Savannah Country Day Hornets 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 17, 2019 by admin

 

   The Skinny

 

 

Coach Jim Collis takes over as the head coach for the Savannah Country Day Hornets. As the Hornets prepare for the opening of the 2019 season, we asked him what was his biggest challenge coming into the season.

“Numbers, we have 30 kids in the program,” he said.

While the numbers are low, the Hornets do return some players with experience. All-Region honoree Barry Kleinpeter returns at quarterback while Erik Brown returns at running back.

Kenny Odom is a threat for the Hornets in the passing game, while 2018 All-Region selection, Brock Taylor will anchor the Hornets offensive line

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, on defense, Andre Miller should be the straw that stirs the drink for the Hornets. Miller is the top returning tackler in 2019 and also led the team in sacks last season. Miller, an All-Region selection in 2018, has committed to play for Army after high school.  Miller will be joined on the line by another All-Region selection in Kenneth Reedy

We asked Coach Collis if there are any games circled on the schedule.

“(The) first game of the season,” he replied, “ Strafford”

How will the Hornets define success this season?

Collis responded, “Getting buy in from all the players and putting together a great group of kids that reflect all the things that this great game teaches.”


 

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Trion Bulldogs 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 17, 2019 by admin

 

 

**Incase you missed it, you can check out our podcast interview with Coach Brown Here: Trion Bulldogs Podcast

 

               The Skinny

 

Justin Brown begins his eighth season as the head coach of the Trion Bulldogs. Coach Brown has led the Bulldogs to the playoffs in six out of the seven years he his tenure at Trion. We asked Coach Brown what the biggest challenge is for he and his staff coming into the 2019 season.

He replied, “Finding depth and guys that can be Friday night players.”

The Bulldogs graduated several key players from last year’s team. However, starting quarterback Lincoln Maddux returns for Trion. Rob Brown should have an opportunity to lead the run game as he looks to fill the void left by Hagen Willingham’s graduation.

 

 

Clay Baker and Alex Stewart will anchor the defensive line. The Bulldogs will also return a trio of linebackers in Will Wyatt, Bryce Wallin and Kodiak Crabbe.

We asked Coach Brown if there are any games circled on the schedule for the Bulldogs.

He replied, “Gordon Lee.”

How will the Bulldogs define success this season?

Coach Brown said, “A winning season and playoff berth.”

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Union County Panthers 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 17, 2019 by admin

 

              The Skinny

 

Head Coach Brian Allison begins his 18th season at the helm for the Union County Panthers. He has guided the Panthers to the post season in five out of the past six seasons. We asked Coach Allison about his teams biggest challenge coming into 2019.

“Depth on the offensive and defensive line,” he said.

The Panthers will look to Aaron Helton to help anchor the line of scrimmage. If they can develop that depth, it will compliment their skill players well. The Panthers return All-Region quarterback Pierson Allison who threw for 2,840 yards and 24-TDs last season and also rushed for 719 yards with an additional 8 rushing TDs.

Allison’s top two receivers Sawyer Drake and Kyle Morlock both return as well. Both Drake and Morlock were All-Region selections in 2018. Drake caught 44 passes for 900 yards while Morlock caught 47 passes for 757 yards. Each had 8-TD receptions.

 

 

Jonah Daniel, the team’s second leading rusher returns for his junior season to add balance to the Panthers offensive attack.

Meanwhile on defense for the Panthers, All-Region selection Nathaniel Ledford will anchor the line. The Panthers also return their top tacklers from a season ago including linebacker Sloan Sutton, John Mancuso, and defensive back, Kastin Hemphill. Sutton was also tops on the team with 5 sacks last year.

We asked Coach Allison what would make 2019 a successful season for the Panthers.

“Improve week to week and game to game,” he said.

 

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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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