Forsyth County 2012 Pigskin Preview

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Forsyth County News preview of the 2012 high school football season

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2 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

By Jared Putnamjputnam@forsythnews.com

West Forsyth made history last season when it became the first Forsyth County football program to win a playoff game in Class AAAAA.

The Wolverines proved they

could compete with the top teams in the state, upsetting No. 4-ranked Hillgrove in the second round of the postseason before falling to eventual state champion Grayson in the quarterfinals.

Now entering their fifth year of varsity competition, the Wolverines hope to consistently continue playing

into late November and December.“[We’re] not so much a young

program anymore, but a program that wants to be at the top each year,” coach Frank Hepler said.

See WEST | 8

WEST FoRSYTh

Wolverines look to build on postseason success

Jared Putnam Forsyth County News

West Forsyth senior quarterback A.J. Erdely takes off on a keeper during practice.

Head Coach: Frank HeplerOffense: Multiple Wing-TDefense: Multiple 302011 record: 11-2 overall

Welcome to the 2012 Pigskin Preview, your source for information on Forsyth County’s high school football programs. Local squads tread into uncharted territory this season, as the new Class 6A reshapes the state’s high school football landscape. South Forsyth, North Forsyth, West Forsyth and Lambert will compete against each other in Region 6-AAAAAA, marking the first time four Forsyth County schools have shared the same region. Forsyth Central ascends to Region 7-AAAAA, while Pinecrest Academy looks to break out in Class A during its third year in the GHSA. Whichever team you support, we’ve got you covered with full previews, rosters, schedules and more.

What’s InsideWest Forsyth — 2

Lambert — 3

South Forsyth — 4

North Forsyth— 6

Forsyth Central — 10

Pinecrest Academy — 20

REGIon 6-AAAAAA

Division I recruits lead West

forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 3FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

lAmbeRT ReGIon 6-AAAAAA

Horns eye playoff three-peat

Jared Putnam Forsyth County News

Lambert quarterback Brock Maxwell throws downfield during practice at The Horn.

by Jared Putnamjputnam@forsythnews.com

Lambert’s young football program has set a high bar for success during its first two varsity seasons.

The team’s 2010 and 2011 campaigns were almost carbon copies of one anoth-er, as the Longhorns twice reached the Class AAAA state playoffs and finished 8-3 both times.

Lambert battled through injuries to key players and ball security issues throughout the 2011 campaign and nar-rowly missed the program’s first post-season victory in a 35-32 loss to Clarke

Central, but a third consecutive trip to the playoffs is not a given.

The road to an 11th game becomes much tougher this season, as Lambert moves to the new Class AAAAAA and shares a region with Alpharetta, Chattahoochee, Johns Creek and West Forsyth — a quartet of teams that

Head Coach: Sid MaxwellOffense: Wing-TDefense: Multiple2011 record: 8-3 overall

Lambert faces tough test in 6A

See lAmbeRT | 14

4 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

By John McWilliamsjmcwilliams@forsythnews.com

Third-year head coach Jeff Arnette returns 15 seniors and expects experi-ence will be the biggest difference for South Forsyth this season.

The War Eagles (2-8) got off to a solid start last season before dropping their final six games.

“We didn’t have a lot of experience on the team last year,” Arnette said. “We had to play a lot of underclassman, probably one of the youngest teams I’ve ever had.

“I think the fact that we have so many kids coming back who have had starts [matters]. On both sides of the ball, at least eight or nine kids had starts last year. I’ve gone from probably the most inexperienced and youngest team I’ve ever coached in 22 years to possibly one of the most experienced teams.”

Arnette will only play a few two-way starters in order to keep his players fresh. The grind of moving from Class AAAA to Class AAAAAA, Arnette said, won’t allow teams to play many players on both sides of the ball and still expect to win.

“They’re definitely fresher,” Arnette said of his players. “In 6A, you’re not going to see a lot of kids going both ways, so you’re definitely going to be at a disadvantage if your guys are going both ways and they are not. Hopefully, we’ll just have three or four kids who will have to play both ways.”

OffenseSenior quarterback Jantzen Jeffrey

will look to jumpstart an offense that averaged 14 points per game last season. Jeffrey, who has been offered a scholar-ship by Division I Air Force, has impressed Arnette with his leadership early this season.

“Jantzen was really, really coming into his own last year in week six against Creekview,” Arnette said. “He had 190 yards throwing and 130 yards running and messing his ankle up cost him the rest of the year.

“He can do it all. He can run it and he can throw it, and he can run the team.

We are going to use him as much as we can. He’s a great talent and has it all. He’s probably the strongest quarterback I’ve ever had.”

The War Eagles will count on seniors Alex Winski and Nick Cochran at the wide receiver position.

Junior wide receiver and running back Sam Walker will carry much of the load for the team. Walker, who started every game last season, is the team’s edge rusher. Fullback Isaiah Williams will get many of the carries between the tackles.

While other parts of the team return several experienced starters, the offen-

sive line may have the most questions. Mike Scullin and Sterling Abney give the unit two returning starters who Arnette said will provide the War Eagles with stability up front. Junior Kyle Watford claimed his first starting job at center.

DefenseAlthough the defense allowed 30

points per game last season, Arnette is confident the unit is much improved.

Junior Brett Larkin caught the attention of his coaches in practice on

SoUTh FoRSYTh ReGIon 6-AAAAAA

War eagles hope year of experience shows

Head Coach: Jeff ArnetteOffense: MultipleDefense: 4-32011 record: 2-8 overall

South joins three county rivals in new classification

See SoUTh | 16

Jared Putnam Forsyth County News

South Forsyth coach Jeff Arnette applauds his team’s execution during practice at War Eagle Field.

forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 5FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

Good Luck to OurForsyth County Student Athletes!

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South ForSyth roSter

1 Khalil Rice RB/DB 123 Tyler Laflamme RB/LB 104 Parker Chambers WR/LB 105 Nick Cochran WR/DB 126 Griffin Wilcox WR/DB 117 Dylan Chatelain RB/DB 118 Eddie Mirynowski RB/DB 129 Sam Walker RB/DB 1110 Jantzen Jeffrey QB/DB 1211 Alex Winski WR/DB 1212 Matthew White QB/DB 1013 Brent Mouton WR/DB 1014 Daniel DeLeon WR/DB 1115 Morgan White WR/DB 1116 Nick Shepherd QB/DB 1118 Brandon McKee K 1219 Austin Tibbetts WR/DB 1120 Kyle Soles TE/LB 1121 Austin Ataide RB/DB 1022 Zack Laflamme RB/DB 1223 Ricky Relf WR/DB 1124 Jordan Arnett WR/DB 1225 Drew Witalis RB/DB 1026 Sanjay Vellapan WR/LB 1127 Peytne Douglas RB/DB 1028 Matt Cira RB/DB 11

30 Dean Carr WR/DB 1031 Tyler Crawford TE/DL 1132 Isaiah Williams RB/LB 1133 Robby Johnson RB/LB 1034 Everett Cleveland TE/DL 1235 Sam Slott WR/DB 1036 Justin Jones K 1037 Brennan Hale RB/LB 1038 Daniel Dickson RB/DL 1239 Brian Tobon TE/LB 1240 Bryan Troye WR/LB 1141 Brett Larkin RB/DB 1043 Emmanual Godswill RB/DL 1044 Mickey Thomas WR/LB 1246 Billy Jenkins RB/LB 1147 Zack Miller RB/LB 1049 Daniel Verdon RB/LB 1050 Riley Street OL/DL 1051 Davis Winkie OL/DL 1152 Eric Purks OL/DL 1053 Michael Diem OL/DL 1054 Bryce Allison OL/DL 1155 Isaiah Kim OL/DL 1058 Dylan Jenkins OL/DL 1060 Sterling Abney OL/DL 1261 Kyle Watford OL/DL 11

63 Tommy Jenkins OL/DL 1164 Austin Williams OL/DL 1165 Ross Schaber OL/DL 1166 Caleb Lummus OL/LB 1067 James Bronk OL/DL 1168 Alex Ehlinger OL/DL 1269 Joey Henggeler OL/DL 1171 Thomas Foster OL/DL 1072 David Sampiero OL/DL 1173 Leo Rodriguez OL/DL 1074 Griffin Landrum OL/DL 1075 Mike Scullin OL/DL 1276 Jonathan Jagoe OL/DL 1277 Jonathan Bice OL/DL 1178 Ozzie Lozano OL/DL 1079 Zach Martin OL/DL 1180 Paul Mann WR/DB 1181 Derrick Chalmers WR/DB 1182 Stefan Bozeman WR/DB 1083 Chris Harris WR/DB 1184 River Faulkner RB 1085 Patrick Gant TE/DL 1090 Manny Godswill RB/DL 1093 Cameron Kline TE/DL 9

6 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

By John McWilliamsjmcwilliams@forsythnews.com

Head coach Blair Armstrong is eager to get his second season at North Forsyth under way, and it might have something to do with the Raiders returning 17 starters.

After finishing 1-9 last season with many inexperienced players, the team brings back 11 starters from the offense and six from the defense. With so much experience back in the fold, Armstrong is confident in his team.

“We have had a great fall practice and offseason,” Armstrong said. “We are really tired of playing against our-selves. We are ready to go against a different colored jersey.

“Our team strength revolves around the family atmosphere that our seniors and juniors have created. They care about each other, they have each oth-er’s backs and they are a team. Having good players is important, but when they have the brotherhood and team togetherness that these guys have, we will be a force to contend with.”

OffenseNorth’s offense struggled to put up

points in 2011, scoring more than 14 only once all season en route to aver-aging nine per game for the season. Armstrong will run a hybrid Wing-T offense that features more passing

plays than the traditional, run-oriented Wing-T.

The Raiders are more inclined to throw the ball this season with junior quarterback Harris Roberts, a second-year varsity starter who, after growing four inches and gaining 40 pounds this summer, now stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 170 pounds.

The backfield will consist of full-back Eric Fi tzgerald , wingback Cameron Anderson, split end Branson Marks and halfback Luke Slaton, who led the team in rushing last season.

Armstrong will count on junior receivers Branson Marks and Tanner

Riddle to haul in passes from Roberts as senior receiver Will McKinney recovers from a broken collarbone suf-fered in the first week of practice.

Center Tanner Short will anchor the offensive line. Beside him will be guards Rick Adle and Blake Hodges. Tackles Colby Gossett and Zakk Gross won’t be pushed around by the defense, as both weigh over 300 pounds.

“We are a much more mature team than we were last year,” Armstrong said. “Most of our players are return-ing from last year. We had a very young team that was inexperienced,

but we have more juniors and seniors.”

DefenseThe Raiders hope to be much

improved from the defense of last year, which surrendered 32 points per game. Armstrong has cast aside the 4-2-5 formation he used last year in favor of a 3-5 this season.

“For the personnel that we have, the coaching staff and I thought that we are be t te r su i ted for the 3-5 ,” Armstrong said.

North is solid on the defensive line

NoRTh FoRSYTh ReGIoN 6-AAAAAA

Raiders aim to rebound from rebuilding year

Head Coach: Blair ArmstrongOffense: Wing-TDefense: 3-52011 record: 1-9 overall

North returns 17 starters from 2011 squad

See NoRTh | 18

Jared Putnam Forsyth County News

North Forsyth junior quarterback Harris Roberts, center, runs a play during practice in Coal Mountain.

forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 7FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

“Now we’ve got to start acting like [it]. The tradi-tion in Georgia is rich ... and we want to be men-tioned in the same sen-tence [with its great teams] some day.”

Hepler refers to the Wolverines’ first four games this season as “mur-derer’s row,” as the team faces three teams that have reached the state title game within the past four years — Gainesville, Flowery Branch and Starr’s Mill — ahead of the region opener against No. 9-ranked Alpharetta.

“Our main focus is get-ting [prepared for] that Alpharetta game [in week 4],” Hepler said.

“We knew that we need-

ed to play some high-cali-ber teams, and there’s a possibility of us taking some hi ts early on. Hopefully that means that we get better after playing those games.”

OffenseThe Wolverines bring

back nine offensive starters from a unit that averaged 29 points per game last season.

West’s scoring attack begins with quarterback A.J. Erdely, a 6-foot-3, 200-pound senior who tal-lied 19 touchdowns and more than 1,900 yards of offense last year. Erdely, who has verbally commit-ted to FBS program Middle Tennessee State,

doesn’t have top-end speed, but he’s a mobile signal-caller with the abili-ty to extend plays and take advantage of defenses that don’t respect his ability to scramble.

“A true look at A.J. is his

compet i t ive nature ,” Hepler said. “As soon as that last game was over in November he was back out throwing that next week. All the colleges that have been here recruiting say, ‘Coach, we love his com-petitiveness; he’s got a good arm, he runs well, but what you can [also] see on that film is that he com-petes.”

The Wolverines’ biggest unknown is at running back following the depar-ture of two-time All-County selection Blake Roberts, a between-the-tacklers runner who rushed for more than 1,000 yards each of his final two sea-sons and often forced opposing defenses to key

on him.Sophomore Trever

O’Brien inherits the prima-ry responsibility of replac-ing Roberts, but Mohamed Camara and senior Brian Porter will also receive car-ries.

“After that we may even go with a spread [forma-tion] so that it’s not a true tailback like we’ve run,” Hepler said.

The Wolverines will continue to test the edges of opposing defenses with senior wingback Jake Wieczorek, who piled up 17 touchdowns and more than 1,500 all-purpose yards last season. Senior Tanner Bridges and sopho-more Jacob Allen are also expected to fill in at the

position.“One of our most suc-

cessful years down at P lanta t ion High [ in Florida] is where we had six kids rush for over 500 yards [apiece] during the season,” Hepler said. “There was no 1,000-yard rusher ... but you couldn’t key on anybody.”

Wieczorek will also function as a wide receiv-er at times, teaming with Br idges , sophomore Hampton McConnell and juniors Kyran Ochocki and Austin McEwen to provide Erdely with pass-ing targets.

“Sometimes offensive kids get the reputation

8 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

2 Hunter Belue FS 123 Momo Camara LB 124 Tanner Bridges WR 126 Kendall Phillips CB 107 Alef Chaul LB 128 Ryan Guthrie FS 109 Hampton McConnell WR 1010 Jake Wieczorek RB 1211 A.J. Erdely QB 1212 Hunter Bradbury CB 1113 Timmy Hartshorn K 1114 Jonathan Conway QB 1115 Aubrey McBrayer LB 1216 Austin McEwen WR 1117 Nick Walker CB 1118 Jacob Hill CB 1219 Dalton Lloyd CB 1220 Trever O’Brien RB 1021 Brian Porter RB 1222 Cole Staton RB 1123 Matt Lyon RB 1124 Jacob Allen RB 1025 David West RB 1027 Austin Bell FS 1028 Austin Cook CB 1030 Stephen Gallagher FS 1231 Chris Bissett CB 1032 Austin Rothenberger RB 1133 Conner Vandenbos LB 12

34 Josh Gordon FS 1235 Gabe Pierce RB 1136 Zach Mitchell CB 1138 Kyle Chapman RB 1040 Justin Pratley CB 1041 Luke Johnson CB 1042 Alec Coburn DE 1043 Dillon Coats LB 1144 Austin Sanders LB 1045 Hunter Stewart DE 1046 Alex Eskew LB 1147 Brett Anderson DT 1148 Damien Alva FS 1049 Josh Salo LB 1250 Cody Mixon OG 1251 Will Wages LB 1152 Frankie Buenesada LB 1153 Andrew Marshall C 1154 Will Salisbury LB 1155 Travis Baugus C 1056 Evan Echols DE 1157 Will Bass OG 1260 John Salo OG 1161 Alan Pearson OG 1062 Noah Bartholomew OG 1163 Tyler Mallon OG 1064 Jake Smith OT 1065 Dustin Bean OG 1066 Zach Strong OT 10

67 Gerrado Salazar DT 1170 Carson Adams OT 1071 Mitch Toure OT 1072 Branden Singleton OT 1173 Zach Bradbury OT 1274 Tyler Brannon DT 1075 Jayce Ratliff OT 1177 James Thomas OT 1280 Blair Madryga K 1081 Aaron Rothenberger TE 1082 Trevor Powalowski LB 1083 Kyran Ochocki WR 1184 Nathan Schmitz WR 1085 Josh Davis DE 1186 Jesse Vogt WR 1087 Ryan Miller TE 1088 John Delf-Montgomery TE 1189 Ty Anderson TE 1290 Thomas Bartholomew DE 1299 Darryl Armstrong DT 105 Drew Wesolowski CB 1019 K. Gordon CB 1031 Mason Bond CB 1048 Will Wyman TE 1049 Austin Ciunowicz WR 1057 Carlos Lopez DT 1177 Matt Leeman OT 1087 Hunter Harrington DE 1076 Stetson Godwin DE 10

West Forsyth roster

FroM 2

WestWF SCHEDULEAug. 30 at GainesvilleSept. 7 Flowery BranchSept. 14 Starr’s MillSept. 21 at AlpharettaSept. 28 CentennialOct. 5 OpenOct. 12 Johns CreekOct. 19 at N. ForsythOct. 26 at ChattahoocheeNov. 2 South ForsythNov. 9 at Lambert

See WEST | 19

forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 9FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

WEST FORSYTH

WOLVERINES

10 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

By Jared Putnamjputnam@forsythnews.com

For years, Forsyth Central always seemed to draw the short straw when it came to region scheduling.

Whether the Bulldogs were grouped with powerhouses like Gwinnett County’s Peachtree Ridge and Norcross, DeKalb’s Tucker and Marist, or Fulton’s Chattahoochee and Johns Creek, they have consistently been pitted against one batch of state championship con-tenders after another.

That trend appears to have changed this season.

The Bulldogs will compete in Region 7A-AAAAA this year, and through their first nine games will not face a team that finished better than 5-5 last season. Central’s 2012 schedule also includes Dawson County and North Forsyth, two rivals the Bulldogs haven’t faced since 2007.

“We have been in the ringer for the last six years,” Central coach Chris Bennett said. “It really doesn’t matter who we play, we’ve got to take care of ourselves. We’re excited about this year because we’re able to play some local teams ... North, and South [Forsyth] and Dawson. That’s what’s exciting to us and to our kids, that we’re able to renew some of those rivalries that we’ve had in the past.”

OffenseCentral boasts a young roster that fea-

tures just eight seniors after graduating 26 from last year’s team.

Only two regular starters return on offense, but head coach Chris Bennett believes the team can benefit from open competition created by having so many vacant jobs.

“It’s almost turned into a positive

because with these young guys who have been in our system and know what we’re doing, there’s a new level of com-petition and everybody has something to prove,” Bennett said. “There’s nothing locked in stone, so it’s really been kind of a good thing.”

Junior Michael Branigan takes over at

quarterback after the departure of three-year starter Spencer Transue, who broke Central’s single-season passing yards record as a junior.

Bennett said Branigan is more of a scrambling threat, and the Bulldogs will

FoRSYTh cenTRAl ReGIon 7A-AAAAA

Young Dawgs head to balanced subregion

Head Coach: Chris BennettOffense: Wing-TDefense: 3-4, Multiple2011 record: 2-8 overall

Central renews rivalries with North, Dawson

See cenTRAl | 23

Jared Putnam Forsyth County News

Forsyth Central junior quarterback Michael Branigan slings a pass to the outside during practice.

forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 11FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

2 CJ Cochran RB/DB 113 Luke Creasy RB/DB 104 Kris Smith FB/LB 125 Chase Peterson LB 116 Griffin Powell RB/DB 127 Patrick Little WR/LB 108 Reed Clark QB/DB 109 Ryan Hintz WR/DB 1010 Shay Hollis RB/LB 1111 Jeremiah Jones WR/DB 1112 Michael Branigan QB 1113 Trey Abercrombie QB/LB 914 David Greene RB/LB 1215 Aubrey Blackmon QB/DB 916 Noah Aguirre WR/DB 1017 Jordan Schauller RB/LB 1118 Nate Short QB/DB 1219 Braden Ragsdale RB/DB 920 Jonah Caviness RB/DB 1021 Jack Longmore RB/DB 1122 Robbie Repasz WR/DB 923 AJ Zlatic RB/LB 1124 Wes Hemer WR/DB 1225 Jake Mishoe RB/DB 1026 Nathan Alvarado RB/LB 1127 Shaun Diebel RB/LB 928 Derrick Wood RB/DB 10

30 Jake McNeil RB/DB 931 Wesley Bacastow RB/LB 932 Jake Schneible RB/LB 1033 Jay Fishman RB/DL 1034 Jake Gorczyca RB/LB 1135 Daniel Ryan LB 1136 Knight Bankston RB/LB 1037 Nick Zernach LB 1138 Zack Hill WR/DB 939 Josh Kalu RB/LB 940 Pierce Nufer RB/LB 941 Tyler Dees RB/DB 942 Justin Vlasz RB/DB 943 Damian Howard RB/DB 944 Ryan Carr TE/LB 1145 Nick Hendrix RB/LB 946 Nathan Kistler WR/DB 1047 Remy Williams TE/LB 948 Corey Johnson TE/LB 1049 Jake Newborn RB/LB 950 Adam Maresco OL/DL 1152 Victor Peppers OL/LB 1054 Jordan Woodard OL/LS 1255 Sam Downey OL/DL 1156 Dee Kelly OL/DL 1157 Bernardo Casiano OL/DL 1258 Jacob Maraffi OL/DL 10

62 Jake Garrison OL/DL 9 64 Jesus Aguilera OL/DL 9

65 Kyle Gamble OL/DL 1169 David Allen OL/DL 1070 John Stancel OL/DL 1172 Hunter Lamm OL/DL 1073 Caleb Smith OL/DL 1074 Tyler Zwierzchowski OL/DL 975 Tyler Dahlberg OL/DL 1076 Keegan Householder OL/DL 977 Logan Tate OL/DL 1078 Bradley Shuford OL/DL 1080 Clint Finton TE 10

82 Colin Quinn WR/DB 983 Carson Pillow WR/DB 1084 Charlie Webb WR/DB 985 Dalton Lambert TE/LB 986 Stephan Lucien WR/DB 1087 Hunter Neel WR/DB 988 Corey Vascocu TE/LB 1089 Abel Rodriguez TE/DL 1090 Daniel Holland TE/DL 1091 Devon Wozniak K 1092 Joseph Torres WR/DB 996 Anel Ramic K 1199 Ruben Rubio OL/DL 12

forsyth central roster

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Forsyth Central Bulldogs

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12 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

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forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 13FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

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14 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

1 Reid Gill WB 122 Jake Vazquez WB 123 Daniel Myers TB 124 Russell Monyette LB 125 Jordyn Jean-Felix CB 116 TJ Russell WR 127 Jake Carlson WR 118 Eric Mengler SS 129 Chandler Register WB 1210 Matt Spencer DB 1211 Tucker Maxwell QB 912 Hayden McLeod QB 1113 Brock Maxwell QB 1214 Tanner Hall QB 915 Zach Matthews RB 1116 Jason Markulike RB 1217 Matt Woodley DB 1118 Skip Sleister DB 1119 Drew Cole QB 1020 Zach Lance SS 1021 Houston Earnest DB 1022 Chris Burchett SS 1223 Danny Edgeworth DB 1224 Richard Abbey WR 1225 Chad Conner CB 1026 Ala Romman DB 1227 Will Dunavant SS 1028 Brandon Hardee LB 1029 Austin Eason WR 1230 Adison Schimmelpfennig LB 1031 Vito Teng DB 1232 Dylan Sapp WB 1133 Wesley Perterson CB 1234 Hunter Shepherd DB 10

35 Nick Parham RB 1136 Brandon Miller DB 1137 Jake Stanford WB 1038 Conner McCann DL 1139 Devaughn Jones DB 1240 Theiss Sagues RB 1041 Aaron You LB 1242 Trey Arnold RB 943 James Little RB 1244 Mitchell Gargosh LB 1245 Brandon Eastman LB 1246 Josh Becker DE 1247 Chris Laye TE 1148 Dillon Alexander DL 1149 Chris Cummings RB 1050 Ian Deck OL 1251 Cody Dreyer OL 1152 Jeremy Olson OL 1153 Walker Nunes OL 1154 Ryan Vojtasko DL 1055 Logan Wood DL 1156 Matt Peterson OL 1257 Monroe Heustess OL 1258 Alex Pigg DL 1259 JJ Clements OL 1060 Matt Corley OL 1061 Zac Benton OL 1162 Justin Covington OL 1263 Jeremy Zimmerman 11 DL64 Gantt Bauer OL 1265 Jake Chickowski DL 1166 Trey LeBlanc DL 1167 Trey Barnwell OL 1068 Ben Crawford OL 10

69 Cal Crawford OL 1270 Hunter Hastings OL 1071 Jake Taylor DL 1272 Christian Gray OL 1273 Sean Bailey OL 974 Sean Courtney OL 1175 Sako Yeremian DL 1176 Zach Barnwell OL 1077 Kevo Yeremian OL 1178 Liam Edwards OL 1279 Brian Warstadt OL 1280 Anthony Ratliff TE 981 Anson Cox DL 1082 Sam Fleming TE 983 Patrick Noble DB 1084 Brayden Whitford DB 1185 Chris Martore WR 1186 Jacob Henry DL 1087 Jack Rampley DB 1088 Jackson Katina DB 1089 Chandler Rountree WR 1290 Gabe Guerra DL 1091 Ryan Karjala K 1292 Parker Allen WR 1193 Shane Duer DB 1194 Reece Perry K 1195 Jordan Stein WR 1096 Evan Lamb WR 1097 Nolan Karjala K 1098 Jack Carmichael OL 1099 Nick Topper DL 11 Evan Knox INJ 12

Lambert roster

From 3

Lambertearned home field advan-tage for the first round of the playoffs last year and finished a combined 39-8 for the season.

“Being realistic, we’re going to have to play [our b e s t ] eve r y w e e k ,” Longhorns coach Sid Maxwell said. “There are going to be some schools with a lot more enroll-ment than we have, but it’s still football and it comes down to execution.

“We’re blessed here to have a bunch o f young men who come to work every day and a

community that has got-ten behind us and made sure they always show up. [This season] is going to be a challenge but ... the unknown is what keeps us as coach-es always on edge and always working.”

OffenseLambert returns five

s ta r te r s on o ffense , including senior Brock Maxwell, Sid Maxwell’s son.

Brock Maxwell, who has verbally committed to play baseball for South

Carolina after graduation, takes over as Lambert’s starting quarterback this season. Maxwell has been a starter on the team since his freshman season, and h i s a t h l e t i c i sm has allowed the offense to use him at running back, wide receiver and quarterback.

“He brings a very [spe-cific] attack style to our game [with] his legs and his arm and his general leadership,” Sid Maxwell said. “I think the guys really believe that when he’s in there, they’re going to rise up and play

with him.”Brock Maxwell racked

up 203 yards of offense in Lambert’s postseason loss to Clarke Central last year to almost lead the team back from a 21-10 halftime deficit.

“When he came back from injury last year [in the playoff game] at Clarke Central, it seemed just based on that, that once he got in there they seemed to want to rally b e h i n d [ h i m ] ,” S i d Maxwell said. “That’s what it’s going to take this year, for all ... 11 of

them to head in the right direction.”

Senior running back Daniel Myers is also back after gaining more than 1,000 yards on the ground as a junior, pri-marily as a between-the-tackles rusher.

At wingback, seniors Chandler Register, Reid Gill and Jake Vazquez, junior Brandon Miller and sophomore Jake Stanford will all vie for carrries.

“Myers proved himself last year,” Maxwell said. “The others have oppor-

tunities [this year]. They have the abilities to do that and [have given us] a little more depth.”

Though the Longhorns will rely heavily on the ground, senior wide receiver T.J. Russell and junior tight end Chris Laye are experienced options in the passing game.

Left guard Gantt Bauer is the lone returning start-er along the offensive line, but the unit boasts four seniors.

See LAMBERT | 21

forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 15FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

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the defensive side of the ball at the middle linebacker. Larkin was the team’s second leading rusher last season, and may play both sides of the ball for Arnette.

“Larkin has the perfect build, size and strength for [the middle linebacker] posi-tion,” Arnette said. “He’s had a great spring and fall getting ready to play for us. I think he’s going to be the biggest surprise defensively.”

Mickey Thomas is also like-ly to see playing time at line-backer following a season in which he was one of the team’s leaders in tackles.

Eddie Mirynowski, a free safety and team captain, will anchor the secondary.

Arnette also noted that defensive lineman Daniel Dickson had the most surpris-ing spring and fall practices

and expects the senior to dom-inate the line of scrimmage.

Special teamsThe War Eagles’ kickoff

team isn’t expected to do much tackling thanks to s e n i o r k i c ke r B r a n d o n McKee, who consistently puts the ball in the end zone or out of the end zone and forces opponents to start from the 20-yard line.

He will also get the call on field goals and punts.

Like most kickers, McKee got started in soccer and tran-sitioned over to football.

“His legs have gotten so strong,” Arnette said. “He’s had a great offseason. When you can kick the ball out of the end zone, it’s a great weapon.”

Although the War Eagles face a tougher schedule in moving from from Class 4A to

Class 6A, Arnette thinks the team will also much improved.

“I’m excited for this football team, their work ethic and their character,” Arnette said. “It’s amazing how much stronger we’ve gotten in this offseason and I think it [will show] when we get out on the football field.”

16 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

FROM 4

South

SF SCHEDULEAug. 31 NorthviewSept. 7 Forsyth CentralSept. 14 at CambridgeSept. 21 at LambertSept. 28 AlpharettaOct. 5 OpenOct. 12 ChattahoocheeOct. 19 at CentennialOct. 26 at Johns CreekNov. 2 at West ForsythNov. 9 North Forsyth

Jared Putnam Forsyth County News

South Forsyth players line up to field punts during practice at War Eagle Field.

forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 17FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

18 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

3 Tyler Collins QB/S 104 Colton Miller RB/DB 115 Eric Fitzgerald RB/LB 126 Justin Stanley QB/P 127 Cody Gottberg QB/S/P 118 Eric Norton WR/DB 119 Kansas Mullins RB/DB 1110 Bailey Mauldin QB/S 1111 Will McKinney WR/DB 1212 Brooks Blevins WR/DB 1113 Harris Roberts QB/S 1114 Vince Sciorrotta K 1215 Kyle Stephens WR/S 1116 Trey Smith RB/S 1117 Griffin Caracciolo WR/DB 1018 Cameron Andersen RB/DB 1219 Jacob Bailey QB/DB 920 Tanner Riddle RB/S 1121 Bo Kelentic WR/DB 1022 Shane Cross RB/S 1123 Chad Warner RB/S 1124 Branson Marks WR/S 1125 Joe Musulman RB/LB 1226 Bennie Bates RB/DB 1127 Nick Scott RB/DB 1028 Antonio Adame RB/LB 1129 Chess Wheeler RB/DB 1030 Jake Hubbard TE/DE 1031 Ryan Russomanno RB/DB 1133 Luke Slaton RB/DB 1134 Jamal Davenport RB/LB 1035 Zach Thomas RB/DB 10

36 Matt McNeese RB/LB 1037 Austin Ingram RB/S 1038 Jesus’ Torres RB/DB 1039 Drew Irvin WR/DB 1040 Jerret Paige RB/S 1141 Brant Stark WR/DB 1042 Drew Meeks RB/S 1043 Shane Pierce RB/LB 1044 Mason Quarles RB/LB 1045 Payton Holbrooks TE/DE 1146 Logan Cross RB/S 1047 Sean Ludwick RB/LB 1048 Joey Becnel RB/DB 1049 Lenny Bishop RB/LB 1150 Adam Wagner C/N 1251 Blake Hodges OL/DE 1152 Caleb Stowers OL/DE 1153 Edo Avdic OL/N 1054 Nick Dawalt OL/LB 1255 Jacob Dawalt OL/LB 1056 Elijah Francis OL/DE 1157 Trey Wagner OL/LB 1158 Michael Carter OL/N 1159 Derek Barker OL/DE 1160 Tanner Short OL/N 1261 Andrew Johnson OL/DE 1062 Clay Barton C/G 1163 Leo Mazuran OL/N 1264 Nathan Harris C/G 1265 Josh Allen OL/DE 1266 Zach Smith OL/DE 1067 Michael Salazar OL/N 10

68 Keigan Radake OL/DE 1069 Edvin Dizdarevic OL/DE 1270 Tristan Luke OL/N 1071 Colby Gossett OL/DE 1272 Ethan Lancaster OL/DE 1073 Luke Stevens OL/N 1274 Matthew Heard OL/DE 1075 Rick Adle OL/DE 1276 Noah Ridings OL/N 1077 John Tatum OL/DL 1078 Zakk Gross OL/ N 1179 Jacob Rosenberg OL/DE 1080 Kyle Hickox TE/DE 1181 Tony Hudson TE/DE 1082 Mason McMullen TE/S 1283 Dallas Haynes RB/DB 1084 Steven Blackstone WR/DB 1285 Matthew Cianciolo WR/DB 1186 Brinley Rhys TE/S 1087 Nermin Dizdarevic TE/DE 1088 Clay Childress WR/DB 1189 Othman Awad WR/DB 1090 Madison Hoke TE/DE 1291 Jake Craddock TE/DB 1092 Alex Dube TE/DE 1293 Matthew Barber TE/P 1094 Josh Petz TE/LB 1195 Dalton Cambron TE/WR 1097 Christian Coussan TE/N 1298 Daniel Knight RB/DB 1099 Chad Ward K 10

North Forsyth roster

FroM 6

Northw i t h n o s e t a c k l e Christian Coussan and defensive ends Payton Holbrooks and Gossett. The defense line has progressed to a point that Armstrong doesn’t have to con t inua l ly preach the fundamentals.

“We feel pretty good about our [defensive] line,” Armstrong said. “They’re much stronger than they were last year. I don’t have to tell them the basics because they already know it . We bring experience to the table.”

Behind the defensive line are senior lineback-

e r s F i t z g e r a l d , J o e Musulman and Madison Hoke.

“They’re comfortable dropping back in coverage and doing whatever is needed f rom them,” Armstrong said. “They are great football players and all three are college pros-pects. The inside six are pretty salty.”

The secondary isn’t quite as cozy as the rest of the defense as starting jobs are up in the air. Juniors Shane Cross and Cody Gottenberg started a safety while Kansas Mullins and Slaton played cornerback last year. The

only returning starting sophomore is Bailey Mauldin, who will play free safety.

“We have a lot of guys fighting for positions right now,” Armstrong said. “It’s very, very even. We have about six guys competing and it could be any one of them who steps up the next day. It’s kind of a wait-and-see right now; it’s very com-petitive. We’re kind of excited this year to have some depth.”

Special teamsThe kicking game will

be handled by senior

V i n c e S c i o r r o t t a . Sciorrotta, who Armstrong said is a college prospect, has attended numerous kicking camps during the offseason.

“ H e ’ s a f o r c e ,” Armstrong said. “He puts the ball where he wants to. He’s kicked 50- and 55-yard field goals in practice. When we get to the 20-yard line, we aren’t worried about him kicking a 37-yard field goal. He can definitely hold his own.

“He can also put the ball in the back of the end zone, which is huge. I expect to see him play on

Saturdays.”Junior Cody Gottberg,

who also did well in sum-mer camps, will hold punting duties for North. Gottberg can put the ball 75 yards in the air, and has “caught the attention of Alabama and Florida,” Armstrong said.

Junior Clay Barton will long snap for the Raiders. Barton has enjoyed much offseason success, as he finished first in one camp out of 52 players from the Southeast.

“We’re hungry and excited about this year,” Armstrong said. “The team has worked so hard

and we’re anxious to get started. If work ethic and determination and show-ing up gets wins, then we’ll get a bunch of them.”

NF SCHEDULEAug. 31 at Forsyth C. Sept. 7 at Dawson Co.Sept. 14 CherokeeSept. 21 ChattahoocheeSept. 28 at LambertOct. 5 OpenOct. 12 at AlpharettaOct. 19 West ForsythOct. 26 at Centennial Nov. 2 Johns CreekNov. 9 at S. Forsyth

forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 19FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

FROM 8

Westthat they’re not as tough, they just want to [get] the ball and get their names in the paper, but our offen-sive kids are tough kids and that’s what we like about them,” Hepler said.

Senior Ty Anderson returns at tight end and is garnering interest from Jacksonville State follow-ing a strong junior season as Erdely’s safety valve.

All five of West’s start-ers on the offensive line were starters last season, led by center Andrew Marshall, a 6-foot-5, 255-pound junior who received all-state recognition dur-ing his sophomore season. Marshall is already draw-ing heavy interest from elite Division I college programs.

“He may be the best

center that I’ve been lucky [enough to be around],” Hepler said. “I know [assistant] coach [Bob} Fuller has been an offen-sive line coach for over 30 years and he’s said the same thing, that Andrew’s one of the best he’s ever seen.”

Another junior, Jayce Ratliff, will start at left tackle, while the remain-der of West’s line will be filled out by seniors Cody Mixon (left guard), Will Bass (right guard) and Zach Bradbury (right tack-le). Senior James Thomas provides the Wolverines with depth, after filling in for Bradbury while he was hurt last year. Junior John Salo also has the ability to play the line.

“That’s a luxury on the

high school level,” Hepler said. “You just usually don’t find that many good offensive linemen.”

DefenseWest’s front seven

b eg i n s w i t h s e n i o r Mohamed Camara, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound out-side linebacker who has verbally committed to South Carolina. Camara piled up more than 100 tackles last season as a junior and has received preseason all-state recog-nition this year.

“Ever since his days at Liberty Middle School he’s been a standout play-er,” Hepler said.

“He’s got speed with quickness and he’s an intelligent kid. He always seems to be in the right

place at the right time.“We’ll bring him off the

edge, we’ll drop him in the secondary and he’ll go over and play offense from time to time.”

On the defensive line, juniors Brett Anderson and Josh Davis bring start-ing experience back to West’s trenches. Senior Thomas Bartholomew steps into a starting role this year, while sopho-more Alec Coburn — a ninth grade All-American last season — will also see significant playing time.

At inside linebacker West will feature seniors Conner Vandenbos, who racked up more than 100 tackles last season, and Josh Salo. Senior Alef Chaul and junior Dillon

Coats are competing for the outside linebacker spot opposite Camara.

“Out of that front seven, we’ve got about five of those guys back [from 2011],” Hepler said.

West’s toughest task in the secondary will be replacing safety Trevor Guthrie, the 2011 All-County Defensive Player of the Year and the team’s all-time interceptions leader.

The Wolverines will turn to seniors Jacob Hill, Hunter Belue and Josh Gordon to help fill out the secondary this season.

Gu th r i e ’s younge r brother, sophomore Ryan Guthrie, is also competing for playing time.

Special teams

J u n i o r T i m m y Hartshorn retains kicking duties from last season.

“He did real well on extra points,” Hepler said, “and our goal is to improve on field goals. H e ’s wo r ke d r e a l l y ha rd . Hope fu l l y we won’t have to kick any field goals, it’ll all be touchdowns.”

McConnell will serve as the team’s punter in addition to his starting receiver role and duties as backup quar te rback . Hepler said McConnell’s speed and ability to throw makes the team a threat to fake a punt at any time.

Bridges will return punts and kicks, while Hill will return punts and Wieczorek will field kickoffs.

20 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

By John McWilliamsjmcwilliams@forsythnews.com

Todd Winter begins his first year at the helm of Pinecrest Academy’s foot-ball program, and his first order of busi-ness is to change the mindset of the players.

The new head coach wants every player to be a S.T.U.D. — smart, tough, unselfish and disciplined.

Winter takes over a team that finished the 2011 season 3-7 and averaged 12 points per game while allowing 26.

After a promising 30-14 scrimmage victory over St. Francis on Aug. 17, the Paladins are buying into the new system.

“It was a very successful night,” Winter said. “When you come in as a new staff and you’re selling the kids on different offensive and defensives schemes, it’s nice to have success early because they understand and believe in it.”

OffenseJimmy Strom enters his senior season

as quarterback for the Paladins who return five starters on offense. With Strom’s dual-threat abilities, Winter, who coaches the triple-option, won’t limit the offense to just running the ball.

“He’s a leader,” Winter said. “He’s done a great job in the offseason prepar-ing himself mentally and has a swagger about him. He’s done a great job picking up on the offense.

“We’re also going to take advantage of his arm strength. He’s got a pretty good arm for an option quarterback. We’re working on schemes to take advantage of his abilities. With a lot of option teams passing isn’t a threat, but he has the ability to throw.”

Strom will have some help in the backfield with senior fullback John Paul Metz. Metz averaged seven yards per carry in the scrimmage and will carry

much of the load for the offense. The Paladins will also count on Adam Guard and Christopher Birozes at the split back position.

The offensive line boasts three seniors — center Thomas Ross, left tackle Josh Oshinski, and right tackle Ryan Brooks who all have impressed Winter.

“Those guys have done an excellent job,” Winter said. “They all have some athleticism between them, which is very important for the tackles to meet our ability to veer and release and get on linebackers.”

Receivers Zach Guard, Patrick Wilborn and Jonathan Moreno have the task of making defenses pay for putting eight defenders in the box to stop the run. The receivers must also effectively block to make the offense run properly.

DefensePinecrest will employ a 4-3 defense

after using a 4-3 Flex and a 3-3-5 in the past. Pinecrest will play nine new start-ers on defense, but Winter believes “the defense is better off” than last year.

Winter has tried to make the Paladins a more physical defense, which is some-thing the Paladins showed during the scrimmage.

“They played very physical,” Winter said. “I told the guys before the game that I wanted the other coach to come up to me and say that we were one of the

most physical teams they had ever played. After the game, the coach actu-ally told me that we dominated them up front.”

The Paladins will use Brooks, Guard, Oshinski and Ross on the defensive line to pressure the quarterback.

“We have solid defensive ends and tackles,” Winter said. “These guys have continually improved throughout pre-season, and I’ve been very, very happy with their progress.”

The biggest surprise on defense has been freshman middle linebacker Matthew Walters. Walters, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 202 pounds, will be alongside Metz and Jacob Jennings.

“Matthew has great speed and great instincts,” Winter said. “He has what

PInecReST AcADeMY ReGIon 8-A

Paladins set for first fall under WinterPinecrest entering 3rd year in GHSA

Jared Putnam Forsyth County News

Pinecrest Academy first-year coach Todd Winter, left, watches linemen during practice.

Head Coach: Todd WinterOffense: Triple-OptionDefense: 4-32011 record: 3-7 overall

See PInecReST | 22

forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 21FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

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Center Kevo Yeremian, a junior, is the only underclassman in the trenches for Lambert’s offense. He’s joined by left tackle Ian Deck, right tackle Christian Gray and r i g h t g u a r d B r i a n Warstadt.

Maxwell said senior Cal Crawford, who was hurt during a summer football camp, is expected to miss a handful of regular season games but will get time on the line when he returns.

DefenseDefense was the back-

bone of the Longhorns’ program before injuries began to deplete the sec-onda ry l a s t s eason . Lambert held opponents to seven points or less in 12 of its first 16 varsity games dating back to the 2010 season, but surren-dered 21.5 over the final six games of 2011.

If Lambert is to once again become a stingy defensive unit, a new group of players will have to lead the way. The Longhorns return only three starters on defense this season — one line-man, one linebacker and one defensive back.

Jake Chickowski is the Longhorns’ lone return-ing member of a defen-sive line composed pri-marily of juniors. Senior d e f e n s ive e n d J o s h Becker will also get snaps, along with junior linemen Trey Leblanc, Nick Topper and Conner McCann.

Maxwell said senior l i n e b a c k e r R u s s e l l Monyette will be the team’s defensive leader u p f r o n t . S e n i o r s Mitchell Gargosh and

James Little and sopho-more linebacker Adison Schimmelpfenning are also competing for playing time.

“We’re going to be a work in progress and have got to be patient,” Maxwell said of his defense. “We’ve just got to try to make one less [mistake] than who we play.”

The secondary is the biggest concern for the Longhorns.

Maxwell said about half a dozen players are competing for playing time, with senior defen-s i v e b a c k s D a n n y Edgeworth and Vito Teng leading the way. Senior Austin Eason, juniors Brandon Miller and Skip Sleister and freshman Tucker Maxwell, Sid Maxwell’s youngest son, are also in the mix.

“[Pass defense] is obvi-ously going to be a big challenge for us with Alpharetta and some of the [other] teams we’re playing,” Sid Maxwell said. “They have a strong passing game.”

Special teamsSenior Ryan Karjala

w i l l hand le k i ck ing duties along with Brock Maxwell, who will also remain the team’s punt-er. Edgeworth will serve as long snapper.

Register, Miller and Edgeworth will try to bring stabili ty to the team’s punt and kick return units. The area was an Achilles Heel for Lambert during its playoff game last sea-son, when a pai r of muffed returns proved costly.

“For us it’s going to be a necessity to get that hidden yardage in t h e r e t u r n g a m e ,” Maxwell said. “We’re working hard for that to happen.”

FROM 14

LambertLHS SCHEDULEAug. 31 at EtowahSept. 7 RoswellSept. 14 at NorthviewSept. 21 South ForsythSept. 28 North ForsythOct. 5 OpenOct. 12 at CentennialOct. 19 at Johns CreekOct. 26 AlpharettaNov. 2 at ChattahoocheeNov. 9 West Forsyth

Jared Putnam Forsyth County News

Lambert coach Sid Maxwell, right, conducts drills with linemen during practice at The Horn.

you expect out of a line-backer. He has a sense for where the football is and is not afraid of contact.”

Strom will not only have to lead the offense, but he wil l be cal led upon to anchor the Pinecrest sec-ondary. The unit will also c o n s i s t o f A l e x a n d e r Brenner, Birozes, Wilborn and Mitchell Ojeda.

Special teamsWinter takes pride in

special teams.Birozes won’t likely get

much rest as he will play a key role as he handles the extra points, field goals and punts while Ross will long snap.

Brenner and Birozes are battling it out to see who will handle kickoff duties. Both can kick the ball near

the goal line, but the coach would like to be able to get the ball in the end zone and force the opposing team to start at the 20-yard line.

“This team has great chemistry,” Winter said. “I’ve been coaching for 14 years and I feel like the

kids believe in each other and they believe in the coaching staff.

“They have a s t rong work ethic and everything

moves very smoothly with t h e s e k i d s . T h ey a r e unselfish and put others before themselves on the football field.”

22 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012

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FROM 20

Pinecrest1 Jake Mangan 92 Zach Guard 123 Jacob Jennings 124 Jimmy Strom 127 Patrick Wilborn 1210 Brenner Alexander 1111 Greg Metz 1020 Aaron Bass 921 Jacob Hanley 1022 Mitchell Ojeda 923 Jack Frain 1031 Gregory Varghese 933 Christopher Birozes 1141 John Paul Metz 1244 Adam Guard 1046 Evan Montalbano 1150 Josh Oshinski 1251 Gatlin Winter 1053 Matthew Walters 955 Nick Grimaldi 1162 Logan Stafford 970 Brian Flanagan 971 Ben Stout 973 Thomas Ross 1274 Ryan Brooks 1281 Jonathan Moreno 1083 Conner Ettmueller 988 Luke del Balzo 10

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Pinecrest Academy players take part in a drill during practice.

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211 ATLANTA ROADJUST OFF THE SQUARE IN CUMMING

take advantage of that with a more run-oriented offense this season.

He’ll be joined in the backfield by running back Shay Holl is , a j u n i o r w h o s h ow e d promise last year before suffering a season-end-ing concussion. Juniors C.J. Cochran and Nathan Alvarado will also get carries.

“We have three run-ning backs all over 200 pounds,” Bennett said. “We’re excited [because] we’re a little bit bigger than we’ve been back there in the past.”

Junior Jeremiah Jones heads up the receiving corps after enjoying a breakout season on the Bul ldogs’ basketbal l team as a sophomore.

Junior Nate Short — the backup quarterback — and senior Wes Hemer will also see time at wideout. The Bulldogs will take a committee approach at tight end with juniors Daniel Ryan and Ryan Carr and soph-omore Corey Johnson all sharing snaps.

Senior cen te r Dee Kelly is the lone return-ing starter on Central’s young offensive line. Juniors Kyle Gamble and John Stancel will anchor the right side of the trenches, while sopho-mores Victor Peppers and Hunter Lamm will occupy the right side.

DefenseCentral’s experience

level on defense isn’t

much greater than on offense, as only three starters from the 2011 squad return.

The team has also made a scheme change. Though the Bulldogs will still feature multiple formations, they will pri-marily base out of a 3-4.

If there’s an advantage th is year’s Bul ldogs have over past squads, it might be depth. Central has seen a larger turnout for the 2012 season, a l lowing Bennet t to avoid using most players on both offense and defense.

“We’re trying not to cross anybody over [on both sides of the ball],” Bennett said. “There will be some situations and necessities with injuries

that we’ll play people both ways, but right now we’re trying to [limit that].”

Central’s defensive unit is anchored on the line by Ruben Rubio, a 300-pound senior nose tackle.

“He’s getting some looks from colleges,” Bennett said. “He came in th is summer and squatted over 540 pounds and I made him stop [there].”

S o p h o m o r e J a y Fishman will join Rubio on the line, along with junior Adam Maresco, who transferred from Pinecrest, and sophomore David Allen.

Junior outside lineback-ers Chase Peterson and Nick Zernach will occupy

the edges of Central’s defense, while junior Jake Gorczyka and senior Kris Smith play the inside linebacker spots.

Hemer and fe l low senior Griffin Powell — a 10-game starter last sea-son — provide Central with experience at the s tar t ing cornberback spots. Junior safeties Jack Longmore and A.J. Zlatic will provide the last line of defense for the unit.

Special teamsJunior Anel Ramic will

handle kicking duties for Central for the third-straight season.

“He’s had a great sum-mer,” Bennett said. “He kicked one nine yards deep in the end zone [in the scrimmage] against

Milton.”Branigan and Alvarado

will take over the punt-ing duties this year.

Benne t t sa id pun t returns and kick returns will likely be fielded by c o m m i t t e e . H o l l i s , Cochran and Longmmore are all expected to get opportunities.

FROM 10

Central

FC SCHEDULEAug. 31 North Forsyth Sept. 7 at S. Forsyth Sept. 14 Dawson Co.Sept. 21 SprayberrySept. 28 OpenOct. 5 at North SpringsOct. 12 CambridgeOct. 19 at Sequoyah Oct. 26 at CreekviewNov. 2 NorthviewNov. 9 Region Play-in

24 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com FRIDAY, AUGUST 31, 2012