CLASS AA
wins in eight different seasons. With all that said, there’s
big shoes to fill. Tanner Glisson steps in to take over the job,
inheriting a good mix of seniors and juniors, many of which
gained good experience a season ago. Senior Tavaris Almon
is in line to get more carries this season. And don’t let his
5-foot- 8, 185-pound frame fool you, he can wreak havoc
on the defensive line from time to time as well. He’s a high
motor type that will do anything the coaching staff asks.
Fellow senior Monta Copeland can carry the ball, too, but
he’s better known for his defensive abilities. He excels in
tackling from his cornerback spot, unafraid to creep up and
make hits from the secondary. 5-foot- 11, 230-pound senior
Darius Alford can play defensive tackle or defensive end, as
the staff plans to move him around a bit to give opposing offenses different looks throughout the season. He’ll help out
on the offensive line, too, using his quick feet to get out and
pull ahead of running backs to block downfield. Senior Griffin
Gibson and sophomore Tyler Brown will also help out on the
line, providing a good foundation to build around on offense.
SPENCER GREENWAVE
2012 RECORD: 3-7
THE COACH: Calvin Arnold
THE PLAYERS: Deondre Hubbard (Sr., WR/CB), Damarkus
Robins (Sr., RB/SS), Richard Jones (Sr., WR), Tarvaraska
Davis (Sr., QB), Darrius Lightfoot (Sr., RB), Douglas Turner
(Sr., T/DE)
THE WORD: Spencer hasn’t finished a season with a winning
record since 1977, but newly hired head coach Calvin Arnold
said all that can change. Spencer has a talented team for
Arnold to work with in 2013. It all starts with senior wide receiver Deondre Hubbard. Hubbard is a true downfield threat,
and he has a strong-armed quarterback in Tarvaraska Davis.
Davis and Hubbard both enter their final seasons at Spencer
looking to make some noise. Neither of the two senior leaders want their team to go out with a losing record, and they’ll
do everything in their power to keep that from happening.
TEMPLE TIGERS
2012 RECORD: 2-8
THE COACH: Seth Rogers
THE PLAYERS: Christian Armstrong (Sr., RB/LB), Kameron Payne (Sr., TE/LB), Kevin Kimbrell (Sr., OL/DL), William
Leatherwood (Sr., OL/DL), Talio Fazon (Sr., OL/DL), Darian
Rogers (Sr., RB/DL), Phillip Chandler (Sr., RB/DB), Austin
Nichols (Sr., WR/DB), Mike Jones (Sr., DE/ TE), Jake Lambert
(Sr., FB/DL), Elijah McFarland (Jr., QB/DB)
THE WORD: The key to Temple’s success in 2013 will be its
ability to win on the road. The Tigers had a home record of
2-3 last season while they went 0-5 in away match-ups. One
way for Temple to improve upon that weakness will be to
train its offense to be more composed in road game settings. Junior quarterback Elijah McFarland has begun to get
his feet under him as a team leader and he will have senior
receivers Austin Nichols and Mike Jones to give him more
comfort as a passer. Senior running backs Christian Armstrong and Darian Rogers will also be behind McFarland for
rushing support. If Temple can improve upon its road weaknesses it will greatly improve upon its recent record in 2013.
6-AA
GREATER ATLANTA CHRISTIAN
SPARTANS
2012 RECORD: 10-4
THE COACH: Tim Hardy
THE PLAYERS: Rafe Chapple (Sr., QB), Trevor Dedecker (Sr.,
LB), Britt Lee (Sr., OL), Chris Williams (Sr., WR), Ross Wood
(Sr., RB), Parker Polhill (Sr., DB), Jonathan Pickens (Sr., DB),
David Elrod (Sr., LB), Brandon Holzgrefe (Sr., K), Price Roberts (Sr., DL), Micah Abernathy (Jr., RB), Paul Carothers (Jr.,
LB), Carson Cox (Jr., OL), Darius Slayton (Jr., WR), Jake Rose
(Jr., LB), Mitchell Milovich (Jr., DL)
THE WORD: There are plenty of reasons to be excited about
2013 if you pull for the Spartans. GAC has nine starters
returning on defense, a unit that comes back nearly intact
after leading the team to 10 wins a year ago. Senior linebacker Trevor Dedecker is the man in the middle. He’s back
for one more season after totaling 94 tackles and four sacks
as a junior. He’s joined by classmate Ross Wood, a 6-foot,
170-pound defensive back that had 98 tackles and five interceptions a year ago. There’s plenty of production returning on
the offensive side of the ball, too. Quarterback Rafe Chapple
is back after passing for 2,461 yards and 26 touchdowns in
2012. He’ll look for a familiar target in wideout Chris Williams,
who had 778 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as a
junior. With everything that’s coming back, expectations are
set for another run in both the region and state playoffs.
HAPEVILLE CHARTER HORNETS
2012 RECORD: 3-7
THE COACH: Winston Gordon
THE PLAYERS: Damian Cambell (Sr., T), Rohimi Kadiri (Jr.,
ILB), Marquis Grier (Jr., ILB/ TB), Marcus Cheek (So., QB/ WR),
Jaquez Ezzard (So., FS)
THE WORD: The Hornets managed to post a better record
on the road than they did at home in 2012. Senior tackle
Damian Cambell will have to be the driving force for the
Hornets this season. He will serve as a barrier for his young
quarterback, sophomore Marcus Cheek. Cheek is entering
his role as the team leader, and will need all the help he can
get from his offensive support. Junior tail back Marquis Grier
will line up behind Cheek, and will also take the majority of
his handoffs. Hapeville has young talent, and it will have to
prepare its players well in order to find success in 2013.
LOVETT LIONS
2012 RECORD: 8-5
THE COACH: Mike Muschamp
THE PLAYERS: Jack McGranahan (Sr., LB/WR), Ty Newberry
(Sr., LB/RB), Foster Coleman (Sr., DB/ WR), Grant Towles (Sr.,
DB/WR), Garrett Chapman (Sr., DB/RB), Tyler Shiflett (Sr.,
DB/WR), Patrick Keough (Sr., LB/OL), Samad Ajao (Sr., DL/
OL), Mathew Byers (Sr., DB/WR), Deen Brooks (Sr., LB/OL),
Willie Chandler (Jr., DB/QB), Jack Stevenson (Jr., DB/QB)
THE WORD: Lovett suffered a close loss in the second round
of last year’s playoffs, but looks to come back hungry for a
better finish in 2013. It’s a grueling task to make your way
on to the varsity squad at Lovett, and the players who wear
the uniform won’t take the privilege for granted this season.
Lovett’s last stand in 2012 took place against Lamar County
in the second round of last season’s playoffs where Lamar
County defeated the Lions in a 35-28 thriller. Lovett will have
a battle between juniors Willie Chandler and Jack Stevenson
for the starting quarterback start. Either direction head
coach Mike Muschamp chooses to go, his offense will be set
with an athletic play caller. Lovett has the talent to get back
to the late rounds of the playoffs in 2013.
WESLEYAN WOLVES
2012 RECORD: 4-7
THE COACH: Franklin Pridgen
THE PLAYERS: Will Anderson (Sr., QB), Heath Middlebrooks
(Sr., TE/DL), John Walker (Sr., WR/DB), Stuart Johnson (Sr.,
OL/DL), John Adent (Sr., QB/DB), Mike Simpson (Sr., K),
Hank Masters (Sr., OL/DL), Ryan Brennan (Sr., OL/DL), Christian Stark (Jr., WR/DB), Ollis Robinson (Jr., WR/LB), Jahmai
Jones (Jr., WR/DB)
THE WORD: After a shaky finish to the 2012 regular season,
Wesleyan fell to Calhoun 42-10 in the first round of last year’s
state playoffs. In order to rebound from the disappointing
loss, head coach Franklin Pridgen will look to senior quarterback Will Anderson to lead the Wolves’ offense. Pridgen also
has the option of playing senior John Adent at quarterback
if every necessary. Anderson’s main receiving threats are
seniors John Walker and Heath Middlebrooks. Anderson
should also be well-protected by senior offensive linemen
Stuart Johnson, Hank Masters and Ryan Brennan. Wesleyan
is a school with a winning tradition, and the Wolves should
be able to ensure that reputation in 2013.
WESTMINSTER WILDCATS
2012 RECORD: 5-7
THE COACH: Gerry Romberg
THE PLAYERS: Joseph Janeczko (Sr., QB), McClain Bradley
(Sr., RB/LB), Cameron Seward (Sr., WR/LB), Charlie Walker
(Sr., TE/LB), Nelson Douglas (Sr., WR/DB), Chris Ottley (Sr.,
WR/DB), Baylor Beck (Sr., TE/LB), Graharn Powell (Sr., TE/
LB), Matt Noone (Sr., OL/DL), Sam Schmal (Sr., OL/DL)
THE WORD: Westminster fell victim to Jefferson’s dominant
title run in the second round of last season’s state playoffs,
but the Wildcats will look to reload with an experienced core
of offensive players in 2013. Senior quarterback Joseph
Janeczko will call the plays for Westminster this season
while senior wide outs Cameron Seward and Nelson Douglas will be his main targets through the air. Senior tight end
Baylor Beck will also serve as a secure target for Janeczko,
but much of the responsibility will fall on the offensive line
consisting of seniors Matt Noone and Sam Schmal. If the
offensive line holds up for the season’s entirety Westminster
will have a legitimate shot at a playoff run this season.
7-AA
CALHOUN YELLOW JACKETS
2012 RECORD: 14-1
THE COACH: Hal Lamb
THE PLAYERS: Alex Urbino (Sr., RB), Tydus Curtis (Sr., WR), Andrew Haynes (Sr., WR), Katrova Dew (Sr., OL), Truett Moss (Jr.,
OL), Dustyn Harris (Jr., DL), Hayden Crabtree (Sr., DL), Thomas
Lester (Jr., DB), Will Conley (Jr., DB), Fields Chapman (Sr., QB)
THE WORD: Calhoun was nearly perfect a year ago, but the
only scar on the record was a painful one. The Yellow Jackets
breezed to a 14-0 record before losing to Jefferson in the
state title game. While it wasn’t the easiest way to end a season, this year figures to be just as promising. There’s a strong
group of seniors returning for another run. The offensive line
will be anchored by senior Katrova Dew and junior Truett
Moss. They’ll have plenty of talented playmakers to open
holes for. Senior tailback Alex Urbino and wideouts Tydus
Curtis and Andrew Haynes have plenty of experience and past
production to draw from. Defensively, linemen Dustyn Harris
and Hayden Crabtree will get things started in the trenches.
They’ll be joined by a host of talented players, most notably
Thomas Lester and Will Conley in the secondary. There’s
plenty the Yellow Jackets have solidified, however they’ll be
breaking in a first-year quarterback in senior Fields Chapman.
He should have enough around him to help ease the transition. If so, expect Calhoun to be in the hunt once again.
CHATTOOGA INDIANS
2012 RECORD: 2-8
THE COACH: Clay Livingstone
THE PLAYERS: Nigel Dickerson (Sr., QB/CB), Shawn Lawrence
(Sr., ATH), Garrett Salmon (Sr., ATH), Tevin Shropshire (Sr.,
RB/OLB/SS), Jaylin Moore (Sr., WR/CB), Nick York (Jr., WR/
OLB), Devan Byers (Sr., FB/LS/MLB), Skyler Esmann (Sr., C/
LS/DE), Trey Tucker (Jr., OLB/TE), Treavor Curtis (Jr., WR/
OLB), Gary Snead (Jr., WR/CB)
COOSA EAGLES
2012 RECORD: 4-7
THE COACH: Chad Perry
THE PLAYERS: Dequaylon Dennis (Sr., WR/DB), Dominique
Billups (Sr., RB/DB), Isaac Bradley (Sr., WR/LB), Jake Kulesza
(Sr., OL/DL), Garrett Collins (Sr., OL/DL), Aiden Watkins (Sr.,
TE/DL), Justin Cooper (Sr., WR/DB), Ryan Justice (Sr., OL/
DL), Brayan Cornejo (Sr., K)
THE WORD: Coosa fell well short of the state title in 2012, but
made an appearance in the first round of the playoffs. The
Eagles’ receiving corps will be the main point of emphasis
in the offense this season. Heading up that list of receivers
will be seniors Dequaylon Dennis, Isaac Bradley and Justin
Cooper. Another threat for the Eagles’ offense will be senior
running back Dominique Billups. If Coosa can spread the
ball around to its numerous targets it will have a chance to
go even farther in the playoffs this season.
DADE COUNTY WOLVERINES
2012 RECORD: 3-7
THE COACH: Bradley Warren
THE PLAYERS: Roy McMahan (Jr., TE), Reid Hulgan (So., OL),
Damien Pickering (So., RB), Austin Forester (Jr., DB), Luke
Riddle Sr., QB), Aaron Williams (Sr., RB), Tanner Avery (Sr., LB),
Hayden Johnson (Jr., DB), Blake Lynn (Jr., LB), Garrett Moore
(Jr., DL), Zac Freeman (So., RB), Houston Poston (So., QB)
THE WORD: Dade County Coach Bradley Warren is excited
about the core group he’ll be coaching in the coming years.
It’s obvious the group of players he’ll put to work this season are good — the junior varsity team went undefeated in
2012. The only catch is the majority of the group is young
and may take some time to develop into winners. The senior
class is small, but has shown flashes of good leadership
and direction in the past. Senior quarterback Luke Riddle
and tailback Aaron Williams will lead the charge offensively.
Senior linebacker Tanner Avery will be the main focus on
defense. Those upperclassmen will be important, because
the rest of the starting lineup will essentially be filled by
underclassmen.
MODEL BLUE DEVILS
2012 RECORD: 6-5
THE COACH: Gordon Powers
THE PLAYERS: Jamal Milligan (Sr., RB/CB), Cameron Oneal
(Sr., QB), Austin Price (Sr., WR/FS), Jared Pepper (Sr., WR/
CB), Karicka Culberson (Sr., TE/OLB), James Brown (Sr., WR/
CB), Josh Hightower (Sr., WR/OLB), Jeffrey Harrelson (Sr., T/
DT), Jacob Lambert (Sr., G/MLB), Lance Morris (Sr., C/DT)
THE WORD: A quick loss in last year’s state playoffs will be
fresh on the minds of the Model Blue Devils. Senior offensive standouts Jamal Milligan and Cameron Oneal look to
avenge their team’s early exit at the hands of Greater Atlanta
Christian. Their supporting offensive cast will consist of
wide outs Austin Price, Jared Pepper, James Brown and Josh
Hightower. The defensive unit will be led by senior linebacker
Karicka Culberson and senior defensive tackle Jeffrey Harrelson. Model has a great shot to enter the later rounds of
the state playoffs this season.
MURRAY COUNTY INDIANS
2012 RECORD: 0-10
THE COACH: Chad Brewer
THE PLAYERS: Gavin Weaver (Sr., WR/CB), Zach Broome (Sr.,
C/DE), Dakota Patterson (Sr., T/DE), Clayton Thornbury (Sr.,
G/DT), Spencer Baggett (Jr., RB/CB), Cole Moore (Jr., WR/
CB), Justin Smith (Jr., QB), Christian Torres (Jr., WR/CB),
Ethan Weaver (Jr., WR/CB)
THE WORD: With an absolutely loaded receiving cast and a
new coach in Chad Brewer, Murray County has one thing on
its mind- get back in the win column in 2013. The Indians
are a team with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
Last season’s final record put the Indians in an underdog
role, but Brewer has the hopes of reversing that. He’ll look
to his junior quarterback Justin Smith for leadership. Smith
has plenty of downfield threats in Gavin Weaver, Cole Moore,
Christian Torres and Ethan Weaver. The way Murray County
responds to last season will determine its successes in the
upcoming one.
PEPPERELL DRAGONS
2012 RECORD: 6-5
THE COACH: Jeff Shiflett
THE PLAYERS: Alex Rickman (Sr., ATH), Evan Ashley (Sr., ATH),
Kurtis Klemke (Sr., ATH), Robby Scoggins (Sr., ATH), Ryan
Forsyth (Sr., ATH), Trippe Hobbs (Sr., ATH), Zach Dillard (Sr.,
ATH), Hayden Owen (Sr., ATH), Jamie Kelley (Sr., ATH), Dallas
Conaway (Sr., ATH)
THE WORD: Pepperell was shutout in the first round of last
year’s playoffs by Westminster. Pepperell will be led by
a cast of senior leaders consisting of Alex Rickman, Evan
Ashley, Robby Scoggins and Hayden Owens. Head coach Jeff
Shiflett and the Dragons’ offense has the potential to build
off its playoff disappointments from 2012.
