Howard Huskies 2019 TFR Preseason Previews

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

           The Skinny

 

Last season, Coach Paul Carroll led the Howard Huskies to only the second playoff appearance in school history. The Huskies also matched the school’s best win total and also won the most region games in school history. We asked Coach Carroll what the biggest challenge is coming into year two.

“Making the young football team mentally tough,” he said.

The Huskies will return two of their top offensive weapons in running back Jeremiah Kelly (799 yards, 5-TDs) and Javarsia Meadows who rushed for 678 yards, caught 28 balls for 504 yards and had a total of 11-TDs. Both Meadows and Kelly were All-Region selections in 2018. Jaylon Clark is poised to take over at quarterback while Win Davidson is a big target for the Huskies at tight-end.

 

 

Howard lost a lot of production on defense. Their leading returning tackler is Keanu Blash. Last season Blash recorded 43 total tackles.

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

“(The) First Game,” he said. “Jones County.”

How will the Huskies define success this season?

Carroll said, “Playing hard, fast and together will define us. (If) we do this, we will win.”

 

 

 

 

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Eastside Eagles 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

     The Skinny

 

Coach Troy Hoff led the Eastside Eagles to their best season in school history in 2018. The Eagles won 12 consecutive games before being upended in the quarterfinals by eventual state champion, Blessed Trinity. While that success might be tough to duplicate, we asked Coach Hoff what his biggest challenge is in 2019.

“Developing younger, inexperienced players,” he said.

Hoff added, “We have a lot of guys that will be playing under the Friday night lights for the first time. Our challenge will be to continue to improve our level of play throughout the season.”

While there are several players that will be playing in big spots for the first time, the Eagles will return starting quarterback Noah Cook. Cook, an All-Region selection in 2018 passed for 1,845 yards, 25-TDs and just 3-INTs.

Colby Shivers is the team’s leading returning receiver, as he caught 20 balls for 363 yards and 4-TDs. Shivers was also an All-Region selection. Bryant Byrd (All-Region) and Pierce Downs will anchor the offensive line.

 

 

Linebacker Devin Brown is the Eagles leading returning tackler from a year ago. Last season he was in on 68 tackles. Senior Mark Jackson will anchor the defensive line while All-Region corner Jeff Haynes will patrol the secondary.

On Special Teams, Ezra king will take over the kicking duties. Last season he booted a team best 45 yard field goal and was 10 of 12 in extra points while backing up now graduated Kade Mote.

What games are circled on the Eagles schedule?

“All of them!” Hoff Said.

He continued, “I know it sounds cliché, but we take them one at a time. We open region play September 20, so that is a very significant game.”

So, how will the Eagles define success this season?

Coach Hoff said, “It is critical that we improve from week to week. This is especially important for this year’s team with so many players that will be on the field in significant roles for the first time.”

 

 

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Chapel Hill Panthers 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

       The Skinny

 

 

Coach Justin DeShon and the Chapel Hill Panthers have steadily improved in each of his previous 5 seasons at the helm. The Panthers play in an extremely competitive region, so that certainly does not help matters. We asked Coach DeShon what his biggest challenge was coming into the season.

He replied, “Depth.”

While the Panthers look to create depth early, there are some pieces to build around. Zaire Flournoy will return to anchor the offensive line. Flournoy has received interest from Appalachian State and Georgia State among others.

Imani Davis is the team’s top returning running back. Davis averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2018. Elijah Brown should be one of the leaders at receiver as well.

Meanwhile on defense, Bradyn Swinson is the team’s top returning tackler. Swinson tallied 78 total tackles and a team leading 8-sacks. Swinson has received offers from UNC, Arizona State, Florida State and Oregon.

 

Other returners on defense of note are Shaheed and Rasheed Nurridin. The linebacking duo accounted for 6-sacks in 2018. They may also see some time at defensive line.

We asked coach DeShon if there are any games that the Panthers have circled this season.

“Every Region Game,” he said, “our schedule is extremely demanding.”

No one can deny that. With opponents such as Class 5-A Starr’s Mill, Class 7-A Newnan, and then Region foes such as Troup, Cartersville, Cedartown and Sandy Creek. There are really no holes in their schedule.

How will the Panthers define success this season?

Coach DeShon responded by saying, “Be the most physical team.”

 

 

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Cartersville Purple Hurricanes 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

      The Skinny

 

Conor Foster takes over as the head coach for the Cartersville Purple Hurricanes. Foster was most recently the defensive coordinator for the Canes. Over the past seven seasons, the Canes have been a legitimate title contender including to title victories in 2015 and 2016 and a finals appearance last season.

Perhaps easing the transition for the Coach Foster and the Canes coaching staff will be Tee Webb leading the offense as a senior. Webb, an All-Region selection and a Louisville commit, passed for 2,726 yards and 35-TDs in 2018.

Quante Jennings looks poised to step into the starting running back spot. Jennings rushed for 379 yards and 8-TDs last season playing behind the now departed (to graduation) Marcus Gary. Jonah Gambill and Matthew Surrett will anchor the offensive line. Gambill is a Memphis signee. Together these two helped pave the way for over 2,000 yards in the ground game.

 

 

 

The Canes return a host of experienced players on defense. In the secondary, Marko Dudley, Marquail Coaxum, Amarai Orr, Evan Slocum and Devonte Ross all return. This tandem should make passing against the Canes a difficult proposition.

Meanwhile La’Kwayme Jupiter headlines the defensive line, while Harrison Allen is back at linebacker. This group all returns to a defense that allowed 8.2 points per game last season, including four shutouts.

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

“Every game presents unique challenges and opportunities,” he responded.

How will the Canes define success this season?

Foster said, “Our goal is to build upon the rich tradition of Cartersville Football by leaving a legacy of championship performance on the field, in the classroom, and in our community.”

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Troup Tigers 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 15, 2019 by admin

 

 

 

**Incase you missed it, you can check out our podcast interview with Coach Glisson here: Troup Tigers Podcast

 

       The Skinny

 

Last season, head coach Tanner Glisson led the Troup Tigers to the state semi-finals. It was the second semi-final appearance in school history. Coach Glisson has guided the Tigers to the playoffs in each of the last 3 seasons. We asked him about the challenges entering the 2019 season.

“Meeting high expectations,” Glisson said.

Certainly after last year’s run in the state tournament the team and community have high hopes for this season as well.

The Tigers will return Kobe Hudson under center this season. The Auburn commit and All-Region selection threw for over 3,300 yards and 32-TDs in the Tigers “fast break” offensive attack.  Hudson also led the team in rushing with 1,410 yards on the ground along with 18-TDs.

Joining Hudson in the backfield is senior running back Trey Williams. In 2018 Williams was 2nd on the team in rushing with 950 yards and 7-TDs. Mark-Anthony Dixon and Luke Purnell return as two of the Tigers top receivers.

 

 

The Tigers defense will be led by another All-Region selection in Andy Boykin at defensive end. Boykin is a Power-5 caliber defense lineman that should provide valuable experience upfront for Troup. Royce White will join Boykin on the line making a very formidable duo for Coach Glisson.

At linebacker, the Tigers will lean on Devon Hill and Jabralin Gooden, while Jace Goodwin should be one of the leaders in the Tigers secondary.

We asked Coach Glisson if there were any games circled on the schedule this year.

“Callaway, Cedartown, and Cartersville,” he said.

Callaway will be the first game and test of the season. Cedartown is a rivalry game. While Cartersville has been the team to beat in region play and has given Troup fits over the last few seasons.

How will success be defined by Coach Glisson and the Tigers?

Glisson simply said “Make it to the finals.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Pepperell Dragons – Conversations with Coaches – Featuring Coach Rick Hurst

Posted on August 14, 2019 by admin

Coach Rick Hurst joined us on the TFR’s Conversation with Coaches series recently.  Coach Hurst is in his 5th season at Pepperell where he has led the Dragons to the playoffs in his previous four seasons. Today we spent some time talking about the upcoming season including their talented young quarterback, Gage Moses. Join us as we talk Dragon Football with Coach Hurst.

 

 

 

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

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Eastside Eagles – Conversations with Coaches – Featuring Troy Hoff

Posted on August 13, 2019 by admin

We are honored to have Coach Troy Hoff back to join us on our Conversations with Coaches Segment. In 2018 Coach Hoff led the Eastside Eagles to a historic season. The Eagles reeled off 12 consecutive victories before being upended by the eventual state champion. Join us today as Coach Hoff talks about last years run and gives us some insight to the 2019 Eastside Eagles.

 

 

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

 

 

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Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 13, 2019 by admin

 

                The Skinny

 

Coach Ashley Henderson enters his second season at the helm as head coach for the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets. Coach Henderson won 3 GISA state titles at Valwood prior to coming to Thomas County Central.

On offense, Kalique Guyton and Persean Taylor should both see snaps at quarterback. Dondrell Green is the team’s leading returning running back. While Zendai Brooks and Carrington Robinson will be counted on at receiver. All-Region offensive lineman Garrett Harrell returns as well for the Jackets.

Defensively, All-Region selections Tykeem Wallace and Jordan Jones return to the Jackets secondary.

 

Safety, Tandis Wright also returns giving the Jackets an experienced secondary. Jordan Jones should also be a factor for the Jackets along with Wright and Wallace.

There are no particular games circled on the schedule for the Jackets. Coach Henderson said they are all circled.

How will Coach Henderson and the Jackets define success this season?

“Long term is check back in 15 years and see what kind of men we’ve raised. What kind of fathers they have become, etc,” he said. “Short term goals win 1 game a week.”

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Starr’s Mill Panthers 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 13, 2019 by admin

 

**Incase you missed it, you can check out our podcast interview with Coach Phillips Here: Starr’s Mill Panthers Podcast

 

         The Skinny

 

The Starr’s Mill Panthers will be under the leadership of Head Coach Chad Phillips for the 10th season. Coach Phillips has guided the Panthers to five consecutive post season appearances. Last year, the Panthers ran away with the region to claim their 3rd consecutive region title. But the Panthers were upended in the first round of the playoffs. With a new season up ahead, we asked Coach Phillips what was his biggest challenge in 2019.

Phillips replied, “We must replace our defensive line and an all-state kicker (Michael Lantz).”

While the defensive line is being retooled, Coach Phillips does have some able bodies to plug in some holes. On the defensive line, look for Jonathan Molina and Dalton Koth to play a larger role this season. The Panthers also return All-Region linebacker Cole Bishop. Joining Bishop at linebacker are Logan Prince and Vee Holcomb. All-Region defensive back Wes Haney will patrol the secondary for the Panthers along with Nate Kearns.

On offense, Kalen Sims returns as the bell cow in the Panthers ground game. The All-Region player of the year in 2018, Sims rushed for 1,482 yards and 17-TDs.Joining Sims in the backfield will be Ben Bodne and Karson Kalen. Bodne and Kalen combined for 551 yards rushing and 7-TDs in 2018.

 

 

 

 

“All of our OL returns anchored by center Jeff Tiller and guard Cole Sanders,” said Coach Phillips.

Tiller and Sanders were All-Region selection last season. Meanwhile, quarterback Hunter Lawson will return to lead the team in his senior season. Regarding his senior signal caller, Coach Phillips said, “Lawson is having a great summer.”

Coach Phillips added, “Malachi Townson returns as receiving threat.”

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

“Our non-region schedule is brutal but prepares us for the most important part of our schedule- the region games,” he replied.

“Griffin, Riverdale and Jonesboro figure to be much improved and our county opponents (Whitewater, McIntosh, Fayette) are always a must win situation,” he added.

So, with that said, how will the Panthers define success this season?

Phillips said, “We feel we must continue to build on the past success here. We have won 3 consecutive region titles and are diligently working for another.”

 

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Paulding County Patriots 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 13, 2019 by admin

 

                 The Skinny

 

Coach Van Spence is at the helm for the Paulding County Patriots for his 4th season. As year 4 approaches, we asked Coach Spence what some of the challenges were for his team in 2019.

“Creating depth in a very difficult region,” he replied.

Perhaps one of the more difficult regions in Class AAAAA, it is home to teams like, Kell, Rome and Carrollton. And if you throw in Villa Rica, Hiram and East Paulding, there really are not many “holes” in the schedule.

Some of the top returners for the Patriots include 4-star linebacker and running back, Smael Mondon, and wide receiver Keishon Jackson on offense.

 

In addition to Mondon, Linebacker Elliot Jones and linebacker/safety Jaylen Ellis will provide experience for the Patriots defense.

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

“Hiram,” he said, “(the) first region game.”

How will the Patriots define success this season?

Coach Spence responded, “Our team goal is to make the playoffs.”

 

 

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