High School Football
Knights 2025 Quest
By: Jeff Doke
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
This fall, as Frederica Academy takes to the gridiron for their fifteenth season, Coach Brandon Derrick is preparing for his thirteenth at the helm of the Knights.
It’s a coaching history that many would be envious of, what with two appearances in the state championship game – one resulting in a title – and qualifying for the playoffs every year but one.
The numbers don’t tell the whole story, however…at least not the win/loss numbers. There’s a much more impactful number that has been the albatross of the Derrick regime more seasons than not: roster size. And this year will be no exception.
“We’re probably (a roster of) 28, maybe 30 kids,” Coach Derrick told me recently. “ We had some give it up in the offseason. Football’s tough. It’s the toughest sport there is in high school, so they decided to play other sports.”
At the conclusion of the 2024 season, the Knights were set to have 18 starters returning for this season. Now it looks more like 16 returning with some rotational players stepping up to starting roles, especially on defense.
“I think we’re going to roll Jaylen Baldwin out to cornerback with Jayden Gibson,” speculates the Coach, “we’ll roll Wyatt (Parton) and Braxton (Sykes) into Safety. They both spent some time playing that position last year.”
Outside Linebacker is another position that will see some new faces to replace last year’s starters. Trey Dunston, a new addition to the team, will take the place of the upperclassmen that decided to stick with baseball instead of football.
Coach Derrick predicts that there will be five more players to rotate into that position this year.
As far as the Defensive Line goes, Senior Defensive Tackle Fuller Wimberly will be holding the line, with heavy contributions from Junior Jack Tronolone and an increased defensive presence from JC Wessell.
Clay Sprole, as well as a new member of the team, 6’2” 260 lb. Eric Alford, will be counted on to contribute at Defensive End.
“We’ve got some younger kids that will need to figure it out and learn how to play,” said the Coach. “If we’ve just got 25 kids, we’ll get ‘em ready to be the toughest 25 kids out there.”
On the offensive side, things should pick up where they left off last year with some big contributions from some big young men.
“You’re going to see a lot of guys moving around more. JC (Wessell) is going to be an integral part of it, because he’s a 6’7” 230lb. Tight End that just ran a 4.08. He’s especially going to be moving around a lot. You’re going to have to go find him, but he won’t be hard to find since he’s 6’7”.”
Quarterback duties will continue to be handled primarily by rising Junior Stanton Beverly, with some rotational relief from second year multi-position player Braxton Sykes.
Sykes will also contribute at Wide Receiver. Jayden Gibson will continue as starting Running Back, while WR Jordyn Rollins is still recovering from his major knee injury from last season. Rollins should be ready to go by the first of the season, and if so, will see a considerable uptick in touches from last year.
“If he’s healthy, he’ll be moved all over the place,” said Coach Derrick. “We’ve got to get him the ball 12-15 times a game. He’ll make a guy miss and has a chance every time to take it to the house.”
Coach Derrick continued with cautious confidence in the offense. “I think we’ve got a really set of skill set kids, the biggest challenge is going to be how we’ll rotate our offensive line and maintain a level of consistency. We’re one or two injuries away from it being catastrophic just because of our numbers. It is what it is.”
The Frederica Knights start their season ‘Under The Oaks’ against Savannah High School on August 15th. How ever many players suit up, you can be sure Brandon Derrick will have them ready.
New Way Forward
By: Cameron Miller
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
After a challenging 2-8 campaign in 2024, the Brantley County Herons are entering the 2025 High School Football Season with a young but battle-tested roster, and a head coach determined to turn things around.
Under the leadership of Head Coach David Shores, now entering another season at the helm, the Herons are focused on growth, discipline, and forging a new identity.
Last year’s squad struggled on both sides of the ball, averaging just 9.8 points per game while allowing 37.2, which left them with a staggering -27.4 point differential.
The team’s struggles came against both non-region and region opponents in GHSA Class A D1 Region 1.
Despite those numbers, the Herons believe the foundation has been laid, especially with a core group of returning players who bring both experience and hunger into 2025.
At the center of the offense is senior quarterback Kaden Hendrix, a 6’4”, 185-pound passer with a strong arm and leadership qualities the team leans on. Hendrix threw for an average of 95.4 yards per game last season and connected for six touchdowns, often under pressure behind a developing offensive line.
As a senior, Hendrix will be counted on to elevate his efficiency and help stabilize the offense. With a full offseason to work with his receivers and offensive coordinator, his development could be the key to unlocking more scoring opportunities this fall.
One of Hendrix’s top playmakers will be Mason Kicklighter, a versatile junior who splits time at running back and inside linebacker.
On offense, Kicklighter posted 34.9 rushing yards and 21.7 receiving yards per game while scoring three rushing touchdowns in 2024. His ability to catch out of the backfield makes him a matchup problem for defenses, and his 5.2 tackles per game on defense showcase his two-way impact.
Another name to watch is Eli Thomas, a Swiss Army knife listed as a strong safety and all-around athlete. He averaged 36.7 total yards per game last season and is expected to take on an expanded role in the offense and special teams this year.
While the defense surrendered over 37 points per game last fall, there are bright spots that give Shores reason for optimism.
Hayden Hickox, a returning inside linebacker, averaged 5.6 tackles per game and recorded two tackles for loss. His instincts and leadership will be crucial as the Herons look to tighten up their run defense.
Alongside him is Haden Kicklighter, another inside linebacker and fullback who posted a team-high 6.8 tackles per game, one sack, and a key fumble recovery.
Together, the Kicklighter-Hickox tandem gives Brantley a hard-nosed presence in the middle of the defense.
The Herons face a competitive slate this fall, opening at home on August 15 against traditional powerhouse Charlton County. Road trips to Windsor Forest, Vidalia, and region rival Fitzgerald will test their resolve, but matchups against teams like Worth County and Bacon County offer chances to pick up critical wins.
With two bye weeks (Sept. 12 and Oct. 10), the Herons will have windows to reset and recover. But make no mistake: every Friday night will be a proving ground for a team hungry to shed last year’s narrative.
Though the Herons are young, there’s a quiet confidence building in Nahunta. The players have endured tough seasons but now carry a chip on their shoulder—and a belief that better days are ahead.
If Brantley County can stay healthy, grow together, and find its rhythm on both sides of the ball, the 2025 season could be the first step toward a new era of Herons football.
2025 Schedule:
8/15 vs Charlton County
8/22 @ Windsor Forest
8/29 vs Pierce County
9/5 @ Vidalia
9/12 BYE
9/19 @ Jeff Davis
9/26 vs Worth County
10/3 @ Fitzgerald
10/10 BYE
10/17 vs Thomasville
10/24 @ Berrien
10/31 vs Bacon County
Battering Rams
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Grayson (Loganville) won their fourth state championship last season. They beat Carrolton in the 6A championship, 38 – 24. The previous state titles are from 2011, 2016 and 2020. Obviously the Rams are looking to repeat in 2025.
Grayson was 14 – 1 in 2024. The lone loss came in the season opener to Collins Hill, 20 – 19.
As you can see, this program has never won two consecutive state championships. They have some talented players that are looking to change that.
The Rams have five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson. He’s the third ranked recruit in the state for the Class of 2026 and he’s committed to Texas.
He’s a 6’2, 210 lbs. tackling machine. In 2024 he had 166 total tackles, 77 solo, 32 TFL, 13 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.
Quarterback Travis Burgess is the eighth ranked player in Georgia in the Class of 2026 and a four-star recruit. He is committed to North Carolina. He’s a 6’5, 205 pound dual-threat quarterback. Last season Burgess completed 154 passes for 256 yards (60.2%) for 2,225 yards with 23 TD and 4 INT. Also carried the ball 58 times for 596 yards (10.3 YPC) and 4 TD.
He also plays basketball and runs track.
Anthony Davis Jr. is a four-star linebacker. In 2024 he had 105 tackles, 15 TFL, 3 sacks, 5 PBU and 1 interception. He’s 6’2, 200 lbs. and he currently has not committed to a school. He has received scholarship offers from Alabama, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, Georgia, Texas and Auburn.
DB/WR Hannibal Carter Navies is a three-star recruit and he’s committed to Kansas State. His father, Hannibal Navies (Colorado), was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 1999 with the 100th pick. He played nine seasons in the NFL with four different teams.
Edge rusher Lawrence Brown is a three-star recruit and a UNC commit. He played in 13 games last season and had 30 tackles, 12 TFL, 6 sacks and 28 QB hurries. Brown is 6’3 and 200 pounds.
The Rams have also added three-star transfer WR Dawson Quarterman from Miami, Fl. In 2024 at Norland (Miami) he had 35 receptions, 624 yards and 5 touchdowns in 10 games. He’s committed to East Carolina.
The season starts on August 15th at Collins Hill. The Eagles won the 2024 matchup but lost to Grayson in the playoffs, 38 – 14. Collins Hill was 11 – 2 in 2024 and they are still a talented team. I expect this to be a close game.
Week 2 is against a small private school, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee. Rabun is so close to North Carolina that they are in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association
Thompson is a 7A school from Alabama and they won the state championship last year. They lost to Grayson last season in overtime, 15 – 14.
Region play begins late September against Grovetown. Grayson is in AAAAAA Region 4. The region is not very good so I don’t expect anyone to challenge them in region play.
I believe Grayson is still the team to beat in 6A. I think Buford is a team that can challenge them.
Schedule
8/15 @ Collins Hill
8/22 vs Rabun Gap-Nacooche
8/29 vs Thompson
9/5 vs Mallard Creek
9/19 @ Grovetown
9/26 vs Newton
10/3 @ Heritage
10/9 vs Rockdale
10/24 vs South Gwinnett
10/31 @ Archer
Brooklet Buzz
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
2024 saw Southeast Bulloch return to the GHSA State Playoffs and make the quarterfinals for the first time since the 1973 State Championship season.
While the Jackets saw graduation time come for some key contributors, the core is still intact in Brooklet to be able to not only replicate last season but add on to as well.
The ground game dominated for the Jackets as SEB racked up nearly 250 rushing yards per game and had two of the top five rushers in Region 3 of the 3A classification.
While Jayden Murphy finished the year fourth in the circuit with 752 yards on the ground last season, Colby Smith had a breakout season.
Smith scampered for 1,619 yards on the ground to lead the region and also was atop Region 3 with 22 total touchdowns. Smith became the first 1,000-yard rusher for SEB since Chase Walker in 2017.
The Brooklet native senior has contributed in virtually every way he can in his SEB career. As a freshman and sophomore in 2022 & 2023, Smith was a stalwart on the defensive side of the ball as a safety, linebacker and at the “Jacket” position.
Because of injuries at the end of the 2023 season, Smith was thrust into action at quarterback (had been the back-up QB all season) for the final three games of the year.
Last season, in addition to having a historic season out of the backfield, Smith also served as the kick returner and also punted twice on the year. This year, I’d expect more of the same for Smith as a Swiss-Army knife for the Jackets.
Southeast Bulloch will have a new signal-caller at quarterback this season with Rhett Morgan deciding to forego his senior season on the football field to focus on the baseball side.
The leading candidates for the job are Aaden Peterson and Colton Zito.
Peterson, the son of legendary Georgia Southern quarterback Adrian Peterson, stepped up as a cornerback last year for the Jackets but has unquestionable athletic ability to be able to run the offense.
Colton Zito, the son of Jackets Head Coach Jared Zito, has grown up with and has football in his blood.
In addition to the two headed monster at running back with Smith and Murphy, SEB returns a strong nucleus of talent on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, the biggest hit from graduation was on the offensive line but do return the recent Georgia Tech commit in Bear Fretwell along with Kam Miller and Daniel Shuman.
Defensively, linebacker Brant Horst (who will also see time as a tight end) was the second leading tackler and racked up 4 sacks and 7.5 TFL. Jason Anthony’s defense will also return names like Chase Douglas, Tyrone McGee and Stevie Padgett who made impressive impacts in 2024 and look to take the next step in 2025.
In 2024, the Jackets knocked off Heritage after the long trip to Ringgold in the first round of the playoffs. Then they blanked the number two team in the GHSA power ranked team in the state in Harlem in round two before reaching Stephenson in the quarterfinals to finish the year 10-3.
After the second 10-win season in the first four years under Head Coach Jared Zito, the Jackets look to recreate some of the magic of 2024 while continuing to build and return SEB to their march to a third state championship in program history.
Pirate To Gator
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Florida has landed a commitment from four-star tight end Heze Kent.
Kent is a 6-foot-6, 310-pound tight end from Brunswick High School in Brunswick, Georgia.
He chose the Gators over Florida State Miami and Texas, and ranks as the No. 11 athlete in the country, the No. 18 recruit in Georgia and the No. 167 overall recruit in the 2026 class.
What Kent looked for most in a school throughout his recruitment is a place where he can feel comfortable, but he also wanted a place where he’s seen as a true, pass-catching tight end at the next level.
Because of his size at 310 pounds, not all schools that recruited him looked for him to line up at tight end.
Kent’s top four schools in Florida, Florida State, Miami and Texas all saw him as a tight end, which brought each school into his final cut.
What helped separate Florida, however, was Kent’s relationship with offensive coordinator and tight ends’ coach, Russ Callaway.
“That’s like a father or a brother to me,” Kent said. “My coach had told me how he was as a person, like the same person he is on the field is the same person he is off.”
Kent was able to have some familiarity with Callaway before Florida began recruiting him heavily. Callaway played football at Valdosta State with Kent’s high school coach, so that gave Kent a unique perspective on what to expect from Callaway.
The relationship grew on its own, however, and that combined with how Florida sees him in the offense gave Kent a lot to like about the Gators.
Kent kept his recruitment relatively private and even keeled, especially down the stretch. Florida State made a push close to his decision, especially after his official visit with the Seminoles.
“Everything has been good over there,” Kent said ahead of his decision. “I talk to Coach [Chris] Thomsen and Coach [Mike] Norvell.”
What helped give Florida the nod, however, was the fact that the staff not only treated him as a priority, but as a priority tight end throughout much of his recruitment
“They say no other tight end that they’re recruiting has the same skillset as me,” Kent said.
Here is what National High School Scouting Analyst Hudson Standish had to say in late June on Kent’s game.
“One of the more unique evaluations in the 2026 cycle. Jumbo athlete hovering around 6-foot-6, 310 pounds who primarily plays tight end at the prep level but likely projects to offensive tackle or defensive tackle on Saturdays. Shows significant developmental blocking upside when asked to stay attached, possesses nimble movement skills and redirection ability that directly translate from his work as a forward on the basketball court. Uncommon movement skills from a player of his size in the open field and will make acrobatic ladder-climbing snags in the red zone. Dominates South Georgia 5A competition in a variety of ways and has even found success as a ball carrier. Could start his career as a specialty tight end in 12/13 personnel groupings before transitioning to a long-term positional home. Sheer size and athleticism point to obvious long-term NFL upside, especially if he embraces a role along the offensive or defensive line at the next level.”
The Gators landed a unique unicorn with size and athleticism. Kent adds to an impressive group Coach Napier is bringing in for 2026.
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.
Deadly Pirates
By: Cameron Miller
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The high school football season is almost here and the buzz around the Brunswick High Pirates is louder than ever.
The Pirates are coming off a stellar 2024 campaign where they finished 10-2 and had a perfect 8-0 region record, which put them at the top of the region.
The Pirates, led by the reigning Region 1-AAAAA Coach of the Year Garrett Grady, are reloaded with talent and poised for another deep run this fall.
With one of the most explosive offenses in the state last season, averaging 36 points per game, Brunswick returns its core stars, including standout quarterback Grant Moore.
As a junior, Moore dazzled defenses with 2,525 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, adding another 283 yards and 3 scores on the ground.
Now entering his senior season, he’s more experienced, more confident, and surrounded by elite playmakers.
The most dangerous weapon in Moore’s arsenal is none other than Heze Kent. Kent is a 6’5″, 265-pound tight end/wide receiver hybrid who recently committed to the University of Florida.
He is a nightmare matchup for any defense and brings elite athleticism to the field. Last season, he averaged 82 receiving yards per game and scored 16 touchdowns, dominating in the red zone and stretching the field.
As a four-star recruit, Kent enters the 2025 season with high expectations and the tools to exceed them.
But Kent isn’t the only target Moore has. Waseem Murray, a crisp route-runner with speed and hands, averaged 64 receiving yards per game with 6 touchdowns last year.
Many around the program expect Murray to have a breakout season now that defenses will be focused on stopping Kent. With Kent drawing double teams, Murray could be the X-factor in many games this fall.
In the backfield, the Pirates boast a potent 1-2 punch. Nigel Gardner, who averaged 83 yards per game and tallying 8 touchdowns.
His vision and power between the tackles make him the workhorse. Meanwhile, Josiah Gibbons added 48 yards per game and also found the end zone 8 times, giving Brunswick another dependable option on the ground.
On the defensive side, Aviyon Addison is the name to watch. The senior cornerback had 43 tackles and 4 interceptions last season and is the leader of a secondary that looks to be one of the best in the region. His lockdown ability will be vital during Brunswick’s tough stretch of region games in September and October.
The Pirates kick things off with a home scrimmage against Ware County on August 8th, a great early test against one of the most physical teams in the state.
Then the season officially begins on August 15th with a big road game against Camden County in Kingsland, a battle that could set the tone for the season.
After that, the Pirates host Wayne County (August 22) and Effingham County (September 5), with a bye on August 29 and a road trip to Evans (September 12) in between.
The midseason slate also includes a rivalry showdown at Glynn Academy (Sept. 26) and crucial region matchups with Bradwell (October 3), Statesboro (October 10), and Lakeside (October 17).
After another bye week on October 24, Brunswick will close the regular season at home against South Effingham (October 31), a game that could have serious playoff implications.
With a proven coach, a dynamic quarterback, elite skill position players, and a defense ready to take the next step, the Brunswick Pirates are poised to make a serious run in 2025. Expectations are sky-high and rightly so.
If this team stays healthy and plays to its potential, don’t be surprised to see them make noise deep into November. The Pirates aren’t just playing for wins this year. They’re chasing championships.
Hunting Wolves
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The 2025 high school football season is kicking off soon.
We are going to look at the Buford Wolves and see how they will do this season.
Buford is always a state championship contender. They have 14 football state championships from single A up to 6A. They have one championship prior to the year 2000. Their last state championship is from 2021.
This year will be no different. They have a very talented roster, so I expect them to have another great season.
Last season they were 12 – 2. Buford was 9 – 1 during the regular season with their only loss to Milton, 13 – 10 in the season opener. They advanced to the 6A state semifinals and lost to Carrolton, 30 – 17.
The Wolves are led by five-star senior defensive lineman Bryce Perry-Wright. He’s ranked as the #5 recruit in the state for the class of 2026 and he’s committed to Texas A&M.
As a junior he had 57 total tackles, 30 solo, 13 TFL and 9 sacks. Perry-Wright is 6’2, 250 pounds and he can play defensive tackle or defensive end.
Buford has added three-star senior edge rusher Dre Quinn. He transferred from Greater Atlanta Christian (GAC). He’s 6’4 and 230 pounds. Last season he had 42 total tackles, 9.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks. He is committed to Clemson.
The Wolves have senior quarterback Dayton Raiola, who is the younger brother of University of Nebraska starting quarterback Dylan Raiola.
Dayton is committed to the Huskers and coming off a season where he threw for 1,953 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Three-star senior athlete Tyriq Green is a three-star player and a Georgia commit. He plays running back, defensive back and he runs track. He’s a member of the Buford 4×100 relay squad that captured a Peach State AAAAAA title as an 11th grader. He clocked a personal-best 10.85 in the 100-meter dash as a 10th grader.
In 2024 he had 28 tackles, 5 interceptions and 5 PBU. He also had 77 carries for 527 yards (6.8 YPC) and 8 touchdowns.
Senior IOL Graham Houston is a three-star recruit and he’s committed to Georgia. Houston is 6’5 and 305 pounds so he’s a man amongst boys.
Nassir ‘Nascar’ McCoy is a senior three-star safety. The 6’2, 180 lbs. DB has over 20 scholarship offers. Some of the schools recruiting him are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Florida State, North Carolina, NC State, Georgia, Auburn, Ole Miss and Kentucky.
Buford will start the season on Thursday, August 14th at home against Milton, which is a nationally televised game on ESPN. They are looking to avenge last season’s loss.
Week 2 they travel to Savannah to face Benedictine. The Cadets are a 4A school but they came close to beating the Wolves on the road last year, losing 29 – 28.
The rest of the non-region schedule is brutal. They play Roswell and Douglas County. Buford will begin play in AAAAAA Region 8 on September 19th against Discovery. The only two teams that might challenge them from their region are Collins Hill and Mill Creek.
Grayson won the 6A state title last season so I think they are still the favorites. I do think Buford can challenge them for the state championship.
Schedule
8/14 vs Milton
8/22 @ Benedictine
9/5 vs Roswell
9/12 vs Douglas County
9/19 vs Discovery
10/3 @ Collins Hill
10/9 @ Dacula
10/17 @ Central Gwinnett
10/24 vs Mountain View
10/31 vs Mill Creek
Walking Terrors
By: Joe Delaney
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Summer is upon us and while most people plan vacations, go to the beach, cookout and enjoy the Golden Isles etc, there is a large group of teenage boys who are focused on one thing. That thing is high school football.
So, I wasn’t surprised when I pulled up to the Glynn Academy fieldhouse to meet with Red Terror Coach Rocky Hidalgo that there were 50 plus kids working out in the hot sun with another 30 inside lifting weights.
For the really good teams, this is the time they get ready. Glynn wants to be a really good team.
In my conversations with Coach Hidalgo, he was very upbeat about the 2025 edition of Red Terror Football.
While last year’s team had a winning record and went to the playoffs, you could tell the Terrors and Coach Rock wanted more. With multiple returning starters, they have a chance to be much better.
Offensively, the Terrors return multi-year starters in Aiden Ward and Josh Baker up front. Add in starter Grant Ferrell and this offensive line could be very good. It is a great nucleus to start with.
Running the ball behind these guys are returners Dasean Howard and D J Creighton. These guys are quick and fast and should be fun to watch. Veterans make a difference.
Outside are returning starters Sean Wallace at the slot, Lavonte Lockett and TY Chisholm at the wideouts.
The key to the offense will be the play of incoming quarterback Max Noonan. He has looked great in practice and the young 5’11” 165 lb QB just needs to distribute the ball to all those playmakers and limit his mistakes.
He has a lot of players around him and doesn’t need to make a ton of plays. If he limits the mistakes this could be a very good offense.
Defensively, everything will rest on the play of the young D-line.
Glynn will be very solid in the back seven with returning starters all over the place.
If young bucks like James Kennedy, Amahray Moore, and Zamir Bell step up on the defensive line then the Terrors will be very good.
Smith Whitehead, Anson Gallon, and Cooper Reiss all return at linebacker. Throw in returning starters Sean Wallace, and Quan Coleman at DBs and it should be a solid unit.
The kicking game is always a strength for Glynn Academy and 2025 shouldn’t be any different. When the Glynn Academy Soccer team wins about 15 games every year…well you get the idea. Patrick Coyle is the next man up.
The Red Terrors will face stiff competition in the region with Effingham and Brunswick the region co favorites.
Add in Richmond Hill and some of the games will be brutal.
But with a nice group of returning starters and solid coaching staff, Glynn should be competitive in every game. The play at QB and on the D-line will have a lot to say about how far this Terror team will go.
They don’t have to be great. They just have to be solid and let the veterans make plays and the Terrors will be dangerous.
Schedule
8/15 @ Wayne
8/22 @ Richmond Hill
8/29 Bye
9/5 @ Bradwell
9/12 v. Statesboro
9/19 @ Lakeside
9/26 v. Brunswick
10/3 @Evans
10/10 v. South Effingham
10/17 Bye
10/24 v. Effingham
10/31 @ Greenbriar
Prowling Wildcats
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Richmond Hill Wildcats have been a team on the rise for several years, and even though they compete in what may be the toughest region in all of Georgia high school football, there is no reason to believe that won’t continue.
They opened last season with six straight wins, including a monumental 35 to 14 victory over longtime rival and traditional powerhouse Valdosta High School. After that win, the yellow-and-black Cats catapulted to a ranking of fourth in the state for the 6A classification.
But late-season losses to Lowndes and Colquitt County kept them just short of a playoff spot, finishing the season at 7-3. Even so, the program feels like it’s in a great position to take another big step forward this fall.
Head coach Matt Lezotte, who has been leading the team since 2015, isn’t shy about the goals he has for his team. He wants to win every game this year.
Of course, getting through Region 1-6A is no small task. It’s stacked with talented teams, and Lezotte knows that not everyone is going to make it to the postseason. He said all they can do is focus on the things they can control, especially their effort.
Off the field, the growth in the Richmond Hill area is showing up in the football program.
The school is expanding with a brand-new building and upgraded athletic facilities. Lezotte sees this as the perfect time for a fresh start. He’s focused on carrying the positives forward and not letting last year’s disappointment hold them back.
There will be some new faces leading the way this season. One of the biggest changes is at running back. Joshua Troupe, who had a huge year in 2024 with nearly 140 rushing yards per game and 18 touchdowns, has graduated.
Now it’s Amir Miller’s time. He was Troupe’s backup last year, but the coaching staff is confident he’s ready to take the next step.
Lezotte said Miller is a complete back. He can run with power, catch passes out of the backfield and has the kind of top-end speed that makes him a threat to score any time he touches the ball. At 200 pounds and running a low 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, Miller brings a different dimension to the offense.
While Richmond Hill will still rely on the run game, the passing attack is expected to be more involved this season.
Quarterback Gunner Mobley is back and has a better understanding of the system.
Lezotte praised Mobley for being a smart player who knows the offense and sees the bigger picture. With Miller’s receiving ability and an offensive line that has improved its pass protection, the Wildcats should be more balanced than in years past.
Lezotte said this year’s team might not be as big up front as some of his previous squads, but they’re more athletic and quicker. That could give them an edge in games where speed and movement matter most.
There’s a lot of energy around the program right now. The team’s youth camp over the summer drew its biggest turnout ever, and the community continues to show strong support.
Richmond Hill will get started with a bye week, then open the season at home against Glynn Academy on August 22.
The Wildcats have a tough schedule ahead, including non-region games against teams from Florida like Everglades and Buchholz, plus their loaded region slate featuring Tift County, Camden County, Valdosta, Lowndes, and Colquitt County.
It won’t be easy, but Richmond Hill is confident, motivated, and ready to prove they belong among South Georgia’s best.
The Richmond Hill schedule for 2025 is:
8/22 7:30p Glynn Academy (Brunswick, GA)
8/29 7:00p Everglades (Miramar, FL)
9/5 7:00p New Hampstead (Savannah, GA)
9/12 7:30p @ Wayne County (Jesup, GA)
9/19 7:00p @ Buchholz (Gainesville, FL)
9/26 7:30p @ Tift County (Tifton, GA) *
10/3 7:00p Camden County (Kingsland, GA) *
10/10 7:30p @ Valdosta (Valdosta, GA) *
10/24 7:30p Lowndes (Valdosta, GA) *
10/31 7:30p Colquitt County (Norman Park, GA) *
Region Game *
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