The following is an excerpt from the August 19 edition of the Georgia High School Football Daily, an e-mail newsletter compiled by longtime Georgia high school football writers Todd Holcomb and Chip Saye:
Region Preview: 5-AAAAA:
What it is: Region 5-AAAAA consists of 10 schools in north and west metro Atlanta that play a round-robin to determine the four playoff teams. Six of the schools are from Cobb County, three from Cherokee and one from Paulding.
Defending champion: Etowah
Best player: OL Reid Webster, Etowah
2008 STANDINGS
(Final 2008 Atlanta Journal-Constitution ranking included)
Etowah (9-2, 8-1)
#9 Harrison (9-3, 7-2)
#10 East Paulding (9-3, 7-2)
#8 Woodstock (8-5, 6-3)
Kennesaw Mountain (6-4, 5-4)
McEachern (5-5, 5-4)
North Cobb (5-5, 4-5)
Marietta (3-7, 2-7)
South Cobb (2-8, 1-8)
Cherokee (0-10, 0-9)
2009 PREDICTIONS
(Offensive/defensive starters returning)
Etowah (6/2)
East Paulding (5/3)
McEachern (4/8)
Woodstock (5/5)
Harrison (3/5)
North Cobb (4/5)
Kennesaw Mountain (6/4)
Marietta (N/A)
South Cobb (3/3)
Cherokee (6/6)
TEAM BY TEAM
Cherokee Warriors
2008 record: 0-10, 0-9 (10th in region)
Average record this decade: 6-5
Coach: Brian Dameron (49-42 in eight seasons)
Offense: Triple option (coordinator: Alan Lane)
Defense: Multiple 4-3 (coordinator: Keith Manus)
Starters returning: 6 on offense, 6 on defense
Best player: FB/LB Kenny Foster
Other top players: DL Nick Korzenko, DL Ronnie Palcer, RB A.J. Redwine, OL Alex Carvajal, OL/DL Patrick Beal
Key losses: DL Hunter Chumley (Valdosta State), TB/LB Matt Blaylock (Tusculum)
Outlook: After a 36-35 double-overtime loss to Habersham Central in the 2007 playoffs, it didn’t get any easier for Cherokee in 2008. After graduating 30 seniors, the school was reclassified up to the highly competitive (and improving) 5-AAAAA, where the Warriors went winless. Leading the way for the Warriors in 2009 is FB/LB Kenny Foster. A three-year starter, Foster had 433 yards on 107 carries last season. Cherokee also will hand the ball off to RB A.J. Redwine (194 yards on 54 carries in 2008), who is a speedy complement to Foster’s bruising style. The line will be the strength of the defense.
East Paulding Raiders
2008 record: 9-3, 7-2 (third in region)
Playoffs: Lost to Grayson 17-7 in the second round
Average record this decade: 5-6
Coach: John Reid (33-6 in three seasons)
Offense: Multiple I/spread (coordinator: Glen Ryan)
Defense: 4-3 (coordinator: Tim Hammontree)
Starters returning: 5 on offense, 3 on defense
Best player: WR Bryan Lackey
Other top players: C Jason Litten, OT Caleb Whitener, G Michael Finks, DB Vincent Holmes
Key losses: RB Jahron Brown (Jacksonville State), QB Jesse Groover (St. Francis), DB John Royster (Fort Valley State), T Matt Hokanson (LaGrange College), LB Steve Nix (LaGrange College), WR Ed Cazenave (Kent State), Zach Gonosz (Kent State)
Outlook: The toughest task for the Raiders this year will be replacing their starting quarterback, Jesse Groover. East Paulding fans became accustomed to seeing him hand off to standout running back Jahron Brown. Brown rushed for 965 yards and 15 TDs his senior year, earning him a first team all-region selection. The offensive line may be the strength of the team, as C Jason Litten, T Caleb Whitener and G Michael Finks will make up one of the biggest units in the league. The Raiders look forward to seeing what 6-foot-4, 190-pound WR Bryan Lackey can do out of the shadow of Ed Cazenave, and a group of talented but inexperience running backs will have to pick up the slack in the backfield. On defense, it’s almost like starting over. The top loss was DB Zach Gonosz (17 career interceptions, top return man). East once was the chronic underdog, but a three-year record of 33-6 makes it hard to bet against the Raiders anymore.
Etowah Eagles
2008 record: 9-2, 8-1 (region champions)
Playoffs: Lost to Lassiter 23-20 in the first round
Average record this decade: 6-5
Coach: Bill Stewart (24-10 in three seasons)
Offense: Split-back veer (coordinator: Ed Koschewa)
Defense: 4-3 (coordinator: Bill Stewart)
Starters returning: 6 on offense, 2 on defense
Best player: LT/DL Reid Webster
Other top players: LG/NG Zach Lonus, CB/WR Taylor Majors, TE Joey Gilkey, LB Ryker Goodell
Key losses: RBRyan Boykin (Ohio), RB/LB Ishmael White (Miami of Ohio), RB/DB Jordan Padgett (Air Force), OL/DL Tyler Thomas (Shorter), WR/DB Chris Dumesnil (Merchant Marine Academy), DE/TE Justin Blosser (Kentucky Wesleyan), RB/DB Austin Herod (LaGrange College)
Outlook: After graduating a strong senior class that included three Division I-A signees, Etowah has some major spots to fill if it wants to repeat as region champion. Senior QB James Harris, leader of the region’s top-scoring offense (28.3 points per game), will not play with the team this season because he has decided to concentrate on baseball. Therefore, junior Braden Nolan will handle the snaps for the Eagles. Graduated are RB Ryan Boykin (1,737 yards rushing, 18 TDs) and LB Ishmael White (100 tackles, 12 sacks, all-state punter). While the defense looks thin on returning starters, it is anchored by OL/DL Reid Webster, a 6-5, 275-pound two-way player, on the line and CB/WR Taylor Majors in the backfield. Both seniors, Webster has committed to Clemson, and Majors looks to better the seven interceptions he had in 2008. Etowah is always a tough team to predict because it’s a team that thrives on a system, not star players. It doesn’t look great on paper, but two region titles in three seasons and top-notch lines of scrimmage point to another strong season.
Harrison Hoyas
2008 record: 9-3, 7-2 (second in region)
Average record this decade: 9-3
Coach: David Hines (9-3 in one season)
Offense: Wing-T (coordinator: Bobby Thompson)
Defense: 4-4 (coordinator: Lee Rider)
Starters returning: 3 on offense, 5 on defense
Top players: LB Ricky Connors, FS/HB Christian Turnipseed, LB Ryan Sparlin, CB/HB Brandon Robinson, DE Jaleel Atkins, FB David Dupaty
Key losses: RB Robbie Godhigh (Georgia Tech walk-on), QB Christian Burnett (Cumberland)
Outlook: David Hines took over for longtime coach Bruce Cobleigh last season and put the Hoyas in the playoffs. This year, he’s rebuilding the Wing-T, especially the offensive line, which returns no starters. Also gone are Robbie Godhigh (1,300 yards rushing, 23 TDs, great return man) and QB Christian Burnett (almost 1,000 yards passing, nine TDs). Look for lots of backs to get carries. On defense, the Hoyas will be strong up the middle with inside linebackers Ryan Sparlin and Ricky Connors and FS Christian Turnipseed. Harrison lost a big senior class of 29, including 16 who started, but a bigger worry is whether the Hoyas can be maintain their same level without a game-changer like Godhigh or some of the others that Harrison has unleashed over the years (Paul Oliver, Justin Boyle, Zach MacDowall, Darvin Adams).
Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs
2008 record: 6-4, 5-4 (fifth in region)
Average record this decade: 5-5
Coach: Scott Jones (39-43 in nine seasons)
Offense: Multiple I (coordinator: Scott Jones)
Defense: 4-4 (coordinator: Jason Roquemore)
Starters returning: 6 on offense, 4 on defense
Best player: RB Diamond Stewart
Other top players: RB/DB Devon Jones, OL/DL Steven DeCarlo, FB/LB Mitchell Elliot, OL/DL Chris Huff, K/P Devon Stookey, WR Brandon Williams, QB Will Campbell, WR John Halley
Key losses: OL/DL Jay Finch (Georgia Tech), FB Clayton Whitlock, LB Jacob Carmean (Cumberlands), K/P Zack Burgess (Morehead State), OLB Cole Rudder (Birmingham Southern), FS Alex Urquhart (Morehead State), C Zack Vrtis (Pennsylvania)
Outlook: Kennesaw Mountain has been a steady, solid program for much of its existence (the team started play in 2000) but has yet to see a playoff berth despite winning records the past two years. Blame Georgia’s deepest region for that. Gone from last year’s team is OL/DL Jay Finch, probably the most accomplished player to come through the program. The running game has been the Mustangs’ bread and butter, and RB Diamond Stewart should carry on that tradition. Stewart, who has sub-4.5 speed, rushed for a season-high 225 yards in the Mustangs’ biggest win last season, a 30-27 victory over McEachern in the second-to-last game. He will be joined in the backfield by RB/DB Devon Jones. Both are college prospects. While the skill positions are well stocked, the team’s success will depend on the development of the lines, which will be undersized and inexperienced on both sides of the ball.
Marietta Blue Devils
Record: 3-7, 2-7 (eighth in region)
Average record this decade: 7-4
Coach: James “Friday” Richards (102-52 in 14 seasons)
Offense: Pro I (coordinator: John Camp)
Defense: 40 (coordinator: Charlie Coles)
Starters returning: N/A
Best player: RB Greg Franklin
Other top players: OL Tyler Johnson, OL Perry Beasley
Key losses: CB Stephen Hunter (Northeastern), DL Zach Shelton (Gardner-Webb), QB/S Chris Tanzy
Outlook: The Blue Devils have hit the doldrums in recent seasons after region titles in 2004 and 2005. The same question looms: Do the Devils have enough up front to make room for a good set of skill players. RB Greg Franklin has played a key role on offense and defense for the Blue Devils since he was a sophomore, and now in his senior season he will be called upon to lead the way. The Blue Devils also will have to replace starting QB Chris Tanzy, who also was one of the top players in the secondary at safety. Coach Friday Richards likes a couple of linemen in Tyler Johnson and Perry Beasley. If the lines are improved, Marietta will move up in the standings.
McEachern Indians
2008 record: 5-5, 5-4 (sixth in region)
Average record this decade: 6-4
Coach: Kyle Hockman (5-5 in one season)
Offense: Pistol (coordinator: Kyle Hockman)
Defense: 3-3-5 (coordinator: Dave Likins)
Starters returning: 4 on offense, 8 on defense
Best player: RB Rajaan Bennett
Other top players: CB DeMarius Matthews, DL Tavontae Drake, OL Tarik Milner, P/K Troy Postell, DL Mzee Jones, DL Correy Rowe
Key losses: QB Daniel King (Arizona Western), FS Egim Ettatawo (West Georgia), TE Terrell Mitchell (Georgia Military)
Outlook: After a .500 record, head coach Kyle Hockman hopes for a state playoff berth in his second season in succession of Jim Dorsey. McEachern has the pieces to get there for the first time since 2005. Many McEachern boosters think RB Rajaan Bennett (more than 1,000 yards, 14 TDs) could be the best RB the school has had. He’s a home-run threat from anywhere on the field. With QB Daniel King gone, Bennett will be counted on for another big year and should thrive in the second season of the new “Pistol” offense that Hockman has installed. The Indians’ strength is on the defense, where eight starters return. They’re big and strong up front and at linebacker with lots of speed in the secondary. CB DeMarius Matthews is a playmaker. In other words, it’s old-school McEachern – run the ball and play outstanding defense. The big question is whether the Indians can pass enough to keep defenses from keying on the run.
North Cobb Warriors
2008 record: 5-5, 4-5 (seventh in region)
Average record this decade: 6-5
Coach: Shane Queen (21-11 in three seasons)
Offense: Spread (coordinator: Russ Isham)
Defense: 3-5 (coordinator: Bryan Minish)
Starters returning: 4 on offense, 5 on defense
Best player: DB/WR Drayson Davenport
Other top players: OL Henry Robinson, OL Joe Lambert, OL Lewis Porter, LB Troy Gray, LB Jarrod Taylor, OLB Jack Butler, WR/DB Niquay Mack
Key losses: DT Derrick Lott (Georgia), WR Rico Mack (Valdosta State), DE Terrell Roberts (Valdosta State), RB Donatello Brown (Valdosta State), DE Kayvon Sherrill (Valdosta State)
Outlook: North Cobb took a step back last year after an undefeated regular season in 2007 but still had the talent on both sides of the ball to beat a ranked M.L. King squad at home and stay in the playoff discussion until the final week. The Warriors lose more talent this year, and the skill positions and defensive line were hit hardest. DE Derrick Lott (Georgia signee) will be the hardest to replace, as he had 111 tackles (19 for losses) and 15 sacks. The linebackers are an experienced group, with seniors Jarrod Taylor (three-year starter) and Jack Butler and junior Troy Gray leading the way. The offense will now be led by junior QB Travis Hawkins after the departure of Michael Emerson, and the first-year starter has gotten some great experience in a handful of 7-on-7 tournaments this year. The Warriors finished second at the NFL 7-on-7 in Minnesota, where WR/DB Drayson Davenport and WR/DB Niquay Mack were two of the most productive pass-catchers in the tournament. North Cobb is respected as a well-coached team.
South Cobb Eagles
2008 record: 2-8, 1-8 (ninth in region)
Average record this decade: 5-5
Coach: Ed Koester (2-8 in one season)
Offense: Multiple I (coordinator: Ed Koester)
Defense: Split 4 (coordinator: Alan Gordon)
Starters returning: 3 on offense, 3 on defense
Best player: WR E.J. Woody
Other top players: DE Vince Avery, WR Maurice McGee
Key losses: QB/DB Chris Awuah (Chattanooga), FS Anthony Davis (Virginia Union), LB Prince Emenalo (Westminster)
Outlook: The Eagles will have the task of replacing three-year starting QB/DB Chris Awuah, a 5-9, 170-pound athlete who did a little of everything and was named to the Cobb Touchdown Club all-county team last season. Stepping in is Donte Brown, a senior who should be familiar with the offense, although talented sophomore Marlon Patterson will be a factor. The team’s top player will be WR E.J. Woody, a junior wideout with excellent speed. Overall, the team speed will be good, second-year head coach Ed Koester said. But line play likely will hurt the Eagles against the bigger, more physical teams. Improved special teams could also go a long way to making South Cobb more competitive. Some of South Cobb’s best teams recently have been those with a premier tailback. The Eagles need to re-establish the run to return to those days.
Woodstock Wolverines
2008 record: 8-5, 6-3 (fourth in region)
Playoffs: Lost to Camden County 18-17 in the quarterfinals
Average record this decade: 4-7
Coach: Mike O’Brien (32-32 in six seasons)
Offense: Multiple (coordinator: Roy Clayton)
Defense: Multiple 50 (coordinator: Brent Budde)
Starters returning: 5 on offense, 5 on defense
Best player: LB/FB Corey Carmichael
Other top players: LB Jonathan Bermudez, LB Zach Hitt, DB Drew Yeargin, TE Evan Wilson, FB Carlos Davis, RB/DB Tanner Skogan
Key losses: QB Taylor Trotter, OL/DL Duran Christophe (N.C. State), LB Shawn Haley, DB Drew Shields, DB Tyler Knighton, WR Michael McDermott
Outlook: Woodstock was one of the big stories of the 2008 playoffs when it knocked off Walton and Norcross, both on the road, and had Camden County on the ropes in the quarterfinals. Woodstock lost some key players – QB Taylor Trotter being chief among those – but the coaching staff is confident they have the players who can step in and fill these openings. The new quarterback is Kevin Bolak, a good runner and accurate passer. Woodstock lost its two running backs, but the replacements – Carlos Davis and Tanner Skogan – played quite a bit last year. A pretty good core returns from the defense that ranked No. 1 in points allowed in the region. It includes LB Corey Carmichael (120 tackles), LB Zach Hitt (100 tackles) and DB Drew Yeargin (60 tackles, five INTs). Many have stereotyped Woodstock as big and slow through the years, but this team is the opposite – fast and quick, but not overly big. Most also see Woodstock as a team that will regress to the mean without its leader, Trotter, but there’s a confidence that goes with winning playoff games that can transform a program.
Region Preview: 6-AAAAA:
What it is: Region 6-AAAAA consists of 10 teams from east Cobb and north Fulton counties. They play a full round-robin schedule to determine their four playoff teams.
Defending champion: Walton
Best player: QB Hutson Mason, Lassiter
2008 STANDINGS
(Final 2008 Atlanta Journal-Constitution ranking included)
Walton (9-2, 8-1)
Milton (8-3, 7-2)
Kell (8-3, 7-2)
Lassiter (9-3, 7-2)
Roswell (5-5, 5-4)
Pope (4-6, 4-5)
Campbell (3-7, 3-6)
Alpharetta (3-7, 2-7)
Centennial (3-7, 2-7)
Wheeler (0-10, 0-9)
2009 PREDICTIONS
(Offensive/defensive starters returning)
Kell (6/6)
Roswell (7/5)
Lassiter (3/6)
Walton (4/2)
Milton (6/1)
Centennial (8/7)
Pope (9/6)
Alpharetta (5/5)
Campbell (N/A)
Wheeler (4/6)
TEAM BY TEAM
Alpharetta Raiders
2008 record: 3-7, 2-7 (eighth in region)
Average record this decade: 4-6
Coach: Jason Dukes (first season)
Offense: Spread (coordinator: Barry Russell)
Defense: Multiple (coordinator: Rodney Floyd)
Starters returning: 5 on offense, 5 on defense
Best player: WR Michael Bennett
Other top players: RB/DB James Mincey, WR Brandon Terry, QB Justin Burns
Key losses: OL Ronald Hall, WR Jordan Owens, DB Vince Williams
Outlook: Alpharetta promoted offensive line coach Jason Dukes to replaceBill Waters, who started Alpharetta’s program in 2004 and was 17-32 in his five seasons. Dukes is a former Georgia Tech and NFL player. He’ll have some special talent to work with on offense. His quarterback, Justin Burns, has committed to Delaware. Two of his receivers are major college recruits in Michael Bennett (Georgia) and Brandon Terry (Wake Forest). Bennett is a big target who had five touchdown receptions last year along with two interceptions while playing defensive back. Terry had 440 yards and four touchdowns in 2008. The Raiders could score a bunch of points, but they need more production out of their front seven on defense if they want to contend for the playoffs. They allowed more than 27 points per game last season.
Centennial Knights
2008 record: 3-7, 2-7 (ninth in region)
Average record this decade: 5-5
Coach: Jeff Measor (9-11 in two seasons)
Offense: Spread option (coordinator: Steve Jameson)
Defense: Multiple 4-3 (coordinator: Scott Gizinski)
Starters returning: 8 on offense, 7 on defense
Best player: OT David Yankey
Other top players: DB Martin Jenkins (Clemson), LB Ben Carpenter, QB Scott Laffler
Key losses: DE Euclid Cummings (Georgia Tech)
Outlook: Head coach Jeff Measor, in his third season at the Roswell school, is hoping that a strong senior class can increase the Knights’ win total. The rock for the team will be T David Yankey, a 6-5, 290-pound Stanford commit, who will pave the way for a running back corps that is thin but talented. He and three other linemen have started since their sophomore seasons. QB Scott Laffler was the starter last year in the Knights’ run-heavy offense, and junior Sean Gilrain got a lot of snaps as a sophomore. On defense, CB Martin Jenkins brings sprinter’s speed to the secondary, and LB Ben Carpenter is a senior with offers from a handful of Division I schools, including Ole Miss.
Kell Longhorns
2008 record: 8-3, 7-2 (third in region)
Playoffs: Lost to Harrison 21-18 in the first round
Average record this decade: 6-5
Coach: Derek Cook (8-3 in one season)
Offense: Spread option (coordinator: Staff)
Defense: 4-4 (coordinator: Doug Orebaugh)
Starters returning: 6 on offense, 6 on defense
Best player: DB/RB Brian Randolph
Other top players: QB Austin Petrik, WR/DB Jon Jimenez, RB/LB Tyler Drake, WR/DB Chris Vernet, OL/DL Hashem Said, OL/DL Nathan Lowman, OL/DL Michael Abraham, TE/DE Cody Tomlinson, OL/DL Paul Amend, RB/LB Cody Chambers
Key losses: WR Marlon Anthony (Chattanooga), RB Justin Randolph (Georgia Tech walk-on)
Outlook: Kell was one of Georgia’s more improved teams in 2008 under first-year coach Derek Cook. Most starters are back, meaning Kell should be in contention for the region title again. The top player is GHSF Daily preseason all-state defensive back Brian Randolph (117), one of the state’s best juniors. Randolph, also the team’s leading rusher with 611 yards and third-leading receiver with 294 yards, will shoulder much of the offensive load too, but QB Austin Petrik (1,653 yards passing with 15 TDs, 459 yards rushing) is a senior with tons of starting experience. The defense – which led the region in points allowed at 14.2 per game, three points better than the next-closest team – will be hurt by the loss of three starting linemen, but productive LBs Tyler Drake (93 tackles) and Cody Chambers are back. Also back to help Randolph in the secondary is Jon Jimenez (83 tackles). The lines are not big on either side, but the Longhorns will rely on overall team speed to get the job done.
Lassiter Trojans
2008 record: 9-3, 7-2 (fourth in region)
Playoffs: Lost to North Gwinnett 43-21 in the second round
Average record this decade: 5-5
Coach: Chip Lindsey (9-3 in one season)
Offense: Spread I (coordinator: Clint Woodfin)
Defense: Multiple (coordinator: Jeff Carlberg)
Starters returning: 3 on offense, 6 on defense
Best player: QB Hutson Mason
Other top players: LB Rip Rowan, LB Marcus Stokes, DL Derek Demyanek, DL David Pederson, CB Jordan Taylor, SS Brad Penter
Key losses: TE Philip Lutzenkirchen (Auburn), OT Camden Wentz (N.C. State), OLB Scott Simpson
Outlook: In his first year as the Trojans’ head coach, Lindsey led Lassiter to a 9-3 record and its first state playoff victory. His offense returns three starters, one of them being QB Hutson Mason, the Georgia Sports Writers’ Class AAAAA offensive player of the year. Mason will look to break the state passing record, which he fell just 5 yards short of last year with 3,705 yards to go with 30 TDs. Mason has offers from some Big Ten schools. The question is whether Mason, who has improved, can have the same success after losing all five starting linemen and all-state TE Philip Lutzenkirchen (72 receptions). Lassiter was ninth in the state in scoring offense last season at 29.4 points per game. The defense returns six starters. The defensive line gets back senior end Derek Demyanek and senior tackle David Pederson. The LB corps will be among Cobb County’s best, led by seniors Rip Rowan (119 tackles, 13 for losses) and Marcus Stokes.
Milton Eagles
2008 record: 8-3, 6-3 (second in region)
Playoffs: Lost to East Paulding 43-41 (OT) in the first round
Average record this decade: 3-7
Coach: Scott Walker (17-14 in three seasons)
Starters returning: 6 on offense, 1 on defense
Offense: I formation/pro style (coordinator: Mike Scott)
Defense: 4-3 (coordinator: Craig Bennett)
Best player: LB Jeremy Grable
Other top players: OL Kyle Craig, OL Brad Beaty, QB Wil Perry, S/WR A.J. Canara
Key losses: RB Toney Williams (Tennessee), RB Taj Harris (VMI), OL James Snyder (VMI)
Outlook: When Scott Walker took over in 2006, Milton hadn’t had a winning season since 1999 and had never won a playoff game. Now, the north Fulton school has put together consecutive winning seasons (for the first time since 1992-93), and the program has a senior class of 37 players for the second season in a row. He almost got that first playoff victory, but lost in triple overtime to East Paulding. Now, many question whether Milton was just a one-man team in 2008. RB Toney Milton (2,004 yards rushing, Atlanta Journal-Constitution offensive player of the year in Class AAAAA) has left for Tennessee. But Walker says this is his most athletic team. The new tailback will be Wesley Gaston, a junior who averaged nearly 9 yards per carry in limited duty last year. QB Wil Perry completed nearly 70 percent of his passes last season for about 1,000 yards, and Milton will surprise some people with its receivers. Ryan Hume, a transfer from Miami, is one. Another is Dai-Jon Parker, a major Division I-A recruit in basketball (Milton was the AAAAA runner-up in that sport). Parker is 6 feet, 4 inches and a freakish athlete, to hear Walker tell it. The defense lost 10 of 11 starters. But the one returning was the leading tackler, Jeremy Grable.
Pope Greyhounds
2008 record: 4-6, 4-5 (sixth in region)
Average record this decade: 4-6
Coach: Matt Kemper (4-6 in one season)
Offense: Multiple (coordinator: Josh Smerker)
Defense: Under (coordinator: Jim Rowell)
Starters returning: 9 on offense, 6 on defense
Best player: OG Grant Ramsay
Other top players: QB Steve Wilkerson, RB Marcorus Garrett, WR Garrett Brown, LB Stephen White, DL Charlie Farr, C Rylan Leary, OG Thomas O’Reilly, OT Austin Gray
Key losses: QB/CB Parker Frost, CB Ben Watkins, LB Kevin Graham, TE Robbie Walton, OT Garrett Schoppman
Outlook: Pope took a big step forward last season under first-year head coach Matt Kemper, who came to the program after a short, successful stint with Lake Howell High in Winter Park, Fla. With QB Parker Frost graduated, it is now a battle between his younger brother, sophomore Holland Frost, and experienced senior Steve Wilkerson for snaps. Whoever is under center should be well protected, as the Greyhounds will have one of the top lines in the region. G Grant Ramsay (6-5, 290, committed to Vanderbilt), C Rylan Leary (6-4, 275), G Thomas O’Reilly (6-3, 310) and T Austin Gray (6-2, 300) are college-sized linemen whose job will be to make room for RB Marcorus Garrett. Garrett, a senior, rushed for 900 yards last season and is a projected Division I-AA player. The defense should be solid, with LB Stephen White (88 tackles) and DL Charlie Farr (81 tackles) leading the way.
Roswell Hornets
2008 record: 5-5, 5-4 (fifth in region)
Average record this decade: 8-3
Coach: Leo Barker (5-5 in one season)
Offense: Pro-style (coordinator: T.J. Dixon)
Defense: 4-3 (coordinator: Tim Ewing)
Starters returning: 7 on offense, 5 on defense
Best player: WR Chris Boyd
Other top players: QB Brian Hickman, RB Keegan Hughes, WR Duvall Smith
Key losses: OL Cade Yates, DB Andrew Almer
Outlook: Roswell was a team that was on the outside looking in, missing the postseason by one game. This year the Hornets should be more of a threat as they have key components coming back on offense. WR Chris Boyd (Vanderbilt commit) caught 30 balls for 343 yards and two touchdowns. He is also one of the biggest receivers in the area, standing 6 feet 5 inches and 190 pounds. QB Brian Hickman has had a good off-season and will look to become more of a leader. In all, the Hornets have almost 30 seniors on the roster. A 5-5 record is a down year for Roswell. Most expect a more typical Roswell team, which has averaged eight victories a year this decade.
Walton Raiders
2008 record: 9-2, 8-1 (region champions)
Playoffs: Lost to Woodstock 28-7 in the first round
Average record this decade: 8-3
Coach: Rocky Hidalgo (first year)
Offense: West Coast (coordinator: Tripp Allen)
Defense: 4-3 (coordinator: Chuck Goddard)
Starters returning: 4 on offense, 2 on defense
Best player: DTKyle Woestmann
Other top players: OL Matt Gilbert, OL/DL Drew Dalton, WR Patrick Cosgrove, WR/FS Andrew Lipsey, QB/DB Joey Windler, QB Bradley Kilborn, CB Jacob Blaeser, DL Chris Boradman, DE/TE Chris Mooney, RB/DB Rodney Kazibwe, RB Kyle Vorster
Key losses: DE/TE David Paulsen (Oklahoma State), RB Michael Boydston (Coastal Carolina), WR Price Garrett, FB Dylan Tante, TE Richard Brunet (Rochester), OL Jake Francis (Chattanooga), LB Scott Willoch
Outlook: Walton has won four region titles and reached the state semifinals twice in the past five years. But that was under head coach Ed Dudley, now the head man at Ware County. Now, longtime assistant coach Rocky Hidalgo, to many the team’s emotional leader, takes over. It’s fair to say the talent level is a little down, and the season-ending injury to DE Brandon Burrows, who is committed to Georgia, probably sealed that. Also, the Raiders lost RB Michael Boydston (1,859 rushing yards) and WR Price Garrett (73 receptions, 1,055 yards). RB Kyle Vorster provides some hope. He rushed for more than 100 yards in last season’s finale against Pope. DT Kyle Woestmann (Vanderbilt commit) is Walton’s best known player and had a solid junior season with 44 tackles. This is a proud program that’s made the playoffs each season since 2000. The depth and coaching of teams in this region have improved, making Walton’s annual playoff spot no easy challenge.
Wheeler Wildcats
2008 record: 0-10, 0-9 (10th in region)
Average record this decade: 3-7
Coach: Tom Flugum (0-10 in one season)
Offense: Spread (coordinator: Shane McFadyen)
Defense: 4-4 (coordinator: Tom Flugum)
Starters returning: 4 on offense, 6 on defense
Best player: CB Steven Lester
Other top players: LB Marcus Lambert, QB Chris Allen, WR Derick Evans, T Kelvin Ofei, LB Jamerrill McGilvery, DE Albert Presley
Key losses: DB Rashad Stewart
Outlook: Wheeler had a rough 2008, going winless for the first time (not counting the forfeit-filled 2002 season). Coach Tom Flugum says the program is still undergoing some growing pains, but he believes he has a stronger, more committed group this season. “We felt like last year, some teams we played physically dominated us,” he said. “We’re not going to get pushed around the field like we did a couple of times.” QB Chris Allen runs well and makes plays. He’ll need to step up as a passer this season. Flugum believes WR Derick Evans can be a playmaker on offense. The top player is CB Steven Lester, a member of Wheeler’s state runner-up 4×400 relay team. He will get lots of snaps on offense, as well. The defense should be ahead of the offense, which must be tougher up front and make fewer mistakes than in 2008.
NOTE: GHSF Daily was unable to reach the coaching staff at Campbell. We will run a complete preview for the Spartans at a later time.
Impact players on the move
Talk of transfers is more prevalent in high school basketball, but impact players make moves in football, too.
Here’s a list of 10 of the better players who have transferred for the 2009 season.
Did we miss anybody?
Milton Artis, Westlake: A quarterback, Artis led North Clayton to the Region 4-AAAA title in 2008. Now he’s playing for a contender full of talent in 4-AAAAA.
Steven Atwater, Peachtree Ridge: Atwater, the son of the former Denver Broncos safety of the same name, left Greater Atlanta Christian. He’s a Division I-A prospect with at least one offer from an SEC school. Atwater Jr. is more of a cornerback.
Tanner Burch, Savannah Christian: Burch was a first-team all-Savannah-area linebacker at South Effingham in Region 2-AAAA. Savannah Christian is a top 10 team in Class A.
Daunte Carr, Gainesville: Carr, one of the top-rated safeties in the class of 2010, left Buford for Gainesville. He has committed to Stanford. Gainesville, ranked No. 2 in AAA, seeks its first GHSA title.
Niagel Curtis, Gordon Central: Curtis, a 5-foot-7 running back with college offers, left Adairsville. He’ll be one of the best backs in Class AA.
Delino DeShields, Norcross: DeShields rushed for 803 yards on 83 carries for Woodward Academy last season. He’s also one of the state’s top baseball players, and his father is a former major leaguer.
Storm Johnson, Loganville: Johnson rushed for more than 1,200 yards last season for Class AA champion Buford but shared carries with title-game star Cody Getz. Johnson is expected to be the workhorse for Loganville, the reigning Region 8-AAAA champion.
Nance Nash, Calhoun: Nash left Darlington for Calhoun, where he’ll be able to throw to close friend and Super 11 wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers. Nash has committed to Vanderbilt.
Thomas Sprague, Gainesville: Sprague made 173 tackles last season for North Hall, including more than 20 against Gainesville, his new team. He’s been a first team all-region linebacker for two seasons in 8-AAA.
Dylan Shaddix, Henry County: Shaddix came from Eagle’s Landing along with a receiver Shavarez Smith. It will be interesting to see which has the bigger impact. Shaddix is in line to replace Drew Little, the record-setting passer now at Georgia State, but Smith, a receiver, is a sleeper recruit who is being courted by Tennessee and South Carolina.
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