Fuel - Friday Night Football Georgia 2013

Greg Hunter is blunt about what it’s going to take for his team to get back on the winning track. The seniors have to lead and there must be more commitment to the weight room. Hunter says there’s a talented sophomore class that should be able to contribute this season. The talent is welcomed, but there could be a few more losses as those young players learn the ropes.

JENKINS WARRIORS

2012 RECORD: 5-5

THE COACH: Tim Adams

THE PLAYERS: Brenden Carter (Sr., QB/DB), Demetrius Andrews (Sr., TE/LB), Andre Trimble (Sr., RB), Terry Inman (Sr., OL) THE WORD: Toward the end of the 2012 season, the Warriors were sitting at 5-3 with playoff hopes still alive. Then they lost to Richmond Hill 44-14 and Glynn Academy 70-26. It was a bad way to end the season and it ended without a trip to the postseason. This year’s squad will want to forget about those last two games as soon as possible. The best way to do that is to get back on the field and win some ball games. Quarterback Brenden Carter is a threat in both the running and passing games and could be the key for Jenkins to have a successful season.

RICHMOND HILL WILDCATS 2012 RECORD: 8-3 THE COACH: Lyman M. Guy THE PLAYERS: Nick Fitzgerald (Sr., QB), Darius Brown (Sr., DB), Nasim Dubose (Sr., WR), Daniel Winters (Sr., FB), Zhane Roberts (Sr., LB), Jon Zellner (Jr., OL), Bill Buckman (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Wildcats couldn’t be stopped in their eight wins during the 2012 season. And in their three losses, Richmond Hill lost by a combined seven points. The Wildcats were extremely close to continuing its season in the first round of the playoffs, losing 17-15 to Warner Robins in the first round. A lot of players return for the 2013 season, giving the Wildcats a great chance to claim a region title. Nick Fitzgerald came on strong as Richmond Hill’s starting quarterback in 2012 and will be motivated to start the season strong. Up front, offensive linemen Bill Buckman and Jon Zellner lead a group of offensive linemen that could be the best in the region. The Wildcats are a strong bunch that could have a season to remember in 2013.

BRADWELL INSTITUTE TIGERS 2012 RECORD: 2-8 THE COACH: Adam Carter THE PLAYERS: LaBaron Anthony (Sr., QB), Ziere Diggs (Sr., WR), Dangelo Smith (Sr., RB/LB), McKelvin Stafford (Jr., DL), Nick Drew-White (Sr., WR) THE WORD: It took awhile for the Bradwell Institute fans to get their wish, but they got it when it was announced former coach Jim Walsh, Jr.’s contract would not be renewed. Instead, the school hired former Camden County defensive coordinator Adam Carter to become the next head coach. The general feeling around the Bradwell Institute fan base was that the talent has been in place for successful seasons. Carter will now take his turn to see if he can make the most of that talent, especially on defense. However, it’s on offense where the Tigers need more help. They only averaged 9. 9 points per game, which was inflated some by a 42-point outburst in the season finale against Groves. Take that away and the Tigers only managed 6. 3 points per game.

GLYNN ACADEMY RED TERRORS 2012 RECORD: 8-4 THE COACH: Rob Ridings THE PLAYERS: Garrison Hurd (So., RB), Deandre Cooper (Sr., WR), Emmitt Thomas (Sr., RB), Lashawn Clark (Jr., RB), Zach Lamper (Jr., QB) THE WORD: Glynn Academy had a successful 2012 season and will be looking for more this upcoming season. However, the Red Terrors will need to replace quarterback Preston Delaney, who had a good command over the Glynn Academy offense. The front-runner for the job would appear to be Zach Lamper, who can also play fullback and run the ball well. Speaking of running the ball, that’s something Glynn Academy does well. A trio of backs — Emmitt Thomas, Lashawn Clark and Garrison Hurd — will give Glynn Academy every opportunity to move the chains and score touchdowns. The defense shut out four opponents during the 2012 season and will look to do more of the same on that end.

WARE COUNTY GATORS 2012 RECORD: 13-2 THE COACH: Ed Dudley THE PLAYERS: Gordon Dudley (Sr., WR), Montre Merritt (Sr., RB), Sam Thompson (Sr., DE), Jamar Johnson (Sr., QB), Steven Wright (Sr., TE/DE), Aubrey Wheeler (Sr., OL), Markevis Davenport (Jr., FB/LB) THE WORD: Ed Dudley’s Gators were able to reach the Class 5A championship in 2012, but lost to Gainesville in that final game. However, the 2013 version of the Ware County Gators might even be better than last year’s squad. Quarterback Jamar Johnson has a lot of versatility to his game. He can run the pro-style offense effectively, but take off running if his reads aren’t open. Johnson could be poised for big year, especially with Montre Merritt balancing the offense in the running game. Ware County should remain the favorite in Region 3-AAAAA in 2013 with the stacked roster it has.

WINDSOR FOREST KNIGHTS 2012 RECORD: 1-9 THE COACH: Scott Schwarzer THE PLAYERS: Charles Baker (Sr., LB), Irvin Riley (So., LB), Roger Crumbley (So., RB), Lamaar Taylor (Sr., DE)

THE WORD: Scott Schwarzer will have a large task upcoming in the next couple of years as he tries to turn around the Windsor Forest Knights football program. The Knights lost nine games in 2012 and only managed 7. 8 points per game. They also gave up over 30 points per game on defense. However, Schwarzer brings a new energy that’s much needed to the program. Before leaving Southwest Guilford in North Carolina, Schwarzer had begun rebuilding that football team. This will be a new challenge for Schwarzer, and one that could take some time to do.

4-AAAAA

CHARLES DREW TITANS 2012 RECORD: 6-4 THE COACH: Jarrett Laws THE PLAYERS: Lester Kanauls (Sr., RB), Brandon Pearson (Sr., QB), Chris Jackson (Sr., DB), DeAnthony Love (Sr., DB), Angelo Cofield (Sr., OL/DL), Chiaza Nwadike (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Titans have a roster loaded with offensive talent for the 2013 starters. Up front, there are some big offensive linemen, including Chiaza Nwadike, who checks in at 6-3, 280 pounds. This bodes well for senior running back Lester Kanauls, who packs a lot of power when he runs the ball. Senior quarterback Brandon Pearson is back and will be a headache for region coaches to worry about. The secondary has a couple of seniors, Chris Jackson and DeAnthony Love, two players that should be able to keep plays in front of the defense. That will be needed as the Titans had a couple of mishaps defensively a year ago.

CREEKSIDE SEMINOLES 2012 RECORD: 7-4 THE COACH: Olten Downs THE PLAYERS: Evan Berry (Sr., QB/DB), Elliot Berry (Sr., RB), Darvin Williams (Sr., WR), Robert Kimble (Sr., OL), Ed Curney (Sr., LB), Cam Jackson (Sr., DB), Demarcus Morgan (Jr., LB) THE WORD: Anytime a team has an athlete like Evan Berry running an offense at quarterback, good things are bound to happen. With Berry entering his senior season, expectations are high at Creekside for a deep run. Berry will have help on offense, with a stacked offensive line to protect him, led by senior Robert Kimble. Berry’s twin brother, Elliot Berry, is a dynamic running back himself, with both attracting collegiate attention (both are the siblings of NFL safety Eric Berry.) Ed Curney and Demarcus Morgan are quality linebackers that will anchor a defense that held opponents to 12. 5 points per game. The biggest adjustment the Seminoles will have to make is getting accustomed to new coach Olten Downs.

FOREST PARK PANTHERS 2012 RECORD: 0-10 THE COACH: John Diehl THE PLAYERS: Brandon Williams (Sr., LB), Carlo Dowdell (Sr., LB), Jesse Cross (Sr., DB), Earl Jones (Sr., DL), Ryan Acosta (So. OL), Corey Funches (So., OL), Calvin Thompson (So., OL), Kyle Bailey (DB), Keonte Brocks (OLB), Justin Hines (DB/RB) THE WORD: Coach John Diehl is entering his first season at Forest Park, bringing with him his 184-78-6 record from his previous coaching stops. Coach Diehl plans to implement the option on offense and the 3-5-3 set defensively. The Panthers struggled a year ago, so Diehl knows he’s in for a rebuilding project. He’s asked for commitment and dedication and says it will take some time for knowledge of the offensive and defensive philosophies to take root. This offseason the strength and conditioning programs were overhauled, so the first step has already been taken. The team does feature a large senior class, so the potential for a step in the right direction is there.

MCINTOSH CHIEFS

2012 RECORD: 5-5

THE COACH: Lee Belknap

THE PLAYERS: Andrew Johnson (Sr., QB), Travis Bertke (Sr., OL), Jack Steinwedl (Sr., OL), Trey Walters (Sr., WR), Jake Carney (Sr., LB), Jabari Ajao (Sr., DB) THE WORD: Quarterback Andrew Johnson returns for his third and final season as the starters for the Cheifs, a team looking to carry momentum from a year ago. Last season’s five wins was the most in nearly two decades, but the team is looking for even more success in 2013. Johnson’s offensive line should be solid, led by Travis Bertke and Jack Steinwedl, and he’ll have a trusted target in wideout Trey Walters. The defense will be young, but linebacker Jake Carney is a the kind of piece a coach can build around.

MT. ZION (JONESBORO) BULLDOGS
2012 RECORD: 1-9

THE COACH: Ervin Starr

THE PLAYERS: Willie Green, Jr. (Sr., DL), Chris Prewitt (Sr., LB) THE WORD: Ervin Starr’s rebuilding project got off to a rocky start in 2012, with the Bulldogs finishing the season 1-9. Starr is still trying to implement his system to get his players to buy in and reverse the losing trend. Mt. Zion has gone 1-9 in two of the past three seasons and would love to turn itself around. Starr does need some time for his rebuilding effort, but losing two more games in 2012 than in 2011 under the previous coach won’t help matters. Starr will need to depend on his returning starters having a better grip on the offensive and defensive schemes in year two of his tenure.

CLASS AAAAA

MUNDY’S MILL TIGERS 2012 RECORD: 4-6 THE COACH: Greg Manior THE PLAYERS: Rodney Smith (Sr., RB), Jonathan Celestin (Sr., LB/TE), Josh Hill (Sr., RB), Rodricous Gates (Jr., QB), Jailyn Allen (Sr., DB), Dolonte Tedder (Sr., DB), Devonte Haley (Jr., OLB), Mark Hawkins (Sr., ATH), Loic Chimi (Sr., K), Darius Anderson (Jr., OL) THE WORD: The Tigers were able to both wins some games and get younger players experience last season. That’s encouraging for coach Greg Manior, who hopes those younger players will be more mature and ready to make more plays in 2013, his second season at the helm. The offense lost only one senior, so there should be some continuity on that side of the ball. Speed, agility and quickness drills in the offseason were the focus for that unit, which features a strong offensive line and senior running backs Rodney Smith and Josh Hill. Defensively, the secondary projects to be strong, led by seniors Jailyn Allen and Dolonte Tedder.

NORTHGATE VIKINGS 2012 RECORD: 5-6 THE COACH: Tommy Walburn THE PLAYERS: Torres Johnson (Sr., RB/DB), Benton Washington (Sr., RB), Malik Wade (Jr., DB), T. J. Womack (Sr., RB), Ryan Fagerstrom (Sr., LB), Aaron Carr (Sr., OL), Rachad Menefee (Sr., DE) THE WORD: The Vikings suffered a minor setback in 2012, backing their way into the playoffs and finishing 5-6 for the season. That came on the heels of an 11-1 season in 2011, with the Vikings losing their final game in heartbreaking fashion. Coach Tommy Walburn will be looking to get his squad back to the level of play it saw two seasons ago, and very well could do so thanks to a stout defense in the back end. Defensive backs Torres Johnson and Malik Wade understand the defensive scheme and can frustrate receivers. They can also defend the run well, helping to contribute to a team effort that limited opponents to 17. 7 points per game in 2012.

OLA MUSTANGS

2012 RECORD: 3-7

THE COACH: John Kovzel

THE PLAYERS: Greg Walker (Sr., RB), Okafa Charles (Sr., FS), Tyler Wesson (Sr., OL), Connor Schlottman (Sr., DB), Andrew Johnson (Sr., OL), Cole Bailey (Sr., LB), Ryan Lan (Sr., LB), Will Smith (Sr., DB), Tyler Pippon (Jr., DB), Cale Gibson (Jr., QB) THE WORD: The Mustangs will rely heavily on their defense in 2013, at least in the early going. That’s both because that side of the ball figures to be strong and the offense will be a work in progress. The defensive line should be stout, as well as the linebacking corps, led by Cole Bailey and Ryan Lan. Offensively, graduation claimed every skill player from a year ago. Junior quarterback Cale Gibson will likely get the nod. If Gibson is to have success, the offensive line will have to solidify early in the season. That unit, as well as the secondary, is one of the biggest question marks entering the year.

STARR’S MILL PANTHERS 2012 RECORD: 3-7 THE COACH: Chad Phillips THE PLAYERS: John Smith (Sr., RB), Kyle Moseley (Sr., QB), Alex Ashley (Sr., DL), Elijah Bragg (Sr., K), Gerron Smith (Sr., DB), Terence Harper (Jr., TE), Dion Munerlyn (So. ATH), Jacory Brooks (So. DL), Jason Akins (Sr., OL) THE WORD: The Panthers are hopeful tailback John Smith returns to form after missing all of last season with a broken leg. Smith was line to have a big year last season, but his injury was the most glaring for a team that was riddled with hurt players in 2012. Numerous young players were called into action early, perhaps a blessing in disguise. Those players are now a year older and have experience to fall back on. Quarterback Kyle Moseley returns under center. He’ll direct an offense that hopes to shift to a look with more agile offensive linemen. While the offense will look to control the ball, the defense needs the secondary to improve in order for success to be achieved. Gerron Smith will be looked to for leadership at that unit.

UNION GROVE WOLVERINES 2012 RECORD: 10-2 THE COACH: Paul Burgdorf THE PLAYERS: Jonathan Slade (Jr., QB), Luke Parker (Jr., RB/ LB), Caleb Ham (Sr., WR/DB), Lane Henderson (Sr., OL), Austin Brown (Sr., WR/LB) THE WORD: Union Grove appears to have a future college quarterback on its roster as a high school junior. Jonathan Slade is a 6-6 product with a cannon for an arm. He was a major reason why the Wolverines improved from 5-5 in 2011 to 10-2 in 2012. Now, Slade and the Wolverines believe the offense can make another leap and get even further in the postseason. Slade’s top target in 2013 will be senior receiver Caleb Ham, a speedster Slade often threw the ball to a season ago. The offense averaged 27 points per game and could wind up putting up 30 or more each week during the upcoming season.

WHITEWATER WILDCATS 2012 RECORD: 12-2 THE COACH: Amos McCreary THE PLAYERS: Colton Clemons (Sr., LB), Josh Alexander (Jr., CB), Christian Wafford (Jr., LB/RB), Russell Welch (Jr., FB), Matt Ogle (Sr., DE/ TE) THE WORD: It’s a safe bet Colton Clemons will be at the heart of most of the action this season for Whitewater. The 6-2, 212 linebacker is entering his third season as a starter.