a second round loss to the eventual AAAAAA State Champion, Lee County.

It seems as if everything is trending upward for Grovetown. We asked Coach Postell about one of his team’s biggest challenges coming into this season.

“Finding depth at key positions,” said Postell.

On offense, the Warriors will lean on BaShon Morris and Mykel Santos to fill the void at receiver left with the graduation of Braxton Wharton and Emanuel Bryson.  On the offensive line, Coach Postell will look for leadership from lineman Trajen Graham.

Newcomer Jonquavous Brown looks to be primed to step into the starting running back role for the Warriors. One of the leaders making holes for brown on the offensive line will be Trajen Graham.

 

 

Defensive ends Simeon Barrow and Kyle Bryant will lead a defense that recorded 26 sacks and 22 QB hurries last season.  Jamir Malone will anchor the secondary for a defense that tallied 14 interceptions in 2017.

How would Coach Postell define a successful season for his Warriors in 2018?

“A winning season, winning our region, and making it past the 2nd round (of the playoffs),” he said.

Considering that Grovetown made the playoffs for the first time in school history in 2016, (Coach Postell’s first season) and advanced to the second round in 2017; a third round trip in 2018 seems like the next logical step.

In order to do that, perhaps they will need to knock of last season’s region champ, Evans. We know that that all games are important, but a game with Evans in the last week of the season could shape up to be a game that determines the region title.

 

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Lee County Football Preview

Posted on August 9, 2018 by admin

The Skinny

 

The Lee County Trojans claimed their first state title with a win over region rival Coffee.  Gone are the likes of  AAAAAA defensive player of the year, Otis Reese, fellow first teamers Ty Terrell (wide receiver), Griffen McDowell (offensive line) as well as other all-state selections Quin Geer (Linebacker), TJ Harris (Defensive Back) and Jase Orndorff (Quarterback). We asked coach Fabrizio what would be the biggest challenge going into this season.

“We have to realize that this is a new season. Last season’s state championship is over. With all the accolades and celebrations this off-season we have to refocus on this season.”, he said.

The Trojans will look to junior quarterback Kyle Toole to take over this season. Toole will have help from running back Shandarious Kimbrough and receivers Chauncey Magwood and Artavious Warren. Daveon Sanders is another player poised to have some opportunities to help the offense. Upfront, Griffin Carder, who was a second team all-state selection and a Georgia Southern commit, will anchor the offensive line for the Trojans.

 

 

There is no doubt, replacing a player like Reese on defense will be challenging, but the Trojans do return defensive backs Tay Mayo and DaShawn King. Upfront, defensive lineman Anthony Harvey returns for his senior season. While not a defensive player, kicker Austin Beaver, a first team all-state selection as a sophomore last season will certainly be a weapon that the Trojans can use to flip field position and put points on the board.

Coach Fabrizio said that the games that are most important are the region games. We completely understand that, as these are the games that determine if you get to the second season. While outsiders might be thinking the goal for Lee County is to get back to the state title game, Coach Fabrizio likes to keep it simple,

“We have the same goals as every year. Want to win as many games as we are capable of,” said Fabrizio.

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M.L. King Lions Football Preview

Posted on August 9, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Deante’ Lamar enters is second season as head coach of the M.L. King Lions. The Lions made post season appearances in 11 straight seasons but have not reached the playoffs in the last four seasons. Coach Lamar told us about one of his staffs biggest challenges coming into this season.

“The biggest challenge for the upcoming season has to be our depth,” he said.

While that seems to be a recurring theme throughout several programs, the Lions do have some pieces to build around on both sides of the ball. The Lions return starting quarterback Jacobi Haynes (662 yards, 7 TDs) and leading running back Marcellious Lockett (490 yards, 6TDs) for the 2018 season.

Antonio Smith will lead the Lions on the offensive line. As a junior last season, Smith was an All Region First-Team selection.

 

 

 

Defensively, Trezmon Johnson, (defensive back), and Jaden Wilkins, (linebacker), will pace the Lions.

While all of the region games are important to the Lions, the most significant might just be the rivalry game against the Stephenson Jaguars on September 28th.  (The Jaguars lead the series 8-4).

Not only should this be a competitive game on the field, but it will also feature two of the best bands in DeKalb County. (I can certainly attest to this as I’ve been in attendance at a couple of these matchups at Hallford Stadium.)

We asked coach Lamar how his team will define success this season.

“Success will be defined by continuous improvement throughout the season and finishing in the top 4 of our Region,” he said.

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Northgate Vikings Football Preview

Posted on August 9, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

 

Coach Mike McDonald begins his first season as head coach for the Northgate Vikings this season. McDonald previously led both Union Grove and Newnan to playoff appearances in his 11 seasons as head coach. McDonald and the Northgate staff will have a big challenge right away.

He explained, “Replacing a 3 year starter at quarterback,” will be one of the teams biggest challenges.

While the Vikings try to sort out the quarterback competition, they do return 3 seasoned offensive linemen in Bryan Bordeaux, Will Sachs and Mason Smith. Newcomer, Cameron Cruver should give the Vikings a boost in the run game.

 

 

Defensively, the Vikings will look for leadership from lineman Niakl Johnson, linebacker Jefferson Page and defensive back, Chandler Cao.

Coach McDonald kept it simple when we asked how the team will define success this season.

“Winning record, (and a) play-off berth, “ he said.

 

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Pope Greyhounds Football Preview

Posted on August 9, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

 

The Pope Greyhounds come into the season looking to build on the success from last season. While the Greyhounds have not posted a winning season since 2012, they did qualify for the playoffs for the first time in five years. So what does Coach Griffin see as the teams biggest challenge in 2018?

“Not settling on the success from last year,” he said.

Last season, the Greyhounds were a run dominated offense. But that did not stop receiver Zack Owens from having a big season  for the Greyhounds. Owens caught 37 passes for 658 yards and 7 TDs. Owens also garnered Second Team All-Region honors in 2017.

Quarterback Jackson Thain is slated to take the majority of the snaps under center this season. Last season as a sophomore, Thain split time with two quarterbacks, but still managed to lead the team in passing yards. Paris Cameron appears to be the heir apparent at running back for the Greyhounds.

 

 

 Defensive end Marco Guillen and All Region Honorable Mention defensive back, Ryan Stuetzer will pace the Pope defense. Stuetzer recorded 6 interceptions last season and will certainly be looking to add to those numbers in 2018.

While there are no games in particular circled on the Greyhounds calendar. We have good reason to believe that the region games are highlighted. After all, they are the ones that matter in terms of qualifying for the second season. And they align with the teams goals for success. We asked Coach Griffin specifically about those goals.

He said, “Making the playoffs and competing for the region title.”

If they can overcome any complacency of last season’s success, the Greyhounds should have a chance to achieve those goals.

 

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Mays Raiders Football Preview

Posted on August 9, 2018 by admin

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Mays Raiders are the defending 5-6A champion. They made an impressive run into the quarterfinals. But Coach Niketa Battles knows that this season presents it’s own set of challenges. We asked Coach Battle about the biggest challenge he and his staff faces coming into 2018

“Preparing first time Varsity players after losing 18 starters,” Battle said.

While a ton of talent was lost to graduation, the Raiders return some experience at quarterback and running back. Tyree Nelson lead the team last year in rushing with 769 yards and 10 TDs. While quarterback Jahquez Evans was second on the team in passing with 994 yards and 12 TDs. Evans was also second on the team in rushing.

Defensively, Monticello Edwards will lead an inexperienced secondary. Edwards was tied for second on the team with two interceptions last season.

 

Newcomer Jaquari Wiggles is a name that we should familiarize ourselves with along the defensive line for the Raiders. The junior has already been offered by FAU and UNC.

Coach Battle told us, “Every game is a State Championship Game,” when we asked if there was a game circled on the schedule.  The Raiders certainly aren’t easing into the 2018 season as they are set to take on perennial power Norcross in the Corky Kell Classic on Saturday, August 18th.

While the faces may be new and untested in some instances, the goals stay the same for Mays. We asked how successful would be defined this season and there was no hesitation from Coach Battle.

“Successfully defending our Region Championship Title,” he said.

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Conversations with Coaches – Episode 13 – Coach Lee Belknap – McIntosh Chiefs

Posted on August 8, 2018 by admin

Coach Lee Belknap leads the McIntosh Chiefs into the 2018 season after qualifying for the state tournament for the 2nd time in 5 years. In order to duplicate the same success, the Chiefs will need to find a replacement for First-Team All Region RB Bradley Ector. The Chiefs welcome back First-Team All Region and Air Force signee QB Dane Kinamon.Tune in as Coach Belknap gives his assessment of his team and perhaps the best place to get a burger and wings down in Peachtree City.  You can listen to the interview here:

 

If you missed our preview of the McIntosh Chiefs Football team, you can find it here: Chiefs Football Preview

Please remember to visit our segment sponsor http://www.yourganizeit.com Make sure you tell them you heard about them from The Turd Ferguson Report!

Please feel free to share and follow us on Twitter: @turdfurgesonrpt and on the web at https://turdfurgeson.com

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Conversations with Coaches – Troy Hoff – Eastside Eagles

Posted on August 7, 2018 by admin

Coach Troy Hoff begins his 4th season as the head coach of the Eastside Eagles. Coach Hoff has led the Eagles to the post season in consecutive seasons. However, to get back to the post season, the Eagles will need to address some of their biggest challenges. Tune in as Coach Hoff explains what those challenges are and talks about the upcoming season for the Eastside Eagles.

 

If you missed our preview of the Eastside Eagles Football team, you can find it here: Eastside Football Preview

Please remember to visit our segment sponsor http://www.yourganizeit.com Make sure you tell them you heard about them from The Turd Ferguson Report!

Please feel free to share and follow us on Twitter: @turdfurgesonrpt and on the web at https://turdfurgeson.com

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Union Grove Wolverines Football Preview

Posted on August 6, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Chad Frazier enters his second season as the head coach at Union Grove.  The Wolverines will be in their second year under Frazier’s multiple Wing-T offense.

“Our program has put in an enormous amount of time into the development of our strength program.  Players are bigger and stronger than a season ago.  There is still room for improvement and a lot of work to be done but the players and coaching staff have seen a big shift forward in the confidence of the 2018 team.  We always try improve in some area everyday in the program and wins and losses are no different,” said Frazier.

As mentioned previously, the Wolverines will look to establish the ground game in the Wing-T offense.

Frazier said, “With Michael Reese at QB and being in his 2nd year in the system, we hope to be able to pass the ball more effectively and utilize Reese’s athleticism more in the run game.”

Other key returners on offense include running back Mikey Johnson (124 yards rushing), wide receiver, Winston Reese (174 yards receiving, 1TD), and a host of offensive linemen including Jared Hines, Walker Starr, Brenden Dailey, Mitchell Smith,  Josh Webb, and Tyler Southern .

 

 

“We do not have as much experience on Defense going into this season. We will have 7 new starters on this side of the ball.  Although we feel confident in the kids we have, experience is always a key component to playing well as a unit on defense. The summer and preseason will be key for this unit to develop into a stingy defense,” Frazier added.

Key returners on Defense include linemen Keyon Smothers (28 Tackles, all Region Honorable Mention selection), Godley Adrien, Walker Starr, and Justin Crawford; linebackers Michael Porter, Mitchell Smith, and Dylan Loucks; and defensive backs Jaylen Colbert, Hunter Martin, Jaylen Blackwell, Cameron Brooks, and Cameron Morris.

The Wolverines will also expect a boost from their special teams unit.

“Cullen (LeJeune) will be taking over for his older brother and All South Metro K, Cade, who graduated in May. Cullen has a very strong leg and will be a huge asset in the battle of field position on Friday nights.  Cullen is also very accurate putting the ball through the uprights. Cullen will be a scoring machine this season,” explained Frazier.

This should be an interesting team to follow this season.  They look to be a team that can improve on their 3-7 record from 2017.

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Hiram Hornets Football Preview

Posted on August 6, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Pete Fominaya takes over as the head Coach for the Hiram Hornets this season. This will be Fominaya’s first head coaching job. He inherits a Hiram team that has gone 4-6 in the last two seasons and has not been to the playoffs in eight seasons. Coach Fominaya does have some talent to work with this season. But as a first year coach, there are several challenges.

He said, “First year installing (the) offense system and defense system,” when we asked about the biggest challenge he and his staff will face this season.

As with installing anything new, there are certain to be fits and starts, but the Hornets return three players at the skill position on offense that might make that transition a little easier.

Quarterback Nathan Presnell returns for his senior season. The two-sport star had breakout seasons in both football and basketball last season and he hopes to continue the trend in 2018. Last season, Presnell passed for over 1,600 yards with 12 TDs.

Jermaine Banks returns for his junior season and projects to be one of the top receivers for the Hornets. In 2017, Banks led the team in receiving touchdowns.

 

Newcomer Marcuis Fulks is set to take over at running back. Fulks is a shifty back that is not afraid of contact. He could be a breakout player for Hiram.

On defense, Louisville commit, Kristian Varner will lead the defensive line. He will be aided be returners at linebacker Zach Tillman and Myles Freeman as well as defensive back, Shakari Denson.

We asked Coach Fominaya if there was any game that was circled on the schedule.

He said, “Harrison”, without hesitation.

The Hoyas will be the first game of the season. The Hornets will travel to West Cobb on 8/24 to take on a Hoya program that has been one of the more consistent teams in Cobb County in recent years.

Coach Fominaya has big plans for this team in year one. We asked him how success would de defined this season.

“Making the playoffs,” he responded.

 

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