Football 2012

CMYK

CMYK

� Sunday, August 19, 2012 | 2012 HigH scHool football preview | The Times, Gainesville, Ga.

tHe roUNDUp Cover story 2 Regions, polls 2 Composite schedule 3

Gainesville preview 4

Flowery Branch preview 5

East Hall preview 6

West Hall preview 7

North Hall preview 8

Chestatee preview 10

Buford preview 11

Elite 11 13 Johnson preview 14

Riverside preview 15

Lakeview preview 16

Dawson County preview 17

Jackson County preview 18

Jefferson preview 18

Lumpkin County preview 20

White County preview 20

Banks County preview 21

Commerce preview 21

Habersham Central preview 22

Towns County preview 22

Union County preview 23

tHe tiMes sports posse

Brent HollowaySports editorbholloway@ gainesvilletimes.com770-718-3406

Bill MurphyReporterbmurphy@ gainesvilletimes.com770-718-3415

Kelsey WilliamsonSports assistantkwilliamson@ gainesvilletimes.com770-718-3409

Zac TaylorReporterztaylor@ gainesvilletimes.com770-718-3418

a saDDle to fit everY Horse

twitter.com/gtimesblitzFollow us and get continuous score updates every Friday night.

gainesvilletimes.com/theblitzAll high school football, all the time.

gainesvilletimes.com/alertsGet text alerts on your team’s latest news.

facebook.com/gainesvilletimes.sportsLocal sports updates on your page.

wHere creDit is DUe

Cover photo by SCOTT ROGERS Illustration by R. KEITH HATCHELL

“The Gunslingers” From left: JEFFERSON’S BRYANT SHIRREFFS, GAINESVILLE’S DESHAUN WATSON,

DAWSON COUNTY’S TYLER DOMINY

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS

GHSA realignment has drasti-cally altered the landscape for high school sports in Georgia. See where your team will be competing.

Class AAAAAA1. Grayson2. Camden County3. Colquitt County4. Walton5. Lassiter6. Lovejoy7. Valdosta8. Peachtree Ridge9. McEachern10. Brookwood

Class AAAAA

1. Tucker2. Stephenson3. Northside-WR4. Gainesville5. Warner Robins6. East Paulding7. Flowery Branch8. ML King9. Ware County10. Kell

Class AAAA1. Burke County2. Sandy Creek3. Cairo4. Marist5. Carrollton6. Statesboro7. Baldwin8. Grady9. Stephens County10. Griffin

Class AAA1. Peach County2. Buford3. Carver-Columbus4. Elbert County5. St. Pius X6. Jefferson County7. Cedar Grove8. Washington County9. Thomson10. North Oconee

Class AA1. Calhoun2. Cook3. Fitzgerald4. Lovett5. Westminster6. Dublin7. Brooks County8. Thomasville9. GAC10. Wesleyan

Class A1. Savannah Christian2. Wilcox County3. ELCA4. Lincoln County5. Clinch County6. Charlton County7. Wilkinson County8. Darlington9. Seminole County10. ECI

Score Atlanta Preseason Top 10

RIDIN’ SHOTGUN

BY ZAC [email protected]

Tyler Dominy likes the pressure that comes with having an offense at his fingertips.

He can read the defense, change a play at the line, or scramble if a play breaks down.

“It’s a lot more fun, I think,” said the Dawson County senior and Tigers starting quarterback, who was in a triple option offense as a freshman. “You want to have a lot of responsibility to make plays.”

Dawson County runs mainly out of the pistol of-fense, which enables teams to spread out five wide receivers or run with power.

Last season, Dominy’s ability to spread out the de-fense worked well, as he racked up 1,890 yards pass-ing and 18 touchdowns, while also creating holes for the running backs to break through.

This season the Tigers, who finished 5-5 and 4-1 in Region 8-AA North last season after years of losing records, are a team many think are slated for the play-offs out of the new Region 7-AAA.

“Its good to have a little bit of buzz,” Dominy said. “We know if we can play up to our potential, we’re a pretty good team.”

It’s yet another success story of a team that installed offense meant to spread out the defense and found a quarterback able to take advantage.

The Tigers are not alone. Gainesville coach Bruce Miller’s only regret in regards to the spread offense is that he didn’t do it earlier.

“I wish my 2002 team would have been in this of-fense,” he said. “If we had, I think we would have won the state championship.”

His current team does run the spread offense that he first installed in 2007, and under star junior quar-terback Deshaun Watson (3,251 yards passing, 41 touchdowns; 1,073 rushing yards, 16 scores in 2011) Gainesville is certainly in the mix for a state title even as the Red Elephants, state semifinalists last season, rise two classes to AAAAA.

Of course, a spread offense is only as good as its quarterback, and the right quarterback has the ability to take an offense to the next level.

Gainesville has had its share of talented signal call-ers since going to the spread, from Justin Fordham (over 3,000 yards passing), to Blake Sims (now at the University of Alabama), and now Watson, who’s al-ready verbally committed to Clemson University.

“I’ve been lucky over the years to have good quar-terbacks,” Miller said. “Those types of kids tend to show up when the quarterback position is such a prominent position in the offense.”

Hall County and now Region 8-AAAAA rival Flowery Branch has had a similar recent history since adopting the former coach Lee Shaw’s spread option offense. First it was Jaybo Shaw (started at Georgia Southern), then Connor Shaw (a state finals appear-ance, now the starting quarterback at South Carolina), then Austin Brown (now at University of Alabama- Birmingham), and last year, Kanler Coker (now at the University of North Carolina).

Former Flowery Branch offensive coordinator and now Jackson County head coach Benji Harrison worked with the last three Falcons quarterbacks dur-ing his four years at the school.

“When you run the spread, the quarterback, a lot’s riding on him,” said Harrison, who is running a very similar offense at Jackson County with senior quar-terback Kyle Daniel. “I think most quarterbacks like that. All three of those guys did.”

Now yet another Falcons signal caller will get that chance. Flowery Branch coach Chris Griffin said ju-nior Jackson McDonald, the backup last season, will be a key to how well the team does this season.

“He’s the key player in our offense,” the first-year coach said.

That in essence, is the spread offense — it puts the quarterback squarely at the center of each play and each decision.

“He has a lot on his plate,” Harrison said. “First and foremost is protection, then he’s got to know what everybody’s doing. So it is a lot on the quarterback; that’s why he’s got to put in so much extra time.”

Jefferson senior quarterback Bryant Shirreffs has been putting in the time during summer 7-on-7 camps and in the offseason to try and lead the Dragons, un-der coach T. McFerrin, back to the postseason. Like Dominy, McDonald and Watson, Shirreffs (1,873 yards, 19 touchdowns passing; 401 yards, nine scores rushing in 2011) runs primarily out of a spread of-fense, to much success.

It’s why McFerrin, with more than 300 coaching wins under his belt, adapted to the spread.

“It’s a different concept, more wide open, getting the ball to great players in space,” said McFerrin, who

played in the single-wing offense in high school and has coached many different styles. “Those spread teams have been so successful, and that’s an exciting thing to watch.”

He added that the new trend toward spreading out on offense, something brought down from the college game, can still take many different forms, like the University of Florida did running essentially a power running game out of the spread with Tim Tebow.

Still, the passing numbers that the spread offense has enabled quarterbacks to throw for is much differ-ent than the football of the 60s and 70s.

“High school football has really changed over the last 47 years,” McFerrin said. “Some of the spread teams, the quarterback throws for 3,000 yards. That was unheard of. Back in the old days a quarterback threw for 1,000 yards and that was amazing.”

Even at South Gwinnett High in the 1990s, when McFerrin took over a team sporting a young David Greene — soon to be a four-year starter at Georgia — the passing numbers didn’t compare to today’s, although McFerrin did open up the offense to take advantage of Greene’s passing skills.

“It’s certainly changed things,” McFerrin said. “I think the quarterback’s role is much more important to a spread offense. You’re asking a whole lot more of the quarterback.”

And that’s just what Dominy and his fellow gun-slingers like. Whether they’re dropping back to pass to one of a number of receivers, handing off to a run-ning back or scrambling themselves, the spread gives them options.

Harrison has become well acquainted with the mo-ment when everything clicks for a new spread quar-terback.

“There’s just that day and that time that it kind of clicks with him; the game slows down and he becomes that coach on the field for us,” Harrison said.

“Once they know what we’re thinking, they get very good.”

In the spread offense, more is demanded of the quarterback. That’s just fine with them.

SCOTT ROGERS | The Times

Gainesville quarterback Deshaun Watson calls out signals before a play during a game last season. As the focal point of the Red Elephants offense, Watson accounted for more than 4,200 yards of offense and 57 touchdowns last season, earning Class AAA Offensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore.

“High school football has really changed over the last 47 years.Some of the spread teams, the quarterback throws for 3,000 yards. That was unheard of. Back in the old days a quarterback threw for 1,000 yards and that was amazing.”Jefferson coach T. McFerrin

Region 7-AAAAAACollins HillDuluthHabersham CentralMeadowcreekMill CreekMountain ViewNorcrossNorth GwinnettPeachtree Ridge

Region 8-AAAAAApalacheeCedar ShoalsClarke CentralFlowery BrannchGainesvilleHeritageLoganvilleSalemWinder-Barrow

Region 8-AAAAChestateeEastsideJohnson*LanierLumpkin CountyMadison CountyMonroe AreaStephens CountyWalnut Grove*Playing a nonregion schedule

Region 7-AAABanks CountyBufordDawson CountyEast HallFannin CountyNorth HallWest HallWhite County

Region 8-AAAEast JacksonElbert CountyFranklin CountyHart CountyJackson CountyMorgan CountyNorth OconeeOconee County

Region 8-AAGreene CountyJeffersonOglethorpe CountyRabun CountyRiverside MilitarySocial CircleUnion CountyWashington-Wilkes

Region 8-AAthens AcademyAthens ChristianCommerceGeorge Walton AcademyHebron ChristianLakeview Academy*Pinecrest AcademyPrince Avenue ChristianProvidence Christian*Rabun Gap*Towns County*

*Playing nonregion schedules

Sports Medicine

Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Sports Medicineprovides care to patients in need of:• Care for sprains & strains • Osteoarthritis care• Simple fracture care • Concussion management• Joint injections • Customized orthotics

NGPG Sports Medicine office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weprovide sports medicine services to Dawson, Hall, Jackson and Gwinnett counties.Locations near you:

• Medical Plaza 1, Braselton, 770-848-6190 • NGPG Jefferson, 770-848-5400• Urgent Care, Gainesville, 770-219-7777 • Urgent Care, Buford, 678-714-3217• NGPG Dawsonville, 706-216-3238

Same-day appointments available

John Buchanan, DO

Chad Palmer, MD

William Grimsley, MDJohn Alsobrook, MD

www.ngpg.org/sportsmedicineKatherine Tolhurst, MD

CMYK

The Times, Gainesville, Ga. | 2012 HigH scHool football preview | Sunday, August 19, 2012 �

WHITE COUNTY

MASTER SCHEDULE

BANKS COUNTY

BUFORD

CHESTATEE

COMMERCE

EAST HALL

FLOWERY BRANCH

GAINESVILLE

HABERSHAM CENTRAL

JACKSON COUNTY

JEFFERSON

JOHNSON

LAKEVIEW

LUMPKIN COUNTY

NORTH HALL

RIVERSIDE MILITARYTOWNS COUNTY

UNION COUNTY

WEST HALL

DAWSON COUNTY

Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26 Nov. 2 Nov. 9Off EAST

JACKSON@ AthensChristian

@ Commerce WEST HALL

BUFORD DAWSONCOUNTY

Off @ FanninCounty

EAST HALL

@ NorthHall

@ WhiteCounty

Off @ ElbertCounty

GAINESVILLE HANCOCKCENTRAL

Off @ BanksCounty

WESTHALL

@ WhiteCounty

DAWSONCOUNTY

FANNINCOUNTY

@ EastHall

NORTH HALL

Off NORTH HALL

@ WestHall

Off EASTSIDE @ STEPHENSCOUNTY

@ Johnson WALNUTGROVE

LANIER @ LumpkinCounty

MONROEAREA

@ MadisonCounty

Off JEFFERSON @ EastJackson

BANKS COUNTY

RABUNCOUNTY

@ GeorgeWalton

ATHENSCHRISTIAN

@ PrinceAvenue

@ AthensAcademy

HEBRON CHRISTIAN

Off PINECRESTACADEMY

EAST HALL

@ LumpkinCounty

NORTHFORSYTH

@ ForsythCentral

Off NORTHHALL

@ BanksCounty

Off @ Buford WHITECOUNTY

@ FanninCounty

@ West Hall

@ DawsonCounty

@ Chattooga Off EASTJACKSON

JOHNSON @ WhiteCounty

NORTH HALL

Off WESTHALL

@ BanksCounty

BUFORD @ FanninCounty

Off NORTHSIDE-WR

@ WestForsyth

@ CedarShoals

LOGANVILLE @ Salem @ Apalachee WINDER-BARROW

HERITAGE @ ClarkeCentral

Off GAINESVILLE

Off WEST FORSYTH (Aug. 30)

@ Buford @ Winder-Barrow

APALACHEE HERITAGE @ CedarShoals

@ Salem CLARKECENTRAL

Off LOGANVILLE @ FloweryBranch

Off WHITECOUNTY

@ StephensCounty

COLLINS HILL

@ MountainView

PEACHTREERIDGE

@ Norcross MEADOWCREEK @ NorthGwinnett

DULUTH Off @ MillCreek

Off WINDERBARROW

@ Jefferson ATHENSCHRISTIAN

EAST JACKSON

NORTHOCONEE

@ FranklinCounty

Off @ HartCounty

@ OconeeCounty

ELBERTCOUNTY

@ MorganCounty

Off @ Commerce JACKSONCOUNTY

@ NorthHall

Off @ GreeneCounty

WASHINGTON-WILKES

@ RabunCounty

OGLETHORPECOUNTY

@ SocialCircle

RIVERSIDEMILITARY

UNIONCOUNTY

WESTHALL

OGLETHORPECOUNTY

@ NorthHall

NORTHMURRAY

@ EastHall

Off CHESTATEE @ Clarkston(Oct. 13)

DRUIDHILLS

@ Pickens Off TBD

Off FELLOWSHIPCHRISTIAN

@ HebronChristian

@ PinecrestAcademy

Off ATHENSACADEMY

Off Cross Keys(@ N. DeKalb)

@ St. Francis NORTH COBBCHRISTIAN

TOWNSCOUNTY Off

Off DAWSONCOUNTY

@ WhiteCounty

@ West Hall

@ MonroeArea

@ WalnutGrove

Off MADISONCOUNTY

EASTSIDE CHESTATEE @ Lanier STEPHENSCOUNTY

Off @ Chestatee JOHNSON JEFFERSON Off @ DawsonCounty

@ EastHall

FANNINCOUNTY

WHITECOUNTY

@ WestHall

BANKSCOUNTY @ Buford

Off Off WHITEFIELDACADEMY

@ GeorgiaMilitary

@ Washington-Wilkes

@ OglethorpeCounty

RABUNCOUNTY

@ UnionCounty

@ Social Circle

GLASCOCKCOUNTY

@ Jefferson GREENECOUNTY

@ Hayesville,N.C.

UNIONCOUNTY

@ FellowshipChristian

@ RabunCounty

RABUN GAP Off

@ CopperBasin, Tenn.

Off NORTH COBBCHRISTIAN

ST. FRANCIS @ LakeviewAcademy

HEBRONCHRISTIAN

Off @ TownsCounty

FANNINCOUNTY

ANDREWS, N.C. Off WASHINGTON-WILKES

@ OglethorpeCounty

RIVERSIDEMILITARY

@ GreeneCounty

@ RabunCounty

SOCIALCIRCLE @ Jefferson

@ Johnson Off CHESTATEE LUMPKINCOUNTY

@ BanksCounty

FANNINCOUNTY

@ Buford Off @ EastHall

NORTHHALL

@ WhiteCounty

DAWSONCOUNTY

Off @ HabershamCentral

LUMPKIN COUNTY

@ Fannin County

BLESSEDTRINITY

EAST HALL

Off BUFORD @ NorthHall

@ Dawson County

WESTHALL

BANKSCOUNTY

GAINESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL RED ELEPHANTS

CMYK

� Sunday, August 19, 2012 | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL fOOTbALL PREVIEw | The Times, Gainesville, Ga.

City Park

N

Thompson

Bridge

Rd.

Riverside

Dr.

Glenwood Dr.

Me m

oria

l Dr.

THE HOMESTEAD

CITY PARK STADIUMDirections: From downtown Gainesville, take Green Street and stay right when it forks onto Ronnie Green Parkway. Stadium is on the right.Parking: On Glenwood Drive on Longstreet Trail.

Big Red buzz is growing

BY BILL [email protected]

It’s shaping up to be an excit-ing season at Gainesville. The Red Elephants (12-2 in 2011) have one of the state’s best high school quarterbacks, Deshaun Watson, along with a handful of receivers with speed, a trio of running backs who can help mix things up on offense and a deep group of defensive backs.

Coming off a trip to the Class AAA state semifinals in 2011 and making the move up two clas-sifications, the Red Elephants return 13 starters after winning their fourth consecutive region championship in 2011.

“I’m very excited about the upcoming season,” Gainesville coach Bruce Miller said. “It’s a great time to be at Gainesville High with a new field house at the stadium, the move up to Class AAAAA and a talented group of players.”

If there is one area of con-cern for Miller, it’s an unproven offensive line with only one re-turning starter. He feels that having a couple of young line-men behind his projected start-ers will help with the still-evolv-ing offensive line.

OffenseWatson, The Times 2011

Player of the Year, put up great numbers as a sophomore last year with 3,251 passing and 1,073 rushing yards. Not only does he possess all the physical tools, but he thrives under the pressure of big games, accord-ing to Miller.

His shining moment last sea-son was when he orchestrated the Red Elephants’ state quar-terfinal upset of No. 1 Sandy Creek, 35-21, at City Park Sta-dium. Miller hopes that trend continues with region games against Clarke Central and Flowery Branch late in the regular season.

Watson was the player behind Gainesville’s impressive string of scoring at least 40 points in 10 consecutive wins, following a 49-0 loss to Buford in the season opener. Watson accounted for seven touchdowns in a single game twice in 2011.

“I remember coaching against (Carolina Panthers quarterback) Cam Newton five years ago when he was the top quarterback around,” Miller said. “Deshaun has that same ability to become the next big thing.”

There will be little turnover for Gainesville at wide re-ceiver: Most of its biggest play-makers are back in the fold this season. Tray Harrison, Lahius Leverette and Caleb Hayman were all major contributors catching the ball last season, and are the leading targets again this season. Also, Gaines-ville has former West Hall quar-terback Chandler Newton, a ju-nior, penciled in to play at wide receiver.

At running back, Gainesville has a little more depth than in recent seasons. Last season, Jay Gaudlock broke his ankle early in the regular season, Rayshon Thomas missed the majority of the season due to suspension and freshman Michael Byrd was the go-to guy late in the season.

Now, all three are back and healthy. Miller says that it’s a toss up between Gaudlock and Byrd for the starting job, but all three will likely play. The only problem is that all three are diminutive players and fit the roll of a “scat back,” according to Miller.

“If our offensive line comes around, they’ll be the type of running backs that can break a long one on any play,” Miller said.

Chase England, a senior cen-ter, is the lone returning starter on the offensive line. The other four projected to start up front are Gilbert Ibarra and Danny Flores at tackle, and Jeremy Ingram and Edgar Arroyo at guard. Miller says that he expects sophomores Jamel Dabney and Kash Jones to also push the starters hard for play-ing time up front.

DefenseGainesville’s defense has

two of Miller’s favorite ath-letes at the same secondary position. Payne, a senior, and Lewis Cousins, a sophomore, make up the strength of the Red Elephants defense at safety. At cornerback, Brandon Hernandez and T.K. Mize are looking at the starting jobs.

Devan Stringer was Gainesville’s leader tackler last season (141) and is back at

inside linebacker along with new starter Jadarius Sosebee. The Red Elephants’ outside linebackers are Brenquez Dukes and Alex Muckle. Re-turning linebacker Michael Pittman will still be sidelined to start the season with a cracked collar bone.

Damian Grayson returns as defensive tackle for the Red Elephants, and will start be-tween ends Colton Quinones and Conner Calvert. Justin Cantrell, one of Gainesville’s leading wide receivers in 2011, has moved to defensive end.

Special teamsHarrison will handle Gaines-

ville’s kick and punt return du-ties. Wesley Cooper and Gage Turner are the top place-kick-ing candidates to replace Aidan Reising. Watson will again han-dle the punting duties.

OutlookGainesville will jump into

Class AAAAA as one of the top programs to beat right off the bat. With Watson at quarterback and the collection of receivers returning, scoring points should not be a problem. The defense also looks like it will be capable of holding up its end of the deal with six returning starters.

The Red Elephants will be tested right off the bat with a Thursday night game against Class AAAAAA’s West Forsyth at City Park Stadium, followed the next week with a trip to Buford. Gainesville’s toughest region games will come toward the end of the schedule with a visit from Clarke Central on Oct. 19, followed by a trip to Flowery Branch the final night of the regular season.

Expectations high for Red Elephants in ’121 MichaelPittman LB Sr.2 NeilPavao DB Jr.3 TrayHarrison WR Sr.4 DeshaunWatson QB Jr.5 JustinCantrell DL Sr.6 RonniePeebles LB Jr.7 ChandlerNewton WR Jr.8 LuckyWalton WR Sr.9 T.K.Mize DB Sr.10 OrrinRagland WR So.11 BrenqueseDukes LB Jr.12 MikeyGonzalez QB So.13 RodneyLackey WR So.14 QuamonPeoples DB Sr.15 JayGaudlock RB Jr.16 LahiusLeverette WR Sr.17 RayshonThomas RB Jr.18 MesiahDorsey WR Fr.19 ChastinNewman WR Jr.20 FredPayne DB Sr.21 LewisCousins DB So.22 MichaelByrd RB So.23 ToddrickTurner DB Fr.24 BenSmith LB Sr.25 AlexMuckle LB Sr.26 DeandreBorders DB So.27 AntonioWade WR So.28 DevanStringer LB Jr.29 KrisPierce LB So.30 ChrisByrd LB Fr.31 MauriceTanner LB Sr.32 KijanaYoung DB Sr.33 BrandonHernandezDB Sr.34 TerrallHendrix LB Jr.35 WakeChambers WR Fr.36 JordanHaley WR So.37 JordanJay LB Jr.38 QuonDukes LB Fr.39 DemichaelBorders DB Fr.40 BrenquezDukes LB Jr.41 EricCastro LB Sr.42 AaronAguilar DB So.43 CharlieSimpson DL So.44 LoganHarr DL Fr.45 CarsonGregory DB Fr.46 ChrisLyles DB Fr.47 JackCumisky LB Jr.48 CoreyCantrell DB Fr.49 AbnerFlores LB Jr.50 BillHood OL Fr.51 JaseLint DL Fr.52 GilbertIbarra OL Sr.53 TommiePeebles DL Fr.54 KashJones DL So.55 JadariusSosebee LB So.56 NickSingleton DL So.57 CreightonKnight OL So.58 ConnerCalvert DL Sr.59 NateRoys OL Fr.60 BobbyUpshaw OL Sr.61 ValentineFelix OL Jr.62 ChrisWright OL Sr.63 JeremyIngram OL Jr.64 DannyFlores OL Jr.65 QuentinBrown DL So.66 ChaseEngland OL Sr.67 DamianGrayson DL Sr.68 VictorLeon OL Sr.69 GabrielCopeland DL Fr.70 DylanBlanchard OL Fr.71 TristanHayes OL So.72 LukeSnelling OL Fr.73 HoseaJackson DL So.74 JamelDabney DL So.75 EdgarArroyo OL Jr.76 DakotaCousinmaneOL Jr.77 JosiahTodd DL Fr.78 SamMilner OL Jr.79 JeffNguyen OL Jr.80 JackBrand LB Fr.81 CalebHayman WR Sr.82 ArturoRazo LB Jr.83 DerrickYoung DB So.84 CortezJackson WR Fr.85 DonovanMoss WR Sr.86 TonyMercado LB So.87 JarronHenderson DL So.88 ThomasGarner WR Fr.89 AnthonyConstantineLB Jr.90 ShyderiusDarden DB So.91 PatrickSchmitt K So.92 GageTurner K Jr.93 WesleyCooper K So.94 SidneyMorrow K Sr.95 DreYoung DB Fr.96 IsraelSimmons DL Fr.97 FelicianoGalvan OL Fr.98 KhalidYarbrough K Sr.99 ColtonQuinones DL Jr.

2012 ROSTER

2011 leadersPassing Yds TDs Comp%*Deshaun Watson 3,251 41 61

Receiving Rec. Yds TDsStephen Mason 62 901 9*Tray Harrison 46 818 12*Justin Cantrell 50 681 8*Lahius Leverette 37 469 6

Rushing Yds TDs Avg.*Deshaun Watson 1,073 16 6.9*Michael Byrd 498 2 7.1*Ray-Ray Thomas 329 2 6.5*Tray Harrison 232 3 11.6

Defense Tkl TFL INT*Devan Stringer 141 5 1*Fred Payne 133 NA 1Eli Nwefo 127 NA 1Jeremiah Ledbetter 83 5 1

*returning player

2011 record12-2, 5-0 Region 8B-AAA

L Buford 49-0W White County 40-3W North Hall 55-15W Franklin County 42-13W Johnson 47-0W Oconee County 66-7W Monroe Area 41-21W Walnut Grove 48-0W West Hall 41-0W Stephens County 62-7

Class AAA state playoffsW Dalton 48-27W Monroe-Albany 16-13W Sandy Creek 35-21L Burke County 63-28

Times file photo

Gainesville quarterback Deshaun Watson charges ahead for yardage during the Red Elephants’ playoff game again Sandy Creek last season. Watson finished the year with more than 1,000 rushing yards to go along with his prolific passing numbers.

Lahius LeveretteJr. WR 6-10, 165One of Gainesville’s many talented WRs, the Red Elephants are counting on a big season from him.

Devan StringerJr. LB 5-11, 180The team’s leading tackler from 2011 has a great nose for the football.

MOST wANTED

Deshaun WatsonJr. QB 6-3, 195Orchestrated a run to the Class AAA state semifinals last season and set new Hall County records for total yards in a single season (4,324) and touchdowns accounted for (57).

Fred PayneSr. WR/DB 5-11, 180An emotional leader and a three-year starter in the secondary. May see time at WR.

2012 SCHEDULEDate OpponentAug. 30 WEST FORSYTHSept. 7 at BufordSept. 14 at Winder-Barrow*Sept. 21 APALACHEE*Sept. 28 HERITAGE*Oct. 5 at Cedar Shoals*Oct. 12 at Salem*Oct. 19 CLARKE CENTRAL*Nov. 2 LOGANVILLE*Nov. 9 at Flowery Branch*

* region game; Home games in CAPS

Tray HarrisonSr. WR/KR 5-7, 150One of the fastest players on the team, a threat any time he touches the ball.

HIGH NOONNov. 9 at Flowery BranchLike any team looking for a deep postseason run, Gainesville’s final game of the regular season is crucial to earning the No. 1 seed to the postseason. The Red Elephants could easily enter the final game of the regular season with their fifth consecutive region title on the line. Big games are nothing new between Gainesville and Flowery Branch. They’ve met for games to decide the region champion when both used to play in Region 7-AAA, and also played in the Class AAA state semifinals in 2009 at City Park Stadium.

HEAD HONCHO

Bruce MillerRecord: Bruce Miller; 106-21 at school, 174-101 careerOffensive strategy: Spread; “We use the spread because it creates a lot of one-on-one situations and it spreads defenses horitzontally and vertically”.Defensive strategy: 3-4: “We use the 3-4 because it allows us to be more multiple with our fronts and stunts and to utilize our speed.”

THE GOOD, THE bAD & THE UGLY2011 results12-2, 5-0 Region 8B-AAAL Buford 49-0W White County 40-3W North Hall 55-15W Franklin County 42-13W Johnson 47-0W Oconee County 66-7W Monroe Area 41-21W Walnut Grove 48-0W West Hall 41-0W Stephens County 62-7Class AAA state playoffsW Dalton 48-27W Monroe-Albany 16-13W Sandy Creek 35-21L Burke County 63-28

Location: GainesvilleCoach: Bruce MillerRegion: 8-AAAAA NorthLast region title: 2011, four consecutive region titlesLast playoff appearance: 2011 (each year since 2000)Returning starters: 7 on offense, 6 on defense

GHS ROUNDUP

Lahius LeveretteSr. WR 5-10, 165One of Gainesville’s many talented WRs, the Red Elephants are counting on a big season from him.

Devan StringerJr. LB 5-11, 180 Gainesville’s leading tackler from 2011 has a great nose for the football.

CMYK

FLOWERY BRANCH HIGH SCHOOL FALCONS

MOST WANTED

The Times, Gainesville, Ga. | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL pREvIEW | Sunday, August 19, 2012 �

New look, no change


It’s all anybody wants to talk about, but it’s also not until November.

“Everybody wants to talk about Gainesville, but we have nine games before then,” said Flowery Branch coach Chris Griffin, who admitted that it will be the resumption of a great county rivalry when it fi-nally occurs.

But, before the Falcons have the chance to possibly play in yet another pivotal game with Gainesville in the last week of the season, familiar region foes and new faces await.

Because for a program that had known only one head foot-ball coach for its first decade of existence, this past offseason was quite a shake-up.

Longtime Flowery Branch coach Lee Shaw is now coach-ing at Rabun County, offensive coordinator Benji Harrison is at Jackson County, and defensive coordinator Griffin has taken the reins of one of the most suc-cessful programs in the area.

While there might be a few differences from the Shaw years, Griffin plans to keep the Falcons — who advanced to the state quarterfinals last season — as one of the top teams in not just the region, but the state.

And his team has the poten-tial to do just that — especially on defense.

“Potentially this could be as good (at defense) as we’ve ever had,” Griffin said. “But, as I tell the players, potential has never won a game.”

OffenseA number of big names are

gone from an offense that aver-aged 44 points scored per game last season, including quarter-back Kanler Coker, running back Jeremy Haley and top wide receivers CJ Curry and Jeremy Osborne.

Griffin said that, while this year’s crop of offensive players may not exactly fill the shoes of last season’s stars, there’s still plenty of talent to go around, starting on the offensive line with college prospect and se-nior Chandler Bridges.

At quarterback, Griffin said McDonald, a more advanced runner than passer knows the system as well as anyone, but it’s yet to be seen how he will fare in pressure situations in regular-season games.

He’ll have another first-time offensive starter to hand the ball to in Quinton Mayfield, who has lately emerged as the top choice amongst a stable of potential running backs after spending the year on defense in 2011.

There’s more starting experi-ence at the wide receiver spot, where 2011 starters Jamaad Stephens and Cris Dilidili, who accounted for a combined 725 receiving yards and seven scores, return. They are joined by Darius Curry, also a star de-fensive back, Cameron Davis, East Hall’s starting quarterback last season, and Devonte King.

DefenseWhile Griffin said the unit

has the potential to be the best in program history, the one weakness is depth.

“Our starters are as good as we’ve had in a long time,” the coach said, “But there’s very little depth, especially at line-backer.”

The starting linebacking corps has a wealth of talent though, with last season’s lead-ing tackler in senior Jacob Allen and Greater Atlanta Christian transfer Kris Smith.

The linebackers should have plenty of space within which

to operate behind West Hall transfer Dexter Jackson at nose tackle, a player Griffin said could really cause problems for the opposing offense.

In the defensive backfield, returning starters Darius Curry and Noel Padmore, two high-level Division-I prospects, re-turn to their cornerback spots.

Special teamsKicker Leo Manzo gradu-

ated, but Flowery Branch returns punter Lucas Arnett, who is an option for the kick-ing duties along with Alejandro Montoya and Jesus Alvarado.

OutlookGainesville is the only new

face in Region 8-AAAAA, for-merly 8-AAAA, a region that Flowery Branch won a share of, and would have won outright with a win over Clarke Central last season. The Gladiators are the only region team the Falcons have yet to beat.

Now the Red Elephants and Gladiators will stand in the way of the Falcons’ chances at a region title, along with a few other talented opponents. Still, the Falcons can match up with any other favorite in the region, meaning the region title is very much up in the air.

Falcons expect to keep rolling with new coach

Darius CurrySr. WR/DB 6-2, 193Curry is highly recruited as a DB, and Griffin said he could also be as effective as older brother CJ at wide receiver as well.

Jacob AllenSr. LB 6-1, 237Flowery Branch’s leading tackler in 2011 and an emotional leader on the defense.

2012 SCHEDULEDate OpponentAug. 31 NORTHSIDE-W.R.Sept. 7 at West ForsythSept. 14 at Cedar Shoals*Sept. 21 LOGANVILLE*Sept. 28 at Salem*Oct. 5 at Apalachee*Oct. 12 WINDER-BARROW*Oct. 19 HERITAGE*Oct. 26 at Clarke Central*Nov. 9 GAINESVILLE*


FloweryBranch High

N

Spout Springs Road

Elizabeth Lane

Lake Sterling

FALCON FIELDDirections: From Gainesville, take Interstate 985 to Exit 12 (Spout Springs Road/Flowery Branch) and turn left. School is 2.5 miles on the left.Parking: Lots available at the school.

No. Name Pos. Gr.1 JustinCurry RB So.2 DariusCurry QB/WR/DB Sr.3 KrisSmith RB/OLB Sr.4 JacksonMcDonald QB Jr.5 QuanEberhardt RB Sr.6 HaydenColee WR So.7 JamaadStephens WR Sr.8 DavanteKing WR/LB Jr.9 BlakeTurner LB Sr.10 CameronDavis WR/DB Jr.11 IsaiahMurphy DB Sr.12 JustinThomson QB/DB Jr.13 BrandonBenevento QB So.15 ShiquanJohnson DB Jr.16 AustinJones WR/DB Sr.17 NoelPadmore WR/DB Sr.18 CortezDavis WR/DB Fr.19 DaltonColee LB So.20 BrianAina DB So.21 JeremyJames WR/DB Jr.22 CooperHarrison WR/DB So.23 QuintonMayfield WR/DB Sr.24 QuinshadJenkins DB Jr.25 CrisDilidili WR Sr.27 ZackSmith LB So.28 BrockJones WR So.29 JimmyMcIntyre RB Sr.30 ThadeusJohnson DB So.31 PaulJaramillo WR/DB Fr.33 GabrielTakacs LB Sr.34 MichaelAlbini LB Fr.35 BrettShephard QB Fr.36 JimmyHamilton WR/DB Fr.37 GabrielArgueta DE Jr.38 TyScott LB Sr.39 SpencerCheeks LB/WR Fr.40 KyleKing WR/DB Fr.41 ClayKing RB/DB So.42 BradyDyer LB So.43 Adante’Aguilar LB/RB Jr.44 JacobAllen LB Sr.45 JesusAlvarado K/DL Fr.46 MalcolmPrather RB/LB Fr.47 MichaelGreene WR/DB Fr.48 ClayHamilton DE Fr.49 DanielLalor RB Jr.50 AustinBennett OL Sr.51 DavidPotters DL Jr.52 HerbertMazariegos OL/DL Fr.53 AndrewMiles OL/DL Jr.54 KevinTarr OL Sr.55 RashaanDoleman OL/DL Jr.56 ChandlerBridges OL Sr.57 GrantSimonds OL/LB So.58 NickCurtin OL/LB Jr.59 JonahMatthes OL/DL So.60 CodySantmyres OL Jr.61 RJDeyton DE Jr.62 ChristianHunt LB Fr.63 MatthewJohnson OL/DL So.64 JoelRyder OL/DL So.65 AaronMorrenzin OL/DL Jr.66 GriffinHerold OL/DL Fr.67 CoryGodfrey OL/DL Fr.68 NickRoss OL/DL Fr.69 BransonNash OL/DL Fr.70 KeatonCoker OL/DL Jr.71 DawsonMurray OL/DL Fr.72 JaradDunn OL/DL Sr.73 JustinJohnson OL/DL Fr.74 DezmondOsborne OL/DL So.75 TylerPage OL/DL Fr.76 SterlingSykes OL/DL Fr.77 BenoyScroggs OL/DL So.78 DexterJackson OL/DL Sr.79 AaronMiles OL So.80 ChasePitts WR/DB Fr.81 MichaelEllis WR Sr.82 JustinMarshall WR Fr.83 KyleNix WR Sr.84 AustinWelch WR So.85 ChristianBennett WR/DB Fr.86 RobbieLocklear WR/DB Fr.87 ThorSmith TE/DE Jr.88 LucasArnett P/K Sr.89 TrayvonFort WR Sr.90 CoryEmerson WR So.91 TylerDavis OL/DL Fr.92 TreyWilson WR So.93 TrevorMaddox WR So.94 AlejandroMontoya K/P Jr.95 JustinChaney OL/DL Fr.96 ConnorCollins LB/WR Fr.97 SkylerHollers WR/DB Fr.98 AustinPoole WR/DB Fr.99 DanielTorres OL/DL Fr.

2012 ROSTER

THE HOMESTEAD

2011 leadersPassing Yds TDs Kanler Coker 2,833 31*Jackson McDonald 96 1

Receiving Rec. Yds TDsCasey Osborne 58 994 9C.J. Curry 45 805 13*Jamaad Stephens 33 474 5*Cris Dilidili 16 251 2

Rushing Yds TDs Avg.Jeremy Haley 1,350 21 7.94Kanler Coker 837 15 7.03*Jimmy McIntyre 179 3 6.39

Defense Tkl TFL INT*Jacob Allen 131 24 1Sydney Cheeks 107 11 0*Jeremy James 66 4 2Jonathan Frick 79 24 0*Noel Padmore 42 2 2Quinncy Hodges 69 14 1

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY2011 record

11-2, 9-1 Region 8-AAAAW Madison County 56-7W Winder-Barrow 64-7W Apalachee 42-20W Cedar Shoals 49-7W Rockdale County 51-0W Habersham Cent. 56-31W Heritage 21-13W Loganville 49-21W Salem 54-8L Clarke Central 38-35

Class AAAA state playoffsW Johns Creek 41-38W Thomas Co. Cent. 31-21L Tucker 42-34

Times file photo

Flowery Branch wide receiver Jamaad Stephens looks for running room during a game last season.

Noel PadmoreSr. WR/DB 6-0, 164A lock-down corner who has already received a host of big, Division-I offers.

Chandler BridgesSr. OL 6-5, 269One of the state’s better linemen is a key piece in the Falcon’s effective spread offense.

Kris SmithSr. RB/OLB 6-1, 196Transfer from Greater Atlanta Christian with Division-I college offers.

HIGH NOONNov. 9 vs. GainesvilleThe last time these two teams were in the same region, the Flowery Branch-Gainesville game usually decided either a playoff spot, seeding or a region title. Once again the last game of the year, it could decide a region title, not unlike the Falcons’ past two regular-season finales against Clarke Central.

NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN

Chris GriffinRecord: 0-0 (first year as heach coach)Offensive strategy: Spread Option. “The purpose is to get the ball to different peoples’ hands much easier. When we spread the ball out, you’ve got six different guys who are a threat on every play.”Defensive strategy: 3-4. “A pressure-style defense. We’re going to line up at 3-4, but we’re not going to stay at 3-4.”en the ball’s snapped it could be something different.”

Location: Flowery BranchCoach: Chris GriffinRegion: 8-AAAAALast region title: 2011 (8-AAAA; three-team tie)Last playoff appearance: Every year since 2005Returning starters: On offense 7, on defense 8

FBHS ROUNDUp

EAST HALL HIGH SCHOOL VIKINGS� Sunday, August 19, 2012 | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL fOOTbALL prEVIEw | The Times, Gainesville, Ga.

CMYK

THE HOMESTEAD

N

Old Cornelia Hwy.

E. Hall Rd .

EastHall

stadium

school

Whitm

ire

Lane

EAST HALL STADIUMDirections: From Gainesville, take Jesse Jewel Parkway North. Turn right onto Old Cornelia Highway through Rabbittown. Stadium is past the school on the left.Parking: Lot is immediately off Old Cornelia Highway, in front of the stadium.

MOST wANTEDTaking the next step

BY DAVID [email protected]

Building continuity is an annual struggle for East Hall, which breaks in a number of new players on a yearly basis.

Despite the difficulties, how-ever, the Vikings were able to battle to five wins in 2011, fall-ing just a play-in win short of the playoffs.

This season, East Hall will have to replace its two leading producers on offense, Cameron Davis and Jamond Witt. Witt graduated and Davis trans-ferred to Flowery Branch.

But that doesn’t mean coach Bryan Gray expects a drop-off in the team’s success.

The team returns six starters on offense and eight on defense, and Gray expects new playmak-ers to fill holes.

“We feel like we’re in a good position,” he said. “I think we’ve got a lot of good players that will certainly keep us in contention.

OffenseWhen it comes to the offen-

sive side of the ball, Gray says the team is going to improve in the passing game.

“There’s no doubt about it,” he said. “That’s been our focus. We want to improve the passing game to open up our running game.”

That will begin, obviously, at quarterback, where Zach Groover and Devin Watson are competing for the starting spot.

Groover was originally slated to be the team’s starter in 2011 until an injury opened the door for Davis.

Gray said that one of those two, along with a stable of tal-ented wide receivers, should actually help the team take a step forward.

Austen Mahaffey and Edward Vergara, third and fourth on the team in rushing last season, will be back to lead a deep corps of tailbacks. Quay Jarrels, Dre Brawner, Corey Reece and Juwan Merritt will also see plenty of carries.

It will be tough to replace the athletic Witt, but Gray sees plenty of talent in the back-field.

“I think we’ll be better for being able to rotate them in and out,” he said.

Senior Devonte Benton will help open up holes for those runners. Gray said he believes Benton could be one of the most

sought-after offensive linemen in North Georgia by season’s end.

Braden Jarrard, a four-year starter, will also play a signifi-cant role on the line.

DefenseA defense which returns most

of the starters has Gray feeling optimistic about the Vikings’ chances on that side of the ball.

“We’ve got a quiet excitement about them,” he said. “They’re very athletic and run extremely well. All the kids playing have either started or logged a lot of time.

“You can’t be successful without some experience.”

He’s hoping that experience will help the Vikings continue to progress.

Benton and Cody Andrews, along with Xavier Hughey and Dustin Rogers will comprise a strong defensive front. Isaac Mize will help man the defen-sive backfield.

Rogers and Andrews are each four-year starters, which Gray says is significant.

“Understanding what people are doing and being able to ad-just is important,” he said. “You

have to have kids who are con-fident in their techniques and fundamentals. You can’t just throw them out there and let them play.”

Gray said the defensive line will need work simply because it lost the most from last sea-son.

Special teamsHugo Contreras will handle

the kicking duties for East Hall, while Junior Lee will punt.

There are four or five play-ers who are still battling it out for primary return duties, and Gray said there is a lot of defen-sive speed that will carry over to special teams as well.

OutlookAs with many teams in Re-

gion 7-AAA, East Hall figures to be firmly in the hunt for one of the four playoff spots.

It will be difficult for the team to improve by leaps and bounds, simply because of the lost production of running back Witt.

But deeper talent across the board could help the team step forward, perhaps into the play-offs.

Vikings aim to continue their upward trend

Devonte BentonSr. OL/DL 6-5, 263The big lineman was fifth on the team in tackles as a DT in 2011. He already has a number of scholarship offers and could be one of the most sought after OL in North Georgia by season’s end.

Xavier HugheySr. RB/LB 6-2, 198The team’s top tackler in 2011, he has great speed to lead the Vikings defense.

2012 SCHEDULEDate OpponentAug. 24 at Dawson County*Aug. 31 at ChattoogaSept. 14 EAST JACKSONSept. 21 JOHNSONSept. 28 at White County*Oct. 5 NORTH HALL*Oct. 19 WEST HALL*Oct. 26 at Banks County*Nov. 2 BUFORD*Nov. 9 at Fannin County*


2011 leadersRushing Yds TDs Avg.Jamond Witt 1,211 14 9.3Cameron Davis 553 5 4.8*Austen Mahaffey 416 2 6.9*Edward Vergara 137 1 4.4

Receiving Rec. Yds TDsJamond Witt 12 165 0*Austen Mahaffey 4 80 2

Passing Yds TDs Comp %Cameron Davis 422 3 33

Defense Tkl TFL INT*Xavier Hughey 58 4 0*Oscar Rangel 57 3 1*Dustin Rogers 51 6 0*Devonte Benton 41 11 0

THE GOOD, THE bAD & THE UGLY

2011 record5-5, 3-2 Region 8-AA North

W West Hall 47-14W Johnson 41-17L Elbert County 48-0L Adairsville 25-9W Rabun County 35-14W Union County 33-3L Fannin County 35-19L Dawson County 49-7W Banks County 34-17L Elbert County 27-7

Times file photo

East Hall defenders gang up on a Rabun County ball carrier during a game last season. The Vikings bring eight starters back on defense after last year’s 5-5 campaign.

Braden JarrardSr. OT 6-5, 247A four-year starter who will help anchor a big and experienced offensive line.

Cody AndrewsSr. DE 6-4, 251He is a four-year starter who recorded 28 tackles, including six for a loss in 2011.

Dustin RodgersSr. LB 6-0, 214Has started each of his four years at East Hall and was third on the team in tackles in 2011.

HIGH NOONNov. 9 at Fannin CountyEast Hall figures to be firmly in the conversation for one of the top four spots in the region. While it may not find itself at No. 1 or 2, the third or fourth seed should be within reason. In a region filled with a number of teams on fairly equal footing, a playoff spot could be on the line for the Vikings in their final week. A win against Fannin County could get East Hall over the hump.

HEAD HONCHO

Bryan GrayRecord: 11-39 at East Hall; 11-39 overallOffensive strategy: Spread option; “It gives us the ability to run the ball at all times. If you get a kid that can pass well, that’s an option too. It’s flexible and allows playmakers to make plays.”Defensive strategy: Multiple front; “You can do different things out of an aggressive multiple front. We play in a run-heavy region, so we like to get more guys on the line.”

2012 rOSTEr

EHHS rOUNDUpLocation: GainesvilleCoach: Bryan GrayRegion: 7-AAALast region title: 1987, 8-AALast playoff appearance: 2005Returning starters: 6 on offense, 8 on defense

1 MiltonWhelchel WR/DB Jr.2 ZachGroover QB/FS Sr.3 DevinWatson QB/DB So.4 AustinMahaffey RB/CB Sr.5 XavierHughey RB/LB Sr.7 QuayJarrells RB/DB Jr.8 SchqwonTanner RB/DB Sr.9 IsaachMize WR/DB Jr.10 TravisFoster TE/DL Jr.11 UrielAndrade WR/LB Sr.12 ThaddeusWebb QB/DB Fr.13 DreBrawner RB/DB Jr.14 JacquesAsh WR/DB So.15 LeviWoodring WR/DB Fr.16 BrockGriffin WR/LB Fr.17 JuniorLee WR/DL So.18 EnriqueRestrepo WR/LB Jr.19 JacquenHopkins QB/DB Fr.20 JimmyWade RB/LB Fr.21 DillonWarren WR/DB Fr.22 JuwonMerritt RB/LB So.24 RexPurgason RB/LB Fr.25 HugoContreras WR/LB Jr.27 DustinRodgers RB/LB Sr.30 FeltonWood RB/LB So.32 TareekJenkins RB/LB So.33 JielVargas RB/LB Fr.35 EdwardVergara RB/LB Jr.36 AlanSilva RB/DL So.45 RamiroCamarillo LB Jr.49 OscarGarcia OL/DL So.50 LeonEllison OL/DL Jr.51 JesseIngram OL/DL So.52 UlisesAndrade OL/DL So.55 AbrahamSepulveda OL/LB So.56 ChaseMullins OL/DL Fr.57 JosephAllen OL/DL Jr.58 WillFair OL/DL Fr.60 YonnyGalaga OL/DL So.61 VincentTruong OL/DL So.62 BradenJarrard OL/DL Sr.63 JesseFlores OL/DL Jr.65 StevenDinh OL/DL Jr.66 TylerThomas OL/DL Jr.67 GenaroGarcia OL/DL So.69 J.D.Holloway OL/DL Jr.70 TristanRhodes OL/DL Fr.71 JoseGuerrero OL/DL Fr.73 JesseWinters OL/DL Fr.75 CodyAndrews OL/DL Sr.76 Devonte’Benton OL/DL Sr.77 KevinThompson OL/DL Fr.78 WyattYopp OL/DL Jr.79 LuisCaudillo OL/DL Fr.80 TriqueceWare WR/DB Fr.82 XavierSummers WR/DB Jr.84 SergioLara WR/DB Jr.88 JorgeHernandez TE/LB Jr.90 ChaseJohnson TE/DL Fr.99 RolandoDeLuna OL/DL So.

CMYK

WEST HALL HIGH SCHOOL SPARTANSThe Times, Gainesville, Ga. | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL fOOTbALL PREvIEW | Sunday, August 19, 2012 �

West HallHigh

N

McE

ver R

d.

Westbrook Lane

Holiday

Circle

Meadow

Dr.

THE HOMESTEAD

WEST HALL STADIUMDirections: From Interstate 985 South, take Exit 17 and turn right on Ga. 53. After about 2 miles, turn left on McEver Road. The school is 2 miles ahead on the right. Parking: Available in front of the stadium and in front of the high school.

MOST WANTED

Blake ManningSr. OT 6-6, 300The big senior will be the anchor of the offensive line for the Spartans.

Zach EnglishJr. QB 5-11, 175After contributing as a WR and on defense, English will embrace a new role in 2012.

2012 SCHEDULEDate OpponentAug. 24 at JohnsonSept. 7 CHESTATEESept. 14 LUMPKIN COUNTYSept. 21 at Banks County*Sept. 28 FANNIN COUNTY*Oct. 5 at Buford*Oct. 19 at East Hall*Oct. 26 NORTH HALL*Nov. 2 at White County*Nov. 9 DAWSON COUNTY*


Damien MillsapSr. DT 6-3, 290Quick and strong, Millsap has good feet and is tough to block on the line of scrimmage.

Hunter AtkinsonJr. TE/DE 6-6, 235Atkinson is an aggressive blocker and has good hands out of the tight end spot.

Ty StathamSo. RB/LB 5-11, 180The team’s leading tackler from 2011 has a great nose for the football.

HIGH NOON

NEW SHERIff IN TOWN

Tony LottiRecord: 0-0 (1st year as a head coach)Offensive strategy: Multiple-I; “It’s no secret we plan on running the football. This gives us some versatility to run between the tackles and control the ground.”Defensive strategy: 3-4; “We assessed the kids and felt like the 3-4 gave us the best chance to put them in positions to succeed.”

Aug. 24 at JohnsonThe Battle of Oakwood is always an entertaining battle. Last season it was a 35-21 win for West Hall. None of the previous three match-ups were decided by more than four points in what often turns into a shootout. This year, the fact that both teams have men coaching their first games as head coaches only adds to the intrigue. The offseason was a good one for the Spartans, but only when the team takes the field will we really know how far they’ve come.

2011 leadersPassing Yds TDs Comp%Chandler Newton 1,134 10 50

Receiving Rec. Yds TDsA.J. Stephens 26 499 7*Zach English 30 241 1*Cameron Johnson 8 204 0Rico Jones 8 149 1

Rushing Yds TDs Avg.Rico Jones 476 3 6.7A.J. Stephens 402 4 7,9Chandler Newton 264 3 3.4Anthony Strickland 162 1 4.2

Defense Tkl TFL INTTurk Taylor 61 0 0Colton Collins 36 2 0Anthony Strickland 29 1 0*Zach English 27 0 2

*returning player

2011 record2-8, 2-3 Region 8-AAA South

L East Hall 47-14L Chestatee 41-14L White County 26-7L Stephens County 44-14W Walnut Grove 38-9W Johnson 35-21L Oconee County 35-31L Monroe Area 34-0L Gainesville 41-0L Lumpkin County 31-21


Building the foundation

New coach’s big plans take root in 2012 2012 ROSTERBY DAVID MITCHELL

[email protected]

With only five wins in the past three seasons combined, West Hall is opening a new chapter with first-year head coach Tony Lotti.

Lotti, who comes over af-ter stops at Union Grove and Woodland High, has his sights set on long-term success at the school.

“We’re building a program here,” he said, “not a team.”

But that doesn’t mean he isn’t focused on winning in the short term, too. Lotti said he expects a win every time his team takes the field.

It’s a tall order for a team that has seen so little success in recent years, and yet a possi-bility considering the changes that are already taking place.

Numbers have improved and Lotti is seeing excitement within the program. It may not happen overnight, but Lotti is encouraged by the work his players are putting in so far.

OffenseThe unit will be led by Zach

English, a receiver-turned-quarterback in his first season under center.

Last season, the athletic ju-nior caught 30 passes for 241 yards and a score. This season, he will be distributing the ball to players like tight end Hunter Atkinson, a solid blocker with good hands.

Lotti said that he wants to take advantage of Atkinson’s size in the passing game.

But it’s no secret that West Hall will run the football.

Fullback Eric Camacho will also be in a new role. Splitting time as a linebacker, Lotti said that he expects him to be a de-pendable runner on offense.

Senior Blake Manning, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound lineman, will anchor the offensive front to make the holes for the run-ners.

“This is a process,” Lotti said. “We’re growing and we’re learning. The good thing is that everything is fixable. We’ve got kids who are giving a strong ef-fort and ready to learn. That’s important.”

Like some other teams in the region, the Spartans are young, which leads to inconsistency and a lack of depth.

“Sometimes they’ll be really good,” Lotti said of the offense. “Other times in practice, it won’t be so great. But that comes with a higher maturity level as far as experience goes.”

DefenseAs on offense, the Spartans

will deal with some youth on defense.

But Lotti is pleased with how will his players have begun grasping the system in such a short time.

“They’re asking questions,” he said. “We’re making sure that they’re not too intimidated to ask when they don’t under-stand.”

Despite the youth, Lotti wants his defensive unit to be aggressive from the very start.

That begins up front with de-fensive tackle Damien Millsap, a tough-to-block senior who could cause problems against both the run and the pass.

Ty Statham will be a key at linebacker who Lotti consid-ers to be a good physical pres-ence for the defense. Lotti also mentioned T.J. Bowles as a po-tential sleeper on defense and Quan Williams as a talented freshman who has handled the system well so far.

The Spartans will run a 3-4 scheme, not because it’s what Lotti has run the most in the past, but because it’s what he felt like put his players in the best position to succeed given the personnel.

That could change in the fu-ture, but he also stressed con-tinuity.

“We want our players to learn something early and be able to grow in that program for a few years,” he said. “This team has lacked some continu-ity in the past, so that’s what we’re trying to provide now.”

Special teamsConnor Kirkland will kick

and punt for the Spartans.Lotti said who will be the re-

turner on kicks and punts is still up in the air and likely won’t be decided until the end of camp.

OutlookThe outlook is positive for

the Spartans.Are the playoffs likely right

away? Probably not, but the team is making strides in the right direction.

An improvement over last season’s win total (2) should be expected and, even in losses, the Spartans should be more competitive.

They will open at Johnson in the Battle of Oakwood before hosting Chestatee and Lumpkin County. The immediate goal is to sport a winning record enter-ing region play in Week 4.

Times file photo

West Hall’s Zach English celebrates after a touchdown in a game last season. English, who started at receiver and defensive back in 2011, will take over the quarterback spot this fall.

Location: OakwoodCoach: Tony LottiRegion: 7-AAALast region title: NeverLast playoff appearance: 2002Returning starters: 1 on offense, 1 on defense

WHHS ROUNDUP

2 Tyquan Statham Fr. WR/CB3 Chase Seymour Jr. OLB4 Kwon Williams Fr. FS5 Isiah Rowe So. RB/LB6 Mason Gaines Jr. OLB8 Bradley Hodgson So. K9 Jacob Miller So. H10 Connor Kirkland Sr. K/P11 Jay Crawford So. CB12 Zach English Jr. QB14 Anthony Lotti Fr. QB15 Rick Atkins Sr. WR/LB17 Daniel Walsh Jr. WR/SS19 Javier Vera-Silva So. RB/DB20 Chase Jarrard Sr. WR/OLB21 Kassius Swain Fr. TB22 Kyle Lenz So. CB23 Cole Davis So. RB/LB24 Xavier Johnson Sr. WR/CB25 Hunter Atkinson So. TE/DE26 Keith McCroan Sr. TE/OLB27 Cameron Johnson Jr. FB/FS28 Ty Statham So. TB/LB29 Antonio Pittman Jr. FB/DE31 Evan English Fr. WR/DB32 Triston Hester Fr. RB/DB33 Wyatt Taylor Sr. SS34 Ian English Fr. RB/DB37 Jared Mathews Fr. WR/DB38 David Godines So. WR/DB41 Eric Camacho Jr. FB/LB44 Dylan Bramblett Fr. WR/DB51 Marvin Mejia Fr. C/LB52 Tavezz Thurmond So. OL/DL53 Blaine Satterfield So. OT54 Devin Hughes So. C/LB55 Cameron McCollough Fr. OL/DL57 Brandon Fuller Fr. OL/DL59 Mark Maynard Fr. OL/DL61 Taylor Secor Fr. OL/DL64 Michael Meadows Sr. OG/LB66 Joston Segars Jr. OG/NG67 Luis DeLacruz So. OL/DL68 Markus Page Jr. C69 Darius Torres Jr. OG/DE71 Blake Manning Sr. OT/LS73 Chris Kidd So. OL/DL74 Jarrett Turner Fr. OL/DL75 Mackell Crittenden Jr. OT76 Austin Williams Fr. OL/DL77 Damien Millsap Sr. DE/OG79 TJ Bowles Jr. NG/OT80 Matt Bennett So. TE/DL82 Ryan Howington Fr. WR/DB83 Johnny Griffing Fr. WR/DB86 Hayden Lee Fr. WR/DB87 Jesse Bridgewater Fr. WR/DB89 Brandon Horner Sr. OL/DL

CMYK

NORTH HALL HIGH SCHOOL TROJANS� Sunday, August 19, 2012 | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL fOOTbALL pRevIew | The Times, Gainesville, Ga.

THe HOMeSTeAD

North Hall High

N

Mt. Vernon

Rd.

Rilla Rd.

Young Rd.Hubert

Stephe

ns R

d.

THE BRICKYARDDirections: Drive north on Ga. Highway 60 to Mount Vernon Road. Turn right, school is four miles ahead on the left. Parking: Lots are available in front of the school and at North Hall Middle School.

MOST wANTeD

Destin BennettJr. RB/LB 6-1, 220Bennett recorded a team-high 10 tackles for loss in 2011 and should anchor the linebacker corps in 2012.

Andrew SmithJr. QB/DB 5-8, 145The athletic Smith tied for the team lead in INTs a season ago with three.

2012 SCHeDULeDate OpponentAug. 31 at ChestateeSept. 7 JOHNSONSept. 14 JEFFERSONSept. 28 at Dawson County*Oct. 5 at East Hall*Oct. 12 FANNIN COUNTY*Oct. 19 WHITE COUNTY*Oct. 26 at West Hall*Nov. 2 BANKS COUNTY*Nov. 9 at Buford*


Bradley BrownSr. QB/LB 6-2, 205A returning starter who completed 63 percent of his passes as a junior in 2011.

HIGH NOONSept. 28 at Dawson CountyThe Trojans and Tigers will play each other for the first time in history, and it couldn’t come at a bigger time. It will be the region opener for North Hall and, after struggling the past two seasons, the Trojans will look to get their bid for a playoff berth started on the right foot. Both teams will compete for one of the top four spots in Region 7-AAA, so a win here could pay dividends by season’s end.

HeAD HONCHO

Bob ChristmasRecord: 86-40 at North Hall, 231-115 overallOffensive strategy: Multiple; “We’re adding in a little more three-back sets this year. It helps us attack inside, outside and off tackle, and stretch the defense horizontally.”Defensive strategy: Multiple odd/even fronts; “We’ve started with an even front this year. We want to be a pressure defense more so this year than we have been in the past.”

Avery EastonSr. C/DL 6-3, 260Spent his the majority of his time at center a season ago, and will lead the OL again.

Will CapeJr. WR/DB 5-11, 175Third on the team in tackles a year ago, Cape should solidify the secondary.

THe GOOD, THe bAD & THe UGLY

New region, new hope


The past two seasons have strayed from the norm for North Hall under coach Bob Christmas.

In 2010, a streak of eight consecutive winning seasons came to an end when the team notched a 5-5 record. Last year, the Trojans endured their first losing record since 2001.

But with a change in scenery in the new Region 7-AAA comes renewed hope for North Hall.

The Trojans have to contend with Buford, which has won four of the last five Class AA state titles, but they can also count themselves among a number of teams that should contend for one of the remain-ing playoff spots.

And when the dust settles, they hope to be playing in their first postseason since 2009.

OffenseKey to the Trojans’ success

this season will be how they adjust to the loss of one of the state’s best running backs, Imani Cross, who will be suit-ing up for the University of Nebraska this fall.

Christmas said that it is more a matter of adjustment rather than replacement.

“There’s a reason he’s at the University of Nebraska,” he said. “He was a big, talented back who had a lot of skills. I don’t know that you replace an Imani, but here’s what we do have: I think we’ve got 8-10 really good high school running backs. We have a good mix in age, none of them huge in size, but they’ve got good strength and good quickness.”

The Trojans will miss Caleb Faulkner, who transferred to Lakeview Academy, but David Epps and Destin Bennett will be primary figures at the full-back position.

Bradley Brown will return at quarterback for the Trojans, and Christmas is pleased with the progress the senior has made.

The coach said that he didn’t know that he would have his team throw the ball more, but the strides that Brown has made should allow for the offense to go to the pass more often when defenses focus on the run.

“We always want to take what the defense gives us, so there may be times where we throw it more,” he said. “But the ability to throw the ball down the field when they give it to us is important.”

Also returning on offense will be senior center Avery Easton, who will be an important piece

to opening up the run game.

DefenseLast season was a mix of

good and bad for the Trojans defense.

There were games, like the 49-0 win over Lumpkin County, in which the Trojans appeared to have everything settled. Other times, like when they al-lowed 55 points to Gainesville or 54 to Franklin County, when it appeared North Hall had a long way to go.

The common theme among the teams that had success against the Trojans was supe-rior athleticism at the skill po-sitions.

Christmas hopes to see an im-provement against those teams by increasing pressure.

The defense features a hand-ful of players that should make that possible.

Undersized but athletic cor-nerback Andrew Smith leads a defensive backfield that could allow for more freedom to pres-sure up front. Smith notched three interceptions in 2011 as a sophomore and should be im-proved this season.

Destin Bennett, who led the team in tackles for a loss last year, and Taylor Rider will lead the charge at linebacker.

Despite the loss of Cross, who lead the team in tackles, Bennett and Rider have the experience to make 2012’s an

improved unit.“This year, we have a good

mix between juniors and se-niors, and I think that makes a huge difference in consis-tency,” Christmas said. “Young players can play really well, but they aren’t always consistent.”

The coach would also like to see his team stay healthier this year to improve continuity. A result of last year’s injuries, however, is that a number of sophomores — Bennett, Smith and Will Cape to name a few — saw plenty of playing time.

Special teamsModesto Cruz will return as

the kicker this season, while Zac Little and Bradley Brown will contend for the punter job.

Smith and T.J. Tate will split return duties.

OutlookIn a region with teams of sim-

ilar skill, North Hall appears to have more than a fighting chance at a playoff spot.

Christmas sees room for im-provement before his team is ready to make that leap, how-ever.

“I think we’ve still got a lot of work to do,” he said. “I think we’ll continue to find some ar-eas we need to grow in.”

If that growth can take place, the Trojans could find themselves back in familiar territory.

Trojans aiming for a return to postseason

Times file photo

North Hall wide receiver/defensive back Will Cape breaks loose in last season’s game against Stephens County.

Location: GainesvilleCoach: Bob Christmas; 86-40 at North Hall, 231-115 overallRegion: 7-AAALast region title: 2007, 7-AAALast playoff appearance: 2009Returning starters: Offense 4, Defense 6

NHHS ROUNDUp

2012 ROSTeR1 Marcus Hulsey Sr. RB/DB2 Avery Cagle So. QB/DB3 Kevin Christmas Sr. RB/OLB4 Brannon Dyer Jr. RB/DB5 Eric Gonter Sr. TE/OLB6 Taylor Clark Fr. WR/DB7 Copelan Collins Jr. WR/DB8 Lee Shelton Jr. WR/DB9 Taylor Ryder Sr. TE/OLB10 Micah Strickland So. RB/DB11 Skylar Samples Fr. WR/DB12 Bradley Brown Sr. QB/OLB13 Jonathan Green So. WR/DB14 Andrew Smith Jr. QB/DB15 TJ Tate Sr. RB/DB16 Malik Gill So. QB/DB17 Sam Jackson Fr. WR/DB18 Jake Bracewell Fr. WR/DB19 Drew Atha Fr. QB/DB20 Darien Ingram Fr. RB/LB21 Trystan Regnier So. RB/DB22 Isaac Seid Jr. RB/DB23 Bobby Mendenhall So. RB/LB24 Austin Perry So. RB/OLB25 Caleb Parrish Sr. WR/DB27 Clayton Dyer Sr. WR/DB28 Will Cape Jr. WR/DB32 Andrew Erwin Sr. TE/DB33 Colby Miller Fr. RB/DB35 Tyler Hale Fr. WR/DB37 David Epps Jr. RB/LB40 Jimmy Loggins Fr. TE/LB41 Timothy Cantrell Jr. RB/DB42 Dylan Murphy Fr. RB/LB43 Devon Motes Jr. TE/DE44 Nathan Kinney Fr. TE/OLB45 Zac Little Jr. RB/OLB46 Isaiah Hale Fr. RB/DB48 Destin Bennett Jr. RB/LB50 Frankie Camacho So. OL/DL51 Dylon Truelove Jr. OL/DL52 Avery Rogers Jr. OL/DL53 Colby Krepcio So. OL/OLB54 Jake Walden Fr. OL/DL55 Thomas Marchman Jr. OL/OLB56 Will Pope Fr. OL/DL57 Hayden Hughes So. OL/OLB58 Cody Marchbanks Fr. OL/DL59 Matt Pratte Sr. OL/DL60 Scott Talley Sr. OL/LB61 Elijah Bowen Fr. OL/DL62 Avery Easton Sr. C/DL63 Patrick Chappell Sr. OL/DL64 Cole Strickland Jr. OL/DL65 Levi Patterson Fr. OL/DL66 Pablo Chavarria Fr. OL/DL67 Nathaniel Adams Fr. OL/DL68 Justin Bacus Jr. OL/DL69 Tyler Dispain Fr. OL/DL70 Russell Gillespie Jr. OL/DL71 Austin Smith Fr. OL/DL72 Nathan Holman So. OL/DL73 Haydn Ellis Fr. OL/DL75 Corbin Davis Fr. OL/DL76 Mason Ellis Jr. OL/DL77 Cole Handte Fr. OL/DL79 Jonathan Chewning Jr. OL/DL81 Jake Norris Fr. OL/DL82 Nolan Tucker Jr. TE/OLB84 Michael Shoaf Fr. RB/DB85 Modesto Cruz Sr. K/WR/DB86 Chris Dennis Fr. K/WR/DB89 Ben Finley Fr. OL/DL93 Nick Whitmire Fr. TE/OLB95 Austin Reisinger Fr. OL/DL

2011 leadersPassing Yds TDs Comp%*Bradley Brown 471 5 63*Andrew Smith 59 1 44

Rushing Yds TDs Avg.Imani Cross 1,706 24 8.9Caleb Faulkner 608 9 5.9*Zac Little 276 1 5.4Eli Gilmer 100 0 5.6

Receiving Rec. Yds TDsCaleb Faulkner 7 126 1Eli Gilmer 7 112 3Wade Phillips 2 85 2

Defense Tkl TFL INTImani Cross 71 4 1*Andrew Smith 52 2 3*Destin Bennett 48 10 0 Wade Phillips 46 0 3

*returning player

2011 record4-6, 3-2 Region 8-AAA North

L Jefferson 38-28L St. Pius X 38-13L Gainesville 55-15W Walnut Grove 48-14W Chestatee 48-7W White County 28-14W Lumpkin County 49-0L Franklin County 54-37L Stephens County 39-14L Monroe Area 28-21

CMYK

The Times, Gainesville, Ga. | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW | Sunday, August 19, 2012 9

AnnualGolf Tournament

Senior Cheerleaders from left to right: Lauren Shoaf, Julie Anne Eavenson, Faith Willis, Abbi Shoaf, Sabrina Strange, Mackenzie Potts, Madisen Burrell

2012 NORTH HALL HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADER HOLE SPONSORSAdams and Anderson Bluegrass FestivalsAdams Insurance AgencyAdvanced Eye Center-Dr. Steve WisehartAdvantage AppraisalsAlexander, Almand & Bangs, LLPALFA Insurance, Ken Day AgencyAllergy & Asthma Care CenterAmerican TeleCenters Answering Service, Inc.Ameriprise Financial, Gary HarrAquaBot of Georgia.comAvocados RestaurantBarry & Michaela StraussBeasley Lawn ServicesBennett Family DentistryBerry Medical GroupBest Ceramic TileBill & Judy ManusBill, Beth, Walker & John Bishop MoffettBodyplex FitnessBoswell Electrical & Communication SupplyBrenau UniversityBrewster & Crocker Architects Brookton ExpressButch Miller State SenateC.B.C. Construction Company, LLCCain Electric Co.CantrellCapable Financial Solutions, Inc.CGS PropertiesCharles Black Construction Co. Chattahoochee Bank of GeorgiaCheeley Electric Company, Inc.Chris Strickland, D.M.D.Christopher D. Childs, DMD, PCChuck Hewitt for SheriffClarks Cabinet ShopCoker Equipment Co. Coleman, Chambers & RogersComplete Auto PartsCool Springs ToolingCoppermines Pest ControlCorrie Hill / Liberty NationalCotton Eyed Joe’sCrafty DraughtCurt’s CafeteriaDarlene HeathDeb SchofieldDixieland Equipment SalesDorksDouble D BurgerDoug Parks - Norton Agency InsuranceDoug Smith ContractingDr. & Mrs. Ray SchofieldDr. Ben Hawkins and Dr. Lee HawkinsDr. Suzanne Kimmons-DotyDr. Walter PiekarczykDuncan Exterminating, Inc.Duplicating Products, Inc.Eagle Industrial DistributionEagle Transportation ServicesEasy Out Bonding, Inc.

El Sombrero Mexican GrillEric Thomas Trucking, LLCErtzberger Builders, LLCEskimo ColdEvergreen Heating & Air, LLCFarmer’s Forestry Products, Inc.Fox, Chandler, Homans, Hicks & McKinnonFrank R. McKay of Stewart, Melvin & Frost, LLPFred & Lynn KellyFred H. Simonton III D.M.D. Oral & Maxillofacial SurgeryGainesville FUMC High School MinistryGainesville FUMC Middle School MinistryGainesville Janitor Supply Co., Inc.Gainesville Paint/Budget Carpet OutletGainesville Pet SalonGainesville School of GymnasticsGainesville State CollegeGeorgia Powder CoatingGibson Dental DesignsGlenn MullGolden Buddha RestaurantGrady Parrish, DDS / Chris Childs, DMDGrayel & Cindy WellbornGreat American LoanGreene Ford CompanyGreg & Lynn SyfanGSDGTO 2000Guardian Home Care/Dan Clements Habersham EMCHamilton State BankHappy Pappy’s Storage & Car WashHardy ChevroletHarrison Fence Co.Hayes Chrysler Dodge JeepHolman Pest ControlHomeStar Financial Corp.Hopewell Baptist ChurchHorace Mann Insurance Co. / Wayne Parrish - AgentHulsey EnvironmentalIMAC Group LLCImperial Leasing CompanyIndustrial Pipe & Supply, Co., Inc.IOA - Jason PeacockJ&J Welding Inc.J. Thomas SalonJackson Electric Membership Corp.Jackson Industries / Ben JacksonJacky Jones FordJaemor FarmsJames Electric Co.James L. Cannon DDSJanwyck Decorating CenterJarrell Scroggs Remodeling & ConstructionJeff Elder, MD - Pediatric AssociatesJerry & Linda DyerJessup Compton Pierce CPA’sJH PhotographyJim Ellis VolkswagonJoe Jackson, DMD Family DentistryJohn D. Golden

Johnny Hulsey Truck PartsJoyce Merck FloristKeith Porter InsulationLakeside Plumbing ServiceLanierland Insurance Agency, Inc.Larry & Susan GormanLavender Pest ControlLaw Office of Ken ParkerLawson Air Conditioning & PlumbingLeon SmithLewis Page Auto Brokers / Jerry PageLiberty Mutual Insurance - Angie WilliamsLittle Davenport Funeral HomeLittle Italy PizzaLongstreet Cancer CenterLula PharmacyMairlyn Ballard - Prudential GA RealtyMar-Jac Poultry, Inc.Mark Howell ConstructionMartin DocksMatrix Software, Inc.Matthews Printing CompanyMcDonald’s of Hall CountyMcKann TransportMedical Park PharmacyMelinda BarnesMemorial Park CemetaryMemorial Park Funeral HomesMerlinos & Associates, Inc.Midway Electric, Inc.Mike SmithMountain Fresh CreameryMountain Valley Community BankMRI & Imaging of GAMuddy -H- HolsteinsMurphy Pump ServiceNew Leaf Landscape ServicesNewell Investigative Services Inc.Noble FinanceNorman D Peets III, DDSNorth Georgia Eye ClinicNorth Hall Ace HardwareNorth Hall Earthworks, LLCNorth Hall Tire and WheelOakwood Tire CompanyOverdrive Logistics, Inc.Parker Pump ServiceParks Family PropertiesPatrick B. Toms, DMD / Heather Ramsey, DMDPatterson Auto & WreckerPeach State Dental Studio, Inc.Performance Food Service RomaPhil KinseyPiano MasterPoor Richard’s RestaurantPremier Designs - Amy GilbertPrimary Care Clinics of GA - Dr. HockerPrime-Pak Foods, Inc.Princeton SalonPueblos Mexican CuisineRandall Jordan / GA Farm Bureau

Randy Kinsey Construction CompanyRecess and Sidebar 120 RestaurantRichard HigginsRiverside PharmacyRochester and AssociatesRushton & Company, LLCS & S Trucking, Inc.Salon 4514 & Day SpaSartain Law Offices Sheila Davis - The Norton AgencyShelby’s Beauty SalonSKF USA Inc.Skitts Mt. Farm SupplySmith, Gilliam, Williams, & Miles AttorneysSosebee & Britt OrthodonticsSoutherland Farms Chicken SausageSouthern Companions, LLCSouthern Renovation & Roofing, Inc.Specialty Clinics of GA - Orthopaedics, PCSpecialty Orthopaedics Surgery Center, LLCSpec-Takular BoutiqueSpringer Mountain FarmsState Farm Insurance - Lee DempseyState Representative Carl RogersStrickland & Henderson CPAStrickland & Sons Pipeline, Inc.Strickland Funeral HomeSyfan LogisticsTerri Hulsey MintzThe Little LadybugThe Longstreet Clinic, P.C.The Meat CorralThe Monkey BarrelThe Pool and Spa CenterThe Powers CompanyThe Ship StationThe TimesThree D CleanersTipton Construction Co.Total Auto Service, Inc.Tracy & Suzanne WillisTri-State Waterproofing Solutions, LLCTruelove TaxTurbo Truck CenterTurner Johnson Group Financial ServicesTurner, Wood & Smith InsuranceUnited Community Bank USA CheersWauka Mountain PharmacyWauka Mt. FarmWayne & Nancy ColstonWeber Dental - WeberFamilyDental.com 770-532-8521WE-CleanWeezie’s KitchenWendell A. Turner, M.D.White Co. Farmers ExchangeWilheit Packaging L.L.C.Williams FamilyWilson OrthodonticsWoody’s Pharmacy

2012 NORTH HALL HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADER PATRON SPONSORSAl, Martha, and Zack MizeBilly Bell PlumbingBurger & Shake # 6Captain Billy’s Steak & SeafoodCaroline WillisDavid F. Brown

Davidson Bookkeeping & Tax ServiceDr. Bill MorrisonDr. Jody L. Whisenant, ODDr. Philip KochGainesville Dental SupplyInsulaire, Inc.

Ivey FurnitureJ. Geyer AdvertisingKathryn & Roland StrobergLester’s Body & Paint Shop, Inc.Little’s Lawn ServiceMartin & Karen Schofield

Paula & Wayne HowserPrecise Fit Removables, Inc.Pueblos - Tino SanchezRichard EvansTruelove CelebrationsWingo Dental Arts, LLC

Special thanks to our tournament sponsor for providing a Hole-in-One Car

The North Hall Cheerleaders, Coaches and Booster Club wish to thank the following sponsors

and patrons for making our

held at Chattahoochee Country Club Golf Course,

a tremendous success!

CMYK

CHESTATEE HIGH SCHOOL WAR EAGLES10 Sunday, August 19, 2012 | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL fOOTbALL pREvIEW | The Times, Gainesville, Ga.

THE HOMESTEAD

Chestatee High

Brackett Dr.

Antioch Camp. Rd.Sardis

Rd.

NWAR EAGLE STADIUMDirections: Take Thompson Bridge Road across the bridge and turn left onto Ledan Road. After about 2 miles, turn left onto Sardis Road. School is on the right.Parking: On either side of the school.

MOST WANTED

Jordan DegraffSr. QB/DB 6-0, 155Returning starter threw and ran for nearly 1,200 total yards and a combined 16 touchdowns last season.

Quan Clark

Sr. RB/DB 5-10, 188Was second on the team in rushing last season with 589 yards and four TDs.

2012 SCHEDULEDate OpponentAug. 31 NORTH HALLSept. 7 at West HallSept. 21 EASTSIDE*Sept. 28 at Stephens County*Oct. 5 at JohnsonOct. 12 WALNUT GROVE*Oct. 19 LANIER*Oct. 26 at Lumpkin County*Nov. 2 MONROE AREA*Nov. 9 at Madison County*


Brandon Thompson

Sr. RB/WR 5-9, 160Track star led the team in rushing yards last season, but will also catch passes this season.

HIGH NOONSept. 21 vs. EastsideIt’s the first region game of the season for Chestatee, which didn’t win a subregion game in 8-AAA in two years in the region. It’s also the school’s first meeting with Eastside, which looks to be one of the new region’s better teams. A win would put the War Eagles on better footing entering the region schedule than they’ve had in awhile.

HEAD HONCHO

Stan LuttrellRecord: 29-32 at Chestatee; 33-48 overallOffensive strategy: Split-back option. “I believe that option football is one of the best ways to move the ball. It’s a great team offense.”Defensive strategy: 3-5. “The beauty of the 3-5 is that you can have eight men in the box or you can drop eight. It’s a very multiple defense, very versatile.”

Kyle Perry

Sr. TE/LB 5-10, 210Perry is the leading tackler returningafter registering 82 stops last season as a junior.

Jay Lyles

Sr. RB/LB 5-10, 170Lyles teams up with Perry in a unit looking to make up for the loss of Cody Etris.

2011 leadersPassing Yds TDs Comp %*Jordan Degraff 766 8 40*Wyatt Burgess 183 0 38

Rushing Yds TDs Avg.*Brandon Thompson 597 8 5.8*Quan Clark 589 4 5.7Montrai Tate 448 3 4.7*Jordan Degraff 389 8 5.9

Receiving Rec. Yds TDs*Kelly Arthur 13 213 2*Tony Fayson 4 205 2

Defense Tkl TFL INTGarrett Bennett 90 7 0Justin Spears 63 2 1*Kyle Perry 82 7 0Cody Etris 82 5 0*Jay Lyles 44 2 0

*returning player

2011 record4-6, 0-5 Region 8-AAA North

W West Hall 41-14W Johnson 46-13W Dawson County 27-22L Monroe Area 41-35L North Hall 48-7L Stephens County 28-0L Franklin County 41-7L White County 35-0L Lumpkin County 41-18W Johnson 28-13


Seeking a strong finish


Last year, Chestatee’s sea-son, to an extent, hung in the balance on the fourth game of the season against Monroe Area, the first subregion game of the year.

Chestatee, then 3-0, took the Purple Hurricanes down to the wire before falling 41-35. In addition to suffering their first loss, the War Eagles would never again in 2011 have fewer than three starters out with an injury, including quarterback Jordan Degraff.

It was the start of a 1-6 finish to the season, revealing a lack of depth.

Chestatee coach Stan Luttrell, along with a group of 16 returning senior starters, is determined to not let that hap-pen again.

So, for the first time in years, a number of War Eagles will play on both sides of the ball, and each player is already practicing both ways, in order to maximize the available tal-ent. And the talent is there to make the kind of run that the team started to make last sea-son, even with the move up to Region 8-AAAA.

“We have a lot of (young) guys growing up, and they’re ready for a great year,” said Luttrell, who boasts 18 seniors and “27 or 28” juniors. “These are seniors that got a ton of reps as sophomores.”

And the upperclassmen have the experience to camp out on the field if needed. Luttrell mentioned returning starter and senior quarterback Jordan Degraff as a prime example.

Degraff led the team in in-terceptions as a sophomore cornerback and then switched to starting quarterback last season.

This season he will once again be behind center, but that may not be his only role.

“We may shift him to corner, safety or punter, whatever we need him to do,” Luttrell said. “We will make the most of the talent we have.”

OffenseChestatee returns three of

last season’s four top rushers, including the top two in seniors Brandon Thompson and Quan Clark, who combined for over 1,000 yards on the ground. Luttrell said the backfield will be five or six rushers deep this season, including junior William Fayson, who Luttrell said has the potential to start on offense and defense.

Also returning is Degraff, who ran for 300 yards and

passed for 766, accounting for a team-high 16 total touch-downs.

“He definitely knows what we’re looking for,” Luttrell said of his signal caller.

Three of last season’s start-ing linemen return as well to help block for the experienced backfield, which will need to make up for the loss of 2011 senior running back Montrai Tate’s 448 rushing yards.

Luttrell said the strength of the team is up front on both sides of the ball, and that on offense, the linemen have the size to push back defenses and let the backfield work.

And, while the team certainly likes to run, defenses won’t be able to overlook the wide re-ceivers, led by Kelly Arthur, Tony Fayson and Thompson, who will play running back and receiver.

DefenseWith a number of offen-

sive starters possibly playing defense as well, it’s still very much up in the air as to what the final makeup will be, save that nearly all of the players will be able to help on the de-fensive side.

Luttrell added that the de-fensive line, led by nose tackle Spencer Stover and Kalil Cantrell at defensive end, is a strength.

Seniors Kyle Perry (top

returning tackler with 82 last season), Jay Lyles, and Austin Holcombe all return at line-backer.

In the secondary, seniors Nick Gladmon and Tommy McCormack return to help so-lidify the secondary.

Special teamsLast season’s kicking and

punting duo of Michael Herrin and Leo Molina, who accounted for all of the field goals and all but five punts, graduated, leav-ing a void to fill.

Luttrell noted that Degraff could be in the mix on punts, providing the threat of a fake on each play. He said a number of players are competing for the jobs.

OutlookLuttrell said the goal for

this senior-laden team is the playoffs, even with the move up in classification. If the War Eagles can start as strong as last season, stay relatively healthy and keep the hot start going into region play, the goal is certainly within reach.

It doesn’t hurt, as the coach noted, that with the realign-ment, the odds of a top-four fin-ish are much better.

Instead of playing in a 13-team region, the next two years there are just nine teams in 8-AAAA.

Experienced War Eagles want more in ’12

Times file photo

Chestatee coach Stan Luttrell yells instruction to his players during a game last season.

Location: GainesvilleCoach: Stan Luttrell, 29-32 at Chestatee (7th year); 33-48 overallRegion: 8-AAAALast region title: NoneLast playoff appearance: 2006

CHS ROUNDUp

2012 ROSTER2 Logan Cates Fr. QB/DB3 Kelly Arthur Sr. WR/DB4 Tony Fayson Sr. WR/FS5 Quan Clark Sr. RB/DB6 Keith McClure So. WR/DB7 Austin Holcombe Sr. RB/DB8 William Fayson Jr. RB/LB10 Tyler Shields Sr. WR/DB11 Austin Passmore So. QB/DB12 Blake Buffington Jr. RB/DB14 Coleman Wilson Jr. WR/DB15 Nick Gladmon Sr. WR/DB16 Wyatt Burgess Jr. QB/DB17 Jordan Degraff Sr. QB/DB18 AJ Sijiye So. RB/FS19 Tommy McCormack Sr. WR/DB21 Najee Whittle Fr. WR/DB22 Brandon Thompson Sr. WR/DB23 Tyree Robertson Jr. WR/FS24 Jay Lyles Sr. RB/LB26 Justin Goodall Fr. WR/FS27 Zac Cheshire Jr. RB/DB29 Austin Morris Fr. WR/DB30 Garrett Brader Fr. RB/LB32 Jaime Arroyo Fr. OL/LB33 Cody Humphries Jr. TE/DL34 Khalil Cantrell Jr. TE/DL41 Rob Minor Jr. TE/DL44 Manuel Najera Sr. WR/DB/K45 Tray Bryant So. RB/DB46 Kyle Perry Sr. TE/LB47 Noah Baxter Jr. TE/DL49 Chandler Carroll Jr. OL/LB50 Ryland Washington Sr. OL/DL51 Cody Kenimer So. OL/DL52 Matt Pruitt So. OL/DL53 Danny Mejia Sr. OL/DL54 Seth Strickland So. OL/LB55 Johnathan West Sr. OL/DL56 Jaime Aguillares Jr. OL/DL57 Brandon Brechter Jr. OL/DL58 Sammy Villa So. OL/DL60 Kevin Caputo Jr. OL/DL61 Kurt Radford Jr. OL/DL62 AJ Lariscy Fr. OL/DL63 TJ Veasley Fr. OL/DL64 Billy Fulcher Jr. OL/DL65 Dakota Ivester Fr. OL/DL66 Mike McNerney Fr. OL/DL67 Grayson Entrekin Jr. OL/DL68 Mike Ravan Jr. OL/DL69 Jose Zamora Jr. K71 Malik Daniel So. OL/DL72 Tanner Hinchcliff Fr. OL/DL74 Nick Probart Fr. OL/DL75 Brett Anderson So. OL/DL76 Edgar Amaro Jr. OL/DL77 Spencer Stover Sr. OL/DL78 Johious Cantrell Sr. OL/DL80 Baker McCormack Sr. TE/LB82 Brandon Cantrell Fr. WR/DB83 Logan Gruenenfelder So. WR/DB84 Matthew Nelson Jr. WR/DB86 Zach Boerger Jr. TE/LB87 Axl McDonald Jr. OL/DL88 Austin Hollman Jr. WR/DB99 Jordan Browning Jr. OL/DL

CMYK

BUFORD HIGH SCHOOL WOLVESThe Times, Gainesville, Ga. | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL FOOtBaLL pREVIEW | Sunday, August 19, 2012 11

2012 SCHEDULEDate OpponentAug. 31 at Elbert CountySept. 7 GAINESVILLESept. 14 HANCOCK CENTRALSept. 28 at Banks County*Oct. 5 WEST HALL*Oct. 12 at White County*Oct. 19 DAWSON COUNTY*Oct. 26 FANNIN COUNTY*Nov. 2 at East Hall*Nov. 9 NORTH HALL*


HIGH NOONSept. 7 vs. GainesvilleLast year, behind an experienced defense, Buford shut down the powerful Gainesville attack for a 49-0 win. But behind quarterback Deshaun Watson, one of the top juniors in the state, the Red Elephants could have a shot for redemption. Buford lost a number of seniors from its 2011 defense, but winning this game could be a sign that Buford is here to stay.

MOSt WaNtED

Josh CardielloSr. OL/DL 6-4, 285Cardiello, who has committed to the University of Georgia, is ranked the No. 4 center in his class by Scout.com.

Mikey BartSr.TE/DL6-3,245The big senior recorded six sacks in 2011 and has received multiple Division-I offers.

Dontravious WilsonSr.RB/LB5-11,215Wilson was the Wolves’ second leading rusher in 2011.

HEaD HONCHOJess SimpsonRecord: 96-5 at school, 96-15 overallOffensive strategy: I-formation; “Being in the I gives us a physical, downhill offense, and I think it makes the defense more physical, too.”Defensive strategy: 4-3/3-4; “We work primarily out of the 4-3, but we’ve evolved to be more multiple. I think it challenges our players and helps them grow.”

Korie RogersJr.TE/LB6-2,210Recorded 53 tackles and eight sacks off the bench as a sophomore.

Jaylen MizeSr.WR/DB5-11,170Mize led the team in interceptions as a junior and will be a leader in the secondary in 2012.

2011leadersPassing

Yds TDs Comp %Sam Clay 1,227 13 63

Rushing Yds TDs Avg.Andre Johnson 1,081 18 8.3*Dontravious Wilson 662 9 8.4Nathan Staub 488 10 8.9Rick LeGrant 371 6 16.9

Receiving Rec. Yds TDsRyan Dillard 18 263 1Kurt Freitag 19 206 3Nathan Staub 9 191 3

Defense Tkl TFL INTAndre Johnson 67 7 0Nathan Staub 63 4 1Dillon Lee 49 10 0Paris Head 35 1 1*Jaylen Mize 23 1 4

*returning player

2011recordW Blessed Trinity 42-0W Gainesville 49-0W Carver-Columbus 35-7W Yulee (Fla.) 49-7W Therrell 49-0W Lovett 35-7W Decatur 59-14W Clarkston 71-0W GAC 28-0W Blessed Trinity 49-10

ClassAAstateplayoffsW Temple 49-13W Jefferson County 31-0W Elbert County 49-13W Carver-Columbus 28-13L Calhoun 27-24 (OT)

tHE GOOD, tHE BaD & tHE UGLY

New cast to carry traditionBYDAVIDMITCHELL

[email protected]

Four championships in five years.

It doesn’t matter how you slice it, that puts Buford in rare territory in the history of Georgia high school football.

Sure, the Wolves fell short in the 2011 Class AA state title game, but there is no denying the success.

If that success is to continue this season, however, Buford must conquer a new chal-lenge.

The team returns just one starter on offense and only two from a defense that was among the state’s best last season.

Gone are Dillon Lee and Nathan Staub, along with Paris Head, C.J. Moore and Ryan Dillard. Rick LeGrant, too. All graduated.

But it’s still Buford, and coach Jess Simpson is excited about the challenge.

“It’s been back to ground zero is some ways,” he said. “When you’re replacing 20 starters, you really kind of go back to the basics. Now we’re just kind of developing things fundamentally and setting the foundation.”

OffenseAs always, the offense be-

gins with the running game.Buford, which works out of

the I-formation, will look to get a similar physical, down-hill approach.

Leading rusher Andre Johnson has graduated, but his shoes will be filled by

Dontravious Wilson, who joined the team late last sea-son after transferring in.

Wilson, who has already committed to Western Kentucky, finished last season second on the team in rushing yards with 662 and, in a lot of ways, became a featured part of the offense down the stretch.

“He’s a tailback that’s had a great summer,” Simpson said. “We’re expecting a lot of good things out of him. He’s a great player.

“And right now, he could be starting both ways.”

Tight end Mikey Bart will be another key piece to the offense, both in the running and passing game as he will be counted on to seal the edge for runners as well as catch passes when the occasion warrants.

“He’s a really talented tight end,” Simpson said. “As a se-nior I think he could do some really good things for us.”

One change on offense, however, will be on the line, where all but Josh Cardiello graduated.

Nine of the top 10 on the depth chart last year were se-niors, so even though the team had plenty of playing time for backups, this year’s starters are still relatively green.

DefenseThe defense is in a similar

boat. Only Jaylen Mize and Bart return to the unit from last season’s juggernaut.

Simpson expects Cardiello and Bart to be strong at defen-sive end and Mize led the team

in interceptions last season.But, as Simpson said, the ex-

pectations from this defense are no different than in the past.

“You might not know the names, but we won’t look any different,” he said.

Those new faces include Korie Rogers, a junior line-backer who has already re-ceived some attention from Division-I schools. Simpson added that Wilson could also win a job at linebacker and play both ways, which he did some in 2011.

“There’s a lot to learn,” Simpson said of the unit. “But I like the parts. By the end of the year, I think it could be re-ally good.”

SpecialteamsDavid Petroni will be back

for his fourth year as the Bu-ford kicker and punter. Simp-son said he is currently work-ing about eight guys as return men.

OutlookAs Simpson indicated, the

parts may have changed, but by season’s end, expect it to be the same fine-tuned machine.

Buford has tough games to open the season, at Elbert County and at home against Gainesville. That will be the time to beat Buford.

Once the new starters have gained experience on the field, the Wolves should be back to their winning ways.

They are the favorite in 7-AAA until another team proves otherwise.

BHS ROUNDUpLocation: BufordCoach: Jess SimpsonRegion: 7-AAALast region title: 2011Last playoff appearance: Each year since 1998Returning starters: 1 on offense, 2 on defense

CMYK

12 Sunday, August 19, 2012 | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW | The Times, Gainesville, Ga.

See Our Entire Line-up at www.HayesChryslerDodge.com

800-269-98521-800-872-9864

1-800-872-9864

Located Next to GaiNesviLLe coLLeGe5 MiNutes FroM the Lake, FLowery

BraNch aNd dowN towN GaiNesviLLe

our FaMiLy has served haLL couNty For 30 years!

FrOm EvEryOnE On OUr TEamGood Luck haLL couNty FootBaLL

mEET OUrElitE

Jeep Wrangler

Chrysler 200

CMYK

The Times, Gainesville, Ga. | 2012 HigH scHool football preview | Sunday, August 19, 2012 13

elite 11This year’s Elite 11 brings together

a wide variety of players and skill sets. The one thing they have in common: Being a general pain in the neck of opposing coaches.

Deshaun WatsonQuarterback

Gainesville

Wanted for: Breaking records willy-nilly.

As a sophomore, Watson set school and county marks last

season passing for 3,251 yards and 41 touchdowns while

rushing for 1,073 and16 more scores. His performance helped lead the Red Elephants back to the Class AAA state semifinals.

Blake ManningOffensive tackle

West Hall

Wanted for: Pushing around defensive linmen.

A consistent performer on the field and in the classroom, according to his coach, Manning is the bell cow for the West Hall offensive line. It’s no secret in Northeast Georgia that

when the Spartans run, Manning will be leading the way.

Devonte BentonOL/DLEast Hall

Wanted for: Wanton disruption of opposing offenses.

The Vikings’ big man is a two-way threat, making his name last season as a junior and helping East Hall win five games for the first time in five years. His coach also touts him as one of the area’s top offensive linemen.

Tyler DominyQuarterback

Dawson County

Wanted for: Torching defensive backfields across

Northeast Georgia.

The leader of the Tigers’ balanced offense, Dominy made strides

last season and is poised to make more this fall. As a junior in 2011, he passed for 1,890 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing 62

percent of his throws.

Bryant ShirreffsQuarterbackJefferson

Wanted for: Presenting a dual threat to opposing defenses.

A three-year starter as the Dragons’ signal caller, Shirreffs showed the ability to do it all last season. He threw for nearly 1,900 yards and 19 scores while completing over 60 percent of his passes, and backed it up with 400 rushing yards and 9 more TDs.

Darius CurryAthlete

Flowery Branch

Wanted for: Locking down receivers.

Stepping out of the shadow of his older brother C.J. (now at Oklahoma

State), Curry has established his own reputation as one of the state’s best defensive backs. Darius is also

committed to the Cowboys, but before he gets to Stillwater, he’ll be called on in a multitude of roles this

season for the Falcons.

Noel PadmoreCornerbackFlowery Branch

Wanted for: Rustling passes intended for opposing receivers.

Padmore made a splash in 2011, his junior season, logging 42 tackles, intercepting a pair of passes and starring in the secondary for the Falcons. In the process, he drew the attention of college recruiters and is sitting on a handful of Division-I offers.

Fred PayneSafetyGainesville

Wanted for: Enforcing his own brand of justice in the defensive backfield.

Back for his third year as a starter, Payne emerged as a force for the Red Elephants last season. An aggressive, physical presence, the 180-pound senior racked up 133 tackles last season.

Jacob AllenLinebacker

Flowery Branch

Wanted for: Brutish behavior directed toward

running backs.

Allen broke into the starting lineup late in his freshman year and has

never left, becoming a focal point in the Falcons defense. He led the team last season with 131 tackles,

including 24 stops behind the line of scrimmage.

Josh CardielloCenterBuford

Wanted for: Blantant intimidation of defensive tackles.

The senior is one of the few returning starters for the Wolves this season, but his this 285-pounder anchoring the offensive line, don’t expect too much of a dip in Buford’s run-heavy offense. Considered one of the top centers in the nation, Cardiello is committed to the University of Georgia.

Cedric HarrisRunning back

Johnson

Wanted for: Running roughshod over opponents.

Harris has ranked among the area’s top rushers in back-to-back seasons,

topping 1,400 yards last season at a 6.4-yard-per-carry clip. Expect more of the same as the Knights build their triple-option offense around the skills

of their talented senior.

CMYK

JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL KNIGHTS14 Sunday, August 19, 2012 | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL fOOTbaLL prevIew | The Times, Gainesville, Ga.

THe HOMeSTeaD

Johnson High

Atla

nta

Hw

y.

Poplar Springs Rd.

R.W. Johnson Dr.

N

BILLY ELLIS MEMORIALDirections: Take Interstate 985 to Exit 17, turn left on Mundy Mill Road. Then turn left onto Ga. Highway 13, followed by a right onto Poplar Springs Road. School is 1/4 mile on the left.Parking: Behind the gym and to the right on the athletic fields access road.

MOST waNTeD

Cedric HarrisSr. RB/LB 6-1, 202Was one of the best backs in the area last season with 1,430 yards rushing, and a leader on the Knights’ defense.

AJ MillwoodSr. RB/LB 5-9, 185Johnson’s second-leading running back ran for over 700 yards as a junior in 2011.

2012 SCHeDULeDate OpponentAug. 24 WEST HALLAug. 31 OGLETHORPE COUNTYSept. 7 at North HallSept. 14 NORTH MURRAYSept. 21 at East HallOct. 5 CHESTATEEOct. 13 at ClarkstonOct. 19 DRUID HILLSOct. 26 at PickensNov. 9 TBD

Home games in CAPS

Jose MartinezSr. TE/LB 6-1, 212Led the Knight with nine tackles for loss and a pair of sacks last season.

HIGH NOONAug. 24 vs. West HallTwo teams with two new head coaches will meet at Johnson High — a week before most teams around the state start the season — for the annual Battle of Oakwood. Both will be looking for a better start than the year before, as the Knights lost all 10 of last season’s games and the Spartans opened 0-4. Last season, at West Hall, the Spartans won 35-21.

New SHerIff IN TOwN

Jason RoquemoreRecord: 0-0 (1st year as a head coach)Offensive Strategy: Double slot. “It really makes our kids focus on execution.”Defensive Strategy: 3-4. “It matches up very well with our current personnel.”

Mason BordersSr. OL/DL 6-2, 315Part of an O-line that will be a key to how effective the running game is this season.

Steve RodriguezJr. OL/DL 5-8, 285An All-Region 8-AAA selection at nose tackle last season as a sophomore.

2011 leadersPassing Yds Comp%Justin Thomson 231 25

Rushing Yds Avg.*Cedric Harris 1,430 6.4 *AJ Millwood 714 6.1Justin Thomson 283 3.8

Receiving Rec. Yds*Paul Barker 5 42 *AJ Millwood 2 32

Defense Tkl TFL INT*Cedric Harris 74 7 1*Jose Martinez 72 9 0*Steve Rodriguez 56 3 0Justin Thomson 32 2 3

*returning player

2011 record0-10, 0-5 Region 8-AAA South

L Jackson County 20-12L East Hall 41-17L Chestatee 46-13L Lumpkin County 30-21L Gainesville 47-0L West Hall 35-21L Walnut Grove 29-14L Oconee County 35-8L Monroe Area 21-0L Chestatee 28-13

THe GOOD, THe baD & THe UGLY

Primed for improvement

2012 rOSTer1 Juan Soto RB/DB So.2 Luis Hernandez RB/DB Jr.3 Jake Millwood RB/DB Fr.4 Michael Bookwalter RB/LB Jr.7 Chase Sims QB/DB So.8 Paul Barker QB/DB Sr.10 Dre Johnson WR/DB Fr.11 Victor Kowalke WR/DB Jr.12 Eric Gallardo QB/DB Fr.14 Isaiah Torres RB/DB Fr.17 Joel Frayle WR/DB Sr.18 Efren Lopez WR/DB Jr.20 AJ Millwood RB/LB Sr.21 Jamison Owens WR/LB Jr.22 Jose Martinez TE/LB Sr.23 Jesse Griggs FB/DL So.24 Jordan Green FB/LB Jr.25 Orion Pittman QB/DB Fr.27 Brice Orr WR/DL Fr.31 Kyree Willis WR/DB Fr.33 Cedric Harris RB/LB Sr.36 Isaac Cooper WR/LB Sr.40 Kenny Stephens FB/LB Fr.41 Cameron Josey WR/DB Fr.42 Canaan Johnson WR/DL Fr.43 Issac Henry K Fr.44 Armando Camacho WR/LB Fr.45 Francisco Euyoque WR/DB So.48 Brandon Berry WR/DB Fr.49 Collin Young WR/DB Fr.51 Sergio Aguilera OL/DL Fr.52 Ricky Bui OL/LB Fr.53 Eliezer Vasquez OL/LB Fr.54 Lyric Bright OL/DL Sr.55 Mason Borders OL/DL Sr.56 John Averils OL/DL Sr.57 Orlando Romero OL/DL So.59 Roman Guerrero OL/LB So.61 Killian Brown OL/DL Fr.63 Daniel Erazo OL/DL Fr.64 Andrew Temple WR/DL Fr.65 Raymundo Hernandez OL/DL So.66 Bernardo Plascencia OL/DL So.67 Pedro Estrada OL/DL So.68 Jose Castillo OL/DL Sr.70 Candido Huizar OL/DL Jr.72 Caleb Herrin OL/DB Jr.74 Miguel Gallaga OL/DL So.75 Jordan Randolph OL/DL Fr.77 Devin McClay OL/DL Jr.78 George Plascencia OL/DL Fr.79 Steve Rodriguez OL/DL Jr.81 Jake Bowers WR/DL Fr.88 Chase Frazier WR/LB Fr.


Before most high school foot-ball teams in the state hit the gridiron for their first regular season game, the Johnson High football team will have already been tested.

The Knights, under first-year head coach Jason Roquemore, are kicking off the 2012 season on Aug. 24 at home against West Hall in the annual Battle of Oakwood.

That means that Roque-more, hired in June after the departure of previous coach Paul Friel, has had to do a lot of work in a hurry to evaluate the team and install new systems.

He’s starting to see the re-sults of that work.

“We have a pretty good idea about where our guys are going to fit,” said Roquemore, who coached previously at North Cobb Christian. “And we want to continue to build on that as we move forward.”

OffenseThe coach said he’s very en-

couraged about the play of his offensive line so far in practice, which is important for a team looking to run the double slot of-fense, similar to that of Georgia Tech.

Mason Borders, John Avery and Lyrick Bright are the three leaders of the line, according to Roquemore, and he expects them to be able to open up holes for an already talented backfield that includes two returning starters who rushed for more than 2,000 yards com-bined last season.

Senior Cedric Harris (1,430 yards rushing in 2011) is one of the top running backs in the area and will play in the fullback position in the new of-fense.

“Cedric is by far the leader of the group, but we have three or four running backs who are very talented,” Roquemore said.

The others include senior AJ Millwood, who ran for 714 yards last season and will be one of the two slot backs this season along with junior Michael Bookwalter.

The leading candidate at quarterback is senior Paul Barker, trying take over for 2011 starter Justin Thompson.

The new Knights quar-terback will also have a few talented wide receivers to throw to when he drops back. Roquemore mentioned junior Jamison Owens as one of the top receivers available.

DefenseRoquemore is pleased with

the way the front seven has looked so far.

On the line, the story has been sophomore Jesse Griggs.

“He’s just been unbeliev-able,” the coach said.

“Really fun to watch. A great motor.”

He will also be joined by a 2011 All-Region selection in ju-nior Steve Rodriguez.

Linebacker could be the most talented unit on the field with last season’s top two tack-lers in Harris and senior Jose Martinez, who Roquemore said is an emotional leader, returning. They will be joined by Millwood, who played in the secondary last season.

This season the secondary is the most wide open area of the team, with a group of young Knights in open competition for all positions.

The coach mentioned fresh-men Dre Johnson and Orion Pittman, along with junior Luis Hernandez, as a few of the

better players in the mix for starting spots.

Special teamsFreshman Isaac Henry and

junior Efren Lopez are battling for the kicking duties this sea-son.

As for the return game, Roquemore said he is evaluat-ing a number of his secondary players as possibilities, and will also look into using Harris at times to provide a serious spe-cial teams threat.

OutlookThe competition will look a

little different this season with Johnson playing a non-region schedule, although the Knights still have four Hall County op-ponents on the schedule.

There are also a number of opportunities for Johnson to drastically improve on last sea-son’s 0-10 record, starting with the early date against West Hall, a team the Knights lost to 35-21 last season.

Knights, new coach learning on the fly

Times file photo

Johnson’s AJ Millwood looks for running room during last year’s game at Chestatee.

Location: OakwoodCoach: Jason RoquemoreRegion: 8-AAAA (Playing a non-region schedule)Last region title: NoneLast playoff appearance: 2004Returning starters: On offense 7, on defense 5

JHS rOUNDUp

CMYK

RIVERSIDE MILITARY ACADEMY EAGLESThe Times, Gainesville, Ga. | 2012 HIGH SCHooL fooTbALL pREVIEw | Sunday, August 19, 2012 15

MoST wANTED

Collin PettellJr. QB 6-4, 220Strong leader for the Eagles at quarterback with valuable experience gained as a sophomore last season.

Montana OgbuOLB 6-0, 190 Sr.Covers good range at linebacker and should make plenty of tackles for the Eagles.

2012 SCHEDULEDate OpponentSept. 7 WHITEFIELD ACADEMYSept. 14 at Georgia MilitarySept. 21 at Washington-Wilkes*Sept. 28 at Oglethorpe County*Oct. 5 RABUN COUNTY*Oct. 12 at Union County*Oct. 19 at Social Circle*Oct. 26 GLASCOCK COUNTYNov. 2 at Jefferson*Nov. 9 GREENE COUNTY*


John-Mark MacFarlaneOL/MLB 5-11, 190 Jr.Scrappy player who can hold his own in the trenches.

HIGH NooNSept. 7 vs. Whitefield AcademyAfter a bad 2011, a win in the season opener would go a long way to forgetting the past and opening the Gary Downs era as Eagles coach on a positive note. Even though Riverside cadets didn’t report to campus until Aug. 10, meaning a late start to practice, they have an extra week before opening the season at Maginnis Field. The Eagles have two nonregion games to start the season before playing seven of the final eight games in Region 8-AA.

NEw SHERIff IN TowN

Gary DownsRecord: 0-0 at school, 0-0 overallOffensive strategy: Multiple I-formation: If you’re not large across the line of scrimmage, if creates advantageous blocking angles, and is a system that can be learned quicker by the players.”Defensive strategy: Multiple: It allows us to put pressure on the other offense, even with smaller players.”

Gage BoldenRB/DB 5-10 160 Sr.Not afraid to throw his body around and make plays for the Eagles.

Adrian HumphreyATH 5-10, 170 Sr.Versatile player who can help the Eagles in a variety of ways.

2011 leadersPassing Yds TDs Comp %*Collin Pettell 883 7 41

Rushing Yds TDs Avg.Marlan Edwards 115 2 4.3Bre’Yon Thomas 62 0 2.1

Receiving Rec. Yds TDs*Adrian Humphrey 11 252 1Victor Salcido 17 215 13

Defense Tkl TFL INT*John-Mark McFarlane 53 3 0Marlan Edwards 44 3 0Ian Parvin-Asher 28 0 0David Bookrum 23 2 0

*returning player

2011 record1-9, 1-5 Region 8-A

L Pinecrest Academy 21-14L Lumpkin County 50-0L Banks County 21-0L Landmark Christian 65-0L George Walton Academy 42-6W Social Circle 21-0L Commerce 42-0L Athens Christian 35-7L Athens Academy 44-6L Prince Avenue Christian 48-25

THE GooD, THE bAD & THE UGLY N

Riverside Military Academy Riverside

Dr.

LakeWarner Rd.

THE HoMESTEAD

MAGINNIS FIELDDirections: Travel north on US-129 and turn left onto Riverside Drive. Stadium is 1 mile on the right.Parking: Available in front of the stadium and in the real lot adjacent to the stadium.

Seeking return to form

2012 RoSTER1. Christopher Howard Jr.2. Stephen Weschler Jr.3. Adrian Humphrey Jr.4. Gage Bolden Sr.5. Spencer Jackson Sr.6. JeJuan McCalston Fr.7. Collin Pettell Jr.8. Montana Ogbu Sr.9. James Lovett Sr.10. Hamza Krisne Sr.11. Akshar Patel Sr.12. Austin Smith Sr.14. Austin Prease Sr.15. Ike Onwuanaibe Sr.18. Vladimir Timokhin Sr.21. Olanrewaju Shitta-Bey Sr.22. Joseph Garuba Fr.23. Phillip Sheffield Sr.24. Anthony Sweatt So.25. Michael Hilton Sr.26. Mosope Shonekan Jr.27. Merritt Wilburn So.30. Richard Hendricks So.31. Christopher Rosato Fr.32. Avial Davidi Sr.33. David Cannon Jr.35. Drew Parker So.37. Adam Turner So.41. Rigney Hoffman Fr.44. Brandon Grant Fr.45. Jonathan Burris So.48. Matthew Jones So.50. Steven Hamilton Jr.53. Theodore Ricker Fr.55. John-Mark MacFarlane Jr.56. Gabe Frazier Sr.59. Jeremy Brown So.62. Alyn Bass So.68. Peniel Okonkwo So.69. Conner Johnson Sr.72. Harrison Summerhour Jr.73. Nicolas Gasparro Sr.74. Taylor Hardin So.75. Shaquille Wallace Sr.77. Tyler White Jr.80. Anthony Reyes Sr.81. Michael Schouest Fr.82. Taylor Guidry Fr.83. Aaron Wilson Fr.84. Jacob Whitten So.87. Justin Genes Sr.88. Taron Robinson So.90. Stephen Johnson So.95. Tucker Browning Sr.97. Christopher McAteer So.99. Michael Tucker Sr.


One of the biggest bless-ings for first-year Riverside Military coach Gary Downs may be a bye week right away on Aug. 31.

While most programs would despise having to use their cov-eted week off without having played a single game, Downs looks at it as another week to get his players at the private military school on the same page. Since Riverside Military (1-9 in 2011) doesn’t open the season until a game against Whitefield Academy on Sept. 7 at Maginnis Field, that gives Downs almost exactly a month to work with players from the time they reported to campus.

“I’m excited,” said Downs, who expects to have between 40-50 players this season. “We’ve had a good summer of preparation. “My biggest goal right away is to restore the pride in the program and lay the groundwork for expecta-tions.”

Right away, Downs, an as-sistant coach at Riverside Military from 2003-06, sees some bright spots. He’ll have some size on the offensive line, good numbers in the backfield for his run-first offense and some good athletes on the pe-rimeter to throw to.

However, he knows not to ride the roller coaster of emotions too hard when he sees some good athletes that may enroll. Just as soon as he has two players that enroll at Riverside Military, just as many may leave the next day who he was previously count-ing on playing in the fall.

Final football numbers will not be intact until school at Riverside Military starts at the end of the month.

OffenseRiverside Military will

have options at the quarter-back position. Downs plans to try returning starter Collin Pettell, Stephen Weschler and Christopher Howard to see what they can do under center. Last year, Pettell threw for 883 yards and seven touchdowns, but completed only 41 percent of his throws.

“Pettell is bigger and stron-ger,” Downs said. “But the other two (Weschler and How-ard) are more athletic.”

At running back, Downs feels pleased with the skills that Gage Bolden, Joseph Garuba and Adrian Humphrey bring to

the table. Again, he’ll let them battle it out during practice to see which is ready to take the starting job.

Riverside Military’s new coach expects to run an offense that starts out of the I-forma-tion, but will gladly change it if it doesn’t suit his personnel.

Wide receiver is a position that Downs believes will be a particular strength. His three top candidates to catch the ball are Spencer Jackson and Ike Onwuanaibe at wide receiver and 220-pound junior Matt Jones at tight end.

On the offensive line, Downs plans to start Ben White (6-foot-4, 285 pounds) at left tackle, Harrison Summerhour at left guard, John-Mark MacFarlane at center, Taylor Hardin (6-2, 245) at right guard and Tucker Browning (6-4, 315) at right tackle.

DefenseThe defensive line for the

Eagles has Gabe Frazier at nose tackle, and White and Brown-ing at defensive end. Downs will have three of his most ath-letic players at linebacker with Montana Ogbu and Summer-hour on the outside, and Mac-Farlane at middle linebacker (53 tackles in 2011).

James Lovett and Bolden will also see playing time at middle linebacker. Michael Hilton will play at outside linebacker.

In the secondary, Austin Smith and Jackson are the Eagles’ two starters at cor-nerback. Anthony Reyes and Weschler will start at safety.

Special teamsHandling kick- and punt-

return duties for Riverside Military will be Humphrey and Onwuanaibe.

Olanrewja Shitta-Bey will be the Eagles’ kicker and Jonanthan Davis will punt.

OutlookDowns knows that restoring

Riverside Military’s football program will be a work in prog-ress. However, he knows that the school has potential to be as successful, once again, as when it was contending yearly for state titles in the Georgia Independent Schools Associa-tion, during his first stint at the school.

Riverside Military’s new coach says that winning just one game again this season would be an unequivocal fail-ure. He says that winning five games in 2012 would be a fea-sible goal. To do so, they’ll have to pick up a few region victories in the Eagles’ new setup in Re-gion 8-AA.

“Maybe I’m overly optimis-tic,” Downs said. “So much de-pends on the players.”

Eagles hoping to bring back glory days

Times file photo

Riverside defenders take down an opposing ball carrier during a game last season

Location: GainesvilleCoach: Gary DownsRegion: 8-AA NorthLast region title: 2006Last playoff appearance: 2009Returning starters: 4 on offense, 5 on defense

RMA RoUNDUp

CMYK

LAKEVIEW ACADEMY LIONS16 Sunday, August 19, 2012 | 2012 HIgH SCHOOL fOOtbALL prEVIEW | The Times, Gainesville, Ga.

tHE HOMEStEAD

LakeviewAcademy

N

Limestone

Pkwy.

Beverly Rd.

Lakeview Dr.

JOCK HORNER FIELDDirections: From downtown Gainesville, take Green Street and follow US-129 North. Take a right onto Lakeview Drive. The school is less than 1 mile agead on the left.Parking: Lots available throughout campus.

MOSt WANtED

Trevor PriceSr. RB/LB 5-10, 165Relentless competitor for the Lions who will be counted on to handle the bulk of the carries in their triple-option attack.

Ted ReynoldsSr. QB/DB 6-1, 160Four-year player for the Lions who displays great leadership skills on the field.

2012 SCHEDULEDate OpponentAug. 31 FELLOWSHIP CHRIST.Sept. 7 at Hebron ChristianSept. 14 at Pinecrest AcademySept. 28 ATHENS ACADEMYOct. 12 at Cross KeysOct. 19 at St. FrancisOct. 26 N. COBB CHRISTIANNov. 2 TOWNS COUNTY

Home games in CAPS

Carter RossSr. QB/LB 6-2, 205Tough, hard-nosed player who is always around the football, Gruhn says.

HIgH NOONSept. 28 vs. Athens AcademyWinners of three straight to close the 2011 season, the Lions hope to build on that momentum by starting the new season 3-0. Doing so would put them in position to make a statement against the Spartans at Jock Horner Field. With a win, Lakeview Academy could certainly send a signal to the rest of Region 8-A that they are legitimate, even though the program is still playing a nonregion schedule. The last time these two played, the Lions kept it respectable, losing 28-7 in 2009.

HEAD HONCHO

Matthew GruhnRecord: 10-23 at school, 10-23 overallOffensive strategy: Triple Option; “We certainly like the triple option based on the fact that we don’t have to block everybody. We don’t have to have big, stud linemen or anything like that. We feel like it’s a neutralizer that gives teams a chance to compete against bigger teams. Plus, we love it. It’s an unselfish offense. And it’s kind of what we pride ourselves on.”Defensive strategy: 4-4: It’s the thing that best fits our personnel. We kind of adjust it every year based on the people we have coming back and their strengths. It’s more personnel than scheme.”

Alex OliverSr. DL/OL 6-1, 210A leader up front who moves fast and is able to pave a running lane for the ground game.

John CoxSr. WR/DB 6-0, 180A great playmaker in the secondary for the Lions. Led the team with five INTs last season.

tHE gOOD, tHE bAD & tHE UgLY

2011 leadersRushing Yds TDs Avg.Matt Askounis 430 6 NA*Trevor Price 260 2 NA

Defense Tkl TFL INT*Trevor Price 75 10 NA

*returning player

2011 record4-4 overall

L Fellowship Christian 6-0L King’s Ridge Christian 13-3L Prince Avenue 42-7W Hebron Christian 10-7L River Ridge 28-21W North Cobb Christian 49-21W Georgia Military 14-7W Towns County 21-0

Lions ready to roar

2012 rOStErDavid Abee WR/DB 10Patrick Avery TE/LB 11Paul Avery OL/DL 11Eric Baldwin OL/DL 12Chris Ball RB/LB 10Logan Barwick RB/DB 9Anderson Cagle WR/DB 9Chance Calderhead WR/DB 11Michael Chosewood WR/DB 9James Corbitt FB/LB 10John Cox WR/DB 12Dalton Deavers OL/DL 12David Fadool OL/DL 11Caleb Faulkner FB/LB 12Mason Goodroe OL/DL 9Matthew Hayes RB/DL 12Nick Henderson TE/LB 12Ramsey Hill OL/DL 12Drake Hollander RB/LB 11Jarrett Huge WR/LB 12Will Kendrick OL/DL 12Kyle Larsen OL/DL 10Joel Larson WR/DL 12Jack Lipold OL/DL 10JT McClung OL/DL 11Gabe McConnell RB/LB 9Mitchell McIntire OL/DL 10Alex Oliver OL/DL 12Hunter Oliver OL/DL 12Parker Oliver QB/LB 10Thomas Paris WR/DB 12Carter Pinson FB/LB 12Trevor Price RB/LB 12Ted Reynolds QB/DB 12Carter Ross RB/LB 12Matthew Sartor OL/DL 9Connor Sosebee OL/DL 9Jackson Strickland RB/DB 11Chase Unger OL/DL 11


Lakeview Academy coach Matthew Gruhn hopes that a greatly expanded roster will lead to even more success than the Lions’ back-to-back 4-4 sea-sons.

The Lions open the season with a 39-man roster, 13 more than the year before, which makes it easier to go two deep without much of a drop-off along the line of scrimmage.

This season, Lakeview also has its most experienced team with 17 seniors, all of which logged varsity action last sea-son. The starters will also look much the same as 10 return on defense and nine on offense. Gruhn says the true test this season will come when they have to respond to adversity.

“If this group can stay to-gether, I feel like they can be a special group,” Gruhn said. “Hopefully, they’ll be able to live up to the excitement that the program has created in the school.”

Gruhn noticed that the tide started to turn early last season when the Lions pulled together a game-winning drive in the fi-nal two minutes against Hebron Christian after dropping their first three games of the season. Now, the Lions have pieced together back-to-back .500 sea-sons with hopes of their first winning campaign in 2012.

OffenseGruhn is sticking with his

bread-and-butter triple-option attack this season. He feels like it fits his personnel great, too, with the return of senior Trevor Price in the backfield, along with Carter Ross and ju-nior Jackson Strickland to help share the carries.

“We love the triple option

because it’s such an unselfish offense,” Gruhn said. “Every-one has to do their part right to make it work.”

The man under center this season for the Lions will be se-nior Ted Reynolds, who Gruhn says has great leadership abili-ties and a hunger for the team to be successful.

At wide receiver, a group consisting of John Cox, Jarrett Huge, Joel Larson and Thomas Paris will see most of the play-ing time.

Lakeview’s offensive line is not very big, but athletic enough to make the triple op-tion work. The Lions’ biggest lineman is center Ramsey Hill (5-foot-11, 220). Offensive tackles are Chase Unger (180 pounds) on the left side, and Eric Baldwin and JT McClung on the right side.

Gruhn will be able to rotate his guards regularly with Kyle Larsen, Hunter Oliver and Paul Avery seeing most of the play-ing time.

Baldwin is the smallest of the offensive lineman at 160 pounds, but Gruhn considers him also one of the best.

“We’ll be able to play a two-platoon across the line,” Gruhn said. “That’s good to keep kids from having to play the entire game without a break.”

DefenseJust like the rest of the field,

Lakeview is experienced on the defensive front. Will Kendrick

(6-0, 280) is back in the middle with Matt Hayes at the other tackle spot. Alex Oliver and Joel Larson are the two outside linemen.

Linebackers are also vet-eran with Price (75 tackles in 2011), Carter Ross and Caleb Faulkner set to receive the ma-jority of the playing time.

In the secondary, Cox is re-turning after leading the Lions with five interceptions last sea-son and Reynolds is back at the other cornerback spot. Safeties are Paris and Carter Pinson.

Special teamsPrice will handle the kick-

and punt-return duties for the Lions. Larsen is slated to punt, while Chance Calderhead will do the placekicking.

OutlookThe key for Lakeview

Academy will be getting out to a good start. In 2010 and 2011, the Lions dropped three of the first four games, but still broke even for the season at 4-4. If they can start fast, a winning record is within reason for Lakeview with North Cobb Christian and Towns County, two teams they beat in each of the last two years, at the end of the schedule.

A winning record would be a big step for Lakeview, which hopes to make the jump into a region schedule in the near future.

Lakeview touts experience, momentum

Location: GainesvilleCoach: Matthew Gruhn; 10-23 at school, 10-23 overallRegion: 8-A (non-region schedule)Last region title: NoneLast playoff appearance: NoneReturning starters: 9 on offense, 10 on defense

LA rOUNDUp

Times file photo

A group of Lakeview defender swarm over a Prince Avenue ball carrier during a game last season. The Lions return 10 starters on defense from a team that won three straight and four of its last five games to close out 2011.

CMYKCMYK

DAWSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL TIGERSThe Times, Gainesville, Ga. | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL fOOTbALL pREvIEW | Sunday, August 19, 2012 17

N

Allen St.

DawsonCountyHigh

9

9

53

53PerimeterRd.

THE HOMESTEAD

TIGER STADIUMDirections: From downtown Gainesville, take Ga. Hwy 53 past Ga. Hwy 400 and take a right onto Perimeter Road. The school is on the right.Parking: In the student lot by the stadium.

MOST WANTED

Tyler DominySr. QB 6-4, 178Dominy, who passed for 18 touchdowns as a junior, returns with a better grasp of the offense to lead a veteran offense.

Zack MartinSr. RB/LB 5-11, 225Martin leads the ground game after notching 1,201 yards as a junior last season.

2012 SCHEDULEDate OpponentAug. 24 EAST HALL*Aug. 31 at Lumpkin CountySept. 7 NORTH FORSYTHSept. 14 at Forsyth CentralSept. 28 NORTH HALL*Oct. 5 at Banks County*Oct. 19 at Buford*Oct. 26 WHITE COUNTY*Nov. 2 at Fannin County*Nov. 9 at West Hall*


Bruce ClarkSr. WR/DB 6-4, 210The main threat in the passing game, Clark accounted for about a third of Dominy’s yards.

HIGH NOONSept. 28 vs. North HallOne could easily circle the opener against East Hall as the Tigers’ biggest game this season, as it will set the tone for a team trying to make its mark in a new region. But the home game against the Trojans will kick off six straight games in region play for Dawson County. Both teams should compete for a playoff spot, and a successful game here could set the Tigers up for a good run.

HEAD HONCHO

Jeff LeeRecord: 35-56 at Dawson County, 89-127 overallOffensive strategy: Hybrid Wing-T; “We have a lot of weapons this year, and it allows us to get the ball to our speed guys. There are a lot of weapons we want to get the ball to.”Defensive strategy: Multiple 4-4; “We’re able to do more in coverage. We’ve got a lot of athleticism returning, and it should give us a good chance to succeed.”

Jackson PutnamJr. DB/QB 6-0, 175Putnam is back after leading the team in tackles and interceptions last season.

Cody SmithSr. RB/LB 5-10, 210The leader of the LB corps, Smith was second on the team in tackles last season.


2011 leadersPassing Yds TDs Comp %*Tyler Dominy 1,890 18 62

Receiving Rec. Yds TDs*Bruce Clark 53 637 10*Will Anglin 27 374 3*Chris Sayler 13 260 2*Zach Martin 15 245 1

Rushing Yds TDs Avg.*Zack Martin 1,201 17 5.6*Cody Smith 201 1 5.2*Will Anglin 145 0 4.1

Defense Tkl TFL INT*Jackson Putnam 64.5 0 3*Cody Smith 52.5 1 2Evan Kells 44.5 2 0*Cale Tallant 31 2 0

*returning player

2011 record5-5, 4-1 Region 8-AA North

W Pickens 56-35L Gilmer 26-20L Jefferson 42-14L Chestatee 27-22W Fannin County 35-30L Banks County 19-14W Union County 22-19W East Hall 49-7W Rabun County 41-17L Jefferson 21-10

Time to step forward

2012 ROSTER2 Mitchell Putnam Sr. WR/DB3 Dalton Edwards So. WR/DB4 Chris Sayler Jr. WR/DB5 Tyler Dominy Sr. QB7 Will Anglin Sr. WR/DB8 Brodie Chester Fr. QB/DB9 Cole Knight Sr. LB10 Zach Buchan So. QB11 Brandon Seay Sr. DB12 Jackson Putnam Jr. QB/DB14 Colton Chester Jr. TE/DE16 Zack Martin Sr. RB/LB20 Max Muldoon Jr. PK24 Levi Whitmire So. RB/DB25 Cole Hoppal Fr. RB/DB26 Justin Sams Sr. LB27 Lane Venters Jr. RB/DB29 Zach Guy Jr. RB/DB30 Jessie Mitchell Fr. TE/DL31 Cody Lamar Jr. RB/LB32 Keaton Toal Jr. RB/LB33 Scott Zadernak Jr. LB34 Quade Buytendorp So. WR/DB36 Logan Hurst Fr. RB/LB37 Richard Palmer So. RB/LB40 Brendan Lillie So. RB/DB41 Corey Voyles So. RB/LB42 Conor Woodbury Fr. RB/LB43 Max Currier Fr. RB/DB44 Cody Smith Sr. RB/LB45 Logan Hayes Jr. TE/LB46 Trey Maciolek Fr. TE/DL49 Kyle Hayes So. LB50 Matt Hammond Sr. OL/DL51 Chase Wilson Jr. OL/DL52 Justin King Jr. LB53 Cameron Hudson Fr. OL/DL54 Harley Vaughan Sr. OL/DL55 Blake McDaniel Sr. DL56 Cale Tallant Sr. DL57 Corbin Thomas So. OL/DL58 Christian Hebert Sr. DL59 JP King Sr. LB60 Joseph Conowal Fr. OL61 Ty Williams So. DL62 Matt Holton So. OL64 Mason Bennett Jr. OL65 Anthony Antoun So. OL/DL66 Levi Samples Sr. OL/DL67 Trent White Sr. OL68 Cole Smith So. OL/DL69 Beau Cooper Fr. OL/DL70 AJ Manor Fr. OL/DL71 Zack Lane Jr. OL72 James Holton So. OL/DL73 Jacob Wilkie Sr. OL74 Kaine Barnes Jr. OL75 Tristan Reed Jr. OL76 Cole Waters Sr. DL77 Brenden Capps Fr. OL/DL78 Eli Brown Jr. OL79 Isaac Rice Jr. OL/DL80 Bruce Clark Sr. WR/DB81 Duncan Kobar Fr. OL/DL82 Brandon Munkis Fr. TE/LB83 Brenden Fitzgerald Sr. WR85 Brett Whalen So. TE/DL87 Eric Leonard Jr. WR93 Chris Reed So. DL99 Brandon Tenorio Jr. DL


It’s not often that a 5-5 season can be followed with such high expectations, but that’s the case for Dawson County in 2012.

The Tigers struggled out of the gate last season, going 1-3 in their first four games, but a 4-2 finish and a slew of returning starters have the players and coaches expecting big things.

Seventeen starters return and coach Jeff Lee can already see the benefits of experience.

“It almost feels like we’re cheating,” he said. “We prac-tice, and the experience level allows us to add more on to what we’re doing. The players understand things early, so we finish up early and can add more to it.”

Top performers from both sides of the ball are back, im-proved and eager to build on the team’s 3-1 finish last sea-son.

OffenseIt’s hard to decide who the

most important returning piece is to this offense.

Zack Martin, who led the team with 1,201 yards and 17 touchdowns rushing last sea-son, is back for his senior sea-son and will be a focal point of the offense.

Meanwhile, quarterback Tyler Dominy, who was impres-sive with 18 touchdown passes to just seven interceptions, re-turns, and he’ll have top receiv-ing target Bruce Clark to throw to as well.

Add to that the fact that the team lost only one starter from the offensive line, and it’s hard to find a weakness.

“It’s a special group,” Lee said. “We’ve got a good group of juniors behind them, too. I don’t know how good we’ll be outside of practice, but from where we are now, this is the best team we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

The key will be how the team evolves.

Sure, it has almost its entire starting lineup back for the 2012 season, but it also won just five games a season ago.

Lee said he sees the improve-ment, but it will be important that his team continues to prog-ress.

Speaking about his quarter-back, Lee said he wants to see continued leadership under center.

“We’d like him to evolve as a leader,” he said. “In the past, maybe he’s gotten down when a receiver drops a pass, and we’ll ask what he’s supposed to do. Then he’ll go over and talk with them. Being a leader and

leading by example out on the field is a big thing for a quarter-back.”

Martin’s success on the ground, which figures to im-prove given the experience on the line, could help Dominy progress in the passing game as well.

DefenseThe defensive performance

in the first and second halves of 2011 was night and day for Dawson County.

A key example: The Tigers allowed 42 to Jefferson in the third game of the season, but allowed just 21 to the Dragons in the final game of the season.

“By the end of the season, we were still allowing about three scores each game, but you didn’t see the big numbers like earlier in the year,” Lee said.

He’s looking for the progress to carry over into 2012. Like on offense, it’s the experience and knowledge that is helping the most.

“Any time you get a bunch of kids back, you’ve got a lot of ex-perience,” Lee said. “We have a lot of guys that didn’t start, but got a lot of playing time. Just be-ing able to say they’ve already done this and know these things, that helps a bunch.”

Lee expects more produc-tion in coverage this year from

senior Will Anglin and junior Jackson Putnam. Cody Smith and Cale Tallant should bring the pressure up front.

The hurdle Lee thinks this unit needs to clear is consis-tency.

“That’s the biggest thing,” he said. “In our first scrim-mage, we ripped the defense offensively. The next night, the defense dominated. We just need to see the defense be a little more consistent as we go forward.”

Special teamsMax Muldoon will return as

kicker for his third season. He had never played until ninth grade, but is now comfortable from 35-40 yards out. Colton Chester will handle the punts.

Dawson County was strong defensively on special teams last year, recording a number of blocked kicks and punts.

OutlookIt’s hard to predict an out-

come for the Tigers in 2012. The pieces appear to be in place for a special season, but difficult competition still remains. If, as Lee said, the team can continue to build consistency, one of the top two seeds in the region is certainly within reach.

With talented seniors, Tigers talking playoffs

Times file photo

Dawson County running back Zack Martin takes a hand off from quarterback Tyler Dominy during a recent practice. Martin and Dominy are expected to lead the Tigers offense after each posted big numbers as juniors last fall.

Location: DawsonvilleCoach: Jeff LeeRegion: 7-AAALast region title: NeverLast playoff appearance: 2004Returning starters: Offense 9, Defense 8

DCHS ROUNDUp

CMYK

JACKSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL PANTHERS18 Sunday, August 19, 2012 | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL fOOTbALL PREvIEw | The Times, Gainesville, Ga.

JEffERSON HIGH SCHOOL DRAGONS

MOST wANTED

Dustin ScottSr. RB/DB 5-9, 165Almost hit 1,000 yards last season thanks to his great speed. Will be counted on again heavily this season.

Josh IngramSr. OL 6-3, 275Harrison says that Ingram is the anchor to a big, powerful offensive front.

Ben BrisseyJr. WR 6-2, 190A physical receiver who isn’t afraid to go catch the ball across the middle.

NEw SHERIff IN TOwNBenji HarrisonRecord: 0-0 at school, 0-0 overallOffensive strategy: Spread, “I think that it gives us the best of both worlds. We’re going to throw the ball, but it also creates natural running seams. We’re going to try and be as balanced as possible.”Defensive strategy: 4-3, “It’s a sound way to lineup and go against different schemes. It also allows us to bring pressure.”

Chris FosterSr. DT 6-2, 265 Sr.Strong, physical lineman with quick feet. He recorded 55 tackles in his junior campaign.

River BryantSr. DE 6-3, 225 Converted tight end with great athleticism and speed as a pass rusher off the edge.

2011 leadersPassing

Yds TDs Comp%*KyleDaniel 861 7 57

Rushing Yds TDs Avg.*DustinScott 987 8 5.1*DaivonLedford 251 1 3.4

Receiving Rec. Yds TDs*XavierHarper 27 384 4*BenBrissey 25 196 1*DustinScott 10 124 0

Defense Tkl TFL INTAndyWilliams 114 NA NA*ChrisFoster 55 NA 0

*returningplayer

2011 record3-7, 1-5 Region 8-AA

W Johnson 20-12L WalnutGrove 37-0L FanninCounty 28-20L EastJackson 21-12L ElbertCounty 48-0W OglethorpeCounty 30-13L NorthOconee 56-0L Jefferson 31-14L HartCounty 22-13W RabunCounty 42-7


Harrisoninheritshungrygroup

2012 SCHEDULEDate OpponentAug. 31 WINDER-BARROWSept. 7 at JeffersonSept. 14 ATHENS CHRISTIANSept. 21 EAST JACKSON*Sept. 28 NORTH OCONEE*Oct. 5 at Franklin County*Oct. 19 at Hart County*Oct. 26 at Oconee County*Nov. 2 ELBERT COUNTY*Nov. 9 at Morgan County*

*regiongame;HomegamesinCAPS

HIGH NOONSept. 28 vs. North OconeeWith only one home game after September, the Panthers need to wrap up the month with a solid showing against the defending Region 8-AA champion Titans. Jackson County has a poor history so far against North Oconee, losing 56-0 in their meeting last season, but the early schedule is loaded with home games and chances to pick up some wins.

JCCHS ROUNDUPLocation: JeffersonCoach: Benji HarrisonRegion: 8-AAA NorthLast region title: NeverLast playoff appearance: 1992Returning starters: 6 on offense, 6 on defense


First-year Jackson County coach Benji Harrison knows exactly what the biggest ob-stacle is in his first campaign as a head coach: Convincing his players they can succeed.

It’s been 20 years since the Panthers (3-7 last season) made the playoffs, and they’ve never won a region champion-ship.

However, H a r r i s o n may have come into the program at the right time. The P a n t h e r s return more than 1,000 yards in the running game from last sea-son, more than adequate size and strength along the lines of scrimmage and wide receiv-ers that he believes can make the spread offense work.

Now, Harrison, most re-cently the offensive coordina-tor for Flowery Branch, has to make sure the players remain mindful of the fact they’re tal-ented enough to come away victorious on Friday nights.

“I’m excited and feel like the players have bought in,” Harrison said. “I know we have a staff that’s serious about competing and winning football games.”

OffenseThe running game should

be strong for the Panthers with Dustin Scott and Daivon Ledford back as seniors after combining for 1,250 yards last season. Jackson County also has a running back that moved in from Hart County, Keyshawn Curry, who Har-rison calls “the most athletic kid on the team.”

At quarterback, Kyle Dan-iel, a senior, returns after throwing for 861 yards and seven touchdowns in 2011. While Daniel picks up the new offense, he’ll have the help of a handful of receivers to help ease the transition. Junior Ben Brissey has the ability to catch the ball across the middle, according to Harrison, and junior Xavier Harper is an-other one of the best athletes on the team. Seniors Will Clark and Jake Smith will also get chances to catch passes.

The offensive front is a part of the team that Harrison feels can become a strength for the program. Starting tackles are Alston Standard (6-foot-3, 230 pounds) and Reno Messler (6-4, 275). At guard, Josh Ingram (6-3, 275) and Keith Pruitt (6-0, 290) will start. At center, it will either be Austin Stockton or Silas Vincent.

“I don’t think we’re where we need to be yet on the offen-sive line, but hopefully it will be a strength of our team by midseason,” Harrison said.

DefenseSenior Chris Foster (6-2,

265) anchors the defensive line, along with Chandler

Lanier, Alex Whit and former tight end River Bryant.

Inside linebacker Evan Breakspear has earned a reputation with Harrison as an aggressive player, and will be joined by Ledford and Sean Lee at the position.

In the secondary, Curry will play at cornerback with Zach Ferguson. Safeties are Garrett Holt and Dylan Stowe.

Special teamsCurry and Scott will share in

the kick and punt return duties for the Panthers. Brissey will handle the punting job, while the placekicking job is up for grabs.

OutlookHarrison says he can al-

ready tell that the culture is changing with his new play-ers. Now they just have to prove it by winning games. He feels that a 24-man senior class with a lot of playing ex-perience could be a big key in making that happen. Jackson County has an advantage to be successful early in the season with four of its first five games at home, including the season opener against Class AAAAA’s Winder-Barrow on Aug. 31 at Panthers Stadium.

In 2009 and 2010, Jackson County started to have an up-swing with a 4-6 record each season, before falling back to three victories last year.

The Panthers’ last playoff victory came in 1986, a 13-6 re-gion semifinal victory against Buford.

Harrison

MOST wANTED

Bryant ShirreffsSr. QB 6-2, 215Three-year starter who is both a prolific passer and capable of breaking a long run.

Collin AnthonySr. OL/DL 6-1, 215Three-year starter for Jefferson who is coming off a strong junior year in 2011.

McKay DickensSr. WR 6-1, 185Leading receiver during summer passing camps is expected to be a main target.

HEAD HONCHOT. McFerrinRecord: 23-8 at school; 326-84-4 overallOffensive strategy: Multiple I and spread, The strength of the Dragons’ offense willl be the connection between Shirreffs and his receivers. “At wide receiver we’re deep and hope the quality is good,” McFerrin said.Defensive strategy: 4-3, 3-4, The Dragons are led by an athletic, experienced group of linebackers.

Kody McDonaldSr. LB 5-11, 165Topped 100 tackles last season and was always in the opposing backfield.

Wesley SimontonSr. OLB 6-0, 205Had 114 tackles (six for a loss) in a breakout a junior campaign.

2011 leadersPassing

Yds TDs Comp%*BryantShirreffs 1,873 19 62

Rushing Yds TDs Avg.*TristenJackson 959 7 6.8DrequnSewell 451 8 5.2*BryantShirreffs 401 9 4.0

Receiving Rec. Yds TDsWillPuckett 40 489 8*McKayDickens 22 315 3*TristenJackson 17 243 1

Defense Tkl TFL INTCarsonNewman 133 23 0*WesleySimonton114 6 0*KodyMcDonald 107 8 1

*returningplayer


W Commerce 41-14W NorthHall 38-28W DawsonCounty 42-14W HartCounty 57-29L NorthOconee 38-28W OglethorpeCounty 48-13L ElbertCounty 14-0W JacksonCounty 31-14W EastJackson 35-7W DawsonCounty 21-10

Class AA state playoffsL Calhoun 39-6


2012 SCHEDULEDate OpponentAug. 31 at CommerceSept. 7 JACKSON COUNTYSept. 14 at North HallSept. 28 at Greene County*Oct. 5 WASHINGTON-WILKES*Oct. 12 at Rabun County*Oct. 19 OGLETHORPE COUNTY*Oct. 26 at Social Circle*Nov. 2 RIVERSIDE MILITARY*Nov. 9 UNION COUNTY*


HIGH NOONSept. 28 at Greene CountyLooking at the eight teams in Region 8-AA, there is not a hands-down favorite to win it all, but several that could make a run at the region championship. These are certainly two of those programs. Not only is it the first region game for both on the schedule, but first in 8-AA. The following week, the Dragons have another tough one with Washington-Wilkes.

JHS ROUNDUPLocation: JeffersonCoach: T. McFerrinRegion: 8-AA NorthLast region title: 2009Last playoff appearance: 2011Returning starters: 6 on offense, 6 on defense

Dragonsamixofexperience,youthBY BILL MURPHY

[email protected]

Quarterback Bryant Shirre-ffs is going to have a lot on his shoulders this season at Jef-ferson High. Not only is he a three-year returning starter for the Dragons, but he’s one of the few seasoned players with considerable experience.

Jefferson coach T. McFer-rin says his fourth season at the helm features the young-est group that he’ll play, much of that is due to necessity. The Dragons are also lean on expe-rience across the line of scrim-mage, and returning running back Tristen Jackson will not be ready to go yet in Week 1 af-ter off-season ACL surgery.

“Our quarterback (Shirre-ffs) is bigger than everyone we have across the offensive line, except for the tight end,” said McFerrin, one of the state’s winningest active coaches at 326. “This is the least experi-enced and smallest we’ve been in my time here. We’re going to start nine sophomores, too.”

Making Shirreffs’ job a bit more manageable is a deep group of receivers to throw to out of the spread formation. McFerrin expects a group of about five players to share time at wide receiver.

OffenseAs unsure as McFerrin may

be about some spots on the field, quarterback is one he’s quite at ease with as Shirreffs prepares for his third season under center. Shirreffs shot out of the cannon with a great

performance last season in Week 1, completing 11 of 14 passes for 244 yards and four total touchdowns in a big win over Commerce.

McFerrin says that Shirre-ffs is slowly gaining complete understanding of the offense. Jefferson’s coach says he’s gradually adding more to the offensive package for his se-nior quarterback to digest.

While Jackson heals from his injury, Shirreffs will have to shoulder even more of the responsibility. McFerrin says he hopes that Jackson will be ready to return by the Region 8-AA opener against Greene County on Sept. 28 in Greens-boro.

Sophomore Sammy Wil-liams is set to play at running back for the Dragons. McFer-rin says he’s the fastest player on the team. Also, Tyler Brown (fullback), Isaiah Blake (slot back/wide receiver) and Tay Stevens give McFerrin some depth in the backfield.

McKay Dickens (22 catches, 315 yards in 2011) is the leader of the pack at wide receiver as a returning starter and is com-ing a great summer in passing leagues, according to McFer-rin. Also expected to see play-ing time at wide receiver are Chandler Thompson, Trent Sorrells and Micah Carpenter.

Across the offensive line, Jefferson features left tackle Ethan Hicks, left guard Eli Griffin, center Jordan Tyler, right guard Conner Nations, right tackle Collin Anthony and tight end Donnie Hatfield.

Last season, Jefferson had

an especially prolific offense, scoring more than 30 points seven times. McFerrin will need his unproven offensive line to jell quickly for those kind of numbers to be re-peated.

DefenseMany of Jefferson’s offen-

sive starters will have to also go on defense.

Linebacker is a strength for the Dragons with Wesley Simonton (114 tackles in 2011) and Kody McDonald (107 tack-les, 8 for a loss) back in the fold in 2012. Bowen will fill the other linebacker slot.

In the secondary, Blake, Car-penter and Hanon Price will play at cornerback. Safeties are Tradd Porter and Sorrells.

Special teamsChandler Schlutow will do

all the kicking for the Dragons. Blake, Carpenter and Rodney Carr will all share in the kick- and punt-return duties.

OutlookEven though the Dragons

may be young, nobody is going to take a team coached by Mc-Ferrin lightly. In his first three seasons since coming out of retirement, he’s led Jefferson to the playoffs twice and won a region title in 2009.

The Dragons’ coach knows his team will have to be ready right away with a trip to Com-merce in Week 1, followed by games against Class AAA op-ponents (Jackson County and North Hall), before jumping into Region 8-AA’s schedule.

CMYK

The Times, Gainesville, Ga. | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW | Sunday, August 19, 2012 19

770-532-7202Guilford ClinicsSouth Entrance

1240 Jesse Jewell Parkway Suite 300

Gainesville, GA 30501

www.scg-ortho.com

CMYK

20 Sunday, August 19, 2012 | 2012 HigH scHool football preview | The Times, Gainesville, Ga.

lUMpKiN coUNtY HigH scHool iNDiaNs

wHite coUNtY HigH scHool warriors

Most waNteD

Daniel McCraryJr. QB/DB/P 6-1, 175First-year starter takes over at quarterback for 2011 senior Logan Moye.

Tyler FlattSr. OL/DL 6-1, 250Jones pointed to Flatt as being one the keys to an offensive line that is a strength.

Logan HeadSr. LB/TE 6-2, 200A key defensive player who will be counted on to have a big season for the Indians.

HeaD HoNcHoTommy JonesRecord: 25-35 at school and overallOffensive Strategy: Multiple. “We feel like, from an offensive standpoint, that it’s necessary to take advantage of what the defense gives us.”Defensive Strategy: 3-5. “We have the ability to move people around, be a little more versatile against the run or pass, while being able to bring pressure as much as possible.”

Gunner WoodSo. RB/FS 5-9, 160Was second on the team in tackles as a freshman and should make strides this fall.

Zach KileSr. OL/DL 6-1, 260 Kile is one of the key linemen on what is one of the team’s strengths on offense.

2011 leadersPassing

Yds TDs Comp%LoganMoye 447 3 67*DanielMcCrary 140 1 447

Rushing Yds TDs Avg.IanMcIntosh 1117 12 12.14LoganMoye 444 3 4.44TrevorEudy 309 1 4.35

Receiving Rec. Yds TDsIanMcIntosh 17 224 3FreddieBeamon 12 146 0

Defense Tkl TFL INTLeeCagle 117 8 0*GunnerWood 103 0 2EvanGaddis 50 1 3

*returningplayer

2011 record6-4, 2-3 Region 8-AAA

W Riverside 50-0W UnionCounty 28-13L MonroeArea 23-2W Johnson 30-21W WhiteCounty 31-7L FranklinCounty 32-6L NorthHall 49-0L StephensCounty 40-7W Chestatee 41-18W WestHall 31-21

tHe gooD, tHe baD & tHe UglY

Indiansaimingforefficiency

2012 scHeDUleDate OpponentAug. 31 DAWSON COUNTYSept. 7 at White CountySept. 14 at West HallSept. 21 at Monroe Area*Sept. 28 at Walnut Grove*Oct. 12 MADISON COUNTY*Oct. 19 EASTSIDE*Oct. 26 CHESTATEE*Nov. 2 at Lanier*Nov. 9 STEPHENS COUNTY*


HigH NooNOct. 26 vs. ChestateeThis rivalry game marks the end of a three-game homestand for Lumpkin County, before finishing the season at relative unknown Lanier and at home against Stephens County. A win over what should be an improved War Eagles team could be crucial for the Indians’ chance at a playoff berth.

lcHs roUNDUpLocation: DahlonegaCoach: Tommy JonesRegion: 8-AAAALast region title: NoneLast playoff appearance: 2003Returning starters: 6 on offense, 6 on defense


Lumpkin County coach Tommy Jones has been work-ing to mold an efficient foot-ball team.

This year, it’s imperative.Minus electric playmak-

ers like Ian McIntosh and BJ Dorsey, Lumpkin County will need to win in different ways than last year’s 6-4 team.

“We’re going to have to be able to execute efficiently on offense,” said Jones, entering his seventh season with the team. “With big-play guys, you can afford a couple of bad plays. But now we have to make a lot less mistakes.”

Jones, however, said he has a team that can do just that if they continue to work hard, and a team that can continue to be competitive even with the move up to Class AAAA this season.

Of course, the Indians won’t even have to wait until the Re-gion 8-AAAA opener Sept. 21 against Monroe Area to give their team a test. Lumpkin County hosts Dawson County to open the season Aug. 31 in Dahlonega, the first of a pair of rivalry games against Class AAA teams Dawson County and White County that could both be in for improved seasons.

The Indians are looking for a third consecutive winning season themselves after going 6-4 the past two seasons.

OffenseThe strength for the Indians

on the offensive side of the ball is the line.

“These are guys that have played before and have expe-rience,” Jones said.

Seniors Tyler Flatt and Zach Kile and junior Caleb Stepp are key lineman this season, both on offense and defense.

There’s a new face behind center this season in junior quarterback Daniel McCrary, who will be taking over for 2011 senior Logan Moye. Jones likes what he has seen so far from his new signal caller.

“He’s a very smart player. He has the ability to get us in the right formations,” the coach said. “He’s good at di-recting traffic, and we give him the flexibility to get into the right play.”

In the backup role last sea-son McCrary threw for 140 yards and a touchdown.

Senior wide receiver and defensive back Mitchell Ste-phens could see more time on the offensive side of the ball, and sophomore Gunner Wood, who had 103 tackles last sea-son as a free safety, will get more looks at running back as well this season.

Jones likes his starters at the skill positions, but his con-cern is a lack of depth at those positions.

DefenseHe said he knows it’s a cli-

che, but on defense, Jones says the key will be to be fundamen-tally sound.

Last season the Indians gave up at least 20 points in each of

their four losses and allowed 20 or more points in only two of their six wins.

Wood and Daniel Horvat are two of the top defenders returning. Wood was second in tackles last season only to Lee Cagle (117 tackles), who has since graduated. Wood also grabbed two intercep-tions from his safety position last season.

Horvat, on the defensive line, was second on the team with six tackles for loss last year.

Jones also mentioned senior linebacker Logan Head as an-other key to the defense this season.

Special teamsThe Indians’ punter and

kicker from a season ago both return this season.

The kicker is senior Chase Slocumb, who Jones said is very accurate, and the punter is McCrary, who averaged around 33 yards per punt last season.

OutlookWhat kept Lumpkin County

from the playoffs last season was that, despite the 6-4 re-cord, the team went just 2-3 in region play.

This season, instead of five subregion games there are seven region games, giving the Indians more room to build a winning region record. With an eight-team region, Lump-kin County needs to be in the top half to secure its first play-off bid since 2003.

Most waNteD

Dalton WhitfieldJr. RB/LB 6-3, 232The do-it-all junior was second on the team in rushing yards last season and will be a major contributor on both sides.

Will BrockSr. QB 6-3, 198Entering his second year as the QB with more experience and understanding.

Clay RiderSr. WR/FS 6-0, 175Will be looked at as a leader for the secondary and the rest of the defense.

HeaD HoNcHoBill BallardRecord: 3-7 at school, 92-29 overalllOffensive strategy: Option; “We’re going to try to spread the field horizontally and vertically. We’ll try to attack in both ways.”Defensive strategy: 50 front; “We’re a multiple 50. We like to play aggressive, and I think it’s a fun defense for our players to run.”

Will FlowersJr. WR/LB 5-11, 185A talented junior, Flowers will be a key figure against the run and in coverage.

Jacob RocheSr. OT 6-0, 240The senior member of this offensive unit, Roche will help set the tone up front.

2011 leadersPassing

Yds TDs Comp%*WillBrock 668 4 41

Rushing Yds TDs Avg.RyanKennedy 467 7 5.5*DaltonWhitfield 353 7 4.4*WillBrock 278 1 3.8MichaelLimbaugh246 1 3.6

Receiving Rec. Yds TDs*JefferyScoggin 15 293 2AndrewLondon 11 149 1RyanKennedy 6 122 1*AndrewBergin 4 67 0

*returningplayer

2011 record3-7 overall, 1-4 8-AAA North

L EastJackson 28-27L Gainesville 40-3W WestHall 26-7L OconeeCounty 27-24L LumpkinCounty 31-7L NorthHall 28-14L StephensCounty 25-14W Chestatee 35-0L FranklinCounty 21-14W WalnutGrove 21-7


2012 scHeDUleDate OpponentAug. 31 at Habersham CentralSept. 7 LUMPKIN COUNTYSept. 14 at Fannin County*Sept. 21 BLESSED TRINITYSept. 28 EAST HALL*Oct. 12 BUFORD*Oct. 19 at North Hall*Oct. 26 at Dawson County*Nov. 2 WEST HALL*Nov. 9 BANKS COUNTY*


HigH NooNOct. 19 at North HallTwo years ago, the Warriors knocked North Hall from atop its subregion. Last year, North Hall fired back with a 28-14 win in Cleveland. This season, the two teams will go at it again with plenty on the line as both figure to be in the conversation for one of the four playoff spots. The game begins the home stretch of the regular season, and could be a sign of how each team will finish the season.

wcHs roUNDUpLocation: ClevelandCoach: Bill BallardRegion: 7-AAALast region title: NoneLast playoff appearance: 2010Returning starters: 7 on offense, 5 on defense

Ballard’sbuncheagerforsuccessBY DAVID MITCHELL

[email protected]

White County coach Bill Bal-lard has had success in build-ing programs in past jobs at Tucker and Peachtree Ridge.

The devel-opment there came from within, he said, by build-ing up youth and middle school teams in order to have players who were ex-cited and un-derstood the game when they got to high school.

He’s trying to do the same at White County.

In his first season at the school in 2011, the team won just three games. A handful of losses, however, came by a single score, and Ballard can already begin to see a more talented team prepare to take the field this season.

“The kids know the offense and defense better in their second year in the program,” Ballard said. “They’ve bought in, and they’re working hard. I think we’re taking steps in the right direction.

OffenseThe offense starts with the

line, where the Warriors have experience.

Brett Westmoreland is back at left guard, and Jacob Roche and Dakota Lewis will return to the tackle positions.

The two new starters are

both seniors who have seen plenty of time in the past.

Quarterback Will Brock, who passed for 668 yards and ran for 278 more in 2011, will return, along with fullback Dalton Whitfield and receiver Jeffery Scoggins.

Leading rusher Ryan Ken-nedy has graduated, but Whit-field looks to be a more than capable replacement.

“Right now, I feel like our offense is a little ahead of our defense,” Ballard said. “Those guys have made great strides in the offseason.”

Brock ran hurdles in track, Ballard said, and is showing improved agility.

“He’s working hard to make himself a better football player,” Ballard said.

DefenseThe defense will return

Whitfield, Will Flowers, Will Stonecypher, Clay Rider and Maurice Sutton.

While Ballard thinks im-provement is still needed on that side of the ball, he still sees plenty of talent.

Five or six sophomores will start or see plenty of playing time, Ballard said.

“We’re excited about them,” he said. “They’re just young. These kids are stronger, though, because we had them lifting in ninth grade. Those kids worked all offseason with us, so they should be ready.”

Ballard said that in the fu-ture, he’d like to see more depth, but with the num-bers they’ve got now, the younger players will see the

field often.The secondary is where the

team is most experienced, with the senior Rider leading the way.

It was a solid unit a year ago, especially down the stretch when it allowed just 28 points in the final three games.

Special teamsWesley Saunders will do the

kicking for the Warriors, while there’s been an open competi-tion for punting position.

Ballard said he doesn’t typi-cally like to have his kicker also punt, and he’s got three guys that can do it now. Those include Rider, Flowers or Brock.

OutlookBallard sees good things

ahead for his program through the foundation that is being built in the younger pro-grams.

For the immediate future, however, he’s looking for a winning season and conten-tion for a playoff spot. That should be a possibility for the Warriors.

Depth is the issue, as the team is young and the num-bers aren’t quite where Bal-lard wants them yet. A healthy team, however, should be good enough to be playing meaning-ful games deep into the sea-son.

“That’s an attainable goal if we can stay healthy,” Ballard said. “We’re going into it with that attitude. I think we can be competitive. Our kids are re-ally playing good ball.”

Ballard

CMYK

BANKS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL LEOPARDSThe Times, Gainesville, Ga. | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL fOOTBALL PREvIEw | Sunday, August 19, 2012 21

Date OpponentAug. 31 EAST JACKSONSept. 7 at ATHENS CHRISTANSept. 14 at CommerceSept. 21 WEST HALL*Sept. 28 BUFORD*Oct. 5 DAWSON COUNTY*Oct. 19 at Fannin County*Oct. 26 EAST HALL*Nov. 2 at North Hall*Nov. 9 at White County*


Date OpponentAug. 31 JEFFERSONSept. 7 at East JacksonSept. 14 BANKS COUNTYSept. 21 RABUN COUNTYSept. 28 at G. Walton Academy*Oct. 5 ATHENS CHRISTIAN*Oct. 12 at Prince Avenue*Oct. 19 at Athens Academy*Oct. 26 HEBRON CHRISTIAN*Nov. 9 PINECREST ACADEMY*


MOST wANTED

Tyler HubbardSr. QB 5-9, 180Hubbard has leadership skills and the experience necessary to put up even better numbers than last season.

Greg CannonSr.WR/DB,6-0,170Will be Hubbard’s main receiving target along with fulfilling his role at safety.

Tanner ThompsonSr.FB/LB,5-7,195Started every game last season and should get more carries.

HEAD HONCHOPhilip JonesRecord: 7-3 at school, 7-3 overallOffensive strategy: Multiple I; “We feel like we need to score more, and we’re not afraid to spread the field out from there.”Defensive strategy: 3-5; “We can use our best talent on defense. We have more linebackers than defensive linemen.”

Eli SmallwoodSr.RB/LB,6-0,200Returns as a leader on defense, and his aggressiveness will be essential.

Wes FaulknerJr.RB/DB,5-8,180Faulkner has experience at tailback and will be expected be the primary ball carrier.

2012 SCHEDULE

2011leadersPassing

Yards Comp. %*Tyler Hubbard 583 52

Rushing Carries Yards TDsDean Ewing 188 1,055 13*Tyler Hubbard 74 435 7Marquaze Maddox 29 110 2Tanner Thompson 29 107

Receiving Rec. Yards TDsMarquaze Maddox 23 231 2Brenton Ruark 16 182 2

*returning player

2011record7-3,4-1Region8-AA

W Social Circle 13-7W Riverside Military 21-0L East Jackson 35-7W Athens Christian 21-27 (forfeit)W Union County 16-14W Dawson County 19-14W Rabun County 40-28W Fannin County 42-21L East Hall 34-17L North Oconee 41-0

ClassAAstateplayoffsL Adairsville 21-3

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

HIGH NOONAug. 31 vs. East JacksonEast Jackson handed Banks County one of only three losses the Leopards suffered last season. Banks opens at home against the Eagles this year, and after losing their last two games in 2011, the Leopards could use the momentum gained from winning their first home game against a team they’ve only beaten once in four previous meetings. Doing so could launch another run at the postseason.

Sweet success to grow onBCHS ROUNDUP

Location: HomerCoach: Philip JonesRegion: 7-AAALast region title: NeverLast playoff appearance: 2011Returning starters: 5 on offense, 9 on defense

BYKELSEYWILLIAMSONkwilliamson

@gainesvilletimes.com

Banks County coach Philip Jones is looking to build off of a successful first season last year with the Leopards.

Now, after hosting a home playoff game and going 7-3 in the regular season last year, the Leopards can’t seem to get the sweet taste of the postsea-son out of their mouths. This year, Jones set his team up with high expectations to be a playoff team every year.

“We feel like we set a foun-dation for the future,” Jones said.

With a talented team full of what Jones considers “good character guys, good lead-ers, and good players,” Banks County is itching to make an-other run at the playoffs.

OffenseBanks County will rely on

quarterback Tyler Hubbard once again to drive their mul-tiple-I offense.

“He is the undisputed leader of our offense,” Jones said. “He’s the engine that makes

us go.”This season, however, Jones

hopes to use more spread formations and be more bal-anced, after last year the team had almost a 3-to-1 run-to-pass ratio.

Jones also wants to see more players handling the ball, meaning fullback Tanner Thompson and wide receiver Greg Cannon are expected to see more touches.

Wes Faulkner will be the primary ball carrier from the running back position.

The offense’s only unre-solved issue will be the offen-sive line. With only a couple of starters returning, some younger players will have to step up and fill the holes left by last year’s seniors.

DefenseThe Leopards’ 3-5 defense

returns nine starters and will be led by returning senior line-backers Ryan Seabolt and Eli Smallwood.

The defensive line will be anchored by senior Rayshawn Hunter and junior Carman Hicks.

The Banks County defense

may not be the biggest or strongest, but they plan to use movement to create confu-sion.

“Our linebackers and de-fensive line are extremely explosive and aggressive and run well,” Jones said.

The defense lacks depth in the secondary but has solid starters with Cannon at safety and Hicks and Malcolm Mitch-ell at cornerback.

SpecialteamsJunior Greg Perez will han-

dle the kicking duties. Hicks will punt, and Thompson will be the long snapper. Cannon and Mitchell will take over the return game.

OutlookBanks County has an expe-

rienced, skilled group leading the team this year, and the new Region 7-AAA appears to be wide open behind favorites Buford.

If the Leopards can find the momentum they had last year, they have the personnel to claim a third straight win-ning season and a second con-secutive playoff berth.

“Our linebackers and defensive line are extremely explosive and aggressive and run well.”BanksCountycoachPhilipJones

Leopards looking for another playoff berth

COMMERCE HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS

MOST wANTED

Chance McClureJr. OL/LB 6-1, 215Big two-way player who is not afraid to hit or be hit. He led the team in tackles last season and is poised for a big year.

Drew WhitfieldJr.QB,5-9,160A natural football player and has the tools necessary to become a solid quarterback.

Jamal BrownerSr.FB6-0,220Has good size, strength, and speed. His return this season adds another weapon.

HEAD HONCHOMarvin JusticeRecord: 4-7 at school; 4-7 overallOffensive strategy: Triple option. For years now, the Tigers have leaned on their triple-option attack. Justice carried it over last season from predecessor Steve Savage.Defensive strategy: 4-3

Jamir WaltonJr.WR/DB,5-10,165Has great hands and speed and can be used in many positions, even quarterback.

Micah EasonSr.OL,6-2,240Returns even bigger and stronger than last season. This experienced player will be a key.

2012 SCHEDULE

2011leadersPassing

Yards TDs Comp. %Cody Streetman 699 3 51.4

Rushing Yards TDsCody Streetman 1,113 16 *Quay Little 358 2*Chance McClure 357 1

Receiving Rec. Yards TDsGarrett Wilson 27 339 1*Drew Whitfield 12 193 0Jake Vaughn 6 45 0

Tackles*Chance McClure 116Josh Swistak 105*Dillion Haggard 83

*returning player

2011record4-7,3-3Region8-A

L Jefferson 41-14W Franklin County 10-7L North Oconee 33-0L Washington-Wilkes 33-0W Athens Christian 41-0W Riverside Military 42-0L Athens Academy 21-10L Prince Avenue Christian 35-13L George Walton Academy 24-14W Social Circle 45-21

ClassAstateplayoffsL Lincoln County 35-14

THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

HIGH NOONSept. 7 at East JacksonThis season, Commerce will face cross-town East Jackson for the first time. The game may not have an effect on the region standings, but it will determine who holds bragging rights. More importantly, winning their first road game on the heels of the annual rivalry matchup with Jefferson could give the Tigers the jump start needed to make a run for a 16th straight playoff appearance.

Tigers hope to win in trenchesCHS ROUNDUP

Location: CommerceCoach: Marvin Justice, 4-7 at school; 4-7 overallRegion: 8-ALast region title: 2003Last playoff appearance: 2011 (15 straight appearances).



Commerce coach Marvin Justice believes that the key to having a successful season in his second year as head coach will be staying healthy and developing a positive attitude, things the team struggled with last season.

In 2011, the Tigers were plagued with what Justice considers “an avalanche of injuries,” with eight differ-ent players losing substantial playing time after being hurt.

If the team can stay healthy this season, however, Com-merce may benefit from los-ing so many players last year because this season’s starters were able to gain experience filling the roles of the injured last season.

OffenseThe Tigers are without four-

year starter Cody Streetman this season, but filling the void at quarterback will be junior Drew Whitfield, who Justice believes is ready to take on the starting role in the Tigers’ triple-option offense.

“Drew is a natural football player who has all the tools to become a solid quarterback as a junior,” Justice said. “He’s a

natural leader and competi-tor.”

Quay Little and Terrick Ramsey return as experienced running backs, and Jamir Wal-ton will be expected to emerge as one of Whitfield’s main tar-gets at wide receiver.

Justice feels that Walton will be an all-purpose weapon for the team and may use him in many different positions, even quarterback if needed.

Commerce will also see col-lege prospect Jamal Browner return to the backfield after suffering a season-ending in-jury during the first week of practice last year.

The offensive line will be full of experience with return-ing starters Clay Pritchett and Micah Eason as anchors. Jus-tice thinks the offensive line will be the main strength of this year’s team and that “with the proper attitude, this offensive line could go down as one of the best in Commerce history.”

DefenseThe defense returns many

younger players who saw playing time last season when many of the starters were in-jured. The secondary could be the strength of the defense as it returns all of the starters from last year.

Baron Mather returns at

safety after suffering from injury last season and will be joined by Chase Ledbetter and Darian Hill.

Walton, who led the team in interceptions last year, will play cornerback along with Ramsey and Little.

Chance McClure has expe-rience on both sides of the ball and will be counted upon to fill the holes left by the gradu-ation of Josh Swistak.

Morgan Flint and Logan Ow-ensby will fill out the lineback-ing corps, and Dillion Haggard and Trey Grier will start as de-fensive linemen after playing linebacker last year.

SpecialteamsKyle Brewer will return as

the long snapper, while Ow-ensby will take over punting. Junior Nahum Mendoza is expected to assume kicking duties.

OutlookWhile the Tigers haven’t

missed the playoffs since 1996, they’ve suffered through losing seasons in three of the last four years.

If these players continue to mature at their positions and stay healthy, Commerce should make a run for not only a 16th straight postseason ap-pearance, but perhaps more.

“With the proper attitude, this offensive line could go down as one of the best in Commerce history.”CommercecoachMarvinJustice

CMYK

22 Sunday, August 19, 2012 | 2012 HigH scHool football preview | The Times, Gainesville, Ga.

Date OpponentAug. 24 at Hayesville (N.C.)Aug. 31 UNION COUNTYSept. 7 at Fellowship ChristianSept. 14 at Rabun CountySept. 21 RABUN GAPOct. 5 at Copper Basin (Tenn.)Oct. 19 N. COBB CHRISTIANOct. 26 ST. FRANCISNov. 2 at Lakeview AcademyNov. 9 HEBRON CHRISTIAN

Home games in CAPS

Date OpponentAug. 31 WHITE COUNTYSept. 7 at Stephens CountySept. 14 COLLINS HILL*Sept. 21 at Mountain View*Sept. 28 PEACHTREE RIDGE*Oct. 5 at Norcross*Oct. 12 MEADOWCREEK*Oct. 19 at North Gwinnett*Oct. 26 DULUTH*Nov. 2 at Mill Creek*


HabersHaM ceNtral HigH scHool raiDers

towNs coUNtY HigH scHool iNDiaNs

Most waNteD

Sydnee MulliganJr. RB 5-11, 10Could be the primary ball carrier in the Raiders’ triple-option attack. Has the skills to be a threat.

Brandt RinehartSr.RB5-11,195Saw action as rusher and receiver last season. Will be counted on to step forward.

Jimmy FordyceSr.QB/CBLed the return game last season with 22 kick returns for 425 yards.

HeaD HoNcHoStuart CunninghamRecord: 13-18 at Habersham Central and overallOffense: Option, The Raiders have gradually found more and more success in the triple option since switching to the system in 2010. Much of that came from departed senior Kevin Ellison.Defense: 3-4, The Raiders will be need improvement after yielding 36.5 points per game last fall.

Michael LongSr.WR5-8,160Expected to move into a key position in the receiving corps this season. with the

Zach RhyneerSr.DL/TE6-3,280A big, experienced lineman who has the potential to be strong defensive force.

2011leadersPassing

Yards TDs Comp. %Kevin Ellison 1,025 12 46.0

Rushing Yards TDs Avg.Kevin Ellison 2,183 32 10.3Patrick Burns 649 9 5.2*Sydnee Mulligan 323 3 6.0*Brandt Rinehart 273 2 5.6

Receiving Rec. Yards TDsZac Franks 32 651 8*Brandt Rinehart 8 87 2

Tackles Total Solo Asst.Coleman Cunningham 120 44 76Drew Ferguson 105 26 79

*returning player

2011record6-5,6-4Region8-AAAA

W Apalachee 38-35L Cedar Shoals 41-34W Salem 43-39L Clarke Central 34-20W Madison County 41-24W Winder-Barrow 54-10L Flowery Branch 56-31L Heritage 45-42W Loganville 47-45W Rockdale County 34-7

ClassAAAAstateplayoffsL Chattahoochee 65-48


Raiders ready for a challenge

2012 scHeDUle

HigH NooNSept. 7 at Stephens Co.The Raiders’ schedule this year is full of unfamiliar opponents, but before they dive in to a competitive slate of Region 8-AAAAAA games, they’ll renew their rivalry with Stephens County. These teams haven’t met in the regular season since 2007, and Habersham Central hasn’t won in the rivalry since 1996. Ending that skid would give the Raiders a needed confidence boost.

HcHs roUNDUpLocation: Mount AiryCoach: Stuart CunninghamRegion: 7-AAAAAALast region title: 2007 (Region 8-AAAA)Last playoff appearance: 2011Returning starters: 5 on offense; 6 on defense



Habersham Central lost a large and talented group of seniors after last season, but being a smaller, younger, more inexperienced team in a newer, possibly tougher re-gion doesn’t faze coach Stuart Cunningham.

“Losing a big group of se-niors is going to have a signifi-cant effect no matter what re-gion you’re in,” Cunningham said. “The region we left was tough; the region we’re going into may be a little better.”

Although the odds may seem stacked against them, with the overall number of players down from the past few seasons and needing play-ers to play on both sides of the ball, the Raiders still expect to surprise people during the season ahead.

OffenseThe Raiders are now with-

out record-setting quarterback Kevin Ellison, and his replace-ment has yet to be found.

“We’ve got a good battle go-ing between Jake Tench and Logan Gosnell,” Cunningham said.

Either player will have big shoes to fill running Haber-sham Central’s triple-option offense. Ellison is the school’s career and single-season rush-ing record holder after total-ing 2,183 yards on the ground last season.

Tench didn’t get many touches in 2011, as the Raid-ers’ games often became wild shootouts and the starters were usually called on to play the full 48 minutes.

Gosnell, meanwhile saw playing time as a defensive back.

Junior running back Syd-nee Mulligan is also returning after rushing for 323 yards last season and catching five passes for 74 yards.

Senior Brandt Rinehart joins Mulligan at running back. Rinehart caught eight passes for 87 yards, second only to 2011 senior Zac Franks. Rine-hart also finished fourth on the team with 273 rushing yards.

The offensive line will be led by senior Jonathan Long who will be called on to guide a group of younger players.

DefenseThe Raiders will return six

starters to a 3-4 defense that will be without most of the

leading tacklers from last sea-son. For that reason, Cunning-ham will make a few small changes to the defense.

“We’re trying to simplify and make sure everyone knows what they’re doing,” Cunningham said.

Habersham Central will rely heavily on experienced lineman Zach Rhyneer to lead the defense along with senior linebacker Adam Aguilar, who had 64 total tackles last season. Also crucial will be ver-satile players like cornerback Jimmy Fordyce in the second-ary, who will be a key player on special teams, as well.

SpecialteamsJunior kicker Juan Domingo

will return to the team along with punter Ian Wheeler.

Fordyce will be back as part of the return game.

OutlookHabersham Central has a

lot of rebuilding to do after losing last year’s outstand-ing group of seniors. Ellison won’t be easy to replace, but if the Raiders can make up for his absence using a variety of sources, they may be the region’s surprise team, just as Cunningham expects.

Most waNteD

Jackson NobletJr. QB 5-11, 185Having a year of experience running a spread offense should only help Noblet, who has thrown for 2,000 yards total in his previous two seasons as a starter.

Luke ParkerSr.OL/DL6-3,275Experienced starter anchors an offensive line that is returning every player from last season and is expected to be the team’s strength.

Wesley BloodworthSr.RB/LB,5-10,230The team’s leading tackler two seasons ago and brings needed toughness to the Indians defense.

HeaD HoNcHo

Kyle LangfordRecord: 14-36 at Towns County; 14-36 overallOffensive strategy: Spread; “We feel like we’re not as good 11 on 11, so we want to spread the field out so we don’t have to beat 11 guys on defense.”Defensive strategy: 4-3; “It fits our personnel better and seems to me that we can get more kids that are athletes on the field.”

2011leadersPassing

Yards Comp. %*Jackson Noblet 871 58

Rushing Carries YardsNoah Calhoun 147 796

Receiving Rec. Yards TDsZack Stroud 34 388 6

Tackles TotalNoah Calhoun 96

*returning player

2011record2-8(non-regionschedule)

L Hayesville (N.C.) 21-6L Union County 20-0L Cherokee (N.C.) 38-0L Copper Basin (Tenn.) 26-21L Georgia Military 35-7W North Cobb Christian 33-6L River Ridge 42-6L Glascock Academy 34-19L Lakeview Academy 21-0W Hebron Christian 29-27


2012 scHeDUle

HigH NooNAug. 24 at Hayesville (N.C.)Playing a nonregion schedule does not mean that the Indians have an easy season ahead of them. Towns County plays nearby Hayesville in the first game of the season. If the Indians can open the season with a road win against their biggest rival who has beaten them two years in a row, it may give them the spark needed to fuel the rest of their season.

tcHs roUNDUpLocation: HiawasseeCoach: Kyle LangfordRegion: 8-A (non-region schedule)Last region title: NeverLast playoff appearance: NeverReturning starters: 9 on offense, 8 on defense

Experience breeds expectations

“The region we left was tough; the region we’re going into may be a little better.”HabershamCentralcoachStuartCunningham



Towns County coach Kyle Langford believes that his team has the right mix of ex-perience and strength this season.

For the first time, Langford has a number of players re-turning who have seen signifi-cant playing time, and a lot of those players have gotten big-ger and stronger.

In the past, the Indians had young, small teams, Langford said. But this season, Towns County will be playing with a larger, veteran team.

“All those young guys we’ve had to play are older now, more experienced,” Langford said.

He believes that this mix of players is more mature physi-cally and emotionally than in years past and can reach the team’s goal of being consistent every Friday night.

OffenseThe Indians are in the sec-

ond year of a spread offense led by junior quarterback Jackson Noblet. Noblet has thrown for over 2,000 yards in his previous two years as a starter and will benefit from having a year of experience with this offensive scheme.

Langford feels that the Indi-ans will still run the ball more than they throw, but he wants the team to be closer to a 50/50 balance. It’s possible, he says, because the team understands the system now.

“We are just so much far-ther ahead,” Langford said, “Guys understand what we’re talking about now.”

The offensive line has typi-cally been a weakness for Towns County, but the Indi-ans return every starter this season — including senior Luke Parker and junior Jared Gurley — and could become a strength of this year’s team.

Cruz Shook returns at wide receiver and will be counted on to fill the shoes of last season’s leading receiver and scorer Zack Stroud, who graduated. The Indians also have to fill the hole left by leading rusher Noah Calhoun. Wesley Blood-worth may be called upon to fill this position.

DefenseThe Indians’ 4-3 defense

returns every linebacker this season and has the potential to be much better than in years past. Bloodworth and senior Joseph Foster will be counted upon to adapt and make changes again in order for the defense to be successful.

Towns County has depth on

the defensive line, which will be led by Colton Stroud, Gar-rett Bradshaw, and Dustin Brackett.

The secondary lacks depth but does have junior corner-back Brett Barrett, who led the team in interceptions as a freshman and can fill the other holes left by Calhoun’s departure.

Langford believes having a larger team will help the de-fense because the Indians will not need to have as many two-way players.

SpecialteamsBloodworth returns for his

third year as punter, and junior Cesar Bustamante will fill the kicking role left by Calhoun.

OutlookIt may have taken Towns

County all of last season to ad-just to the new scheme, but the team did win the last game of their disappointing 2-8 season.

With no new offenses to learn this season, the Indians can capitalize on the opportu-nities that come with having a larger, stronger, more experi-enced team.

The Indians have the play-ers necessary for a successful season. If they can learn to execute, they should be able to improve greatly from last year’s record.

“We’re just so much farther ahead. Guys understand what we’re talking about now.”TownsCountycoachKyleLangford

CMYK

UNION COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL PANTHERSThe Times, Gainesville, Ga. | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL fOOTbALL PREvIEw | Sunday, August 19, 2012 23

MOST wANTED

T BentleySr. QB 6-0, 190Tallied more than 1,700 yards of total offense last season while completing more than 50 percent of his passes.

Luther JonesJr. OL/DL, 6-0, 275Big two-way player is a strong leader and is primed for a breakout year as a starter.

Clay BurnetteSr. FB/DB, 5-8, 165Proved last season that he has the skills to be a force on both sides of the ball.

HEAD HONCHOBrian AllisonRecord: 18-22 at school, 79-83 overallOffensive strategy: Spread; “We’re not very big. It’s a better opportunity to move the football.”Defensive strategy: 5-2; “It’s what I know and feel comfortable doing.”

Jonah WhitmerSr. WR/DB, 6-0, 175Adds experience and skill to a young, inexperienced defense.

Craig JonesSr. OL/DL, 5-11, 235Has seen time on both sides of the ball and will be looked at as a leader this fall.

Date OpponentAug. 31 at Towns CountySept. 7 FANNIN COUNTYSept. 14 ANDREWS (N.C.)Sept. 28 WASHINGTON-WILKES*Oct. 5 at Oglethorpe County*Oct. 12 RIVERSIDE MILITARY*Oct. 19 at Greene County*Oct. 26 at Rabun County*Nov. 2 SOCIAL CIRCLE*Nov. 9 at Jefferson*


2011 leadersPassing

Yards TDs Comp. %*T Bentley 1,429 5 51.2

Rushing Yards TDs Avg.*Johnathan Hughes 486 2 5.2*T Bentley 333 6 2.8Ian Petkevich 249 2 6.6

Receiving Rec. Yards TDsZach Williams 42 431 1Daniel Coyne 24 327 0Chase Schafer 26 241 0*Clay Burnette 17 142 2

Defense Total Solo Asst.Ian Petkevich 106 73 33Garrett Dietz 87 64 23*Clay Burnette 86 54 32

*returning player


W Towns County 20-0L Lumpkin County 28-13L Hart County 36-7L Lanier 33-15L Banks County 16-14L East Hall 33-3L Dawson County 22-19W Rabun County 10-7W Fannin County 30-15L Hart County 28-14


2012 SCHEDULE

HIGH NOONAug. 31 at Towns CountyUnion County once again opens the season against rival Towns County, which has only beaten the Panthers once in its history. Winning the first game of the season on the road would not only allow Union County to continue their winning traditions against the Indians, it would give them a positive beginning to feed off of for the rest of the season.

UCHS ROUNDUPLocation: BlairsvilleCoach: Brian AllisonRegion: 8-AA NorthLast region title: 1974Last playoff appearance: 2001Returning starters: Offense 5, Defense 4

Panthers prowling for playoffsBY KELSEY WILLIAMSON

kwilliamson @gainesvilletimes.com

Union County is starting this year with a team that is young in some places, but coach Brian Allison feels that his underclassmen will be able to grow up quickly and become leaders.

The Panthers will need that to happen as they enter a new region full of unfamiliar op-ponents.

Although he admits that the Panthers lack in depth in some areas, Allison still feels that he has a team that will compete each week.

“Skill-wise, I feel confident that we have some kids that may not be game breakers, but that can make plays,” Al-lison said.

The Panthers are certainly in a position for the newcom-ers to prove themselves, no matter how young they may be.

OffenseUnion County has only four

returning starters on offense, but two of them are experi-enced players who will lead the team throughout the sea-son.

Quarterback T Bentley will be back as the starter af-ter throwing for 1,429 yards last season. Bentley had five touchdowns and completed 51.2 percent of his passes. The Panthers will need him to continue to make strides if they plan to improve upon last year’s 3-7 record.

Junior fullbacks Clay Bur-nette and Johnathan Hughes will return to the Panthers’ of-fense this season. Hughes led the team in rushing last season with 486 yards and two touch-downs. Burnette will see more time with the ball this season and can become a leader on offense, Allison said.

On the offensive line, Allison stresses the value of linemen like Luther Jones and Craig Jones and hopes that they can mask “some of the inexperi-ence at other spots.”

DefenseThe Panthers return five

players to a 5-2 defense that Al-lison believes needs to be much more consistent. The numbers back him up, as Union County gave up 28 points or more in half of its games last season.

“We gave up too many big plays last year,” Allison said.

Although the team deals

with inexperience on de-fense as well, Allison expects players like Burnette, Luther Jones, Craig Jones and senior defensive back Jonah Whit-mer to lead a unit that he says will have to “step up and grow up.”

Burnette was a leader on defense last season with 86 total tackles behind only Ian Petkevich and Garret Dietz, both graduated.

Union County has all new starters at inside linebacker, and the team will count on veteran players to help them grow.

Special teamsEric Hougrand will return

as the kicker and punter this season after making 10 of 14 field goals last season and av-eraging 34.7 yards on punts.

OutlookUnion County faces a tough

travel schedule in region play and is competing with a young and inexperienced team. But if upperclassmen continue rise to the challenge and lead the younger players to help them develop, Union County could see more success this season than last, and a playoff berth is not out of the question.

“Skill-wise, I feel confident that we have some kids that may not be game breakers, but that can make plays.”Union County coach Brian Allison

Play Hard. Play Healthy.At Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine at �e Longstreet Clinic, P.C.,

we are fellowship-trained, board-certi�ed surgeons. We are experts in sports medicine and have the knowledge and experience to treat all athletes.

Ask about our Saturday morning walk-in clinic for

prep athletes!

Our TeamHarry Ferran, MD

Michael Go�sman, MDBarry Munn, MD

Derek Moore, MDCharlie DeCook, MD

Amy Borrow, MDStephen Fisher, MDTrevor Ezzell, FNP-CKelly Hemphill, PA-CAmanda San U, PA-C

Christopher �omas, PA-C

www.longstreetclinic.com

GainesvilleBraselton770-532-7092

Flowery Branch/Buford770-533-4355

CMYK

24 Sunday, August 19, 2012 | 2012 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW | The Times, Gainesville, Ga.

See Our Entire Line-up at www.HayesChryslerDodge.com

800-269-98521-800-872-9864

1-800-872-9864

Located Next to GaiNesviLLe coLLeGe5 MiNutes FroM the Lake, FLowery

BraNch aNd dowN towN GaiNesviLLe

our FaMiLy has served haLL couNty For 30 years!

FrOm EvEryOnE On OUr TEamGood Luck haLL couNty FootBaLL

mEET OUrElitE

Jeep Wrangler

Chrysler 200

Documents

Football 2012