Savannah Country Day Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

The Savannah Country Day Hornets start their 2018 looking to plug a big hole with the graduation of Adam Byck. Byck was the AP offensive player of the year in Class A-Private as well as an All-State first team selection. So it wasn’t a surprise how Coach Coyle responded when asked about the challenges of 2018.

“Replacing all State RB Adam Byck and 4 starters from the offensive line. Also lost Captain LB Jonathan Palmer and All State Kicker Hawkins Pindar,” he said

But all is not lost for the Hornets. On offense SCD is projected to return their top 3 receivers from a year ago. Winn Johns who led the team in receptions with 34 is back for his senior season. Chris Pendleton is another target in the Hornets passing attack. He had 493 yards and led the team with 6 TDs. Matthew Mims, third on the team in receptions (10) and yards (223) could be poised for a breakout season as well.

Donovan Davelaar looks to be the heir apparent to Byck in the backfield. The sophomore rushed for 145 yards last season, but is almost sure to see more touches in 2018.

 

Cole Gambino looks to resume his role as starting QB for SCD. Last season he passed for over 1,300 yards with 13 TDs. Upfront Cameron Weaver and Brock Taylor return to lead the offensive line.

The defense returns bookends Clay Dekle (88 tackles) and Andre Miller (103 tackles, 9 sacks).  Linebackers CJ Nugara (99 takcles) and Ash Pinckney (69 tackles) look to continue where they left off last season. The defensive front will also look for contributions from linemen Kenneth Reedy and Graham McGinty. Both of whom are juniors and saw meaningful minutes last season.

Matthew Mims returns in the secondary. Last season Mims picked off 4 passes.  Logan Ziegler will also be a name to watch in the secondary as well as in the kicking game.

There is certainly plenty of experience coming back for the Hornets. We wouldn’t expect to see a huge drop off as a team. This should be a fun team to watch down in southeast Georgia. Even without Byck, the Hornets should be a team to be reckoned with.


 

 

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Savannah Christian Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

(You can listen to our podcast with Coach Woodward here: Coach Baker Woodward Podcast)

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Baker Woodward will take over as the head coach for the Savannah Christian Raiders. Previously, Coach Woodward was the offensive coordinator for the Benedictine Cadets potent offense. The Raiders do return several players with game experience. However, that doesn’t solve one of the toughest challenges that the Raiders staff has preparing for the upcoming season.

Coach Woodward said, “Our biggest challenge is creating depth on our football team.”

As mentioned above, the Raiders welcome back a host of players on offense headlined by First Team All-Region offensive lineman, Dylan McMahon. McMahon, an NC State signee, will be joined up front by fellow lineman Colby Quinney, who was a Second Team All-Region selection in 2017.

At the skill positions, the Raiders return Jordan Grant (Second Team All-Region) along with Marquell Brown who was third on the team in rushing last season.  Leading receiver Noah Chumley, who led the team in receptions,  also returns this season. The Raiders will also look for production out of athletes Nate Moon and Omar Burroughs.

 

 

Defensively, McMahon and Quinney will be two-way players up front for Savannah Christian. They will be joined by First Team All-Region linebacker, Jay Hagan. The secondary seems to be in good hands as well with Nate Moon, Noah Chumley, Ryan Tabakian and Jake Jablonski patrolling the skies for Savannah Christian.

There is no doubt that Region and long-standing rivalry games against Calvary Day (10/5) and Savannah Country Day (10/19) will be earmarked on the calendar.

We asked Coach Woodward how he would define success in his first season at Savannah Christian.

He said, “We measure success by being able to accomplish our mission. Which is to attack with a purpose. Doing everything in our power to get better everyday.”

He added, “Always remember Colossians 3:23 whatever you do, work at it as you are working for the Lord, not for human masters “

The only response we have to that…is Amen!

 

 

 

 

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Riverside Military Academy Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

Coach Nick Garrett enters his second season at the head coach for Riverside Military Academy. Last season the Eagles finished with two victories. We asked Coach Garrett what the biggest challenge will be in year two.

“Being better and more prepared than the year before,” he said

The Eagles lost three of their region games last season by a combined total of 9 points. So they may not be two far off from getting things turning around.

The Eagles return QB Isaac Teasley who passed for over 1,000 yards with 10 TDs last season.  Teasley is a dual threat QB who also led the team in rushing with 804 yards. Teasley will have some help as RMA returns their second leading rusher Stephen Aleandre (689 yards rushing, 4 TDs).  The Eagles also return leading wide receiver Khalid Duke, who was second on the team in receiving last season with 454 yards and 6 TDs. Duke is a big target at 6’4” that could create some matchup problems for opposing secondaries.

 

 

Randall Marable will add depth at the running back position as well. Look for Wookdong Harry Kim to add an additional weapon at tight end. Lauren McDonald and Anthony Mason are leaders up front on the offensive line.

Defensively, look for some of the same names to step up and be difference makers, Duke and Aleandre at DB, and Kim, who tallied 11 sacks in 2017 at defensive end. Miles Thomas returns for the Eagles at LB and Devontae Roberts will join Duke and Aleandre at defensive back.

How will Coach Garrett define success this season?

“The amount of commitment our cadets will be to being a selfless teammate,” he said.

While all the games this season are important, you can bet the Eagles will be looking forward to taking on region rival Commerce on October 26th.  We will certainly keep an eye on the Eagles this season to see if they are ready to turn the corner.

 

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Prince Avenue Christian Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

The Skinny

 

The Prince Avenue Christian Wolverines have made deep runs into the post season over the last seven years. Coach Greg Vandagriff has led the Wolverines into the semi-finals in both of his previous two seasons. But as we all know, last years success does not automatically translate to future performance. Coach Vandagriff shared one of the biggest challenges his staff will face as they prepare for the 2018 season.

“Inexperience at the offensive and defensive lines,” Vandagriff said.

While the Wolverines are sorting things out on the line, if they can figure out a way to get the ball into Christian Parrish’s hands, they could be in good shape offensively. Last season, Parrish lead Prince Avenue in receiving with over 1,300 yards receiving and 15 TDs. Parrish was also recognized as a First Team All-State selection. Brock Vandagriff is projected as the starter at quarterback for the Wolverines. Vandagriff passed for 267 yards and 2 TDs in limited action last season as the backup. Newcomer Tyler Payne could also step in and get work at running back.

 

 

On defense, Elijah Hynes, who was third on the team with 109 total tackles, will lead the way for the Wolverines secondary. Mack Simmons, who was tied for the team lead in interceptions last season with 4, will also add experience to the secondary. The aforementioned newcomer, Payne, should also see some time at line backer for the Prince Avenue defense.

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

He said, “Wesleyan and Athens Academy.”

So how will success be defined for the Wolverines this season? Vandagriff kept it short and sweet.

He simply said, “The playoffs.”

 

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Mount Vernon Presbyterian Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

 

 

The Skinny

 

The Mt. Vernon Prespyterian Mustangs have seen a steady increase in victories over Coach Wayne Dabbs tenure as head coach. Yet playing in region 5 is not for the faint of heart, as perennial powers Eagle’s Landing Christian and Wesleyan are region foes.

“We play in a very difficult region with some outstanding coaches and players, so just working hard to get our players prepared so they can play with confidence each week, “ said Dabbs.

The Mustangs return their leading rusher Austin Douglas (965 yards, 4 TDs) and their leading receiver, Justin Douglas, (876 yards, 8 TDs), but they will need to find a new starter at quarterback as Reggie Burnette was lost to graduation. Alex Holiday is a player in the mix to replace Burnette at quarterback.

There are several players poised to step up and make contributions for the Mt. Vernon, including Will Mitcham (ATH), Max Stevens (OL), Bennett Williams and (OL) Bijan Nikain (OL). John Watson, a Second Team All-Region selection at receiver could be another player poised to step up for Coach Dabbs.

The Mustang defense returns several players with experience, including a deep defensive backfield; which includes the aforementioned Austin and Justin Douglas. They will be joined in the secondary by John Watson,and Hayden Moore. Eric Harris (Second Team All-Region) and Jonathan Hammond will shore up the defensive line for the Mustangs. Linebacker Parker Corley (Second Team All-Region) will be another player to watch on this Mt. Vernon football team.

 

 

While there is not one particular game on the schedule that the Mustangs have circled, they understand that each week is important.

We asked Coach Dabbs what will make 2018 a successful season.

“Want to see our players enjoy working hard together this season. Enjoy being around each other, having a wonderful experience. Want to see our players improve on the football field but even more so in life in making good choices about life. Want to see our players be the leaders in the community,” said Dabbs.

Dabbs went on to say,  “We want to see our players be better people because of being a part of our program. (We) want to see our players achieve goals that they never would have dreamed. (We) want to win some football games and each week our opponents know that they were in a war.”

He finished up by explaining, “ (We) want to see our MV Community fall in love with this team and love supporting them. (We) want to see our alumni come back and be proud to say, I am a Mustang.”

 

 

 

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Landmark Christian Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

 

Here is a link to our podcast interview with Coach Scott. Listen for a more in depth pre-season preview: Coach Scott Podcast Interview

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Joe Scott takes over a Landmark Christian team that suffered its first winless season since they began region play in 1992. We asked Coach Scott what would be the biggest challenge for the upcoming 2018 season.

“The biggest challenge for the upcoming season is the same as it always is. Getting a group of players, parents, the school, and the community to focus on the task at hand, have a great attitude, and to put forth the effort that is required to achieve success,” Scott said.

Coach Scott will lean on a couple of  two-way players at the skill position to lead the War Eagles this season. Senior Donovan Pickett was a Second Team All-Region selection at running back last season. Pickett looks to improve on his 4.6 yards per carry from 2017. Pickett will double as a line backer for the War Eagles on defense.

Wide receiver Bernard Turner, also returns for his senior season. Last season, Turner was a playmaker for the War Eagles on offense, so we are sure that Coach Scott will try to get the ball in has hands as much as possible.  Turner was a Second Team All-Region selection at defensive back as well last season.

 

 

 

 

 The War Eagles offense will also get a boost from returning lineman Trey Bedosky; while the defense will be helped out with the return of linebacker Anthony Velez.

We asked Coach Scott if there were any games that were circled on the schedule this upcoming season.

He said, “The first one. It is always a great to win the first game and that is what we are focused on right now. We will have some games that will be appealing to our fans, but we want our guys to focus on one game at a time.”

What does a successful season look like for the War Eagles this season?

Scott said, “Success on the field is always decided by what the score board reads at the end of the game. Although our overall success as a team may not always equal a win, we will be able to measure it by our Faith in ourselves and those around us, our commitment to doing what’s Right, and our capacity to Work hard for the things we desire. These three aspects will lead us to a life of serving others and loving our neighbor as ourselves, and that is where true success resides. Here at Landmark our goal is to prepare each student to impact the world for Jesus Christ and I want our football program to be designed to blaze a trail that will show our guys how to obtain the true riches of life as we strive to Live as Champions.”

 

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Georgia Military College Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

 

 

The Skinny

The Georgia Military College Bulldogs (GMC) return to play a region schedule for the first time in three years. While the region schedule presents it’s own challenges, Coach Simpson explained what is the biggest challenge for the coaching staff this season.

“Depth will be our biggest challenge,” he said, “ Especially depth along the lines.”

The Bulldogs do however return a pair of players with experience along the offensive line. Germaine Patterson and Grayson Goodwin look to provide leadership going into the 2018 season. At the skill position, Malik Fortson and Armanious White are two players that GMC will look to for offensive production through the air.

 

 

Coach Simpson said that Josiah Cleveland (defensive line), Malcolm Clayton (defensive back), and Ramari Lewis (line backer) are some of the top returners on defense.

We asked Coach Simpson if there were any games that were circled on the schedule for the Bulldogs.

“Greene County as it will be our first region game in three years,” he said.

As the Bulldogs re-enter region play, Simpson explained how success would be defined this season.

“Our definition of success,” he said, “will be constant improvement towards our ultimate goal.”

 

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Claxton Tigers Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

The Skinny

 

Coach Tony Welch begins his second season as head coach of the Claxton Tigers. The Tigers posted their most wins in 3 seasons in Welch’s first year and are certainly eager for more. We asked Coach Welch what are some of the biggest challenges for his team coming into the 2018 season.

He said, “Early games, (and) time to prepare (for them).”

Some of those challenging early games that the Tigers are preparing for include the likes of Toombs County and Montgomery County.

While the season is less than a month away for the Tigers, they will have the luxury of welcoming back their leading passer and rusher, Karon Taylor. Taylor led the Eagles last season as a freshman with over 1,100 yards passing and 9 TDs.  Taylor’s performance in 2017 was enough to earn him Second Team All-Region honors. Taylor will be joined in the backfield by their second leading rusher and First Team All-Region running back, Myles Freeman. Freeman was also the teams leading receiver last season with 457 yards. Tight end Devon Hagan, a First Team All-Region selection, also returns for his senior season.

 

 

 

Junior defensive tackle Deoveon Hayward will anchor the front four for the Tigers. Hayward earned First Team All-Region honors last season. Other experienced players returning for Claxton are linebacker Myles Freeman and Zach Tillman, along with Second Team All-Region selection Shakari Denson.

Coach Welch and his staff will also be looking for production out of two-way players Allan Bartley (RB/SS), Chenard Densn (DT/OT) Kenan Brewton (OT/DE) and Adam Brown (WR/DB)

There are a couple of big games that are circled for Claxton. The first, is the first game of the season on August 17th against Tattnall County. This should give Coach Welch and the rest of the Tigers staff a good picture of where they stand and where they need to improve. The second game earmarked for the Tigers is the October 12thmatchup against region rival,  Calvary Day.

Coach Welch explained that there are two tangible goals for this season, “(a) winning season and making the GHSA playoffs”

We will certainly be taking notes to see if the Tigers can return to the GHSA post season for the first time in four years.

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Eastside Eagles Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

 

**Our podcast interview with Coach Hoff will be released on Tuesday, August 7th. Stay Tuned as Coach Hoff takes a deeper dive into the Eagles upcoming season.** 

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Troy Hoff begins his 4thseason as the head coach of the Eastside Eagles. Coach Hoff has led the Eagles to the post season in consecutive seasons. However, to get back to the post season in 2018, the Eagles will need to address some of their biggest challenges. Coach Hoff explained what one of those challenges was.

“This year, developing competition & depth on the offensive and defensive line,” he said.

While the Eagles will be working to shore up both lines, we asked coach Hoff who could be primed for a breakout season.

“Taylor Carter (Senior RB/DB), He’s been a high level player for us on both sides of the ball. He’s also been extremely productive – won’t be a surprise, but he’s done a great job of leading us this off-season,” he said.

Joining Carter in the offensive backfield will be sophomore Quincy Cullins. Last season, the two combined for 1,084 yards and 12 TDs. The Eagles also return two of their top receivers from last season, Jamari Brown and Jerry Mays.  Both Brown and Mays were All Region Honorable Mention selections in 2017.

 

As mentioned before, the Eagles will be looking to add depth along the offensive line, but they do welcome back Second Team All-Region lineman Dustin Morgan.

Defensively, linebackers Jamari Brundage and Dalton Whitney give the Eagles some valuable experience. Brundage was second on the team in tackles last season and an All-Region Honorable Mention selection. Two-way stars, Jamari Brown and Taylor Carter return to the secondary. Brown led the team in interceptions in 2017 with 5.  Coach Hoff has already explained how valuable Carter is to the team.

We asked Coach Hoff if there were any games that were more important than others.

Hoff said, “All of them! Obviously region play is most critical – Woodward Academy is the defending region champion so they are the team that everyone measures themselves against.”

Regarding success this season, Coach Hoff said, “Showing constant improvement to play to our capabilities – (we) want to be in a position to win the game in the 4th quarter.”

 

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Salem Seminoles Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

 

 

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Jarrett Laws led the Seminoles to the playoffs for the first time in 3 years last season. It looks like Coach Laws has the Seminoles headed in the right direction. But he did share with us one of the challenges he and his staff face going into the 2018 season.

“Getting our guys to perform at their full potential every day, both in practice as well as during games,” he said.

We asked Coach Law about some of the top offensive returners this season.

He said, “The offensive unit as a whole. We return 9 players that have started at some point last season.”

A few of those players at the skill positions include quarterback Donald Wilson, and receivers Makari Pruitt and Tyler Smith. All three players garnered First Team All-Region honors last season.  Wilson led the team in passing with over 1,500 yards last season and 14 TDs.  Pruitt and Smith were first and second respectively in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. The duo combined for over 1,000 yards receiving and 10 TDs.

Omarius Burnam and Jesse Carter return as the team’s two top rushers from last season. Burnam was a Second Team All-Region selection while Carter was recognized as Honorable Mention.

 

 

On defense, the line will be led be Second Team All-Region end DeVon Reaves. Reaves wreaked havoc in opposing offenses backfield all season last year. Brad Plunkett will provide experience at the line backer position while Keevan Bailey and Artemus McCorkle (All-Region Honorable Mention) return in the secondary.

We asked Coach Laws about some of those players flying under the radar that might be poised for a breakout season.

“Several,” he said, “but I’ve been really impressed with the growth of offensive lineman Reco McDaniel, Wide Receiver Lennox Bowie, and cornerback Justin Johnson.”

But what about any particular games that are circled on the calendar. Coach Laws gave a unique answer.

“Week 11, which is the 1st week of the GHSA playoffs. Our goal is to have a game scheduled during that week,” he said.

With regards to how the team will define success Coach Laws quoted legendary basketball coach John Wooden:

“Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” – John Wooden

 

 

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