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forsythnews.com | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | 1SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

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ForsythCountyNewsSUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

TURNON THELIGHTSInside Previews, rosters and schedules for every local team

2 | FORSYTH COUNTY NEWS | forsythnews.com SUNDAY, AUGUST 17, 2014

By Foster [email protected]

When Shane Williamson took over as head coach at Forsyth Central before last season, he inherited a 2-8 Bulldogs team and an array of unfamiliar faces peering back at him in the huddle. He arrived after 11 years coaching in south-east Georgia (Swainsboro, Toombs County) to new opponents and a new community. He transitioned Central from a Wing-T to a spread offensive team. The Bulldogs finished 2-8 yet again.

Following a productive spring full of meetings and film breakdown, and a summer camp at the University of West Georgia, Williamson is in better com-mand of his program.

“I’m much closer to the players now than I was last year,” he said. “We went to camp, got to know each other a little bit. The attitude is more positive around here.”

After less than a year spent running the spread, Central shifts back to a flex-bone offense (similar to what Paul Johnson runs at Georgia Tech), which Williamson believes will put his players in better position to succeed.

“It fits our personnel and talent level much better than the spread. I had to reconsider what we were doing offen-sively after last year,” he said. Central finished last in the county in total offense and scored just 18.3 points per

game.The good news for Central, though, is

the breadth of talent coming back on defense. Victor Peppers, a First Team All-County linebacker, quarterbacks the unit. The Bulldogs return three starters in the secondary — Robbie Repasz,

Noah Aguirre and safety Ryan Hintz. Depth along the line is a concern — a recurring theme for many teams in the county — meaning a number of sopho-mores will have to learn on the fly.

“On paper, we’re still young, but we’ve got a lot of young guys who

played snaps last year and had great summers in the weight room,” Williamson said. “I want to see us get more physical and play with more atti-tude. We’ve worked all summer on

Micah Green Forsyth County News

Forsyth Central seniors Hunter Lamm (from left), Victor Peppers, Patrick Little, Ryan Hintz and David Allen will be counted on to lead the way in the Bulldogs’ second year under head coach Shane Williamson.

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Bulldogs getting on solid ground

ForSYTh ceNTrAL Mascot: Bulldogs Region: 7-AAAAA, Div. B Last season: 2-8

the coachShane WilliamsonAt Central: 2-8 in one season.Career: 68-61-2 in 13 seasons.

trophy casePlayoff appearances: 5Last appearance: 2001Region titles: 3State titles: 0

‘I’m much closer to the players now than I was last year.’Shane Williamson

Williamson, team more comfortable in second year

See ceNTrAL | 15


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No. Name 2 Robbie Repasz 3 Zak Kennedy 4 Zach Brumbalow 5 Jacob Woodard 6 Dillon Taylor 7 Patrick Little 8 Aubrey Blackman 9 Ryan Hintz 10 Hunter Stephens 11 Sebastian Legarra 12 Matt Falink 13 Trey Abercrombie 14 Jake Bump 15 Kyle Marzullo 16 Justin Vlasz 17 Noah Aguirre 18 Brad Thiltgen 19 Jeff Repasz 20 Jonah Caviness 21 Jake Mishoe

22 Reuben Aguilera 23 Cameron Cox 24 Pierce Nufer 25 Sabrian Howard 26 Derrick Richemond 27 Shaun Diebel 28 Andrew Kutscera29 Remy Williams30 Quincy Peppers31 Drake Church32 Donovan Tompkins33 Cameron Daube34 Devin Wozniak35 Gabe Klein37 Spencer Pagley38 Jeppson Parker39 Michael Corona40 Cayden Sherman41 Alex Whitley42 Dylan Blitz

43 Robert Mills44 Cole Muzio45 Thomas Whatley47 Dariel Underwood49 Antonio Espinal50 Chase Sanders51 Anthony Parella52 Victor Peppers53 JT Tinjaca54 Aaron Jean-Baptiste55 Josh Weihrauch56 Rett Winter57 Matthew Olson58 Brendan Cook59 Sean Bielicki60 Blake McDaniel61 Parker Lichty62 Connor Baker63 Colton Hines64 Zech Bean

65 Trenton Reece66 Ethan Jagnandan67 Zach Shirley68 Austin Neel69 David Allen70 Jared Puls71 Billy Francis72 Hunter Lamm73 Edward Gutierrez74 Austin Payne75 Tyler Zwierzchowski76 Tyler Dalberg77 Logan Tate78 Justin Thorne79 Cam Matis80 Jacob Berger81 Mark Heard85 Tyler Williams88 Drew Harrison89 Dylan Buchs

Forsyth Central roster


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LAMBerT Mascot: Longhorns Region: 6-AAAAAA Last season: 6-5, lost in Class AAAAAA first round

the coachLouis DanielAt Lambert: First season.Career: First season.


‘They’re smart kids who are going to do every-thing to put the team in the best position.’Louis Daniel, on Lambert’s sophomore quarterbacks


Lambert received good and bad news this summer.

The good: Trevor O’Brien, the county leader in rushing last season, transferred in from West Forsyth for his senior sea-son. Trevon McSwain, a 6-foot-7 defen-sive end and Duke verbal commit, moved from Lanier to Lambert for his senior year.

The not-so-good: junior quarterback Trevor Maxwell, who the Longhorns planned to play on both sides of the ball, decided to end his football career in order to focus on baseball. Maxwell suf-fered a severe quad strain early in the summer and only started to run again by the beginning of August.

“Tucker saw what happened to his brother, Brock (now a sophomore base-ball player at South Carolina), who suf-fered some football injuries that got to him in college. He didn’t want to go down that road,” new Lambert head coach Louis Daniel said.

Daniel, the Longhorns’ offensive coordinator since the program started in 2009, took over for Sid Maxwell in April. Maxwell led Lambert to three state playoff appearances in four varsity seasons.

Maxwell’s absence means Daniel has a major question on his hands before he’s coached a down: which sophomore quarterback — neither of whom has

thrown a varsity pass — calls the sig-nals? Mid-way through fall camp, Daniel hinted that Reid Martin led Richie Kenney in the race because of his consistency and grasp of Lambert’s spread offense.

“Those quarterbacks are young, but

they understand that their job is to con-trol the ball, not turn it over and give our playmakers chances to make something happen,” Daniel said.

offenseWith Maxwell no longer in the fold,

Martin and Kenney will have to learn on the fly. Martin started for the junior var-sity last season, while Kenney quarter-backed Lambert’s freshman squad so that they both could play every game.


Lambert seniors Chad Conner (from left), Patrick Noble, Drew Cole, Houston Earnest and Adison Schimmelpfennig look to get the Longhorns back to the state playoffs.

Playoffs still goal amid transitionTransfers bolster Horns’ hopes for postseason return

See LAMBerT | 21


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Mascot: Wolverines Region: 6-AAAAAA Last season: 7-4, lost in Class AAAAAA first round

the coachAdam ClackAt West: First season.Career: First season.


‘The talent in this county keeps getting better, so it keeps us competing with ourselves.’Adam Clack


Head coach Frank Hepler is gone, but West Forsyth remains well-positioned for a fifth straight state playoff appear-ance under new head coach Adam Clack.

Clack joined Hepler’s staff when the West football program started in 2007 and spent the past three seasons as the Wolverines’ offensive coordinator. Clack’s spread-option attack averaged 34.3 points per game over the last three years and scored more than 40 points per game during West’s run to the Region 6 title and the Class AAAAA quarterfinals in 2011.

Hepler finished his tenure at West with a 49-18 record in six seasons.

Gone are two key offensive linemen in center Andrew Marshall, now at Georgia Tech, and tackle Jayce Ratliff. The duo combined for more than 50 career starts, according to Clack.

Gone also is running back Trevor O’Brien, who transferred to Lambert for his senior season. O’Brien led Forsyth County in both rushing yards (1,052) and touchdowns (15) last season.

Clack said the goal this year, and every year, is to compete for a region title.

“The talent in this county keeps get-ting better, so it keeps us competing with ourselves to get better,” he said. ““When we start playing backyard

opponents, we know we’re going to get their best and they’re going to get our best.”

The biggest quest ion for the Wolverines: without the threat of O’Brien running the ball, who will step up to take opposing defensive attention

away from Hampton McConnell?

offenseQuarterback Hampton McConnell

(Sr., 6-3, 196) returns after earning county Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Region honors last year

— his first full season as a starter. Little else is settled around him.

McConnell, a Georgia Southern com-mit, led the county in every major pass-ing category: completions (129), com-


Offensive linemen Mich Toure (from left), Alan Pearson and Carson Adams lead a revamped unit in front of senior quarterback Hampton McConnell, the 2013 Forsyth County Offensive Player of the Year.

Business as usual in new era

weST ForSYTh

Clack takes over, but standards remain same for Wolverines

See weST | 18


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Mascot: Paladins Region: 6-A, Div. B Last season: 5-5

the coachTodd WinterAt Pinecrest: 10-9 in two sea-sons. Career: 86-96.

trophy casePlayoff appearances: 0Last appearance: NARegion titles: 0State titles: 0

‘This offense really fits our kids — the triple option takes a lot of discipline and brains.’Todd Winter


Todd Winter coaches Pinecrest Academy like his players can do noth-ing right. If the Paladins’ progress last year and the talent coming back is any indication, though, he’s using a tactic popularized by former South Carolina head coach Lou Holtz: convince your players they’re no good one day, and then begin making them believe they can beat anybody the next.

Pinecrest returns a host of talent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Ryan McCarthy took his lumps as a freshman in the Paladins’ triple-option attack. Winter said McCarthy’s throwing abili-ty, especially down the field, improved as Pinecrest went 10-1 in offseason passing leagues.

Last season’s two leading rushers, Andrew Wilborn (791 yards) and Anthony Carco (390 yards), moved on. Winter isn’t all that worried—Matt Walters, who is drawing interest from Boston College and Georgia Tech as a defensive end, will split carries at full-back with Greg Varghese. Slot back Adam Guard added 20 pounds this sum-mer and claims interest from Northern Illinois.

On defense, eight of 11 starters are back, including four multiple-year start-ers at linebacker, three veteran defensive backs and Walters at defensive end. Pinecrest allowed 21.1 points per game

last season in a tough Region 8-A that included Class A powers Athens Academy and Prince Avenue Christian.

The Paladins move to Region 6B-A, where they will take on Mount Pisgah Christian, King’s Ridge Christian and Whitfield Academy, among others.

offenseWinter first implemented the triple-

option offense while coaching at North Park University, a Div. III program in Chicago, upon realizing (rather quickly) that the school would not be recruiting big, strong-armed quarterbacks. North

Park improved from 236th (out of 238 teams) to 12th in total offense during Winter’s tenure as offensive coordinator.

“This offense really fits our kids [at Pinecrest]—triple option takes a lot of


Pinecrest Academy’s Adam Guard (from left), Ryan McCarthy and Matthew Walters lead a Paladins team that enters a new region this season.

Pinecrest leaning on experience

PiNecreST AcADeMY

Paladins enter new region with veteran defense

See PiNecreST | 17


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www.PINECRESTACADEMY.org

PINECREST ACADEMY A Private, PreK-12, College Preparatory Catholic School

PINECREST ACADEMY955 Peachtree ParkwayCumming, GA 30040

Call (770) 888-4477 for a tour.


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Mascot: Raiders Region: 6-AAAAAA Last season: 7-4, lost in Class AAAAAA first round

the coachJason GaltAt North: 7-4 in one season.Career: 43-31 in eight seasons.


‘For what we’ll be lacking in experience on defense, we’ll make up for in athleticism.’Jason Galt


It’s not often that a team has to replace two starting quarterbacks at the same time, but that’s what North Forsyth must do heading into the 2014 season.

Harris Roberts, who held down the starting job since his sophomore year, suffered a broken collarbone in the Raiders’ sixth game last season. Cody Gottberg, the team’s punter, stepped in and amassed 972 total yards and 10 touchdowns (four rushing) on the way to Second Team All-County honors. Neither returns.

Because of head coach Jason Galt’s double wing system, a run-heavy offense that seeks to create number advantages on the line of scrimmage with two tight ends, two ‘wing backs’ and one fullback, North’s quarterback void could be a non-issue. The Raiders must replace All-County offensive guards Michael Carter and Derrick Roughton and center Clay Barton, but offensive tackle Jackson Bardall (Jr., 6-4, 295) provides a road-grading pres-ence.

Galt started using the double wing system as the head coach at Henry County’s Dutchtown High School seven years ago after observing a pattern with the most consistent, good teams in Georgia.

“I realized, the longer I coached, that

there were certain teams making runs in the state playoffs every year,” Galt said. “They usually had good athletes, but they all did three things: played great defense, were sound on special teams, and ran the football. We may pass the ball only three or four times a game, but

I’d rather win 12-7 or 14-13.”North lost nine starters from last

year’s defense that allowed 19.1 points per game, including All-County stand-outs Jerret Paige and Joshua Petz.

“For what we’ll be lacking in experi-ence on defense, we’ll make up for in

athleticism,” Galt said. “This is our sec-ond year in the system. Everyone is much more comfortable with what we’re trying to do and can just play, instead of thinking.”


North Forsyth seniors Logan Cross (from left), Brinley Rhys and Mason Quarles hope to get the Raiders back to the state playoffs despite losing nine seniors on defense.

Youth boosts raiders’ confidence

NorTh ForSYTh

Despite turnover, Galt, North carry optimistic outlook

See NorTh | 14


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No. Name Pos. Yr3 Harrison Reynolds K 124 Colton Miller WR/DB 125 Stevie Elliot WR/DB 116 Simon Holcomb RB/DB 107 Jacob Bailey QB 118 Noah Bieber QB/DB 129 Jesus Torres RB/DB 1110 Maxwell deFontaine WR/DB 1011 Griffin Hughes LB 1112 Gavin Schubiger QB/LB 1013 Spencer Velchek WR 1214 Cody Dwyer RB/DB 1215 Jonathan Kennedy DB 1116 Joseph Morone RB/DB 1217 James Irvin RB 1018 Aiden deBruyn QB/DB 1119 Christian Clark WR/DB 1020 Justin Salerno OL/TE 1121 Zachary Slaton RB 1122 Jordan Palms WR/DB 1123 Dallas Haynes WR/DB 1224 Logan Cross DB 1225 Griffin Heffington RB/LB 10

26 Chase Goode P/LB 1127 Othman Awad WR 1228 Myles Bellamy TE/DE 1129 Shawn Herock RB/LB 1030 Jeffrey Rice RB/DB 1031 Michael Bun DE 1032 Jacob Whitten K 1133 Dakota Bryant FB/DL 1134 Jamal Davenport DL 1235 Jaivin Hogan WR/DB 1036 Steven Leventhal DE 1137 Bradley Thomas RB/DB 1038 Hunter Freeman RB 1040 Jake Hubbard TE/LB 1241 Avery Samples WR 1142 Nicholas Stepka WR 1143 Shane Pierce LB 1244 Mason Quarles LB 1245 Mason Haithcock FB/DL 1146 Austin Kennedy FB/LB 1047 Justin Eagen WR/DB 1048 Jerrell Smith RB/DB 1149 Alex Clark TE/LB 11

50 Seth Collett OL/DL 1151 Tyler Martin OL/DL 1052 Luke Nielsen LB 1053 Uriel Esparza OL/DL 1154 Carson Papp OL 1155 Jacob Dawalt DL 1156 Tanner Swords OL/DL 1058 Mason Wacker OL/DL 1059 Tyler DuVall OL 1060 Cody Cagle OL 1161 Andrew Johnson OL 1262 Conner Clark OL/DL 1163 Cameron Collins OL 1164 Kyle Edwards OL/DL 1065 Nikoli Evans DL 1066 Colton Gravitt DL 1167 Michael Salazar DL 1271 Taylor White OL 1174 Jackson Bardall OL/DL 1175 Joseph Spain DL 1176 Tyler Ellis OL 1178 Alex Zimmerman OL 1179 Ronaldo Herrera DE 11

80 Trevor Johnson TE/DE 1081 Anthony Hudson TE/DE 1282 Thomas Sheets DE 1083 Chris Cutter FB/DL 1084 Nicholas Lanier FB/DL 1085 Robert Bishop WR/DB 1086 Cason Sturtevant TE/DE 1087 Mathew Shirley DE 1188 Dustin Ellsberry DB 1089 Clayton Bardall TE/DE 990 Brinley Rhys DE 1291 Andrew Lovelace TE/DL 1092 Ronnie Reed RB/LB 1095 Brantley Little TE/LB 996 Williams Andrews FB/DL 1197 Caleb Byrd TE 1199 Jonathan Tatum FB/DL 12

North Forsyth roster


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James Otwell Jr. opened Andean Chevrolet 66 years ago, naming the business after daughters Patricia Anne and Sara Dean – coining the well known Andean name. Today it is still owned and operated by the founder’s son, daughter, daughter-in-law and four grandsons. Thank you Forsyth for making Andean your favorite Chevy Dealership.

Pictured from left to right: Jacob, John, James, Janet, Jim, and Joseph Otwell

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James Otwell Jr. opened Andean Chevrolet 66 years ago, naming the business after daughters Patricia Anne and Sara Dean – coining the well known Andean name. Today it is still owned and operated by the founder’s son, daughter, daughter-in-law and four grandsons. Thank you Forsyth for making Andean your favorite Chevy Dealership.

Pictured from left to right: Jacob, John, James, Janet, Jim, and Joseph Otwell

A Family Tradition for

66 YeArs

2014 Cruze2014 Equinox 2014 Silverado

All Star Crew Cab

2014 Traverse

Stk#140735






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Now that North is settled in Class AAAAAA, Galt believes the Raiders are poised to enjoy success similar to what they enjoyed from 1999-2001, a run that included 30 wins and a trip to the 2001 Class AAA state semifinals. Whether Galt’s program can replicate a run that deep remains to be seen.

offenseNorth brings back a stable of young

running backs, led by Zac Slaton (Jr., 5-7, 140), the team’s leading rusher last season.

“We’re going to feed Zac the ball,” Galt said.

Jesus Torres, who Galt described as one of the fastest players on the North roster (4.5-second 40), slides over from defense to carry the ball. Raiders’ coaches love the athletic ability of Jeffrey Rice, Griffin Heffington and Simon Holcomb, all varsity newcomers. Joseph Morone (Sr.) transferred from North Atlanta High School and should

see playing time.Junior quarterback Jacob Bailey (6-2,

210) takes the reins at quarterback and

could be an ideal fit in the double wing. “He’s going to be a load,” Galt said.

“It’s like having a big tailback there. He can punish people.”

Colton Miller (Sr.), a Second Team All-County selection at wide receiver (26 receptions, 337 yards, three touchdowns), is a reli-able target when North does throw the ball. Both starting tight ends, Tony Hudson and Jake Hubbard, return.

Jackson Bardall — per-haps the best offensive line-man in the county and only a junior — leads North’s physical offensive line play. The Raiders used Bardall at fullback at times last season. It was a scary sight. Andrew Johnson (Sr.) mans the other offensive tackle position.

DefenseBesides quarterback, North’s main

question is how effective nine new start-ers prove on defense.

Galt, naturally, is optimistic. “Our philosophy is to play our best

players on defense,” he said. “We use a ton of pre-snap movement, blitzes,

stunts and rolled coverages. Usually, the average high school quarterback and offensive line is not able to handle that.”

Brinley Rhys (Sr., 6-2, 220) earned honorable mention All-County honors at defensive end with a 41-tackle, 1.5-sack

campaign. Jamal Davenport (Sr., 6-0, 230) moves from running back, where he gained 435 yards and scored four touchdowns last sea-son, to defensive tackle.

Second Team All-County defensive back Logan Cross (Sr.) returns after intercept-ing three passes last season. Linebacker Mason Quarles missed all of the 2013 sea-

son due to injury but returns healthy for his senior season.

Special TeamsGottberg punted 26 times last season

(34 yards per punt). Joshua Bailey made 19 of 22 extra points and three of four field goal attempts last season. Chase Goode (Jr.) takes over at punter, while Harrison Reynolds (Sr.) and Jacob Whitten (Jr.) will compete for place-kicking duties.

14

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InsideVolume 105, Number 62

© 2014, Forsyth County News

Cumming, Georgia

A1

Teachers

finish up

first year

By Jennifer Sami

[email protected]

As they approach the end of their first school

year as teachers, Megan Barton and Kendall

Robinson are both tired and inspired.

It’s been a year of learning. It’s been a year

of firsts. But both young educators said they

are more confident in their career decisions

now than they were on the first day back in

August.

As part of an occasional series, the Forsyth

County News has followed Barton and

Robinson throughout the school year. For the

final installment, the FCN caught up with them

last week as they prepared to release students

Friday for summer vacation.

Megan Barton

Barton is going to miss her first fourth-grade

class at Midway Elementary, whom she said

taught her so much during her first year as a

teacher.

They were a great group to learn from and

one that she’s really “grown to love.” Their

parents have been even more helpful and gen-

erous during her first year, according to

Barton.

As she heads back for a few days of post

planning this week before her summer official-

ly begins, Barton paused to reflect on the past

10 months.

“It’s definitely been a learning year for me,

but it went really well,” she said. “You never

have another first year ... I’ve experienced

CUMMING City honors veterans

By Crystal Ledford

[email protected]

Eleven more veterans have joined

the ranks of those who are honored by

the city of Cumming every Memorial

Day weekend.

On Friday, city leaders held their

annual holiday observance at the

Veterans War Memorial.

As part of the ceremony, the fami-

lies of the 11 deceased veterans

unfurled flags in their memory, join-

ing the city’s Avenue of Flags along

Veterans Memorial Boulevard across

from the Cumming Fairgrounds.

Each year, during Memorial and

Veterans Day events, the Avenue of

Flags is displayed. Each American

flag represents one or more veterans

from the Forsyth County area.

The display has grown to include

more than 200 flags, which are

Flags unfurled for Memorial Day


Soldiers release doves Friday during the

Memorial Day ceremony at the Veteran’s

Memorial in Cumming.

See VETERANS | 5A

Feel mix of relief,

accomplishment

See TEACHERS | 5A

Jennifer Sami Forsyth County School

Midway Elementary teacher Megan

Barton is nearing the end of her first year

as a teacher.

edUCAtIoN

By Crystal Ledford

[email protected]

Members of the Forsyth-Cumming

Optimist Club awarded $10,000 in

scholarships during a meeting

Thursday.

The club honored 10 members of

the class of 2014 from all five of

Forsyth’s public high schools.

Bob Flowers, vice president of the

club, said most of the funding for the

scholarship program comes from the

club’s Avenue of Flags program, in

which c lub members p laces

American flags in front of homes or

businesses on certain holidays.

“All the flags you see in neighbor-

hoods that are about to pop up over

this weekend, that’s our doing and

that’s how we fund these scholar-

ships,” Flowers said.

For a fee of about $35 a year, the

Crystal Ledford Forsyth County News

West Forsyth senior Carlos Lopez,

center, receives a scholarship from

Forsyth-Cumming Optimist Club

member Mike Miller on Thursday as

teacher, Erik Moore, right, watches.

Optimists award scholarships

Recipients include

students from each

public high school

Photos by Micah Green Forsyth County News

Kaitlyn Woodcock and Raine Wilson, second-graders at Chestatee Elementary, wait for the bus to

pull out Friday, the last day of school before summer vacation.

Chestatee

Elementary teach-

ers wave good-

bye to their stu-

dents Friday as

they head home

for summer vaca-

tion. The 2014-15

school year

begins on Aug. 7.

Last day excitement

See OPTIMISTS | 5A

GetYour Local

Football Fix!Award winning game

coverage, scores, and much more.

/sports

@forsythsports

Facebook.com@FCNsports

XXXX_X_fcn081714_Pig

FroM 10

NorthDate Opponent (2013)

Aug. 29 at Cherokee (5-5)

Sept. 5 Chattahoochee (4-6)

Sept. 12 Northview (5-5)

Sept. 19 at South Forsyth (7-3)

Sept. 26 Lambert (6-5)

Oct. 3 Off

Oct. 10 at West Forsyth (7-4)

Oct. 17 Johns Creek (0-10)

Oct. 24 Centennial (1-9)

Oct. 31 at Habersham (0-10)

Nov. 7 at Alpharetta (9-3)

North schedule

Region game

‘This is our second year in the system. Everyone is much more comfortable.’


15

FORSYTH CENTRAL BULLDOGS

We Are

Football 2014forsythcentralathletics.com

8866_1_forsythCentralHS081714Pig

We AreWe Are

blocking and tackling, just learning how to hit people.”

offenseThe spread experiment at Forsyth

Central lasted only three games last sea-son before Williamson moved to the flexbone.

Quarterback Michael Branigan gained 646 total yards and seven touchdowns (three rushing) in his senior season. Aubrey Blackmon played in spurts (167 passing yards, one touchdown) and will take over starting duties this season.

“Aubrey should be much more com-fortable this year,” Williamson said. “There’s not as much pressure on him to throw the ball. He can just run the offense. Aubrey’s a smart kid who we trust to make calls at the line and to exe-cute in play-action.”

Jake Gorczyca, now graduated, saw an uptick in production upon Central’s system switch, allowing him to earn Second Team All-County honors at run-

ning back (588 yards, five touchdowns). Sabrian Howard (So.) split carries with Gorczyca and gained 337 yards, includ-ing a 148-yard performance in a loss to Sprayberry.

Patrick Little (Sr.), a 6-foot-4 tight

end, can split out wide to provide a tow-ering receiving threat. Williamson raved about Pierce Nufer (Jr.), who will play fullback, outside linebacker and punter.

“He had an awesome spring and sum-mer. I love his attitude and the way he’s worked,” Williamson said.

Along the line, three-year starters Hunter Lamm (Second Team All-County) and David Allen return to anchor a line that will feature an array of untested sophomores and juniors.

“Those guys will have to step up,” Williamson said. “They’ve done that so far this summer, but we won’t know for sure until they get under those lights.”

DefenseThe way Victor Peppers played for the

Bulldogs last season, Central’s stadium public address announcer probably got tired of calling his name. Hope he enjoyed his time off, because Peppers is back in the middle of Central’s line-backer corps after a 98-tackle junior campaign. Williamson was effusive in his praise for the senior defender.

“Peppers…man, he’s just a special guy and a joy to coach. He’s what any father would want their son to be,”

Williamson said. “He carries himself so well, with such character, and he’s one good football player on top of it all.”

At defensive back, Central returns three veterans in Hintz (Sr.), Repasz (Jr.) and Aguirre (Sr.). Repasz made 77 tack-les while splitting time between running back and safety. Hintz intercepted three passes last season, the fourth-best tally in the county.

“Having an experienced secondary will be huge for us as we try to defend the spread,” Williamson said.

Cameron Daube (Sr.) and Logan Tate (Sr.) comprise the only known commod-ities on the defensive line for Central. Williamson said several offensive line-men, including Lamm and Allen, will rotate in at nose guard to bolster depth.

Special TeamsCentral lost the most productive spe-

cial-teams duo in the county. Michael Branigan averaged 39.5 yards per punt on 29 kicks. Anel Ramic made all 24 of his extra point attempts and five field goals. Pierce Nufer continues Central’s run on versatile punters, while Devin Wozniak and freshman Michael Corona compete for placekicking duties.

FroM 2

centralDate Opponent (2013)

Aug. 29 Dawson County (5-5)

Sept. 5 at Woodland-Cart. (4-6)

Sept. 12 at Cass (4-6)

Sept. 19 at Kell (13-1)

Sept. 26 Riverwood (7-4)

Oct. 3 Off

Oct. 10 North Atlanta (0-10)

Oct. 17 at Sprayberry (2-8)

Oct. 24 at North Springs (1-9)

Oct. 31 Cambridge (3-7)

Nov. 7 TBD

Central schedule

Region game


16

Mascot: War Eagles Region: 6-AAAAAA Last season: 7-3

the coachJeff ArnetteAt South: 19-22 in four seasons.Career: 64-46-1 in 11 seasons.


‘The rallying point for us has been to take another step.’Jeff Arnette


South Forsyth’s 7-3 regular-season finish in 2013 was the program’s best in a decade. One thing was missing: a state playoff appearance.

That’s the next step for coach Jeff Arnette’s War Eagles. Arnette led South to a state playoff appearance with a 6-5 record in 2010, his first season. South made a quick exit, a 49-7 loss to Kell, in the Class AAAA first round. The War Eagles fin ished 4-3 in Region 6-AAAAAA last season, the same record as North Forsyth. South missed out on a state playoff berth with a 17-12 road loss to North in what amounted to a winner-take-all regular season finale.

“Our kids went in to the spring and summer thinking that we had a great season but that it was just a stepping stone,” Arnette said. “Trying to top what we did last year is no easy task in the region we play in, but the rallying point for us has been to take another step up.”

The good news: South returns a bevy of experience at the offensive skill posi-tions, despite the loss of running back and Army-signee Isaiah Williams.

The bad: three starters on the offen-sive line departed, including Vanderbilt signee Davis Winkie, First Team All-County selection Kyle Watford, and Ross Schaber, an honorable mention All-County player.

South’s season could depend on the

effectiveness of newcomers on both lines of scrimmage. Arnette is cautious-ly optimistic.

“I feel really good about the kids we’re expecting to take up leadership roles from those kids who graduated,” he said. “We’ve got lots of upperclass-

men who played meaningful snaps last year and are back. I think they’ll do a good job of picking up that slack.”

offenseMatt White took the helm at quarter-

back for South last season and didn’t let

go, earning him a First Team All-County selection. South finished with the sec-ond-best scoring offense in the county at 28.4 points per game.

“Matt has a little bit of everything: a


South Forsyth’s Tyler LaFlamme (from left), Cameron Kline, Griffin Landrum and Robby Johnson are eager to get the War Eagles back to the state playoffs for the first time since 2010.

war eagles ready to take next step

SoUTh ForSYTh

Offense could again make South region contenders

See SoUTh | 22


discipline and brains,” Winter said. “We have smart kids. This year we have some big kids up front, thankfully, but normally we don’t have that.”

Ryan McCarthy (So., 6-2, 187) scored 10 rushing touchdowns last season but completed just 27 of 81 passing attempts (33.3 percent), with four touch-downs to seven interceptions.

“Part of that [low completion percent-age] comes from us throwing the ball deep when we do drop back, but Ryan’s arm is far stronger than it was last year,” Winter said. “Not to mention, our receivers are better athletes than we’ve had at the position.”

If the Paladins’ confidence in full-backs Walters (Jr., 6-3, 233) and Varghese (Jr.) is justified, McCarthy shouldn’t have to throw often.

“Both of those kids hit the hole fast. They’re big kids and really difficult to bring down,” Winter said.

Slot back Adam Guard (Sr., 6-1, 196), another Division I prospect, caught 10 passes last season and bulked up in preparation for an increased carry load. Pinecrest coaches like fellow slot back Mitchell Ojeda (Jr.), a veteran defensive back who had success running the ball as a freshman.

Pinecrest receivers Nick Palmer (Sr.), Sean Flannigan (So.) and Logan Hamilton (Sr.) bring a new dimension to the Paladins’ passing attack.

“They’re all a threat to score when they get the ball. We haven’t been able to say that since I got here,” Winter said.

Every offensive line starter for the Paladins weighs more than 200 pounds—also a first for Winter at the

school.

DefenseUpon arriving at Pinecrest, Winter

shifted the Paladins from a 4-3 to a 3-5 defensive scheme.

“Teams around here were going to the pass. The 3-5 formation was built to d e f e n d t h e s p r e a d offense,” Winter said. “We just didn’t have the per-sonnel for a 4-3, so it made too much sense not to.”

Winter’s scheme utilizes undersized defensive line-men, fast linebackers and constant pressure on the quarterback.

Guard, last year’s lead-ing tackler and a three-year starter at middle linebacker, will be joined by veteran linebackers Jacob Hanley (Sr.), a three-year starter, Palmer (Sr.), a two-year starter, and Peter Nelson (Jr.). Grayson DuBose (Sr.), a former starter on the defensive line, joins that experienced corps.

Walters moves to defensive end, where he will present a size and speed

(4.74 40) combination that Pinecrest opponents are unlikely to see anywhere else.

In the secondary, Flannigan (So.), Greg Metz (Sr.) and Ojeda return as multi-year starters. McCarthy played safety as a freshman but should see a decreased role on defense in order to

keep him healthy. Early returns from the unit

have looked promising. The Paladins allowed just four first downs in 60 snaps dur-ing a 70-0 scrimmage win over Mt. Vernon Aug. 9.

Special teamsWinter expressed con-

cerns about this unit. Chris Birozes averaged 37 yards on 35 punts last season.

Alex Brenner made 11 of 12 extra points and 3 of 5 field goal attempts. Both Birozes (Wingate) and Brenner (Presbyterian College) earned college scholarships for their work.

McCarthy will handle punting duties, while Brenner’s little brother Michael (Fr.) and Metz are competing for the placekicking job.

17

8774_1_cummingDance081314_Pigskin

FroM 8

Pinecrest

No. Name Pos. Yr1 Greg Metz LG/DE 122 Sean Flanagan WR/DB 103 Addison Ehle Slot/LB 104 Jake Mangan QB/Slot/LB 115 Michael Birozes WR/CB 910 Nick Palmer WR/LB 1211 Ricky Torress Slot/CB 1112 Jimmy O’Day WR/CB 1013 Ryan McCarthy QB/S 1015 Isaiah Fleck WR/S 1217 Micky Mangan QB/CB 920 Jacob Walters FB/LB 921 Jacob Hanley Slot/LB 1222 Mitchell Ojeda Slot/CB 1123 Will Patota WR/LB 925 Brooks Binkley FB/LB 931 Peter Nelson WR/LB 1140 Grayson DuBose FB/LB 12

41 Gregory Varghese FB/LB 1144 Adam Guard Slot/LB 1245 Matthew Walters FB/DE/LB 1151 Gatlin Winter LG/DE 1252 Nolan Stafford LG/DE 955 Daniel O’Sullivan C/DE 956 Garrison Winter LT/NG 1062 Alan Yadav RG/DE 1065 Regan Koehler RG/DE 1267 Alex Fabian RT/DE 1073 Brian Flanagan RG/DE 1174 Brendan Murphy LT/DE 1075 Logan Stafford C/NG 1179 Luke del Balzo RT/DE 1281 William Brown WR/DE 1082 Corey Downes WR/CB 1083 Conner Ettmueller WR/DE 1188 Logan Hamilton WR/LB 12

Pinecrest Academy roster

Date Opponent (2013)

Aug. 29 North Springs (1-9)

Sept. 5 Off

Sept. 12 Walker (4-5)

Sept. 19 at Trion (5-5)

Sept. 26 at Mount Paran (9-3)

Oct. 3 Whitefield Acad. (4-6)

Oct. 10 St. Francis (8-2)

Oct. 17 at Mount Pisgah (12-1)

Oct. 24 at Fellowship Chr. (5-5)

Oct. 31 King’s Ridge (4-6)

Nov. 7 TBD

Pinecrest schedule

Region game

‘This year we have some big kids up front, thankfully, but normally we don’t have that.’


pletion percentage (62.9 percent), yards (1 ,704) and touchdowns (11 ) . McConnell rushed for 794 yards and added another 11 touchdowns on the ground as West averaged a county-best 33.5 points per game.

West will have to rely on two untested running backs in juniors Kwon Miller and Luke Lingo, neither of whom recorded a carry las t season. Senior Grant Anderskow (32 carries, 206 yards, five touchdowns) is the leading returning rusher not named McConnell.

First Team All-County receiver Nathan Schmitz (Sr., 6-1, 175) is a familiar target for McConnell after lead-ing West with 26 receptions for 422 yards and four touchdowns. Anderskow added 21 receptions for 223 yards and a

touchdown out of the slot and backfield and set a school record with 10 catches in a 45-20 win over South Forsyth.

Mitch Toure (Sr.) leads an otherwise inexperienced offensive line. Carson Adams (Sr., 6-1, 250) played eight games as a defensive lineman for the Wolverines last season but will play both ways in 2014 to add depth.

“It’s been our major area of retooling this spring and summer,” Clack said. “When you lose two sta-ples of your offensive line like we did, it’s tough, but the young guys have taken a next man up mentality. I’ve been pleased with how they’re coming along.”

DefenseA trio of All-County players are back

to lead a Wolverines defense that allowed just 21.2 points per game in Region 6-AAAAAA play last season.

Defensive linemen Alec Coburn (Sr., 5-11, 220), a Second Team All-County selection, and Hunter Stewart (Sr., 5-10, 200) combined for 130 total tackles (21

for loss) and 10 sacks last season. The pair will have to replace Air Force sign-ee Josh Davis’s production (73 total tackles).

Senior S/OLB Ryan Guthrie (5-11, 165) earned an offer from NAIA school Reinhardt University after a strong junior season (33 tackles, one intercep-tion, two fumble recoveries). Linebacker Austin Sanders (Sr., 5-10, 187) earned First Team All-County honors with 83 tackles last season.

West must replace two First Team All-County defensive backs, Jordan Harris and Nick Walker. That’s where Kyndall Phillips (Sr., 5-11, 170) steps in. Phillips’ Second Team All-County selection as a junior gained the attention of Lehigh and Cornell, among others.

Special teamsClack said a week into West’s fall

camp that special teams were still yet to be settled.

“As of now, we’ll probably just stick McConnell back there [to punt]. He can boot it pretty good, and our opponents can’t put anyone back to return because he still poses a threat,” Clack said.

18

No. Name Pos. Yr.2 Nate Schmitz WR 123 Kyndall Phillips CB 12 4 Jacob Allen WR 12 5 Grant Anderskow HB 12 6 Garrett Broxson WR 11 6 Matt Hehl CB 10 7 Hampton McConnell QB 12 8 Ryan Guthrie OLB 12 9 Bryce Jones WR 9 10 Jeffrey Cooley SS 11 11 Sam Thomas CB 11 12 Luke Johnson OLB 12 12 Cameron Smith QB 10 13 Will Wyman FB 12 14 Grant Torgerson TB 10 15 Cody Kendrix FS 11 16 Jacob Grinstead QB 10 17 Blake Tryon QB 10 17 Heath McConnell OLB 10 18 Drew Wesolowski CB 12 18 Wesley Ross CB 10 19 Drew Whitehead K 12 19 Hank Flood QB 10 20 Joey Congrove SS 10 21 Jake Johnson CB 10 22 Luke Lingo TB 11

23 Austin Reid HB 11 23 Cody Tucker RB 10 24 Doug Wells OLB 11 25 David West CB 12 26 Trevor Hickmon FB 10 27 Matt Nalley HB 10 28 Zachary Wheeker FS 10 29 Eli Huggins ILB 10 30 Marquis Uhelski HB 1033 Kwon Miller OLB 1132 Jed Martin RB 1131 Eli Harbin ILB 1034 Caleb Perkins LB 1135 Austin Roper OLB 1136 Ricardo Alonzo ILB 1137 Luke Wortman CB 1038 Clint Hall ILB 1139 Bradley Yates OLB 1040 Justin Pratley TB 1241 Kaleb Sherman OLB 1142 Alec Coburn DE 1243 CJ Michaels CB 1045 Hunter Stewart DE 1246 Jackson Brantley ILB 1047 Thomas Arundale OLB 10 47 Colefs Heindl FS 10

48 Tyler Mallon DE 1249 Charlie Bond OLB 1050 DJ Hole OG 1150 Zach Taylor OLB 1051 Walker Mims OG 1052 Daryl Armstrong DT 1253 Marshall Orr OG 1053 Michael Ramirez OLB 1154 Will Salisbury ILB 1254 Ryan Tatro OL 1055 Travis Baugus OG 1255 Mathew Mann LB 1156 Brandon Miller DE 1057 Cade Park OT 1158 Aaron Wagoner ILB 1059 Austin Hitchcock NT 1060 Kyle Gravitt OG 1061 Alan Pearson OC 1262 Jake Kraft OT 1063 Luke Dalton NT 1064 Grant Sadler OC 1165 Dustin Bean OG 1266 Tanner Rose OT 1067 Matt McIntire OG 1168 Collin McClain OT 1170 Carson Adams DT 12

71 Mich Toure OT 1272 Jon Trybala DL 1173 Bradley Clayton OT 1174 Max Wrba OG 1075 Ryan O’Neill OT 1076 Trevor Curtis OG 1177 Hunter Jolly OC 1078 Jake Smith OT 1279 Daniel Everette OT 1080 Alphonso Tollette WR 1281 Brandon Whitfield WR 1082 Carson Applegate WR 1083 Jordan Dreyovich WR 1084 Nathaniel Smith WR 1085 Tanner Chafin DB 1086 Tyler Griffith FB 1187 Ryan Miller FB 1288 Michael Rogers WR 989 Greg Jones FB 1091 Max Davis DT 1192 Tyler Claude DL 1198 Gage Franta DL 1199 James Rubel DT 1099 John Ilardi DE 10

West Forsyth roster

FroM 6

westDate Opponent (2013)

Aug. 29 Mill Creek (6-4)

Sept. 5 Alpharetta (9-3)

Sept. 12 at Chattahoochee (4-6)

Sept. 19 at Habersham Cent.(0-10)

Sept. 26 Northview (5-5)

Oct. 3 Off

Oct. 10 North Forsyth (7-4)

Oct. 17 at South Forsyth (7-3)

Oct. 24 Lambert (6-5)

Oct. 31 at Centennial (1-9)

Nov. 7 at Johns Creek (0-10)

West schedule

Region game

‘When we start playing back-yard opponents, we know we’re going to get their best.’



Horizon Christian coach Charles Wiggins spent nine years building Pinecrest Academy’s football program from scratch, leading the Paladins to the G e o r g i a I n d e p e n d e n t S c h o o l Association state semifinals in 2009 before taking the program to the Georgia High School Association in 2010.

He’s trying to do the same for Horizon’s football program, which start-ed in 2010 and shuffled through two coaches in its first two years in exis-tence. Wiggins took over before the 2013 season.

The Warriors finished 0-10 in Wiggins’ first season at the helm. Only four of 22 players on the roster had played football previously. Horizon returns 18 of those players for the 2014 season.

“We’re laying the groundwork to build this program,” Wiggins said.

“We’ve already improved 100 percent over last year. If we continue to take it a game at a time, the wins will come.”

offenseHorizon runs a spread-option attack

that struggled to move the ball in Wiggins’ first season. Sophomore quar-terback John Michael Booth (5-8, 170) returns, as does senior running back Travis Pittman (5-10, 185). Pittman led the Warriors’ ground attack last season with 650 yards, Wiggins estimates.

Michael Walker (6-2, 210), a senior tight end, provides a big target for Booth.

“He’s got great hands and is a strong run blocker. He does it all,” Wiggins said. Walker claims interest from Kennesaw State and camped at a num-ber of colleges this summer.

DefenseThe Warriors boast a stout defensive

19

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No. Name Yr Pos. 1 Evan Lamb 12 WR / DB 2 Trevor O’Brien 12 RB / LB 3 Harrison Pomfret 10 RB / LB4 Chris Clements 11 WR / DB 5 Justyn Jean-Felix 11 QB /DB 6 Tanner Hall 11 WR / DB 7 Matt Blevens 11 WR / DB 8 Tony Maselli 11 WR / DB 9 Jordan Stein 12 WR / DB 10 Richie Kenney 10 QB /DB 11 Danny Thorton 12 WR / DB 12 Reid Martin 10 QB /DB 13 Jack Ligas 10 RB / DB 14 Jaryd Jean-Felix 10 WR / DB 15 Taylor Brinkerhoff 10 RB / DB 16 Stephen Martore 11 WR / DB 17 Hunter Thompson 10 RB / DB 18 Bailey Baker 11 WR / DB 19 Drew Cole 12 RB / DB 20 Chad Conner 12 WR / DB 21 Houston Earnest 12 WR / DB 22 Patrick Noble 12 WR / DB 23 Jeremy Johnson 12 WR / DB 24 Christian Evans 11 WR / DB 25 Conner Lokey 11 RB / DB 26 Tyler Ray 10 WR / DB

27 Will Dunavant 12 TE / LB 28 Brian Wright 10 RB / DB 29 Eric Kohlins 10 RB / DB 30 Adison Schimmelpfennig12 OL / LB 31 Trevor Nunes 11 WR / DB 32 Kyle Conner 11 RB / DB 33 Mac Redmond 10 RB / LB34 Hunter Shepherd 12 RB / DB 35 Ford Hirsch 11 RB / DB 36 Brendan Duer 11 RB / DB 37 Jack Rampley 12 LB / RB 38 Brad Whicher 11 OL / DL 39 Fred Palmer 11 RB / DL 40 Camron Carter 10 WR / DB42 Jarrett Wright 11 WR / DB43 Jeshua Rodriguez 10 RB / DL44 Matt Stewart 10 LB / RB46 Mike Fazzalaro 10 RB / LB48 Brandon Hardee 12 OL / DL49 Spencer Ham 10 WR / DB50 Anthony Ratliff 11 OL / DL51 Jack Sweeney 11 OL / DL52 Jack Carmichael 12 OL / DL54 Preston Bacik 11 OL / DL55 Cason Banyas 11 OL / DL56 Cliff Snyder 11 OL / DL

57 Jack Heustess 11 OL / DL58 Nick Nieuwhof 11 OL / DL59 Brett Kunich 11 OL / DL60 Matt Corley 12 OL/ DL62 Jason Regulski 11 OL / DL63 Matt Housley 10 OL / DL64 Parker Reynolds 10 OL / DL65 Ari Stojanovski 10 OL / DL68 Ryan Smeelie 11 OL / DL69 Ben Crawford 12 OL / DL70 Hunter Hastings 12 OL / DL71 David Plante 11 OL / DL72 Zach Barnwell 12 OL / DL73 Sean Bailey 11 OL / DL74 Andrew Anderson 11 OL / DL75 Logan White 11 OL / DL77 Stetson Prichard 10 OL / DL78 Peyton Bouhan 11 OL / DL79 Paker Bock 11 OL / DL81 Trevon McSwain 12 WR / DL82 Matt Rountree 11 WR / DB85 Jake Henderson 11 RB / LB92 Nick Propes 10 K95 Gabe Guerra 12 K96 Quinn Seagraves 11 K99 Theiss Sagues 12 DL / OL

Lambert rosterline that sets the tone for defensive coordinator Gary Wansley’s 3-5-3 alignment.

“We’re kind of huge up front,” Wiggins said.

Linemen Chase Brown (Jr. 6-1, 210), Justin Windsor (Sr., 6-2, 245) and John Winkler (Sr, 6-1, 285) form a trio with more girth than most opponents will see. Wiggins expects a strong come-back from Winkler, who is recov-ering from a torn ACL suffered last year.

Pittman and Walker help anchor a linebacker corps that also fea-tures Cole Brown (Jr., 6-1, 215), Chase’s twin brother, and James Kimbrough (Sr., 6-0, 170), who plays the ‘stud’ outside linebacker position.

In the secondary, senior Sean Ludwick (5-8, 145) leads the way.

FroM 19

horizon


“Any time you’re coaching a sopho-more quarterback stepping in to play Class AAAAAA football, it’s going to be a learning experience,” Daniel said. “They’re young and still growing in to their bodies, but they’re smart kids who are going to do everything to put the team in the best position possible.”

O’Brien has had no trouble fitting in at Lambert after piling up 1,052 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns last season.

“He’s a big, big-time competitor. There’s been no adjustment for Trevor because he’s a great athlete who played in an offense similar to ours [at West],” Daniel said. Daniel likes what he’s seen out of slot back Drew Cole (Sr., 6-0).

Tanner Hall (Jr., 6-1) caught a team-high 17 passes last season — many of them on deep or fade routes. Daniel said Hall has added to his game this summer by becoming more elusive, able to make defenders miss in space. Tight end Will Dunavant (Sr., 6-3, 200) is a versatile option in the passing game.

Daniel feels more confident in his depth along the offensive line than he has in several years, despite the depar-tures of Kevo Yeremian (First Team All-County), Cody Dreyer (Second Team All-County), Logan Wood and Jeremy Zimmerman. Sean Bailey (Jr., 6-6, 340) and Nick Nieuwhof (Jr.) both have start-ing experience. Jason Regulski (Jr.), Parker Reynolds (So.), Jack Carmichael (Sr.) and Cliff Snyder (Jr.) step in to increased roles.

DefenseLambert coaches like their talent in

the secondary. Jeremy Johnson (Sr., 5-11, 165) committed to play baseball at Auburn recently, but a First-Team All-County performance at cornerback earned him football offers from Harvard, Yale and Furman, among oth-ers. He led the county with six intercep-tions.

“Jeremy has some of the best instincts I’ve ever seen,” Daniel said. “When the recruiters call, they say what jumps out is how much of the field he covers and how good he is at finding the ball.”

Patrick Noble (Sr., 6-1) has earned the attention of college coaches as a rangy cornerback wi th speed. Hunter Shepherd (Sr.) and Houston Earnest

(Sr.) will see significant time at corner-back and safety.

Trevon McSwain had 67 tackles (seven for loss) and nine sacks last sea-son to help Lanier reach the second round of the Class AAAAA state play-offs.

“I’ve actually known about Trevon for a few years now,” Daniel said. “My brother-in-law [David Willingham] is the defensive coordinator at Lanier. He called me one day this summer and said, ‘My 6-foot-7 defensive end is coming to Lambert,’ and I said, ‘Cool.’”

McSwain couldn’t have arrived at a better t ime for Lambert, as the Longhorns lost county sack leader Dillon Alexander, First Team All-County lineman Trey LeBlanc (six sacks) and defensive tackle Jake Chickowski. Daniel said senior defen-sive lineman Theiss Sagues should help mitigate those losses.

Adison Schimmelpfennig (Sr., 5-11) led the county in tackles last season with 108 and returns to marshal the middle of Lambert’s linebacker corps. Chad Conner (Sr.), a defensive back and outside linebacker, plays a crucial role for the Longhorns defense.

Special TeamsTanner Hall handles placekicking and

kickoff duties in addition to his respon-sibilities on offense. Patrick Noble and sophomore Brian Wright could both see time at punter this season.

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LambertDate Opponent (2013)

Aug. 29 Lanier (8-3)

Sept. 5 at Johns Creek (0-10)

Sept. 12 at Centennial (1-9)

Sept. 19 Alpharetta (9-3)

Sept. 26 at North Forsyth (7-4)

Oct. 3 Off

Oct. 10 Habersham (0-10)

Oct. 17 at Northview (5-5)

Oct. 24 at West Forsyth (7-4)

Oct. 31 Chattahoochee (4-6)

Nov. 7 South Forsyth (7-3)

Lambert schedule

Region game


22

strong arm, some running ability and a grasp of this offense,” Arnette said. “Now that he’s a senior and has a full year of starting experience under his belt, we’re expecting big things.”

White threw for 1,210 yards and eight touchdowns, good for second-best in the county in both categories, but completed just 81 of 166 throws (48.8 percent). His seven interceptions tied for most in the county.

Isaiah Williams and the War Eagle’s stable of backfield options took much of the pres-sure to move the ball off of White’s hands. Will iams rushed for 1,033 yards, second-best in the county, and eight touchdowns. Grant Umberger (Jr.) added 530 yards and five touchdowns.

Williams’ backup last season, Tyler LaFlamme (766 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns), was a Second Team All-County selection. LaFlamme (Sr., 5-10, 205) played mostly on defense during his freshman and sophomore seasons

before playing both ways last year. He’ll be South’s primary running back this season while playing some safety.

“He’s so good, we’ll play him pretty much anywhere,” Arnette said.

Sam Walker, the county’s second-leading receiver, has moved on, but two of the top ten receivers in the county remain: Cameron Kline and Drew Witalis. Kline (Jr., 6-1, 225), a tight end and defensive end, earned second team All-Region 6-AAAAAA honors as a

sophomore with 17 catches for 265 yards and three touch-downs. Witalis was a second-team All-Region selection as a kick returner and added 257 receiving yards on 15 catches. Jalen Camp, a junior, joins the varsity after serving as South junior varsity’s main receiving threat last season.

South’s offensive line will have a dif-ferent look to it without the likes of Winkie, Watford and Schaber, but talent remains in Griffin Landrum and Caleb Lummus. Landrum holds early offers from Vanderbilt and the Air Force Academy. As for who will man the three other offensive line positions, it’s still a mystery.

“We’re trying through practice to get a

lot of kids reps to try to build that depth,” Arnette said. “It’s one of those deals where you don’t really know until they’re put into the real fire. Our kids play so hard that they end up playing better than you thought they would.”

DefenseSouth faces major holes to fill at all

three levels of their 3-4 defense. Linebacker Brett Larkin and defensive back Matt Cira, both First Team All-Region selections after combining for 146 tackles last season, are gone. Defensive lineman Zach Martin, who earned Second Team All-Region honors, is gone.

The cupboard is not completely bare — senior linebacker Robby Johnson totaled 64 tackles last season, and defensive back Manny Godswill (Sr.) added 57 tackles and seven sacks, a team-high and good for second-most in the county. Kline, a defensive end, notched 42 tackles and four sacks, four fumble recoveries and three forced fum-bles.

Cornerback Austin Ataide (Sr.) added 37 tackles and one interception. Tyler LaFlamme made 49 tackles from the safety position.

Special TeamsAlex Barbir (Jr.) handles punting and

placekicking duties. He averaged 29.3 yards per punt last season, hit 22 of 23 extra point attempts and four of five attempted field goals.

No. Name Yr Pos1 Manny Godswill 12 TE/DL2 Zackary Miller 12 RB/LB3 Tyler LaFlamme 12 RB/LB4 Parker Chambers 12 WR/LB 5 Austin Harvey 11 QB6 Brice Pearce 10 WR/DB 7 Stephen Shea 11 FB/DB 8 Alex Barbir 11 DB/K9 Elijah Smith 11 WR/DB10 Drew Witalis 12 WR/DB 11 Matthew White 12 QB 12 Curtis Roach 11 WR/DB13 Brent Mouton 12 WR/DB 14 Stanley Epeagba 11 RB/DB15 Jefferey Stephens 10 QB/DB16 Davis Shanley 10 QB/DB17 Connor Sweeney 12 WR/DB18 Max Slott 10 QB/LB19 Chase Van-SkyHawk 10 RB/LB20 Sean O’Malley 10 WR/DB21 Austin Ataide 12 WR/DB22 Sam Outlaw 11 FB/LB23 Jahziah Jordan 10 RB/DB

24 Cole Wheeler 10 WR/DB25 Jake Nicholas 10 RB/DB26 Tereh George 11 RB/LB27 Peytne Douglas 12 WR/LB28 Corey Milton 10 WR/DB29 Ryan Colangelo 11 WR/DB30 Dean Carr 12 WR/DB31 Joey Johnson 10 FB/LB 32 Julian Mingo 10 RB/DB33 Robby Johnson 12 FB/LB34 Zach Miller 10 WR/DB35 Sam Slott 12 WR/DB36 Guy Morra 10 WR/DB37 Hudson Foy 10 WR/LB38 Kyle Guenther 10 TE/DL39 Daniel Verdon 12 FB/LB40 Logan Troye 11 TE/LB41 Patrick King 10 TE/DL42 Grant Umberger 11 RB/LB43 Trey Green 11 WR/LB44 Kyle Elkins 10 WR/DB46 Daniel Relf 10 FB/LB47 JB Gerring 10 FB/DL

48 Blake Oldfield 11 FB/LB49 Frank Infante 10 RB/LB50 Riley Street 12 OL/DL51 Daniel Burke 10 OL/DL52 John Knox 10 OL/DL53 Dylan Nissley 10 OL/DL54 Kyle Jenkins 10 OL/DL55 Isaiah Kim 12 OL/DL56 Ennor Armah 11 OL/DL57 Grant Pearce 10 OL/DL 58 Riley Hall 11 OL/DL59 Sandy Barstow 11 OL/DL 60 Jimmy Smith 11 OL/LB61 Branden Prince 10 OL/DL62 Eric Gomez 10 OL/DL63 Tommy Jenkins 12 OL/DL64 Jack Winkie 10 OL/DL65 Ryan Gallagher 10 OL/DL66 Caleb Lummus 12 OL/DL67 Eric Gomez 10 OL/DL68 Tyler McClellan 10 OL/DL69 Adam Thomas 10 OL/DL70 Toki Adeosun 11 OL/LB

71 Thomas Foster 12 OL/DL72 Zane Martin 11 OL/DL73 Jackson Brandonisio 10 OL/DL74 Griffin Landrum 12 OL/DL75 Dante Arnold 12 OL/DL76 Matthew Jagoe 11 OL/DL77 Andrew Artz 10 OL/DL78 Trey Herman 10 OL/DL79 Jake Lasprilla 10 OL/DL80 Andrew Strait 10 WR/DB81 Quinten Campbell 10 WR/DB83 Sam Schouten 11 WR/DB84 Jalen Camp 11 WR/LB85 Patrick Gant 12 TE/DL86 Mathew Breindl 10 TE/DL87 Connor Hite 11 WR/DB88 Alex Whitley 10 TE/DL89 Ronnie Chambliss 11 WR/DB90 Haris Ahmed 10 TE/DL91 Quinn Hanson 10 OL/DL93 Cameron Kline 11 TE/DL 94 Ryan LaFlamme 9 FB/DL

South Forsyth roster

FroM 16

SouthDate Opponent (2013)

Aug. 22 at Mountain View (2-8)

Sept. 5 Centennial (1-9)

Sept. 12 at Habersham (0-10)

Sept. 19 North Forsyth (7-4)

Sept. 26 at Chattahoochee (4-6)

Oct. 3 Off

Oct. 10 Northview (5-5)

Oct. 17 West Forsyth (7-4)

Oct. 24 at Alpharetta (9-3)

Oct. 31 Johns Creek (0-10)

Nov. 7 at Lambert (6-5)

South schedule

Region game

‘You don’t really know until they’re

put in the fire.’


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8884_1_southForsythTouchdown081714Pig


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LAMBERT H LONGHORNS

2014FOOTBALLFOOTBALL

BUILDING TRADITION THROUGH LEADERSHIP

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