College Football Fallout Week 2
By: Jason Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Week two of the college football season is now in the books and some great outcomes and storylines arose from the “Saturday that was”.
I wonder what it will take for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to consider moving in a different direction, away from Paul Johnson.
A loss to non-Power 5 South Florida has Tech fans groaning again about Johnson and that Triple Option. However, the problem isn’t the triple option or even Paul Johnson’s coaching, the problem is recruiting.
Georgia Tech was considerably outmanned against South Florida, which had athletes all over the field and that ultimately reflected on the scoreboard.
Also, currently, South Florida and UCF are the best 2 non-Power 5 teams in the country. Thus, there should not be a lot of outrage amongst the Yellow Jacket faithful about losing to the Bulls. They are currently better.
Speaking of better, I think it is pretty safe to say the Georgia Bulldogs are better than the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Dawgs went to half up by 10 and then Kirby Smart “let the Dawgs off the chain” in the second half and South Carolina had no answers.
In my opinion, Georgia and Alabama are the two best teams in the country, again.
A team that is not among the best 2 in the country is Florida. The Gators had beaten Kentucky 31 straight time and had not lost to the Wildcats since 1986.
That streak is over. Kentucky took advantage of a bad Florida offense and came away with a 27-16 win in Gainesville. Yes, in the swamp.
Long gone are the days where no one won in the Swamp except for Florida.
One thing that truly amazes me is how the University of Florida cannot find a decent QB when they are the flagship school for one of the four most talent rich states in the country.
Especially, when you thing about the great QB’s that have played there in the last 30 years. One thing is for sure, Feleipe Franks has a lot to work on.
One last thing, for people who are not paying attention, LSU is better than you think.
Next week the Bayou Bengals will have a chance to prove this to the country as they will take on the Tigers from the plains in Auburn.
The winner will have the inside shot of dethroning Alabama in the SEC West.
Jousting Match
By: Rich Bontrager
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
For the second straight week the Frederica Knights would score more than 60 points and control all sides of the ball as they defeated Bethlehem Christian 60-21.
Seven different Frederica players would score, including 3 more touchdowns for senior running back Isaiah Jackson. All three of his TD’s would be in the first quarter of play and help make it 27-0 at the end of that quarter. By half-time the GISA offensive player of the past week would have over 150 yards rushing.
Other teammates that contributed to the lopsided win included Jashawn Sheffield (two TD’s), QB Denver Anthony, (two TD’s), Harry Veal, JT Elliot, and freshman QB Thomas Veal late in the fourth quarter.
At half-time the Frederica Knights lead 41-7 and limited the Knights of Bethlehem Christian with less than 50 yards of offense and one score off of a 55-yard bomb.
The defense set the tone of the game when Josh Meadows (So.) intercepted Jacob Adams’ pass down field and help set up Frederica to get the second score of the game with 5:35 left in the first quarter.
With such a lopsided victory for Frederica, you must give credit to the coaching staff and head coach Brandon Derek.
Despite having several key players still out due to injury, the coaching staff has figured out how to assemble a winning team. The play calling in this game was made up of a never-ending rotation of players and plays.
This coaching scheme kept the Knights of Bethlehem guessing who might actually get the ball. Every series in the first half was a totally different package of players on offense.
Frederica takes their 2-2 record and will make their longest road trip of the season next week as the travel to face Augusta Prep.
Preseason predictors have said Frederica could win by 30 points or more. Will the Knights advance to 3-2 and break 60 points for the third straight week before getting a much-needed break?
To Coach Brandon Derek, that would be the ideal situation for his team that has battled extremely hard and suffered tough injuries the first two games.
Not So Fast
By: Josh Aubrey
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Statesboro Blue Devils have made great strides over the past two weeks, starting the season 2-0.
Friday night the Warhawks showed the Blue Devils they still have a ways to go, holding Statesboro to only 34 yards rushing and shutting them out 21-0.
“Everybody in our community – which we love and appreciate their support – was telling our kids and each other that Statesboro is back,” Statesboro coach Jeff Kaiser said. “Statesboro is not back, this is a journey and a process of getting to where we want to be. We are a lot further along than we have been in a while, but we aren’t where we want to be.”
The Warhawks defense stacked the line and shut Statesboro’s rushing attack down. Davardrion Lipsey managed only 30 yards on 14 carries, while Jaylen Roberson was held to just one yard on 14 carries.
“They are by far the most physical defensive line we have seen,” Kaiser said. “What really disappoints me is that instead of biting down on the bit and getting after it physically up front, we did not execute and were not physical.”
With the rushing game ineffective the Blue Devils were forced to do something they had only done once in the first two games, throw the ball. Quarterback Drake Horton completed 5 of 17 passes for 70 yards and had 3 interceptions.
“They forced us into doing what we don’t do and that’s throwing the ball,” Kaiser said. “We had a few good spots there but we threw too many interceptions and we have to do a better job keeping the ball.”
Statesboro managed two first downs on their opening drive but were forced to punt. The Warhawks then marched downfield on an 11 play 75-yard drive that culminated in a 12-yard Sebastian Verger touchdown for a 7-0 lead.
The Blue Devil defense held strong through the rest of the half. Veterans tried a fake punt that the Blue Devils stopped and Statesboro also recorded a fumble recovery at midfield by Flip Dixon.
The Blue Devil offense was unable to take advantage of field position on a couple occasions in the first half, having one drive end on an interception and another on an unsuccessful fourth down attempt.
In the third quarter the Warhawks busted free for a big play, as Verger kept it on an option right and streaked down the sidelines for a 47-yard touchdown and a 14-0 Veterans lead.
Horton was picked off twice in the third quarter, the first interception was returned 33 yards inside the Statesboro 20-yard line.
That would set up the final score of the night as Cyrus Zuell busted up the middle for an 8-yard touchdown, and a 21-0 lead.
“We need to get things ironed out, and get our heads straight and understand what we need to do to get better,’ Kaiser said. “I have one hundred percent faith that our kids will come in Sunday afternoon and watch film, and come Monday ready to get better.”
The win improves Veterans record to 4-0 on the season, while the Blue Devils drop to 2-1. Up next Statesboro travels to Effingham County Friday for a 7:30 start.
NFL Nostradamus
By: Kipp Branch
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
It’s that time of year again where men retreat to their man caves and marriages get put on hold for football season.
College football kicked off in force this past weekend and now the NFL kicks this week.
My fantasy team is set with Aaron Rogers as my QB and Julio Jones is my top WR. I should be in contention for my 4th Brunswick Fat Boys League Championship. Did I mention that I have won my fantasy league three times in its’ 12-year existence?
The Atlanta Falcons are poised to have the best offense in the NFL. Can Matt Ryan get back to MVP form? Is Julio about to become the NFL’s first $200 million man? If the Falcons play enough defense they may capture the AFC South.
My NFL Predictions.
AFC East:
New England: This division is garbage and Brady even at 41 years of age will lead the Patriots to another AFC East title
Miami: QB is an issue in Miami. Decent defense, but can they score points?
NY Jets: Rookie Sam Darnold will be the youngest QB in the NFL.
Buffalo: From playoffs to the cellar in 12 months.
AFC North:
Pittsburgh: Big Ben’s last chance?
Baltimore: QB controversy may be brewing in Baltimore.
Cincinnati: I hope AJ Green gets traded to a winner before his skills start to deteriorate
Cleveland: Hue Jackson needs to go. Baker Mayfield will find out quickly that the Big 12 was like playing recreation ball in Glynn County.
AFC South:
Jacksonville: This team is a Super Bowl contender. Can you know who not mess it up?
Houston: How do Watson and Watt bounce back from injuries?
Tennessee: Could Colin Kaepernick help the Titans at QB?
Indianapolis: All this team has is Andrew Luck and he is coming off a shoulder injury.
AFC West:
San Diego Chargers: I’m not calling them Los Angeles. Philip Rivers and a very good defense.
KC: Andy Reid teams are always in contention.
Denver: Will get Broncos get good enough QB play to make playoffs?
Oakland: You pay a coach $100 million who won a SB with Tony Dungy’s players and you can’t find money to pay Khalil Mack? Really Oakland?
Playoffs: Jaguars, Steelers, Patriots, Chargers, Ravens, Chiefs
AFC Champ: Jaguars
NFC East:
Philadelphia: The champs need Carson Wentz back healthy because Nick Foles is like fool’s gold.
Dallas: if Zeke stays healthy the Cowboys will push the Eagles.
NY Giants: This team is in rebuild mode
Washington: I don’t think the Redskins are very good.
NFC North:
Minnesota: Vikings have a better defense than Green Bay.
Green Bay: Aaron Rogers is the best QB in football.
Detroit: Where is the pass rush? Will contend for a wild card.
Chicago: The pieces are being put into place for 2019 and beyond.
NFC South:
New Orleans: The Saints have the most overall talent in the NFC and they have Drew Brees.
Atlanta: Falcons will make playoffs as a wild card.
Carolina: Can they protect Cam in 2018?
Tampa Bay: Could start 0-3 without Jameis, and not get much better when he returns.
NFC West:
Los Angeles: The Rams are a Super Bowl contender
Seattle: Big drop from Rams to Seahawks.
San Francisco: I’m not drinking the 49er Kool-Aid.
Arizona: Long season in the desert.
Playoffs: Eagles, Vikings, Saints, Rams, Packers, Falcons.
NFC Champ: Saints
Super Bowl: New Orleans vs. Jacksonville
Super Bowl Champ: Jacksonville Jaguars
Positive Launch For Eagles
By: Mike Anthony
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Georgia Southern took a step in the right direction Saturday night, defeating South Carolina State 37-6 in the 2018 season opener.
The Eagles (1-0) weren’t quite the explosive offensive force of years past but they were drastically improved from last fall’s 2-10 campaign as they racked up a 348-151 advantage in yardage gained and controlled the momentum throughout all four quarters.
It wasn’t quite a blowout but that’s not what the Eagles needed most. “Getting the ‘W’ is what’s important for us,” GS coach Chad Lunsford said. “Our fans want a blowout and we want to give it to them, but the important part is getting the win.”
Throughout fall camp and preseason scrimmages, it was the defense that stole many of the headlines. The Eagles are in a new 3-4 alignment this season but a depth chart that is stacked with veteran experience seems to have shifted seamlessly into its new role.
The Eagles allowed just 2.9 yards per carry to the Bulldogs (0-1) and a trio of S.C. State quarterbacks combined to go just 2-for-10 through the air, including allowing the first career interception for Georgia Southern linebacker Tomarcio Reese.
Offensively, Eagle quarterback Shai Werts looked as if his sophomore season might be primed for a breakout showing.
Heading up the Georgia Southern attack for a second season, Werts began 2018 with a career high 163 rushing yards. He also rushed for multiple touchdowns for the first time in his career.
In fact, he found the end zone three times, extending an early lead in the final moments of the first quarter before capping off the Eagles’ big night with a pair of fourth quarter scoring runs.
Monteo Garrett put the first points of the season on the board for the Eagles as he powered in from a yard out in the first quarter. Those six points were all for Georgia Southern initially as kicker Tyler Bass couldn’t connect on a two-point pass attempt.
Bass performed perfectly in his intended role in the second quarter, splitting the uprights on a 19-yard field goal to send Georgia Southern into halftime up 19-0.
Wesley Kennedy III set up Georgia Southern with good field position on the opening kickoff of the second half. Werts directed an eight-play, 65-yard drive that was capped off by a 1-yard Wesley Fields touchdown run to make it 26-0.
The Eagles were wary of taking to the air, yet they were efficient when they chose to throw.
Werts connected on five of his seven pass attempts for 29 yards. Werts led the Eagles’ rushing efforts, with Matt LaRoche (39 yards), Wesley Fields (36), Monteo Garrett (30), Logan Wright (23) and Kennedy (22) all added at least 20 yards of rushing.
Georgia Southern will try to keep up the momentum through the week before hosting Massachusetts next week and trying to avenge a 55-20 loss from last season.
Georgia Bulldogs 2018 Season Opener.
By: Jason Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
A frenzied crowd awaited the 2018 kickoff for the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium.
The Bulldogs hosted the Austin Peay Governors from Clarksville, TN.
In the thirty minutes leading up to kickoff we saw video after video on the jumbotron in reference to the 2017 season and championship game run.
And why not it had been almost 30 years since Georgia had a chance to win a National Championship.
During the player intros on the video board it was very obvious there were several familiar names returning on offense.
However, not so much the case on the defensive side of the ball. It looks to be a very young Georgia defense.
Jake Fromm started the game for the Bulldogs at QB and Georgia scored 17 points in the 1st quarter to lead 17-0 at the end of the 1st.
Fromm led Georgia to 10 of those points of offense and the other TD was due to a turnover by Austin Peay inside the Georgia 15-yard line.
Justin Fields came out and started the 2nd quarter and on his first drive at the collegiate level, Demetris Robertson scored on a 74-yard running play.
The Dawgs would also score on Fields’ 2nd drive to go up 31-0.
Fromm returned to the game with a little more than 2 minutes to go before halftime. The Georgia QB would promptly hit Mecole Hardman for a 59-yard touchdown in the middle of the field. Hardman would simply outrun the angles for the TD after the catch. Georgia led at the half 38-0.
Fields would start the second half at QB and throw a 12-yard TD pass late in the third quarter to TE Isaac Nauta. That would end any chance of a miraculous comeback for Austin Peay, looking at a 45-0 deficit.
Matthew Downing would come in after the TD pass from Fields at QB for some late game playing time.
One thing is for sure, Georgia is loaded at RB. D’Andre Swift, Elijah Holyfield, Brian Herrien, James Cook, and Demetris Robertson all had impactful carries.
Georgia would go on to win the game impressively. It was a positive season opener for UGA, a big win against a team they should blowout and no serious injuries.
The South Carolina Gamecocks await the Bulldogs next week in Columbia for a key SEC East matchup.
Red Terrors Hitting Their Stride?
By: Jason Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Glynn Academy Red Terrors improved to 2-1 on the 2018 season with 49-0 win over the Groves Rebels.
The Red Terrors were coming off of a 42-6 woodshedding of the Washington Bulldogs.
Groves had given 77 points the week prior to the Effingham Rebels and came into Glynn County Stadium winless on the season.
The game was called after the first half due to inclement weather. Groves was more than happy to get out of Glynn County Stadium after a half.
Rocky Hidalgo’s Red Terrors, once again, dominated on the ground and ran the ball at will.
Glynn QB TJ Lewis continues to improve a weekly basis. The growth of Lewis will prove more and more important as the playoffs approach and into the playoffs.
The Red Terrors will now get a week off to rest and get ready for the South Georgia Gauntlet.
The next time the Red Terrors will take the field it will be against undefeated Wayne County in Jesup.
The Terrors took on an undefeated Yellow Jacket team last season in Jesup and when the night was over Glynn had handed Wayne their first loss of the season (6-1).
The week after that Glynn will once again take to the road, this time to Waycross to take on Ware in the Swamp.
The Terrors have had a great deal of success against the Gators, reeling off four straight victories against Ware.
In case that wasn’t a stiff enough test, Glynn will then travel down to Chris Gilman Stadium in Kingsland to take on the resurgent Camden County Wildcats.
The Red Terrors have picked off Camden two straight years and it hasn’t been close either year.
These three games could go a long way in determining how good these young Terrors will be moving forward into the playoffs.
For now, Rocky Hidalgo’s young Red Terrors sit at 2-1 on the young season
Knights Back On Horse
By: Rich Bontrager
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The 0-2 Frederica Knights Football team took to the road for the first time this season to face 0-1 the Lanier County Bulldogs. This was the third non-region game for the Knights and the first time these two teams have ever met.
The Knights came into the matchup short-handed as starting Quarterback Jaylin Simpson, wide receiver Jashawn Sheffield, cornerback Avery Cobb, and several others were out after last week’s intense loss to Valwood. The Knights would have to rely on their underclass and a few key players to carry the load.
The field was wet due to a brief rain shower prior to the start of the game. Regardless of the challenges, the Knights scored nine unanswered points in the first quarter, a field goal plus a 4O yard TD run by senior running back Isaiah Jackson.
During the second quarter, the scoring improved by both teams. The Bulldogs would go deep and score off of Brockington’s (QB) throw to Sirman (WR). The extra point was no good and Frederica maintained a 9-6 advantage. Moments later, Isaiah would score his second of four touchdowns as he returned yet another kickoff, running 80-yards up the middle.
Jackson would gain over 220 yards rushing off of more than 20 carries in the game. At halftime, starting QB Denver Anthony snuck into the end zone on a 1-yard sneak.
The Lanier Bulldogs got back into the game after their defense recovered a Knight’s fumble.
Their offense scored, making it 21-12. The Bulldogs then added another 2-yard TD pass
making it a 21-18 game late in the third quarter.
Jackson helped put the Knights back on top with his third TD run. This time Brock kicked the extra point and the Knights were up 28-18.
The heat, humidity and tough plays by Frederica’s defense began to affect the Bulldogs as they abandoned their running game and threw pass after pass. The Bulldogs had to make that adjustment after Patrick Brunson (Sr) ran back a 55-yard punt making it 34-18. The extra point was good and the Knights expanded their lead to 35-18 at the end of the third quarter.
Lanier County would score again in the 4th quarter. However, Isaiah Jackson responded with another TD run.
Junior transfer, Denver Anthony (5’8, 180 Ibs), had an excellent start for a second week in a row as the QB to lead Frederica. The Bulldog fans saw hope as they scored again on a long 55-yard pass from Brockington to Baker.
The Knights added two more rushing touchdowns by Harry Veal (10 and 8 yards). The Knights scored one more time in the fourth quarter to seal the victory as Kyle Perez (So., RB) ran for a 30-yard touchdown, making the final score 60-40.
Perez’s scores highlighted how coach Brandon Derrick, of Frederica, used every player
possible at just the right moment to secure the win. This strategy was evidenced, as well, by
the extra point kicked through the uprights by young Logan Bower, #99.
Lanier County falls to 0-2, while the Knight now stand at 1-2.
Next week the Knights are back at home to face Bethlehem Christian Academy. These two teams have not met since the first round of the 2016 season. The game will begin at 7:30
Statesboro Bedevils Liberty
By: Josh Aubrey
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
It may be only two games into the season but it looks like the Statesboro Blue Devil football team may be back. On the heels of a 7-3 victory at Greenbrier, the Blue Devils welcomed in a highly touted Liberty County team and whipped them pretty soundly 23-6.
“These kids have really bought into what mental toughness is all about,” said Statesboro coach Jeff Kaiser. “We finished, we finished it the way we are supposed to. This is the way things are supposed to go at Statesboro High School,”
Once again it was the Blue Devil defense leading the charge. Liberty came in featuring one of the state’s top running backs in Kris Coleman, who was coming off a 350-yard, five touchdown performance. The Blue Devils held him to only 93 yards and held the Panther offense to just 124 yards of total offense.
“Our defense came ready to play once again, and never hung their head,” Kaiser said. “Liberty made an adjustment in the third quarter but we came right back and countered that move and I’m so proud of them and our entire coaching staff.”
The Blue Devil offense, who struggled mightily last Friday, rebounded nicely as they finished with 209 yards of total offense which included their first passing play of the season – which resulted in a touchdown – and their first big yardage play. That was a 74-yard Davardrion Lipsey touchdown run.
“Our offense line, who played pretty bad last week, really responded well tonight,” Kaiser said. “I know people want us to throw the ball but I think we are running it pretty well.”
The Blue Devil defense actually came up with the first points of the game, which was set up by the special teams.
A Hunter Saussy 48-yard punt pinned the Panthers on their own five-yard line. Two plays later Dake Williams wrapped up Coleman in the end zone for a safety.
“Hunter Saussy is just a tenth grader, but he has ice water in his veins,” Kaiser said. “He punted great and he typifies what we want out of all of our players.”
“Sometimes even kids who are just 16 or 17 years old say enough is enough,” Kaiser said. “Tonight, we saw the kind of fight I’ve been wanting to see out of this team. I couldn’t be prouder of this team, this coaching staff, this school, and these fans for turning out.”
The emotional game was capped off by an emotional moment after the game as coach Kaiser handed out his first ever game ball to O.J. Watson, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.
“He’s a tenth grader and is a part of our team whether he’s out there or not,” Kaiser said. “He’s got a hard battle ahead of him, and I feel like our kids were as excited to see O.J. out here tonight as they were to win this game.”
The win improves the Blue Devils record to 2-0 for the first time since 2013. Up next, Statesboro travels to Veterans Friday for a 7:30 game.
Righting The Ship
By: Kipp Branch
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Brunswick High traveled to Darien and beat a young MCA squad 49-7.
The Pirate offense set the tone right after the opening kickoff with a 77-yard TD drive, all on the ground to race out to a 7-0 lead and never looked back.
The win put BHS at 1-2 going into a bye week before the home opener with Camden at Glynn County Stadium on September 14th.
Pirate Report Card:
Offense: A-. The Pirates did it all tonight on offense against MCA.
KJ Lee tossed a 90 and 28-yard TD pass to Marlon Carmena. Freshman Chucolbe Hill got the start at RB and did not disappoint.
Carmena has become the number one receiver in the program and threw the key block on Lee’s 73-yard TD in the third quarter.
The offensive line dominated MCA up front as the Pirates rushed for over 230 yards on the night.
Two fumbles in the 3rd quarter were the only negatives of the night on offense. Anthony Mountain saw his first action of the season after he sprained his knee in the Beach scrimmage and tossed a 20-yard TD pass to Xavier Bean.
MCA was just what the doctor ordered for the BHS offense after scoring only 13 points in the first two games.
Defense: A. This unit gave up a short 30-yard TD drive after the offense fumbled deep in Pirate territory.
Justin Akra and Keith Garrett played their best games of the year so far. Demetrius Hardee was much improved against MCA as well.
The pass rush was solid all night, rush defense was much improved and pass defense rebounded from a week ago. Best effort of the young season so far by this group.
The defense has an off week now to prepare for Camden County. Billy Anderson played well in his first start at CB.
Special Teams: B. Brunswick made all XP attempts, but kickoffs need to be deeper and kickoff coverage needs to improve.
Mitchell Richburg punted well once again. This unit made great strides this week.
Coaching: A. This team was ready to play. The game plan was solid and the kids responded well to a very intense week of practice.
Some starters did not start this week but the message from that was received loud and clear and when they got their opportunities to play they played with a chip on their shoulder.
Overall: A. This team beat an overmatched team handily and looked good doing it.
MCA was just in the wrong place at the wrong time on the schedule and BHS put this team away in business like fashion.
This is a young football team that is growing and will continue to improve week by week. This team will be dangerous when region play rolls around.
The Pirates are solid in the power run game and once the passing offense starts to click, look out.
KJ Lee looked very good against MCA and Anthony Mountain played well also in his first action.
Jaylen Trimmings and Hill are a solid running back core, and Marlon Carmena is having an all-region type season.
Next up, Camden County. The Pirates finally have a home opener one month into the season against the much-improved Wildcats.
Brunswick beat Camden 43-27 in Kingsland last year. This should be a good one folks and could set the tone for the Pirates for the remainder of the 2018 season.
