McIntosh Chiefs Football Preview

Posted on August 6, 2018 by admin

 

**Our podcast interview with Coach Belknap will be released on Wednesday. Tune in for a deeper look into the 2018 team.**

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Lee Belknap leads the McIntosh Chiefs into the 2018 season after qualifying for the state tournament for the 2ndtime 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 do welcome back First-Team All Region QB Dane Kinamon. Outside of leading the Chiefs offense passing attack, Kinamon was second on the team in rushing last season.

Kinamon will have his top receiver Ryan Cate back this season as well. The two connected for four(4) TDs in 2017 and will look to improve on those numbers this season. Ryan Siegal, (Second-Team All Region) will be a leader upfront on the line for McIntosh.

 

 

On the defensive side of the ball, Coach Belknap will lean on Honorable Mention selection Ryan Sanders at linebacker and Calvin Flowers at safety. Sanders was also a First-Team All Region selection as a punter last season.

Coach Bellknap said that the in county rival games are the ones that his team generally circles on the calendar. These games are certainly great for bragging rights, but also have high stakes when region standings are on the line.

We asked about what will make the 2018 season a success for McIntosh.

“Knowing our purpose, growing to reach our purpose and sowing seeds that benefit others,” Belknap said.

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Cross Keys Indians Football Preview

Posted on August 6, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

 

Coach Mark Adams begins his 3rd season as the head coach of Cross Keys High. The Indians are in region 5-5A but compete with a non-region schedule. We asked Coach Adams what is the biggest challenge that his staff faces coming into this season.

He said, “Participating the Georgia high school arena with student-athletes who are mostly new to the game.”

On offense, some of the players to watch for the Indians include wide receiver, Victor Corona and Axel Raygoza.

On defense , Eric Padilla and Charvis Harris are top returners for Cross Keys.

Coach Adams also added that Andel Gutierrez and Narvy Bibiano could be poised for breakout seasons in 2018.

 

 

We asked Adams if there were any games that were circled on the schedule this season.

“Our home and home games versus Pataula Charter have been the most exciting games for the past two seasons,” he said.

The Indians will get to play Pataula Charter twice this season; hosting one and travelling down to Edison for their last game of the season. For the first time since 2013, the Indians will have the full complement of games on the schedule as well.

We did ask how the Indians would measure success this season.

He simply said, “In wins and losses.”

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Loganville Red Devils Football Preview

Posted on August 6, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

The Loganville Red Devils come into this season looking to rebound after a disappointing 2-8 finish last season. The Red Devils had qualified for the post season in both of Coach Humphrey’s prior seasons. We asked Coach Humphreys if there were any games on the schedule that stuck out more than others.

“After going 2-8 last year, they are all circled,” he said.

One of the biggest challenges that the team will face is replacing seven starters on defense. Three of the defensive starters returning for the Red Devil defense are Slater Stewart (DE), Josiah Wright (DB) and Trevon Williams (DB). Stewart was second on the team in sacks last season while both Wright and Williams are physical DBs that aren’t afraid  dishing out a big lick. D’errius Hart will also be joining Wright and Williams in the secondary for the Red Devils.

 

 

Hart, who is listed as a wide receiver and defensive back also led Loganville in rushing last season. Wright and Max Ogletree also saw valuable minutes last season on offense as well at the receiver position. We wouldn’t be surprised if they are in the mix offensively this season.

Helping lead the way this season for the Red Devils on the offensive line will be returners Max Smith and Derek Lort.

We asked coach Humphreys what would make this season a success.

“Being competitive and getting back on the winning track,” he said.

It should be interesting to watch and see if this youthful defense will be able to come together when region play begins in late September.

 

 

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Harris County Tigers Football Preview

Posted on August 6, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

Coach Jamie Fox takes over as Head Coach for Harris County this season. Fox has been the offensive coordinator for the past 6 years. While this is Coach Fox’s first season as the head coach at Harris County, he does have previous head coaching experience at Shaw. So he understands that the day to-day operations for the head coach can be very time-consuming. As the Tigers head into 2018 they will be looking to improve on last years 5 wins.

Coach Fox will have the luxury of  having Cal’von Harris back in the backfield. Last season he was a First Team All-State selection and rushed for over 1,600 yards with 9 TDs.  There is no doubt having Harris on the backfield will take some of the pressure off of Junior QB Davion Mahone. Mahone led the team in passing last season with 750 yards and 7 TDs.

TJ Pass, Ryan O’steen and Tailique Williams are three receivers that should have opportunities to contribute on offense this season.  Center Austyn Curlington will anchor the offensive line for the Tigers.

 

 

Cohen Perry returns as one of the leaders on defense. Last season, Perry tallied 84 tackles from his linebacker position. Joining Perry at linebacker will be senior Jeremiah Hickey (54 tackles). Edmund Whitaker is another linebacker that could also step up for the Tigers.

On the defensive front, Nick Richey and Cayde Anderson are projected starters on the line, while safeties Maverick Crownhart-Swan and Sebastian Russell provide experience in the secondary.

We asked how Coach Fox would define success this season.

He said,  “You want to reach the playoffs every year.”

While that might be the big goal for the Tigers, Coach Fox said that the most important game of the season is the first game of the year. It’s safe to assume that Harris County will not be overlooking any of their opponents in 2018.

 

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Griffin Bears Football Preview

Posted on August 6, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

2018 will mark 108 years of Griffin Football. The Bears program is rich in history and tradition. They have been a perennial playoff team. In fact, since 1996, they have only missed post-season play once. Coach Andrews seems excited about the 2018 edition of the Bears. So what is all the buzz about in Griffin this season?

“We have had an amazing off-season. We have gotten bigger faster and stronger across the board as a team,” said Andrews.

But don’t think that Griffin doesn’t have it’s own set of challenges. Even with their proud history, Coach Andrews knows to take nothing for granted.

“I guess the biggest challenge will be not getting complacent. We have to continue to work. Continue to do what it takes to be become the best that we can be. If we can pull this off, I think we have a chance to be a pretty good football team,” he said.

The Bears return 3 of their top skill position players from last season.

“Alijah King is clearly our top running back. Jamoi Mayes and Tarrell Jester are leading WRs from a year ago,” said Andrews.

 

 

Griffin sports two First Team All-Region defensive players in lineman Mike Webb and linebacker Larry Corbin. They’ll be joined by Demarjahe Lewis up front who can create havoc with his 6’4” 280lb frame.

Andrews said, “LB Larry Corbin was our leading tackler a year ago. Defensive Linemen Michael Webb and Damarjahe Lewis also had really good seasons this past season. “

So what else is there to be excited about? Coach Andrews said that there are several players poised for a breakout season including the aforementioned King, Mayes, Corbin, Webb and Lewis. Some of the other players Andrews clued us in to are receivers Darryl Matthews, Tarrell Jester, Jacarlin Dennis and Amanuel Mcdowell. As well as Jaden Echols on defense.

Some big games dot the schedule for the Bears. We asked Coach Andrews if any of them were circled on the schedule, outside of region play.

“Of course our opening game against our in town rival Spalding is circled. Very next week we play Clay-Chalkville the #3 ranked team in 6A in Alabama at Lakewood Stadium in Atlanta. This will be our first time in history playing a team from a different state.,” he said.

Coach Andrews didn’t define success for this season in terms of wins and losses. He kept it simple and simply said, “Do your best.”

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Eagle’s Landing Golden Eagles Football Preview

Posted on August 6, 2018 by admin

The Skinny

 

There are some question marks surrounding what the 2018 football season holds for the Eagle’s Landing Golden Eagles. Last season, the team advanced to the second round of the state playoffs, their deepest run in school history. However,  the team graduated most of their production on offense. So, what is one of the biggest challenges for 4thyear head Coach Shawn Jones and his staff this season?

“Bringing the right attitude and effort on a daily basis,” Jones said.

The Golden Eagles graduate their top producers at all of the skill positions, but do return Jeremy Adams, who was third on the team in receiving yards last season. There will no doubt be an opportunity for young players to step up and make an impact on offense.

 

 

 

Defensively, Anthony Britton, who was Second Team All-Region last season as a sophomore is set to anchor the defensive line. Britton led the team with 9 sacks on the season and hopes to duplicate that success in 2018.

We asked Coach Jones if there were any games that were circled on the calendar this season.

Jones said, “All of them and important”.

So what will success look like for Eagle’s Landing this season.

“The classroom, the field, the community,” said Jones

While there are many question marks surrounding this young team. We look forward to seeing how Coach Jones prepares them week in and week out.

 

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Cass Colonels Football Preview

Posted on August 6, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny 

 

Coach Bobby Hughes enters his 5thseason at Cass. The Colonels may have played one of the more difficult schedules last season, as their region schedule includes State Champion Rome and perennial powers Kell and Carrollton. One of the keys to improving this season for the Colonels will be creating depth across the board.

QB Rhett Moore looks to provide some stability on offense as he returns for his senior season. Up and coming Zay Jackson could certainly provide a spark for the Colonels in the backfield. Jaquez Fountain and Taj Dawson will also be options for Moore in the passing game.

 

 

 Defensively, Rodney Richards is one of the top performers that returns. He could be poised for a breakout season at the defensive end position. Richards wreaked havoc for the Colonels on defense, recording 8 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. If the Colonels can develop some additional depth around him, this defense could see improvement over last season.

While the schedule does include the aforementioned region powers of Rome, Carrollton and Kell, the Colonels will certainly be looking beyond the first game on the schedule. They will meet rival Adairsville  for the 53rd  time on August 24th.

When we asked coach Hughes how will success be defined this season, he said one word, “improvement”.

 

 

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Carrollton Trojans Football Preview

Posted on August 6, 2018 by admin

The Skinny

 

Sean Calhoun begins his third season as head coach of the Carrollton Trojans. The Trojans are another program in the state that is steeped in rich football tradition. The Trojans are 7-time state champs. Coach Calhoun has taken the Trojans to the 3rd round of the playoffs in each of his first two seasons. We asked Coach Calhoun what his biggest challenge was for the 2018 season.

He said, “Preparing my student-athletes mentally for a 15 game season.”

On offense at the skill positions, the Trojans have to replace the production of Mark Wright at quarterback; All-State running back Jaylan Thomas and wide receiver Dalton Benefield. Kashif Taylor appears to be the next in line to start at quarterback for the Trojans. Taylor played meaningful minutes last season as a sophomore, passing for 642 yards and 8 TDs.

Kode Brewer, the team’s second leading rusher in 2017, is poised to step in and fill the void left by Thomas. Isaiah Lancaster and Miles McLendon both return to lead the Trojans receiving corps. Lancaster was second on the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs in 2017.

 

 

 

While the young Trojans are figuring things out at the skill positions, Carrollton returns Johnathan Mason and Kayliek Dunson on the offensive line. Coach Calhoun will be relying on these two to anchor the line and pave the way for the Trojans ground game.

Defensively, the Trojans will be led by All-State linebacker, Kevin Swint. Swint led the team in tackles (102) and recorded a team-high 18 sacks in 2017. Swint will be teamed up with another young linebacker, sophomore Chaz Chambliss. Chambliss recorded 12 sacks in his freshmen season and was tied for second in total tackles with 97.

The defensive line returns Malachi Moten and Robert Johnson. While Reid Dedman and Jacob Cotton return in the secondary.

We asked Coach Calhoun if there was a game that was circled on the schedule.

“Our scrimmage because it is the first one!” he said.

When asked how success will be defined for the Trojans this season, Coach Calhoun said, “Getting my student-athletes to perform at 100% on the field and in the classroom.”

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Conversations with Coaches – Episode 11 – John Bowen – Montgomery County Eagles

Posted on August 6, 2018 by admin

Last season, Coach John Bowen led the Montgomery County Eagles to their first playoff appearance in 14 years and their highest win total in 28 years. Coach Bowen talked to us about some of the challenges this year’s Eagles will face.

“In a small school, depth is always a concern and this year at MCHS will be a classic example of this’” he said, “The Eagles will have to find ways to rotate players enough to create some depth along the OL and offensive backfield. The Eagles must also break in a new QB to take over from the graduation of the school’s all time passing leader, Kris Daniels.”

Listen here as we talk a little pre-season football with Coach Bowen:

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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Chestatee War Eagles Football Preview

Posted on August 5, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

Shaun Conley begins his third season as the head coach of the Chestatee War Eagles. Last season, the War Eagles missed out on the playoffs. Their region was a grinder in 2017, as it included the two teams that played for the state title in Class 4A. As if that wasn’t challenging enough, in 2018 Flowery Branch was dropped down from 5A and Denmark in Forsyth County came online and will be playing in the region this season.

We asked coach Conley what would be his staff’s biggest challenge in 2018.

“Replacing a group of seniors who have been 3 year starters,” he said.

However, there is a good amount of young talent waiting in the wings for the War Eagles.

On offense Christian Charles will return at quarterback. Last season, Charles split time with Storm Yarbrough, but Charles will take the reins, as Yarbrough has graduated.  Charles threw for almost 500 yards and 3 TDs last season, while rushing for almost 400 yards. For his efforts, Charles was tabbed as an All-Region Honorable Mention selection.

 

 

 

The War Eagles return three experienced offensive linemen in Josh Hamilton, Eduardo Jordan, and Jesus Aguillares. Hamilton was a First Team All-Region selection while Aguillares was selected as All-Region Honorable Mention. Wide receiver Seth Pressley could quickly become one of Charles’ “go to guys” at receiver.

Coach Conley’s defense lost its top seven tacklers to graduation. The War Eagles will look for production from linebackers Robbie James (41 tackles), MJ Jarrard (20 tackles) and Hunter Chambers (34 tackles). David Woodward will be a leader on the defensive line for Chestatee. The great news for the War Eagles, is that all four of these young men are just juniors this season.

We asked Coach Conley if there were any games on the scheduled that were circled for his team.

“None in particular,” he said, “the next one is always circled.”

How will the War Eagles define success this season?

“…we strive to compete in every situation we are in – we want to give maximum effort and play together,” Conley said.

 

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