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FOOTBALL ‘12 EDITION

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WEDNEsDAyAug. 22, 2012

2B — The Newnan Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 22, 2012

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East Coweta Indians RosterNo. Name Yr.1 Wyatt Potter Sr.2 Bryce Gemmel Jr.3 Dee Godfrey Sr.4 Nigel Gay Sr.5 Weylin Orr Jr.6 Randale House Sr.8 Casey Webb Jr.9 Hamp Morris Sr.10    Jemarcus Godfrey Sr.11 Devontay Parker Jr.12 Jacob Bergstrom So.13 Ricky Metcalf So.14 Chris Norcross So.15 Markell Boston Jr.17 McKenzie Martin So.18 Carson Potter So.19 Brett Anander So.20 Jay McKnight Jr.21 Malik Robinson Jr.22 Quan Whatley Jr.23 Reagan Thomas So.24 Zaurione Crowder So.25 Hunter Holmes Sr.26 Kevin Lashley So.27 Alex Portress Jr.28 Cole Antley So.29 Jeremy Ingram So.30 Micah Flourney So.31 Spencer Smith Sr.32 Michael Dayton Sr.33 Stephn Cruver So.34  Dexter Boyd So.36 Nick Fraser Jr.37 Michael Taggart So.38 Tyler Brown Sr.39 Greg Williams So.40 Alex Heard So.41 Davis McCondichie So.42 Issac Epps So.43 Satchell Horton So.44 Alex Branch So.45 Tyler Poythress So.46 Seth Williams So.47 Andre Warner So.48 Brock Meeker Jr.50 Dartavyous Walker Jr.51 Jamal Thomas So.52 Devin Looney So.53 Dakota Beasley So.54 Tristan Mann So.55 Nate Julian Jr.56 Wyatt Martinez So.57 Ryan Stewart So.58 Jamarcus Wilson Jr.59 Chris Burton Jr.60 Michael Myers So.61 Ryan Diederich Sr.62 Cristian Torres So.63 Luke Clayton Sr.64 Charles Bush Jr.65 Zeyad Allbban So.66 Anthony Griggs So.67 Corey Price Jr.68 Matt Cheatham Sr.69 Shawn Hawkins So.70 Alex Naughton So.72 Qua Fuller Jr.73 John Searcy So.74 Anfernee Burks Sr.75 Zack Harness Sr.76 Mailk Jackson So.77 Anthony Parks Jr.78 Sean Simmons So.79 Ron Henderson S0.80 Clifton Strong Sr.81 E.J. Ransom So.83 Colin Morganroth So.84 Noah Rutherford So.85 Sanoj Allen Jr.86 Michael Singleton So.87 Richard Farley So88 Gameliel Bridges So.89 Nick Bridges So.

Serving Size 1 teamNutrition Facts

It happens from time to time.

High school football coach-es find themselves having to rebuild their program after getting hit hard by graduation.

But it’s a good bet East Coweta head coach Clint Wade hasn’t ever had to go through a reconstruction process quite like the one he faces heading into the 2012 campaign.

Gone from last year’s team are 32 seniors, the most that he’s seen come through the program. Wade’s tenure at the school, both as an assistant and defensive coordinator through his first four years as Indians head coach, now num-bers over 20 years.

A massive rebuild is under way in 2012.

“Rebuilding, that’s a good word for it,” Wade said. “We lost some good players, most who were able to step in and contribute too.”

Wade heads into his fifth season as the Indians’ head coach after putting together 7-4 records in each of his first four seasons and leading the team to a first-round trip to the playoffs.

East Coweta started the 2011 season on a roll, win-ning its first six games, and even appearing briefly in The Associated Press Top-10 before going through a major tailspin and dropping three games in a row.

The Indians closed out the regular season on a high note, ending a seven-year drought against their biggest rivals Newnan, by putting together a second-half rally against the Cougars to win the game 28-25 at Drake Stadium on the Newnan campus.

East Coweta’s playoff hopes were short-lived as it fell to Colquitt County on the road in south Georgia.

The Indians haven’t won a first-round state playoff game since 2007 when they beat Stephenson en route to a 10-2 record, but Wade is hoping the pieces are in place this year to change some of that.

Among the key losses for East Coweta heading into the season are safety Michael Collins and Willie Holloway.

The defensive specialist led the Indians with more than 100 tackles each.

Collins had 124 tackles and a team-leading seven sacks, while Holloway finished his senior campaign with 115 tack-les and two forced fumbles.

Collins signed a let-ter of intent with West Georgia University and will be a freshman for the Wolves this season.

But for Wade, it’s more about what the Indians have coming back, than not about who they have to replace.

The Indians will center-piece their team around the talents of senior Dee Godfrey.

The 5-7, 164-pound senior will be the Indians’ go-to-guy on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

He is also the only returning starter on defense.

Godfrey has been the team’s leading rusher for two years in a row.

Last season, he rushed for 620 yards and seven touchdowns.

From his cornerback spot, Godfrey also made 32 tackles, two interceptions and 13 pass breakups.

They biggest question mark for the Indians’ coaching staff will be how to use him and not wear him down dur-ing the long 10-game regular season, and then if all goes well, make sure he is still fresh for the playoffs.

“He’s the senior, we have to get him the ball a little more, but we have to be care-ful, too” Wade said. “He has a lot of energy, and he’s in great shape, but we know we are going to have to spell him some.”

Weylin Orr also brings back experience at tailback.

The junior rushed for 216 yards and three touchdowns in limited playing time, but that is expected to change this year as he is definitely in the team’s offense mix this year.

“He got some playing time last season, and he is ready to step it up this year,” Wade said.

The Indians have also put out the ‘help wanted’ sign hop-ing to replace fullback Carl

Dann.“He was just a fantastic

blocker,” Wade said.Malik Robinson, Michael

Dayton and Tyler Brown have shown their ability to step in and replace Dann.

“They can get out there on

the perimeter,” Wade said. “They all have a chance to see a lot of playing time this year.”

For the third year in a row, a new starting quarterback will line up under center for the Indians.

Junior Bryce Gemmel takes over for Garrett Schrepfer, who passed for 1,010 yards and four touchdowns last season. Back-up quarterback Allan Maraman, who was the Indians’ second string quar-terback, also graduated.

“He has waited in the wings. Now it’s his turn,” Wade said of Gemmel, who worked his way into the offense in short yardage and goal-line pack-ages, scoring his first varsity touchdown in East Coweta’s win at Langston Hughes last year.

For the first time in sev-eral seasons, a quarterback gets the starting nod for the Indians with more than one year of eligibility left.

“We are going to have two years with him, so that should give us some stability,” Wade said.

Hamp Morris is slated to be the Indians’ back-up quarterback.

“He executes really well, and he has a good head on his shoulders,” Wade said.

Several guys are fighting for playing time on the offensive line.

Senior Zack Harness (6-3,

270) is going to be counted on to anchor things up front as the lone returner. Senior Cliff Strong and juniors Charles Bush, Qua Fuller and Jamarcus Wilson are also vying for playing time. At the start of the preseason, Wilson and Bush were the favorites to start at the guard positions and Fuller at left tackle.

East Coweta will also need younger players like Dawson Ellis, Rod Henderson, Jamal Thomas and Tristan Mann to contribute.

“It is just a process we are going through right now,” Wade said. “We are trying to get them ready for that first game and beyond that.”

A year ago, East Coweta spread the wealth among its wide receivers and this year Gemmel won’t have to look to hard to find the team’s leading receiver.

Markell Boston returns for his junior year after lead-ing the team with 22 catches and a touchdown a year ago. His lone score was a big one, hauling in a 40-yard pass late against Newnan to complete a 28-25 comeback victory that allowed the Indians to snap an eight-game losing streak against their county rival while leapfrogging them for a third-place finish in Region 2-AAAAA.

East CowEta IndIans Region 3-AAAAAA

HeAd coAcH: clint WAde

The Young and

the Restless

Photos by Jeffrey Leo East Coweta head football coach Clint Wade and his staff face replacing 32 seniors from last year’s team, the majority of which were heavy contributors during a 7-4 season.

Dee Godfrey, lef t, and Markel Boston (15) sandwich a Whitewater ball carrier during East Coweta’s scrimmage last week. The duo hope to solidify the Indians secondary this year.

INGREDIENTS: This year’s Football ‘12 edition was created by the Newnan Times-Herald sports department with help from staff photographers Jeffrey Leo and Bob Fraley who took the images for the publication. Graphic designer Sonya Studt created the “Coweties” logo from our cover and paginator Will Blair aided in the cover design. Cover and page layouts were done by sports editor Chris Goltermann. Goltermann and assistant sports editor Doug Gorman wrote the copy.

The Indians have two established running backs in senior Demarcus “Dee” Godfrey and junior Weylin Orr to help lead this year’s offense.

BY DOUG GORMANdgorman@newnan.com

See INDIANS, page 3B

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 — The Newnan Times-Herald — 3B

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Devonte Parker, Alex Portress and Kevin Lashley are also in the mix at wide receiver, but none of the wide receiver candidates had a catch last year.

A year ago, East Coweta threw to tight end Trolinger 10 times, but he gone now. leav-ing the door open for Senoj Allen and Brock Meeker to compete for playing time.

“It is an important position for us,” and these guys have some really big shoes to fill,” Wade said.

On the defensive side of the ball, with only Godfrey back as a defensive starter, the Indians headed into camp with plenty of unanswered questions on that side of the ball.

On the defensive line, Anfernee Burks is expected to anchor the things with sever-al candidates on the offensive line expected to play on defen-sive too.

Linebackers Marcellus Parrott, Mario Clarke, and Terrence Bennett were all contributors last season that need to be replaced de to grad-uation. The unit’s other con-tributor, Edwin Rivera, is now at Trinity Christian.

That leaves the door open for Nick Fraser, Jay McKnight and Anthony Parks to step in as well as some others who could possibly step up.

Boston and Nigel Gay are also expected to play in the Indians’ defensive secondary.

The Indians kicking game remains one of the program’s strengths with senior Spencer Smith coming back to kick and

punt. A year ago, Smith con-verted on 32 extra points and six field goals.

He also averaged 31.7 yards per punt.

Smith is also garnering the attention of college scouts because of his ability to put the ball in the end zone on field goals.

“Spencer has been to a lot of camps and he has a really strong leg” Wade said. “He can put the ball in the end zone, and we like that.”

Smith put the ball in the end zone a couple of times dur-ing Thursday’s scrimmage at Whitewater.

Cole Antley steps in as the backup kicker.

East Coweta begins play in a new six-team Region 3-AAAAA this season that includes, rival Newnan and Tri-Cities, both traditional football powers. Westlake, Langston Hughes and Douglas County are also in the region.

With only six teams in the region, Wade has had to get a little creative scheduling the five non-region opponent.

Most are yearly visitors to the playoffs as the non-region slate includes home games against Henry County and Archer (Lawrenceville).

The Indians also face Sandy Creek on the road and then Lovejoy at home.

Lovejoy played for the Class AAAA title last season, going undefeated until losing to Tucker in the championship.

East Coweta plays in most intriguing road game against Central in Phenix City, Ala on Sept. 28.

“They play in Class AAAAAA and are one of the better teams in Alabama,” he said.”It just happened that we both had a date open that week,” Wade said.

Wade says the challenge earlier is just to get better.

“The five non-region games are not going to be easy,” Wade said. “We have our work cut out for us to say the least. Every one of them made the playoffs last year.”

Among teams in the new region, Newnan (6-6) and Tri-Cities (10-3) each made the playoffs.

Langston Hughes and Douglas County have strug-gled, but they are also in the region.

In the region preseason poll voted on by coaches and mem-bers of the media, Tri-Cities was picked to win the region title, with Newnan second and East Coweta third.

Wade admits his team is going through growing pains at times this season.

East Coweta showed some spark during last week’s scrimmage, but Wade knows it is going to be a work in progress.

“You really can’t gauge where you stand. It is going to take baby steps. We have a lot of puppies out there,” Wade said.

Even with the team going through some of its growing pains, Wade is happy with the team’s enthusiasm.

“They are working hard, and they have good attitudes, they are being really positive. I am really pleased, the coach-ing staff is doing a really good job getting them where they are supposed to be, he said.

The key to a successful sea-son for the Indians could be time.

“We just have a lot of young players who are inexperi-enced, and we just have to coach them up and get them ready,” Wade said.

INDIANS Continued from page 2B

Head CoaCH: Clint Wade: (Fifth year, 28-16)

Staff: Tom Gochenour (Assistant head coach, Offensive Coordinator, Offensive line), Ron Beaucham (Linebackers), Todd Beldon (Defensive backs, Kickers and Punters), Trace Overton (Tight Ends, Defensive Tackles), Darron Edwards (Defensive Backs), Roc Coleman (Running Back), Todd Kelley (Defensive Line), J.R. Revere (Quarterbacks), Andy Washington (Wide Receivers), Lloyd Knott (Head Trainer)

Key LoSSeS: DE Willie Holloway, QB Garrett Schrepfer, TE Cole Trolinger, FB Carl Dann S Michael Collins.

StrengtHS: Team brings backs two-way specialist Dee Godfrey, who was the leading rusher on offense and one of the leaders on defense with two interceptions.

areaS of ConCern: Trying to replace 32 seniors, most who received some playing time last year. Some new players on both the offensive and defensive lines, and it could take them awhile to into the flow of things. It could just be a matter of getting some game experience.

outLooK: The Indians move into the six-team Region 3-AAAAAA that includes rival Newnan and powerhouse Tri-Cities but look out for Langston Hughes who has just about everybody back to also be in the hunt for one of the four play-off spots. The good news for the Indians is Dee Godfrey returns to the lineup on both sides of the ball Godfrey has been the Indians’ lead-ing rusher the past two years. A year ago, he rushed for 620 yards and nine touchdowns on offense. Defensively, he had 32 tackles and two interceptions. Bryce Gemmel

becomes the team’s third start-ing quarterback in as many years. Fortunately he has leading receiver Markel Boston returning to the lineup. A year ago, he lead the team with 22 catches.

Position BreakdownoffenSe

QuarterbaCK: Junior quarter-back bryce gemmel becomes the team’s third starting quarterback

in as many years. “He has waited in the wings. we have him for two years with him so that should give us some stability. Should he be needed, Hamp Morris is ready to step in a play behind center too.”He executes really well. He has a good head on his shoulders.

Jake bergstrom is the third string quarterback and will probably start on the junior varsity.

“He’s got the QBs going in the right direction,” said Wade of quar-terbacks coach J.R. Revere.

running baCKS: dee godfrey is the Indians’ go-to guy in the backfield. Godfrey has been the team’s leading rusher the past two years. One of the coaching staff’s objectives is to try and get the ball in his hands a little more without wearing him out. Since he plays on both sides of the line of scrimmage, Godfrey is going to spend a lot of time on the field. “We are going to have to find away to spell him

He’s the senior. We have to get him the ball a little more. He has a lot of energy and he is in great shape, Wade said.

When Godfrey comes out of the game, East Coweta will be able to turn to Weylin orr as its backup. Orr rushed for 216 yards and three touchdowns in 2011.

fuLLbaCK: Replacing Carl Dann might be one of the biggest challenges facing the Indians this season. He only carried the ball 21 times last season, but was the best blocker. Possible replacements are Malik robinson, Michael dayton and tyler brown.

“These guys can get out there on the perimeter,” Wade said,

Wide reCeiver: Markel boston was the Indians’ sure-handed receiver last year and returns after making 22 catches,

grabbing one for a touchdown. Still, there is plenty of depth as Wyatt Potter, nigel gay, devonte Parker, alex Portress, and Kevin Lashley are set to step in this season and play.

tigHt end: Cole Trolinger after making eight catches last season is gone leaving the door open for Senoj allen and junior brock Meeker to step and play at the tight end position.

offenSive Line: The Indians are going to be a little green up front, but they won’t lack depth. Zack Harness should be the leader (6-3, 270) up front, but play-ers like Cliff Strong, Charles bush, Qua fuller and Jamarcus Wilson bring added depth to the line. Newcomers dawson ellis, rod Henderson, Jamal thomas and tristen Mann should also get chances.

defenSedefenSive Line: Several guys

from the offensive line will also jump over and play up front on defense as well, but it may be up to anfernee burks to anchor the defensive front. Both Strong and

Harness expect to play on both the offensive and defensive lines.

SeCondary: dee godfrey returns to anchor the secondary after a banner year that saw to interceptions, but boston will also play on both sides of the ball too. nigel gay is also expected to see playing time in he secondary.

LinebaCKerS: Like they are having to do in so many spots, the Indians are having to rebuild at linebacker as Marcellus Parrott, Mario Clarke, and terrence bennett have all graduated. That leaves the door open for nick fraser, Jay McKnight and anthony Parks to step in as well as some others who could possibly step up.

SPeCiaL teaMS: Senior Spencer Smith is back to again handle both the place kicking and punting duties. Smith connected on six field goals and split the uprights on 32 extra points, His biggest asset is his ability to put the ball into the end zone on kickoffs. He also aver-aged 31.7 yards per punt. Cole antley is the backup and is getting ready for his sophomore year.

Serving Size 1 teamNutrition Facts

2011 FINAL STATISTICSRecord: 7-4, 4-3 in Region 2-AAAAAPoints scored: 271/24.6Points allowed: 180/16.3offense rushingNo. Name Att. Yds. Avg. TDs3 Dee Godfrey 65 620 9.5 714 Garrett Schrepfer 94 389 4.1 87 Jay Warner 49 282 5.8 24 Michael Willis 32 250 7.4 430 Weylin Orr 39 216 5.5 324 Josh Penn 25 113 4.5 121 Jeremy Moss 11 72 6.5 06 Carl Dann 21 59 2.8 1 25 Willie Holloway 6 34 5.7 39 Deryas Jones 6 18 3.0 023 Travis Taylor 1 16 16.0 012 Allen Maraman 3 10 3.3 019 Bryce Ingram 1 1 1.0 143 Cole Trolinger 1 1 1.0 1 Totals 356 2,084 5.9 31

PassingName Comp. Att. Yards TD INT Garrett Schrepfer 87 170 1,010 4 0Allen Maraman 5 16 29 0 0 Totals 92 186 1,039 4 0 11.3

receivingName Rec. Yds. Avg. TDsMarkell Boston 22 258 11.7 1Lajuwon Johnson 15 129 8.6 0Michael Collins 10 184 18.4 1Cole Trolinger 10 86 8.6 1Travis Taylor 9 163 18.1 1Carl Dann 8 76 9.5 0Dee Godfrey 7 47 6.7 0Michael Willis 6 50 8.3 0Qwatrez Fenner 4 35 8.8 0Jay Warner 1 11 11.0 0Totals 92 1,020 11.4 4

ScoringNo. Name TD EP FG 2pt Total31 Spencer Smith 0 32 6 0 6814 Garrett Schrepfer 8 0 0 1 503 Dee Godfrey 7 0 0 0 424 Michael Willis 4 0 0 0 2425 Willie Holloway 3 0 0 1 2030 Weylin Orr 3 0 0 0 1843 Cole Trolinger 2 0 0 0 127 Jay Warner 2 0 0 0 1223 Travis Taylor 1 0 0 0 615 Markel Boston 1 0 0 0 66 Carl Dann 1 0 0 0 617 Michael Collins 1 0 0 0 62 David Singleton 1 0 0 0 624 Josh Penn 1 0 0 0 619 Bryce Ingram 1 0 0 0 628 Cole Antley 0 1 0 0 1Totals 35 31 5 2 261

defenSetacklesNo. Name Solo Asst. Total17 Michael Collins 84 41 12425 Willie Holloway 75 40 11522 Marcellus Parrott 41 57 9832 Jacquis Miller 45 33 7845 Mario Clarke 23 39 6243 Cole Trolinger 47 10 5742 Edwin Rivera 22 27 4954 Terrence Farmer 22 23 45 55 Rashaud Smith 20 18 383 Dee Godfrey 29 13 3227 Terrence Bennett 17 13 302 David Singleton 28 7 359 Deryas Jones 7 6 1350 D.J. Mosley 7 5 1210 Jemarcus Godfrey 1 11 1266 Billy Ray Brown 7 2 9 21 Jeremy Moss 4 3 77 Jay Warner 4 2 61 Lajuwon Johnson 6 2 8

E. Coweta faces tough non-region schedule

The 2012 East Coweta Indians At a Glance

2012 SCHEDULEAug. 31 Henry CountySept. 7 Archer (Lawrenceville)Sept. 14 At Sandy CreekSept. 21 LovejoySept. 28 At Central, Phenix City, Ala.Oct. 5 BYEOct. 12 At Westlake*Oct. 19 Tri-Cities*Oct. 26 At Langston Hughes*Nov. 2 At Douglas County*Nov. 9 Newnan**Region 3-AAAAAA Game

2011 RESULTS (7-4)Aug. 26 Chapel Hill W31-6Sept. 2 At Pebblebrook W27-13Sept. 16 Troup W33-0Sept. 23 At Luella* W37-8Sept. 30 Newton* W23-8Oct. 7 At Hughes* W35-14Oct 14 Westlake* L31-21Oct. 21 At Stephenson* L24-17Oct. 28 M.L. King* L20-7Nov. 4 At Newnan* W28-25* Region 2-AAAAA GameClass AAAAA State PlayoffsNov. 11 At Colquitt Co. L35-10

GAME NIGHT OFFERSCOLLECT ALL 10!

4B — The Newnan Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 22, 2012

B4/East Coweta

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NewNaN Cougars Region 3-AAAAAA

HeAd coAcH: Mike McdonAld

Consecutive trips to the Class AAAAA state semifinals can certainly help the reputation of a high school football program, as it has in recent years at

Newnan High.Yet last year’s 6-6 mark — obviously less

pleasing to the eye — may prove to be as ben-eficial to this year’s Cougars in the long run.

The importance of staying patient paid off for Newnan players in the Class AAAAA state playoffs, where the team lasted as long as any of the county’s five lineups to make the postseason in 2011. It meant pulling off a first-round 17-7 upset over Region 1-AAAAA cham-pion Valdosta in Winnersville to the shock of the majority of high school football fans.

There was a stigma over the Cougars dur-ing much of last fall. It began with a 1-2 start to the season against non-region opponents with losses to Peachtree Ridge and Woodstock and ended with losses in four of their last five games huddled around the Valdosta upset.

Finishing as close to a sub .500 record since a 4-7 mark in 2005, Newnan’s schedule was quite the challenge for a lineup with 14 new starters including nine on offense. The stretch run included games against five programs with a combined 45-14 record.

Statistics, however, were no match for deal-ing with some of the frustration that 15, 16 and 17-year-olds can feel when they’re struggling to win football games during the first two or three weeks of the season, a situation the Cougars may be in again this year.

“You’ve got to be mature enough as a team. You may take your lumps early, but can you be mature enough to overcome some of that adversity,” McDonald said. “Cause it creates some negativity. It’s also a challenge in that ‘Hey, if it doesn’t go the way we want to, do you have enough character to hold that thing together?’”

The schedule, as head coach Mike McDonald put it, starts with three “boogers” in Marietta, LaGrange and Sandy Creek. All three should be as good as 2011 or a nose ahead over last year’s record.

“When you’re playing real good teams, some on the outside looking in would say I’d rather be 3-0. And the kids in the school, that’s all they care about, being 3-0.” McDonald said. “ That’s the thing about playing tough people early. It lets you know where you’re at.”

It’ll be a third consecutive season with a new starting quarterback as well as a bulk of new faces on offense for the Cougars. The change in that trend this year, however, is that it’s a sophomore under center for the first time in McDonald’s head coaching career.

Left-hander Bailey Bryant, at 6-3, 180

pounds, has been the heir apparent since attending spring practice as an eighth grader. With a similar frame to graduating senior Nick Smith, who threw for 1,640 yards and 14 touchdowns in his only varsity season, Bryant also expects to be more of a pocket passes as Newnan shifts a little bit away from an option-oriented offense.

“We’re not going to be as much option as what we were on offense. That’s not Bailey’s strength. We’re still going to have it in there,” McDonald said. “It’s not going to be what it was like last year, but I guess you can look at it as we’re going to be more like we were a cou-ple years back. We’re not going to sling it every down like they did back then.”

The newcomer’s preseason debut, which saw him connecting on 10 of 15 attempts for 154 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions, was an immediate hint of Bryant’s potential.

Watching Smith — who went through the same process last year as a senior in his only year as a starter — may have helped Bryant while watching his former teammate from the sidelines last year as a backup.

“But the maturity level,” McDonald went on, “it’s a big difference. But we knew Bailey was going to be the guy. That’s why we brought him up [as an eighth grader] and brought him along. It was very beneficial.”

If any position could take the pressure off Newnan’s first-year quarterback, it might be the return of sophomore J.K. Britt and senior Quinton Dix in the offensive backfield. Brought along slowly last year behind depart-ing senior Bryant Ball, the pair were making a considerable impact by the end of last year, enough for the Cougars staff to move Ball back to linebacker full time for the playoffs.

Dix (5-9, 235) finished with 105 carries for 613 yards and two touchdowns while Britt (5-11, 177) had 244 yards on 53 attempts with four scores.

“They’re playmakers and we’ve got to get them the ball,” McDonald said. “It’s been big having those two guys back.”

Newnan was hit hard by graduation among last year’s receiving corps, losing its top three performers — Cody Darracott, Jalen Bolton and Ty Colton. The trio combined for all 14 receiving touchdowns and 76-percent of their quarterback’s passing yards in 2011.

Returning senior Traon Moss (5-11, 165) leads this year’s corps after making 17 catches for 173 yards last season, “and he’s had a wonder-ful camp,” said McDonald. “I’m anxious to see what he can do out there.”

Starting defensive safeties Tray Matthews and Darrell Morrow will get a chance to con-tribute on offense for the first time and imme-

diately seemed comfortable in the team’s pre-season scrimmage.

A year ago, Newnan didn’t have a tight end post a reception but instead used a group led by graduating senior Nick Cameron to open holes for its top trio of running backs. Senior Willie Boston(6-1, 170) and Maurice White along with junior Tonaris Portress — all of whom will play big roles on defense — can all rotate in with the chance to make big plays.

Serving Size 1 teamNutrition Facts

2012 Newnan High Roster 1 Rodney Tennie DB 5-6 156 Sr.2 Drew Morris WR 5-9 145 Sr.3 Diamond Jones QB-WR 5-8 140 Jr.4 Joe Ballard QB/WR 5-8 138 Fr.5 Micah Hairston RB/DB 5-6 148 Jr.6 Chrishawn Dix WR/DB 5-7 165 Jr.7 Zach Echols RB 5-7 155 Sr.8 Tim Hardaway WR/DB 5-9 164 Jr.9 Brandon Tennie OLB 5-7 185 Jr.10 Bailey Bryant QB 6-3 180 So.11 Tyler Mulvenna K 5-11 158 Sr.12 Traon Moss WR 5-11 165 Sr.13 Hosea Connally WR 5-8 150 Jr.14 Elisah Bowles QB 5-9 165 So.15 Sanchez Woods RB/DB 5-10 168 Sr.16 Darrell Morrow DB/WR 5-9 178 Sr.17 Kelvin Khayyam LB 5-10 180 So.18 Jacob Randig DB 5-10 178 So.19 Trey Walker WR 5-9 140 So.20 Terence Geter LB 5-5 154 Jr.21 Chad Ferdinand RB 5-8 200 Sr.23 Kamarezion Mathis WR 5-6 136 Jr. 24 Tonaris Portress OLB 5-10 204 Jr.25 Corey Bryant LB 5-5 187 So.26 Emanuel Bridges LB 6-0 195 Fr.27 Quinton Dix RB 5-9 235 Sr.28 Tray Matthews DB/WR 6-1 186 Sr.29 Franciso Williams DB 5-6 135 So.30 O’KoyeRobinson RB 5-8 187 Sr.31 Josh Hill OLB 5-9 165 Jr.32 Cameron Walker LB 5-7 204 Sr.33 Darius Martin ILB 5-8 207 Sr.34 Tristian Bridges DB 5-9 146 Jr.35 Conner Cox K 5-11 145 Jr.37 Nick Lamoureaux WR 5-9 137 So.38 Stephon Brownle DB 5-8 169 Jr.39 J. K. Britt RB/DB 5-11 177 So.40 Willie Boston TE/DE 6-1 170 Sr.41 Danquez Sinkfield DE 6-0 182 So.42 D’ShonRosser WR/DB5-11 183 Fr.43 Mitchell Burk WR/DB 5-9 150 So.44 Urian Woods RB 5-10 212 So.45 Darius Johnson OLB 5-8 170 Sr.46 Randell Arnold OLB 5-7 155 So.47 Damion Key OLB/RB 5-8 172 So.48 Jervonte Gates ILB 5-10 182 So.49 Maurice White ILB 5-8 224 Sr.50 Austin Chaffin DE 5-11 182 So.51 Caleb McHugh OLB 5-2 149 So.52 William Langley ILB 5-9 185 So.53 Josh Moreno OL 5-5 225 So.54 Ricky Kirkland DL 5-10 215 Sr.56 Myles Moran OL 5-11 256 Jr.57 David Raschen OL 6-4 290 Sr.59 Xavier Phillips OL 5-7 271 Sr.62 James Merritt LB 5-7 212 Jr.64 Steven Quesinberry OL/DL 6-0 174 So.65 Jay Russell OL 5-10 249 Sr.66 Tyler Beno OL 5-8 183 Jr.67 Darius Render OL 5-8 256 Sr.68 Dalton Youngblood OL 5-10 268 So.69 Christian Shellabarger OL 6-0 206 So.70 Rudy Hernandez OL 5-11 230 Jr.71 James Godfrey OL 5-9 254 So.72 Jamal Carlisle OL 6-1 287 Sr.73 Ronald Grooms OL 6-1 375 Jr.74 Tyler Moody OL 6-1 230 So.75 Anfenney Turner OL/DL 6-2 260 Jr.76 Mark Harris DE/OL 5-11 228 Jr.77 Josh Coffman OL 6-2 279 So.78 Jamal Hill OL 5-9 282 So.80 Jonathan Martin WR 5-7 220 Jr.81 Walker Sandlin TE 5-10 220 Jr.84 Dondrikus Arnold DB 5-11 180 Jr.85 Mike Buckhanna WR/DB 5-6 146 So.86 Erik Bounasis WR 5-4 137 Jr.87 Austin Brumby WR 5-11 145 Jr.88 Tyler Akers WR 5-6 140 So.89 Dalton Bunn WR 5-11 165 Sr.93 Rufus Neely DL 6-3 308 Fr.95 Michael Durant K 6-1 160 So.98 William Wimbley K 5-8 149 So.99 Hunter Bless P 6-1 176 Fr.

By CHRIS GOLTERMANNcgoltermann@newnan.com

Staying the course Newnan head

coach Mike McDonald feels

he has “two pretty good

dad gum safeties” in seniors Darrell Morrow, left, and

Tray Matthews. Matthews has

been ranked in the top-10 in the

nation at the posi-tion and continues

to hold a verbal commitment to

Georgia. Morrow has been what

McDonald called “a spark plug.”

He’s not a talkative guy out there, but he kinda of leads

by himself. He’s not the biggest

guy, he’s not the fastest guy, he’s

not the strongest guy. But he’s got a knack for being in

the right place.”

Photos by Jeffrey Leo Newnan offensive lineman work during position drills in preparation for Friday’s 2012 season opener against Marietta.

See COUGARS , page 4B

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 — The Newnan Times-Herald — 5B

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“You’re going to see us with a tight end more that we did in the past,” McDonald said.

Bryant may be receiving the brunt of attention at Newnan this fall in a high-profile posi-tion. But no Cougar may be more important to his success than 6-3, 290-pound senior right tackle Jamal Carlisle (6-1, 287), who will be tasked with protecting the southpaw quar-terback’s blind side.

“Jamal’s kind of the veteran of the bunch and it’s good to have that back,” McDonald said.

Senior David Raschen also proved a capable starter while rotating in last season, add-ing a sizable 6-4, 290-pound frame at left guard. Raschen will probably have to move to tackle some with Carlisle and Anfenney Turner (6-2, 265) also expected to start the year on the defensive line.

Two more seniors have worked their way into the starting lineup. Jay Russell (5-10, 249) played at right guard next to Carlisle dur-ing the preseason scrimmage. Center Myles Moran (5-11, 205) has put in extra work in the weight room to become the Cougars’ starting center to fill a big hole left by former teammate Mason Brantley to graduation.

“He’s just one of those ‘want to’ guys,” said McDonald of Moran. “He might not be the most talented guy in the world, but he’s going to fight you every second. He fell in love with the weight room.”

Turner, a 6-2, 265-pound junior, also expects to be play-ing on both sides of the ball and has been a “pleasant sur-prise” at left tackle.

Another junior, Ricky Kirkland (5-10, 215), has a chance to get a fair share of snaps at right guard after bat-tling with Russell in the pre-season. Mark Harris and soph-omore Christian Shellabarger are among a group waiting in the wings for a chance to con-tribute on offense.

Junior Tyler Beno (5-8, 183) is waiting in the wings at center while following older brothers Ray (Georgia Tech) and Chris (Shorter University)

as Cougar offensive linemen. Newnan entered the spring

with its defense a step ahead of the offense, especially with five starters back. The unit may have to carry the team during the early schedule while Bryant and company begin to gain momentum.

“We’re going to have to really play great on defense early, until our offense finds its way. Bailey’s going to be a great player,” McDonald said. “I think by the time we hit region play, we can be a really good team.

If there was a calming pres-ence - at least to Newnan - it’d be in its two talented senior safeties Tray Matthews and Darrell Morrow. Most already know plenty about Matthews (6-1, 190), who has been ranked among the top-10 prep play-ers at his position and is being highly sought out by Georgia and Auburn with the Bulldogs currently in the lead, having given a verbal commitment last year.

It’s hard to say what our strength is on defense, but Darrell and Tray are two pretty dadgum good safeties,” McDonald said.

Morrow (5-9, 178) may ben-efit from quarterbacks try-ing to avoid throwing in the direction of his teammate. Both seniors had intercep-tions in last Friday’s scrim-mage against a talented Griffin offense.

“That happened a lot in pass-ing league,” said McDonald of Morrow.. “Darrell’s done a lot of maturing in the four years he’s been here and he’s the one kid that I’ve been very, very proud of. He’s kind of been our spark plug. He’s not a talkative guy out there, but he kinda of leads by himself. He’s not the biggest guy, he’s not the fastest guy, he’s not the strongest guy. But he’s got a knack for being in the right place at the right time. And he’s pretty physical.”

Seniors Rodney Tennie (5-6, 156) and Sanchez Woods (5-10, 168) will work at the corners. Tennie has the most experi-ence while Britt can also see time in the secondary.

One of the program’s most consistent positions in recent years, the Cougars are shifting a pair of veteran starters, mov-ing junior Tonaris Portress (5-10, 204) to middle lineback-er and shifting senior Maurice White (5-8, 224) to the strong

side. “I think both of those guys are taking well to that,” said McDonald.

Seniors Darius Martin (5-8, 207) and Cameron Walker (5-8, 204) are fighting at the Will and junior Josh Hill (5-9, 165) also has a chance to gain playing time. Junior Terrence Geter (5-5, 154) also seems ready to contribute on defense along with junior Brandon Tennie (5-7, 165) and senior newcomer Darius Johnson.

“We’ve got a little more depth there,” said McDonald. “It’s a good group.”

The biggest changes, both in size and personnel, comes up front after Newnan lost its top four contributors on the defensive line led by Times-Herald Co-Defensive Player of the Year James Primm. Last year’s leading tackler had nine of the 29 1/2 sacks produced by Newnan linemen.

“Primm kinda came out of nowhere and was dominant,” McDonald. “He was a high motor guy.”

Carlisle will be counted on to fill Primm’s role as the nose man. Senior Willie Boston, who despite being undersized for a defensive lineman, “ had played well according to McDonald.

“He doesn’t have the bulk that we like, but he under-stands leverage.”

Turner and Mark Harris (5-11, 228) are the frontrunners for the other end spot. Senior Xavier Phillips (5-6, 271) will play a good amount of nose-guard along with big fresh-man Rufus Neely (6-3, 308), who is recovering from a torn meniscus.

Special teams, meanwhile, were an even bigger question mark heading into the spring after losing All-Region punter and kicker Patrick McAlpin.

Senior Tyler Mulvenna (5-11, 154), however, has “by far been our most improved player,” said McDonald. “He has really done just a nice job.”

Mulvenna’s first two varsity punts in last week’s scrimmage against Griffin both were downed inside the 5-yard line.

“When he started, he had trouble kicking an extra point,” McDonald said. “It’s been amazing to see how far he’s come. We’re at a point now where we’d be comfortable attempting field goals.”

COUGARS Continued from page 4B

Head Coach: Mike McDonald (fourth season, 26-12;

Staff: Kenny Morris (Offensive coordinator), Jeff Bryant (Co-defensive coordinator) Lavarett Pearson (Co-defensive coordinator), Chris Ramsey (Defensive line), Jerry Allen (Wide receivers), Hap Hines (Running backs), Randy Padgett (Offensive line), Bob Sandlin (Kickers), Jason Earwood (Tight ends), Dustin Alley (Outside line-backers)s

Offensive Formation: MultipleDefensive Formation: 3-5-3Strengths: Defensive secondary

led by standout safeties; Veteran line-backer corps; Two established running backs. Program has won at least one playoff game every year since 2007 and hasn’t missed postseason since 2005.

Areas of Concern: First-year quarterback on offense that lost top-3 receives to graduation; New faces on both sides of line. Team lost top-4 defensive lineman from 2011. All-State punter/kicker needs to be replaced.

Key Losses: RB/LB Bryant Ball (841 yds. rush, 11 TD), QB Nick Smith (1,640 pass yds. 14 TD, All-Region Second Team), WR Cody Darracott (529 rec yds, 5 TDs; All-Region 2-AAAAA First Team), WR Jalen Bolton (425 rec. yds, 6 TD, All-Region Second Team), WR Ty Colton (298 rec. yds, 3 TDs), DT James Primm (All-Region First Team, 93 tack-les, 9 sacks), P/K Patrick McAlpin (All-Region First Team), LB Nick Cameron (64 tackles, All-County), OL/DL Aundre Morgan (48 tackles, 8 sacks; All-Region Second Team; West Georgia), DL Diamond Leslie (6 sacks; Faulkner University).

Outlook Not unlike the last two seasons, Newnan enters the fall with a new starting quarterback and a lot of new faces in key areas. This year, a key will be solidifying both sides of the line, especially after the Cougars lost their top four defensive contribu-tors up front. Safeties Tray Matthews and Darrell Morrow are centerpieces among six returning starters on

defense, which should be able to offset a more inexperienced offense that may need a little more time to gel early. First-year starting quarterback Bailey Bryant and his squad, however, also proved it could handle the chal-lenge in last week’s scrimmage win over Griffin.

In all, it would take a horrendous turn of events for Newnan’s string of seven consecutive playoff appearanc-es to be snapped in a six-team Region 3-AAAAAA alignment. Despite some parity, the Cougars’ talent puts them in the top half of the division.

POSITION BREAKDOWNQUARTERBACK: Newnan has

handled transition at quarterback as good as any college program with a list of talented alumni including Tyler Horne, Thomas Darrah, Russell Powell, Lendell Arnold and Nick Smith — all of whom went on to earn athletic scholar-ships in football, basketball or baseball.

In that sense, 6-3, 180-pound sophomore Bailey Bryant should be in good company. After starting on the junior varsity as a freshman last year, Bryant didn’t attempt a live varsity throw against an opponent until last Friday’s scrimmage, but went 10 of 15 for 154 yards and a touchdown.

“He’s a hard worker, conscien-tious,” said Newnan head coach Mike McDonald of Bryant. “He’s going to be watching film every morning.

RUNNING BACK: If any position could take the pressure off Newnan’s first-year quarterback, it might be the return of sophomore J.K. Britt (5-11, 177) and senior Quinton Dix (5-9, 235) in the offensive backfield. Brought along slowly last year behind departing senior Bryant Ball, the pair were making a considerable impact by the end of last year, enough for the Cougars staff to move Ball back to linebacker full time for the playoffs.

The group should gain some depth this year with the addition of another bruising back, 5-8, 187-pound O’Koye Robinson. Junior Terrence Geter (5-5, 154) is described as “more of a scat back,” said McDonald.

“Terrence can give you some things in there that he can really hurt you,” McDonald added.

Senior Chad Fernandez (5-8, 200) will also have an opportunity to get involved in the offense.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Returning senior Traon Moss (5-11, 165) leads this year’s corps and had at least three receptions during the first half of Friday’s scrimmage.

Starting defensive safeties Tray Matthews and Darrell Morrow seemed well adjusted in the team’s preseason scrimmage while playing

offense for the first time. Despite hav-ing a catchable ball drop in the end zone from Bailey, Matthews caught two balls including a 41-yard strike down the sidelines that helped set up a touchdown. Morrow equally showed his athleticism, catching a short pass for a touchdown and making another leap-ing grab on a ball that eventually was knocked from his hands for a fumble.

Senior Drew Morris (5-9, 145) will also get a chance to line up and Newnan’s depth at running back will allow Britt to move to a slot receiver.

TIGHT END: Senior Willie Boston (6-1, 170) leads a group that includes fellow defenders Tonaris Portress, Maurice White and Darius Martin. While tight ends in Newnan’s offense are primarily used as an extra blocker (the position did not have a single recep-tion in 2011) all four have the ability to make plays in the passing game.

OFFENSIVE LINE: Jamal Carlisle, an All-Region honorable mention, is a two-year starter and the lone returner who saw action in every game. But a unit coached by first-year assistant Randy Padgett could be eight to 10 deep by midseason.

Senior David Raschen (6-4, 290) is slated to start at left guard. Raschen will probably have to move to tackle some with Carlisle and Anfenney Turner also expected to start the year on the defensive line.

Senior Jay Russell (5-10, 249) played at right guard next to Carlisle during the preseason scrimmage. Center Myles Moran (5-11, 256) has put in extra work in the weight room to become the Cougars’ starting center .

Turner, a 6-2, 260 junior has been a “pleasant surprise” at left tackle. Junior Ricky Kirkland, has a chance to get a fair share of snaps at right guard. Others that could play a role include Mark Harris and sophomore Christian Shellabarger, as well as junior Tyler Beno (5-8, 183).

DEFENSEDEFENSIVE LINE: While the

position is Newnan’s biggest ques-tion mark after losing the top-four performers on a tenacious defensive

front, the new faces have shined so far. Turner helped force a safety in the preseason scrimmage against Griffin and junior Mark Harris (5-11, 228) recovered a fumble. Jamal Carlisle also has a chance to make an impact at nose guard where James Primm (9 sacks) became a huge asset last year.

Those three are joined by senior Willie Boston. Along with Carlisle, senior Xavier Phillips (5-7, 271) will play a good amount of noseguard along with freshman Rufus Neely (6-3, 308), who is recovering from a torn meniscus.

LINEBACKERS: The Cougars are shifting a pair of veteran start-ers, moving junior Tonaris Portress (5-10, 204) to middle linebacker and shifting senior Maurice White (5-8, 224) to the strong side. Seniors Darius Martin (5-8, 207) and Cameron Walker (5-7, 204) are fighting at the Will and junior Josh Hill (5-9, 165) also has a chance to gain playing time. Junior Terrence Geter (5-5, 154) also seems ready to contribute on defense along with junior Brandon Tennie (5-7, 185) and senior newcomer Darius Johnson (5-8, 170).

DEFENSIVE BACKS: The region may not have a team with two more talented safeties than seniors Tray Matthews (6-1, 186) and Darrell Morrow (5-9, 178). Seniors Rodney Tennie (5-6, 156) and Sanchez Woods (5-10, 168) will rotate at the corners. Tennie has the most experi-ence while running back J.K. Britt can also see time in the secondary.

SPEcIAl TEAmSAlong with defensive line, an open-

ing at kicker and punter may have been Newnan’s other major question mark coming into the season. Senior Tyler Mulvenna, however, has “by far been our most improved player,” said McDonald. “He has really done just a nice job.”

The Cougars soccer standout’s first two varsity punts both were downed inside the 5-yard line. Freshman Hunter Bless is being groomed as a future replacement.

2012 SCHEDULEFriday AtMariettaAug.31LaGrangeSept.7Sandy CreekSept.14AtTroupSept.28 HardawayOct.12AtTri-Cities*Oct.19 Langston Hughes*Oct.26 Douglas County*Nov.2AtWestlake*Nov.9AtEastCoweta**Region3-AAAAAAGame

2011 RESULTS (6-6)Aug.25AtLaGrangeW27-6Sept.9AtPeachtreeRidgeL28-16Sept.16WoodstockL17-14Sept.24AtNewtonW21-7Sept.30Hughes*W38-21Oct.7AtWestlake*W33-7Oct.14Luella* W34-20Oct.21M.L. King* L41-17Oct.28AtStephenson*L35-13Nov.4East Coweta*L28-25*Region2-AAAAAGameClass AAAAA State PlayoffsNov.11AtValdostaW17-7Nov.18AtDaculaL32-21

GAME NIGHT OFFERSCOLLECT ALL 10!

The 2012 Newnan CougarS at a Glance

ServingSize1teamNutrition Facts

2011 FINAL STATISTICSRecord: 6-6, 4-3 in Region 2-AAAAAPoints scored: 276/23.0Points allowed: 249/20.8Offense RushingNo. Name Att. Yds. Avg. TDs42 Bryant Ball 144 841 5.8 1127 Quinton Dix 105 613 5.8 239 J.K. Britt 53 244 4.6 45 Cody Darracott 24 132 5.5 09 Nick Smith 42 29 - 0.7 24 Jalen Bolton 4 13 3.3 07 Ty Colton 1 3 3.0 0Totals 374 1878 5.0 19

PassingName Comp. Att. Yards TD INT 9 Nick Smith 142 227 1,640 14 4Totals 142 227 1,640 14 4

ReceivingName Rec. Yds. Avg. TDs5 Cody Darracott 35 529 15.1 54 Jalen Bolton 34 425 12.5 67 Ty Colton 20 298 14.9 312 Treon Moss 17 173 10.2 042 Bryant Ball 13 70 5.4 039 J.K. Britt 3 55 18.3 019 Semaj Allen 4 32 8.0 0Totals 92 1,020 11.4 4

ScoringNo. Name TD EP FG 2pt Total42 Bryant Ball 11 0 0 0 6617 Patrick McAlpin 0 23 4 0 355 Cody Darracott 5 0 0 0 304 Jalen Bolton 4 0 0 0 1839 J.K. Britt 3 0 0 0 1824 Tonaris Portress 2 0 0 0 127 Ty Colton 3 0 0 0 1226 Austin Hurler 0 5 3 0 149 Nick Smith 2 0 0 0 627 Quinton Dix 1 0 0 0 643 Nick Cameron 1 0 0 0 655 Aundre Morgan 1 0 0 0 61 Rodney Tennie 1 0 0 0 6Totals 34 28 7 1 255

DEFENSETacklesNo. Name Solo Asst. Total47 James Primm 57 30 8728 Tray Matthews 52 22 7443 Nick Cameron 35 29 64 49 Maurice White 32 30 6216 Darrell Morrow 37 14 5155 Aundre Morgan 30 18 4888 Diamond Leslie 27 14 41 24 Tonarius Portress 26 15 4193 Nick Wood 19 16 356 Antonio Benton 29 4 3333 Darius Martin 18 6 2423 Reggie Hightower 14 7 211 Rodney Tennie 16 5 2142 Bryant Ball 14 9 2329 Deion Poythress 9 2 1179 Reyes Ellis 6 4 1034 Tristan Bridges 6 2 854 Kenny Johnson 3 3 675 Anfenney Turner 2 1 3 32 Cameron Walke r 2 1 335 Tae Kemp 1 1 244 Justin Gates 2 0 297 Troy Owens 1 0 140 Willie Boston 1 0 172 Jamal Carlisle 0 1 1

SacksJames Primm 9Aundre Morgan 8Diamond Leslie 6Nick Wood 5 1/2Darius Martin 4Nick Cameron 1Tonarius Portress 1

Carlisle returns on O-line

6B— The Newnan Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 22, 2012

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Serving Size 1 teamNutrition Facts

Northgate Vikings Roster No. Player Pos. Yr.1 Malik Wade DB So2 Brandon Facyson WR So3 Marquis Jennings TE Jr4 Michael Willis RB Sr5 Sylvester Johnson DL Sr6 Matt Smith DB Jr7 Armond Upshaw DB Jr8 Andrew Brady WR Sr9 Torres Johnson DB Jr10 Jay Madison RB So11 Christian Gaston WR Jr12 Chris Johnson DL Sr13 Aaron Stargell DB Sr14 Tyler Rowland QB So15 Michael Matthews DB So16 Patrick Orman QB So17 William Lewis DB Sr18 Josh Harrison QB Sr19 Adrian Tolbert DE Sr20 Cole Carter RB Sr21 Kevin Teasley RB So23 Connor Usher LB Sr24 Braden Harbuck WR Sr26 Austin Burgess DB Jr28 Kyle Henderson WR Sr32 David Noe OLB So34 Dalton Lane OLB So38 Jake Humphries TE Jr39 Cody Carlock OLB So40 Alex Rose DL Jr41 Benton Washington RB Jr42 Hunter Eskew OLB Jr43 Devon Nash DL Jr44 Chase West OLB So45 Ryan Fagerstrom LB Jr47 Jamie Skalski K Fr50 T.J. Womack OL Jr51 Jackson Dorman LB So52 Dustin Foley OL Sr53 John Proctor OL Jr54 Justin Carlock DL Sr55 Blake McCollum DE Sr56 Dylan Huffman OL So57 Victor Taggart OL So58 Alex Norton OL So59 Dakota Wolfe OL So60 Aaron Seabrook OL Jr61 Jared Monk OL So62 Jacob Wolf OL Jr64 Aaron Carr OL Jr65 Chase Smith OL Sr66 Nebiyou Maddox DL Sr67 Alex Rock OL Jr69 Nick Abbadangelo OL Sr70 Justin Ayers OL Sr71 Jonathan Fleckenstein OL Sr72 Bryce Harper OL So73 Grant Gower OL Jr74 Christian Hand OL So75 Nick Heavner DL Jr76 Sean Spencer DE Sr77 Rashad Menefee DE Sr78 Austin Green OL Sr80 Jaelin Ware WR Jr82 Isreal Bolton WR Jr83 Zach Burrell DL Sr

2012 SCHEDULEAug. 31 At Heritage-ConyersSept. 7 GriffinSept 14 North ClaytonSept 21 at OlaSept. 28 Union GroveOct. 5 at WhitewaterOct. 12 at CreeksideOct. 26 at Starr’s MillNov. 2 McIntoshNov. 9 Region 4-AAAAA play in

2011 RESULTS (11-1)Aug. 26 At Alexander W45-13Sept. 2 Jones County W 35-7Sept. 9 At Ola W 42-14Sept. 16 At Fayette Co. W21-7Sept. 23 McIntosh W30-14Oct. 7 At Upson-Lee W45-0Oct. 14 Harris County W35-0Oct. 21 At Starr’s Mill W 41-21Oct. 28 Whitewater W27-24Nov. 4 Alcovy W42-13Class AAAA State PlayoffsNov. 11 North Clayton W42-7Nov. 18 East Paulding L 27-21

gaMe Night oFFersCoLLeCt aLL 10!

Times have changed at Northgate.

A year ago, the Vikings offense

helped carry the team to a undefeated regular season title, a Region 3-AAAA champion-ship and a trip into the second round of the playoffs with two 1,000-yards rushers who just happened to share Newnan Times Herald Offensive Players of the Year honors.

Now that running backs Alex Lakes has taken his game to the Air Force Academy and Payton Usher will play for Mercer’s first football program in more than 70 years, the Vikings are moving on with a team that might just be cen-tered around its stingy defense that gave up just 11 points per game in 2011.

The Vikings are also enter-ing the season with a new quarterback in the mix.

Northgate’s 11-1 season was the best in school history, but head coach Tommy Walburn says it is important for the team to move on and turn its focus on this fall instead of looking back and basking in the glory of last season.

“Here is the way we need to look at last season,” Walburn said. “We are excited for our players, we are excited for football program, we are excited for our school, and I am excited for our community. We have great fans. But at the same time, we are on a jour-ney, and we haven’t reached the destination yet. We have to start worrying about this year. We have a lot of players com-ing back, but the chemistry of every football team is differ-ent. We have to do it on our on merits this year.”

The Vikings defense puts three Division I prospects on the field this year, including a pair of defensive lineman that are expected to sign with SEC schools. They include defen-sive tackle De’Andre “Moose’ Johnson — who has verbally committed to the University of Georgia — at is 6-4, and tips the scales at 340 pounds. Also playing at end for the Vikings is Sean Spencer, who has battled injuries in his sopho-more and junior years and is healthy now and committed to Vanderbilt.

Brandon Facyson has com-mitted to Virginia Tech and will start in the secondary for the Vikings. Facyson made a commitment to play for Frank Beamer during a weekend visit this summer after first gain-ing an offer during a camp in Blacksburg before his junior year.

One of the things that could benefit Northgate this year is the versatility of the defensive linemen

“Our defensive lineman are interchangeable,” Walburn said, “The type of defense we play, sometimes our guys can play end or tackle.”

Spencer returns to the end spot after missing the bulk of the past two seasons after get-ting injured against Fayette County both years, the latter of which was a torn ACL in mid

September last fall.“Thankfully, we are not

playing Fayette County again,” Walburn joked.

Despite the two injuries, Spencer has attracted major college attention, thanks to his good grades and large 6-4, 260 frame.

“Whenever he does any type of testing, for a guy his size, he is off the charts,” Walburn said. “His knees should be stron-ger this year, and he has had a great offseason. We were going to hold him out in the spring, but he and his parents came to me and wanted to practice.”

Johnson, who has battled his own bumps and bruises during the early portion of preseason

drills, will start at defensive tackle while expecting to join a growing pipeline of Coweta players to Athens.

Johnson has spent a lot of time running during the sum-mer and Walburn thinks that will help him late in games.

“We feel like he is going to start the season in tip-top run-ning condition,” Walburn said, “A lot of times those big guys have problems at the beginning of the year. I don’t care what level of football you are in. This time he appears in foot-ball shape at the start of the season.”

Senior Zack Burrell and Sylvester Johnson will share the duties at right tackle.

Blake McCollum will play at the other end on defense.

Leading the way at line-backer for the Vikings will be Connor Usher who battled a finger injury during the pre-season and was out early after getting stitches in his hands.

“He is the heart and soul of our defense,” Walburn said. “He might be the smartest defensive player I have ever coached.”

A year ago, Usher was third on the team with 103 tackles and had a team-best six sacks.

“He just has a nose for the football,” Walburn said.

Ryan Fagerstrom will play the Sam linebacker is in his second year with the pro-

gram. Fagerstrom steps in and replaces Leon Sapp, who was Northgate’s leading tackler with 122, including 72 solo tackles.

Andrew Brady moves to outside linebacker this season, replacing a starting job held by Jonovan Cotton most of last year before he was injured. Dalton Lane will play the other outside linebacker.

“Dalton caught our eye in the spring as one of the most improved players we have coming back,” Walburn said,

Malik Wade and Adrian Tolbert will also help give depth to the linebacking unit.

Tolbert, who plays basketball for the Vikings, but is dress-ing out with the football team for the first time, will also play some at defensive end. Jackson Dorman has also caught the attention of the coaching staff at linebacker.

The secondary could be the strength of the defensive unit led by Facyson who had two interceptions and three pass breakups.

“We got all three guys, com-ing back, but they are kids, and you have to keep working with them,” Walburn said.

Torres Johnson will lineup at safety for the Vikings. A year ago, he had 114 tackles and two interceptions.

“At the beginning of last year, we sort of platooned him with Alex Lakes, but as the year went on he caught on so quick, we could just use Alex on offense.

In Their Defense BY DOUG GORMANdgorman@newnan.com

Photos by Jeffrey Leo Fresh off an 11-1 season, Northgate is hoping to continue its recent success this season while making the jump to Class AAAAA. The Vikings return the bulk of their defense

Offensive coordinator Kesley Dalrymple watches running backs go through drills during practice during the preseason, which will close on Friday with a scrimmage at Veterans in Warner Robins.

See VIKINGS, page 7B

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 — The Newnan Times-Herald — 7B

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Aaron Stargell will play at the right cornerback. Stargell started every game last year, and is 100 percent after fight-ing through some injuries in the offseason .

Matt Smith is also in the rotation.

Northgate enters the sea-son with some new looks on offense.

It starts with quarterback Josh Harrison, who takes over for Brett Misutka.

A year ago, Harrison lost a close quarterback battle to Misutka, but still got some game experience by playing in several contests that got out of hand in late in the second half.

With a much bigger 6-4 frame than Misutka, Harrison is more of a drop back quar-terback, but he can also run the option that was executed so well by his predecessor.

“He probably has a stronger arm than any quarterback I have ever coached,” Walburn said.

Northgate’s offensive line enters the season with some depth issues due to injuries.

“Once we get everybody back and healthy, I think we are going to be okay,” Walburn said,

Aaron Seabrook is expected to start the year at center. He moves over for Chase Smith, who has switched to one of the tackle spots. Dustin Foley, who stared every game last year, is back at the other tackle.

The guard spots will be held down by Nebau Maddox and T.J. Womack.

“We could still move some kids around for depth purpos-es, Walburn said.

Replacing tight end Mitch Bemister, who had 11 catches a year ago, was one of the Vikings main objectives head-ing into the offseason.

Northgate has found a can-didate in Marquis Jennings, who has moved over from the

fullback spot after the conclu-sion of spring practice. At 6-2, 215 pounds, the junior is the perfect candidate to play the position.

“We feel like once he gets comfortable with his block-ing he is going to be fine,” Walburn said. “He can defi-nitely catch the ball. He is a good pass catcher, that is defi-nitely, not his problem.”

The running game is defi-nitely going to be a major part of the Vikings offense again this year albeit with some new faces.

“All those guys in the back-field will have big shoes to fill,” Walburn said. “We replaced a lot of yards and a lot of touchdowns.”

Wingback Cole Carter is ready to step up and make a major contribution. A year ago, Carter was expected to start, but an injury pushed him out of the line up as Kyle Kovacs stepped in and rushed for 386 yards.

Once Kovacs broke into the lineup he became so reliable there was no getting him out of the lineup.

“Cole has done a good job of getting into the weight room, and he is a team leader,” Walburn said.

Malek Wade and Kevin Teasley will also be among the backups at wingback.

Junior Benton Washington moves over fullback after playing as a back up halfback last year.

Washington switched posi-tions this year when the decision was made to move Jennings from the fullback spot. Washington will be the replacement for Lakes who lead the team with 1, 220 yards and 19 TDs. Connor Usher could also see time on the offensive side of the ball as the back up to Washington.

The Vikings coaching staff could also turn to Stargell in another backup role.

East Coweta transfer Michael Willis enrolled at Northgate just in time to start football practice. Willis was one of several running

backs to tote the football for the Indians last year finish-ing with 250 yards and seven touchdowns. He averaged 7 yards per carry.

“He is really catching on, and we are excited to have him, Walburn said. Torres Johnson will also play in a limited role on offense.

Harrison will have plenty of sure-handed receivers to throw the ball to this season.

Brandon Facyson returns after leading the team with 18 catches and four touchdowns. Although Facyson is expected to play on the defensive side at Virginia Tech, he was offered a scholarship to play wide receiver by the University of Missouri.

Andrew Brady and Armond Upshaw will also line up at wide receiver. Both have expe-rience at the position.

Kyle Henderson has played in both cornerback and run-ning back spots for the Vikings, but as switched to wide receiver for his senior year.

Northgate has to replace Wil Lutz in the kicking game. Lutz, who will walk on at Georgia State, handled both the punting and kicking duties where he spit the uprights on 55 extra points and three field goals.

Andrew Brady will punt this season. Zack Braun could also play into the kicking game plans after returning from an injury.

Braun will kick extra points.Jamie Skalski will handle

long field goals and kickoffs.Northgate moves to a

Region 4-AAAAA this season, and its subregion includes Whitewater, Starr’s Mill and Creekside and McIntosh.

“The good thing is all of these games are close, and there is a little bit of a rivaly there,” Walburn said. “To be honest, I haven’t thought too much about the region. I am just trying to get us all on the same page.”

Northgate also opens the season on the road at

Heritage-Conyers (Aug. 31) and at home against Griffin (Sept. 7). North Clayton, the team the Vikings beat in the first round of the playoffs last

year makes a return trip this season.

“We are trying to put the team together, and we are working really hard,” Walburn

said. We are still a work in progress. We are putting a lot of different pieces together. We are excited about the upcoming season.”

VIKINGS Continued from page 6B

Serving Size 1 teamNutrition Facts

2011 FINAL STATISTICSRecord: 11-1, 7-0 Points scored: 426/35.5Points allowed: 143/11.9Offense RushingName Att. Yds. Avg. TDsAlex Lakes 185 1,270 6.0 19Payton Usher 142 1,019 7.4 17Kyle Kovacs 64 386 6.0 7Tony Williams 22 118 5.4 2 Benton Washington 17 89 5.2 1Marquis Jennings 20 72 3.6 0Brett Misutka 21 54 2.6 2Cole Carter 4 24 6.0 0Josh Harrison 5 18 3.6 0 Totals 508 3,055 6.0 48

PassingName Comp. Att. Yards TD INT Brett Misutka 53 75 967 10 2 Josh Harrison 0 3 0 0 1 Totals 53 75 967 10 2

ReceivingName Rec. Yds. Avg. TDsBrandon Facyson 18 294 16.3 4Mitch Bemister 11 205 18.6 3Payton Usher 11 207 18.8 1Alex Lakes 10 138 13.8 1Kyle Kovacs 4 133 33.3 1Totals 53 967 18.2 10

ScoringNo. Name TD EP FG 2ptTotal1 Alex Lakes 20 0 0 0 12025 Payton Usher 19 0 0 0 11482 Will Lutz 0 55 3 0 618 Kyle Kovacs 7 0 0 0 422 Brandon Facyson 4 0 0 0 2485 Mitch Bemister 3 0 0 0 183 Brett Misutka 2 0 0 1 1441 Benton Washington 1 0 0 0 613 Aaron Stargell 1 0 0 0 6 4 Tony Williams 1 0 0 0 618 Josh Harrison 0 2 0 0 2Totals 56 54 3 1 405

DEFENSETacklesNo. Name Solo Asst. Total50 Leon Sapp 73 49 1229 Torres Johnson 51 63 11423 Conner Usher 74 29 10329 D’lonzo Harris 57 41 9844 Chad Garner 35 28 6355 De’Andre Johnson 13 23 3614 Jonovan Cotton 19 16 3513 Aaron Stargell 26 9 3522 Blake McCollum 1 6 15 3132 Shaun Byrom 23 8 3138 David Higgins 11 15 2651 Matt Kindle 15 12 262 Brandon Facyson 17 6 2333 Kain Elliott 6 6 121 Alex Lakes 8 3 1176 Sean Spencer 7 4 1173 Alex Heavner 4 7 1193 Tevin Gripper 6 4 1045 Ryan Fagerstrom 3 4 76 Matt Smith 3 1 47 Austin Hatney 2 2 434 Dalton Lane 2 0 210 Marquis Jennings 1 1 2 12 Christian Johnson 1 0 140 Alex Rutherford 0 1 15 Sylvester Johnson 1 0 1

The 2012 Northgate Vikings at a Glance Head coach: Tommy Walburn

(third season, 15-6) Overall: 78-46 overall.

Staff: Bubba Jeter (defensive coor-dinator), Kelsey Dalrymple (offensive coordinator, running backs), Adrian Anderson (defensive backs), Lee Golden (linebacker), Justin Crews (quarterbacks, special teams coor-dinator), Marcellious Johnson (line-backers), Derek Rials (receivers, tight ends).

Offensive Formation: Wing-TDefensive Formation: 8-man

frontStrengths. Just about everybody

comes back on defense, including three Division I prospects in senior defensive linemen De’Andre Johnson and Sean Spencer, and cornerback Brandon Facyson. The unit that allowed just 11 points per game en route to a 11-1 record and a region championship should be hard to score on again this year.

Areas of concern: Some inex-perience on the offensive side of the football. Gone from last year are Newnan Times-Herald Co-Offensive Players of the Year running backs Alex Lakes and Payton Usher. Lakes rushed for 1,270 yards and 19 touch-downs, while Usher finished with 1,019 yards and 17 touchdowns. Quarterback Brett Misutka passed for 967 yards and 10 TDs. There are also some question marks in the kick-ing and punting game as Wil Lutz has graduated.

Key Losses: FB Kyle Kovacs, RB Alex Lakes (Air Force), RB Payton Usher (Mercer), QB Brett Misutka, OL Jake Slagle (Lenoir Rhyne), OLB D’Lonzo Harris (Fort Valley State), LB Leon Sapp (Reinhardt), OLB Jonovon Cotton (Fort Valley), K Wil Lutz (Georgia State)

Position Breakdown:OFFENSE

QuARTERbAcK: After waiting in the wings the past few season, senior quarterback Josh Harrison finally gets his chance to step in and play under center for the Vikings.

“He has a good understanding of the offense,” Walburn said. He has been waiting around for awhile and now it is his turn.

Harrison was able to get into sever-al games last season after the Vikings built leads, and it it that experience that could pay in the long run.

There will be some noticeable dif-ference in the way Harrison executes the offense as compared to the way Brett Misutka ran things last year. Misutka was a wing-t quarterback, while Harrison at 6-4, 200-pounds is more of a drop back quarter-

back. Despite his size, Harrison also has the ability to turn it up field and run for extra yardage.

Sophomore Tyler Rowland is slat-ed to be the back up for the Vikings.

OFFENSivE LiNE: Northgate faces some questions marks up front because of injuries and the loss of three starters, but there is plenty of experence.

Leading the way on the offensive line is Aaron Seabrook who has moved to center. chase Smith, who played center on last year’s region championship team, has moved to tackle. Dustin Foley will play the other offensive tackle. Foley started all 12 games for the Vikings last year. Nebiyou Maddox and T.J Womack are the guards.

“We still have some decisions to make and we could move some kids around this year, Walburn said.

TigHT ENDS: Replacing Mitch Bemister won’t be easy. Bemister had 11 catches a year ago, but the Vikings have found a candidate in Marquis Jennings who came out of spring as the starting fullback until he as moved to tight end.

“We feel that once he gets com-fortable with his blocking, he is going to be fine,” he said. “He’s a good pass catcher.”

RuNNiNg bAcK: Northgate comes into the season trying to replace some more than 2,000 yards in offense from its running backs, but Times-Herald Co-Offensive Players of the Year Alex Lakes and Payton Usher.

Kyle Kovacs was the third mem-ber of the the team’s stellar running game.

With the graduation of the three players, cole carter should step in at the wing-back position. Carter landed the starting job coming into last sea-

son, but injuries derailed those plans, but now he is 100 percent and ready to go.”

“Cole has done a great job getting in the weight room, and he has really worked hard on becoming a leader,” Carter said.

Sophomores Malek Wade and Kevin Teasley are also expected to contribute at wingback.

benton Washington, who had a solid spring, enters the starting lineup in Lakes’ former fullback position after playing halfback last year,

connor usher and Aaron Stargell could also see playing time at fullback.

East Coweta transfer Michael Willis is set to step in at halfback with Torres Johnson expected to backup at halfback.

“We are replacing a lot of yards and a lot of touchdowns,” Walburn said.

WiDE REcEivER: Although brandon Facyson will probably play in the defensive secondary in college, he will also be counted on heavily at wide receiver. Andrew brady will also play wide receiver.

Armond upshaw has also improved and gotten stronger. Kyle Henderson will also see time at the position after playing running back and in the secondary.

DEFENSEDEFENSivE LiNE: Sean Spencer

has battled injuries the last couple of years, but the senior has impressed college scouts with his 6-4, 260-pound frame and has already com-mitted to Vanderbilt.

Northgate’s defensive lineman are interchangeable, sometimes they can play end or sometimes they can play tackle. Georgia commitment De’Andre Johnson will line up at

left defensive tackle. He comes into the year at 6-3, 320-pounds. Zack burrell is just 16, but is already a senior. The 6-2, 190-pounder will share playing time with Sylvester Johnson. blake Mccollum is expected to play at the other end.

LiNEbAcKER: connor usher comes back at a banner year where he made 103 tackles.

“He is sort of the heart and soul of our defense,”Walburn said. “Connor might be the smartest defensive guy I know. I told him he needs to get into coaching because he would be a good one.”

Ryan Fagerstrom is set to play middle linebacker after playing some as a sophomore. The junior will have to fill a big hole left by the graduation of leading tackler Leon Sapp, who had 122 total hits in 2011.

Andrew brady and Dalton Lane are set to play outside linebacker.

Sophomore Malik Wade is set to play in a back-up role. Adrian Tolbert is playing football for the first time and will also lineup at the outside linebacker spot. Jackson Dorman enters his sophomore year at linebacker.

SEcONDARy: brandon Facyson who enters his senior year after all ready committing to Virginia Tech, is expected to anchor the defensive side of the ball after earning 23 tackles last year and two interceptions.

Torres Johnson is back to play safety for the Vikings. Johnson was the second leading tackler last year for Northgate with 114.

“It should be the strength of our team, but you have to continue to work with them,” Walburn said.

Aaron Stargell comes back at right corner after starting every game last year.

“He has fought through some inju-ries,” Walburn said. “Matt Smith is also in the rotation too. He has really impressed us, because he is making some plays out there.”

SPEciAL TEAMSThe Vikings will have to replace

the strong leg of Wil Lutz, Andrew brady and Zack braun are both vying for the punting spot. Braun also plays soccer at Northgate and had a soccer related injury to years ago and missed the 2011 football season .

Braun is the place kicker for the Vikings. Freshman Jamie Skalski kick off man and will handle long field goal attempts.

Northgate hoping for repeat of last year’s successful season

Photo by Jeffrey Leo Linebacker Connor Usher “is sort of the heart and soul of our defense” said head coach Tommy Walburn.

Photo courtesy of Eric Richards/Richards Photography

8B — The Newnan Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 22, 2012

B8

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East Coweta, Newnan and Northgate football fans might not always see eye

to eye on most things. But in 2012, they have some-

thing in common—all three teams will start the season with a new quarterback under center.

Northgate has handed the ball to Josh Harrison, while East Coweta junior Bryce Gemmel, and Newnan sopho-more Bailey Bryant are the heir apparent at their respec-tive schools.

The quarterbacks take over with their schools also making the transition into both new regions and classifications.

This is the first year the Georgia High School Association has moved to six classifications and East Coweta and Newnan will play in Region 3-AAAAAA, while Northgate plays in Region 4-AAAAA.

Harrison lands the job at Northgate after losing a close battle with Brett Misutka last season.

All three quarterbacks have a swagger in their step and confidence in their voices as they take over a position left vacant by graduation.

Perhaps the biggest thing they have in common is a desire to keep their teams’ playoff streaks alive.

Gemmel and Bryant become their school’s third starting quarterback in as many years.

Gemmel takes at over at East Coweta with two years of eligibility left, while Bryant is just a sophomore and looks to be the starter for the next three seasons for the Cougars.

Both Bryant and Harrison standout in the crowd with their size.

Harrison steps under cen-ter at 6-4, while Bryant takes over his starting role as a 6-2 sophomore.

For Newnan’s head coach McDonald, this is a first.

“I have never had a situation like this before,” McDonald said at the end of spring practice. “This my 19th year of coaching football, and I have never had to start a sophomore.”

Wade thinks having Gemmel around for the next two years is going to be a blessing.

“That gives us some sta-bility,” Wade said. “That is something we haven’t had in a while.”

A year ago, Northgate had its best season ever, finishing the 2011 season with an unde-feated regular season record and a region championship.

“It was hard not getting to play a lot last year, but I got into some games, and we had a special year,” Harrison said.

East Coweta posted a 7-5 overall record and also made it to the playoffs with Garrett Schrepfer at quarterback.

Newnan finished with a 6-6 record, but also pulled off a stunning upset in the first round of the playoffs by win-ning on the road at Valdosta.

Although Bryant was just a freshman at Newnan last year, he cut his teeth on high school football as member of the junior varsity, instead of playing on the freshman team. He also went through his first spring practice with the Cougars when he was still in eighth grade.

“Getting that chance to play early, and play with some older guys will really help me get better,” Bryant said.

For Harrison, waiting his turn wasn’t always easy, but he is happy that his chance has finally arrived.

I am so excited. I have been working just about as hard as I can,” he said. “These guys make all the plays. It doesn’t matter how good I am. It depends on the whole team. I can do everything I can, but it all has to come together right now.”

Walburn doesn’t expect Northgate to miss a beat with Harrison under center.

“Josh loves football more than anybody I have ever known, “Walburn said. “He’s really improved since last year.”

Harrison has also earned the confidence of his teammates.

“He is a real leader out there,” Walburn said. “His teammates like him and they believe in him.”

At Newnan, McDonald said his young quarterback is already turning into a stu-dent of the game and he only expects him to get better.

“He gets in there and really watches a lot of film,” McDonald said.

Gemmel gets the starting nod on offense for the Indians after playing primary on defense most of last season.

“I think playing on defense will help me this year at quar-terback,” he said. “I got a

chance to play and get into big games.”

East Coweta offensive coor-dinator Tom Gochenour did his best to get Gemmel varsity experience, using the then-sophomore in goal-line and short yardage formations. He scored his first varsity touch-down on the road at Langston Hughes.

But last Thursday’s scrim-mage at Whitewater was his first chance to be the man.

For Gemmel it was a chance to show his versatility as he used his legs to scamper for the Indians first score thanks to a short run.

Gemmel isn’t worried about the pressure of trying to lead his team back to the play-

offs after a 7-4 season that included a victory over rival Newnan in the regular season finale.

“We are really young, but everybody knows a lot about football. We are confident we can win a lot of games,” he said.

Harrison also says he benefited from backing-up Misutka, who passed 967 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“I learned so much,” he said of Misutka, a All-Region 3-AAAA Second Team selec-tion while leading the Vikings to a region title and an unbeat-en regular season.

“The biggest thing I learned was leadership. Just work-ing in practice. I was on scout

team offense going against one of the best defenses in the state. It certainly had its good points doing that, “Harrison said.

Although Walburn would have been comfortable playing Harrison more last year had Misutka going down, he never thought about going with a two -quarterback system.

“I have never been a fan of rotating quarterbacks,” he said. “It’s kind of what it looks like the Jets are doing in the NFL, and I don’t really think it works.”

Newnan’s Bryant also learned a lot from watching Nick Smith run the offense at Newnan.

“He was a great quarter-

back,” Bryant said. “I learned a lot just by watching him.”

Smith caught the attention of college scouts with his ath-letic ability even though he started just one year for the Cougars and earned a scholar-ship from Reinhardt College and former East Coweta coach Danny Cronic.

Gemmel is coming off a solid year on the baseball diamond last spring for East Coweta and admits playing a couple sports helps him stay focused and even backs him a better football player.

“I know all the throwing that I do even in baseball, can only help,” he said.

Wade agrees playing base-ball might just help Gemmel.

“It shows he is a really good athlete,” he said.

Harrison will get the oppor-tunity to take his first snaps as the Vikings’ starter next week when they travel to Macon for a game against Veterans High School in Macon.

The Northgate quarterback has already won over his team that includes three Division I bound teammates.

He is just a great leader in the huddle, “ Walburn said. “His teammates have a lot of confidence in him.”

Although Bryant is still maturing as a quarterback, he is not your typical sophomore.

“We knew we were going to be in this situation,” McDonald said. “He has matured, and he has a strong arm.”

Bryant got his first taste of varsity football Friday night in his team’s scrimmage victory over Griffin.

“We work really well as a team,” he said. “We have a good group of guys. I am real-ly proud of my line because they really made it easy for me to read the defenses out there tonight. They kind of slowed the game up for me out there tonight.”

The Cougar sophomore said his 10 of 15, 150-yard perfor-mance against the Bears gave him confidence going into the season opener Friday at Marietta.

His debut also included a touchdown throw, but per-haps most importantly, no interceptions.

“It definitely gives me confi-dence,” he said, “I think we all have confidence now. We just have to go out there and have a good week of practice and take what we learned in the scrimmage.”

Bryant steps into the spot-light Friday as the Cougars open the season a week early than East Coweta and Northgate with a tough non-region game at Marietta.

McDonald liked what his saw from his young quarter-back against Griffin.

“I thought for his first var-sity game he did great, I have know complaints, “he said. “I thought he was poised. He made some really great throws.”

The Newnan coach is excit-ed to see him in action next week when it counts for real.

“You can’t get experience unless you go out there and play,” McDonald said. “He got that experience tonight and he handled himself well.”

Gemmel will officially begin his role as the Indians’ start-ing quarterback next week when East Coweta hosts Henry County.

Harrison’s first official action comes in Friday’s Northgate scrimmage at Veterans High in Warner Robins before opening the season the following week at Heritage of Conyers.

The new quarterbacks begin their duties as their teams move into new regions. Gemmel and East Coweta as well as Bryant and East Coweta play in Region 3-AAAAAA,while Harrison and his Northgate teammates will compete in a Region 4B-AAAAA.

The hope for each of the first-year starters’ head coach-es is that their leadership this fall will again result in state playoff appearances.

One thing is for certain. Their time to shine has finally arrived.

C1Football C-Section

FOOTBALL ‘12 EDITION 1CWEDNEsDAy

Aug. 22, 2012

Bailey Bryant Newnan High

6-3, 180,

Josh Harrison

Northgate6-4, 210Senior

BY DOUG GORMANdgorman@newnan.com

Armed and Ready

East Coweta6-0, 190Junior

Bryce Gemmel

Change is afoot behind center at Northgate, East Coweta and Newnan with first-year starting quarterbacks taking over for the 2012 season. After waiting patiently for their turn, one thing is for sure: The trio are ...

Photos by Jeffrey Leo

2C — The Newnan Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 22, 2012

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It wasn’t long after the scoreboard clock reached zero last season on a play-off loss to Edmund Burke

that Heritage School assis-tant coach Drew Henderson — working under his third Hawks head coach over a three-year span — told his current ‘boss’ possibly the most profound statement yet in the school’s short football history.

“Drew Henderson came and told me that was the first time after a game, and he had been with these kids since they were freshmen, there were tears and crying,” said Heritage second year head coach Kevin Prisant. “Cause they thought they were invested in something.”

It’s been said that winning is the cure all. And the Hawks celebrated more times than ever before in school history in 2011, finishing 8-3 after los-ing 43-20 in the first round of the GISA Class AA state playoffs.

Does that mean Prisant knew more football than his three predecessors, two of which — Ron Beaucham and Danny Cronic — were highly respected high school coaches in the county? Surely not.

But the attitude toward var-sity football at The Heritage School, now entering its sev-enth year of play, may have changed more under Prisant, a first-year head coach, last season than in any of the six previous. And the 27-year-old focused as much on creating confidence on the field as he did in the locker room.

“We tried to change, that at Heritage football was not a social event anymore. We came to win. It’s not a social club anymore,” he said. “They know, as they did last year, that you have a chance to com-pete. We used last year to get past the mentality of ‘I hope we have a shot at this.’ They believe they have a shot.”

Ask the Hawks coach about last season and he’ll tell you how fortunate they were in some of last year’s victories. More than a few times the ball seemed to finally bounce in their favor after years and years of Murphy’s Law in red, blue and white. Maybe it’s best that the red will be absent from Heritage’s uniforms this fall. If this were Wall Street, Heritage might be an up-and-coming stock among futures.

“We’d not even be trying to onsides kick and we’d have a messed up kick and it’d go right into our guys hands for a scoop and score 70-yard touchdown,” Prisant said. “That stuff just doesn’t hap-pen all the time. All that did

changed the mentality and showed them they could com-pete. New team, new direc-tion. Everybody’s wanting an encore of last year. But my goal is not to lose in the first round of the playoffs.”

Of course, the talent on the field was as much a reason for success as well, with most of last year’s biggest contribu-tors returning this fall. None played a bigger role, however, than Candler Rich, who might as well have been wear-ing an ‘S’ instead of a No. 7 on the front of his uniform.

As a junior, Rich rushed for a county-best 1,680 yards and 24 touchdowns, while establishing the career rush-ing record for the school. He has a chance to finish with over 5,000 yards and 75 touch-downs before his varsity years are over. But the 5-11, 185-pound senior was equally unstoppable in other areas, accounting for more than

2,700 total yards. As a two-way starter at safety, he added 89 tackles and a team-high six interceptions.

With three Ivy League schools and a handful of oth-ers showing interest, he’s like-ly to become the first Division I scholarship player from the program since current Troy senior offensive lineman Kyle Wilborn in 2007-08.

“Everybody looks to him,” Prisant said of Rich.

Rich will be counted on even more heavily head-ing into next Friday’s season opener against Flint River. A shoulder injury to senior quarterback Joe Bonner — a fourth-year starter — will put even more emphasis on the Hawks’ star tailback as sopho-more backup Brad Macke quickly is brought up to speed on the offense.

“Candler’s going to be the focus. Everybody knows they’ve got to find something to do with number seven,” Prisant said. “Brad knows he can run our base offense. He’s young, but he’s a good enough athlete to do it. But what he’s going to have to adjust to is decision making. Having Joe with him helps.”

Bonner rushed for 15 touch-downs and threw for seven more while finishing with 782 passing yards. He doesn’t expect to be back on the prac-tice field until mid to late September at the earliest. But after returning from camp in south Georgia with their start-ing quarterback and fullback among five injured players, this year’s group of 13 seniors huddled their teammates together for a meeting.

“We had all those injuries at camp and the kids were kinda down,” said Prisant. “The seniors had a meeting with everyone that we’re not going to change things because of what happened. We’re not gonna change anything. If anything, losing Brad just showed our guys that you’re just one play from being in the game. We had planned on how we were going to get Brad on

the field anyway we could just to get him game experience.”

Even with Rich expected to line up in the Wildcat forma-tion at quarterback at times — a situation he was forced into two years ago when Bonner suf-fered a head injury — expect Heritage to continue running its option attack with a heavy does of carries by No. 7.

The difference, however, is the group of skill players both in the backfield and at receiver gets a huge influx of depth that should help two-way starters like fullback Dalton Trammell. A starter at linebacker, Trammell, who rushed for 684 yards and four touchdowns at a clip of 5.4 per carry has a chance this year to be spelled by freshman AJ Gainwell at the position should he need to be rested on offense.

Meanwhile, senior David Bready, returns at running back among an ever-expand-ing group that now includes sophomore Parker Jones, senior Pat McKee and fresh-man Matt Burns.

The receiving corps also grew in numbers with the additions of sophomore Harrison Holland and fresh-men Spencer Perry, Matt

Henson and Lawson Harris. Prisant feels Perry has “all the tools to be successful,” but also expects the group to be brought along slowly while making the adjustment to the varsity level.

Regardless, the group, along with the return of senior Will Duke, should allow Heritage to rest 6-foot-6 senior Garrett Jones as much as possible after pulling in 13 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns while continuing to nurse a bad back.

“We just have to choose wisely,” Prisant said of Jones. “He’s got great hands and it’s hard to defend 6-6. But I also want him in there as a blocker.”

Junior tight end Tyler Henson could be the key to success in Heritage’s passing game after leading the Hawks with four touchdowns among his 11 catches. He’ll be joined by freshman basketball stand-out Cole Jones at the position.

“We’ve got people to get the ball to,” Prisant said. “Up front, we’re just pretty thin. We’re just one player away from moving Tyler Henson to a tackle position and Trammell to a guard.”

Six seniors are back up

front led by Tyler Nix, whose quickness at right guard should be an asset. “When we do our conditioning, I send him with the running backs. He’s a fullback playing right guard,” Prisant said. “With what we do, he’s gotta pull and be able to handle the line-backers and when you have Candler or Bready behind you, you’ve gotta go.”

Senior Elliot Smith is also a returning starter at center now in his third year at the position. “He our smallest one out there. You don’t hear a lot about a center unless they mess up,” Prisant said. “And he doesn’t mess up a whole lot.”

Making the InvestmentBy CHRIS GOLTERMANNcgoltermann@newnan.com

The 2012 Heritage School Hawks

Serving Size 1 teamNutrition Facts

Photo by Jeffrey Leo Heritage School second-year head coach Kevin Prisant’s team is coming off a program-best eight victories from 2011.

Heritage School 2012 RosterNo. Name Pos. Yr.1 Chaz Bankston QB/S So.2 Spencer Perry WR/LB Fr.3 Harrison Holland WR/CB So.4 Will Duke WB/CB Sr.5 Patrick McKee RB/CB Sr.7 Candler Rich RB/S Sr.8 Tyler Henson TE/DL Jr.10 Brad Macke QB/DB So.11 David Bready RB/LB Jr.12 Peyton Henson QB/S Fr.14 Hayden Stanley RB/CB Fr.15 Elliot Smith OL/DE Sr.17 Joe Bonner QB/LB Sr.21 Matt Burns RB/CB Fr.23 Parker Jones RB/LB So.27 Trevor Sawyers FB/LB So.28 Matt Henson WR/LB Fr.32 Dalton Trammell RB/LB Jr.33 Phillip Griffies OL/DL So.34 AJ Gainwell FB/LB Fr.35 Chris Moore OL/DL Sr.44 Trevor Henson OL/DL So.47 Ben Dudley OL/DE/K/P Sr.50 Tyler Nix OL/LB Sr.54 Caleb Woodruff OL/DL Jr.56 Richard EbersbachOL/DL Sr.63 Tyler Bean OL/DL Sr.65 Grayson Parker OL/DL Sr.66 Sam Pulsipher OL/DL Sr.74 Thomas Gruber OL/DL Sr.80 Lawson Harris WR/DB Fr.81 Garrett Jones WR/P Sr.82 Cole Jones TE/DE Fr.87 Jake Henderson WR/DB Fr.Head coach: Kevin Prisant — 2nd year (8-3 overall)Coaching s taf f : D.J. Clay (Defensive coordinator), Murray Parks, Drew Henderson, Bart Henson, Dean Henson

2012 SCHEDULEAug. 31 Flint RiverSept. 7 Dominion ChristianSept. 14 Arlington ChristianSept. 21 At Dawson StreetSept. 28 At Southland AcademyOct. 12 At Mount de Sales*Oct. 19 Stratford Academy*Oct. 26 At Westminster (Augusta)*Nov. 2 Tattnall Square*Nov. 9 At Trinity Christian **Region 2-AAA Game

2011 RESULTSAug. 26 Dawson Street W 35-0Sept. 2 Trinity Christian W 35-13Sept. 9 Mt. Vernon Pres.W 54-32Sept. 16 At Cent. FellowshipW41-0Sept. 23 Valwood School L42-28Sept. 30 At Flint River W21-13Oct. 14 Skipstone Aca. W46-0Oct. 21 At SW Georgia W30-28Oct. 28 Brookwood W45-14Nov. 4 At Arlington Chr. L35-33GISA State PlayoffsNov. 11 At Edmund Burke L43-20

gaMe NigHt oFFerScollect all 10!

See HAWKS, page 4C

National defense secrets may be more easily obtainable than what’s going on

these days on the football field at Trinity Christian, where second-year head coach Chris Hanson — in his most cordial way possible — would rather keep most of the Lions plans for the 2012 season behind closed doors despite one’s attempts to get a sneak peek.

In his opinion, the season will be here soon enough for his team to reveal them in the example Hanson preaches best. Namely by what’s physi-cally accomplished on the field rather than what can be predicted on paper.

“This year, everything we do matters, off the field, on the field. Just do your job and don’t worry about anyone else’s,” said the Lions head coach of the second-year GISA program. “Just basically do your job to the best of your ability, we’re on the same page.”

As for the specifics, Hanson and his staff are keeping most of what’s to come behind the curtains. Not even the tease of a change in uniform is being revealed before next Friday’s season opener against John Milledge.

“You’ll just have to wait and see,” Hanson said.

Who’s starting at quarter-back for Trinity? Well it could be senior Connor Adams ... or junior Daniel Shoates ... or even sophomore Joe Hogan. But Hanson’s not divulg-ing exactly which one will be out there next week when the Lions open the season at home.

“We’re going to put the best eleven out there,” he said. “This year we have an under-standing of what to expect from each other. I think last year was a definite learning curve for them. The coach-ing staff and I would try to get them to buy in and understand that you can’t just come out and throw something out on the practice field and expect to execute it on Friday night. I think last year was a definite learning curve for them. The coaching staff and I tried to let them understand ‘Hey, you’re getting into some big time football and you need to exe-cute on Friday night.”

A 2-8 season during a tough first go in the highest classi-fication of the GISA may not be completely forgotten. The result has been a renewed focus that ‘team’ and not ‘play-er’ come first when it comes to the roster.

The road to success may not get any easier in 2012. Last year’s Region 2-AAA align-ment remains nearly intact, with traditional GISA pow-erhouse programs Stratford Academy, Mount de Sales and Tattnall Square — which have won a combined 23 state and 30 region football championships.

The newcomers are led by crosstown rival The Heritage School, coming off the best season in its seven-year his-tory, along with Westminster of Augusta, the only school besides Trinity to finish with a losing record last fall.

It’s as much a reason why

Lions players were greeted harshly both in the spring and preseason with workouts and practices that demanded a greater need for limiting the mistakes that plagued them throughout their first venture into 11-man football. A year after dominating the com-petition in the Independent Christian Schools of Georgia and Alabama, Trinity aver-aged 10.3 points per game dur-ing the GISA schedule and allowed nearly 34 while no closer than three touchdowns in any contest.

“And that’s been one of our main things as a coaching staff why I’ve ramped up the intensity so much, is because

I want [our players] to understand that we’ve got to go beyond that in practices and any kind of preparation we’re doing,” Hanson said. “Practice should be the toughest thing we do.”

Some aspects of the program have changed over the last year. Hanson has turned over his offense to a new coordinator in Ryan McCoy, while also bringing new staff members aboard including Jeff Weaver, who worked with East Coweta’s varsity feeder programs. His son, J.P., remains the team’s defensive coordinator and his personnel in 2012 should more clear-ly dictate the staff’s philosophy to attack opponents in all phases of the game.

“We want to be constantly attack-ing,” Hanson said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s offense, defense or spe-cial teams, we want to attack you. That’s our goal.”

Trinity expects to have more talent to execute those goals A roster of 38 players includes 14 seniors,

most of whom are being expected to contribute. Along with last year’s returners, the program has received an influx of new faces while expecting to benefit from the school’s future expansions.

They include an on-campus home field that could be com-pleted by the time the Lions are getting ready to host rival Heritage School to close the regular season.

“It’s an exciting time to be at this school with so much going on,” Hanson said.

On the field, meanwhile, the Trinity coach says that there’s been healthy competition at nearly every position as the

roster continues to expand. “I think it’s that way across

the board,” he said. “I think that can only help us. The only way we can cut down the mental mistakes is by doing things the right way every day in practice.”

Shoates and Adams look to be the frontrunners at quar-terback, with the former hav-ing to step in immediately fol-lowing a broken hand to last year’s top challenger, Adam Downs, against The Heritage School. Adams can also be a top weapon at tight end along with Hogan should Shoates get the call.

The core group of offen-sive linemen are made up of upperclassmen. They include senior Mark Collier, who hopes a string of injury prob-lems that hampered him last year has run its course. Seniors Brandon Ganey, Tim Bryant, Jacob Pape and Cole Barnes also should help the team comprise a bigger, stron-ger front five after another year in the weight room with strength coach Jared Bidne. Junior Conner Owen and senior Christian Salvanera are expected to be in the rota-tion up front on both sides of the ball.

Along with Adams and Shoates, sophomore Aaron Johnson should provide help

on offense with senior Cody Houser, junior Dee Snelling and transfer Jay Warner all adding depth at receiver. Houser — who should also be one of Region 2-AAA’s top specialists with contin-ued tutoring from his head coach, a former NFL All-Pro punter — has won the team’s Ironman competition in each of its first two years.

Snelling, who often found himself the central target of opponents, should find him-self in more one-on-one situ-ations to his liking this fall while in his third year as a starter.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 — The Newnan Times-Herald — 3C

C3/Arlington Christian School

• SACS Accredited

TCSLIONS.ORG

TRINITYCHRISTIAN SCHOOL

TriniTy ChrisTian Lions GISA ReGIon 2-AAA

HeAd coAcH: cHRIS HAnSon

Serving Size 1 teamNutrition Facts

Trinity Christian2012 Football RosterNo. Name Yr.1 Dee Snelling Jr. 2 Christian Stearley So.4 Connor Adams Sr. 5 Devin Colburn So.6 Jeremiah Pape Fr.7 Jay Warner Sr.8 Daniel Shoates Jr.9 Landon Comeans Sr.10 Avery Braxton Jr.11 Edwin Rivera Sr.12 Joe Hogan So.22 Caleb Hess So.23 David Ito So.24 Cody Houser Sr.28 Gavin Smith So.35 Drew Gibson Sr.38 Leighton Cannon So.42 Tim Bryant Sr.43 Rodney Neely Jr. Jr.44 Aaron Johnson So.45 Robby Blanchard So.46 Diego Henriquez So.50 Kyle Houser Fr.52 Grant Hurston Fr.56 Mark Collier Sr.60 Cole Barnes Sr.66 Tyler Hood Fr.74 Clark Lord Jr.75 Christian Salvanera Jr.76 Brandon Gainey Sr.79 Kyler Albanez Fr.80 Glen Whisby So.85 Michael Troyer Fr.88 Conner Owen Jr.90 Kyle Head Fr.99 Tanner Johnson Fr.

Head coach: Chris Hanson (2nd year, 2-8 overall)

Assistants: J.P. Weaver (Defensive coordinator), Ryan McCoy (Offensive Coordinator), Jeff Weaver (Quarterbacks/Secondary), Eric Croteau (Receivers/Secondary), Darrell Shields (Of fensive Line), Mark Bryan (Defensive Line)

No time for ‘lion’ aroundBy CHRIS GOLTERMANNcgoltermann@newnan.com

Photo by Jeffrey Leo Assistant coach Jeff Weaver runs through preseason drills with Lions players during practice.

2012 SCHEDULEAug. 31 John Milledge AcademySept. 7 Arlington ChristianSept. 14 Dominion ChristianSept. 21 At Flint River AcademySept. 28 At Piedmont AcademyOct. 12 At Stratford AcademyOct. 19 At Tattnall SquareOct. 26 Mount de SalesNov. 2 At Westminster (Augusta)Nov. 9 The Heritage School * Home games at East Coweta Middle School

2011 RESULTS (2-8)Aug. 19 Flint River L28-6Sept. 2 At Heritage School L35-13Sept. 9 Arlington Christian L34-0Sept. 16 At Mount de Sales L49-0Sept. 23 Stratford Aca. L62-28Sept. 30 Tattnall Square L40-7Oct. 14 At John Milledge L35-13Oct. 22 At Griffin Christian W36-0Oct. 29 Covenant Christian W20-6Nov. 4 Mount Vernon L55-3

GaME niGhT oFFErsCoLLECT aLL 10!

See TRINITY, page 4C

Trinity Christian second year head coach Chris Hanson has upped the intensity further in the offseason with hopes of cutting down mental mistakes on the field and get-ting the team even more physically ready for the rigors of the GISA Region 2-AAA schedule.

4C — The Newnan Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 22, 2012

C4/Trinity Christian School

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The Arlington Christian School Eagles have gone from one former SEC football player to another when it comes to finding a head coach.

Gone is former Georgia run-ning back Robert Edwards, replaced by ex-Alabama fullback Kenneth Scissum.

Edwards resigned at the GISA school in Fairburn to takes a head coach job at Greenville.

It will be up to Scissum to keep the program on the up swing

after making the playoffs last year.

Arlington will kickoff their season with a home opener, Fri., Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. when they face Dawson Street in Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) AA competition.

“Although we lost some fan-tastic seniors who are playing at the collegiate level, our team will be scrappy and aggressive,” Scissum said.

Key players this season will be senior running back/cor-nerback Shaw Powell, senior

offensive tackles and defensive end Darius McNear, senior fullback and middle linebacker Ashton Norwood and junior tight end and middle linebacker Christopher Brownlee.

Davey Matthews will take over the main duties at quarterback.

“He has the heart of a lion and will give us quickness. Powell is “extremely agile and constantly making the opponents miss. When he gets to the open field, his extra burst of speed often propels him into the end zone.

Brownlee is a real talent at tight end and emerging as an aggres-sive blocker who also has good hands.

Norwood is back at linebacker after a productive junior year. He will get help from newcomer Curtis Jones in the outside line-backer position. McNear is a force on the defensive line and knows what it takes to be com-petitive at this level

Scissum will be assisted by defensive coordinator Kenderrick Bonner and defensive line coach Timothy Virgil.

Landmark Christian War EagLEs GHSA ReGion 5-A: HeAd coAcH: WAyne bRAntley

GiSA ReGion 4-AA:HeAd coAcH:

RobeRt SciSSum

The biggest question mark heading into the 2012 football season is how does Landmark Christian tops last year’s trip to the Georgia Dome for the Class A championship?

Although the War Eagles came upon the short end of a 20-3 decision to Savannah Christian, the 12-3 finish was the best finish in the program’s 20-year varsity history dating back to the ten-ure of head coach Bill Thorn, whose name now graces the school’s stadium in Fairburn.

The run to last year’s champion-ship was also the end of an era for head coach Kenny Dallas who compiled an 88-41 record in 11 seasons before leav-ing to purse a career in the ministry in Tennessee at Grace Christian Academy in Franklin where he will work as the campus minister ad spiritual develop-

ment director.Dallas had the War Eagles in the play-

offs 10 out of his 11 years, and now the job of keeping the team on track belongs to Wayne Brantley. Brantley was on staff last year as the athletic director and assistant coach.

“This is a special place to me and we felt very blessed last year to have such a great season,” Brandley said. “It was a great accomplishment for us, but we also have to understand that was last year. We’ve got to take it one week at a time. You can’t win state with just one win.”

Despite the loss of 13 seniors — nearly all of which played an invaluable role in the players return to the team with hopes of keeping the team on pace for another shot at the Class A title.

Josh Nobles is back at wide receiver and expected to play an important part in the team’s offense.

Running back Jeremiah Kirkland returns after rushing for more than 1,000 yards last year as a sophomore.

Senior Cole Higbie and freshman Stockton McGuire are fighting out for the starting quarterback job and each could see playing time.

Higbie is also expected to play corner-back on defense for War Eagles.

“We might have the best cornerback the state,” Brantley said of Higbie. “At least in Class A.”

The War Eagles are stout on both the defensive and offensive lines as seniors John Paul Reed (6-5, 300), Reed McGuire (6-6, 230) and Brooks Austin (6-2, 270) anchor things up front.

Landmark plays in the newly formed Region 5-A this year and has seven league games, including one at with Eagle’s Landing Christian the last week of the season.

A year ago, Landmark played rival Eagle’s Landing Christian twice, losing to them in the regular season, but win-ning in the playoffs 14-7 in the Class A semi finals game to earn the trip to the Georgia Dome.

Warner, meanwhile, makes the short journey down Highway 154 after averaging 5.8 yards on 49 carries last year at East Coweta. He finished with 282 yards and two touch-downs among a deep crop of running backs.

He’ll be among an equally growing backfield now at Trinity, joining senior Landon Comeans among players who had varsity carries last year. The big addition, in more ways than one however, is senior fullback Drew Gibson, who is back on the field after sit-ting out the entire 2011 season to fully recover from Guillain Barre Syndrome. The disorder, where the body attacks itself, saw Gibson lose 40 pounds while being forced to miss a

full semester of his junior year. “Jay runs the ball hard.

Those two should be a good mix together for us,” said Hanson, who wouldn’t divulge much of anything about what formations the duo will be lin-ing up in, while continuing to keep those plans under wraps for now.

Having earned a medical waiver, the 6-1, 230-pound Gibson has regained his strength while now picking up a Division I offer from Air Force with more expected to follow. On a recent practice day, Hanson said he had field-ed a call from Oregon State about Gibson, who should also be a huge addition at middle linebacker.

When visiting reporters aren’t shielded by a wall of Lions players at practice, two-back sets have been preva-lent both in I and pro-set formations.

“We may run four-wide,

shotgun ...,” Hanson teased. “I don’t know.”

On defense, his coordina-tor equally has remained hush-hush, with Weaver only reiterating that the goal is to attack at the line of scrimmage. Joining Gibson should be a solid group of linebackers that also includes seniors Gavin Smith, Comeans and Edwin Rivera, who also transferred in from East Coweta after recording 49 tackles last season.

Along with the group of offensive linemen, Houser and Hogan also will be contribu-tors near the line of scrimmage on defense.

Warner, Snelling, Shoates and Adams help lead a second-ary corps that should also be deeper, and like nearly every aspect of the program, much improved.

As one Trinity parent stated at a recent practice, “There’s only one way for us to go.”

TRINITYContinued from page 3C

Warner, Gibson big additions

Seniors Tyler Bean and Richard Ebersbach solidify the tackle positions with another upperclassman, Ben Dudley, rotating in.

Dudley, who returns to handle punting and kicking duties, is also among three players competing for the starting job at right tackle with first-year senior Sam Pulsipher and sophomore Trevor Henson. Senior Chris Moore, sophomore Thomas Gruber and junior Caleb Woodruff also return.

It’s also possible, but somewhat unlikely that Heritage will get star line-man Grayson Parker back this year. Parker has under-gone medical tests after going missing in July and being found miles away from his

abandoned pickup truck. Parker led Heritage with seven sacks in 2011 while fin-ishing with 104 tackles on the defensive front.

The group of returners, though, have Tyler Henson and Dudley expecting to get a brunt of snaps. Gainwell, meanwhile, earned the praise of teammates and coaches while working at noseguard in camp in addition to add-ing depth at linebacker with Bready. Moore (57 tackles), Smith (52) and Ebersbach (49) were also among leaders in tackles last season.

Sophomore Trevor Sawyers has a chance to move into a starting line-backer role with standouts Nix and Trammell in the middle of second-year coor-dinator D.J. Clay’s unit. Nix finished with 123 tackles last year and Trammell’s 118 hits were right behind the team lead. Sophomore Parker Jones, who was hurt in the

team’s preseason scrimmage, should also provide anoth-er key addition at outside linebacker.

Rich solidifies the defen-sive backfield after recording a team-high six interceptions, but Prisant has been search-ing for young cornerbacks to emerge up along with seniors Duke and McKee.

“We’ve got to have some-body in the first one, two or three games to step up and say this is my spot,” he said.

In so many ways, the Hawks’ goal in 2012 will cen-ter on taking the program to the next level. Despite com-ing off the program’s most successful season in school history, Heritage remains 0-3 in the postseason.

For Prisant, it’s not a matter of ‘how,’ but ‘now’ this year with so many fans looking forward to a sequel of last year’s success.

“We have to,” Prisant said.

HAWKSContinued from page 2C

Program eyes first state playoff win

Photo courtesy Eric Richards/Richards Photography

FROM STAFF REPORTSsports@newnan.com

LANDMARK CHRISTIAN SCHOOL2012 SCHeDuLeAug. 24 Calvary DayAug. 31 Athens ChristianSept. 7 at Wilkerson CountySept. 14 at Mt. Paran ChristianSept. 28 Mt. Vernon ChristianOct. 5 At Our Lady of MercyOct. 12 Strong RockOct. 19 At Pace AcademyNov. 2 Holy InnocentsNov. 9 At eagle’s Landing Christian

2011 ResultsSept. 9 Riverside Military W65-0 Sept. 16 at Our Lady of Mercy W49-12Sept. 23 Whitefield Academy W34-10Sept. 30 SW Atlanta Christian W56-0Oct. 14 eagle’s Landing Christian L35-14Oct. 21 First Presbyterian L 31-21Oct. 28 at Strong Rock W35-0Nov. 4 at Wesleyan W 16-7Nov. 11 at Darlington W 17-14Nov. 18 at Calvary Day W21-7Nov. 25 at Aquinas W 28-7Dec. 2 at eagle’s Landing Chr. W 14-7Dec. 10 Savannah Christian L 20-3

Serving Size 1 teamNutrition Facts

Arlington Christian Eagles 2012 RosterNo. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Sr.1 Ashton Norwood LB/FB 5-10 210 Sr2 Brandon Ramos DB/RB 6-0 150 Jr4 Jonathan Heard DB/WR 6-0 170 So5 Raheem Gilliam LB/TE 5-10 100 Fr7 Tre’VaughnAnthony DB/WR 5-11 155 So12 Shaw Powell DB/RB 5-6 150 Sr14 DaveyMatthews DB/QB 5-10155 Jr22 Chris Brownless LB/OG 5-11 190 Jr56 CurtisJones LB/OL 6-0 220 Jr.64 Joseph Biggers OL/DL 5-6 240 So.65 EmmanuelMoreland OL/DL 5-7 200 Fr.72 Triston Gregoire OL/DL 6-2 230 Sr.74DariusMcNair OL/DL6-6225Sr.82SwadeHutchinsonLB/WR6-1170Sr.Headcoach:RobertScissum(Firstyear)

arLington Christian EagLEs

Landmark ChristianWar Eagles 2012 RosterNo. Name Yr.2 NolanBryant Jr4 Bassell Hojeij Fr5 JoshNobles Sr6 Ben Baggett Sr7 WillMartin Sr8 Sterling Dixon So9 John Knight Sr10 AaronBurtz So11 DariusSmith Jr12 EvanPrice So14 StocktonMcGuirre Fr15 Preston Davis Fr16 Ben Copeland Sr17 ColeHigbie Sr18 PeytonHayes Fr22 Jeremiah Kirkland Jr24CalebCole Fr25 Ben Patterson Sr30SylvesterToe Fr32 Ethan Sewell Sr33 Deion Hill Jr35DrewMcMurrin So36CodyChastain Fr38TitusCreamer So45 GregPulliam Sr47 WilliamHigbie Jr48 JoshuaCobb Fr52 Conner Swords Sr53 CamdenCusumanoFr54 JacobCobb Sr55 WillYancey So56 Briah Wiggins Sr58 Drew Anderson Fr60 BradleyFleming So61 Nolan Cartledge So62 Josh Apter So64 ZacharyStone Fr66 ReedMcGuire Jr70 MichaelJohnson Jr72 HunterWallace Fr74 JacksonAyers Fr75 JohnPaulReed Sr77 BrooksAustin Sr79 SteveBedosky S080 SamDobbs So81 Will Walters So88 TaylorSnyder Fr90 DevonPruitt Jr

HeadCoach:WayneBrandley(Firstyear:0-0)

Serving Size 1 teamNutrition Facts

FROM STAFF REPORTSsports@newnan.com

Ready to begin another climb

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 — The Newnan Times-Herald — 5C

C5/Heritage Christian

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Heritage CHristian Crusaders

A seven-win season might as well have been double in the eyes of Heritage

Christian football players. After years of struggling to put together all the right num-bers — whether in the size of a roster, the measurements of players or the total points on the scoreboard — the building blocks of a legitimate 8-man football contender seemed to all come to fruition in 2011.

Last year’s trip to the Independent Christian Schools of Georgia and Alabama play-offs was just the second in the short history of the sixth-year program.

A heartbreaking 46-43 loss to CrossPointe at its tail end equally proved Crusaders play-ers weren’t satisfied with just making the postseason any-more following a 7-3 campaign, the first winning season in school history.

“We’ve made the playoffs before. The time before this one we kinda backed in,” Heritage Christian head coach Al Williams said. “This last one, they truly earned it.”

This year’s Crusader players, however feel there’s more than an encore possible following a trip to the postseason. There’s a hunger around the program as well a level of excitement about football which hasn’t been felt at the school since it began fielding a team in 2006.

“Before, teams thought they were going to run over us,” said 6-3, 235-pound senior guard Tyler Smith “Last year, when we started beating up on some teams we got that bullseye on our back.”

With seven seniors returning, a renewed effort in the weight room and a shift in defensive philosophy that hopes to cut down on the Arena League like shootouts 8-man football games can produce, Williams believes the program is headed in the right direction.

A spread-option offense instigated prior to the 2009 season that paid off with a running attack that averaged more than 250-yards a game. Behind a line now averaging over 200-pounds after being outsized year after year helped pave the way for junior running back J.D. Farlow.

Last year, Heritage Christian’s offense averaged 48 points a game — highlighted by a 10-touchdown outburst against Auburn, Ala. rival Ballard — with returning senior quarterback Dutch Williams attempting less than 22 pass attempts all season.

“It was a plan that we started three years ago. We’ve been working on that. Two years ago, things started clicking. The next season, the kids under-stood it and we had two big

backs and the misdirection was really effective,” said coach Williams.

Farlow, a bruising 6-1, 215-pound running back that Williams used to call “Czonka” during his youth football days finished his sophomore year with 1,583 yard rushing and 25 touchdowns. Five colleges scheduled to come watch him play this fall including Coastal Carolina.

“It was fun,” Farlow said. “I hope we can do it all again this year.”

Despite losing senior Noah Parkerson, who added 844 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2011, Heritage will again turn to Williams at quarterback while moving senior Austin Reeves (6-2, 190), the team’s top return-ing receiver at tight end, to the offensive backfield. Jared Farlow, a 5-7, 165-pound fresh-man, and J.D.’s younger brother is the backup quarterback.

Last year’s high-scoring offense also produced a bit of a culture change for home games at East Coweta Middle School.

“We have full stadiums. The school starts coming out, the parents start coming back,

the teachers are showing up,” Williams said. “It’s one of those things that just perpetuates itself.”

The transition didn’t happen overnight, however.

Williams remembers game nights not too long ago when all of the right numbers belonged to the opposition. During the earliest days of the program while as an assistant on the Crusaders staff, he remembers practices where only eight play-ers showed up.

There were just as many previous fall Fridays in the ICSGA when defenses might as well have been in the Heritage Christian huddle, their front lines already with their hands at a Crusader quarterback fol-lowing the final ‘hut.’

The result was only four wins in 2008, four more in 2009 and even less than that in 2010 over 10-game seasons each year.

“I think back to some of the games that we had years ago. The refs would come up to us after halftime and ask if we wanted to start the mercy rule. And we’d be like, ‘nah, nah, we want to get our subs in,” said Williams, who has a roster of

20. “Once the kids figured out that they could win, and win big ... be on the other side of the mercy rule, it took off. Typically we normally lose a few to other programs. This year I think we actually gained a player or two.”

Nowadays, with the recent success as well as the ability to use homeschool students as well as those from Newnan Christian School to form a team in the ICSGA, Heritage Christian may soon have enough interest in football to begin fielding a junior varsity as well.

“I really wanted to get a JV going because that’s the real pipeline,” Williams said. “And they’re not discouraged. We have eighth and ninth graders that probably won’t get as much playing time this year. That’s just one of the rights of just learning how to play football.”

Keeping the momentum, however, means eliminating weaknesses. First came the offense and then, last year, assistant Andy Goggins went to work at making the Crusaders stronger with a new weight program that has also paid dividends.

“You can definitely tell we’re faster and stronger than we were last year,” said 6-0, 210-pound junior Christian Parkerson. “And we’re doing it by mostly running, not pass-ing. Eight man’s might be a little more difficult. One man makes a mistake and someone’s going to the House.”

Parkerson centers a more substantial and equally deeper offensive front than in previ-ous years. Younger brother Jesse, a sophomore, can also play center, while the guards include three more sophomores — 290-pound Jerald Dewveal, Conner Haydon (6-1, 200) and Rodney Allen (5-7, 185)

“He didn’t just put a lot of meat, but he added a lot of strength in these boys,” Williams said. “We’d like to be faster. If you average it out across the line, we’re probably 220 plus [pounds]. I’ll take that for eight man.”

Junior Jeremiah Winkley also adds depth up front as a 6-0, 170 pound offensive tackle. Seniors Gordon Smith and Caleb Plowman can play tight end while senior Kevin Fidati can line up wide at receiver.

“We’ve still got a lot of guys

who are going to play both sides, but they’ll get rest this year, which is huge,” Williams said.

The most recent chapter in the makeover this fall comes with coordinator Paul Frantz’s new defense that hopes to use Heritage Christian’s strength to its advantage and keep the Crusaders out of shootouts such as last year’s 68-54 victory over rival Ballard Christian.

“This year we’ve gone more to a zone defense, so we’re hop-ing it really pays off instead of having to outscore people,” Williams said. “After the Ballard game, we said, ‘We’ve got to fix this. The teams we did get beat on, they had some decent speed. [I’d rather] we’ll give up three or four yards on a pass.”

The victory over Ballard, one of Heritage Christian’s biggest and most long-standing rivals, was only the second ever in the series and the first since the Crusaders’ inaugural season. It saw the Crusaders rush for over 528 yards on 68 attempts. Over the spring practice period, the schools scrimmaged again, with Heritage also defeating Evangel by two points among a pair of exhibitions.

“They were undefeated when we played them and we beat them by three touchdowns,” Smith said. “It sent a message to the whole league.”

Newcomer William Christenson, a 5-10, 165-pound first-year senior gives Heritage an athlete capable of playing safety while joining Fidati and sophomores Austin Stover and Dakota Rainey.

“William’s gone from not playing football to really being somebody that we’re going to be able to use,” coach Williams said. “His brother played with us last year. So that was a nice asset to pick up.”

Both Farlow brothers, Dutch Williams, Reaves and Plowman make up the linebacking corps.

The Parkerson brothers will both play at defensive guard while senior Gordon Smith lines up at one of the ends.

Tyler Smith, one of the stron-

gest linemen on the team, has also become an accomplished kicker and provides a boost on special teams.

Meanwhile, Williams feels the continuity of the staff — most of which has been togeth-er for four years — has been as much a positive toward the most recent success.

The Crusader staff nowa-days outnumbers some GISA programs while made of a com-bination of staff and outside volunteers, most of which are parents like Williams.

“There’s big expectations,” Williams said. “How do we do this year? I don’t know. We con-tinue to perpetuate it, I hope.”

ICSGA 8-mAN HeAd CoACH: AL WILLIAmS

Gaining Ground

Serving Size 1 teamNutrition Facts

By CHRIS GOLTERMANNcgoltermann@newnan.com

Heritage Christian 2012 ROSTERNo. Name Pos. HT/WT Yr.10 Gordon Smith DE/TE 6-1,180 Sr.12 Caleb Plowman TE/LB 5-9,155 Sr.15 Jesse Parkerson C/DG 5-9, 205 So.17 Jared Farlow RB/LB 5-7,165 Fr.18 Tyler Smith QB/G 6-3, 235 Sr. 20 Austin Stover RB/S 5-8, 175 So.22 Dakota Rainey DB 5-10, 140 So.30 Dutch Williams QB/LB 5-10, 155 Sr.42 Christian Parkerson C/DG 6-0, 210 Jr.44 Kevin Fidati WR/S 5-9, 165 Sr.45 J.D. Farlow RB/LB 6-1, 215 Jr.50 Austin Reaves LB/TE 6-2, 190 Sr.55 Conner Haydon TE/G 6-1, 200 So.60 Rodney Allen G 5-7, 185 So.66 Bailey Todd S 5-10, 160 So.71 Jeremiah Winkley T 6-0, 170 Jr.74 Brent Schultz G 5-9, 200 Fr.75 McKinley Reece G 5-8, 165 8th80 Jerald Dewveall G 6-1, 290 So.82 William Christenson S 5-10, 165 Sr.Head coach: Al Williams Assistants: Paul Frantz (Defensive coordinator), Kelby Holt (Offensive coordinator) Rob Caney, Joey Farlow (Special Teams), Andy Coggins (Offensive line, Strength and Conditioning).

Photo by Jeffrey LeoSenior quarterback Dutch Williams and running back J.D. Farlow are back to lead a Heritage Christian offense that gained over 2,500 rushing yards last year while finishing its best season in school history.

2011 StatisticsRushingNo.Player Att. Yds Avg. TDs45 J.D. Farlow 185 1,583 8.6 2544 Noah Parkerson 127 844 6.7 1330 Dutch Williams 20 110 5.5 350 Austin Reeves 3Totals 332 2,537 7.6 44

Passing No. Player Comp. Att. Yards TDs INT30 Dutch Williams 12 17 198 5 150 Austin Reeves 3 5 33 3 0Totals 15 22 231 8 1

ReceivingNo. Player Rec. Yards Avg. TDs 50 Austin Reeves 6 165 27.5

2012 SCHEDULEAug. 24 LaFayette Christian (LaGrange)Aug. 31 At Harvester Christian* (Douglasville)Sept. 7 At Colonial Hills (Lithia Springs)Sept. 14 At CrossPointe (Williamson)Sept. 21 Life Christian (Albany)Sept. 28 Evangel (Montgomery, Ala.)Oct. 5 Holy Ground* (Roopville)Oct. 12 North Georgia* (Gainesville)Oct. 19 At Ballard (Ala.) ChristianOct. 26 Praise Academy* (Powder Springs)* ICSGA Region game Home games at East Coweta Middle School

2011 Results (7-3)Aug. 26 Community Chr. L48-29Sept. 2 At North Georgia W60-8Sept. 9 At Praise Academy L52-14Sept. 16 Harvester Chr. W52-8Sept. 23 At Georgia-Alabama W46-36Sept. 30 Grace Baptist W54-8Oct. 7 Colonial Hills W52-7Oct. 14 At Faith Christian W60-8Oct. 28 Ballard Christian W68-54ICSGA PlayoffsNov. 4 At CrossPointe* L46-43

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REgion 3-AAAAAAOur Predicted Order of Finish in Region 3AAAAAA

(2011 record in parenthesis)

NEWNAN (6-6) — Only thing holding back Cougars to start year is inexperienced offense. If QB Bryant Bailey and company start to click early like they did in last week’s scrimmage with Griffin, look out. TRI-CITIES (10-3) — Massive front line with four future Division I players could give the Bulldogs an edge heading into season. Inexperience at skill positions could bring Dawgs down to Earth.EAST COWETA (7-4) — Running back Dee Godfrey may be most elusive back in region. The defense, with only Godfrey returning, has to be restocked. Senior kicker Spencer Smith is an asset some opponents won’t possess. LANGSTON-HUGHES (3-7) — The sleeper. With seven back on offense and all 11 starters returning on defense, only question is whether fourth-year program can finally mature into a consistent winner.WESTLAKE (4-6) —Sleeper No. 2. Should Hughes be unable to make the big leap this year, the Lions could become a wild card in the playoff race under former Atlanta Falcon player Stanley Pritchett. DOUGLAS COUNTY (2-8) — First-year coach Jason Respert takes over a program that hadn’t suffered through a 2-win season in 16 years until 2011. Quarterback Ellis Richardson might not be enough to pay dividends.

While maybe not at the mud-slinging scale of the country’s two presidential candidates just a few short weeks from Election Day, rival head football coaches don’t typically have friendly conversations with one another unless it comes with a cordial handshake during pregame warmups.

In Region 3-AAAAAA, how-ever, Newnan’s Mike McDonald and East Coweta head coach Clint Wade might as well be blood brothers.

Each found themselves try-ing to find five non-region games when reclassification in the Georgia High School Association placed both Newnan and East Coweta in a six-team alignment with for-mer region holdovers Langston Hughes and Westlake along with newcomers Douglas County and Tri-Cities.

“We talked a lot during last spring about that. There were many sleepless nights probably for Clint and I about the sched-ule,” McDonald said. “It was hard.”

With a smaller region, how-ever, comes greater opportunity this year for equality. While three of the six 3-AAAAAA members were playoff teams in 2011, none won their previ-ous football regions during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 reclassifica-tion period.

“There’s a lot of parity in the region right now. There’s not really one team that heads above the rest,” McDonald said. “That ought to make things interesting.”

‘Interesting’ certainly doesn’t mean ‘easy.’ This year’s vote among 3-AAAAAA coaches and media members saw four of the six teams earning at least one first-place nod, with Tri-Cities’ 64 points leading Newnan (53), East Coweta (43), Westlake (42), Langston Hughes (39) and Douglas County (12).

None of the six schools enter 2012 without carrying at least one or two areas of doubt. Playing within a competi-tive Region 2-AAAAA align-ment — where East Coweta and Newnan both traded third and fourth place finishes the last two years — has produced some positives.

“The last two years with the competition, it really has helped us get a little bit better,” Wade said at this year’s Preseason Region 3-AAAAAA meeting. “You’re always trying to raise the bar.”

Tri-CiTiESRegion front-runner Tri-

Cities may be a worthy favorite considering the program’s 10-3 record last year during a trip to the Class AAAA quarterfi-nals — the most successful in its 24 seasons of varsity play. Fifth-year head coach Kenneth Miller also returns the larg-est crop of Division I-ready athletes led by four senior linemen.

They include 300-pounders — Shamire Devine (6-7, 331) and Jeremi Hall (6-5, 350) — both of whom have committed to Georgia Tech.

Joining Devine and Hall up front are two more Division I prospects in linemen Dominique Threatt and Marcus Adams. Threatt, at 6-2, 294-pounds has committed to South Florida, while the 6-0, 280 Adams gave a verbal com-mitment to Western Kentucky. Threatt was an All-State selec-tion on the offensive line in 2011.

“Everybody’s probably heard a lot about the line that we have,” said Tri-Cities head coach Kenneth Miller. “We have seventeen or eighteen seniors, but a lot of them may be ‘senior/freshman’ quote, unquote. Inexperience is one thing that I’m very leary of. Once you get behind those guys on the line we don’t have a lot of depth. And when you’re playing in a tough six-A region, depth is the key.”

Even with its big guys, Miller — who has compiled an impressive 26-18 record while rejuvenating the Bulldogs’ pro-

gram over the first five years as a head coach —knows his team has bigger adjustments to make this season.

The Bulldogs return only one linebacker with start-ing experience and will turn to safety Demetrius McClendon for help in deplet-ed secondary.

Along with the four start-ing defensive linemen — all of whom will be playing on both sides of the ball —seniors Christopher Harmon (6-0, 315), JaMicah Williams (5-8, 197) and junior Jordan Nutt (6-1, 200) add a bit of depth on Tri-Cities 50-front.

Junior quarterback Karim Wallace, at 6-1, 215 pounds, is slated to lead the offense. Running backs Anthony Cox (5-9, 187) and Dwayne Gay (5-8, 215), along with receiver Torei Jones (6-0, 175) hope to offset the losses at skill posi-tions to graduation.

Punter Chris Hernandez (5-11, 200), an All-State selec-tion also is back.

LANGSTON HUGHESWhile Tri-Cities’ success

last year is a prime reason why the program garnered seven of 12 first-place votes, Langston Hughes leads the region among returning starters in 2012.

Seven starters, led by junior quarterback Kenny Moxey (6-0, 155) return on offense. There are even less changes from 2011 on defense, with all 11 starters back.

On paper, Hughes’ 25 seniors and 18 returning starters are by far the most among the region’s six schools. How well those numbers translate into victories for a program that has gone 7-26 so far, is another question that will have to be answered this fall.

“We’ve been depending on young guys the last few years

when we were getting beat up a little bit,” said Panthers assis-tant Travis Smith. “We’re hop-ing that experience turns into a positive for us.”

Langston Hughes put togeth-er an impressive title-winning effort in this summer’s Big South 7-on-7 Shootout while defeating Griffin twice, along with Whitewater, Mt. Zion-Jonesboro and Salem.

Junior Bingo Morton (6-1, 175), a Second Team All-Region 2-AAAAA selection, senior Carlos Merritt (6-1, 170) and Trevon Badger leading a tal-ented unit.

Smith expects a “run-ning back by committee” with junior Keion Davis, senior Eric Peek and Robert Saunders all getting a chance to pick up carries.

“We’ll do a lot of stuff. Pro, two-back sets and also spread it out some,” said Smith. “Expectations are little higher than they have been.”

The offensive line has three returners back. The unit has ample size in junior guards Jahlil Mathis-Ellis (6-2, 295) and Austin McCall (6-1, 280) as well as tackle Trevor Arnold (6-2, 250). Center Quandarius Simon, at 5-10, 175-pounds, is the smallest of the group, but has made sizable contributions when calling out blitzes.

Langston Hughes hopes to cash in this season after starting four freshmen in 2011 including inside linebacker Montavious Atkinson (6-1, 180).

Another second-year starter, sophomore DeAndre Walker (6-2, 195) came along quickly on the defensive line and the 4-3 set again expects to include sophomore Jeremiah Culbreth (6-2, 195) this year. Junior Robert Saunders solidifies the secondary at cornerback.

WESTLAKEAt Westlake, former NFL

player and Atlanta Falcon Stanley Pritchett is one of

two first-year head coaches in 3-AAAAAA.

“We lost 22 seniors from last year’s team,” said Pritchett,

who expects to have just 10 on this year’s opening day roster. “Of this year’s seniors, seven or eight will definitely play.”

Pritchett arrives at the school following a year as head coach at North Atlanta, which fin-ished 2-7.

“We’re just trying to change the culture,” Pritchett said.

The catalyst for much of last year’s success was quarterback Renard Battle, who is a poten-tial All-State candidate. Battle, a 6-0, 185 senior, is “a great athlete,” who “can make all the throws. We’re going to be mul-tiple. We want to run the ball, protect the ball.”

Battle will have a pair of senior receivers as targets, T.J. Reece (5-10, 170) and Chris Daniel (6-1, 180). Sophomores Joshua Poole (5-10, 175), a track standout, and Jordan Thomas (5-7, 170) lead the backfield, while junior Jordan Shaw (6-3, 265) provides size and skill up front as the lone returning starter to the offensive line.

Transfer Lonnie Perryman, should help make Westlake’s secondary a strength of the Lions’ defense.

DOUGLAS COUNTYDouglas County first-year

coach Jason Respert has the same goal while trying to turn around a Tigers program that suffered its first two-win season in 16 years. His initial head coaching job comes after assisting former high school coach Conrad Nix at Northside Warner-Robins, where Respert was a two-time All-State offen-sive lineman before moving on to the University of Tennessee.

He spent last season as the offensive coordinator at Howard High School in Macon.

Last year’s Douglas County team struggled in all phases, averaging 16 points a game and allowing close to 30.

“Our goal is to change the culture of football at Douglas County. Our goal is to step on the field and play hard. We’re excited about the direction we’re going,” Respert said.

Respert feels senior quar-terback Ellis Richardson (6-3, 220) provides a centerpiece to build around after throwing for 1,227 yards with 11 TDs and five interceptions.

“He’s got all the tools,” said the Tigers head coach.

Junior Juanya Smith led last year’s team with 446 yards on 72 carries and will be counted on even heavier this year fol-lowing the graduation of Jon Willis (426).

By CHRIS GOLTERMANNcgoltermann@newnan.com

DOUGLAS COUNTY TiGErSHead Coach: Jason Respert (1st season, 0-0 overall)Program Record: 380-368-19 (.508)State Titles: 1 (1964)Offense: Multiple: Defense: 4-32011 Record: 2-8Preseason Poll: 6thRecent History: 2011: 2-8; 2010 :5-5; 2009: 5-5; 2008: 3-7Last playoff season: 2007Last time missed playoffs: 2011Key Losses: WR DJ Fluellen (All-Region 5-AAAA South First Team), LB Lacurtis Campbell (First Team), DE/DT Brandon Bostic (Second Team), LB Trai Brown (Second Team), DB Rashawd Dixon (Second Team), OL Bill Sheppard (Second Team), TE Elliot Thompson (Second Team).Key Returners: QB/S Ellis Richardson (6-3, 220, Sr.), WR Anthony Graves (5-11, 170, Sr.)., S Nigel Hale (5-11, 170, Sr.), CB Germaine Burroughs (5-9, 179, Sr.) RB/CB Anthony Garner (5-9, 170, Sr), S Tray Miller (5-11, 190, Sr.), LB Terrell Gibson (5-10, 180, Sr.), DL Jay Harris (6-4, 270, Sr), S Drew Sanders (5-11, 170, Sr.), DE Nashon Hester (6-0, 200, Jr.)Strengths: Established quarterback, skill players on offense; Most of defensive secondary returns and should be deepest position.Areas of Concern: Lots of changes with new coach, staff. Heavy losses on both sides of the line and at linebacker. Coach Speak: “The only thing that wasn’t changed was the school colors.” — Head coach Jason Respert

2011 RESULTS (2-8)Aug. 26 Hiram L21-14Sept. 3 At Warner Robins L56-0Sept. 9 East Paulding L51-6Sept. 16 At Chapel Hill L21-20Sept. 23 Villa Rica L 49-35Sept. 30 At Alexander L19-7Oct. 7 Lithia Springs W20-19Oct. 14 At South Paulding L34-17Oct. 28 Paulding County W22-0Nov. 4 At North Paulding L21-19

2012 SCHEDULEAug. 31 At Chapel HillSept. 7 South CobbSept. 14 ChattahoocheeSept. 21 At Warner RobinsSept. 28 At Harris CountyOct. 12 At Langston Hughes*Oct. 19 Westlake*Oct. 26 At Newnan*Nov. 2 East Coweta*Nov. 9 At Tri-Cities** Region 3-AAAAAA gameOutlook: Douglas County, coming off its least successful campaign in 16 years, turns its program over to 30-year-old Jason Respert, a former two-time All-State lineman at Northside-Warner Robins and the University of Tennessee. Respert worked under high school coach Conrad Nix as well as an equally strong program at Peach County before serving as offen-sive coordinator at Howard High in Macon last year.Last year’s struggles had the Tigers aver-aging just 16 points-per-game and allow-ing over 29.

LANGSTON HUGHES PANTHErSHead Coach: Willie Cannon (4th year, 7-22 overall)Program Record: 7-22 (.241)State Titles: None.Returning Starters: Offense — 7; Defense — 11Offense: Multiple (2 back, spread)Defense: 4-32011 Record: 3-7Recent History: 2010: 2-8; 2009: 2-7.Last Playoff Season: NoneLast Time Missed Playoffs: 2011Preseason Poll: 5thKey Losses: RB D.J. PayneKey Returners: QB Kenny Moxey (5-9, 170, Jr.), WR/CB ‘Bingo’ Morton (6-2, 190, Jr., All-Region 2-AAAAA Second Team), S Deontez Williams (5-10, 170, Sr.), CB Joshua Fuller (5-9, 170, Sr.), S Andrekay Askew (6-2, 190, Sr.); RB Erick Peek (5-9, 160, Sr), LB Montavious Atkinson (6-0, 180, So.), DE DeAndre Walker (6-2, 190, So.), DE Jeremiah Culbreth (6-3, 220, So.); OL Jahlil Mathis-Ellis (6-2, 290, So); WR Carlos Merritt (6-0, 170, Sr.); OL Trevor Arnold (6-2, 230, Sr.); K Stefan Whitehead (5-9, 140, Sr.)Strengths: Deep group of receivers, larg-est group of returning starters in region. First senior class of 23 players one of larg-est in 3-AAAAAA. Speed, quickness at nearly every position.Areas of Concern: Need RBs to emerge, depth on offensive, defensive lines, overall size. Still a very young team that has yet to post a winning record. Coach Speak: “ We’re hoping that expe-rience turns into a positive for us.” — Panthers assistant Travis Smith.

2011 rESULTS (3-7)Aug. 26 Osborne* W25-14Sept. 2 Campbell* W33-18Sept. 10 At Columbia L9-0Sept. 23 M.L. King* L42-7Sept. 30 At Newnan* L38-21Oct. 7 East Coweta* W35-14Oct. 14 At Stephenson* L46-0Oct. 21 At Luella* L20-13Oct. 28 Newton* L23-3Nov.4 At Westlake* W40-18* Region 2-AAAAA Game

2012 SCHEDULEAug. 31 CreeksideSept. 7 At LuellaSept. 14 WheelerSept. 21 At Rockdale CountySept. 27 At Newton (Thurs.)Oct. 12 Douglas County*Oct. 19 At Newnan*Oct. 26 East Coweta*Nov. 2 At Tri-Cities*Nov. 9 Westlake** Region 3-AAAAAA GameOutlook: After taking their lumps with freshmen and sophomore starters, the Panthers possess more returners than any other lineup in the new Region 3-AAAAAA alignment. The team’s victory this summer in the Big South 7-on-7 Shootout, which included two wins over a Griffin team that went 9-3 last year, is proof that hard work is beginning to pay off. Hughes could be in the hunt for more than just the program’s first state playoff berth.

Tri-CiTiES BULLDOGS Head Coach: Kenneth Miller (Fifth year, 26-18 overall)Program Record: 98-148-2State Titles: None Returning Starters: Offense 4; Defense 2Offense: Wing-T Defense: 502011 Record: 10-3Recent History: 2010: 7-4; 2009: 5-5; 2008: 4-6Last playoff season: 2011 (Class AAAA Quarterfinals)Last time missed playoffs: 2009 Preseason Poll: 1st Key Losses: Xavier Robertson, Key Returners: OL/DL Dominique Threatt (6-4, 330, Sr.; All-State; South Florida commit), OL/DL Shamire Devine (6-7, 331, Sr; Georgia Tech commit), OL/DL Jeremi Hall (6-5, 350, Sr.; Georgia Tech com-mit), OL/DL Marcus Adams (6-0, 280, Sr.; Western Kentucky commit); LB Hector Godinez (5-9, 170, Jr.), LB Michael Shealey (5-8, 145); P Chris Hernandez (5-11, 200, Sr.; All-State), WR Torei Jones (6-0, 175)Newcomers: QB Karim Wallace (6-1, 215, Jr.), Anthony Cox (5-9, 187), Dwayne Gay (5-8, 215).Strengths: Offensive, defensive line.Areas of Concern: Lots of new faces at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and linebacker. Secondary needs to be rebuilt.Coach Speak: “Inexperience is one thing that I’m very leary of. Once you get behind those guys on the line we don’t have a lot of depth. And when you’re playing in a tough six-A region, depth is the key.” — Tri-Cities head coach Kenneth MillerOutlook: No school in the state may have a group of linemen as talented as the Bulldogs. But overall depth is lacking. The program also lost nearly all of its skill position players from its most successful season in school history while making the added jump from Class AAAA.

2012 SCHEDULE Aug. 31 WashingtonSept. 7 At BannekerSept. 14 At CreeksideSept. 21 Carver-ColumbusSept. 28 At Carver, Ala.Oct. 12 Newnan*Oct. 19 At East Coweta*Oct. 26 At Westlake*Nov. 2 Langston Hughes*Nov. 9 Douglas County** Region 3-AAAAAA Game

2011 rESULTS (10-3) Aug. 26 Jonesboro* L35-17Sept. 3 At Forest Park* W49-6Sept. 9 Creekside* W40-20Sept. 17 At Riverdale* W40-20Sept. 23 Mundy’s Mill* W24-6Oct. 1 At Lovejoy* L24-20Oct. 7 North Clayton* W35-28Oct. 15 At Morrow* W52-7Oct. 21 Banneker* W35-7Nov. 4 Mt. Zion-Jonesboro*W 35-14* Region 4-AAAA GameClass AAAA State PlayoffsNov. 11 At Alcovy W51-28Nov. 18 At Pope W35-0Nov. 25 At Northside-WR L36-8

WESTLAKE LiONSHead Coach: Stanley Pritchett (1st year 0-0; Overall: 21-19, Four seasons)Program Record: 148-110-0State Titles: 0Returning Starters: N/AOffense: MultipleDefense: 4-32011 Record: 4-6Recent History: 2010 — 3-7; 2009 — 7-4; 2008 — 6-4; 2007 — 5-5Last playoff season: 2009Last time missed playoffs: 2011Preseason Poll: 4thKey Losses: WR Khalil Stinson (All-Region 2-AAAAA First Team, 646 yds, 7 TDs), TE Devin Anderson (All-Region Second Team), OL Brice Smith (All-Region Second Team), RB Charles Purnell (All-Region Second Team), OL Adrian Jacklyn (All-Region Second Team), DT Adrian Dunmyer (All-Region Second Team), OLB Henry Jackson (All-Region Second Team), S Antonio Thomas (All-Region Second Team), P Armani Harvey (All-Region First Team).Key Returners: QB Renaud Battle (6-0, 185, Sr.), WR T.J. Reece (5-10, 170, Sr.), WR Chris Daniel (6-1, 180, Sr.), RB Joshua Poole (5-10, 175, So), RB Jordan Thomas (5-7, 170, So.), OL Jordan Shaw (6-3, 265, Jr.); MLB Tyrone Pope (6-2, 215); DL Dwight Moore )5-10, 265, Jr.) CB Terrence Montgomery (5-9, 165), Newcomers: DB/ATH Lonnie PerrymanStrengths: Deep secondary Areas of Concern: Offensive line, size, overall depth. Small senior class.Coach Speak: “We’re just trying to change the culture. The last few years they’ve been down. But there’s a lot of tal-ent.” — Head coach Stanley PritchettOutlook: Going through a coaching change with a roster including 10 seniors, this season is as much about transition for a program that has lost some of its luster in recent years. Head coach Stanley Pritchett, who took Washington to the play-offs in back-to-back years before spending the 2011 season at North Atlanta, feels the school still has the potential to produce Division I-level talent. Much of this year’s success will be measured with how well he can change its culture.

2011 rESULTSAug. 26 At Washington W14-6Sept. 3 At McNair W35-13Sept. 9 At Colquitt County L21-10Sept. 16 At M.L. King* L35-14Sept. 23 Stephenson* L56-35Oct. 7 Newnan* L33-7Oct. 14 At East Coweta* W31-21Oct. 22 At Newton* L21-7Oct. 28 Luella* W33-15Nov. 4 Langston Hughes* L40-18* Region 2-AAAAA Gamew

2012 SCHEDULEAug. 24 HillgroveAug. 31 At South CobbSept. 7 At CreeksideSept. 14 BannekerSept. 21 At BainbridgeOct. 12 East Coweta*Oct. 19 At Douglas County*Oct. 26 Tri-Cities*Nov. 2 Newnan*Nov. 9 At Langston Hughes** Region 3-AAAAAA Game

Something in common: New region brings parity

Creekside seminolesColors: Burgundy and GoldHead Coach: Aaron Whittington (First Year)2011 Record: 5-5Recent History: 2010—8-3, 2009—6-4, 2008—7-4, 2007—7-4Key players: QB Evan Berry (Jr, 5-11, 193), RB Elliott Berry ( Jr, 5-11, 195), S Trevonious Britt (Jr, 5-9, 165), OL Jako Williams (Jr, 5-11, 275 pounds) and WR Michael Leverett (5-9, 180)Strengths: Plenty of experience com-ing back at skill postions.Area of Concern: Trying to replace Josh Holsey’s 24 career interceptions will be one of the Seminoles’ biggest test in 2012.

2011 ReSultS (5-5)Morrow W68-0Banneker L 21-6Tri-Cities L35-12Mt. Zion-Jonesboro W 21-7Jonesboro L 19-13Forest Park W45-7Riverdale W 33-12Mundy’s Mill W 35-20Lovejoy L 24-0North Clayton L14-8

2012 ScheduleAug. 31 at Langston HughesSept. 7 WestlakeSept. 14 tri-CitiesSept. 21 at Forest ParkSept. 28 Mt. Zion-JonesboroOct. 5 At Starr’s Mill*Oct. 12 Northgate*Oct. 19 At Whitewater *Oct. 26 McIntosh*Nov. 9 Region-play in* Region 4B-AAAAA Game Outlook: Creekside is trying to get back into the playoffs after a year away. Whittington makes his debut with the Seminoles and takes over a program with a lot of tradition. He played his col-lege football at UCLA. The Seminoles most famous graduate is Eric Berry a former All-American at Tennessee who now plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. Replacing Josh Holsey in the second-ary might be one of the new coach-ing staff’s biggest challenges. Holsey signed with Auburn after finishing with 24 career interceptions.

mCintosh Chiefs Colors: Black, White and GreenHead Coach: Lee Belknap (Second year, 1-9)Starters returning: Offense: 6; Defense: 5Offensive formation: Spread OptionDefensive formation: 4-2-52011 Record: 1-9Recent History: 2010 —2-8, 2009 — 4-6, 2008—2-8 Key Returners: QB Andrew Johnson (5-11, 180), WR Brian White (5-5, 140), OT Drew Saunders (6-1, 245), OT Jay Wilson (6-0, 220), DT Joe Kelley (6-0, 215), Ian Timmins (5-7, 150), LB Jake Carney (5-8, 170).College Prospects: OL Drew Saunders (SR, 6-1, 230)Strengths: Quarterback, receivers.Area of Improvement: Kicking game due to graduation.Outlook: “We expect to play in and play hard every game, we believe this kind of effort will give us a chance to make the playoffs,” said second year coach Lee Belknap.

2011 ReSultS:Pike County L 35-14Dutchtown L22-17Jones County W 29-28Northgate L 30-14Harris County L 32-10Starr’s Mill L35-0Whitewater L 38-3Fayette County L 35-7Upson Lee 13-7Ola L 22-21

2012 ScheuleAug. 31 at North SpringsSept. 7 AlexanderSept. 14 OlaSept. 21 at DrewSept. 28 Mundy’s MillOct. 12 at Whitewater*Oct. 19 Starr’s Mill*Oct. 26 at Creekside*Nov. 2 at Northgate*Nov. 9 Region Play in Game* Region 4B-AAAA Game

starr’s mill PanthersColors: Blue, Black and WhiteCoach: Chad Phillips (third year, 19-6)Starters returning: Offense: 4; Defense 4Offense: MultipleDefense: Base 502011 record: 5-5Key Returners: OLB. H-back Hayden Beyer (6-2, 190), DL Kery Ostrowski (6-1, 200), OL: Garrison Elliott (6-0, 270) Evan Krug (6-1, 250), OL Nick Petry (6-2, 245), P Grant Aasen (6-1, 195).College Prospects: OL Hayden Frye (SR, 6-3, 240); OL Garrison Elliott (SR, 6-2, 260); OL Nic Petry (SR, 6-3, 230); DL Evan Krug (SR, 6-1, 260); DL Ryan Nace (SR, 6-2, 250); ATH Timothy Roberts (SR, 6-1, 180); ATH Joshua Roberts (SR, 6-2, 180).Strengths: Wide receivers/SpecialistsAreas of Concern: Team’s top running back, 1,000-yard rusher John Smith, broke his leg and is out for the season.Outlook: Smith scored 22 touch-downs as a sophomore last year so someone else will have to emerge as the Panthers’ top ball carrier

2011 ReSultS:Coosa W 23-21Woodland (Henry) W 9-7Alcovy L 47-31Upson-Lee L 17-7 Whitewater L 31-9Fayette County W 27-14McIntosh W 35-0Northgate L 41-21Harris County L 28-21Dutchtown W 27-26

2012 ScheduleAug. 31 North CobbSept. 7 at Fayette CountySept. 14 at West ForsythSept. 21 at Mt. ZionSept. 28 DrewOct. 5 Creekside *Oct. 19 At McIntosh*Oct. 26 Northgate*Nov. 2 Whitewater*Nov. 9 Region Play-in

WhiteWater WildCatsCoach: Amos McCreary (50-22, 8 seasons)Starters returning: Offense 3; Defense: 6Offense: Multiple I Defense 3-5Key Returners: S/WR Jake Carlson , OL/DL Patrick Dalton , OL Levi Kerlin, P/K Austin Bernard, CB/WR Malcom Graham, DE/G Dylan Davis, LB/RB Colten Clemens, SS/RB Kendall Conley, LB/RB Christian Wafford, DE/FB Russell Welch, WR/SN Trevor MorganCollege Prospects: WR Jake Carlson (SR, 6-1, 180); OL Pat Dalton (SR, 6-7, 350); OL Levi Kerlin (SR, 6-2, 280); RB Kendall Conley (SR, 5-11, 180); LB Colton Clemmons (JR, 6-0,200); CB Malcholm Graham (SR, 6-1, 180); DE Dylan Davis (SR, 6-2, 220)Strengths: Kicking Game and DefenseAreas of Concern:: QuarterbackOutlook: Whitewater plans on using its strong special teams and its defense to keep the team in games as its offense works on replacing players lost to graduation.

2011 ReSultSSandy Creek L 43-20Ola W 23-7Union Grove W13-10Harris County W 14-12Starr’s Mil W 31-9Upson-Lee W 14-7Fayette County W 23-6McIntosh W 38-3Northgate L 27-24Griffin L 23-22

2012 Schedule Aug. 24 CoffeeSept. 7 At Mundy’s MillSept. 14 At Fayette CountySept. 21 At Union GroveSept. 28 Forest ParkOct. 5 Northgate*Oct. 12 McIntosh*Oct. 19 Creekside*Nov. 2 At Starr’s Mill*Nov. 9 Region Play-In Game* Region 4B-AAAA Game

Wednesday, August 22, 2012 — The Newnan Times-Herald — 7C

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Northgate football coach Tommy Walburn is trying to convince his team to put last year’s undefeated regular sea-son and region title in its rear view mirror and with good reason.

The Vikings have more pressing matters to deal with as they move into a newly formed Region 3B-AAAAA.

Northgate’s five-team’s in the subregion includes Creekside (5-5) Starr’s Mill (5-5), McIntosh (1-9) and Whitewater (7-3).

Perhaps the best way to describe this half of the sub-region is one with lots of tradition.

Except for McIntosh, the subregion is made up of pro-grams that have made the postseason over the last few years.

Although Northgate was the only team from the subre-gion to make the playoffs last year, Walburn knows there’s plenty of football tradition in the league and it could be a fight to grab one of the playoff spots in 2012.

“We know we can’t look past anybody,”Walburn said. “The good thing about this subregion is the schools are close together and there should be some really good rivalries. One thing is for sure, there are some good football teams in this league.”

Perhaps Northgate’s biggest competition will come from rival Whitewater who like the Vikings, was a member of Region 4-AAAA last year.

The Wildcats 27-24 loss to the Vikings in 2012 helped keep Whitewater out of the playoffs despite a 7-3 record.

Whitewater comes into the year still trying to find a quar-terback to replace Jon Mark Rhodes, but there are some skill players returning to the line up, especially at receiv-er where Jake Carlson and Trevor Morgan return.

The Wildcats edged East Coweta 20-13 in their scrim-mage last week

Whitewater could have an edge in the kicking game against most opponents as Austin Bernard returns to punt an handle the kicking duties.

Bernard booted a 50-yard with room to spare against the Indians.

“After missing last year’s state playoffs by one game, we are optimistic about this year’s team,” head coach Amos McCreary said.

McCreary has been the school’s head coach since it opened in 2004 and has lead the Wildcats to the playoffs four times.

For Whitewater it could just come down to his younger players growing up.

“The Wildcats’ success will be determined by how quick the young players can adapt to the intensity and speed of the varsity game.

“Defensively, I think we should be pretty strong due to the number of returning starters. If the defense can carry us early, it will open up opportunities for the young offense to get that necessary game experience to carry us into the playoffs later on in the season,” McCreary said

Creekside comes into the league after a 5-5 record in 2011.

But if history repeats itself, Creekside should be one of teams to beat. Despite miss-ing out on the playoffs last year, that is a rarity for the Seminoles, who have been to the playoffs five of the last eight years.

Aaron Whitington takes over as the team’s head coach, but like the rest of the league, there is plenty of tradition.

The biggest question mark heading into the 2012 sea-son is how quickly Creekside

players will get on board with what the new coaching staff is trying to put in place.

Twin brothers Evan and Elliott are continuing the Berry family tradition as they enter their sophomore year at Creekside.

Both are siblings of Kansas City cornerback Eric Berry.

Evan is expected to handle the quarterback duties as the new regime takes over at the Fairburn School.

Chad Phillips is trying to get Starr’s Mill back into the playoffs after a 5-5 record last season.

The Panthers suffered a set back during the preseason when running back John Smith broke his leg.

Smith was the offensive cat-alyst for the squad as a sopho-more in 2011 after running for 1,200 yards and 22 TDs.

“We must play better on defense, and a tough sched-ule is a reason for concern. “ Phillips said.

McIntosh comes into the league trying to get past the last year’s disappointing 1-9 record. The Chiefs have very little football tradition over the years, but second-year head coach Lee Belknap is trying to change that.

The Chiefs’ last winning record came in 1997 by with six returning players coming back on offense and five on defense, Belknap is convinced the pieces are in place for break the drought.

It starts at quarterback as Andrew Johnson returns to the position. Brian White could be his favorite target.

“We expect to compete in every game and play hard,” Belknap said. “We believe this kind of effort will help us make it to the postseason.

The other half of the region includes Forest Park, Mt. Zion (2-8), Mundy’s Mill (4-6) , Union Grove (5-5), Ola (2-8) and Drew (7-4).

REgion 4B-AAAAAOur Predicted Order of Finish in Region 4B-AAAA

(2011 record in parenthesis)Northgate (11-1): With three future ACC/SEC players returning on defense, the Vikings have a chance to build off the best record in school history.WhiteWater (7-3): After missing out on state playoffs despite a solid 7-3 record, the Wildcats may be more hungry than ever Creekside: (5-5): Young new head coach should benefit from Berry brothers, stable of returning athletic talent available starr’s mill (5-5): Panthers trying to get back into playoffs after year absence, but will have to do it without RB John Smith, who it out for the season with a broken leg.mCintosh (1-10): The Chiefs have put together a handful of big wins over the past few years, but have struggled to become a consistant winner.

Northgate in good company in 4B-AAAAABy DOUG GORMANdgorman@newnan.com

8C — The Newnan Times-Herald — Wednesday, August 22, 2012

C8

Air ForceALEX LAKES, RB, Fr. (Northgate)

— Lakes follows a trend of former Northgate sports stars to attend the Academy behind cornerback Carson Bird and linebacker Andre Morris. The 5-10, 197 pound freshman earned co-Offensive Player of the Year as a senior while rushing for 1,270 yards and 19 touchdowns. Lakes, who also started at safety, was part of a recruiting class that also included Arlington Christian cornerback/receiver Kalon Baker. Both will play for the Air Force Prep Academy team this year.

LENDELL ARNOLD, WR, So. (Newnan) — Arnold, who originally signed with Lenoir-Rhyne, played for the Air Force Prep Academy team last season while listed as a receiver. Arnold played receiver at Newnan High before starting at quarterback for the Cougars during his junior and senior years.

ArmyJAKE PETERSON, OL, Fr.

(Northgate) —Peterson recently grad-uated from the United States Military Academy Predatory Schools (USMAPS) in May, playing on its prep team while earning two of its Delta Awards. The 6-2, 235-pound lineman, who started at middle linebacker as a senior with the Vikings after playing offensive line, will join Army’s Division I program this fall.

Benedict college EMMANUEL HOUSTON, RB, Sr.

(Newnan) — The 5-9, 170-pound Houston led the Tigers in receiving last year in all categories with 28 catches for 379 yards and six touchdowns. The former Cougar was also the program’s top kick returner with a 17.7-yard aver-age. His seven touchdowns also led Benedict in scoring.

SHAQ WARNER, WR, So. (Newnan) — The 6-2, 187-pound former Cougar receiver returns for his sophomore season after seeing action in two of the Tigers’ final four games in 2011.

cArson newmAnTOBY SLAGLE, QB, So.

(Northgate) — The former Viking starter enters his second season with the Eagles. He will be competing among a group of five quarterbacks led by senior and Rockmart graduate Brandon Haywood

cAtholic UniversityJIMMIE REID, OL, FR. (Newnan)

— Reid was part of the Division III pro-gram’s most recent signing class.

University oF the cUmBerlAnds

MITCH McTIER, OF, Fr. (East Coweta) — McTier capped off his career by returning from an ACL injury and earning All-County and All-Region honors as a senior.

deltA stAte CODY WEAVER, OL, So. (Northgate)

— The 6-4, 270-pound former Viking standout offensive lineman enters his second year with the Gulf South Conference program.

FAUlkner DIAMOND LESLIE, DL, Fr.

(Newnan) — The 6-2, 213-pound defensive lineman was part of last year’s signing class with the Eagles.

FUrmAn RYAN STORMS, OL, Jr. (East

Coweta) — The 6-2, 257-pound offensive guard has blossomed into a starter since being a stalwart on the Indians’ front line in high school. Last year, Storms started nine games at right guard while grading out at a season-high 80 percent against Elon.

Fort vAlley stAte D’LONZO HARRIS, LB, Fr.

(Northgate) — Harris, an All-County performer as a senior while helping lead the Vikings to a Region 3-AAAA cham-pionship in 2011, was a member of Fort Valley State’s signing class in February. Harris finished with 98 tackles and a team-high five pass breakups.

JONOVAN COTTON, LB, Fr. (Northgate) —Despite suffering a season-ending injury during the 2011 season, Cotton managed to tie for the Vikings’ team lead in sacks last season with six before earning a scholarship offer from Fort Valley State.

georgiAALEC OGLETREE, ILB, Jr.

(Newnan) — The junior from Newnan is slated to be the Bulldogs starter at inside linebacker, but faces a reported suspension at the start of the season for a rules violation. He led the Bulldogs with 13 tackles against Michigan State in the Outback Bowl last New’s Years Day. He also had seven tackles and a huge sack for a 17-yard loss for the Bulldogs in the SEC title game against LSU. In the regular-season finale against Georgia Tech he finished with 11 tackles, including 10 solo stops. Ogletree made a name for himself two years ago as a freshman when he was named the SEC’s Top Newcomer of the Year on Defense,

ZANDER OGLETREE, FB, Jr. (Newnan) — Coming out of spring practice, Ogletree was the Bulldogs most experienced starter, but it appears he lost his starting job to Merritt Hall, a one-time walk on for the Bulldogs. Appeared in 14 games and had a 21-yard run against Georgia Tech last season. Zander was named the most improved offensive player coming out of spring practice.

EDDIE MCQUILLEN, OL, R-Fr. (Trinity Christian) — A preferred walk-on after helping lead Trinity to a 8-man championship in the Independent Christian Schools of Georgia and Alabama, the 6-foot-8, 300-pound tackle continues to work his way into the depth chart on the offen-sive line. With only two starters return-ing from the 2011 season and with the eligibility of 6-5, 291-pound redshirt sophomore Kolton Houston in doubt due to a steroid that has remained in his system for two years following shoulder surgery, he has moved up to third on the depth chart on the right side.

COLE TROLINGER, TE, Fr. (East Coweta) — Like McQuillen last year, Trolinger - who played with McQuillen at Trinity before finishing his career at East Coweta - opted to accept an offer as a preferred walk-on at Georgia. The 6-5, 230-pound tight end was a two-way starter for the Indians while also playing defensive line. He caught 10 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown in 2011.

georgiA militAry college

D.J. MOSLEY, OL/DL, Fr. (East Coweta) — Mosley enters his fresh-man year after playing in last year’s Georgia Senior All-Star Game at the Georgia Dome.

georgiA techRAY BENO, OL, R-Jr. (Newnan)

— The redshirt junior played in all 13 games for the Yellow Jackets last sea-son, starting 12. Helped Georgia Tech lead the ACC in rushing offense, total offense and fewest sacks allowed. Beno is first on the depth chart at left tackle going into the season opener at Virginia Tech. The Newnan High graduate is a Dean’s List student at Georgia Tech.

georgiA stAteJAMAL RANSBY, CB, Jr.

(Newnan) — Patience and hard work is on the verge of paying big dividends for Jamal Ransby.

The former All-County standout at Newnan High, who also was part of the Cougars’ back-to-back run to the Class AAAAA semifinals in 2008 and 2009, is once again poised to become an even bigger part of Georgia State’s young history.

Ransby is atop the depth charts at cornerback for the Panthers head-ing into his junior year and is back on the field following rehabilitation on an injured knee this summer.

After making 17 tackles while play-ing all 11 games last season, Ransby is hoping to have an even bigger role in Georgia State’s defense this fall fol-lowing two full years as a contributor. He ended 2011 strong, making three tackles against West Alabama and a season-high five in a season-ending win over Campbell.

“When I went down I was right there fighting for that number one spot on the depth chart,” said Ransby, who has been rehabbing the knee this summer while taking classes. “I’m expecting I’ll be one-hundred percent.”

The 5-8, 170-pound junior enters the season as the program’s career leader in interceptions with three.

WIL LUTZ, K/P, Fr. (Northgate) — Lutz originally signed with Faulkner University, but instead chose to accept a preferred walk-on offer from Georgia State. An All-County performer in both 2010 and 2011 as a place kicker, Lutz showcased his versatility during his senior year at Northgate, booting field goals of 43, 38 and 42 yards and con-necting on 55 of 59 PATs. He also had a 35.2 average on punts and booted 70.5-percent of kickoffs for touchbacks.

Lutz is already pushing returning place kickers Matt Ehasz and Christian Benvenuto in the preseason, with spe-cial teams coordinator Jason French telling the AJC that he expects the battle to continue.

ALBERRY MELSON, DE, So. (Newnan) — The number of former Newnan High football standouts playing for the Panthers doubles in 2012 with the transfer of Melson to Georgia State. The 6-1, 235 pound sophomore defen-sive end signed with Virginia Union out of high school.

GARRETT SCHREPFER, QB, Fr. (East Coweta) — As a senior, Schrepfer became a full-time starter at quarterback for the Indians while help-ing lead the team to a 7-4 state playoff season highlighted by throwing for two scores and running for two more in a 28-25 victory over Newnan at Drake Stadium. Schrepfer, who finished his senior year of high school with 1,010 yards passing and 389 yards rushing with eight scores, arrives at Georgia State as a preferred walk-on.

lAgrAngeCODY DARRACOTT, WR, Fr.

(Newnan) — An All-Region 2-AAAAA First Team selection following his only year as a starter, Darracott was Newnan’s leading receiver in 2011 with 35 catches for 529 yards and five touchdowns. As part of LaGrange’s most recent signing class, the 5-6, 154-pound freshman could also contribute immediately as a punt returner.

ADAM RABERN, OL, So. (Northgate) — The 6-0, 290-pound sophomore played on LaGrange’s JV squad last season.

ALEX FARMER, OL, So. (Newnan) — The former Cougar starter trans-ferred to LaGrange this season.

ED LOUGHLIN, P/K, So. (The Heritage School) — The 5-6, 188-pound former Hawks kicker and punter signed with Presbyterian out of high school before transferring to LaGrange.

WILL KORAN, LB, Jr. (Newnan) — Koran, a 6-3, 235-pound linebacker who arrived at Jacksonville State a year ago as a transfer from New Haven, will have a chance to compete for a job on a defense that lost four of its top five tacklers.

lenoir-rhyneCHRIS ROBINSON, RB, So.

(Newnan) —The 5-8, 185-pound sophomore running back played in seven games as a true freshman while gaining 83 yards on 18 carries. The Bears were picked to win the South Atlantic Conference in this year’s pre-season conference poll.

JAKE SLAGLE, OL, Fr. (Northgate) — After starting for the Vikings the past two seasons and earning All-County and All-Region honors as a senior dur-ing a Region 3-AAAA championship season, Slagle was part of Lenoir-Rhyne’s most recent signing class.

mAryville college JACKSON HARRISON, OL, Fr.

(East Coweta) — The 6-0, 260-pound freshman joined the Division III program this fall as a member of its most recent signing class.

mAssAchUsetts mAritime AcAdemy

SHELDON ROPER, LB, Jr. (Northgate) — As a sophomore, Roper finished third on the Buccaneers defense with 45 tackles. The 6-2, 195-pound former Viking and All-County standout also broke up two passes and blocked a kick during a 5-4 season.

mercer (Begins plAy in 2013)

PATRICK McALPIN, P, Fr. (Newnan) — McAlpin, a two-time All-County as a punter, was part of Mercer’s first signing class. As a senior, he posted a 40.3 yard average on punts. He also landed 15 inside the 20-yard-line and five more inside the 10.

PAYTON USHER, RB, Fr. (Northgate) — Usher finished his var-sity career while earning Times-Herald Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors after rushing for 1,019 yards and 17 touchdowns for the Vikings during an 11-1 season that included a Region

3-AAAA championship and an unde-feated regular season.

milesTREVOR TANNER LB, So.

(Newnan) — The 6-0, 194-pound for-mer Cougar enters his sophomore year at Miles.

pointADAM DOWNS, QB/WR/CB, Fr.

(Trinity Christian) — Downs, who played with a broken hand during most of his senior year after leading the Lions to an ICSGA 8-man championship, became the first Trinity football player to sign a football scholarship last spring.

reinhArdt (BEGINS PLAY IN 2013)

NICK SMITH, QB, Fr. (Newnan) — Smith was part of Reinhardt University’s first signing class. The program, led by former longtime East Coweta head coach Danny Cronic, begins play next year. In his only year as a starter for the Cougars, Smith threw for 1,640 yards and 14 touchdowns.

LEON SAPP, LB, Fr. (Northgate) — Sapp led the Vikings in his senior year at middle linebacker with 122 tack-les before being signed by Reinhardt head coach Danny Cronic and son, Drew, a former ECHS quarterback who went on to coach at West Georgia and Furman.

MITCH BEMISTER, TE, Fr. (Northgate) —Bemister finished his career on a high note with 11 catches for 205 yards and three touchdowns while helping lead the Vikings to a Region 3-AAAA title and an undefeated regular season.

sAvAnnAh stAteJOVANTE MILLER, DB, Jr. (East

Coweta) — The 6-0, 185-pound junior defensive back recorded seven tackles, four solo, while seeing action in seven games last season. He had two solo tackles during last year’s game against Florida A&M on Oct. 15.

sAmFordCARSON BARNETT, QB, R-Fr.

(Landmark Christian) —Barnett, a Sharpsburg resident, was reunited with his older brother Zach, a former high school target with the War Eagles, last year. The 6-1, 190-pound quarter-back who originally committed to Elon, will have a chance to compete behind senior Andy Summerlin, a transfer from Memphis, and junior Ben Neill.

ZACH BARNETT, WR, So. (Landmark Christian) — The 5-10, 185-pound sophomore will get a chance to see some playing time this season.

shorterCHRIS BENO, OL, R-Fr. (Newnan)

— The 6-0, 270-pound Beno, whose older brother Ray enters his redshirt junior year at Georgia Tech, will get a chance to compete for a starting job as Shorter begins its first season against Division II competition as a future Gulf South Conference member.

AUSTIN INGRAM, CB, Jr. (East Coweta) —Ingram enters his third year in the program after the 6-2, 180-pound former Indian played in nine games as a sophomore while making 27 tackles, 16 solo last year.

west georgiAADAM STRAKOSE, LB, Jr.

(Newnan) —The 5-10, 212-pound junior expects to be the Wolves’ top veteran linebacker to open the 2012 season. The former All-State Cougar defender has contributed heavily in each of his first two years of college football, playing in all 10 games as a true freshman in 2010 while earning the team’s Outstanding Newcomer Award.

As a sophomore last fall, Strakose played in eight games, making 15 tack-les, including three behind the line of scrimmage.

ZACK FORE, DL, So. (East Coweta) — Arriving at West Georgia after playing linebacker in high school, the 6-1, 245-pound Fore returns as a sophomore defensive lineman after seeing time in all 10 games of the 2011 season as a redshirt freshman.

Fore finished with seven tackles last year and forced a fumble while finishing the year with three combined hits in the Wolves’ final two games of the season.

SPENCER WHITEHEAD, OL, R-Fr. (Newnan) — The 6-5, 305 pound Whitehead expects to move into the rotation on the offensive line following a redshirt year in 2011.

MICHAEL COLLINS, DB/S, Fr. (East Coweta) — One of three All-County players to sign with West Georgia this year, the 6-2 Collins led the Indians with 124 tackles during his senior year along with two interceptions while also being named First Team All-Region 2-AAAAA.

AUNDRE MORGAN, DL, Fr. (Newnan) — Morgan initially signed with Faulkner but became a late addi-tion to West Georgia’s signing class following a tremendous senior year with the Cougars. The 5-10, 220-pound freshman started at offensive tackle and defensive end in his final year of varsity football, finishing with 48 tack-les, eight sacks and a team-high three forced fumbles while earning All-Region and All-County honors.

DAVID SINGLETON, CB, Fr. (East Coweta) — Singleton, who was also a late signee with West Georgia, led Coweta County varsity defenders last season with seven interceptions, one of which was returned for a touch-down. The 5-9, 160-pound cornerback also qualified for last year’s Georgia Olympics in the hurdles.

Where are they noW? COWETA COUnTY’S FORMER HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS In COLLEGE

JAcksonville stAteALAN BONNER, WR/KR, Sr.

(Newnan) —Two years ago, Alan Bonner made one of the biggest catches of an overtime victory over Ole Miss. By the close of his senior year, Jacksonville State’s lead-ing receiver in 2011 hopes to be a cata-lyst for two more potential upsets against SEC oppo-nents that act as bookends to the 2012 schedule.

More importantly, Bonner will be among a trio of Gamecocks play-ers leading that offense of a team that has been picked to finish sec-ond in the Ohio Valley Conference and is ranked No. 22 in The Sports Network’s Preseason FCS Top 25 poll.

After leading Jacksonville State with 582 yards on 33 catches in his junior year, the former Cougar All-State receiver continued to show he was his team’s No. 1 target in the spring. During the Gamecocks spring scrimmage, he added five catches for 68 yards and a touchdown.

The 5-11, 168-pound senior receiver joins running back and for-mer Georgia Bulldog Washaun Ealey and quarterback Marques Ivory among a trio of top playmakers on offense. It hopes to offset some of the team’s inexperience on defense early in the year after losing five of its top six leading tacklers.

“We got Marques back, the leader of this football team,” veteran head coach Jack Crowe said. “Along with him, offensively you look for a triplet situation where you have a runner, a thrower and a catcher. You have in Washaun Ealey a premier runner. You have in Alan Bonner a premier receiver. That becomes the founda-tion of saying, well, we can make plays. We can make plays behind the line of scrimmage, down the field and you have a quarterback that can get it done.”

It comes in a schedule that Crowe called “the toughest we’ve ever had.” It begins with a trip to Arkansas and ends with a visit to the swamp in Gainesville to play Florida. The Gators haven’t lost to a mid-major opponent since 1988.

Two years ago, Bonner caught a game-tying touchdown pass with less than 20 seconds left to send a game at Ole Miss into overtime. He’s been a contributor since his fresh-man year when Crowe called on him as a punt returner on a rainy night at Florida State.

It was like being thrown into the fire,” Bonner said in 2011. “It was a bad night, weather-wise, and the call came so quick and unexpected. I was really nervous and scared. But once I got on the field, and the ball came down and I had it in my hands, I was confident. I knew then that I could do it, and I haven’t been ner-vous since then.”

troy KYLE WILBORN, OL, Sr. (The Heritage School) — Troy University

didn’t come calling for Kyle Wilborn much like colleges are now pursuing a certain running back at his high school alma mater.

But Trojans head coach Larry Blakeney is certainly glad the one-time Heritage School offensive lineman came looking for them.

“He is a good player. He is a good person. He’s a good student of the game,” Blakeney told Dothan (Ala.) Eagle writer Drew Champlin this summer. “He wasn’t necessarily a 5-star guy, but he’s turned out to be a guy that gets a lot done and gets the most out of his time out there.”

Even after six football-related surgeries as well as one to remove his gall bladder this spring, the 6-4, 299-pound left guard hasn’t let injuries deter him from finishing his college career as four-year starter on the offensive line.

“I’d be lying if I said no, it never popped in my head,” Wilborn told the paper. “I love playing here. I love being a part of a team. I love Troy, every part of it. You work that whole career, senior year not being able to do it, it would kill me personally. I love being here and love being around the guys. I just didn’t want to give it up.”

Playing at The Heritage School during the dawn of its football program under head coach Ron Beaucham, Wilborn eventually became the first Division I player in Hawks history. It came after he contacted several schools personally and sending them homemade highlight films.

It was only after coaches were headed to Northgate on a recruiting visit that they chose to also stop at Heritage along the way to see Wilborn, getting lost along the way when the school didn’t show up on their GPS.

While their initial recruit didn’t pan out, Wilborn has stayed the course since day one.

Four years later, Blakeney feels the senior from Newnan was well worth the risk. After redshirting in 2008, Wilborn worked his way onto Troy’s start-ing front as a sophomore, playing against SEC opponents including No. 1 Florida during the 2009 season as a starting right tackle.

During nearly every start, Wilborn has played through some type of nag-ging pain. There was right shoulder surgery after his first full year in 2008, a scope of a knee in 2010 and then both ankle and shoulder surgery in the spring of 2011.

Both shoulders have gone under the knife after tearing the labrum of the left side once and the right side twice.

Last December, after sitting out the last two games of a disappointing 3-9 season, he had shoulder surgery again to repair damage. And just when that seemed like enough, Wilborn had his gall bladder removed in this spring.

His unselfishness, however, didn’t go unnoticed.“Wilborn played last year when he probably didn’t need to play,” Blakeney

told the Dothan paper. An exceptional student, fluent in German, he became a member of the

school’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Wilborn was the school’s representative for Sun Belt Conference compli-

ance meetings in New Orleans according to the Dothan paper, while also working with the area Boys & Girls Club.

Should he be able to remain healthy for his final season, Wilborn could potentially land invitations to an NFL camp next year.

Regardless of what his future holds, however, the former Hawks standout would like to finish his college career strong.

“Every player wants that chance to go on to the next level,” he said. “Obviously I’ve had the injuries, but throughout the season I’ve been able to play through them and take care of them in the offseason. Hopefully I can stay healthy this year.”

Alan Bonner and Jacksonville

State face Arkansas and Florida in 2012

Six football related surgeries haven’t stopped former Heritage School standout

Kyle Wilborn from continuing

his career at Troy.