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2 | AUG. 31 - SEPT. 13, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 15 CONTENTS CAN’T MISS SHOT OF THE THIS WEEK WEEK... Starting Craig Sager II debuts his “Sager Says” column by discuss- Lineup 4 ing the prominence of quality football in the state of Geor- Publisher/Editor I.J. Rosenberg gia, at all levels. General Mgr./VP Sales Eric Palefsky ART/CREATIVE DIRECTOR DJ Galbiati Senior Managing Editor Stephen Black In our cover story, Fletcher Proctor looks back at the Asst. Managing director Fletcher Proctor 5 Metro PCS Corky Kell Classic and breaks down our latest Business manager Marvin Botnick football poll. SALES Chris Love

BEAT WRITERS 7 Stephen Black discussed “The Battle of I-75” showdown with Chris Lionetti (UGA), Brian Jones (GSU, KSU), Lassiter coach Jep Irwin and McEachern’s Kyle Hockman. Craig Sager II (Falcons), Robby Kalland (Hawks), Joe Deighton (Dream), This week’s prep coverage consists of Battle of I-75 pre- Fletcher Proctor (Braves), Ryan Caiafa (Tech) 8-9 views as well as the latest news from cross country, softball STAFF WRITERS and volleyball. Travis Stigall, Ricky Dimon, Sean Conway Team Scoop INSIDE AT SCORE TO ADVERTISE IN SCORE ATLANTA: and Voices Score Atlanta is looking for new sales associates 404.256.1572 COVER design by DJ Galbiati as well as writing and graphic design interns. GRAYSON GREAT: Robert Nkem- Cover Photos courtesy of Sonny Kennedy For sales positions, e-mail IJ Rosenberg at Copyright 2012 Score Atlanta Publishing, LLC. All rights re- diche barrels in from the one-yard line in and jimmy cribb/ [email protected]. For writing in- served. Score Atlanta is published every week on Fridays. Views the Rams’ 31-12 win over McEachern at expressed in Score Atlanta are not necessarily the opinion of ON THE ternships, e-mail Stephen Black at sblack@ Score Atlanta, its staff or advertisers. Score Atlanta does not 6 Score List - Numbers knowingly accept false or misleading editorial content or adver- scoreatl.com. For graphic design internships, the Metro PCS Corky Kell Classic Saturday. tising nor is Score Atlanta responsible for the content or claims e-mail DJ Galbiati at djgalbiati@scoreatl. Grayson is ranked No. 1 in the state and of any advertising or editorial in this publication. No content (ar- 12 GSU, KSU, UGA, Tech com. Feel free to call 404-256-1572 to speak Nkemdiche is the top recruit in the nation. ticles, photographs, graphics) in Score Atlanta may be used for with someone about any of these positions. reproduction without written permission from the publisher. 13 Braves, Falcons, Dream, Hawks Photo courtesy of Sonny Kennedy.

www.scoreatl.com | 3 columnists began at 9 a.m. with Chattahoochee vs. Kell. UNDER THE RADAR … The attendance mark is a record for the Corky While Rush Propst’s Packers received Kell Classic. some hype in the offseason, our Atlanta Fal- steve black I took away several things from this cons are mostly under the radar. If anyone has event, but the most memorable was Walton picked Mike Smith’s bunch to win or even running back Tyren Jones tearing through the make the Super Bowl, please point me in the ATTACK Brookwood defense all night for 302 yards direction of that prediction. and five . Players put up big num- Frankly, I can’t understand why there has bers all the time in high school football, but been so little love for our Birds. The Falcons Braves need to end Monday curse Jones did this against a proud program in the return the core of their offense yet again, and Broncos. While some of his runs were long should be an even bigger play- By Stephen Black sprints in which he pulled away from the maker in his second year. And honestly, new Brookwood defense, some of his shorter runs coordinators Mike Nolan and Dirk Koetter fter winning seemingly every game in The sad part about all this is the Braves may have been more impressive. What the can’t help but be an improvement over last AJuly and August, the Nationals appear have been losing on Mondays regularly 5-foot-8, 190-pounder did with no blocking year’s crew. While the defense lacks star to be on a slide. That is terrific news for throughout the season, and at this point, it is on some runs was amazing. power, it does have a lot of talent. The acqui- our Braves, who have been knocking on a measure of annoyance and frustration, not The most exciting game of the day sition of Asante Samuel brings swagger and the door of the NL East lead for quite some just a fluke. Whatever you guys are doing was definitely the North Gwinnett upset of attitude to the unit and young players like time. The Nats boast a deep pitching staff Sunday night, please change the routine. Colquitt County. The Bulldogs lost some- Sean Weatherspoon and William Moore are and dynamic lineup, so odds are the slide where around 10 assistant coaches depend- nearing their peaks. won’t continue long. CORKY KELL CLASSIC … ing on how you look at it, and were left for I like the Falcons to make the playoffs The Braves’ biggest issue is themselves. I hope many of you reading this column dead by many heading into this season. But yet again, and this time, make a run in the After winning the final two games of a four- were at the Dome this past Saturday for the Bob Sphire apparently did a wonderful job of playoffs. The division is down and the Fal- game set at San Francisco, our guys got shut Metro PCS Corky Kell Classic. As always, it hiring new assistants and keeping his players cons are the best team in it. The Saints are out in San Diego in Game 1 of a series with was a wonderful showcase for metro Atlanta focused. The visiting Packers are one of the a mess with the suspensions and off-the-field the lowly Padres. Although the Braves won high school football and this year, it also fea- favorites to win the state title this year and drama and Carolina is Cam Newton versus the following game, the series opener was the tured two teams from South Georgia. Some of were ranked No. 3 in the preseason polls. the world. While I love Newton’s game, he is type of game the Braves need to start win- the best players and teams in Georgia were at Now, you have to look at the Bulldogs not going to will Carolina to a division title. ning. And is it any surprise the shutout loss the event and more than 33,000 fans walked at a legitimate threat to win the state cham- Black can be reached at came on a Monday? through the turnstiles during the day, which pionship. [email protected].

overall competitiveness throughout all classi- rivaled regions all claiming to have the best foot- fications. ball. We saw North vs South in the Dome last In this year’s NFL draft, former Cen- weekend when North Gwinnett topped Colquitt tral Gwinnett Black Knight Jonathan Mas- County and then Camden County stomped sager saquoi was taken by the Falcons in the fifth Peachtree Ridge. Then we saw the county rival- round and was one of 14 former Georgia high ries that are heating up each season with Cobb school football players taken in the draft. The County’s Walton beating Gwinnett County’s says 14 Georgia players picked is right at the 13.7 Brookwood and then Gwinnett County’s Gray- average since it was first recorded in 1988. son beating Cobb County’s McEachern. The 2011 draft had the most picks with 19, All the big name recruits and the rival- Georgia football more than holds its own including No. 1 overall pick and former West- ries are easy to focus on, but that is not what lake Lion Cam Newton. makes our football great. We have some of By Craig Sager II The more statistics that have been col- the top recruits in the country now, but it is lected to locate football talent, the more it the other guys that matter. It is the high school f any state in our football-infatuated coun- now, and after a few down seasons, it looks pinpointed how superior certain hotspots football star that may not have the frame to try should have enthusiasm heading into the like coach Mark Richt will once again lead were, and dove into a feeding play in college but does a darn good job on I2012 season, it should be us. This offseason a dangerous band of Bulldogs. Georgia Tech frenzy to recruit them. Friday nights. Any time you watch a high suggests we could be witnesses to one of the should finally have an improved defense this California, Texas, Florida and Georgia school or college game these days, the mea- biggest and most exciting years on the grid- season and could return to top form and jump came out as the zenith of high school foot- surements of the athletes can overshadow iron that Georgia has ever seen. It seems like back into contention for the ACC title. ball, and this quartet has been battling it out what they are doing. everything is falling into alignment from the Legendary football coach Bill Curry will since. When it comes to the overall produc- I remember watching a 5-foot-11 shoot- high school level to the professional ranks. coach in the final season of his storied foot- tion of football talent, though, Georgia should ing guard put up 30 points last season and The Falcons have been on the radar since ball career with Georgia State. The Panthers be the clear candidate. California has about lead his team to an impressive upset. The re- Matt Ryan and Mike Smith debuted in 2008 travel to the University of Tennessee on Sept. four times the population of Georgia, Texas porter responded with, “Wow this kid is great, season and appear to be on the threshold of 8 to take on the Volunteers. about two and a half times more and Florida but he will never have the size to play at the a breakout season. They have been busy all The most notable entity of Georgia’s is about double the size. The fact that Georgia next level.” offseason with new playbooks on both sides football has already kicked off: high school matches up with a similar capacity of these Let that be a lesson. Recruiting has of the football. teams. We need to understand the magnitude states and can produces comparable draft turned high school football into a bidding of our high school football. picks and college talent is amazing. war, but we have to remember what makes it CAMPUS CALAMITY ... The statewide wealth of Peach State so great, because in the end, all that matters is In the collegiate realm, we have UGA, football persuaded Rivals to nominate Geor- PURE PERSPECTIVE ... what they do on Friday nights. Georgia Tech and Georgia State in our back- gia as the top high school football state for the High School football is prominent through- Sager can be reached at yard. UGA is a preseason top 10 at No. 6 right first time in 2011. The rankings were based on out the state and has divided our landscape into [email protected].

4 | AUG. 31 - SEPT. 13, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 15 COVER STORY

coach Rocky Hidalgo about the future Ala- Michael Valero was able to get into the Chat- bama running back. “He’s incredibly com- tahoochee backfield and hit the quarterback petitive and he wants to be the best. It really time and time again. breakneck drives him.” Langley’s biggest contribution also came on offense as he scored a pair of touchdowns UPSET CITY … for Kell. Langley took a screen and juked his start The most shocking result of the Corky way into the end zone early on in the game. Kell was North Gwinnett springing the upset Later, Langley hauled in a 27-yard touch- on previously ranked No. 3 Colquitt County. down pass from Matthew McGuigan. Kell Several teams make early statements The Packers, coached by Rush Propst and led quickly put its name near the top of the list of by Cole Segraves, entered the year with per- Class AAAAA title contenders. By Fletcher Proctor haps Propst’s best team since he took over in Moultrie, but it was North Gwinnett’s play- OTHER ACTION ... makers that willed the Bulldogs to victory. The Georgia Dome wasn’t the only site Donnie Miles will likely play a majority of for high school football action on the 2012 his snaps this season on defense, but the fu- season’s opening weekend. Thomas County ture UNC Tar Heel took a handoff 77 yards to Central, behind a ferocious defense, de- the end zone late in the third quarter to give stroyed Thomasville 41-7 in the Rose City the Bulldogs a lead. rivalry. Thomas County Central now faces Segraves answered with a huge pass Colquitt County in a classic “irresistible forc- to Bobby Hill, leading to a Deonte McCain es meets an immoveable object” game. ECI score, and it appeared that Colquitt County also moved up in the latest Class A Score At- had won the game when the Packers stopped lanta rankings after demolishing Metter 42-7. North Gwinnett with only minutes to play Two defending champions fell on the in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs’ defense season’s first Friday night when Thomson forced a three-and-out before Michael Hayes tamed Burke County 21-14 and Jenkins edged took over and connected on a pair of passes Savannah Christian 21-20. Burke County lost then a 20-yard running play, all with no time- a lot of talent from last year as 23 seniors outs. Michael D’Angola drilled a 33-yard graduated from the 2011 Class AAA champi- field goal as time expired to give North Gwin- onship squad. Savannah Christian is also try- nett a 16-14 win. ing to replace a host of talent on the offensive The fact that North Gwinnett won isn’t and defensive side of the ball. shocking. The Bulldogs have posted at least Photos courtesy of Sonny Kennedy. Proc- 10 wins in each of the last six seasons and tor can be reached at [email protected]. have not dropped a region game since 2008. Before the season, though, head coach Bob Sphire told Score that the program was in a “crisis situation,” after losing part of the igh school football kicked off with a bang finishing off McEachern 31-12 population to a new high school and losing Hlast week as the Metro PCS Corky Kell Camden County may have had a right 10 assistants to other jobs over the last 18 Classic saw several prime contenders make to be a little upset about remaining No. 2 af- months. The Bulldogs appeared to have found their claim for the top spot in the Score At- ter dismantling Peachtree Ridge 42-0. Brice playmakers on defense in Mills and Dante lanta Class AAAAAA poll. Grayson, Camden Ramsey completed just 6-of-8 passing for Sawyer, who was constantly in the Colquitt County and Walton all looked impressive in 132 yards, but the future Georgia Bulldog County backfield last Saturday. If those two their season-opening victories while North did record three touchdowns as the Wild- keep leading the charge, look for the Bulldogs Gwinnett pulled off a stunner over Colquitt cats dominated the Lions. Camden County’s to keep winning and barely skip a beat in re- County, announcing that the Bulldogs would Wing T offense is incredibly dangerous with gion play. once again be players in the chase for a cham- the athletes Jeff Herron has in the backfield, pionship. Kell showed its grit with a dominat- including J.J. Green, but it is Ramsey that HOOK EM HORNS ... ing win over Chattahoochee in a game where presents the biggest headaches for opposing One of the more impressive performanc- the Longhorns were rarely challenged. coaches. es of the Corky Kell Classic came from the Grayson entered the Corky Kell Classic “Brice gives us an ability to take advan- program named for the man that inspired the with a 15-game winning streak and promptly tage of what people are doing (defensively),” event. The Kell Longhorns barely let Chat- pulled away from McEachern after halftime. said Herron. “When you’re able to run the tahoochee breathe on offense as the Long- The Indians kept it close until intermission, ball in the Wing-T, you have some opportuni- horns defensive secondary staked its claim but the enormous stable of running backs ties in the passing game. We have some big as the best in the state. Quincy Mauger and Rams coach Mickey Conn has at his disposal play capabilities.” Brendan Langley each have SEC scholar- is something that Grayson’s opponents will Tyren Jones turned in perhaps the most ship offers but the juniors Julian Burris, Jay have a hard time containing all year. Wayne impressive performance of the day, carrying Moxey and Taylor Henkle are perhaps just as Gallman showed some serious quicks on Sat- the ball 31 times for 302 yards and five scores talented, and the entire team was on display urday and Robert Nkemdiche proved once as Walton waxed Brookwood 35-24. Jones against the Cougars. Henkle came up with a again that, when he holds onto the ball, he was taken out early in the fourth quarter, oth- late to ice the game while Moxey is unstoppable in short bursts. Grayson re- erwise he may have approached 350 yards. recovered a . The secondary did such mained No. 1 in the Score Atlanta poll after “He is the total package,” said Walton a quality job taking away the receivers that

www.scoreatl.com | 5 our thoughts

Kris Medlen Friday Night Lights Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game This guy needs a nickname! Medlen It’s that time of year again. Crank The folks that invented the chick- up the concession stand popcorn en sandwich have perfected their has been a beast since joining the rota- annual start to the college foot- tion. He has not allowed more than three machine, break out the band and ball season. Last year, Georgia get ready for some of the best faced Boise State. This year we earned runs in a month since May. The high school football in the coun- get the Tennessee-NC State and Braves are undefeated in games he’s try. If you don’t love the smell of Auburn-Clemson matchups. Next started dating back to May 2010. Dude year, it’ll be Alabama-VA Tech. Thumbs up TO cut grass and fresh chalk this Fans across the country are re- is setting himself up to be the team’s ace time of year in Georgia, maybe alizing that Atlanta is becoming ace starters in September. you should … just leave town. college football’s home field.

The All-Suspended team Michael Carson Braves’ battered starting rotation Too many top college football Carson is the suspended head stars will be missing from famil- coach of M. L. King’s Class The Brave’s starters just can’t stay healthy. iar sidelines this weekend. Some AAAAA No. 9 football team. Re- Consider this, Tim Hudson, Brandon players have been dismissed from cently, police confirmed that he Beachy, Jair Jurrjens, Tommy Hanson and their programs and are trying out new destinations. Other bad boys sent a text picture of himself au Ben Sheets have all been tabbed for the dis- face suspensions. Don’t you wish natural to a parent of one of his abled list this year, and zero Braves’ starters you could see guys like Tyrann players. The successful coach are on pace to pitch more than 180 innings Mathieu, Michael Dyer, Isaiah needs to straighten up. We hope Thumbs down Crowell, Sanders Commings and the talented team rallies around all season. That makes for a brutal Septem- Da’Rick Rogers on the field? interim coach Robert Freeman. ber workload for the boys in the bullpen. TO the dl Score crunching TRIVIA SANITY List the NUMBERS QUESTION AT LAST BY BRIAN JONES BY fletcher proctor “I know this experience will help. What current We just competed with one of the CLASSIC SATURDAY: Athens, the Clas- Straight Kris Medlen starts won by the sic City, will be on fire Saturday because it is the Braves, matching Chris Carpenter’s nation’s top teams and we hung start of the 2012 football season. The Bulldogs will face Buffalo in what should be a nice tune-up 17 2005 streak Brave played with them for a while. We’re a game before they head to Missouri the following week. The one thing I will be watching is how of- young team, we had mistakes, fensive lineman John Theus does in his first start. Straight innings Medlen has shut out and they happen. I think we’re 1 And I also want to see how Malcolm Mitchell the San Diego Padres over the past college baseball does in his first start at cornerback. It should be a 17 two weeks going to come back better and very fun day for all Georgia fans. more mature next week and MONDAY MADNESS: Georgia Tech will for both Auburn start its season on Labor Day facing the Virginia Consecutive wins by Grayson, the we’re going to get it done.” Tech Hokies. It will be a tough game to win be- longest current winning streak in cause the Jackets are playing in Blacksburg. But 16 if the Jackets can get a consistent passing game GHSA football and Florida? going and improve on special teams, there is no - McEachern offensive lineman 2 reason they cannot steal one from the Hokies on Labor Day. But do I think that’s going to happen? The point spread for the upcoming Jujuan Dulaney after the Corky We’ll just have to wait and see. 37.5 UGA/Buffalo football game as of Answer on Page 10 Kell Classic loss to Grayson. DOME KICKOFF: The Georgia Dome will be Wednesday swamped with college football fans on Friday and Saturday nights for the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff weekend. Tennessee and N.C. State will be squar- Completed passes by Brice Ramsey in ing off on Friday and Auburn and Clemson will be eight attempts against Peachtree Ridge featured in the Saturday contest. I think Tennessee 6 and Auburn will be the winners, but both games 3 should be very compelling. The Chick-fi-A College Touchdowns Ramsey passed for coach’s diary Kickoff has always been a great way to start the against Peachtree Ridge in the Corky season and these two games will not disappoint. 3 New Centennial football coach Jeffrey Carlberg is We were passive and not crisp. That started to Kell Classic quickly putting his fingerprints all over the Knights change during the second quarter, but I still ad- EAST VS. WEST: McEachern will be the program, and he has invited Score along for the dressed the team at halftime with a simple chal- battleground for East Cobb and West Cobb on Friday night. In what’s being called the “Battle Carries by Walton’s Tyren Jones ride during his first year at the helm. lenge: stop playing tentatively. Be the of I-75,” Hillgrove will face Lassiter at 7 p.m. and against Brookwood. He tallied 302 Here are highlights from last week… hammer, not the nail. Walton will face off against the Indians about 30 31 We traveled to Marist for our fi- We responded with several minutes after the first game ends. In my opinion, yards and five scores nal scrimmage Friday before kicking scoring chances in the third quarter 4 Lassiter and Walton will be the victors and East off the 2012 season at Roswell this and capitalized on two of them. Cobb will come away with the sweep. But Hill- grove and McEachern are very talented teams Starts last season for new Falcons’ week. Our quarterback Chase Rosen- The final score was 38- which will make both games exciting. Check out backup QB Luke McCown. He went 1-1 berg ran for one score and connected 20, but there were plenty of bright both games on GPB and GPB.org/sports. 2 with the Jaguars with Christian Robinson for a pair of spots on both sides of the ball and ONE MORE GAME: But wait. While you’re touchdowns as we continue to imple- plenty of our players saw action. on GPB.org/sports watching two great games, Home runs in 45 games since the All- ment the spread offense. This was re- Our offense certainly had a lot to there is also the first webcast game of the year ally the first time we’ve put the spread build on this week, and it was clear as Northside-Warner Robins will travel to Flow- 10 Star break by Jason Heyward ery Branch to face the Falcons. These are two out against players that aren’t familiar that the defense got a lot better as very proud programs and there is no other way with our system, so the coaching staff the night went on. I thought the de- to start the webcast season than watching these Hits by Reed Johnson in his last six was interested to see what happened. fensive ends in particular played really 5 two teams go at it. Score’s Fletcher Proctor and Bob Houghton have the call, which is another rea- games. Johnson has hit .319 since We got off to a slow start because we well. Hopefully, we can carry that over into our son to tune in. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. 7 joining the Braves weren’t playing with much aggression early on. opener against Roswell.

6 | AUG. 31 - SEPT. 13, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 15 While the coaches and programs as a just a playoff team. whole are respectful of each other, the games “It’s gonna be a huge challenge,” said Friendly county rivalries turn hostile are intense and highly competitive. Lassiter Hockman of his team’s first two games. “We’ve and Walton share a rivalry so important it has definitely got our work cut out for us in back- By Stephen Black been named “The Super Bowl of East Cobb” to-back weeks and, honestly, that’s what we’re and Hillgrove and McEachern enjoy their trying to do. That’s our goal as a program, here is no disputing the fact that Friday’s Battle Lassiter coach Jep Irwin, in his third year at own neighborhood grudge match. However, where Grayson was (state champions), and we of I-75 is a chance for some of Cobb County’s the east Cobb school, agrees with Hockman. the combatants in Friday’s game do not really want to play those types of teams early when Tbest programs to demonstrate the quality of high “What I like about Cobb County is that share anything but respect and support for their there’s no playoff implications on the line and school football played here. And while the famil- when coaches got eliminated in the playoffs, opponents. to see where we’re at.” iarity between Cobb teams certainly breeds con- they were sending us text messages like ‘Good McEachern and Walton have a relationship Preparing for these games is always tempt at times, the programs tend to enjoy mutual luck!’ and ‘Go Cobb!’ So it’s really a friendly that stretches back to 1976. The two programs tricky, as there is no hiding weakness against respect that does not exist in other parts of the state. rivalry,” said Irwin. “There’s not as much hatred have played seven times, with the Raiders hold- such quality competition. Lassiter, as the only as a lot of people like to make it out to be. It’s ing a 4-3 edge. The last game between the Raid- program that hasn’t played a game yet, is in a RESPECT AND SUPPORT … a good healthy, friendly rivalry, but the coaches ers and Indians came in the 2003 Corky Kell unique situation. According to two coaches in Friday’s in Cobb County want to promote Cobb football Classic, a 21-7 Walton win. “You hope that you’ve done enough to get event, the respect between programs and coach- and I think this event is one way we can do that.” Lassiter and Hillgrove, meanwhile, have yourself ready to play up until game week,” said es is palpable despite the intense and competi- While the event is a big deal to football never met. But the two programs have made the Irwin. “We know what we’re up against in terms tive rivalries around the county. fans around the state, its origin was rather sim- playoffs a combined seven times in four seasons of the good coaching and good players they “Cobb County coaches, since I’ve been here, ple and easy. and each program has made at least the quarter- have (at Hillgrove). They’ve had a very good have been really tight and supportive of each oth- “We kinda had the idea start to float finals of the playoffs in the past two years. program there the past couple years.” er,” said McEachern head coach Kyle Hockman, around,” said Hockman of an intra-county foot- While the competition on the field Friday will who has coached the Indians since 2008. “In a ball event. “I was just real honored that the other TOUGH OPENERS … be white hot with intensity, there is a deep respect playoff game for a Cobb County team, there’s a guys jumped on it really fast. The other three McEachern opened with last year’s state between the competitors. After all, the four pro- bunch of other (Cobb) head coaches sitting there (coaches) were like ‘Hey, let’s do this.’ It was champion, Grayson, last week and play the grams are united in search of one common goal: watching on the sideline and all pulling for each really just a matter of working out details. It’s runner-up Friday in Walton. With such a tough bringing a state championship back to Cobb. other. Maybe (Friday’s event) will kickstart some obviously something that all four of us are ex- opening schedule, Hockman and his program Black can be reached at good cross-county rivalries.” cited about.” obviously have their sights on being more than [email protected]. high school sports

Of the four other five-star prospects, only Keith Ford out of Cypress, Texas was under 6-foot-1. The 40-yard time is also a measureable that could possibly have kept Jones from making it simply into the top 10 in all of the services. Jones posted a 4.57 time, behind players such as Ryan Green of St. Petersburg, Fla., (4.40), Kailo Moore of the best Rosedale, Miss., (4.44) and fellow Alabama Crimson Tide commit Altee Tenpenny out of North Little Rock, Ark., (4.42). But numbers can be deceiving and some- Is Jones the top back in America? times it is the intangibles that make the difference. “He is a great kid with great character,” By Fletcher Proctor said Hidalgo. “His talent is overshadowed by how hard he works. He is talented in a lot of yren Jones rushed for 2,375 yards and 38 fifth-best back in the entire country. ways and I think is the total package.” Ttouchdowns as a junior in his first season “He’s incredibly competitive,” revealed Nick Saban seems to agree and the Ala- with Walton. After committing to Alabama and Hidalgo. “He wants to be the best back and it bama head coach is no doubt glad to have Jones putting on nearly 20 pounds of muscle over the drives him.” verbally committed to his program. For now, summer Jones is back, running hard toward an- Who are these backs and how in the world Jones and the Raiders will go back to work on other offensive player of the year recognition. can they be better than Jones, who carried Wal- trying to finish off what they started last season, ton to the state finals one year ago before scor- which was winning their first 14 games before BRONCOS BLITZED … ing nearly every point for Walton last week? falling to Grayson in the state championship Last week at the Georgia Dome, Jones car- game. Jones posted more than 2,300 yards and ried the ball 31 times for 302 yards while finding NUMBERS AND FIGURES … could have padded the stats even more, accord- the end zone five times in a 35-24 Walton vic- Recruiting is a numbers game before anything ing to Hidalgo, had the Walton coaches played tory. As incredible as the numbers were, Wal- else. Measureables are the best way to differenti- him in the second half of blowouts. ton head coach Rocky Hidalgo is used to seeing ate running backs when they play similar positions This season, expect Jones to possibly Jones turn in these types of games. against far different competition. Jones’ size ranges eclipse the totals from one year ago, especially “He’s had so many great games,” said Hidal- from 5-foot-9, 197 pounds on Scout.com to 5-foot-8, with fellow Alabama pledge Parker McLeod go. “It is really hard to say which has been his best 202 pounds according to 247sports to 5-foot-8, 185 under center for Walton making defenses think game, but he was really impressive Saturday night.” pounds according to Rivals, with ESPN rounding out twice about putting nine in the box. Despite last season’s eye-popping numbers the field with 5-foot-8, 190 pounds. Jones is some- Hidalgo said the team would be working to and the early success for 2012, Jones is still not where in there, but his measureables have earned him improve in several areas on offense, including considered ranked in the top 18 in two of four ma- four stars across the board from all four services. making strides with the offensive line. If the line jor recruiting services. Rivals.com has him listed Conversely, Scout.com’s top back Ty Isaac can improve its play and avoid costly penalties, as the third best back in Georgia, just No. 26 in out of Illinois headed to USC is listed at 6-foot- expect Jones to surpass the 300-yard mark quite the country. Scout.com has him as the second-best 2, 220 pounds. Stockton, California product often in 2012 and pick up some more hardware back and No. 19 overall. ESPN has him pegged Justin Davis, also headed to USC, checks in at before heading off to Alabama. below Norcross’ Alvin Kamara in the state and No. 6-foot-1, 195 pounds. Each of these players has Photo courtesy of Walter Pinion. Proctor 8 overall. The final service, 247sports, has him the earned five stars based largely on their height. can be reached at [email protected].

of the season, allowing two runs in seven in- nings. Jazmin Hawkins was 2-for-3 with a triple and two runs while Stavro was 2-for-2 with a stolen base. Against Lakeview, Bekah Rude (3- PREP 0) earned the win with four innings of work. Alexis Baldy hit an inside-the-park homer and Hasty had a triple and two RBIs. Marietta is just 3-5 on the season, but is led NOTEBOOK by junior Taylor Hartenbach, who is hitting .391 with three triples and four RBIs. Hartenbach also leads the team in most pitching categories, Roswell girls edge defending champs with two wins, 48 strikeouts and a 3.67 ERA. St. Pius has struggled to a 1-6 start to its season, but Natasha Sherrod has been scorch- By Stephen Black ing at the plate, hitting .533 with four extra- base hits. The Golden Lions will open Region t the Peachtree Ridge/Walton stage races in in Douglas County Saturday with 53 points, besting 6-AAA play against McNair on Thursday. Duluth, defending Class AAAAA cross coun- Milton’s second-place total of 68 points. The Chiefs Atry champion Walton was edged by Roswell in finished 1-2 in the individual standings as well, with ON THE COURTS … the girls meet. The Hornets won the meet with 19 seniors Brad Hort and Sidney Speir clocking times No. 3 Mill Creek won the Brookwood points while the Raiders came in just behind with of 15:30.91 and 15:35.12. Milton’s Nathan Riech Aloha Bash with a 4-0 record in the event. The 21. Dunwoody had a respectable third-place show- broke through in third place with a time of 15:46. Hawks defeated Brookwood (25-21, 25-15), ing with 22 points. The Wildcats’ Alexandra Cam- Milton won the girls meet with 64 points, easily Providence Christian (25-21, 25-13), Class A eron won the overall race with a time of 11:33.46. ahead of second-place Landmark Christian, which No. 1 George Walton Academy (25-22, 25-22) In the boys meet, Mill Creek and St. Pius X tied totaled 103 points. The individual winner was also and Parkview (25-12, 25-15). Mill Creek’s Em- with 10 points and were followed by Brookwood an Eagle, Annie Kelly, who finished with a time of ily Wylie had 25 kills and four blocks, while with 27 points. Austin Sprague of St. Pius X won 17:55.60. Landmark Christian’s Kathryn Foreman Cayla Graham had 18 kills, Brittany Moore had the race with a time of 9:47.11 while Eric Westog came in second at 18:09.34. 35 digs and Kaitlyn Lattimer had 46 assists. of Mill Creek came in second with a time of 9:52. Class AAA No. 1 Woodward Academy won In Fairburn, Norcross won the Mercy Invi- DIAMOND NOTES … four games last week with victories over Chatta- tational boys meet with 36 points while Marist Class AAA No. 1 Buford (10-0) won its hoochee (22-25, 25-22, 25-23), Sandy Creek (26- came in second with 61. Marist won the girls meet Region 7-opener against West Hall 12-0 in five 24, 25-23), Starr’s Mill (25-15, 25-15) and Colum- with 50 points to defeat second-place Blessed innings. The Wolves scored 11 runs in the first bus (25-23, 25-16). Lexie Norfleet had 30 total Trinity (73) and the rest of the field. Senior Kath- three innings, including a homer run and three kills in the four games, Sydney Morton had seven erine Yost of Norcross won the girls race with a RBIs by Remington Hasty and three RBIs by service aces and Elizabeth Muse had 20 digs. time of 18:31.53, well ahead of second-finisher Sydney Stavro. Pitcher Bria Bush (6-0) got the Class AAAAAA North Cobb upended Morgan Ilse of Marist, who finished in 19:20.56. win after throwing two no-hit innings. Bush then Class AAAAA Sequoyah 25-15, 25-17, 25-23 The War Eagles finished with 10 runners in the yielded to freshman Peyton Wolfe, who tossed in a best-of-five match Tuesday in Kennesaw. top 23. The individual winner of the boys race the last three innings in giving up just one hit. The host Warriors (11-4) benefited from 11 kills was Michael Thurston of Marist, who clocked a Saturday, at North Georgia College and State by Savanna Gonzales and nine from Maddie time of 16:03.34, just ahead of Arman Rehmann University, Buford beat North Forsyth of Class Dukes. Taylor Parrish had 30 assists. of Norcross, who finished at 16:04.70. AAAAAA and Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe. In Photo courtesy of the GHSA. Black can be McIntosh won the Bob Blastow Invitational the North Forsyth win, Bush won her fifth game reached at [email protected].

8 | AUG. 31 - SEPT. 13, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 15 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

31-15 in the season opener as Thompson threw for 281 yards and four touchdowns on 18-of-25 passing. Hillgrove started a tad Football slow, as Westlake grabbed an early 7-0 lead rankings HILLGROVE and held it through the half. But to start the week 2 second half, the Hawks scored on a 60-yard screen pass to Bagley. From there, Ironside’s class AAAAAA vS. LASSITER squad dominated in outscoring the host Lions 1...... Grayson 17-0 in the third period. 2...... Camden County Meanwhile, Lassiter is the only team in to- 3...... Walton Plenty of options available for both offenses night’s event to have not yet played a game in 4...... Lassiter 2012. Irwin prepared his team by focusing on its 5...... Lovejoy By Fletcher Proctor & Stephen Black own issues throughout fall camp, but shifted the 6...... North Gwinnett focus to the Hawks this week. 7...... Valdosta “You hope that you’ve done enough to get 8...... Hillgrove he Lassiter Trojans will once again boast a ago, taking down Walton 21-16. Troy Thompson yourself ready to play up until game week,” said high-flying offense that should barely skip a looks like he is more than capable under center 9...... Colquitt County T Irwin. “But we already know what we’re up 10...... McEachern beat after the loss of star wideout Charlie Hege- and Richardre Bagley took a simple screen nearly against in terms of the good coaching and good dus to graduation. Jep Irwin’s squad reached the 70 yards for a score. Look for Thompson to find players they have over there. They’ve had a very Class AAAAA semifinals one season ago and Bagley and tight end Evan Engram a lot this sea- good program there the past couple years.” class AAAAA looks to advance even further with Eddie Printz son. Engram is 6-foot-3, 210 pounds and is head- Irwin knows he won’t have a difficult time back under center. The future UCLA Bruin will ed to Ole Miss. Omar Black and Justin Denton getting his team motivated for tonight’s game. 1...... Tucker once again have Juwan Dickey on the outside as will also be options on the outside for the Hawks. While the other programs in the Battle of I-75 2...... Stephenson well as Ryan Jenkins, who is headed to Clem- Ironside said before the season that his of- had openers last weekend, the Trojans had all 3...... Northside-WR son, and junior Quincy Perdue. fense would spread the ball around to take ad- offseason to think about this game. 4...... Kell Printz has really taken on even more of a vantage of the talent on offense. “I think the entire offseason your players 5...... Gainesville leadership role leading up to his senior season Defensively, Tolando Cleveland leads an really have a big game to look forward to,” said 6...... Warner Robins according to his coach. experienced secondary. Irwin. “Playing Hillgrove in the Battle of I-75 7...... East Paulding “He is leading workouts and throwing to the “We have all of our secondary back and they for Cobb County football is really big. It’s been 8...... Flowery Branch younger guys,” said Irwin earlier this summer. all started as sophomores,” said Ironside. “We’ll good for us in the offseason.” 9...... ML King Defensively, the Trojans return defensive get a good test early on. We’ve got a good regular Lassiter has been a veteran of big early-sea- 10...... Thomas County Central back Robert Dowling and linebacker Josh Dan- season schedule and it is really important to get son showcases having participated in the Corky forth along with Trenton Gantt up front on the off to a good start to stay atop the region.” Kell Classic the past two seasons. With that in class AAAA defensive line. Irwin will be working in several Expect plenty of points go up on the board mind, how important is the season-opener, espe- newcomers on defense with Eric Perdue at safe- as both of the offenses will throw the ball around cially against such a respected opponent? 1...... Sandy Creek ty, Hakim Carter at defensive back and Chris the field, especially if the summer 7-on-7 camps “I think it all depends on how you play in 2...... Cairo Murphy at cornerback. were any indication. While many expected Las- that first game,” said Irwin. “I don’t think it can 3...... Marist Many figured the Hillgrove offense would siter to shine, Hillgrove played strong defense define your season, but it sure doesn’t hurt to get 4...... Carrollton take a step back after the departure of Kenyan in addition to throwing the ball well, impressing a win first.” 5...... Statesboro Drake to Alabama, but Phil Ironside’s Hawks many who witnessed the event. Black and Proctor can be reached at 404- 6...... Baldwin looked dominating in a scrimmage a few weeks Last week, Hillgrove defeated Westlake 256-1572. 7...... Burke County 8...... Grady 9...... Stephens County 10...... Griffin sic. While the 31-12 defeat looks bad on paper, McEachern’s players and coaches were encour- class AAA aged by how they competed with what may be 1...... Peach County McEACHERN one of the best high school teams in the nation. 2...... Buford “I know this experience will help,” said 3...... Carver-Columbus Indians offensive lineman Jujuan Dulaney after 4...... Elbert County the Corky Kell Classic. “We just competed with 5...... St. Pius X vS. WALTON one of the nation’s top teams and we hung with 6...... Washington County them for a while. We’re a young team, we had 7...... Thomson mistakes, and they happen. I think we’re going to 8...... North Oconee Young defenses to be seriously tested come back better and more mature next week and 9...... Blessed Trinity we’re going to get it done.” 10...... Jefferson County Clemons scored twice against the fearsome By Fletcher Proctor & Stephen Black Rams’ defense and McEachern trailed just 14-12 entering the second half, but succumbed to Gray- class AA he Walton Raiders have experienced quite the Kofi Amichia and Jaloni Wells are also gone son’s unmatched experience and talent. The Indi- Tgauntlet dating back to last season. The Raiders from a very effective offense from last year’s ans will see how much they’ve improved tonight. 1...... Calhoun last faced a team with a sub-.500 record on Nov. 11 10-2 season. Defensively, the Indians must re- “That will be the key: whether we improve 2...... Cook in the first round of the playoffs in Milton. Since place Marsell James, Jed Nwankwoh and Darius next week, and then whether we improve after 3...... Fitzgerald then, Tyren Jones, Parker McLeod and the rest of English off the front four and Cameron Gamble the week after that,” said Hockman after the 4...... Lovett the Raiders have taken on South Cobb, Dacula, Las- out of the secondary. Grayson game. “We’ll know if we got better 5...... Dublin siter, Grayson, Brookwood and now McEachern. Kyle Hockman has plenty of experience next week against a really good team in Walton. 6...... GAC Jones and McLeod lead a stout offense that molding fresh talent and his skills will be put to (Improvement) is what we’re looking for and 7...... Brooks County relies on the legs of Jones and the play-action of the test early on. After opening with Grayson in we’ll know that on a weekly basis.” 8...... Westminster McLeod. The Alabama commits helped the team the Corky Kell Classic, the Indians face another The No. 3 Raiders, meanwhile, ripped 9...... Vidalia go 14-1 last season, but they will be looking for tall task in the Raiders. through a solid Brookwood team last week at 10...... Wesleyan a third member on the outside to help take some “We’re going to be extremely young,” said the Corky Kell Classic to the tune of 302 rush- attention away from Jones. D.J. Smith could be Hockman. “The only experience coming back is ing yards by Jones. The Alabama commitment class A that outside threat as he will likely split time be- four offensive linemen. We are going to rely on them hit paydirt five times during the game as Walton tween defense and offense. Brandon Kublanow early in the season for production and leadership.” cruised to a 35-24 win that was not as close as 1...... Wilcox County is a monster up front and can push a pile around The line is anchored by JaJuan Dulaney the score may indicate. 2...... Lincoln County from his spot on the offensive line. “The Finish- and Sherrod Pittman. Dulaney is headed to Hidalgo is rightly proud of his stellar tailback. 3...... ECI er” busted out at last year’s Corky Kell Classic Maryland next year, but Pittman could be the “He’s a great kid with great character,” said 4...... Aquinas and he was recently named to the AJC Super 11 more important of the two. Hidalgo. “His talent is almost overshadowed 5...... Charlton County as well as the Score 44 preseason list. He will be “(He) is a fireplug that we are relying on,” with how hard he works.” 6...... Wilkinson County joined on the line by Jake Boyton. said Hockman. With Walton coming off a big win against a 7...... Seminole County McEachern must replace a host of play- The task of replacing Thompson will fall to Ty respected foe and McEachern rebounding from a 8...... Clinch County makers on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Clemons, though Hockman admits that McEachern defeat by an elite program, it will be interesting to 9...... Savannah Christian Trent Thompson moved on to play college foot- will use multiple quarterbacks in 2012. see how the two teams play in tonight’s finale. 10...... ELCA ball as did wide receiver Amba Etta-Tawo and Over the weekend, the Indians fell to No. Black and Proctor can be reached at 404- kicker Nicholas St. Germain. Tray Fletcher, 1 Grayson in the Metro PCS Corky Kell Clas- 256-1572.

www.scoreatl.com | 9 SCORE MORE

long term memory, reaction time and prob- lem solving–to help determine if the brain sports and has recovered. Children’s uses Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive concussions Testing (ImPACT™), a computer-based evaluation for sports concussions. If the Children’s helps athletes safely return ImPACT™ test is taken before the season starts to identify an athlete’s baseline score, to play after a concussion it can be compared to post-concussion test- ing if the athlete suffers a head injury later. hildren’s Healthcare of Atlanta sees professional trained in the management of ImPACT™ testing is recommended for Cmany children and teens each year who concussions. Athletes need to treat any head athletes participating in sports like football, are suffering from concussions. With fall injury seriously. If a player sustains a second lacrosse, soccer, basketball, cheerleading sports underway, Children’s is prepared to concussion before he/she has fully recov- and gymnastics. see many more concussed athletes, ranging ered from the first injury, there can be severe Once an athlete is symptom-free, has from football and soccer players to cheer- consequences such as brain damage or even gradually returned to school and activities, leaders. The pediatric team of concussion death. It’s very important that anyone who has normal cognitive test results and is cleared specialists at Children’s is trained to treat suffers a concussion take the time to recover. by a medical professional trained to manage head injuries of all severities and tailor There is no set time frame for when an concussions, he/she can return to sports. each patient’s treatment plan to meet his/ athlete can return to play or school. No two Visit choa.org/concussion to learn her specific needs. brains are alike, so no two concussions are more about Children’s Concussion Pro- Even if athletes use or wear equipment alike either. Athletes must be completely gram or call 404-785-1111 to speak with properly and follow the game rules, head symptom-free at rest and during physical our concussion nurse coordinator. injuries can happen. When they do, it’s im- exertion before returning to sports or rec- Some physicians and affiliated health- portant that an athlete be held out of partici- reational activities. Neurocognitive tests care professionals who perform services at pating in sports and possibly school until he may be used to measure aspects of an ath- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are indepen- or she is evaluated and cleared by a medical lete’s brain functioning–like short term and dent providers and are not our employees.

TRIVIA ANSWER Braves catcher David Ross played college baseball at both Auburn and Florida.

10 | AUG. 31 - SEPT. 13, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 15 score more

www.scoreatl.com | 11 COLLEGE SPORTS PANTHER owl PROWL outlook Panthers kick off Curry’s final year Soccer, volleyball pick up wins By Brian Jones By Brian Jones he college football season began on Thurs- Curry is hoping defensive tackle Joe Lock- ennesaw Stadium is seeing a lot of action as FAST START … Tday for the state of Georgia as the Panthers ely is able to adjust to the college game quickly Kof late. The soccer team kicked off its season The volleyball team has gotten its season off took on South Carolina State at the Georgia and be a force in the new scheme. Lockley has nearly two weeks ago and the fans have come at on the right foot as the Owls went 3-0 in the Maroon Dome. Results were not available at press time. looked sharp in the practices and scrimmages, a record-setting pace. Classic last weekend. The Owls defeated Louisiana- In order for the offense to succeed, it will but it’s a different story once he faces teams like After losing a tough game to Alabama and Monroe 3-1 last Friday and took down Jackson need consistent quarterback play. Redshirt Tennessee and James Madison. then blowing past Alabama A&M, the Owls State (3-1) and Mississippi State (3-2) the next day. freshman Ben McLane is listed as the starter, as The Panthers will also rely on linebacker took on Georgia State last Friday. The Owl Na- Sara Metroka was named the tournament he won the job during spring practice beating Mark Hogan and safety Demazio Skelton to tion knew that this was a big game, and a record MVP after a combined 137 assists and 14 kills. out last year’s Kelton Hill. make more plays in the new scheme. Hogan had crowd of 2,683 was in attendance to see the ri- Camille Pedraza was named to the All-Tourna- He will have a reliable running back be- 56 tackles and one interception last year while vals go at it. The Owls could not come up with ment team after racking up 78 digs, including 31 hind him as Donald Russell returns for his se- Skelton notched 61 tackles and two picks. the victory as they fell to the Panthers 2-1. in the Mississippi State series. nior season. He missed two games last year and The difference was when State’s Whitney “It was such a great way to start the sea- racked up 665 yards on 128 carries. REGROUP AND RECOVER … Raven scored the game-winning goal with less son,” head coach Karen Weatherington told McLane’s go-to receiver will be Albert While the football team kicks off its sea- than 40 seconds left in the contest. The Panthers ksuowls.com. “Even the kids we didn’t have in Wilson, who led the team in receiving last year. son, the men’s soccer team is trying to pick up got their first score of the game four minutes the game were great. I couldn’t ask for more.” Wilson caught 37 passes for 772 yards and six the pieces after suffering three different trag- into the first half when Jewel Evans scored. The tournament win was the first outright touchdowns in nine games. edies in three months. The Owls tied the game with seven minutes win in Owls history. They will be back in action The offensive line features all juniors and Back in June, Tim Nixon died in a car ac- left in the contest when Danielle Gray scored via this weekend taking part in the Savannah State will be anchored by Ulrick John and Grant cident. Nearly a week later, Jordan Wise fell corner kick. tournament. King. Four starters from last year are gone, so down a flight of stairs and suffered brain swell- “It was a good game,” Owls head coach for the Panthers to have any success on offense, ing. And last week, Ayokunle Lumpkin was shot Rob King told ksuowls.com. “It is going to BLACK AND GOLD … the line has to gel in a hurry. in a confrontation in downtown Atlanta. He died be a good rivalry in there. We look forward College Colors Day is today and KSU will be later that night at Grady Memorial Hospital. to playing them. The fans were fantastic to- on top of it like no other. KSU President Dan Papp ON DEFENSE … Before every home game, there will be a night. We heard them cheering all game long. along with AD Vaughn Williams met with Ken- Under new defensive coordinator Anthony moment of silence for Nixon and Lumpkin. The result didn’t go the way we wanted it to, nesaw Mayor Mark Matthews and Acworth Mayor Midget, the Panthers will run a 4-2-5 where Each player will wear patches on their jerseys but it was a very exciting game. We still have Tommy Allegood on Wednesday to proclaim Fri- only four starters return and there are only four with Lumpkin’s No. 22 and Nixon’s No. 25. plenty to do.” day College Colors Day for the two cities. seniors on the defensive side of the two-deep Jones can be reached at The Owls will be back at Kennesaw Stadi- Jones can be reached at depth chart. [email protected] um Friday when they face Tennessee at 7 p.m. [email protected]. BULLDOG TECH BEAT BUZZ Dawgs ready to run with the Bulls Jackets prepare for Labor Day opener By Chris Lionetti By Ryan Caiafa fter months of practicing and scrimmag- at right tackle after showing great athleticism he Yellow Jackets will be in the spotlight IN THE TRENCHES … Aing against each other, Mark Richt and at the position. The starters at wide receiver Ton Labor Day as they will be taking on the The offensive line could be the Jackets’ the sixth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs are ready are the same as last year, Tavarres King and No. 16 Virginia Tech Hokies in the final Week 1 strong point this season, as it’s filled with ju- for the season to start. Marlon Brown, but the surprise is Malcolm matchup of the 2012 campaign. Questions about niors and seniors looking to build on a solid, “We’ve been waiting a long time and Mitchell being listed third behind Brown. the Jackets’ depth chart continue to linger in the yet inconsistent 2011 season. The line will we’re getting tired, quite frankly, of run- Defensively, the Bulldogs look very sim- final days of preparation for the new season. need to be solid for the team if Washington is ning into each other,” said Richt at his first ilar to last year but have made some changes. to thrive in guiding the offense in his senior game week presser. “I’m sure every coach in Cornelius Washington is now a starter at de- GLORY “DAYS” … season. Senior guard Omoregie Uzzi and ju- America is saying this, but it’s true. We want fensive end opposite Abry Jones. Sophomore While it seems as if Tevin Washington nior tackle Ray Beno return to help anchor an to play.” linebacker Ramik Wilson will start at Wash- has been penciled in as the starter at quar- O-line that propelled an offense to an average ington’s old position. Malcolm Mitchell is terback for the season opener, many still feel PECKING ORDER … listed as the starter at cornerback opposite of 34.3 points per game last season. The high- that at the first sign of trouble, backup Syn- powered offense will meet a tough Virginia The Bulldogs’ head coach went over Branden Smith and Damian Swann is the jyn Days should be given an opportunity to a plethora of subjects with members of the team’s nickel corner. Tech defense that surrendered just 17.6 points media Tuesday, but what garnered the atten- shine at the position. With Stephen Hill now per game in 2011, which was good enough for tion of the group was the release of the team’s SUSPENSIONS? … playing in the NFL, the wide receiver position seventh-best in the nation. depth chart. Though the depth chart turned out as ex- seemingly will be occupied by Jeff Greene The X-factor in this matchup may be On offense, there were few surprises on pected, what is interesting is that linebacker and Jeremy Moore. Since implementing whether or not the Jackets defense can come the team’s first depth chart of the 2012 sea- Alec Ogletree and safety Baccari Rambo are coach Paul Johnson’s triple-option offense, up with critical stops against a Hokies offense son. As expected, Ken Malcome is listed as listed as starters. The duo is facing suspen- the Jackets have had great success at develop- that looked stagnant at times in 2011. Even the starter at tailback after enjoying a great sions after failing drug tests but the school has ing their receivers into deep-ball threats, with without senior linebacker Julian Burnett, who fall camp and is followed by Todd Gurley, been tight-lipped about how long they will Hill and current Peyton Manning-target De- suffered a severe neck injury in the Sun Bowl, Keith Marshall and Richard Samuel. Gurley, miss, if they will miss time at all. maryius Thomas being taken high in the NFL the Jackets still bring back enough depth from a less-hyped prospect than Marshall, ran for “I don’t know if there is anything etched Draft. Johnson and the rest of the staff seem last season and should be much improved more yards than any other back in the team’s in stone, but we are handling it a little bit dif- to be highest on Moore, who is expected to from 2011, when Al Groh’s unit allowed 26.1 three scrimmages. Former walk-on Merritt ferent this year,” added Richt. take over the top receiver spot and display the points per game. Hall is the starter at fullback and is backed up Lionetti can be reached at talent that he was expected to prior to injuries Caiafa can be reached at by Samuel. Freshman John Theus will start [email protected]. hindering his progress. [email protected].

12 | AUG. 31 - SEPT. 13, 2012 | Vol. 8 Iss. 15 pro sports HAWKS FALCONS HAVEN BEAT Sund stays; preseason slate released Falcons shuffle backup quarterbacks By Robby Kalland By Craig Sager II he Atlanta Hawks continue to reshape their preseason, facing the last two NBA champions he Falcons’ eventful offseason continued cause of a great preseason, but also because organization this offseason, most recently in the Heat and the Mavericks, along with three Tthis week when big roster news came out of Redman did not look ready to fill in should the Tmaking some additions to the front office and other playoff teams from last season. Flowery Branch. The preseason is ending and a Falcons need him this season. Davis has reiter- coaching staff. Former GM Rick Sund has been These tune-ups, combined with training finalized roster must get down to 53 men by this ated to the media that he has been successful so brought back as the Senior Advisor of Basket- camp, will be vital for the new-look Hawks weekend. All of the position battles that ampli- far because he is treating every rep as a com- ball Operations. Sund, who served as GM for to build chemistry and confidence heading fied this offseason were given one final look at petition, and he challenges himself to get bet- Thursday’s fourth and final preseason game. The ter on every play. This attitude impressed his the past four years, was replaced by Danny into the regular season. With so many new coaching staff must make final cuts as the team teammates, who have rallied around him this Ferry earlier in the summer. Kenny Atkinson faces playing major roles for this team, most is now focusing on getting ready for a trip to Ar- preseason and contributed to him beating out and Bob Weiss have been added as assistant notably Devin Harris, Lou Williams and John rowhead Stadium. Redman and Wilson. coaches on Larry Drew’s staff. Atkinson’s most Jenkins, the Hawks will be one of the teams One of the most protected positions head- While some may be surprised with Davis’ recent coaching stop was as an assistant for the most anxious to get their players out on the ing into the 2012 season was quarterback. Matt success, Ryan is not. Ryan had seen what type Knicks over the past four seasons while Weiss, court against NBA competition in order to Ryan is the franchise player, so it is understood of player and teammate Davis was when the two who was head coach of the Hawks from 1990- get comfortable with one another on the floor. why the bulk of attention had been directed to- were at Boston College. Davis was just a red- 93, most recently coached in the Chinese Bas- This year’s squad will be predicated on ball wards linebacker, the offensive line and other shirt freshman at during Ryan’s senior season. ketball Association. movement and making timely passes moreso roles. The preseason always gives the backup Being a student of Ryan is something Davis is than in any year during the Joe Johnson era, quarterbacks valuable game experience, and the comfortable with and he has embraced that role SCRIMMAGE SLATE … so familiarity and team chemistry will be ex- Falcons’ backup rotation was altered by rookie all offseason. The Hawks will open their preseason tremely important for the Hawks. free agent Dominique Davis, who outperformed “I have listened to every word Ryan has schedule at home on Oct. 7 against the de- While most around the Hawks are excited his reserve counterparts this preseason and as- told me.” Davis told the media this week. fending champs, the Miami Heat. They play to see Iso-Joe no longer an option, it will mean serted himself as a reliable backup. three road preseason games against San Anto- some growing pains as this team transitions Big changes in the quarterback rotation OTHER OPTIONS ... nio (Oct. 10), Memphis (Oct. 14) and Indiana came on Tuesday when the Falcons waived Luke McCown was brought in for Redman into a more conventional pick-and-roll offense. Chris Redman, who had been with the team and is younger and more familiar with new of- (Oct. 16) before returning to Philips Arena to The preseason will be the first opportunity to since 2007. Redman was waived just two days fensive coordinator Dirk Koetter’s playbook. face the Hornets (Oct. 18) and the Mavericks see which combinations work best on the floor after No. 3 quarterback John Parker Wilson was McCown spent four seasons with Koetter in (Oct. 20). Their final preseason game will be at together, and who will be the primary options trimmed during the cutdown to 75 players. Jacksonville, so, despite being a late acquisition, Detroit (Oct. 26) before they open their regular without Johnson. he could immediately move into the No. 2 spot. season at home on Nov. 2 against the Rockets. Kalland can be reached at CASE FOR DAVIS ... Sager II can be reached at The Hawks have a difficult schedule for the [email protected]. Davis remained on the team in part be- 404-256-1572. CHOP Presented BY DREAM SHOP bEAT Medlen’s pitching keeps Braves afloat Dream fire coach, suspend star By Fletcher Proctor By Joe Deighton he Atlanta Braves were just 3-7 in their last run for Uggla was his first since Aug. 15, and it uspending players is a common occurrence will not tolerate as he suspended McCoughtry T10 games entering Tuesday’s game in San was hit No. 1000 for his career. in the NBA, NFL and MLB, but in the indefinitely on Tuesday. Diego, and the team turned to makeshift ace SWNBA, it is almost unheard of because rarely Kris Medlen. The Braves reliever-turned-starter- HOT HEYWARD ... do the players warrant suspensions based on NEW BLOOD ... turned-reliever-turned-starter-again took to the Jason Heyward has been on fire over the their attitudes. Tuesday, the Atlanta Dream Owners Mary Brock and Kelly Loeffler Petco Park bump with the Braves having record- last 30 days. Heyward has posted a .307 aver- suspended their top scoring forward and best made the decision to part ways with Meadors ed a victory in each of Medlen’s last 16 starts age in 29 games over the last 30 days, notching player Angel McCoughtry for violating team and promoted Williams from his role as assistant dating back to May 2010. Medlen would extend 35 hits and 23 runs with 16 extra-base hits. He rules. This came after the firing of head coach coach, one he had served for the past four seasons. that run to 17 straight as he held the Padres score- has slugged nine home runs while driving in 20 Marynell Meadors on Monday. McCoughtry “As a team, we are unified in our drive to build less for eight innings in a 2-0 Braves’ win. His runs. Over just the past week, Heyward has 10 criticized Meadors after a loss to Minnesota, on what we have achieved in our first five years,” shutout streak against the Padres stretched to 17 hits and five RBIs in seven games. He has batted which turned out to be Meadors’ final game as Williams told the team’s website. “We want to ac- innings after he tossed his first career shutout .292 since the all-star break and has raised his against the Padres back on Aug. 16, and his per- season average to .279. He has hit 24 home runs Atlanta head coach. knowledge the strong contribution that Marynell sonal scoreless streak was extended to 28.1 after and 19 stolen bases as he is angling to become The relationship between Meadors and Meadors made to this organization. Our franchise Tuesday’s victory. The scoreless streak is the lon- Atlanta’s 20/20 player since Andruw Jones. McCoughtry had been volatile at times, despite will continue to build on the tradition of speed, scor- gest since 2000 when Greg Maddux went 39.1 a successful two-year run which resulted in ing and tough defense that has resulted in back-to- straight scoreless frames. OPTIONS AT SECOND ... two straight WNBA Finals appearances and an back Eastern Conference championships.” Medlen also managed to pick off two Pa- Since being acquired last month, Reed John- Olympic gold medal. dres baserunners in the game. son has been invaluable to the Braves as a spot This season has been a disappointing PLAYOFF POTENTIAL ... “I don’t think I’ve seen two pickoffs from starter in the outfield and off the bench. In 18 games one, with the Dream struggling to stay at .500. Atlanta’s record is 12-13 and the Dream sit a right-handed pitcher in a long time,” said with Atlanta, Johnson has 15 hits in 47 at-bats. One McCoughtry leads the team and the league in in third place in the Eastern Conference. If the Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez to atlanta- thing to keep an eye on should Uggla continue to scoring with 22.2 ppg. At times, though, she season ended today, that position would be good braves.com. “He does a lot of good stuff.” struggle, Gonzalez may move Martin Prado to sec- has refused to come out of games, and she enough to earn a playoff spot, but with a sizable Craig Kimbrel struck out three batters in ond base, where he was named an All-Star in 2010, could be seen sulking and complaining on portion of the schedule remaining, the fate of the the ninth inning to record save No. 32, but his and start Johnson in left field. the bench when she did come out of games. playoffs seems to rest in McCoughtry’s hands. first since Aug. 3. Dan Uggla walloped a home Proctor can be reached at This attitude is something that new coach and Deighton can be reached at run to help Atlanta earn the victory. The home [email protected]. general manager Fred Williams apparently [email protected].

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