Lovett Lions 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

 

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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

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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

 

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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

 

  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

 

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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

 

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

 

 

**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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Calhoun Yellow Jackets

 

              The Skinny

 

Coach Clay Stephenson takes over as the new Head Coach for the Calhoun Yellow Jackets. The Jackets have won 18 consecutive region titles and have not lost to a region opponent since October 19, 2001. We had a chance to ask Coach Stephenson what his team’s biggest challenge was in 2019.

“(The) depth chart,” he replied.

The Jackets will be looking for replacements at several key positions. On offense, look for Hudson Dyer to anchor the line for the Jackets. Meanwhile, Jake Morrow steps in at quarterback full time with the graduation of Gavin Gray.

 

 

Linebacker David Braden will be a leader on the defensive side of the ball. Braden was recently named to the Recruit Georgia Pre-Season All-State team in Class AAA. Kendez Griffin is also looking to assert himself along the Jackets defensive front.

The Jackets will get their season kicked off on August 22nd as they face the Ridgeland Panthers at Barron Stadium in Rome. Time will tell if Region 6 has closed the gap on the Jackets or if they will continue to assert their dominance over region foes.

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Brantley County Herons 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

 

       The Skinny

 

Geoff Cannon begins his second season as the Head Coach for the Brantley County Herons. Coach Cannon will be looking to continue the rebuilding process at Brantley County. Despite their record the Herons were only one region win away from qualifying for the state playoffs last season. Coach Cannon returns some pieces to build off of in the 2019 season.

Quarterback Bradson Bowers will be back for his senior season. Bowers passed for over 1,200 yards in 2018 and 7-TDs. Gavin King will return to the backfield as well for the Herons. King led the team in rushing during his sophomore season. All Region selection Jessie Trent should be one of the top receivers again this year for Brantley County.

 

 

Meanwhile on defense, linemen Anthonie Lattany and Blaine Brantley will lead the way for the Herons. Last season both Lattany and Brantley were All-Region selections. Lattany’s recruitment has picked up this off-season as well. The Herons secondary will be led by another All-Region selection, Dawson Thomas.

We asked Coach Cannon how the Herons will define success in 2019.

He replied, “Win more than we did last year and make the playoffs.”

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Greenville Patriots – Conversations with Coaches – Featuring Coach Tyler Wynn

Head Coach Tyler Wynn takes over for the Greenville Patriots this season. He has a new set of challenges and opportunities moving from a 6-A school to a 1-A program. Coach Wynn talks about the move and let’s us in on some of the players down in Greenville that will help lead his team. Join Coach Wynn and I as we talk Greenville Patriot Football and preview the upcoming 2019 season.

 

 

 

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