The following is an excerpt from the July 13 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 1-A PREVIEW
What it is: Region 1-A is a 10-team region in the heart of South Georgia and split into East and West subregions divided by I-75, except that Pelham crosses over to play with the eastern half. The first-place teams in each subregion play on Nov. 11 to determine the No. 1 seed. The second- and third-place finishers have region playoff games to determine the two other region qualifiers for the state playoffs.
Defending champion: Miller County
Best player: QB Vintavious Cooper, Clinch County
2008 STANDINGS
(Final 2008 Atlanta Journal-Constitution ranking included)
East
1. Clinch County (9-3, 4-0)
2. Lanier County (6-4, 3-1)
3. Bacon County (2-8, 2-2)
4. Atkinson County (2-7-1, 1-3)
5. Pelham (1-9, 0-4)
West
1. #10 Miller County (11-2, 3-1)
2. Terrell County (7-4, 3-1)
3. Seminole County (5-6, 3-1)
4. Calhoun County (4-6, 1-3)
5. Randolph-Clay (1-9, 0-4)
2009 PREDICTIONS
(Offensive/defensive starters returning)
East
1. Clinch County (7/5)
2. Bacon County (7/7)
3. Atkinson County (6/6)
4. Lanier County (1/4)
5. Pelham (8/7)
West
1. Miller County (4/4)
2. Seminole County (6/6)
3. Calhoun County (6/6)
4. Terrell County (3/3)
5. Randolph-Clay (6/6)
TEAM BY TEAM
Division A
Atkinson County Rebels
2008 record: 2-7-1, 1-3 (fourth in subregion)
Average record this decade: 4-6
Coach: Jody Stone (first season at Atkinson)
Offense: Pro I-formation (coordinator: Ken Pack)
Defense: 3-5 & 4-4 (coordinator: Jody Stone)
Starters returning: 6 on offense; 6 on defense
Best player: RB Tez Vickers
Other top players: WR Perez Nobles, QB Andrew Williams
Key losses: OL Justin Heath, LB Tony Williams
Outlook: Jody Stone, the defensive coordinator the past six seasons, is the new head coach, replacing Ken Stoudenmire, who left to become offensive coordinator at East Hall. He’s got most of his starters back and an all-region running back in four-year starter Tez Vickers (950 yards rushing). Another tailback, fast Hamp Fowler, also will be a weapon. But Atkinson graduated five other second-team all-Region 1-A players, including linebacker Tony Williams (10 tackles a game) and center Justin Heath (a three-year starter). Junior Andrew Williams, who missed his sophomore season because of injury, is the new quarterback. It’s a fast team, but there will be the question of blocking people. “We’ve got some pretty good skill folks, but so does everybody else in this region,” Stone says. Atkinson hasn’t had a winning season since 2001.
Bacon County Red Raiders
2008 record: 2-8, 2-2 (third in subregion)
Average record this decade: 3-7
Coach: Scott Brown (13-38 in five seasons at Bacon)
Offense: Option (coordinator: Phillip Richards)
Defense: Split (coordinator: Steve Owens)
Starters returning: 7 on offense, 7 on defense
Best player: QB/FS Michael McCarty
Other top players: C/DE Ethan Hampton, OL/DT Corey Hatton, FB/OL Dustin Taft
Key losses: QB Reed Burkett (Valdosta State), OL/DE Chris Murray
Outlook: With just two wins each of the past three seasons, coach Scott Brown is looking to turn it around. Last year’s top receiver, Michael McCarty (18 receptions, six touchdowns), takes over at quarterback for Valdosta State walk-on Reed Burkett. McCarty is an exciting dual-threat player who has some blockers with experience (Ethan Hampton, Corey Hatton) to help him out. If BaconCounty’s defense can give up fewer points (28 allowed per game in 2008), then the offense should have this team in position to win a couple of more games than last season.
Clinch County Tigers
2008 record: 9-3, 4-0 (first in subregion)
Average record this decade: 10-3
Playoffs: Lost to ECI 33-21 in second round
Coach: Jim Dickerson (52-15 in five seasons at Clinch)
Offense: Spread (coordinator: Eric Richeson)
Defense: 50 (coordinator: Winston Peterson)
Starters returning: 7 on offense, 5 on defense
Best player: QB Vintavious Cooper
Other top players: RB Anthony McNeil, LB Zack Thomas, LB Trey Richardson, OL Clay Cross
Key losses: WR Dominique Ellis, DB Carlos Likely
Outlook: Clinch won state titles in 2002 and 2004 and reached the final in 2006, and the 2009 team resembles those squads more than the second-round team of 2008. Returning are an all-state candidate at quarterback in Vintavious Cooper, a 1,000-yard rusher in Anthony McNeil (1,169 yards rushing) and the team’s two leading tacklers, LB Zack Thomas and LB Trey Richardson. DB Trey Dorsey was second-team all-region. So was Clay Cross, the top offensive lineman. He is the step-son of former Georgia star Lindsay Scott. But the Panthers’ fortunes revolve around Cooper, who threw for 1,618 yards and 15 touchdowns against only three interceptions as a junior. Clinch did lose a couple of honorable mention all-state players in Dominique Ellis and Carlos Likely, but this team is a genuine state contender.
Lanier County Bulldogs
2008 record: 6-4, 3-1 (second in subregion)
Average record this decade: 4-6
Coach: Wade Beale (first season at Lanier)
Offense: Multiple I-formation (coordinator: Wade Beale)
Defense: 4-4 (coordinator: Andy Ryker)
Starters returning: 1 on offense, 4 on defense
Best player: OL Kevin Stone
Other top players: RB James Load, DB Burtrum Knight, DE Jerrod Williams, DL Junior Gnonkonde, LB Dustin Brewer
Key losses: OL Austin Connell, DL Grady Curtis, LB Delphon Sirmons
Outlook: Lanier’s six victories last season matched a school record, but this year’s team has only four seniors. That’s because Beale demanded attendance at spring practice, and about 21 players, including 15 starters, couldn’t deal with it. “That’s disappointing because there are some good athletes that won’t be playing,” Beal said. “There has been a lot of apathy around here about attendance, and as the new coach, I must make a stand on how the program will operate.” But there is reason for faith. Beale was head coach at Mount Dora (Fla.) in 2007 and 2008 and achieved winning seasons after inheriting a program that had gone 0-10. He also has been head coach at Chamblee (2000-03) and Sprayberry (2004-06), where he also sparked struggling programs.
Pelham Hornets
2008 record: 1-9, 0-4 (fifth in subregion)
Average record this decade: 3-8
Coach: Jim Morrell (1-9 in one season at Pelham)
Offense: Multiple pro formation (coordinator: Jim Morrell)
Defense: 4-4 (coordinator: Jackie Duke)
Starters returning: 8 on offense, 7 on defense
Best player: LB Michael Cochran
Other top players: DL/FB Desmond Smith, QB/WR Kenny Randall, QB/RB Caleb Morrell
Key losses: QB Matt Hilliard
Outlook: Pelham not only lost nine games in 2008, but also rarely was competitive, so this is going to be a slow build for second-year coach Jim Morrell. But this team should be decidedly better with 15 starters back and a senior class of 13 (compared to only five in 2008). Those returning seniors include Pelham’s defensive leaders: LB Michael Cochran (75 tackles) and DL Desmond Smith (10 sacks). Pelham will have to replace its quarterback and leading rusher, Matt Hilliard (300 yards rushing, 478 yards passing). The job will go to junior Kenny Randall most of the time, but Randall also might play receiver when sophomore Caleb Morrell (the coach’s son) is taking snaps. As with most struggling programs, confidence is an issue. “There is … no winning tradition here, and we want to turn that around,” Morrell said. “We are ready for a change here at Pelham, and our kids are ready to play football.”
Division B
Calhoun County Cougars
2008 record: 4-6, 1-3 (fourth in subregion)
Average record this decade: 4-6
Coach: John Williams (44-68 in 11 seasons at Calhoun)
Offense: Spread (coordinator: Todd West)
Defense: 3-5 (coordinator: John Williams)
Starters returning: 6 on offense, 6 on defense
Best player: QB Freddy Keane
Other top players: RB/LB Ricky Haynes, WR Dondrell Johnson
Key losses: LB Cecil Brown, WR/LB Jacorri Cannon, C Josh Ingram
Outlook: Behind all-purpose QB Freddy Keane (1,500 passing yards, 720 rushing yards), the offense could be one of the better units in the subregion. The team is in its second year in a 3-5 defense, so there’s optimism that the defense can be better, too. The sobering news is that the team has just six seniors and about 30 players overall. Calhoun County is a school of only 150 students. They are hoping to fill the Cecil Brown void with middle linebacker Robert Martin, a 6-foot-4, 200-pound sophomore. Coach John Williams said the offensive line will consist entirely of sophomores and juniors who will all have to play on both sides of the ball. The Cougars still lack a “big bruising lineman that can blow people off the ball,” according to Williams, so that’s why they run the spread and rely on zone blocking. Williams is expecting big things out of receivers Dondrell Henderson (senior) and 6-foot-3 Marquez Williams (sophomore). Williams said linebacker Ricky Haynes will see some time at tailback.
Miller County Pirates
2008 record: 11-2, 3-1 (region champion)
Average record this decade: 11-2
Playoffs: Lost to Wesleyan 17-0 in quarterfinals
Coach: Frank Killingsworth (18-7 in two seasons at Miller)
Offense: Wing-T (coordinator: Frank Killingsworth)
Defense: 4-4 (coordinator: Jason Houston)
Starters returning: 4 on offense, 4 on defense
Best player: LB/FB Cosby Salter
Other top players: RB Shawndre Sheffield
Key losses: QB Trez Morgan, OL/DL Robert Baker
Outlook: It was a great 2008 as the senior-heavy team won the region with a 10th-game victory over Division A champion Clinch County and marched deep into the state playoffs before a quarterfinal loss to eventual champion Wesleyan. Now, with 17 seniors gone, a new crop of players must emerge. Backup quarterback Caleb Cunningham, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound junior, will not only have to replace Trez Morgan but also learn a new offense as Miller switches to a Wing-T. With Shawndre Sheffield leading the new offense, the Pirates expect to make another playoff run. What might hold the team back is a lack of veteran leadership. The Pirates have many inexperienced players who will be getting lots of snaps, but for a team averaging 11 victories since 2000, this school has experience in reloading.
Randolph-Clay Red Devils
2008 record: 1-9, 0-4 (fifth in subregion)
Average record this decade: 6-5
Coach: Daniel McFather (first season at Randolph-Clay)
Offense: Multiple I-formation (coordinator: Daniel McFather)
Defense: 4-4 (coordinator: David Parker)
Starters returning: 6 on offense; 6 on defense
Best player: QB Joshua McFather
Other top players: RB/DB Emanuel Clay, RB Willie Brown
Key losses: LB Neal Harden, WR Malcolm Robinson
Outlook: Daniel McFather, who comes from Lanier County, replaced Kerry English. McFather is Randolph-Clay’s fifth coach in seven years. With a roster of mostly juniors and sophomores, McFather will have a tough task of turning things around soon. “We are trying to be as positive as we can,” he said. Different coaches means different schemes, and McFather said the Red Devils have tried everything from a shotgun spread to a Wing-T but will stick with the I-formation because it’s the easiest. The quarterback is McFather’s son, Joshua, who threw for 600 yards and 10 touchdowns at Lanier County. Randolph-Clay is expecting a big season out of tailbacks Emanuel Clay (junior) and Willie Brown (sophomore). McFather says he’s still looking to fill the voids left by outside linebacker Neal Harden and wide receiver Malcolm Robinson. McFather will need time to work with the offensive line because several of the players will be underclassmen.
Seminole County Indians
2008 record: 5-6, 3-1 (third in subregion)
Average record this decade: 6-5
Playoffs: Lost to Wilcox County 34-20 in first round
Coach: Alan Ingram (33-23 in five seasons at Seminole)
Offense: Multiple-I (coordinator: Alan Ingram)
Defense: Multiple 4-4 (coordinator: Alan Ingram)
Starters returning: 6 on offense, 6 on defense
Best player: RB Chris Brown
Other top players: RB Javoris Virgin, FB TaMichael Fedd
Key losses: RB Chris Virgin (Prentice), WR/DB Tony McElroy, OT/DT William Parks
Outlook: Coach Alan Ingram does not like using the term rebuilding, but that’s what the Indians will be doing for the next year or two. Ingram said 35 players attended spring practice, and he anticipates all of them will suit up. But only six of the 35 will be seniors and four will be juniors. The Indians were dealt a blow when junior quarterback Samuel Buczek recently told Ingram he was going to concentrate on baseball instead of football. Ingram said true freshman Antwan Buggs will now be taking the snaps. “He’s a super athlete, but his feet are faster than his mind,” he said. Learning the offense will not come overnight. The Indians also lost leading tackler Tony McElroy and leading rushers Johnny Jones (1,400 yards) and Chris Virgin to graduation. Ingram said sophomores Chris Brown and Virgin’s brother, Javoris, are likely to be the leaders on offense and defense in 2009. He is also anticipating big things out four-year starter TaMichael Fedd. The Indians will have inexperience on both the offensive and defensive lines and they will not have a big blocker to run behind.
Terrell County Greenwaves
2008 record: 7-4, 3-1 (second in subregion)
Average record this decade: 4-7
Playoffs: Lost to Turner County 43-19 in first round
Coach: William V. Huff (35-68 in 10 seasons at Terrell)
Offense: Wing-T (coordinator: Travis Terry)
Defense: 3-4 (coordinator: Jack Harris)
Starters returning: 3 on offense, 3 on defense
Best player: OL/DL Tim Dennard
Other top players: RB/CB Josh Browner, C/LB Leon Mitchell, WR Jovante Peters
Key losses: QB/DB Albert Brown (Troy), LB Dontell Glover (Troy), RB Montavious Kimbrough
Outlook: Terrell County’s first-round loss to Turner County was a sour end to a fine season. Coach William Huff has vowed this season that he will do everything in his power to get his team to the second round. Apparently that message got to the team, as he has had a 90-percent turnout at voluntary workouts this offseason and chemistry among players seems to be better. The loss of defensive leader Dontell Glover (101 tackles) hurts and will be difficult to overcome. If the Greenwaves can get their season started with a victory against Region 4-A Schley County, it could be an early indicator that they are on track for another postseason appearance.
Region 2-A Preview:
What it is: Region 2-A is a seven-team region of teams in south central Georgia between Macon and Tifton. State playoff seedings are determined by a round-robin schedule.
Defending champion: Wilcox County
Best player: QB Nick Marshall, Wilcox County
2008 STANDINGS
(Final 2008 Atlanta Journal-Constitution ranking included)
1. #4 Wilcox County (12-1, 6-0)
2. #7 Turner County (10-3, 5-1)
3. Twiggs County (8-3, 4-2)
4. Dooly County (4-7, 2-4)
5. Hawkinsville (3-7, 2-4)
6. Irwin County (2-8, 1-5)
7. Telfair County (4-6, 1-5)
2009 PREDICTIONS
(Offensive/defensive starters returning)
1. Wilcox County (8/5)
2. Twiggs County (7/10)
3. Turner County (6/5)
4. Dooly County (6/6)
5. Hawkinsville (9/6)
6. Irwin County (9/10)
7. Telfair County (5/6)
TEAM BY TEAM
Dooly County Bobcats
2008 record: 4-7, 2-4 (fourth in region)
Average record this decade: 7-4
Playoffs: Lost to Miller County 14-6 in second round
Coach: Darryl Silas (32-22 in five seasons at Dooly)
Offense: Wing-T and Spread (coordinator: TBD)
Defense: Multiple 4-3 (coordinator: Darryl Silas)
Starters returning: 6 on offense, 6 on defense
Best player: WR Keith Mumphery
Other top players: QB Arsenio Watkins, WR Ben Miller, RB/DL Jabioas Glenn, LB Reginald Zanders
Key losses: QB Kentez Williams, TB/LB Donald Black, DT Marcus Carter
Outlook: WR Keith Mumphery (49 receptions) and DL Jabiaos Glenn (22 tackles for losses) were first-team Class A all-state last season, and four of five starters on the offensive line are back, but the backfield is decimated. Arsenio Watkins will replace Kentez Williams (1,000 yards passing, 600 yards rushing) at quarterback. Glenn might get some carries in the backfield to offset the loss of TB Donald Black, and LB Reginald Zanders, Dooley’s leading tackler, will start both ways. So depth is a concern. “We want to platoon, but we may not have that option,” coach Darryl Silas said. Dooley should be a little better, but a return to the 10-2 finish of 2007 is probably too optimistic.
Hawkinsville Red Devils
2008 record: 3-7, 2-4 (fifth in region)
Average record this decade: 9-3
Coach: Cam Black (3-7 in one season at Hawkinsville)
Offense: Multiple I-formation (coordinator: David Daniell)
Defense: 4-3 (coordinator: Will Conner)
Starters returning: 9 on offense, 6 on defense
Best player: DE J’vonne Thomas
Other top player: QB Aaron Black
Outlook: Hawkinsville is coming off consecutive 3-7 seasons, the second under rookie coach Cam Black, an alumnus. Black was Hawkinsville’s defensive coordinator from 1998 to 2007 during the glory days (state titles in 2003 and 2004). He’s got almost every starter back on offense, including QB Aaron Black, so there’s hope for improvement on an offense that ranked 59th in scoring offense (14.0) in Class A last year. The defense was 49th in scoring defense (26.2). Hawkinsville should be better, but will Hawkinsville be able to relive the glory days of 2003 and 2004? “We talk about it,” Black said. “People think you should be able to do it every year, but those who understand football know it can’t happen all the time.” A playoff berth is certainly realistic.
Irwin County Indians
2008 record: 2-8, 1-5 (sixth in region)
Average record this decade: 5-5
Coach: John Gamble (9-12 in two seasons at Irwin)
Offense: Wing-T (coordinator: John Gamble)
Defense: 4-3 (coordinator: Max Braun)
Starters returning: 9 on offense, 10 on defense
Best player: DL/OL Terrence Woodward
Other top players: RB Fred Marshall, QB Clint Paulk, C Joe Ben Wright, LB Bradley Tucker, TE Jeremy Martin, FB Kenny Richardson, WR Travis Tucker
Key losses: OL/DL Chris Powell, OL Fred Terrence
Outlook: It was a rough 2008 season for Irwin County as the Indians only won one game in the region. But Irwin should be better this fall, as the team has nearly its entire starting lineup back. QB Clint Paulk (6 feet 4, 200 pounds) will lead the offense. Paulk will have two big targets to throw to as TE Jeremy Martin and WR Travis Tucker will be back to help improve an offense that scored more than 20 points in only one game last year. LB Bradley Tucker will anchor a defense that has all but one starter returning.
Telfair County Trojans
2008 record: 4-6, 1-5 (seventh in region)
Average record this decade: 3-7
Coach: Jeff Bowen (29-52 in eight seasons at Telfair)
Offense: Spread (coordinator: Thor Ott)
Defense: 4-4 (coordinator: Sammy Williams)
Starters returning: 5 on offense; 6 on defense
Best player: QB Alex Conley
Other top players: OL Tyler Pitt
Key losses: WR/DB Jody Stone (Valdosta State)
Outlook: Telfair has been the epitome of mediocre in recent years, and that’s the forecast in 2009, as well. Graduation took four of the five starters on the offensive line, leading rusher and tackler Jonathan Jarrett and Valdosta State signee Jody Stone. But Alex Conley, the quarterback, is back. He threw for 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. He’s also a top baseball player. Tyler Pitt (6-6, 275) will be an all-state candidate at tackle. WR/LB Martin Freeman and TE Jimmy Cravey are four-year varsity players. Telfair was competitive in every game but two last season.
Turner County Rebels
2008 record: 10-3, 5-1 (second in region)
Average record this decade: 6-5
Playoffs: Lost to Wilkinson County 7-6 in quarterfinals
Coach: Erik Soliday (39-19 in five seasons at Turner)
Offense: Multiple I-formations (coordinator: Casey Soliday)
Defense: 4-4 (coordinator: Jon Rechtorovic)
Starters returning: 6 on offense; 5 on defense
Recruits: OL/DL Michael Donahoo (6-foot-2, 290 pounds); OL/DL Telvin Yancey (6-foot-2, 260 pounds)
Best player: OL/DL Telvin Yancey
Key losses: QB Kevion Newberry, RB/LB EJ Walker (Iowa Western Junior College), Denaurious Hayles (Marshall);
Outlook: Turner had the look of a state contender last season until getting upset by Wilkinson in the quarterfinals. This team will be hard-pressed not to take a step back. QB Kevion Newberry was such a big part of the offense. Also gone is leading rusher Denarious Hayles and leading tackler E.J. Walker. And Walker was No. 2 in rushing and Hayles No. 2 in tackling. “I don’t know how we are going to make up for those losses,” said Erik Soliday, who won state titles at Americus in 1999 and 2000. WR Markeveon Teague will replace Newberry at QB. Soliday’s son, Luke, may also see some snaps as a freshman. (Luke’s uncle and Erik’s brother Casey is the offensive coordinator.) Turner will return virtually every lineman on both sides of the ball, so the foundation for another good team is there. The question is whether Turner will have the playmakers in the backfield and secondary.
Twiggs County Cobras
2008 record:8-3, 4-2 (third in region)
Average record this decade: 7-4
Playoffs: Lost to Clinch County 44-16 in first round
Coach: Dexter Copeland (62-30 in eight seasons at Twiggs)
Offense: Wing-T (coordinator: Dexter Copeland)
Defense: Multiple 4-3 (coordinator: Felix Parham)
Starters returning: 7 on offense; 10 on defense
Best player: Jeremy Stanley
Other top players: WR Darqueze Denard, LB Jonathan Fitzpatrick
Key losses: QB Javarus Mallard
Outlook: With at least three all-state candidates and most starters returning, Twiggs should be back at the level of the 2002-05 teams that won six playoff games in four seasons. But any chance of winning region or contending at the state level depends on improvement on defense, which got scorched for 44 points by Clinch County and 63 by WilcoxCounty. Ten starters are back on that side, so there’s hope. Twiggs has a ton of big-name talent. It includes Jeremy Stanley, who had 87 tackles, six sacks, five interceptions, 485 yards rushing, 533 yards receiving and five touchdowns in 2008. Others are WR Darqueze Dennard (61 receptions, 923 yards, 17 touchdowns), RB Ernest Butts (more than 1,000 yards rushing the past two seasons), T Chris Ross (four-year starter) and LB Jonathan Fitzpatrick (100 tackles). On offense, Javarus Mallard is a big loss at quarterback, and no replacement has been named. But if Twiggs can solve issues at QB and defense, this could be a special team.
Wilcox County Patriots
2008 record: 12-1, 6-0 (region champion)
Average record this decade:: 6-5
Playoffs: Lost to Lincoln County 27-12 in quarterfinals
Coach: Mark Ledford (55-36-1 in nine seasons at Wilcox)
Offense: Multiple-I and spread (coordinator: Mark Ledford)
Defense: 4-4 (coordinator: Josh Owens)
Starters returning: 8 on offense, 5 on defense
Best player: QB Nick Marshall
Other top player: WR Lonnie Outlaw.
Key losses: RB Antonio Marshall
Outlook: Coming off consecutive region titles and a trip to the state final in 2007, Wilcox has arrived as a Class A power, and coach Mark Ledford believes he’s ready for another shot at the title. “We are working to play in that final game,” he said. “We have a team that if everyone stays healthy we can make a run at it.” It’s built around Nick Marshall, potentially the classification’s best QB. Ledford says a committee of players will replace TB Antonio Marshall. “We will probably have three or four guys to take his place,” Ledford said. “We may not see the big 50-60 yard runs we got from Antonio, but we know we have some guys that will step up.” Eight starters return from the No. 1 scoring offense in Class A (36.7 ppg). But Wilcox didn’t have a shut-down defense in 2008 and returns only five starters. Ledford was proud of his spring numbers – 74 players. “With a school of only 400 students, it shows the team is committed,” he said.
Loading ...
