West Hall Spartans Football Preview

Posted on August 5, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

The West Hall Spartans have qualified for the state playoffs for five consecutive seasons. New Head Coach Krofton Montgomery will look to guide the Spartans to their sixth consecutive playoff appearance this season. But the road to a playoff berth  in region 7 becomes a little more difficult, as Flowery Branch now joins a region which already boasts the 2017 state champion (Blessed Trinity) and runner-up (Marist).

Senior, Quenton Smith will lead the West Hall offense. He will have a talented weapon in the backfield alongside him in  Junior Michael Thompson. In 2017, Thompson passed for 529 yards and also rushed for 879 yards with 9 TDs. The Spartans were a run oriented offense last season and will no doubt look to capitalize on Thompson’s ability in the ground game.

Solomon Riley looks poised to help carry the load offensively as he joins Smith and Thompson in the backfield. Upfront, senior tackles Ricky Castillo and Matt Sinclair will anchor the offensive line tasked with making holes for the ground game.  They will no doubt get help from tight end Hunter Rainey.

 

 

On the defensive side of the ball, the Spartans sport two good-sized linebackers in Corey Dupree and John Stoecker. They will look to replace Cory Davis and Austin Sinclair who led the team in tackles last season. The defensive secondary will be anchored by senior corner, Jeremiah Prather.

Coach Montgomery said “(all of the games) are equally important”, but he added, “Johnson in the battle of Oakwood and will always be the number one game in our communities.”

So what would make a successful season for the Spartans?

“Growth day by day as young men, athletes, community members, sons, and overall citizens. If we work hard and follow the plan wins will come, but success is measured in players coming back 4-5 years from now as productive citizens, husbands, and fathers and realizing what football as game does for you in life,” Montgomery said.

We couldn’t agree more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets Football Preview

Posted on August 5, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

Coach Ashley Henderson takes over as head coach for the Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets this season. Henderson’s Valwood teams won 3 GISA state championships in his six seasons there. TCC is a program steeped in tradition. They’ve won five state titles and have only missed the playoffs once since 1991.

Going into the summer and fall, Coach Henderson knows one of the challenges and keys to success will be to “establish relationships and trust between players and new staff.”

TCC has traditionally been a run oriented offense. Last season the Jackets only threw for 325 total yards. Kalique Guyton returns for his sophomore year and looks to be the projected starter at QB for TCC.

We have good reason to believe that Coach Henderson may integrate the passing game into the mix this season; and if that is the case players such as TE Ben Wilhelm, and WRs Zendai Brooks and Dee Wyche could be in store for productive seasons.

Defensively, the Jackets will look to make improvements from 2017 as the team surrendered an average of 32 points per game. Jaylen Dunbar is poised to be one of the leaders for the unit.  AJ Stephenson is also set to step up for the Jackets at the corner back position.

We asked Coach Henderson what game if any is circled on the calendar, he said the first game against Early County.

What does a successful season look like for Coach Henderson?

“Check back in 20 years and lets see what kind of citizens the players are,”  he said.

There is little doubt that not only is Henderson preparing his players for this season, but also trying to prepare them for success in life. We look forward to seeing the new look Yellow Jackets in 2018 and beyond.

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Montgomery County Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

**Our podcast interview with Coach Bowen will be released on Monday, August 6th. Stay Tuned as Coach Bowen takes a deeper dive into the Eagles upcoming season.** 

 

The Skinny

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.”

While the team does lose Daniels at quarterback, there is some talent at the other skill positions. DaQuan Jackson and Randy Shomake return for the Eagles at running back. Each will look to break out of the shadow of graduated senior Clayton Harvey. Jackson was also second on the team in receiving yards last season. Matt Seward will look to fill the void left by the graduation of Shaw Robinson. Kam Wideman (Second team All-Region) and Blain Craft will lead the offensive line again this season.

 

 

 Defensively Shomake and Jackson return at linebacker and safety respectively. Both were First Team All-Region selections last season on defense. Upfront Ty Roundtree and First Team All-Defensive selection, Jaheim Wilson will anchor the line.

We asked Coach Bowen if there were any games circled on the schedule this season.

“Treutlen, as always due to the rivalry,” he said, “Other than that, Week 1 vs. Atkinson County is huge because the Eagles will need to get off to a fast start if they hope to try and repeat the success of the 2017 season.”

So what is one of the ways success will be defined by the Eagles in 2018?

“Competing night in and night out and handling adversity while developing some leadership,” Bowen said.

 

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Marion County Eagles Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

The Marion County Eagles have qualified for post-season play in nine consecutive seasons. Coach Chris Kirksey is in his third season at Marion County and looks to continue the success that the Eagles have enjoyed. Coach Kirksey describes the biggest challenge that he and his staff faces coming into the new season.

“Always to develop as much depth as possible as the season goes,” Kirksey said.

The Eagles offense will certainly revolve around two of their leading skill position players, Trice McCannon and Travon Matthews.  Matthews was a 2017 All-State Honorable Mention selection at running back. He rushed for over 1,500 yeards and 25 TDs. McCannon is another playmaker for the Eagles that can line up at WR, QB or in the backfield. McCannon was second on the team in rushing with almost 800 rushing yards and 6 TDs.

Last year’s starting QB transferred to Northside Columbus over the off-season, so the Eagles will be looking for a new starter in 2018.

 

 

Junior Garrett Sheffield appears to be the heir apparent. Sheffield saw limited action in 2017. Senior Josh Rogers, a Second Team All-Region selection at receiver, will be another tool that the Eagles offense can use while the new starting QB gets settled in to the position.

Defensively, the Eagles will look to a pair of junior linebackers for leadership this season. Both Kendrick Hawkins (52 total tackles) and Dayterious Chinn (81 total tackles) were in the top 6 on the team in tackles last season.

The Eagles also return First Team All-State Punter, Kevin Umanzer.

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

He said, “Game 1 vs. Schley County”.

We asked Coach Kirksey how his team would define success this season.

Kirksey said, “(winning a) Region Title and a deep run in the playoffs.”

 

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Trion Bulldogs Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

The Trion Bulldogs tend to find themselves in the post-season more often than not, especially over the last  29 years, in which the team has only missed post-season play 6 seasons. But like the stock market or most investments, past results are not always indicative of future performance.

“Finding depth and game experience,” is how Coach Brown described one of the teams biggest challenges.

To Coach Brown’s point, the Bulldog’s graduated the Region 6 defensive player of the year as well as 8 first team all region players.

Hagan Willingham will be a weapon for the Bulldogs. The shifty back has shown the ability to make defenders miss in traffic and also has breakaway speed. Willingham, who also plays defensive back for Trion was a 2ndteam All-Region selection. Brett Brown, a 2017 Region 6 Honorable Mention selection, will look to provide additional production for the Bulldogs on offense at receiver.

 

 

Defensively,  Second Team All-Region line-backer, Braden Johnson will hope to duplicate his success from last season. Johnson is a sure tackler and should be a leader on defense. Clay Baker will join Johnson on defense. Baker himself, was a 2ndteam All-Region selection last season as a sophomore.

Trion also sports two two-way linemen in Jake Hayes and Tucker McCoy. Both Hayes and McCoy were All-Region Honorable Mention selections in 2017.

“(A) winning record and making the playoffs,”  is one of the way Coach Brown will define success this season.

That’s certainly something Bulldog fans have become accustomed to. While all games are important, you can bet the Bulldogs will be looking forward to their 84thmatchup with rival, Gordon-Lee on September 21st. We should see well before then if the Bulldogs are able to find depth and gain that, oh so important game experience.

 

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Towns County Football Preview

Posted on August 4, 2018 by admin

 

The Skinny

 

Last season, Coach John Cornett led the Towns County Indians to the their first playoff appearance in school history. If the Indians hope to duplicate their success, they will have to overcome the loss of 12 seniors.

“(These were some of) our better athletes,” said Cornett.

While the Indians will certainly be looking for their younger players to step up, they do return quarterback Trent Bradshaw this season. Bradshaw was a Region 8 Honorable Mention selection. Joining Bradshaw in the backfield will be Alan Gillis. Gillis also took some snaps at QB last season. The Indians also return two All-Region Honorable Mention lineman in Danny Reagan and Jake Parker

 

 

Shane Sparks and Hunter Frisk will lead the defense this season. Frisk was an All-Region Honorable Mention selection at the tight-end position last year. The aforementioned Gillis will also help bolster the Indians secondary from the safety position.

While coach Cornett did not lead on to the definition of success for this season, we have to imagine it will be improvement from his Indians day by day.  And you can bet Towns County isn’t taking anyone for granted this season. We asked which game is circled on the calendar this season.

Cornett simply responded “(the) first game”.

 

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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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