BY JAMES BUTLER he 2008 high-school football season has finally kicked off in , but the action Northview after a successful one-year stint at Chamblee; Chip Lindsey, the former offen- Toff the field has been non-stop since the end of last season. Nearly 100 schools hired sive coordinator at Hoover (Ala.) who brings his high-flying passing attack to Lassiter; and a new coach this past offseason, and some of the state’s biggest names in coaching have Lindsey’s former boss at Hoover, Rush Propst, who takes over at Colquitt County. decided to move to another school or walk away from the game. After compil- ing 219 wins in 24 seasons at McEachern (236 wins in 27 seasons overall), STIFF COMPETITION … Jimmy Dorsey decided to retire from coaching (but remains the school’s ath- Coaches were not the only facet of Georgia high-school football in transition – letic director), while Ed Pilcher left Thomas County Central and the five state teams were as well. If Class 5A’s Region 1 was a beast before, it is undoubtedly Godzilla championships he won there to become the new head coach of Bainbridge. now that Northside-Warner Robins has joined the region. The two-time defending Class The sidelines of Coweta Field will not look the same this season because, 4A champ—currently riding a 30-game win streak—will now participate in the for the first time since 1989, Danny Cronic will not be roaming them. The 29- state’s largest classification and must compete with the likes of Valdosta, year veteran of coaching high-school football in Georgia decided to retire. Tim Coffee, Tift County and reigning 5A champion Lowndes just to make the McFarlin left Roswell after winning 32 games over the last three seasons, includ- playoffs. This is familiar territory for the War Eagles, however, as they ing a share of the state title in 2006, and having never had a losing season in his 10 made a couple of appearances in the state semifinals when they formerly years as head coach. Also stepping away is Jimmy Chupp from Greater competed against the big boys. Christian; in nine seasons at GAC, he averaged nearly 10 wins per season and reached Class 5A’s Region 7 is one of the top regions in the state, as North the state championship game once. Fulton’s Chattahoochee and Northview join a region already populated by Class 4A state runner-up Ware County no longer has Dan Ragle at the helm of North Gwinnett, Peachtree Ridge and Norcross. And Westminster fought many its program, so it will be interesting to see how the Gators’ new head coach John battles as a former member of Class 3A, so a move down to 2A should be a Stephens handles one of the state’s most talented teams. Stephens is no rookie—his first breeze, right? Well, not when their new Region 6 mates include the two teams head coaching job came back in 1969—but he has only six winning seasons in his 20- that played for last year’s 2A state title in Buford and Lovett. plus years of coaching. He retired in 2001, but later came out of retirement to become Pictured left is Jim Showfety, courtesy of Chris Smith/Chamblee High School. Ware County’s running-backs coach, and now finds himself as a head coach once more. Cover photos of (clockwise from top) Prince Kent, Philip Lutzenkirchen and Joe Scott Some other interesting new coaches to follow are Jim Showfety, who takes over are courtesy of Photographic Arts. Butler can be reached at [email protected].

CLASS 5A 8. Habersham Central (Region 8) 5. Fitzgerald (Region 1) 1. Lowndes (Region 1) 9. Griffin (Region 4) 6. Calhoun (Region 7) 2. Camden County (Region 3) 10. Cedar Shoals (Region 8) 7. Pepperell (Region 7) 3. Northside-WR (Region 1) CLASS 3A 8. Henry County (Region 4) 4. North Gwinnett (Region 7) 1. Carver-Columbus (Region 2) 5. Peachtree Ridge (Region 7) 9. Greater Atlanta Christian (Region 6) 2. Cairo (Region 1)* 10. Lovett (Region 6) 6. Newnan (Region 4) 3. LaGrange (Region 2) 7. Norcross (Region 7) 4. Stephens County (Region 8) CLASS A 8. Walton (Region 6) 5. Flowery Branch (Region 7) 9. Grayson (Region 8) 1. Emanuel County Institute (Region 3) 6. Shaw (Region 2) 2. Clinch County (Region 1) 10. Valdosta (Region 1) 7. North Hall (Region 7) 3. Lincoln County (Region 7) CLASS 4A 8. Perry (Region 1) 9. St. Pius X (Region 5) 4. Brookstone (Region 4) 1. Ware County (Region 2) 5. Athens Academy (Region 8) 2. Tucker (Region 6) 10. Carver-Atlanta (Region 5) 6. Wilcox County (Region 2) 3. Thomas County Central (Region 1) CLASS 2A 4. Chamblee (Region 6) 1. Buford (Region 6) 7. Bremen (Region 6) 5. Rome (Region 7) 2. Dublin (Region 3) 8. Savannah Christian (Region 3) 6. Bainbridge (Region 1)* 3. Charlton County (Region 2) 9. Wesleyan (Region 8) 7. Whitewater (Region 5) 4. Thomasville (Region 1) 10. Darlington (Region 6) *Results of Monday night’s Bainbridge–Cairo matchup were unavailable at press time. THE ALL-SCORE TEAM: OFFENSE

QB – Zach Mettenberger, Sr., Oconee Co. – The Georgia commit has the arm strength and poise to be a star on the next level. Will try to improve his team’s 4-7 record from ‘07.

RB – Washaun Ealey, Sr., ECI – Ealey is capable of eclipsing the numbers he put up during his 2007 cam- paign, when he broke the record for rushing touchdowns in a season (58).

RB – D.J. Adams, Sr., Norcross – More of a bruiser than a burner, Adams ran for an impressive 1,462 yards as a junior last season. Also caught two passes for touchdowns.

TE – Philip Lutzenkirchen, Sr., Lassiter – Caught 46 balls a year ago, and will be an important pass catcher in new head coach Chip Lindsey’s spread offense.

WR – Jamal Patterson, Sr., Henry County – Patterson puts up huge numbers in the Warhawks’ pass- happy offense. He has received more than 40 D-I scholarship offers. RB D.J. Adams

WR – Stephen Hill, Sr., Miller Grove – At 6-5, Hill is a great athlete and has the physical advantage over any defensive back trying to cover him. Is also a state-champion long jumper.

OL – Johnnie Farms, Sr., Perry – The 6-foot-3 offensive guard makes Perry a contender in Class 3A. Is deciding among offers from a slew of SEC powerhouses.

OL – Chris Burnette, Sr., Troup County – Headed to Athens after his senior season, Burnette has outstanding quickness and ath- leticism. Also sports a 4.0 GPA.

OL – Andre Harris, Sr., Lovejoy – Absolutely huge at 6-4, 325 pounds, Harris is tremendously ath- letic and a vicious blocker. Committed to Auburn over the summer.

OL – Antonio Foster, Sr., Valdosta – Foster has the versatility to play tackle or guard for the Wildcats. Good at using leverage to fight off double and triple teams.

OL – Dallas Lee, Sr., Buford – Another future Bulldog, Lee is a two-way lineman for the Wolves.

Has great strength and the athleticism to get downfield as a run blocker. OL Dallas Lee

K – David Clark, Sr., Warner Robins – A good overall ath- THE ALL-SCORE TEAM: lete, Clark has great range and accuracy for the Demons. P – Chris Ward, Sr., Starr’s Mill – Averaged just under 42 SPECIAL TEAMS yards per punt and gets excellent hangtime. (continued on next page) THE ALL-SCORE TEAM: DEFENSE

DE – Emanuel Dieke, Sr., North Clayton – A rangy defender with long arms, Dieke uses his 6-7 frame to fight off blockers and wreak havoc. Committed to .

DE – Abry Jones, Sr., Northside-Warner Robins – The 6-4, 250-pound Jones is explosive and diffi- cult to block. UGA fans can look forward to watching him grow into a tackle in college.

DT – Jonathan Martin, Sr., Carver-Columbus – At 6-5, 330, Martin is a space-eater on a stellar Tiger defense. Paired with LB Jarvis Jones, he gives Carver a ferocious front seven.

DT – J.C. Lanier, Sr., ECI – A massive run-stuffer in the middle, Lanier also helps pave the way for Washaun Ealey as an offensive lineman. Committed to Georgia Tech.

LB – Kevin Minter, Sr., Peachtree Ridge – A hard-hitting middle linebacker with excellent speed, Minter registered 137 tackles last year. Will play for Les Miles at LSU next year.

LB – Jarvis Jones, Sr., Carver-Columbus – A great combination of smarts, instincts and raw athletic ability, Georgia’s top-rated player will try to lead his team to a championship repeat. LB Kevin Minter

LB – Jonathan Davis, Sr., Tucker – Perhaps the best two-way player in the state (he’s also a ), the undersized Davis racked up 198 tackles last year as a junior.

CB – Branden Smith, Sr., Washington – Last year, this speedster ran the fifth fastest time in Georgia high-school history in the 100 meters (10.5). Is also a receiver and return man for the Bulldogs.

CB – Prince Kent, Sr., Norcross – The Miami commit is big (6-3, 195) but has excellent speed for his size. Kent racks up the tackles on defense, but is also a talented receiver.

S – Darren Myles, Sr., Carver-Atlanta – A smart player (his father is Carver’s head coach) and sure tackler, Myles is the leader in one of the best secondaries in the state.

S – Gerald Demps, Sr., Lowndes – This Florida State-bound player teams with Greg Reid in the defensive backfield to make one fearsome secondary. A great cover man from the safety spot.

KR/PR – Greg Reid, Sr., Lowndes – Not just a return guy, Reid also is a kick-blocking terror, stuffing a PAT in the championship game. Two of his ST touchdowns last year came on a 99-yard

kickoff return and a 63-yard punt return. KR/PR Greg Reid BY SCOTT JANOVITZ he always-present feeling of hope: “There’s always next year,” cries the disillusioned around him. While talking about his team’s championship run last fall, Jones was quick Tfan. That sentiment—that this may not be your year, but the next one could be—is pre- to praise his teammates. cisely what makes being a sports fan special. Take, for example, the situation over at “We just had some great players on our team and Coach did a great job of coach- Carver-Columbus. ing us up,” Jones said. “Everybody was on the same page and wanted to win. Every week, Before Dell McGee was introduced as the head football coach at Carver in 2005, the no matter who we played, we had to fight, and that’s how we practiced.” school had only made it past the first round of the playoffs once, and in McGee’s first year When asked what he would take away from his high-school career under McGee, the Tigers sputtered to a 3-7 mark. All the while, though, Carver fans knew that one of these Jones cited this simple mantra: “Hard work, dedication and discipline.” It is precisely that years would be their year. type of levelheaded wisdom, combined with his unique physical skills, that makes Jarvis In 2006, McGee reinforced that hope, out of nowhere turning things around and Jones a can’t-miss prospect. And college coaches couldn’t agree more. leading Carver to an impressive 12-2 record before falling at the Georgia Dome in the state semifinals. Then in 2007, the incredible turnaround was finally complete, as the THE CHASE … Tigers put together a perfect 15-0 season on their way to winning the state cham- You don’t become the top-rated football player in the State of Georgia, as Jarvis pionship. While such drastic improvements are what keep struggling fans hang- Jones has, without gaining the attention of college coaches across America. And ing around, those types of things don’t just happen. with offers from virtually every big-time program in the land, including “We emphasize the weight room a whole lot,” McGee explains. “I’m not Georgia, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Southern California and speaking bad about the previous coach, but that was not a great empha- Texas, Jones has certainly caught the eye of a few. sis of his. To compete in Georgia you’ve got to make sure you have a Though he has the luxury of choosing from them all, Jones has cut his great foundation in the weight room and a great work ethic in the list down to seven schools: Clemson, Georgia, Florida, Texas, LSU, weight room as well. I think that’s been the biggest change that has Southern California and Miami. With schools of such prestige filling happened thus far.” out his list, one would assume even a player like Jones will need some time to adjust to the increased speed and talent at the collegiate level. DYNAMIC BUT HUMBLE … However, the man who gets to witness Jones’s skills most frequent- While there is no doubt that McGee and his staff have ly would disagree. introduced a winning culture to Carver, there is no such “I can see him going in his first year and starting wherever thing as winning without talent. McGee has a truly special he decides to go to school,” McGee said. “It’s hard to start, espe- kind of talent at his disposal in the form of all-world senior line- cially in the SEC and at some of the other schools recruiting him, backer Jarvis Jones. According to Rivals.com, the freakish athlete is but I think he is that talented and definitely has the physical attrib- worthy of both a four-star rating and the 39th spot in their top-100 rank- utes to do it.” ings. At 6-foot-3, 226 pounds, Jones is a physical specimen and an absolute Of course, don’t expect the down-to-earth Carver linebacker to praise terror on the football field. But it is his off-the-field demeanor that most himself as highly as most others do. “I want to get faster and stronger because impresses the head ball coach. college athletes are much faster than in high school,” Jones says. “Wherever “He’s a very humble and quiet kid,” says McGee. “He’s taken all they put me, I will just give it my all. I expect to play linebacker, but will line this exposure and coverage, and he hasn’t gotten a big head. He’s not up wherever the team needs me.” very cocky or arrogant because he’s getting all this attention. For him to Jones says he will choose his college destination based on, among other stay humble and even-keeled is a tribute to his character and what his par- things, quality of coaching. No matter where he goes, though his ego may ents have instilled in him.” never grow, his skills and performance on the gridiron most certainly will. And while college coaches are breaking down doors just for the chance Jarvis Jones: the humble, can’t-miss prospect. to land an athlete like Jones, he himself is quick to defer credit to those Janovitz can be reached at [email protected]. 5. Charlton County vTops. Fi rGamesst Coast (AgainstJacksonvi llOut-of-Statee, Fla.) (Sept. 5 –Opponents Camden County) – Like Buford, Charlton is another 2A school that is challenging itself with talented out-of-staters. 4. Camden County (pictured right) at Hoover (Hoover, Ala.) (Sept. 12) – It will be a new-look Hoover team this year, as former head coach Rush Propst is now at Colquitt County, but there is still talent at the Alabama powerhouse. 3. Buford at Mansfield Timberview (Arlington, Tex.) (Aug. 30) – The Wolves laid the wood to a good Class 5A Ohio team at last year’s Herbstreit Invitational, and will try to take out Mansfield, a team stocked with college prospects, at this year’s Herbstreit showcase. 2. Northside-Warner Robins vs. Washington (Miami, Fla.) (Sept. 5) – The Eagles get the traditional south-Florida power at home … This matchup is speed, speed, speed. 1. North Gwinnett vs. Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) (Aug. 29) – North takes on the reigning 5A champs in South Carolina, who are ranked in the top 10 in just about every preseason national poll.

5. Rome vs. Dalton (Oct. 24) – The two best squads in aTop subdivided Region Region Games 7-AAAA will fight for the ‘A’ division title. 4. Chamblee vs. Tucker (Oct. 17 – Adams Stadium) – Talented Region 6-AAAA rivals are both preseason top-five teams in Class 4A. 3. LaGrange vs. Carver-Columbus (Oct. 30) – Second to last game of the season could determine Region 2-AAA title. 2. North Gwinnett vs. Norcross (Sept. 19) – Norcross has won Region 7-AAAAA the last two years despite North’s postseason success. 1. Lowndes vs. Northside-Warner Robins (Oct. 3) – Lowndes gets home-field advantage for what should be the game of the year in Region 1-AAAAA.

5. Savannah vs. Benedictine (Sept. 5Top) – The Rivalry state’s oldest Games rivalry dating back to 1902, these teams will finally meet again for the first time since 2003. 4. Parkview vs. Brookwood (pictured right) (Nov. 7) – Brookwood has owned this one the last few years. 3. Thomas County Central vs. Bainbridge (Nov. 7) – TCC’s rivalry with Thomasville is legendary, but head coach Ed Pilcher’s offseason move from TCC to region rival Bainbridge means this one will be downright dirty. 2. Northside-Warner Robins vs. Warner Robins (Oct. 31) – Two programs with great histories, Northside took the game last year in a rout. 1. Valdosta vs. Lowndes (Oct. 10) – Lowndes is the reigning “Winnersville” champion, and will likely keep that title this season.

5. Warren County Screaming Devils – If the name wasn’t Topscary enough,Nicknames the team plays in a stadium called Death Valley. 4. Glynn Academy Red Terrors – Refers to a group of Scottish Highlanders who defended the coastal Georgia region from the Spanish. 3. Clarkston Angoras – An angora is a type of long-haired goat that was typically kept by early residents of Clarkston. 2. Johnson-Savannah Atom Smashers – The basketball team plays in the “Reaction Chamber” and the football helmet features an atom. 1. Cairo Syrupmakers – High-school athletic teams are named after the product that Cairo is most known for: syrup.

5. Cantrell Stadium, McEachern – The IndiansBest are Stadiums known for their top-notch facilities. 4. Memorial Stadium (“The Swamp”), Ware County – Located off campus, but game-day atmosphere is among the best. 3. Martin Stadium (pictured right), Lowndes – Nicknamed “The Concrete Palace,” it’s a rare occasion that this behemoth stadium accommodates less than 10,000 fans on a Friday night. 2. Grady Stadium, Grady – Unique architecture and proximity to beautiful Piedmont Park are the trademarks of this facility. 1. Bazemore-Hyder Stadium, Valdosta – Originally built in 1922, the facility has undergone lots of changes but has seen more wins than any other stadium in the state.

tory. Losing great talents like quarterback DeRon Furr and wide receiver Jarmon Fortson, two players that were so instrumental in the Tigers’ playoff success, will not make things easier. One player that makes Carver fearsome is senior linebacker Jarvis Jones. He had CHECKING IN WITH 144 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and five forced for the Tigers last year. He is also rated by many sources as the No. 1 player in the state and is being heavily recruit- ed by many top schools. The defense will also be headlined by defensive tackle Jonathan Martin and DeRon’s brother, linebacker LeRon Furr. The Tigers get a chance to ease into their schedule with Spencer and Tri-Cities in THE CHAMPS the first two weeks. In the third week, however, Carver will face two-time defending state epeating as state champion in any classification in the State of Georgia is a tall order, champion from Class 4A, Northside-Warner Robins. Though not a region contest, this game Rbut the five winners from last year hope they have what it takes to bring home another will be a good test to see where the team stands. The rest of their schedule includes tough title in 2008. We recently took some time to catch up with the reigning champs to talk about region games against Shaw and LaGrange. If they can get past the regular season unscathed, they will have a good shot at repeating. the new faces, new places, and new challenges that lie ahead for them this year. By Joe Deighton, who can be reached at [email protected]. Class 5A: Lowndes Vikings In his six years at the helm of the Lowndes Vikings football program, coach Randy Class 2A: Buford Wolves McPherson has brought four region championships and three state titles to the Valdosta- For the Buford Wolves, the biggest question is whether or not they can tread water based powerhouse. The newly touted “Titletown” and good ol’ “Winnersville” will be well early as they look to replace all but one starter on the offensive front. represented by the 2008 Vikings, who serve as reigning Class 5A state champs and are rid- On paper, what the Wolves lack in experience up front, they more than make up for ing a 14-game winning. in size and beef. Each side of the offensive line is bookended with tackles approaching 300 Last year’s state champs in Class 4A, Northside-Warner Robins, move up a clas- pounds in Dallas Lee and Duvon Milsap. But the real surprise in the eyes of the coaches dur- sification to make a tougher road to the Region 1 title for Lowndes, but the Vikings are ing summer workouts has been Kolton Houston. This 6-foot-5 junior and the rest of his line- more than capable of equaling their 14-1 record of last year. mates will look to use the beginning of the season to jell and build continuity in the trenches. There are 14 returning starters, led by Florida commit Greg Reid and Florida State Making the plays offensively, and possibly defensively, for the Wolves will be commit Gerald Demps. Both players feature in a secondary that is as good as any in the state. junior Daunte Carr. Carr is a 6-3 junior who will get lots of time at wide receiver and will The quarterback duties are in the hands of Khary Franklin, who played in every game last even double as a free safety. Joining him deep in the secondary could be Jeffrey Gazaway, season. The aforementioned Reid will provide the same electricity he provided on his tone- a senior who really surprised his coaches during the summer when he stepped into a newly setting 91-yard jaunt in last year’s title game vs. North Gwinnett. opened starting position in the secondary. October will provide the champs with a titanic pair of key games this season. The Head coach Jess Simpson. Simpson knows what it takes to repeat as state cham- huge game hosting Northside (Oct. 3) and the “Winnersville Classic” vs. Valdosta (Oct. pions, as he was an assistant under Dexter Wood when the school won three consecutive 10) will go a long way in deciding the region champion. Ranked nationally in many pre- titles from 2001-03. He and the rest of the coaching staff are guarding against complacen- season polls, Lowndes will have to stay focused during a grueling schedule in order to cy, but Simpson doesn’t see it as a problem. “I just haven’t sensed that our kids are satis- keep a top nationwide ranking. fied,” he said, “and honestly, most of these kids have been waiting in the wings for their By Corey Mitchell, who can be reached at [email protected]. chance to play and prove themselves.” So while the Wolves players and coaches may see this as a new year and a new Class 4A: Northside-Warner Robins Eagles team, the results may seem all too familiar for Buford opponents. Nine months after the state championship game, and Northside-Warner Robins is By Jason Boral, who can be reached at [email protected]. still sitting on cloud nine. Out of the current five football state champions, they are the only team to have won back-to-back titles, and have lost only one game in the last three seasons. Class A: Emanuel County Institute Bulldogs So what’s next for the Eagles? They are going to face new challenges this year by After a dazzling 2007 state-championship season, the ECI Bulldogs will be hard- moving back up to Class 5A. But that’s only half the fun – they’re in Region 1, where they pressed to find ways in which they can improve on their last campaign. The 2007 team went will face the likes of Lowndes, Valdosta and cross-town rival Warner Robins. 15-0 and won every game except one (Toombs County) by at least 16 points. The juggernaut “We are familiar with those teams since we have been customarily 5A through the from southeast Georgia rambled through the state playoffs, scoring at least 34 points per years,” said head coach Conrad Nix. “It’s going to be a challenge but it’s going to be exciting.” game and winning their five playoff games by an average of almost 24 points per game. In 2004, the Eagles moved down a class after being in 5A since its inception in Head coach Milan Turner knows his team will be the hunted rather than the 2000. During those four years in 4A they compiled a record of 54-3 with two state titles. hunter this year. “With the bull’s eye on our chest, we’re going to get everyone’s best Now that they are back in the state’s highest classification, they are going to try to main- game,” Turner said. “Our goal is to win championships, but a lot factors into that. We’re tain their winning ways without quarterback Marques Ivory, running back Tijuan Green definitely going to have to get better every day in order to [repeat].” and receiver Nick Bass. However, defensive end Abry Jones and linebacker Eric Fields The Bulldogs will play in a revamped Region 3-A this season as a member of the will be back and will try to lead the Eagles to another title. 3B subregion. The new region includes three programs that ECI did not see last year – “Abry has had a really good summer, and Eric has had a good summer,” Nix said. Savannah Christian (Class 2A in 2007), Wheeler County and Montgomery County. “They are two good players, but we have other good players as well.” However, last year’s toughest opponent, Toombs County, is not on the schedule. Nix will need everybody on the roster to do his part if the Eagles want to win The daunting task of approaching last year’s success will be aided by the their third consecutive title. return of several key players. Superstar running back and UGA commitment Washaun By Brian Jones, who can be reached at [email protected]. Ealey returns to try to equal his state-record 58 touchdown runs. On defense, the Bulldogs feature Georgia Tech commitment J.C. Lanier at defensive tackle, UGA com- Class 3A: Carver-Columbus Tigers mitment Dexter Moody at defensive end and 2007 Region 3-A Defensive Player of the The Carver-Columbus Tigers have a tough task in 2008 to repeat as state champi- Year Mark Flott at cornerback. ons. The 2007 title season, in which the team went a perfect 15-0, was the first in school his- By Stephen Black, who can be reached at [email protected]. A New Era at Roswell: Barker will keep Hornets buzzing everal decades ago, Bill Yoast (best known as the assistant to Herman Boone at T.C. Williams SHigh, which was depicted in the film “Remember the Titans”), arrived in Roswell, Ga., to make Roswell High one of the most successful programs in the state. Fast-forward to today: RHS has a new sheriff in town to uphold the unwritten law that states that Roswell High is an elite program. His name is Leo Barker, and if you've never heard of him, you will. Barker has been coaching in the north-metro area for years, but this past April he was appointed the 10th man to serve as head coach of Roswell. Originally from Panama, Barker earned a scholarship to attend New Mexico State without ever having set foot on U.S. soil. From there, he was drafted in 1983 by the Cincinnati Bengals, where he remained until his retirement in 1991. Barker brings many years of experience on the highest level to a young Roswell team that lost many starters last year. He, like many other great coaches, believes in taking care of the small details to facilitate the win. “I believe if they don’t score, they can’t win,” says Barker, and that statement perfectly sums up his defensive mentality. We all know the mantra that defense wins championships, and that is just what is expected at a program like Roswell. On the offensive side of the ball, Roswell benefits from having great depth at the receiver position. Mix that with a strong offensive line, and they should have no problem getting the ball down the field this year. Barker will focus more on the defensive side of the ball during the game, but he has made it known that they will be running at their opponents hard, fast, and often. Barker feels honored to be in a position that carries so much prestige. He is only the 10th man to be named head coach in Roswell’s long history of football. The men before him took the program to the elite level and Barker fully intends on keeping it there. “The community is totally behind this football team, totally behind this school,” Barker said. Barker understands that at the high-school level, making a better individual player is far more important than winning championships. He has great faith in his coaching staff that they will all be able to successfully work together to build a better team. Though Barker is very serious about making his kids work hard to become stronger and faster, he knows that his athletes are students first. “If [the players] can’t behave in a classroom and do what the teachers ask them to do, it’s kind of hard for me to ask them to do something on the field,” Barker says. He believes that they must carry themselves well off the field in order to be a good teammate because, as he says, “that’s what you’re supposed to do.” Despite the success that Roswell has had recently, the Hornets will be without many of their top players from a year ago. Graduation hit Roswell hard, and the schedule is unforgiving early. “In a perfect world you don’t have to open up your first football game as a head coach way down in Tift County,” Barker said, referring to the Region 1 power that his team has to play on Friday. Another intriguing game on the schedule will take place on Oct. 31 when Barker faces a team he used to coach for: Walton. Barker does not believe in talking about winning championships, he believes in talking about working hard and getting better. It seems that even if Roswell’s players don’t go all the way this year, they will certainly have the necessary tools to succeed at the highest level down the road – whether that is on a football field or off it. By Cranston Collier, who can be reached at [email protected]. CHATTAHOOCHEE COUGARS “I would definitely say that game helped to humble the team,” Jarvis said. Eight wins and a state playoff appearance is considered a fairly successful season Despite losing more offensive players, Jarvis believes the team still has as much in Georgia Class 5A football. This was the 2007 season for Chattahoochee, ending with a speed as it had last year. While many inexperienced players will have to step up to the disappointing 34-0 loss to Grayson in the second round of the playoffs. The Cougars, plate, Jarvis hints to a player he believes will have a breakout season. Cameron Myers, a though rebuilding, hope to get back to the postseason in 2008. junior quarterback, has a lot to live up to but possesses great potential. Chattahoochee will be led this year by senior quarterback Brendan Cross, who is “The ultimate goal is to win the state championship,” says Jarvis, who encour- the son of former NFL player Randy Cross. He completed almost 70 percent of his throws ages his team by focusing them on winning one game at a time. last year, passing for over 1,000 yards and running for 400 yards as a junior. Brendan has One opponent that will be on the team’s mind as their biggest rival this season is committed to play for Wake Forest next year. Stephenson. While game night is an affirmative rush for many returning varsity players, Though they have an experienced signal caller in Cross, the Hooch lost three top for previous JV and backups on varsity this year, it may be a different story. players from last year’s squad. Elton Ford (pictured above), Gary Grace and Justin Smith will all be playing this fall. Their departures put tremendous pressure on WALTON RAIDERS their senior quarterback to get the Cougars to the next level. Despite losing some key players from their 2007 squad, the defending Region 6 This past July, Chattahoochee competed in the national 7-on-7 tournament at champion Walton Raiders will look to make the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year in Lassiter. In the local competition they defeated North Gwinnett before losing to Norcross 2008. Head coach Ed Dudley’s squad tied a school record last season by making their sev- in the finals. Going against top-notch competition from around the state in the offseason enth straight postseason appearance. The team also tied school records with 12 should be good preparation for the young Cougars. wins and a state semifinals appearance. A change for Chattahoochee this year will be moving from Region 6 to The Raiders will be replacing many key players, including defen- Region 7. Some tough challenges lay in wait, as they will face off sive end Chase Thomas (pictured right) and nine others who will be against Parkview, Norcross and North Gwinnett, among other strong playing college football this fall. However, the Raiders have sever- teams. It should be interesting to see how far Cross can take this team. al talented players returning who will try to help fill those holes. Linebacker Scott Willoch led the team in tackles last M.L. KING LIONS season with 66 and will help steady the Raider defense along M.L. King made a complete turnaround from its record five with defensive end David Paulsen, who is being recruiting by years ago. After only winning three games in 2002, losing wasn’t an several Division 1 schools and has been offered scholarships option for the undefeated 2007 football team. Winning its first by Tulane, Army, Navy and Air Force. region football championship in the school’s history last sea- Quarterback Ray Rayburn leads the offense and will look son, M.L. King has a lot to deliver this season after graduating to get the ball to wide receiver Price Garrett through the air. Garrett so many key players. was second on the team last year in receiving yardage (411) and A lack of experience is the biggest concern on head coach touchdown catches (three). Fullback Dylan Tante will get most of Corey Jarvis’s mind heading into the 2008 season. Losing 12 sen- the carries in short-yardage situations. ior starters from last year—seven on offense, including wide Standing in the Raiders’ way this season will be many of the receiver Daniel McKayhan (pictured left), and five on defense— same teams from last season’s schedule, with the exception of the team has a big void to fill. The Lions, however, still have Joel Campbell. The Spartans move to Region 6 while traditional East Kight, a bona fide defensive star at linebacker. Jarvis plans to pull Cobb rival Sprayberry has been dropped to Class 4A. There are both from JV and backup players to beef up the roster. He believes the no subregions this season, so the Raiders will play nine region experience and leadership from the departed seniors helped to get a lot of games starting this Friday after their close win over the remaining players ready for the 2008 season. Brookwood in the Georgia Dome at the Corky Kell Classic. The 2007 team’s winning streak ended in a quarterfinal playoff game Joe Deighton, Keilah Johnson and Stephen Black con- against Walton, a heartbreaking 20-19 loss. tributed to this story.

BY CHUCK OLIVER aving spent most of my life in Georgia, I’ve been able to as impressive was Elam REALLY cashing in on his ability by Hsee up close and in person some of the greatest players turning a gift for kicking footballs into a four-year trip to the from one of the best states for high-school football. Some I saw beach – after graduating from Brookwood, he passed on the before actually reaching high school myself. There were a few I opportunity to play in the SEC or ACC and instead accepted a played against at Central Gwinnett, a couple of them I coached scholarship offer to the University of Hawaii. He took his tee to while at South Gwinnett, and way too many I had to scheme the island, set numerous school and conference records for field against when I was wearing a headset and they were wearing a goals made and points scored, and has set several NFL records helmet. Among the greatest: during his 15-year NFL career. • Hines Ward, Forest Park: When I was coaching, one of my • George Rogers, Duluth: I was lucky enough to see Rogers duties each week was to watch film of the next opponent and chart during his senior year when the Wildcats played Central. He wore their plays for tendencies regarding particular plays and forma- No. 20 for Duluth and was only one of several family members I tions in specific down-and-distance situations. Forest Park is the would encounter. Andre, Doby … there were plenty more Rogers I only team I never completed the scouting report for because I real- either played with or against, but George was simply better than any ly didn’t believe the coaches there were calling plays. They were other high-school player I’ve ever seen. In 1980 he became the simply lining up Ward in the shotgun with four wide, snapping University of South Carolina’s only Heisman Trophy winner. him the ball and letting him kind of run around and make some- • Chris Carpenter, Gainesville: While Carpenter eventually thing happen. One of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen on made his living as a major-league pitcher with a nine-year career in film, I’ve got to admit. the bigs (not the guy currently pitching for St. Louis – different Photo courtesy of Jimmy Cribb/Altanta Falcons dude), he was first known around these parts as a pretty good punter for the University of HONORABLE MENTION … Georgia. And before that he was a tremendously talented high-school quarterback for the • David Greene, South Gwinnett: Greene (pictured below) later went on to win Red Elephants. Shiloh, Meadowcreek, Peachtree Ridge, Collins Hill … those and sev- more games than any other quarterback in NCAA history. eral other current Gwinnett County high schools weren’t even thought of in the early • Orantes Grant, Dunwoody: A linebacker on the Dunwoody team that 80s, so the mighty mighty Black Knights of Central Gwinnett regularly played beat us in the 1993 state-championship game. Later starred at UGA, then in the Cedartown, Stephens County and, among others, Gainesville. Carpenter put on a clin- NFL with Dallas, Washington and Cleveland. ic every time. He was an even better basketball player, teaming with future UGA star • Mark Johnson, Warner Robins: Before the Chicago White Patrick Hamilton to form one of the best backcourts in Georgia high-school history. Sox nabbed him with the 26th overall selection in the 1994 MLB • Chuck Smith, Clarke Central: Big Chuck didn’t wait until he got to Draft, Johnson quarterbacked the Demons to the state semis – Knoxville to play great football. He was a sophomore on the 1985 team that where he lost to the mighty Comets from Snellville. Johnson had defeated Central 49-7 in the first round of the playoffs. That Gladiator team the strongest arm I’ve ever seen on a high-school quarterback. went undefeated and won the state title that season. Smith kicked quite a bit of Chuck Oliver, also known as “The King of College Football,” you-know-what for a 16-year-old. played high-school football at Central Gwinnett and later • Jason Elam, Brookwood: Elam (pictured above) blasted a coached at South Gwinnett. He can now be heard on 790 The 49-yard game-winning field goal to beat Central in 1987 and the Zone’s “Afternoon Saloon” weekdays from 4-7 p.m. and can kick would have been good from another 10 yards out. Nearly be reached at [email protected]. Photo courtesy of UGA