CLASS AAAAAA
EAST COWETA INDIANS
2012 RECORD: 5-7
THE COACH: Clint Wade
THE PLAYERS: Zack Harness (Sr., OL), Tyler Brown (Sr., DB),
Spencer Smith (Sr., K), Bryce Gemmel (Jr., QB), Markell Boston (Jr., WR), Wyatt Potter (Sr., WR), Jay McKnight (Jr., LB),
Nick Fraser (Jr., LB), Jemarcus Godfrey (Sr., LB), Anfernee
Burks (Sr., DL), Tristan Mann (So., DL), Clifton Strong (Sr.,
DL), Weylin Orr (Jr., RB), Malik Robinson (Jr., RB), Nigel Gay
(Sr., DB), Brock Meeker (Jr., TE)
THE WORD: Last season’s senior class took East Coweta into
the playoffs, where the Indians would like to return to in 2013.
Coach Clint Wade says a few players from last season’s junior
varsity squad must step up and make plays. The good news is,
quarterback Bryce Gemmel is returning, along with a number
of experienced offensive linemen. The offense will look to Malik
Robinson and Weylon Orr to fill the shoes of running back Demarcus Godfrey, who will suit for Georgia Southern this season.
LANGSTON HUGHES PANTHERS
2012 RECORD: 10-2
THE COACH: Willie Cannon
THE PLAYERS: DeAndre Walker (Jr., DE), Montavious Atkinson
(Jr., LB), Kenny Moxey (Sr., QB), Keion Davis (Sr., WR), Bingo
Morton (Sr., WR), Jahil Mathis-Ellis (Sr., OL), Kalil Gray (Sr.,
LB), Austin McCall (Sr., OL), Jeremiah Culbreth (Jr., TE), Kinan
Humphrey (Jr., QB/ WR/DB)
THE WORD: The Panthers are loaded offensively, with Kenny
Moxey back in the fold at quarterback. Moxey is electric with
the ball as a dual threat quarterback. His passing improved
as a junior, throwing for 996 yards and seven touchdowns.
But it’s his ability to run that separates from him a lot of
quarterbacks in the region. Running back Keion Davis adds
a dangerous component in the ground game. In 2012, Davis
ran for 1,068 yards and 12 touchdowns. Though the offense
is led by a strong group of seniors, juniors DeAndre Walker
and Montavious Atkinson will anchor a defense that only
allowed teams to score more than 20 points twice in 2012.
NEWNAN COUGARS
2012 RECORD: 9-3
THE COACH: Mike McDonald
THE PLAYERS: Tim Hardaway (Sr., WR), Chrishawn Dix (Sr.,
WR), Bailey Bryant (Jr., QB), Diamond Jones (Sr., WR/QB),
Myles Moran (Sr., OL), Mark Harris (Sr., DL)
THE WORD: The Cougars won nine games for the first time
since 2009 a season ago and are hoping to build on that kind
of momentum with an offense that could be quite explosive.
Bailey Bryant was Newnan’s starting quarterback in 2012 as
a sophomore, earning valuable experience that will carry over
into this year’s campaign. Bryant will have plenty of options
to throw the ball to, including Chrishawn Dix, Tim Hardaway
and Diamond Jones. Jones also serves as Bryant’s backup
at quarterback, ensuring the Cougars with options across the
board. Jones also earned some time at quarterback last year
when Bryant suffered an injury to his left shoulder. Needless
to say, Newnan could be poised for a big 2013 season.
TRI-CITIES BULLDOGS
2012 RECORD: 4-7
THE COACH: Kenneth Miller
THE PLAYERS: Hector Godinez (Sr., OL/LB), Tariq Hightower
(Sr., WR), Rae’Quan Morgan (Sr., WR/DB), Jordan Nutt (Sr.,
TE/LB), Devin Price (Sr., WR/DB), Michael Shealey (Sr., RB/
LB), Karim Wallace (Sr., QB), Kelton Franklin (Sr., LB/RB),
Brandon Tilghman (Sr., TE)
THE WORD: Though they made the playoffs in 2012, the 4-7
record was a bit of a disappointment. The season prior’s group
went 10-3, having been the only squad in school history to
achieve 10 or more wins. The good news is that Tri-Cities has
a quality group of seniors to lead the way. Quarterback Karim
Wallace will look to kick start the offense, with Tariq Hightower,
Rae’Quan Morgan, Jordan Nutt and Brandon Tilghman being
his senior targets. The defense will need some work as the Bulldogs surrendered over 30 points in five games throughout the
2012 season. This year’s group has enough talent to secure an
over-.500 record and another trip to the playoffs.
WESTLAKE LIONS
2012 RECORD: 0-10
THE COACH: Bryan Love
THE PLAYERS: Orlando McKinley (Sr., DB), Marquez Spencer
(Sr., WR), Terrence Montgomery (Sr., DB), Demetrius Beverly
(Sr., QB/WR/DB), Khalil Brooks (Jr., DB), Hayden Ross (FB, LB)
THE WORD: Once upon a time the Westlake Lions were a postseason threat every year, and they frequently they sent members of its team to play college ball. In 2012, the Lions had
their worst season in school history, going without a win. The
school fired coach Stanley Pritchett in his only season with
the program. As Bryan Love takes over, he’ll have some senior
leadership to help him in the rebuilding process, beginning
with defensive backs Orlando McKinley and Terrence Montgomery, and receiver Marquez Spencer. This is the program
Cam Newton came through. There’s no reason it can’t return
to turning out that kind of talent again in the near future.
4-AAAAAA
CAMPBELL SPARTANS
2012 RECORD: 3-7
THE COACH: Harris Rainbow
THE PLAYERS: Michael Rogers (Sr., ATH), Austin Green (Sr.,
RB), Ricky James (Sr., QB), Dekevion Byrd (Sr., OL), David
Collins (Sr., DB), Marlon Home (Sr., WR)
THE WORD: The Spartans look to take another step in the right
direction in 2013 after winning three games in coach Harris
Rainbow’s second season at the helm. Three-year starting
quarterback Ricky James will be relied on to help continue the
progression. He’s experienced and talented, and entering his
senior season, James will have to make up for a lack of depth
and experience at other positions. The secondary isn’t one
of those weaknesses, led by senior David Collins. Versatile
weapon Michael Rogers will be counted on for production in
numerous areas. While the roster is considered top-heavy
heading into the season, Campbell looks to inch closer to a
.500 record for a chance to make the playoffs.
HARRISON HOYAS
2012 RECORD: 4-6
THE COACH: Matt Dickmann
THE PLAYERS: Dre’Von Jones (Sr., RB/DB), Andrew Brock (Sr.,
QB/DB), Keegan Karim (Sr., WR/DB), Tayvon Benjamin (Sr.,
WR/DB), Joey Connors (Sr., OL/DL), Jalen Penn (Sr., OL/DL)
THE WORD: The Hoyas had a tumultuous 2012 season that
saw their former coach, Marty Galbraith resign during the
regular season due to an investigation involving improper
conduct. A team that was once always near the top has since
fallen to the middle of the pack in the last few years. But the
school is hoping that will change now that Matt Dickmann
has taken the team over. Dickmann comes from Seminole
Ridge in Loxahatchee, Fla., leading his former school to
three district titles and two regional finals appearances. The
Hoyas certainly have a large stable of receivers to work with
in the short term while Dickmann rebuilds the program.
HILLGROVE HAWKS
2012 RECORD: 6-5
THE COACH: Phillip Ironside
THE PLAYERS: Emanuel Beal (Sr., WR), Omar Black (Sr., WR),
Bradley Chubb (Sr., DE), Richard Bagley (Sr., RB), LeMarkus
Bailey (Sr., DE), Elijah Ironside (Sr., QB), Cameron Kowalews-ki (Sr., TE), Justin Denton (Sr., WR)
THE WORD: Coach Phillip Ironside will have one of the best
receiving corps he’s ever had during his tenure at Hillgrove
in 2013. Not only is Omar Black back for the Hawks, but also
the squad welcomed Emanuel Beal to the team, a transfer
from Wheeler. Beal had a standout season a year ago and
will look to replicate that success with the Hawks. Beal has
been a sleeper receiver for a while now in the state of Georgia and is beginning to see the recruiting process heat up.
He’ll have a chance to showcase his talents on a grand scale
with Hillgrove, which will look to rebound from a sub-par 6-5
season in 2012. The Hawks will look to replace Troy Thompson at quarterback, with senior Elijah Ironside a possibility
to fill that role.
KENNESAW MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS
2012 RECORD: 4-6
THE COACH: Andy Scott
THE PLAYERS: Taariq Shabazz (Sr., DE), Marcus Manion (Sr.,
RB), Maceo Inman (Sr., DB), Bryan Bell (Sr., LB)
THE WORD: Coach Andy Scott’s rebuilding project got out to a
great start in 2012, as the Mustangs were able to notch four
wins after accruing zero in 2011. Scott has an even better
squad, at least defensively, for the 2013 season, which could
make for an interesting Region 4-AAAAAA race. On defense,
senior Taariq Shabazz will help set the tone up front at his
defensive end position. The Mustangs will need to figure out a
way to replace the production quarterback Dallin Finley gave
them his senior season. A trio of juniors, Dennis Bell, Josh
Rawlins and Nigel Hayes, are in the mix for the spot.
MARIETTA BLUE DEVILS
2012 RECORD: 8-4
THE COACH: Soctt Burton
THE PLAYERS: Ty Tomlin (Sr., LB), Jordan Mathis (Sr., WR), Marcus Bennett (Sr., WR), Lawton Ward (Sr., DB), Andrew Thomas
(Sr., DL), KirVonte Benson (Jr., RB), Brenton Martin (Jr., QB),
Isaiah Bome (Sr., OL), Chris Flood (Sr., DL), Patrick Lee (Jr.,
DL), T. J. Bulock (Sr., DB), Kadeem Wallington (Sr., DB)
THE WORD: The Blue Devils lost a lot of offensive firepower
from a team that went 8-4 in 2012, including the schools
all-time leading passer Anthony Jennings. Receivers Jordan
Mathis and Marcus Bennett and running back KirVonte
Benson must step up for Marietta to move the ball in 2013.
Defensively, the team will look to linebacker Ty Tomlin and
Lawton Ward to lead the charge. Overall, the team lack
experienced depth and the offensive line isn’t solidified
heading into the season. Still, the team figures to be strong
at receiver and linebacker and will look to those positions
early in the season to help form an identity.
MCEACHERN INDIANS
2012 RECORD: 8-3
THE COACH: Kyle Hockman
THE PLAYERS: Tymashian Clemons (Sr., QB), Henry Famurewa (Sr., LB), T. J. Rahming (Sr., DB), Glenn Frazier (Sr., LB), Taj
Griffin (Jr., RB), Tyler Woodley (Jr., DB), Chuma Edoga (Jr., OL)
THE WORD: The last four years have been kind for the Indians, with a total of 38 wins coming during that span. In fact,
last year’s eight-win season could’ve been seen as a disappointment considering McEachern won 10 games each year
from 2009-2011. This year’s group has enough experience
and talent to get back to the 10-win level the school had become accustomed to. Quarterback Tymashian Clemons has
proven he can effectively run the pistol option offense. The
Indians can score a lot of points any given night. However, it
will be on the defense’s shoulders to make things easier on
the offense. Even though McEachern was able to win eight
games, it gave up 20 or more points eight times.
NORTH COBB WARRIORS
2012 RECORD: 11-3
THE COACH: Shane Queen
THE PLAYERS: Cameron Albright (Sr., DB), J’Vonte Herrod (Sr., RB),
Jalil Kuku (Sr., ATH), Tyler Queen (Jr., QB), Latrell Gibbs (Sr., WR/DB)
THE WORD: North Cobb is finally on the map. The Warriors
finally won a playoff game for the first time since 1959. It’s
quite the achievement for a sleeping giant of a football program. Coach Shane Queen has been able to turn this team
around since 2006, recording the program’s second season
with 10 or more wins in the past seven years. Queen’s son,
Tyler Queen, a standout junior quarterback, leads the program. Under center, the younger Queen helped the Warriors
average 41 points per game. With that kind of offensive
production, the Warriors think they can take an even greater
step in 2013, and that’s by getting further than the semifinals and into the state championship game.
PEBBLEBROOK FALCONS
2012 RECORD: 0-10
THE COACH: Tommy Macon
THE PLAYERS: Jarvis Ruff (Sr., DE), Brian Granison (Sr., RB/
WR), Jarrett Sharpe (Sr., WR/DB), Javon Lawson (Jr., DB),
Dezmon Huntley (Sr., QB)
THE WORD: Tommy Macon’s first season as Pebblebrook’s
head coach went anything but planned. The program was in
need of a change but wound up going from sub-par to 0-10
in a matter of one year. With Macon still doing what he can
to put his stamp on the program, he’ll need his players to
step up this season. Dezmon Huntley will lead the Falcons
on offense at quarterback, and will have go-to target Jarrett
Sharpe on the outside. Javon Lawson and Jarvis Ruff will
look to rally a defense that gave up 30 or more points in
each of Pebblebrook’s final six games.
SOUTH COBB EAGLES
2012 RECORD: 7-3
THE COACH: Michael Youngblood
THE PLAYERS: Johnny Richard (Sr., WR), Kynneth Baker (Sr.,
LB), Justin Jones (Sr., DT), Nnacheta Nnaygu (Sr., OL), Carlos
Saldana (Sr., K), Malik Carter (Jr., QB/P)
THE WORD: Despite having some success with South Cobb,
former coach Ed Koester decided to resign following last
season’s end. The Eagles won seven games but were unable
to qualify for the playoffs. Making matters worse heading into
this season, the Eagles will have to figure out a way to replace
quarterback Stephon Masha, now in college at Liberty. Malik
Carter could be the frontrunner as a dual threat quarterback.
If not, there will be an open competition in the fall for the job.
There is some solid defensive senior leadership with Justin
Jones back for his final year of high school. He’ll team up
with linebacker Kynneth Baker to improve a unit that had a
penchant for surrendering a large number of points.
5-AAAAAA
LASSITER TROJANS
2012 RECORD: 10-1
THE COACH: Jep Irwin
THE PLAYERS: Christopher Murphy (Sr., DB), Daniel Fabiniak
(Sr., DB), Duby Nwaubi (Sr., WR), Lane Jackman (Sr., RB/LB),
Sam Wood (Sr., OL), Blake Wilson (Sr., WR)
THE WORD: Despite losing quarterback Eddie Printz to graduation, the Lassiter offense should remain prolific. After all, it’s
been a trend at Lassiter to churn out quarterback after quarterback. The last t wo quarterbacks, Hutson Mason and Printz,
have gone on to sign with major Division 1 programs (Georgia
and Missouri, respectively.) Competing for the starting spot are
junior Russell Aarons and senior Will Anderson. Whichever one
wins the battle will have a solid supporting cast, led by receiver
Blake Wilson. The defense should be fine as well, highlighted
by defensive backs Christopher Murphy and Daniel Fabiniak.
Murphy is receiving a lot of attention from college suitors, such
as Arkansas, North Carolina, N.C. State and West Virginia.
MILTON EAGLES
2012 RECORD: 7-4
THE COACH: Howie DeCristofaro
THE PLAYERS: Treyvon Paulk (Sr., RB), Andre Flakes (Sr., DB),
Travis Krall (Sr., OL), Chauncey Hazleton (Sr., DB), Michael
Pupura (Sr., RB), Grey Davis (Sr., DB), Christian Keeney (Jr.,
LB), Marty Horan (Jr., DL), Jacob Mulligan (Sr., OL)
THE WORD: Coach Howie DeCristofaro has been able to turn
around the Eagles fairly fast, directing them to a postseason
berth in each of his first two seasons as head coach. This team
may be his best, with tons of seniors with experience returning.
Seniors Treyvon Paulk and Michael Pupura lead a dangerous
attack at running back, something Milton will surely depend
upon all year. Senior offensive linemen Travis Krall and Jacob
Mulligan will be paving the way for the star backs. On defense,
senior defensive backs Chauncey Hasleton and Andre Flakes
will be a tough matchup for most offenses in Region 5-AAAAAA.
WALTON RAIDERS
2012 RECORD: 7-4
THE COACH: Rocky Hidalgo
THE PLAYERS: D.J. Smith (Sr., DB), Price Wilson (Sr., QB),
Dreyon Williams (Sr., LB), Ben Hood (Jr., WR), Taquar Stewart
(Jr., WR), Ryan LaBan (Sr., DB)
THE WORD: Even with some of the losses along the offensive
line and backfield, the 2013 Walton Raiders could be a more
improved bunch. Quarterback Price Wilson is beginning to blossom into a centerpiece that the Raiders can depend on each
Friday night. Wilson graded in the top seven of the Atlanta Elite
