High School Football
The New GHSA Playoff Formula
By: Ron Reagin
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Starting in 2026, GHSA football playoffs will use the Post-Season Ranking Formula (PSRF): 35% team winning percentage, 35% opponents’ winning percentage, and 30% opponents’ opponents’ winning percentage.
Just statewide, data-driven seeding.
The formula is straightforward: PSRF = (Your Winning Percentage × 0.35) + (Opponents’ Winning Percentage × 0.35) + (Opponents’ Opponents’ Winning Percentage × 0.30)
This system replaces the old region-only qualification model, ending the era of weak-region champions advancing easily while statistically stronger teams from stacked regions were left out.
Now, a 7–3 team with elite opponents can outrank a 10–0 team that plays lower ranked and lower classification teams. Region champions still earn automatic bids and favorable top-16 seeds, preserving motivation for region play.
PSRF shines in its fairness and predictive power. Simulations suggest it offers 15–20% better playoff forecasting than the previous system.
For example, Colquitt County’s 2025 8–2 regular season with several national-level games would have earned a No. 1 seed under PSRF — something that was impossible before as they were not region champs, but they defeated the region champs.
The main fallacies with this method are easy to identify but harder to measure: ignoring margin of victory (a one-point win counts the same as a 50-point blowout and close losses to top teams earn no credit), assuming all games are played on a neutral field, inconsistent data from some programs, and the reality that high school teams rarely stay the same strength throughout an entire season.
Also, late season upsets could cause wild swings in rankings mainly due to a chain reaction of all aspects of the formula with few games to recover.
For 2027-2028 and beyond, GHSA should consider refinements: a capped margin of victory (up to 24 points), a simple home/away factor (road win = 1.1× credit), and a slight boost to OOWP weight.
These tweaks would better reward dominance and the courage to play top tier teams without sacrificing simplicity and transparency as suggested by Loren Maxwell.
Whatever modifications GHSA makes, the loudest protests will come from programs most negatively affected.
The best way to judge PSRF’s real impact in its first season is to examine the schedules of the teams complaining the most and the teams they are complaining about.
Coaches and athletic directors will now need to incorporate statistical formulas into their scheduling strategies to avoid being penalized for weak non-region slates and avoiding upsets.
The 2026 PSRF is a bold, objective, and merit-based upgrade. No method is flawless, but with smart refinements, Georgia has a chance to lead the nation in the playoff ranking system ecosystem.
Glynn Academy Red Terrors Positional Breakdown
By: Joe Delaney
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
With one of the best overall sports programs around, the Glynn Academy Red Terrors are a force in spring sports.
Whether it’s Soccer, Baseball, Tennis, Golf, etc etc. The Red and White excel. And while we could spend hours on those accomplishments, today were going to look at Spring Football and preparations for the upcoming 2026 season.
The 2025 edition of Rocky Hidalgo’s Red Terrors is in the books. A winning season and a spot in the playoffs for the umpteenth time highlighted the 2025 team. They carried the Terror tradition well. The 2026 team looks to improve on that.
Back are a dozen or so starters from last year. Add in some solid up and comers and a couple of new players and the Terrors have a chance to be good. Let’s take an early look at what the Red and White might look like come the Fall.
At QB the Red Terrors return Junior Max Noonan. As a solid starter as a sophomore, Noonan proved he belonged. The next chapter for him is work and improvement. He has the ability and moxie to be great. A very good athlete with smarts…… the sky is the limit for Noonan.
The running backs look to be by committee instead of one or two. Caden Robinson, Ayden Wilson, Ian Pomiechowski, and Brock Wilson should all see totes for the Terrors this fall. And let’s add Cooper Reiss in here when they need someone to come in and run over people. The only thing missing here is a real game breaker. The Terrors will look to pound people in 2026.
And they may be able to do that with a great returning group of linemen. While the Terrors will miss 3-year starter Josh Baker, they return some very good football players.
Grant Ferrell is back along with Sam Ricks, Cam Cleghorn, and Aaden Ward. Andrew Gleaton has moved in nicely to the center position. Add in Grayson Forsyth, and Zach Cox at the tight end position and this should be a team strength.
The wide receivers are a position of need with the loss of DaSean Howard, Sean Wallace and T Y Chisholm. Look for someone to step up and take this. Whoever they are they will have a great chance to shine with Noonan in the backfield throwing darts.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Terrors should be stout. Especially in the front seven, with Baron Hayes Cobie Cutler, Zamir Bell, Amahry Moore, Zach Cox and Grant Ferrell all back.
The Red Terrors should be solid and this could be a team strength especially when adding in Cooper Reiss. Reiss is one of the better players in the region and was almost unstoppable in the spring from his linebacker position.
The defensive backs will be led by Ja’Kori Roman, Brock Wilson, and the Cox brothers Aaron and Charlie. There is room here for younger players to step up.
The kicking and punting will be handled by returning starter Patrick Coyle. With a great leg, Coyle will be instrumental in this team’s mode of operation and success. Long punts and kickoffs into the endzone will back teams up which fits the Glynn gameplan.
I don’t see the 2026 Red Terrors outfit as being a real flashy team. With returners all over they should be very solid.
More ground and pound than throw and go. Coach Hidalgo sees this team that way also. Physicality was the trademark of the spring and Rocky was very happy with the effort and results. Coach said, “we don’t just spend time here, we invest in ourselves and in the team”.
That seems to be the theme of this edition of the Red Terrors. I expect well start seeing the dividends this fall.
Glynn Academy Red Terrors Spring Questions
By: Garrison Ryfun
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Head coach Rocky Hidalgo is entering his 13th season as head coach of the Glynn Academy Red Terrors, and just wrapped up spring practice on Thursday, May 14, with the annual spring game.
For Hidalgo, the biggest takeaway from the spring was that the Terrors were able to get quality work in, stay healthy, and evaluate some of the younger players on the roster.
“You know, I thought we had a really good spring for the most part,” Hidalgo said.
“Got in there with no injuries, that’s the most important thing. It was very competitive. The spring game was very physical. Our line of scrimmage play, we have a lot of potential up there. We’ve got to get better on the offensive line from the spring game, which isn’t uncommon. I feel like working on some depth pieces is a big chunk of what we’re going to do. And we had a chance to really work on our young kids, which is why I like spring. You get a chance to coach your young kids when there’s no bullets flying. But all in all, I was pleased with the effort with our kids.”
Hidalgo pointed to several players who stood out during spring practice, beginning with Ayden Wilson, a dynamic player on both sides of the ball.
“I think Ayden Wilson had a really good spring,” Hidalgo said. “Max Noonan wasn’t here for the majority of it because he was playing baseball. But Ayden had a really good spring at quarterback. He got some time at fullback when Max came back, some linebacker. He’s a kid that could play a number of positions for us and go out there and do a good job. I think he was one that had a good spring. Zach Cox is another kid on the D-line and at tight end, he had a really good spring. Mikey Tyler also had a good spring at linebacker. He’s a young kid that’s really found a position and ran around well and did some really good things.”
Last season, the Terrors switched to a flexbone option offense. This new offense not only fit the personnel for Glynn Academy, but also led to them averaging 29.6 points per game which is eighth-best in school history and second best under Rocky Hidalgo.
Speaking about the flexbone offense going into year two, Hidalgo pointed to the returning experience Glynn has in the backfield as a reason for optimism.
“I think we’ve got our quarterback back, Caiden Robinson back, Cooper Reiss, Ayden Wilson to run the football. Ian Pomiechowski back and Brock Wilson who played a bunch for us at halfback.” Head Coach Rocky Hidalgo said.
“So we’ve got some pieces in there to go out there and hand the ball to. We’ve got to develop some kids at wide receiver a little bit to be able to block and catch the football, but other than that, I like our personnel. We’ve got a chance to be a pretty good offensive football team.”
One of those key returning pieces is Max Noonan, the Terrors starting quarterback, who led the offense with impressive poise as a sophomore last season. Although Noonan did not get much practice time this spring due to Glynn Academy baseball’s deep playoff run, Hidalgo said his performance in limited action was still encouraging.
“Yeah, he did some really good things in the scrimmage for only practicing two days,” Hidalgo said.
“I feel really good about the two quarterbacks that we have. We have two really, really good quarterbacks that I feel like we can go and compete with either one of them. That’s a good problem to have. Max is a tough kid. He’s got a lot of moxie. All those intangibles you want, on top of being a really talented player.”
While spring practice gave Hidalgo a chance to evaluate the physicality of his team, the focus now shifts to what Glynn needs to improve over the summer. For the Terrors, that starts with developing the passing game and improving conditioning.
“We’ve got to work on throwing the football,” Hidalgo said. “The spring for us is about running the ball, physicality, and run defense. The summer is about pass defense, working on our passing game, and all those perimeter aspects. I want to see us get better at those things. That’s a big part of it. Our conditioning’s got to get better. We’re going to have a lot of guys who are going to be playing on both sides of the football, so we’ve got to be prepared to play 80 snaps week one or two of the season,” Hidalgo said.
Glynn will also have several position battles to sort out before the season begins, with Hidalgo pointing first to the secondary.
“I think we’ve got to find a free safety. That’s the biggest thing,” Hidalgo said. “Trying to figure out who that guy is going to be in the secondary. We’ve got some guys competing at the other quarterback position. And then who’s going to go out there and do the things necessary to get on the field at halfback? We’ve got about six or seven kids that have a chance to go out there and play. See which of those guys are going to go out there and earn some playing time.”
Glynn Academy opens the season against the Calvary Day Cavaliers on August 20, 2026.
Starting Point For Camden County Wildcats
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Spring football under new head coach Tucker Pruitt has looked exactly like most people probably expected at Camden County High School.
It has been promising at times, frustrating at others, and very much still a work in progress.
Over the last few weeks, the Wildcats wrapped up spring practice with both their annual Blue White scrimmage at Chris Gilman Stadium, and then a spring matchup against Columbia High School in Lake City, Florida.
While the results were mixed, the overall picture that emerged was clear. Camden is still in the early stages of a major transition after an offseason filled with uncertainty and change.
Pruitt arrived late in the offseason following the unexpected departure of Jon Lindsey before ever coaching a regular season game.
Since then, the new staff has been working to install entirely new offensive and defensive systems while also evaluating personnel, rebuilding confidence, and establishing a new culture throughout the program.
The Blue White scrimmage offered fans their first look at what the new era may eventually become.
There were plenty of mistakes but also flashes of athleticism and playmaking ability that gave reason for optimism.
Quarterbacks Xavier Collins and Jammie Williams both showed mobility, while Jesse Newsome scored twice on touchdown runs.
Malakhi Poole broke off a long run from the Wildcat formation, and Collins later connected on several explosive passing plays, including a touchdown throw to Quan Mercer.
Still, Pruitt made it clear afterward that the Wildcats remain deep in the learning phase.
Penalties, turnovers, bad snaps, and missed blocking assignments repeatedly slowed the offense during spring workouts and continued to appear during Camden’s 26 to 7 loss at Columbia last Friday.
Against a physical Tigers team coming off a 9 and 3 season, the Wildcats struggled to consistently move the football and turned the ball over three times. But even during the difficult moments, there were signs of progress.
Defensively, Camden competed well throughout much of the Columbia scrimmage. The Wildcats forced turnovers with interceptions from Demetrius ‘Demi’ Coleman and Quan Mercer, while also making several key stops early in the game. Pruitt later called the defense the bright spot of the evening.
The offense also showed occasional flashes of what it could become down the road. Camden put together an impressive 10 play drive early in the second half against Columbia before another mishandled snap ended the possession inside the 10 yard line.
Later in the fourth quarter, Christian Jackson provided one of the biggest highlights of the spring with an explosive 80-yard touchdown run.
Perhaps more important than any score or statistic, however, has been the effort to reshape the overall culture of the program.
Pruitt has consistently emphasized accountability, physicality, and buy in since taking over, and he noted after the Columbia scrimmage that the team’s attitude and overall atmosphere have already improved significantly during the spring.
While the football itself still needs work, the coaching staff believes the foundation is beginning to take shape.
That process extends beyond the varsity level. Camden’s new systems are now being implemented throughout the entire football pipeline, including both middle schools, with the goal of creating continuity as players move through the program.
The Wildcats are also still waiting for additional pieces to fully come together. Collins, the transfer quarterback from Columbia High School in Florida, did not play against his former team because he had only recently joined the program and was still learning the offense.
Pruitt expects him to become a larger part of the team once summer workouts begin.
For now, Camden football remains under construction.
But after a chaotic offseason, spring practice provided something the Wildcats desperately needed: a starting point. And while there is clearly still plenty of work ahead before the regular season opener at Brunswick on August 21, there are also signs that the foundation of the Tucker Pruitt era is beginning to form.
New Camden Wildcat QB Transfers In
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
There is suddenly a whole lot more intrigue surrounding the 2026 season for the Camden County Wildcats.
Just days before the 2026 Spring Game against Columbia High School, Columbia’s starting quarterback is reportedly making the move to Camden County.
According to reports out of Lake City, Class of 2027 quarterback Xavier Collins is transferring from Columbia High School to Camden County and participated in his final practice with the Tigers in the middle of May.
That is a significant pickup for the Wildcats. Collins has been a three-year starter at Columbia and has already put together an impressive high school résumé.
Over the last three seasons, he has thrown for more than 3,500 yards and 35 touchdowns while becoming one of the more experienced quarterbacks in the region.
The 6 foot 2, 185 pound signal caller is coming off the best season of his career. Last year at Columbia, Collins completed 140 of 249 passes for 2,033 yards and 16 touchdowns.
He also currently holds a college offer from Ave Maria University in southwest Florida.
The move also fills a major need for Camden County after the Wildcats lost quarterback William Jackson during the offseason.
Jackson transferred to Evans High School after putting together a strong junior campaign for Camden in 2025.
Last season, Jackson completed 64 percent of his passes for 1,923 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only 5 interceptions. He also added more than 250 rushing yards and 3 scores on the ground.
So now, Camden enters the Tucker Pruitt era with a new quarterback under center and a player who already brings extensive varsity experience to the offense.
For Camden County fans, it is another fascinating storyline as the Wildcats continue adjusting to a new coaching staff, new systems, and now a new quarterback leading the offense into the 2026 season.
And based on the numbers Collins put up at Columbia, Camden may have landed a player capable of making an immediate impact.
Camden County Wildcat 2026 Hall Of Fame
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The legends of Camden County athletics are about to take center stage once again.
The Camden County High School Athletics Hall of Fame has announced its second induction class, and it is a group filled with iconic names, championship pedigree, and unforgettable memories that helped shape the rich tradition of Wildcat athletics.
The 2026 induction ceremony is scheduled for June 20 at the Camden County High School Fine Arts Building, and for longtime Wildcats fans, the evening promises to be both a celebration and a walk through decades of sports history.
This year’s class honors three legendary individuals along with two state championship teams that helped establish Camden County as one of Georgia’s premier athletic programs.
Among the headliners is the late J.C. Outlaw, better known throughout southeast Georgia as “The Voice of the Cats.”
For nearly four decades, Outlaw’s voice became synonymous with Camden County athletics. Beginning in 1982, he broadcast Wildcat football and baseball games and became a fixture in the community through his work with the Camden County Quarterback Club and youth sports.
For generations of Camden fans, Friday nights simply sounded different because of Outlaw. Whether the Wildcats were making a playoff run or battling through the regular season, his passion and energy brought the action to life for listeners across the region.
His induction serves as recognition not just for his broadcasting career, but for the impact he had on the culture surrounding Camden County athletics.
The class also includes Tyrone “Ty” Jones, one of the greatest football players to ever come out of Camden County.
Jones built a remarkable professional career in the Canadian Football League after starring at Camden County High School and later at Southern University.
Jones became a CFL legend during a nine year career that included multiple All-Star selections, Grey Cup championships, and a Most Outstanding Defensive Player award.
He still holds Winnipeg Blue Bombers franchise records and remains one of the most decorated defensive players in CFL history.
His journey from St. Marys to professional football stardom remains one of the greatest success stories in Camden County sports history.
Joining Jones in the Hall of Fame class is Kenneth “Ken” Ellis, another football standout whose career reached the highest levels of the NFL.
Ellis, a former Green Bay Packers star and Packers Hall of Fame inductee, earned All Pro honors and multiple Pro Bowl selections during his professional career.
Ellis’ accomplishments helped pave the way for future generations of Camden athletes dreaming of playing football at the next level. His success on Sundays brought national recognition to southeast Georgia long before Camden County became known statewide for its football dominance.
The Hall of Fame class will also honor two championship teams that occupy special places in Camden County sports lore.
The 1999 Camden County boys track and field team captured the Georgia High School Association Class AAAA state championship and cemented itself as one of the top athletic teams in school history.
Meanwhile, the legendary 2003 Camden County football team will finally receive its place in the Hall of Fame after delivering one of the greatest seasons ever seen in Georgia high school football.
Coached by Jeff Herron, the Wildcats finished a perfect 15-0 season and captured the program’s first state championship by defeating Valdosta 21-7 in the Class 5A title game.
That team’s dominance was staggering. Camden allowed only 47 total points all season and helped launch what would become one of the most successful football dynasties in the state.
For many Wildcat fans, the 2003 championship remains one of the defining moments in Camden County sports history.
The evening will begin with a VIP and honorees reception from 5:00 to 6:15 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are currently available for both the VIP experience and the ceremony itself.
More than anything, the event represents an opportunity for the Camden County community to celebrate the athletes, teams, and voices that helped build the tradition Wildcats fans still cherish today.
Round Table Knight
By: Jeff Doke
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
It is a common turn of phrase to say that someone that is ahead of others in their chosen field is “head and shoulders above the rest.”
Usually, this is a figurative statement. In the case of #88 for the Frederica Academy Knights football team, it is literal as well.
John Cannon Wessel – known as JC to everyone but his mother and his quarterback – is a rising junior that is drawing attention from sources local, regional, and national.
Entering his third year as a starter for the Frederica Knights, Wessel is building on a sophomore season that saw a significant statistical uptick from his freshman campaign.
After seeing action in 6 games his freshman year with 142 all-purpose yards, the 6’7” 225 lb. TE prospect more than doubled his stats with 338 yards on 18 receptions for 3 TDS over 12 games.
Not bad for someone sharing receiving time with Jaylen Baldwin, Jayden Gibson, and Braxton Sykes. Wessel puts a lot of that growth on the improved chemistry with Knights starting quarterback Stanton Beverly.
“Stanton and I are really good friends,” JC describes the relationship. “…The summer between freshman and sophomore year, we did a lot of work on just going to camps, and I learned a ton, just was trying to develop more and more.”
Add to that the fact that he hadn’t played football since Pop Warner, it’s no surprise that he’s noticeably working his way up the recruiting boards.
“I had played basketball the whole time,” says JC about his gap between time on the gridiron, “(but) I knew that I kinda wanted to try out football again just because my dad played football and see what I could do. I just started playing, and it was just super fun, and I loved the physicality of it.”
His family knows a thing or two about football. Not only did his uncle play for West Point after graduating from Colquitt County High School, his father Tadd Wessel won an Ivy League championship in 1995 with the Princeton Tigers. JC might just wind up following some of those footsteps.
As of mid-March, On3.com reports JC as having offers from Princeton as well as a dozen other D1 schools including 5 from the SEC, 4 from the ACC, and 2 from the Big 10.
With two seasons yet to play before graduation, JC hasn’t started narrowing down his choices yet, much less whether he actually wants to play past high school.
“I definitely have a lot interest in going that route, especially because my parents pushed me super hard towards that kind of path, but I have to take into account everything about the future and about my chances and about what I wanna actually do when I grow up,” says Wessel. “So as, as of right now, I have no idea, but hopefully as I go through high school, I’ll get a better understanding.”
The needle seems to be pointing in the collegiate ball route regardless. After earning all-region honors in his second season, words from his Head Coach Brandon Derrick are succinct and unmistakable; ”He’s only going to get better.”
With the schedule the Knights face in 2026, hopefully better happens sooner rather than later. Even though he understands that he’s not supposed to look past the next opponent, Wessel is making some exceptions to that rule.
“I’m looking forward to Charlton County because I haven’t played them…Stratford because we should have won that game last year…and Valwood because we hate them. Same for Bulloch.”
From a fan’s perspective, it’s hard to say he doesn’t have his priorities in order. The biggest payback he’s looking forward to is against the boys from the shores of Lake Sinclair.
”I don’t really remember that much of the (John Milledge) game. I was mad during the game. If we face them again in the playoffs, we’ve got a good chance this year.”
The Knights begin their 2026 March to Mercer with a home opener against Bethesda Academy on August 14th.
A Pirates’ Farewell
By: Teddy Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Former Brunswick High School standout Darius “Big Play” Slay has announced his retirement from the National Football League after 13 seasons.
Slay was a 2nd round draft pick by the Detroit Lions in 2013—the 36th player chosen overall. He played for the Lions for seven seasons before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played for five seasons and was instrumental in the Eagles victory in Super Bowl LIX, beating the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22.
Slay was released by Philadelphia in March of 2025 and signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers but was released by the Steelers after 10 games of the 2025 season. He was claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills, but Slay elected not to join the Bills, hinting that retirement was eminent.
In 187 career games in the NFL, “Big Play” recorded 655 tackles, 163 pass breakups, 28 interceptions, and 5 defensive touchdowns, earning him six Pro Bowl selections.
At the height of Slay’s career, quarterbacks often opted not to challenge his prowess as a cornerback, instead throwing to receivers who were covered by other defensive players.
In his senior year of high school, Slay led the Brunswick High Pirates to a region championship (6-0, region record; 9-3, overall). In addition to playing cornerback for BHS, Slay also played running back, rushing for over 1300 yards and 15 touchdowns his senior season.
Even as a sophomore, Slay was ticketed for big plays, as he ran for 1100+ yards and scored 13 touchdowns.
After a playoff loss on the road during Slay’s sophomore season, I was descending the steps from the press box when an opposing fan stopped me. Even though BHS had lost, Slay had had a big game.
“That Slay kid,” the opposing fan said, “is only a sophomore?
“Yes, sir,” I confirmed, “only a sophomore.”
The opposing fan shook his head as he commented, “I hope we don’t play y’all the next two years!”
Slay was on pace his junior year for another 1000 yards rushing, but, unfortunately, his season was cut short after five games due to an injury.
Slay was also a multi-sport athlete at BHS, running track and lettering in basketball.
Following his stellar senior year in high school, Slay played two seasons as a defensive back at Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Mississippi, earning All-MACJC (Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges) honors both years.
After Itawamba, Slay went to Mississippi State for his final two years of college, where he recorded 64 tackles, six interceptions and two touchdowns. His defensive coordinator, Geoff Colllins, nicknamed him “Big Play Slay.” Slay was also chosen 2nd– team All-SEC following his senior season at MSU.
Slay has been married to the former Jennifer Williams since 2018. Jennifer is also an athlete, having played collegiate basketball at Southwestern Oklahoma State.
Slay announced his retirement on Instagram, saying, “Dear football, I wanna thank you for all you’ve done for me. I’ve been blessed to play the game I love since I was 5 yrs old. Football was my peace, my joy, everything.”
“It’s hard to say goodbye, but God has a new chapter for me and I’m ready to turn the page and start my new journey.
“To all my BigPlay fans, I will always appreciate the love and support y’all have given me. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Slay signed off by saying, “Just a kid from Brunswick, GA with BIG dreams.”
Thanks for all the memories, Big Play!
Southeast Bulloch Yellow Jackets New Hive Leader
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
After the resignation by Jared Zito as Head Coach at Southeast Bulloch, administration made the quick decision to name Defensive Coordinator Jason Anthony as Interim Head Coach.
Later Bulloch County announced that Anthony would be Head Coach at minimum through the 2026 football season.
Covering the Jackets for the last five years, I’ve been able to see firsthand the level of respect from the players, coaches, and community that Coach “Ant” has which has been incredible to see.
Anthony has been the defensive coordinator for Southeast Bulloch since 2021 leading the SEB Defense to new heights each season while also serving as the Head Coach for SEB Track and Field.
Having spent the past 18 years on the sidelines as an assistant coach, 16 of those as a defensive coordinator, Anthony is ready to take the next step and finally become Head Football Coach of his own program.
In multiple speaking engagements, Coach Ant has used the phrase “My Program, Our Team.” With the meaning that while he is in charge of the program and setting the standard of it, the team is not only his, but the player’s and the community’s as well.
Anytime you hear Coach Ant speak about this team, there’s one main focus that is abundantly clear…these kids. The players are the “why” behind every decision that Coach Ant and the staff makes.
Continuity on the staff has been high on Coach Ant’s list since taking over the SEB program. The majority of the coaching staff from the past year remains in place with Anthony Hammett, Donnie Carr, Jonathan Roddie will stay on as defensive staff members while Matt Smith stays on as tight ends coach.
Brandon Peterson will stay leading the offensive line and take over as offensive coordinator for the Jackets in 2026.
The other key piece staying in place is Randy Lee remaining as the Special Teams Coordinator and will move from Running Backs Coach to coaching the linebackers.
A couple of familiar faces return to the staff under Coach Anthony as former SEB standout and former receivers coach Rand Morgan returns to the staff in the same role. Brent Osborne also returns to the staff as the Director of Football Operations & Recruiting Coordinator.
There’s a new energy around the Southeast Bulloch Football program. Even though we’re still six months away from kickoff, there’s excitement around the program as they get introduced to Coach Anthony as the Head Coach.
The energy and passion that Ant brings to the program is unmistakable. The feeling of countless hours over the 18-year career building to become a head coach for Anthony is palpable when you feel the passion that Ant has for the program, his job, and his family.
While there are some that are still getting to know Coach Anthony, I can assure you that this is a homerun for Jackets Football. Obviously, everyone has seen the schematics that Ant brings to the table as one of the best defensive coordinators in the state, but there a whole new level that people are going to get introduced to…Jason Anthony as a leader.
Ant is an unquestioned leader and is an unbelievable molder of young men. A huge piece of the SEB Program is developing not only football players but developing young men to be exceptional human beings.
Personally, I can’t wait for the season to kick off to be able to begin the Jason Anthony Era of Jackets Football. There’s a new air around the Jackets program and the new breath seems to have new life into the program that will lead to even more success very soon.
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.
