Camden County Wildcats
The Welcome Wagon
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Camden County High School recently officially welcomed Tucker Pruitt as the new head football coach during an introductory ceremony that highlighted his vision for the Wildcats program, his extensive coaching background, and his commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field.
Pruitt opened by thanking Superintendent Dr. Green, Principal Dr. Phillips, and Athletic Director Welton Coffey, noting the extensive behind-the-scenes work that goes into a major coaching hire.
He emphasized the importance of strong administration in building successful athletic programs and said he had been impressed with the organization and resources already in place at Camden.
After just a week on campus, Pruitt said he had already spent time in the weight room and meeting with coaches, praising both the structure of the program and the large number of athletes participating.
The new head coach acknowledged that leaving Appling County was difficult but said the opportunity to lead Camden County was one he could not pass up.
He described the position as one of the premier jobs in high school football and said it was an easy decision for him and his family, even after a recent move.
Pruitt also noted the challenges ahead, calling Region 1 one of the toughest regions in the country and comparing it to the SEC in terms of competition, resources, and coaching quality.
Rather than being intimidated, he said he is excited to embrace that challenge.
Pruitt outlined three core pillars that will define the Wildcats moving forward: discipline, accountability, and toughness.
He explained that discipline is about how the team approaches every detail, from weightlifting to practice, and that winning often comes down to avoiding mistakes.
Accountability will be reinforced through a team-based scoring system that tracks attendance, effort, discipline, and academics, with points awarded for grades and performance and deducted for missed workouts or disciplinary issues. Pruitt said this system will help him evaluate trust and commitment among players and instill championship-level standards.
Toughness, he said, remains central to football. Pruitt stressed both physical and mental toughness, emphasizing preparation for adversity and the importance of responding to setbacks during games.
He said Camden will strive to play a physical brand of football on both offense and defense, focusing on fundamentals, aggression, and consistent effort.
His goal is for opponents to feel the cumulative impact of that physicality over four quarters and recognize Camden as a program that plays hard and with purpose.
During a question-and-answer session, Pruitt detailed his coaching background, which began as the son of a high school coach and included playing at Valdosta State University on national championship teams.
His coaching career has included stops at Georgia Southern, Valdosta High School, Thompson High School, Coffee County, Lowndes, and Valdosta, where he won a state championship as offensive coordinator.
He served eight seasons as head coach at Fitzgerald, reaching the state semifinals or better six times, including a state championship, before leading Appling County to an 8-4 season and a region title in 2025.
Pruitt also discussed the Wildcats’ upcoming schedule, which includes non-region games against Brunswick, Glynn Academy, Benedictine, Ed White, Godby, and West Volusia, followed by region matchups with Lowndes, Richmond Hill, Valdosta, and Colquitt County.
He noted that scheduling has become increasingly competitive and that Camden is prepared to face top-level opponents.
When asked about defensive philosophy, Pruitt said his approach will be balanced and multiple, focused on stopping the run, limiting explosive plays, creating turnovers, and adapting weekly to opponents. He emphasized fundamentals over scheme and the importance of pressure and coverage working together.
Pruitt closed by expressing excitement about joining the Camden County community and building relationships with players, faculty, and fans.
He said his ultimate goal is to develop young men for life beyond football while producing a program the community can be proud of on Friday nights.
Camden’s Homerun Hire
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
After a month of unexpected change and uncertainty, Camden County believes it has found stability and direction in its football program with the hiring of Tucker Pruitt as the Wildcats’ new head coach.
Pruitt, one of the most successful coaches in South Georgia over the past decade, arrives in Kingsland following time as head coach at Appling County High School.
His hiring comes just weeks after Camden County was forced back into the coaching market following the sudden resignation of Jon Lindsey, who stepped down due to personal, unforeseen reasons shortly after being introduced as the program’s head coach.
Now, the Wildcats turn to a coach with a résumé defined by consistency, championships, and long-term program building.
Pruitt brings an 82–27 career record, including 60 wins since 2020, a total tied for the most among South Georgia coaches during that span.
He spent eight seasons at Fitzgerald High School, where he transformed an already proud program into a perennial state title contender.
Under his leadership, Fitzgerald reached five consecutive GHSA Class 2A semifinals, won the 2021 state championship, and finished as state runner-up in both 2020 and 2022.
The title was Fitzgerald’s first since 1948, cementing Pruitt’s reputation as a coach capable of pushing programs to historic heights.
Before taking over at Fitzgerald, Pruitt served as offensive coordinator at Valdosta and Lowndes, two of Georgia’s most storied programs, and also coached under his father, longtime head coach Robby Pruitt, at Coffee.
That background has shaped Pruitt into a coach known for offensive flexibility, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of how to sustain success over time.
Pruitt spent the 2025 season at Appling County, stepping into a difficult situation after the program was forced to forfeit 10 wins due to a GHSA ruling involving an ineligible player.
Despite the challenge, Appling County responded by finishing strong, clinching a region championship and reestablishing competitive footing.
Pruitt used the season to install new schemes, revamp strength and conditioning, and build a culture centered on accountability and toughness.
That experience may prove valuable at Camden County, which has now seen multiple head coaching changes in recent years. The Wildcats have remained competitive, but continuity at the top has been elusive.
Pruitt’s hiring signals an effort by the school system to stabilize the program with a coach who has demonstrated the ability to build and sustain winning cultures.
Like Lindsey before him, Pruitt is stepping into a community where football carries enormous expectations.
Unlike recent hires, however, Pruitt arrives with a lengthy track record as a head coach who has navigated adversity, rebuilt rosters, and maintained success across multiple seasons.
At Appling County, Pruitt often spoke about failure as a teaching tool and growth as a process. His teams were known for adjusting, improving, and peaking late in the season.
That philosophy aligns with a Camden County program that expects physical football, discipline, and steady development rather than quick fixes.
Camden County officials have not yet announced a formal introductory event, but players, parents, and fans will soon get their first opportunity to hear directly from a coach tasked with guiding the next chapter of Wildcat football.
After a whirlwind stretch that included optimism, surprise, and renewed uncertainty, Camden County believes Tucker Pruitt represents a clear step forward. His arrival brings experience, credibility, and a history of winning to a program searching for long-term stability and a return to championship contention.
For the Wildcats, the reset button has been pressed once more. This time, the hope is that it leads to something lasting.
Camden Wildcats Transition…Again
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Just weeks after being formally introduced as the next leader of Camden County football, Jon Lindsey has stepped down from the position, forcing the Wildcats to once again turn the page and begin a search for a new head coach.
Camden County Schools recently announced that Lindsey has resigned due to what the district described as “personal, unforeseen reasons.”
The announcement comes as a surprise to players, parents, and the broader Wildcat community, particularly given the enthusiasm and optimism surrounding Lindsey’s hiring earlier this winter.
Lindsey was hired in November to replace Travis Roland, who was dismissed after two seasons at the helm. At the time, Lindsey’s return was widely viewed as a stabilizing move for a program seeking consistency.
A familiar face with deep roots in Camden County, Lindsey had previously served as an assistant coach during some of the Wildcats’ most successful years, including the 2008 and 2009 state championship seasons, and later helped guide the team to a Final Four appearance in the 2023 GHSA Class 6A playoffs.
During his public introduction, Lindsey spoke passionately about restoring the identity that once defined Camden County football, emphasizing physicality, discipline, and community involvement.
He also outlined plans to strengthen development across all levels of the program, from youth leagues through varsity, and stressed the importance of unity among coaches, players, parents, and supporters.
That vision will now remain unrealized, at least under Lindsey’s leadership.
“The school system remains committed to providing a positive and stable athletic experience for students,” the district said in a statement released Tuesday. “Plans are underway to ensure leadership and continuity within the football program, and additional information will be shared when appropriate.”
District officials did not provide further details regarding Lindsey’s resignation, citing only personal circumstances.
No interim coach has been publicly named, though the statement indicated efforts are already underway to maintain continuity within the program.
The school system confirmed that a search for a new head football coach will begin immediately.
Interested candidates have been instructed to contact Camden County High School athletic director Welton Coffey.
Lindsey’s departure marks yet another abrupt change for a program that has now seen multiple head coaching transitions in a relatively short span.
While Camden County has remained competitive, including a playoff berth in 2024 and strong performances against top competition, sustained stability at the head coaching position has proven elusive.
For players currently in the program, the focus now shifts to navigating uncertainty while preparing for offseason training and the upcoming season.
For administrators, the task becomes finding a leader who can steady the program, establish long-term continuity, and align with the expectations of a community where football holds deep significance.
Camden County officials emphasized that further updates will be shared as the search process moves forward.
Until then, the Wildcats find themselves once again at a crossroads, searching for the next voice to lead a proud program into its next chapter.
Let Me Introduce You To John Lindsey
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Camden County officially ushered in a new chapter of Wildcat football recently as longtime coach and familiar face Jon Lindsey was formally introduced as the program’s new head coach.
The jubilant introduction was in front of a packed auditorium at Camden County High School in Kingsland.
For Lindsey, who has spent much of his career connected to Camden County, the moment felt both unreal and deeply right.
“Three weeks ago, I would have told you there was no way I would be standing here,” Lindsey told a room full of parents, players, alumni, and community members. “This happened extremely fast, but I am so grateful for the chance to live out a dream, to be a Camden County Wildcat again.”
Lindsey first arrived in Camden in 2005 and later served as offensive coordinator during some of the most successful seasons in program history, including the state championship run in 2009.
He left to become a head coach and athletic director at other programs in Georgia, but the lessons he learned in Kingsland always stayed with him.
In recent years he returned as an assistant, then stepped away from coaching, though he never really left the game.
“My wife would see me watching football clinics on a Saturday night and say, ‘You do not even coach anymore,’” Lindsey said with a smile. “But it was still in my heart. I missed it.”
When the Camden County administration approached him about taking over the program, their energy and commitment made the decision clear.
“This is a job you dream about,” he said. “What sold me was the passion of our administration and how much they love the Wildcats. You do not take on something like this unless the people leading it are completely invested.”
Lindsey also made it clear that this move is a family and community decision.
He introduced his wife, Dr. Melissa Lindsey, an assistant principal at Camden County High School, and he also spoke proudly of their three children, all of whom have Camden ties as students and athletes.
He shared how, when the family had a chance to return a few years ago, his son simply said, “Dad, I have always wanted to be a Wildcat.” That, Lindsey said, told him everything he needed to know.
Throughout his remarks, Lindsey laid out a clear vision for the future of Wildcat football. He promised a program that honors God, demands effort, and develops players mentally, physically, and spiritually.
He stressed the importance of building a complete football system from recreation ball and middle school, all the way through junior varsity and varsity so that young athletes grow up learning Camden County football from the beginning.
“Why can’t a kindergartner wear a Camden jersey and be doing the same things we do,” he asked. “We are built for that. We just have to bring it all together.”
On the field, Lindsey wants a return to the physical, gritty style that once defined the Wildcats. He talked about past teams that may not have had the biggest players but played harder and tougher than anyone they faced.
“Our kids played above their level,” he said. “That is how you beat great teams. You take an average player and help him perform like a great one. That is the standard.”
Lindsey also challenged parents and fans to be part of the process through the booster club, support in the stands, and patience as the schedule toughens and expectations rise.
“Trust the process,” he said. “It will not happen overnight. But if we come together as coaches, players, administration, parents, and community, we can get this program back to where we all know it can be.”
As the introduction wrapped up, Lindsey’s final message was simple and direct.
“Camden County football is the pride of this community,” he said. “I am honored to lead these young men. Let’s come together and get back to that championship level we all remember.”
New Cat Is No Kitten
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Just days after announcing that Travis Roland will not return for the 2026 season, Camden County has wasted no time charting its future.
Jon Lindsey, a familiar and respected figure, has been hired as the Wildcats’ new head football coach.
For a community where football is woven into local identity, the move feels both forward-thinking and rooted in tradition.
Lindsey brings a wealth of experience, a history of success, and most importantly, deep ties to Camden County football. He is not an outsider stepping into a high-pressure job. He is one of the architects of the Wildcats’ proudest eras.
Lindsey served as Camden’s defensive coordinator during the 2008 and 2009 state championship seasons, and returned years later to help guide the Wildcats to the Final Four in the 2023 GHSA 6A state playoffs.
His defenses were known for their toughness, discipline, and physicality. These were the hallmarks of the Camden program at its peak.
Beyond his work in Kingsland, Lindsey has built an impressive statewide résumé. He took Irwin County to the Final Four in 2013, earning Gatorade Class A Coach of the Year honors during his tenure.
In 2014, he led Cook County to the Region 1-3A championship and a trip to the Sweet Sixteen.
He has also headed programs at East Paulding and Appling County, and most recently contributed to Coffee County’s rise, helping the Trojans reach the quarterfinals twice and the semifinals once in three seasons.
Camden County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tracolya Green praised Lindsey as the right leader at the right moment, citing his understanding of Camden’s expectations and the defensive tradition that has long defined Wildcat football.
“Coach Lindsey has been a critical part of establishing our identity,” she said. “His leadership is grounded in simplicity, grit, and discipline. He knows what it takes to build a championship culture.”
With Camden now on its fourth head coach in seven years, Lindsey arrives as both a steadying presence and a familiar voice. His return signals a commitment to the values that built the Wildcats into one of Georgia’s premier programs: defense, discipline, and physicality.
Though the decision to move on from Roland closes the book on a two-year tenure that included a playoff berth in 2024 and a 6–4 season in 2025, the focus this week has quickly shifted toward the future.
Camden County believes Lindsey is the coach best equipped to restore consistency and reassert the Wildcats as a contender in what will be the newly realigned Region 1-7A starting in 2026.
The Lindsey family is already deeply ingrained in the community. His wife Melissa is a member of the Camden County High School faculty, and their son Jake, a Wildcat graduate, is now a linebacker at West Point.
That community connection, combined with Lindsey’s experience and track record, gives the Wildcats confidence that they have found the leader to guide the next chapter.
A public introduction event is planned for December, giving players, families, and supporters their first chance to officially welcome Coach Lindsey home.
After a fast-moving week, Camden County has a clear direction and has put its trust into a coach who knows exactly what Wildcat football is built on.
Head Cat Out
By: Jason Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Camden County Wildcats will once again be looking for a new football coach.
It has been announced that Travis Roland, Camden’s Head Coach for 2024 and 2025, will not be returning for the 2026 season.
Roland went 13-8 in his brief tenure with Camden.
In 2024 Camden made the playoffs under Roland and went 7-4 overall. The Wildcats lost in the first round of the playoffs in 2024 to North Cobb, 28-7. The Cats got into the playoffs as the #4 seed from Region 1-6A..
In 2025 the Wildcats started off 5-0 and we’re ranked in the top 10 in the state in 6A. Things did not go as well in the second half of the season as Camden notched a 1-4 record.
Camden County finished the season 6-4 and did not make the playoffs in 6A.
Roland was 0-6 against Lowndes, Colquitt and Valdosta. He went 1-1 against Richmond Hill and 2-0 against Tift County in his two years as head coach.
Travis Roland was hired out of Mainland High School in Florida. He won the 3-S State Title in Florida in 2023. Roland’s Buccaneer’s went 14-1 in 2023 and defeated St. Augustine 21-19 in the title game. He was the Head Coach at Mainland High School from 2021-2023 where he went 30-10 overall.
He was the Head Coach at Flagler Palm Coast in Florida before he took the job at Mainland High School and went 58-22 overall at Palm Coast.
Roland finishes his tenure with Camden with an overall record of 101-40 as a Head Coach.
Roland took over the program after legendary Coach Jeff Herron retired after three seasons in his second stint with the Wildcats.
Heron took the Wildcats to the second round of the GHSA Playoffs in 2022 and then the Final Four in the playoffs in 2023.
In 2025 the Wildcats lost to Lowndes, Valdosta and Colquitt, their main rivals in the region, by a combined score of 143-61.
The next coach at Camden will be the fourth in seven years with the Wildcats.
With the tradition of the program and Camden only being two years removed from a Final Four appearance in the GHSA Playoffs, the Wildcats should have several elite coaches to choose from in the hiring process.
Wildcat 2025 Rewind
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The 2025 Camden County Wildcats season was a rollercoaster ride that started hot, hit some bumps in region play, and finished strong with a big win on the road.
Coach Travis Roland’s squad showed plenty of heart, grit, and flashes of the old Wildcat magic, closing the regular season with a 6-4 record and a lot to build on for the future.
The Wildcats came out firing in August, outlasting Brunswick 44-35 in the Frank Smith Classic.
Quarterback Will Jackson made an instant impact with five touchdown passes in his Camden debut, while running back Antwan Williams pounded out 158 yards on the ground. It was the perfect tone setter for what looked like another big year.
Week two was the David “D.C.” Coleman Show. The junior speedster returned two kickoffs for touchdowns, one 91 yards and another 97, as Camden blasted East Lake from Florida 57 to 33.
Jackson threw two more scores, and the Wildcats’ offense piled up nearly 500 yards. Coach Roland called Coleman special, and fans in Kingsland were already nodding in agreement.
Camden stayed red hot in week three, handling West Broward 32 to 13.
The defense completely shut down the run, holding the Bobcats to minus two rushing yards. Jackson tossed two touchdowns, ran for another, and special teams chipped in again when Trent Hamilton housed an 80-yard kickoff return.
By week four, the Wildcats were in full throttle mode. On Senior Night against Ribault, Camden fell behind early but then rolled to a 56 to 13 win.
Coach Roland broke out the Rhino package, a power formation that sparked a 49-point outburst. Coleman scored three different ways, and Dailey added two rushing touchdowns.
At 4-0, Camden hit the bye week averaging over 44 points per game.
Homecoming was next, and the Wildcats sent Royal Palm Beach back to Florida with a 37 to 20 loss. Jackson opened the game with a 40-yard run followed by a 39-yard touchdown pass to Sean Green, and the rout was on.
Coleman scored twice, the defense racked up six sacks, and Camden moved to 5 and 0 for the second straight season.
Then came Region 1 6A play, and the road got a lot rougher.
Camden dropped three straight to Valdosta, Richmond Hill, and Lowndes, all ranked opponents.
Valdosta racked up over 600 yards in a 63 to 19 loss, but the Wildcats bounced back the next week with a strong defensive showing at Richmond Hill, losing a close one 24 to 20 despite 285 passing yards and two touchdowns from Jackson.
Against Lowndes, Camden again fought hard, cutting a 21 to 0 deficit to 21 to 14 before the Vikings pulled away late.
Colquitt County was next, and the Packers once again proved why they’re one of the state’s top programs, beating Camden 45 to 28. Jackson accounted for all three Wildcat touchdowns, but the defense couldn’t slow down Colquitt’s ground game.
It was a tough stretch, but Roland’s team kept battling every week.
Then came a chance to finish on a high note at Tift County, and Camden took full advantage. The Wildcats capped the regular season with a convincing 35 to 17 win.
Jackson threw for 212 yards and two scores, Williams rushed for 141 yards, and Coleman added another touchdown to his growing highlight reel.
The defense came up big too, forcing three turnovers and holding the Blue Devils to just 10 points after halftime. It was the fast, physical, and disciplined kind of performance Roland had been pushing for all season.
Jackson finished the year with more than 1,500 passing yards and over 20 total touchdowns. Coleman proved to be the ultimate playmaker, scoring in just about every way possible.
Green was a steady deep threat, while Williams and Dailey powered one of the most dangerous backfields in Georgia.
The final record might not jump off the page, but this Camden County team showed resilience, toughness, and a lot of promise.
The Wildcats started strong, stumbled in the middle, and finished the right way, with a road win and renewed confidence.
As Coach Roland said more than once this fall, “Winning is hard to do, and you’ve got to enjoy your wins when you get them.”
Wildcat Reload
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
After a 7-4 campaign in 2024 that included scoring over 400 points but falling short in key region matchups, the Camden County Wildcats are heading into the 2025 season with high expectations and a lot of returning firepower on both sides of the ball.
Head coach Travis Roland enters his second season at the helm with a clearer picture of what he has to work with and what it will take to push the Wildcats deeper into the postseason.
While the team loses some major contributors from last year, there’s plenty of talent waiting to step up and a few key additions that could make Camden County one of the more intriguing teams in Georgia’s loaded Region 1-6A.
The most notable departure is former All-State tight end Elyiss Williams, now competing for playing time at the University of Georgia. Williams was a major part of Camden’s offense in 2024, hauling in 54 receptions for 789 yards and 11 touchdowns. Replacing that production, and his leadership, won’t be easy.
The Wildcats also saw turnover in the trenches, losing offensive linemen Tazio Rosso (now at Louisiana Tech), Anthony Green Jr., and Zach Taylor (now at Cincinnati). That trio helped anchor a line that paved the way for Camden’s high-scoring attack last season.
On defense, the Wildcats will miss Wayne Austell, a relentless outside linebacker who earned back-to-back First Team All-Region honors before signing with Mars Hill University.
Despite some big-name losses, Camden returns six starters on defense, including key playmakers at every level.
Cornerback David Coleman Jr. (verbally committed to East Carolina) gives the Wildcats a true shutdown option on the outside, and linebacker Xavier Brown (committed to Georgia State) is back after racking up an impressive 129 tackles in 2024.
Brown also blocked two field goals and provides the kind of toughness and leadership that every defense needs.
On the line, Jacaryous “Chunky” Holzendorf returns to plug up the middle and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
With a mix of experience and emerging talent, this defense has the potential to be more consistent and disruptive in 2025.
Second year offensive coordinator, Grant Alford, continues to mold Camden’s offense, which racked up 430 points last fall. The unit returns some serious weapons, with some players possibly in new spots.
Parks Riendeau is back for his senior season after spending the last two years as the starting quarterback, but he’ll face competition in camp from Will Jackson, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who transferred in from Winter Park High School in Florida.
Jackson brings a lot of buzz with college offers from the likes of UCLA, Arkansas, and South Carolina.
Regardless of who comes out the quarterback battle, Riendeau is a proven winner with the athletic ability to dominate on the field in other positions, specifically at receiver.
Camden’s signal-caller will also have the luxury of throwing to Sean Green, a four-star wideout and one of the top juniors in the state. Green already holds offers from major programs, including Florida State and Georgia, and is expected to be a game-changer again this fall.
Also returning are running backs Antwan Williams and Julian Dailey, both seniors and proven contributors from last year’s ground game.
With the right balance and improved offensive line play, this unit has the potential to be one of the most dangerous in the region.
Coach Travis Roland took over the program last year with the goal of restoring Camden County to its powerhouse status. Year one had its highs and lows, but with a better understanding of the region and a roster stacked with experience and upside, Roland’s 2025 squad appears poised for a leap forward.
The quarterback room is deeper, the skill talent is legit, and the defense is anchored by veteran leaders. If the Wildcats can fill their gaps on the offensive line and stay healthy, they could be a real threat that I predict to be the Region 1-6A champs in 2025.
Camden County fans have reason to be excited this fall. With the right pieces falling into place, this could be the year the Wildcats take a big step toward reclaiming their spot among Georgia’s elite programs.
Air Wildcats
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
This fall’s football season will be the second for head coach Travis Roland with the Camden County Wildcats. And what a difference a year makes.
Both Roland and Offensive Coordinator Grant Alford arrived in Kingsland following the 2023 season. That season saw the Wildcats make it to the final four of the state playoffs and then the retirement of Hall of Fame coach, Jeff Herron.
The cupboard was not bare by any stretch of the imagination upon the new coaches’ arrival, but Roland and Alford brought with them a completely different style of football.
The Wildcats have been evolving into more of a passing offense as compared to Herron’s vaunted Wing-T, smashmouth style of football.
Earlier this month, at Chris Gillman Stadium in Kingsland, the Wildcats put on their annual Blue/White Spring Extravaganza. It was definitely an offensive showcase where the football was put into the air with regularity.
The format of the contest was basically a scripted scrimmage with series featuring the Attack (first team) offense against the Attack defense from different distances and situations.
It started with drives from the offense’s own 30-yard line for the opportunity to pick up multiple first downs, followed by series from the defense’s 35-yard line, and then some goal-line work from the 10-yard line.
These same scenarios were played out with the Bite (second team) offense and defense, and the Claw (third team) offense and defense.
The most exciting part of the evening was watching two players battle for the QB1 spot.
One contender for the position is rising senior Parks Riendeau, who has been the unquestioned leader of the team and has been the starting quarterback for the past two seasons.
The other is rising junior Will Jackson, who transferred to Camden from a school in central Florida back in December. At 6’4” and 205lbs, Jackson has prototypical size for the QB position and he already has multiple offers from Division 1 schools, including South Carolina, Arkansas and Virginia Tech.
Rieandeau displayed complete control of the offense, his group scoring touchdowns on each of his first two possessions.
One a scoring pass to rising senior receiver Jeremiah Bass, and the other a touchdown toss rising junior and all-around star athlete, Sean Green.
Riendeau’s poise and decision-making skills will make him tough to beat. He knew exactly where to go with the ball each opportunity, and utilized his two senior running backs, Julien Daily and Antwan Williams, with confidence.
Jackson also got his opportunity to operate the Attack offense, and if he was a little tentative at first, his athletic ability was on full display.
Jackson has a similar ability that his NFL namesake, Lamar Jackson, possesses. With what appears to be no more than a tiny flick of the wrist, he is able to launch a football 40 yards down the field with accuracy and precision.
He also threw multiple touchdown passes to emerging star senior receiver, Tyler Mapel.
Whichever player is given the keys to this Wildcat Offense; he could be in for a record-breaking year.
Camden County kicks the fall season by hosting the Brunswick Pirates in Kingsland on August 15th and won’t hit the road until a trip to Richmond Hill in week 8, on October 3rd.
The full Camden County football schedule for 2025 is:
Friday, Aug. 8: Benedictine (scrimmage), 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 15: Brunswick, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 22: East Lake, Fla., 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 29: West Broward, Fla., 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 5: Ribault, Fla., 7:30 p.m.
BYE
Friday, Sept. 19: Royal Palm Beach, Fla., 7:30 p.m. (Homecoming)
Friday, Sept. 26: Valdosta, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 3: at Richmond Hill, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10: Lowndes, 7:30 p.m.
BYE
Friday, Oct. 24: at Colquitt, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 31: at Tift, 7:30 p.m.
Immortal Wildcats
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Camden County High School will celebrate its rich athletic history with the inaugural induction class of the Camden County Athletics Hall of Fame on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
The event will take place at the CCHS Fine Arts Building in Kingsland, Georgia, honoring individuals and teams who have made a lasting impact on Wildcat athletics.
This inaugural class of inductees represents some of the most accomplished athletes, coaches, teams and contributors in Camden County’s history. This year’s class will include the following five inductees:
1960 Ralph J. Bunche High School State Championship Football Team: The Ralph J. Bunche Hornets made history by winning the first high school football state championship in Camden County history.
The school, which opened in 1951 to serve Black students in the area, started playing football in 1954 as part of the Georgia Interscholastic Association.
After semifinal appearances in 1958 and 1959, the Hornets broke through in 1960, dominating Henry County Training 45-2 to claim the Class A state title. Following integration in 1970, Ralph J. Bunche High School became part of Camden County High School, but the Hornets’ championship legacy remains a cornerstone of local sports history.
1985 Camden County High School Girls Track and Field Team: This team made history as the first-ever state champions in any sport at Camden County High School.
Their victory paved the way for future Wildcats, demonstrating that Camden County athletics could compete at the highest level. Their success remains a significant milestone in the school’s athletic legacy.
Frank Smith – “Mr. Wildcat”: Frank Smith was more than just a fan—he was the heart and soul of Camden County football.
Known affectionately as “Mr. Wildcat,” Smith was a dedicated supporter who never missed a game, home or away, for over 40 years until his passing in 2012.
As the longtime president of the CCHS Quarterback Club, his passion for Wildcat football was unmatched. His legacy is honored every year with the Frank Smith Classic, held at Chris Gilman Stadium during the Wildcats’ first home game in September.
Jeff Herron – Legendary Head Coach: Few names in Georgia high school football carry as much weight as Jeff Herron.
Over his 32-year career, Herron built a reputation as one of the best coaches in the country, compiling an overall record of 334-69, including 312-54 in Georgia.
His remarkable 85.3% winning percentage ranks second in Georgia history and among the top 35 in national high school football history.
During his 15 seasons at Camden County, Herron transformed the Wildcats into a powerhouse, winning three state championships (2003, 2008, 2009).
Under his leadership, Camden dominated the region for 12 consecutive years, set a state record with a 58-game regular season winning streak, and was ranked in the USA Today Top 25 six times. ESPN even named the Wildcats the Program of the Decade in Georgia (2000-2010).
Beyond Camden, Herron won state championships at Oconee County (1999) and Grayson (2016). His coaching excellence is now being recognized on a national scale—this summer, he will be inducted into both the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association (GACA) Hall of Fame and the National High School Football Hall of Fame.
Lyvonia “Stump” Mitchell – Camden’s NFL Star: A true Camden County legend, Lyvonia “Stump” Mitchell left his mark at every level of football. After a standout career as a Wildcat running back, he continued his dominance at The Citadel, where he still holds school records for rushing yards in a season (1,647) and career (4,062).
In 1981, Mitchell was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth round of the NFL Draft. He played in the league for a decade, spending nine years with the Cardinals (1981-1989) before finishing his career with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1990.
Following his playing days, Mitchell transitioned to coaching, leading Morgan State University (1996-1998) before taking on NFL coaching roles with the Seahawks, Redskins, Cardinals, Jets, and Browns. His long and distinguished career in professional football is a testament to the talent that has come from Camden County.
The Camden County Athletics Hall of Fame will serve as a tribute to the incredible athletes, coaches, and supporters who have shaped Wildcat sports. This inaugural class represents a mix of historic achievements, legendary figures, and community icons, each of whom played a vital role in building Camden County’s athletic tradition.
With this event, Camden County will not only honor its past but also inspire future generations of Wildcats to leave their own mark on the field, track, and beyond.
