Christian Heritage Lions – Conversations with Coaches – Featuring Jay Poag

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

Coach Jay Poag joins us on this episode of Conversations with Coaches. Last season was a big year for the Christian Heritage Lions as they turned things around from two seasons ago and got back to the playoffs. Christian Heritage returns most of their starters from a year ago, so could they be in line for another big season? Find out Coach Poag’s thoughts on his 2019 squad as he talk CHS football.

 

 

 

 

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Archer Tigers 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

 

 

                       The Skinny

 

Head Coach Andy Dyer has been at the helm at Archer High School since the first season in 2009. The Tigers have qualified for post-season play all but 3 of those years and last year, they advanced to their second semi-final appearance in the school’s short history.  While the fans and community might be growing accustomed to the success of the program, we asked Coach Dyer about the challenges coming into this season.

“Each year is brand new and takes on its own identity. The challenge is to get your team to grow and develop and reach their max potential,” he said.

The Tigers return a host of offensive starters from last seasons Final-Four run including quarterback Carter Peevy, who passed for 2,565 yards and 27-TDs. While Peevy’s leading target from a season ago has graduated, look for Trey Messer (22 catches, 409 yards, 4-TDs) and Andrew Dyer (20 catches, 154 yards, 1-TD) to play a more integral role in the passing game. The offensive line will be a strength for the Tigers as they return 3 starters in Ethan Lane, Derek Harden and Israel Mukwiza. Lane was an All-Region selection last season and has committed to N.C. State.

 

 

The Archer defensive line will be lead by DE Jalen Mayala. Mayala was an All-Region selection in 2018. Kameron O’Rourke returns at linebacker. Last season he led the team in total tackles. Tyler Roach will also give the team depth at linebacker while a pair of juniors Edwin Mangual and Jackson McCrary are back to lead the Archer secondary.

We asked Coach Dyer about players on this years team that could be headed for a breakout season. He responded by saying,

“I expect each one of my guys to do their part and contribute and make their team the best it can be.“

Regarding games that are circled on the schedule or rivalry games.

Coach Dyer said, “We take them one at a time.”

So for a team that has been in contention for a region title almost every season, what will success look like in 2019?

Coach Dyer said, “If our team takes Extreme Ownership of each of their jobs and they learn to work and prepare themselves for each Friday night. They must develop a love for one another and an appreciation for each of their teammates.”

 

 

 

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Berkmar Patriots 2019 TFR Preaseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

            The Skinny

 

Head Coach Willie Gary begins his 2nd season as the Berkmar Patriots coach. Last season, Coach Gary led the team to 3 wins. Which while might not look impressive at first glance, but prior to last season Berkmar, had not won a game since it beat Shiloh in week 3 of the 2013 season.

Graduation hits many teams and the Patriots are no different. Berkmar will be breaking in a new quarterback this season in Julius Reynolds. Junior Jaron Ford will also see time in the backfield as well.  Perhaps the most experienced offensive threat for the Patriots is senior wide receiver A.J. Feliciano.  Feliciano was an All-Region selection in 2018.

 

The Berkmar defense will rely heavily on the linebacking group led by Nick Martin and Naseer Croskery.

We asked Coach Gary if there are any games circled on the calendar.

He said, “All (of them). One at a time.”

So we can bet that Berkmar won’t be looking ahead.

What will success look like for the Patriots?

Coach Gary simply responded by saying, “Compete every game and Team GPA.”

 

 

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Brookwood Broncos 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

                     The Skinny

 

The Brookwood Broncos have found themselves in the post season more often than not over the schools 38-year history. Last year the Broncos continued that trend and were narrowly edged in the first round by Mill Creek. However, the Broncos have graduated two relatively experienced senior classes from the 2017 and 2018 seasons so it was no surprise when we asked Coach Philip Jones what has biggest challenge coming into this season, he responded,

“Inexperience.”

On the offense line, the Broncos return a pair of All-Region performers in Aidan Perkins and Sean Hill. Hill has committed to NC State and Perkins is certain to play on Saturdays as well.  Running behind the line anchored by Hill and Perkins is All-Region selection, Eli Kohl. In addition to Kohl, Alexander Diggs and Niles Prince could see some significant action at the offensive skill positions.

 

 

The Broncos Defense is perhaps the more inexperienced of the units. Joel Seton will return to anchor the defensive line, but there is not much experience on the defense after him. Look for Diggs and Prince to play in the secondary and junior linebacker Trey Staley to help lead the way for the Broncos defense.

The rivalry games for Brookwood don’t change. We asked Coach Jones which ones were circled and you can’t talk about the Brookwood schedule without mentioning these two.

“Our 2 Classic Rivalries: Battle of Snellville vs. South Gwinnett, and Battle of Five Forks vs. Parkview,” said Coach Jones.

With all of the inexperience for Brookwood this season, how will the team define success?

“Success for us is always defined by the way we love each other sacrificially and by how we compete every single day to be our best,” Jones replied.

 

 

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Camden County Wildcats 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

                  The Skinny

 

The Camden County Wildcats returned to the post season last year after a 2-yesar hiatus. Coach Bob Sphire looks to have the Wildcats moving in the right direction down in southeast Georgia. Yet in 2019, the Wildcats will have some obstacles to overcome.

Coach Sphire said replacing seven defensive starters was on of the biggest challenges in the upcoming season.

The defense does return 4 starters. Up front, Hunter Guarino returns to the defensive line. Last season, Guarino recorded a team high 5 sacks along with 50 total tackles. Linebacker Dez Fogle also returns for the Wildcats defense. Fogle was in on 48 tackles last season and recorded 2 sacks. Fellow backer Derrick Sinegal Jr. recorded 57 total tackles last season and should also see more time in 2019. Safety Michael Holmes and corner Jordan Billups anchor the secondary. (Holmes is a Power 5 prospect.)

Offensively, the Wildcats will welcome back senior signal caller Logan Watson. Last year, Watson passed for over 1,800 yards and threw for 18-TDs. One of Watson’s top receiving threats returns also in junior Shawn Hardy. Hardy caught 36 balls for 795 yards and 5-TDs in 2018.

 

The Wildcats will also have their 1-2 running back punch back as Sophomore Jamie Felix and Junior Daryl Williams look to improve on last year’s production. The backs combined for 1,200 yards and 12-TDs on the ground. The will have the luxury of running behind linemen Micah Morris and Micah Ballard.

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

He replied “ West Forsyth and Colquitt.”

For those taking notes, those games represent the first game of the season (West Forsyth) and the first region game of the season (Colquitt County).

So what does success look like this season for the Wildcats?

“(A) Deep run in (the) playoffs,” Sphire responded.

With the offense that Camden County has returning, we believe this is certainly possible.

 

 

 

 

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Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

**Incase you missed it, you can check out our podcast interview with Coach Carmean Here: Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs Podcast

 

          The Skinny

 

Coach Caleb Carmean enters his second season at his alma mater, Kennesaw Mountain. The Mustangs play in perhaps one of the most difficult regions in Metro-Atlanta with teams like Marietta, Hillgrove and McEachern on the schedule. While the schedule presents its own challenges, Coach Carmean said that his team’s biggest challenge coming into this season is replacing 39 seniors.

With the graduation of that large senior class, the Mustangs will have plenty of voids to fill this season. Xavier Rogers and Ty Fields will provide experience at receiver for the Mustangs. Meanwhile, Jack Mollohan will anchor the offensive line.

 

 

Defensively, the Mustangs will rely heavily on linebackers Sean Frisbee and Jaylan Blackshear to lead the youthful Mustang defense.

The Mustangs do not start region play until Early October, so the team should have time to work out any kinks and gain valuable game experience before the most meaningful games start.

 

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Milton Eagles 2019 TFR Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

 

 

         The Skinny

 

2018 was a historic season for the Milton Eagles as they won the first state title in school history, in Coach Adam Clack’s first season as head coach. While we are sure there is still a buzz in the hallways at Milton and in the community, Coach Clack and his staff know that there are new challenges in 2019.

We asked Coach Clack about the biggest challenge for the upcoming season.

“Replacing key leaders and contributors from last year’s senior class,” he said.

Perhaps the building block for the Milton offense in 2019 will start with the offensive line. The Eagles return 3 players with significant experience up front. Headlined by  Clemson commit Paul Tchio at guard, Alec Hutchinson and Anthony Minella round out a the building blocks up front.

The Eagles will be breaking in new players at the skill positions.  Ahmad Junearick is the leading returning rushing from a year ago. Last season Junearick rushed for 329 yards and 2-TDs.  Will Stax and Jake Walter are the teams returning receivers with experience. Expect to see Junearick, Stax, and Walter to see a lot more action in 2019 with the graduation of a talented senior class.

 

 

The Milton defense will return it’s two bookends on the defensive line in Zander Barnett and Marcos Rangel. Barnett and Rangel combined for 160 total tackles and 17 combined sacks a year ago. Jonathan Pittman’s stock has also been rising this offseason. The senior should compliment Barnett and Rangel well. The line backing corps is led by Furman commit, Jack Rhodes. Rhodes was second on the team in total tackles last season with 97. Stephen Michaels is also one of the top-returning linebackers from a season ago.

When we asked Coach Clack what games stood out in the schedule, he said,

“Game 1 of the season because it’s the next on, and game 1 of the region. We are extremely excited to compete in the Corky Kell, host the Freedom Bowl, and travel to California all in the first 3 weeks!”

The Eagles will certainly be busy early.

When we asked Coach Clack how the Eagles will define success, he responded,

“The level to which we embody our core values of Brotherhood, Relentless Effort, and Competitive Toughness.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Lassiter Trojans TFR 2019 Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

 

**Incase you missed it, you can check out our podcast interview with Coach Carmean Here: Lassiter Trojans Mustangs Podcast

 

                     The Skinny

 

 

Coach Sean Thom takes over for the Lassiter Trojans in 2019. The Trojans are looking to rebound from a 1-9 campaign a year ago. So it might be no surprise that when we asked Coach Thom about the biggest challenge for his team this upcoming season, he said,

“Changing the culture throughout LHS football program.”

The Trojans offense will welcome back some of their skill players including senior quarterback Mitch Storm. Joining Storm in the backfield will be sophomore Shai Velencia, who is also poised to get more involved in the Trojans offense at running back, while Matthew Grachen will lead the receiving unit.

 

 

On defense, the Trojans welcome back Jack Ferguson and Sam Carter IV to the secondary. Ferguson was an All-Region selection in 2018. Evan Manring and Brett Carr return as key contributors from last season at linebacker.  Channing Canty should also see more minutes this season at linebacker.

We asked Coach Thom if there were any rivalries or games circled on the schedule.

He replied, “Pope.”

In terms of success for the 2019 season, Coach Thom said,

“Achieving milestones each week and getting better each day. Becoming a mentally tough football team that plays with relentless effort each down.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Norcross Blue Devils TFR 2019 Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

 

 

         The Skinny

 

The Norcross Blue Devils look to extend their consecutive playoff appearance streak to 10 seasons in a row. Coach Keith Maloof has been at the helm for the Blue Devils since 1999. While the Blue Devils will have their work cut out for them on the field, when we asked Coach Maloof what the teams biggest challenge was, he replied,

“Social Media.”

And while we most certainly understand that in some places social media has its positives, it can no doubt be a distraction.

Offensively, the Blue Devils will be replacing most of their skill position starters from a year ago.  Quinton Bradford and Abel Aguirre well anchor the offensive line, while Randy Smith and Jaylen Green appear to be poised to lead the receivers.

 

 

 

Kicker/Punter Kellen Grave de Peralta was the team’s leading scorer in total points last season. The Navy commit connected on 34 of 36 PATs and 10 of 11 field goals last season.

Tyren Long will anchor the defensive line. Last season he recorded a team high 5.5 sacks. Long is also the team’s leading returning tackler, with 47 total tackles in 2018.  Safeties Josh Graham and Roland Jackson will lead the secondary. As a sophomore last season, Graham picked of 3 passes in the secondary.

We asked Coach Maloof if any games were circled on the calendar.

“North Gwinnett, Parkview (and) Brookwood.”

Expectations are high at Norcross year in and year out. So it was no surprise when we asked what a successful season would look like for the Blue Devils, Maloof replied:

“Region Title and then State Title.”

 

 

 

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North Paulding Wolfpack TFR 2019 Preseason Preview

Posted on August 11, 2019 by admin

 

          The Skinny

 

The North Paulding Wolfpack enter season 2 under the leadership of Head Coach Jim Bob Bryant. Last season Coach Bryant continued a streak of 7 consecutive playoff appearances for the Wolfpack. Coach Bryant is no stranger to success as he won 3 North Carolina State Titles in 2011, 2012 and 2013.  We asked coach Bryant about the strength of his team coming into this season.

“The Pack is bringing back 17 starters and 32 lettermen from a 7-4 2018 team.  Last year was the first year (for me) at North Paulding after coaching for 21 years in North Carolina.  Our Defensive Coordinator, Dana Arthur is also back for his second season at North. The players will not have to learn a new offense and defense as they did last year,” he replied.

Perhaps the biggest name of them all is All-American punter and kicker Brock Travelstead. Travelstead , a Louisville commit, connected on all 39 of his PAT attempts in 2018 and was 18 for 19 in field goal attempts. He led the team in scoring in 2018. He also averaged 42.4 yards per punt last season.

While most of the skill players return for the Pack, they will need to find a replacement at quarterback for the pass-happy offense. 2018 leading running back Preston Rogers returns for his junior season. Last year Rogers averaged 4.4 yards per carry with 4-TDs. Junior Kyle Bird will step in at quarterback for North Paulding. Bird only attempted 5 passes in limited action last season., but he will have several weapons returning at wide receiver, including, the teams 3 top receivers from last year in Kellan Autenrieth (47 catches, 768 yards, 11-TDs), Jarrod Ray (46 catches, 535 yards, 3-TDs) and Ryker Brown (34 catches, 377 yards, 4-TDs).

 

 

 

The learning curve might be steep for Bird, but he will have the benefit of an experienced offensive line in front have him. The Pack returns 4 starters from last season. Headlining the linemen group is all-region performer Andrew Smith.

On defense, the North Paulding returns 3 of their top 5 tacklers from a season ago, linebacker Matt Hoffman (77-total tackles), linebacker Jacob Amos (76-total tackles) and DB Tyler Davis (89-total tackles).

We asked coach about any games or rivals that his team was looking forward to playing.

“Our biggest rivalry game is East Paulding,” he said, “(our) biggest region game…all of them.”

So what’s the outlook on the season for Coach Bryant?

“North Paulding is the second smallest 7A school in Georgia and plays in a brutal Region,” he said. “Last year Region 3 had three teams ranked in the top 100 in the country pre-season. If North can upset one or all 3 of these teams, we will have a chance to compete for the Region Championship.”

The certainly have the experience coming back to be in the mix come early November.

 

 

 

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