Climbing Rocky Top
By: Jeff Doke
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Tennessee Volunteer fans probably feel like they’re in a bit of a time vortex right now.
While last years’ initial campaign from new head coach Josh Heupel gave the Vols as much hope as you could expect from a first-year-of-a-rebuild season, the spectres of Jeremy & Casey Pruitt and their 18 Level I NCAA allegations still hang in the shadowy corners of Neyland.
Let’s focus on the positives here, though. In his first year as head coach, Heupel did a yeoman job of changing the atmosphere & attitude around the football program, and his players on the field responded.
The 2021 Vols produced 39.3 PPG and set several single-season program records, including total yards, points, and TDs. This up-tempo production can only go up this year, considering the rapport that QB Hendon Hooker and WR Cedric Tillman developed last year.
Hooker, after taking over the starting job early in the season, threw for 31 TDs and ran for another 5, all while limiting himself to 3 interceptions. Don’t be surprised if he gets some fringe Heisman consideration.
The defensive side of the ball is where the second-year coach is really going to need to work some magic. The Vols defense underperformed last year, sometimes considerably. If they are going to have even an outside chance at knocking off some of the (pardon the pun) “big dawgs” in the SEC, they’ll need to improve their third down efficiency, especially through the air.
Here’s how you can expect the Vols season to pan out.
WEEK 1 – vs. Ball State – Like any good SEC team not named Georgia, the season starts with a cupcake. Easy win against the Cardinals, 31-14.
WEEK 2 – @Pittsburgh – Pitt is in a bit of a resurgence, so this isn’t an idea time for Tennessee to come calling. I wouldn’t be surprised they pull an upset, but I wouldn’t bet on one either. Vols fall 28-10.
WEEK 3 – vs. Akron – Another lightweight, another W for Big Orange. Zips get zapped, 41-7.
WEEK 4 – vs. Florida – The Gators ran away in the second half last year, smashing UT 38-14. Vols get their revenge & open the SEC slate with a victory 31-24.
WEEK 5 – @LSU – Death Valley is a tough place to play, even on a bad year. Brian Kelly’s antics (and fake accent) might distract, but not enough to make a difference this year. Tigers win big, 49-17.
WEEK 6 – vs. Alabama – Someday, this rivalry will be competitive again. Today, however, is not that day. Bama does Bama stuff in a 55-14 trouncing.
WEEK 7 – vs. Tennessee – Martin – Got to pad those stats somewhere in the season. This is the week to do so. UT over UT-M, 45-20.
WEEK 8 – vs. Kentucky – This one will be closer than most match ups for the Vols this year. Kentucky will be hard pressed to match the momentum they built last year. Give it to UT, 28-24.
WEEK 9 – @Georgia – It seems to be fashionable to pick this as a trap game. I’ve never in my life been accused of being fashionable. Dawgs on top, 42-20.
WEEK 10 – vs. Missouri – Someone explain to me again why a midwestern team like Mizzou is in the Southeastern Conference? Tennessee easily notches another win, 28-10.
WEEK 11 – @South Carolina – Shane Beamer showed a lot of the same promise that Heupel did last year. It’ll be interesting to see which one is still around in five years. Beamer ball will take a close one at the horseshoe, 17-14.
WEEK 12 – @Vanderbilt – Nothing like an easy win for a team waiting on a call from the Belk Bowl. Vols wrap up the season with a 38-6 win.
FINAL PREDICTION – UT goes 7-5 for the season, 4th place in the SEC East, mid-level bowl berth.
Buyer’s Remorse?
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Through two seasons (one impacted by the pandemic) things have been disappointing for Mike Norvell at Florida State University.
In his third season as the head man in Tallahassee, Norvell is already setting high expectations. “We have great expectations,” said Mike Norvell. “The daily expectation with the season expectation is for us to go out there and do our best to improve daily, to go out there and not only be competitive, but to push to new limits of where we are and also where we’re going.”
“To see this team come together and to play as one. Those are the things that we’ve seen in laying that foundation this last year and to be able to see the growth, to see the confidence that our players have. I’m going to put no limits to what these guys can accomplish.”
To fix issues on the roster, Mike Norvell has leaned heavily on the transfer portal. He’s hoping that those players will be able to fill gaps.
The rest of the team is filled out by players Norvell recruited and developed. It’s a group that Norvell has a lot of confidence in.
“I’ve got an unbelievable amount of confidence in them,” Mike Norvell continued. “But ultimately, for us, it’s about us showing up every single day and going to perform and to execute at that level with an incredible level of consistency throughout that process. We have great expectations as a program.”
Through his first two seasons, Mike Norvell is 8-13. Florida State fired his predecessor, Willie Taggart part-way through his second season for going 9-12. The pressure is on Norvell and his players to win at Florida State, and win now.
“When you are at Florida State, that’s part of it. You don’t choose to come play at Florida State, you don’t choose to coach at Florida State unless you embrace that opportunity and embrace those expectations to go out there and play at an extremely high level on a day-in and day-out basis.”
Last year, Florida State played Miami and Florida as they were going through internal turmoil. They managed to beat the Hurricanes at home while losing to the Gators on the road.
Based on these spreads, Las Vegas clearly expects Miami to be the toughest challenge for FSU in 2022.
LSU, despite the game being played in New Orleans, has tons of question marks to answer. FSU has not played the Tigers since 1991.
At Florida, new head coach Billy Napier has tried to lower expectations in year one, pointing out challenges in rebuilding.
Whether or not FSU can win these key games will determine if their season is successful and disappointing.
Raising Terror
By: Jeff Doke
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to call Glynn Academy’s 2021 football season underwhelming. Coach Rocky Hidalgo is out to change that.
Last year got off to a baffling start in the form of a 14-point tie to our northern neighbors in McIntosh, the MCA Buccaneers.
That was quickly followed by a shellacking at the hands of our southern neighbors from Camden, the Camden County Wildcats.
Compile that with an overtime loss to the Brunswick High Pirates in the City Championship Game, and it’s pretty obvious the season never fully got on track.
The Terrors followed up a pedestrian 4-5-1 regular season with an early playoff exit, losing in the first round to Langston Hughes on the road 42-14.
Flip the calendar forward eight months, and Big Red seems to be ready to turn the page and get back to basics. Local football afficionados have noticed a more hands-on approach from Coach Hidalgo this offseason and hints of a more “in-the-trenches/wing-T” style of play on offense.
That should prove to play to the strengths of his returning offensive stars. Rising Senior QB Tyler Devlin developed a solid rapport with receiver David Prince last year and looks to build upon that in the coming season.
The Terrors look to be sturdy up front with big guys John McCleod and Jack Hunt leading the line & opening some big holes for the multifaceted sophomore RB Greg Peacock.
On defense, familiar names like William Tankersley, D.J. Riley, J.T. Gibbons, and Hugh Edgy will be filling in the gaps left by last years’ graduating class. All in all, the 2022 season looks to be much more satisfactory for Terror Nation.
Here’s how we see Glynn’s season unfolding:
WEEK 1 – @Statesboro – It’s tough to pick when you have two teams trying to rebound from a disappointing season. We’ll go with the Terrors over the Devils in a close one on the road, 21-17.
WEEK 2 – vs. MCA – That draw from last year still stings. Hidalgo & company will make sure that outcome isn’t anywhere close this time around. Glynn wins big, 49-9.
WEEK 3 – @Camden – Last year’s drubbing had folks wondering if the Wildcats really were back or not. No more of the same this year, Glynn flips the script in a shootout 51-45.
WEEK 4 – vs. Creekside – A tough non-region opponent in a tough spot on the schedule. The Knights hand Glynn their first loss on the year 35-21.
WEEK 5 – CITY CHAMPIONSHIP vs. Brunswick – As a Pirate alum it pains me to say this, but I fear the streak for the Blue & Gold ends here. Coach Rock hoists the trophy once more, 31-28 (OT).
WEEK 6 – vs. Effingham – Glynn always seems to lose one game a year they have no business losing. This one seems as good a candidate as any. Terrors still feeling hungover from the victory over BHS put up an uninspiring effort in a 17-3 loss.
WEEK 7 – @South Effingham – The boys in red get back on track and avoid going “Oh-for-Eff,” breaking the Mustangs bigly 56-14.
WEEK 8 – vs. Grovetown – The first of three home games against new region opponents to end the season sees the Terrors notch their first shutout of the season, embarrassing the Warriors 34-0.
WEEK 9 – vs. Evans – All cylinders will be firing as the regular season winds down, but the Terrors let this one slip by. Glynn falls in a close one 24-21.
WEEK 10 – vs. Lakeside – Coach Rock fixes the issues from the week before and sends the Terrors to the playoffs riding high. Terrors over Panthers by a decisive 42-14 score.
FINAL RECORD – 7-3, 2nd place in the Region, playoff bound.
Frederica Academy Knights 2022 Preview
By: Jeff Doke
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
For the first time in his 10-year tenure, the season is approaching too quickly for Coach Brandon Derrick.
Thankfully, it has nothing to do with the status of his players. During the offseason, Frederica started a massive multi-million dollar renovation of their football facilities. Upgrades to the bleachers, press boxes, and a massive stone & cypress pavilion will make the home of the Knights one of the premier facilities in the GISA.
But the recent ongoing spell of rainy weather has delayed completion of the projects, and the Knights have had to take to the road for their Week 1 matchup against Brookwood and delay their home opener until Week 3 versus the Valwood Valiants.
Regardless of when they get it, the Frederica faithful are in for a treat under the oaks this year, both on the field and off.
“If we have some good luck the first three games we’ve got a good chance,” said Coach Derrick. “We’ve got a pretty good group of kids, and we have an opportunity to be right in the middle of it at the end of the season.”
Leading the charge this year will be new QB Sutton Ellis, who transferred to Frederica from Brunswick High after last season. Speaking about his new signal caller, Coach Derrick is quite complimentary.
“I think he fits in perfectly. He’s learned the offense; he knows what he’s doing out there. The biggest thing will be can he take some of the pressure off #4.”
Of course, the #4 in question is “The River,” RB Jordan Triplett. At the midway point of his high school career, Triplett has notched just over 3,400 yards rushing on 463 carries, averaging 7.4 YPC and finding paydirt a gaudy 47 times.
“To me he’s a Christian McCaffrey type. He’s gotten a step faster; he’s great coming out & catching the ball. He’s going to be lining up not just in the backfield this year. (New Offensive Coordinator) Bo Yeargan is going to get him in some matchups with people that they’re not going to like.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Coach Derrick is expecting big things from some of his rising freshmen.
“Down the road, I think Connor Pope could be our new Ashton (Frankel, c/o ’21 defensive powerhouse). He learned really fast this summer at camp. He and (fellow freshman) Fuller Wimberly could be difference makers.”
Here’s how we see the 2022 season shaping up for the Knights:
WEEK 1 – @Brookwood – Playing on the road will make things tougher against the Warriors, but the Knights find a way, starting the season with a 27-17 victory.
WEEK 2 – @Tiftarea – Chula, GA is never a n easy place to play, but the boys in Green & Grey get it done, 35-28.
Week 3 – vs. Valwood – Flipping this game to a home stand will help tremendously against one of Frederica’s toughest non-region rivals. The Knights christen the new facility with a hard-fought win to the tune of 42-31.
Week 4 – vs. Calvary Day – The Cavaliers finally make the trek to play under the oaks, but unfortunately the result doesn’t change. Calvary Day stretches their win streak against the Knights to three, beating the home squad 34-17.
Week 5 – @John Milledge – They still haven’t forgiven us for 2018, and they’ll remind us of that fact. It’ll be closer than the last two games, but JMA knocks Fred to 3-2 on the year, 45-28.
Week 6 – vs. Clinch County – Home cookin’ makes the difference this time, Knights win in a defensive struggle, 17-14.
Week 7 – @Tattnall Square – Frederica heads to middle Georgia for the second game in three weeks. That much time on I-16 isn’t good for anybody, and the Knights will struggle with this one, falling 41-17.
Week 8 – vs. Robert Toombs – An old rivalry gets renewed, and the Knights get back on track. The River hits a highwater point on the year, and the rest of the team follows. Big win, 55-10.
Week 9 – @Bulloch – the home team always seems to struggle in this most heated rivalry. This one will be no different. Knights over Gators 33-18.
Week 10 – @Pinewood – The schedule won’t hurt the Patriots as badly this year, but it won’t be enough. Frederica with a close win against a talented squad, 35-31.
Week 11 – vs. St. Andrews – The Lions have a new head coach this year and will be better for it. Not enough to keep Coach Derrick from securing another region crown, however. FA wraps up the regular season with a 48-21 win.
FINAL PREDICITON – 8-3, division champs, deep run in the playoffs.
The Return Of The Cats
By: Jason Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Camden County Wildcats finished last season 4-7 overall. Camden started the year 4-1 and then lost 6 straight games to close the year, including going 0-3 in the region. The Wildcats fell to the North Cobb Warriors in the first round of 7A playoffs to end the year. In fairness, 2021 schedule was extremely tough.
Region 1-7A got a little make over in the offseason. Camden, Lowndes and Colquitt all remained. Tift County dropped to 6A and both Valdosta and Richmond Hill moved up and will play in Camden’s region.
Camden will have new signal caller this season in junior, Mason Robinson. Robinson is a tall, athletic kid with a cannon for an arm. Robinson will be getting his first varsity experience when the season opens, but Coach Herron believes he will turn some heads. “He is a really smart kid that runs well and is a great athlete. He has gotten a good grasp of the offense and I think he will surprise some people.”
The Wildcats will see a new running back rotation out of the Wing-T. Deonte Cole will return at RB for the Cats and Coach Herron plans on using six different backs to run the ball. Quan Floyd will join Cole in the backfield and will play both ways. Brayden Ritz will also see time running the ball and Floyd will also start at corner back for Camden. Jaden Daily will get reps at fullback with Jordan James. A name to remember in this group is JaMarley Riddle according to Coach Herron.
“JaMarley Riddle will play on defense some and will the run the ball for us and is special. I wish I had played him more last season at the varsity level but he is a next level type of kid.”
The offensive line rotation will be Caden Thompson, Zack Owen, Caden Whitfield, Gavin Wright, Caden Copeland. Cameron Chandler will suit up at tight end.
Christian Dallas returns at Nose Guard for Jeff Herron’s group. The defensive end rotation will be Roland Baker, Demeri Thomas, DeNigel Cooper, Dylan Higginbotham and Canaan Graham.
Ian Pederson, Cooper Thornhill, and Nick Petiote will play the new “Cat” position for Herron on defense.
The secondary for the Wildcats will be led by S Jake Lindsey. Coach Herron believes Lindsey will be an anchor for his defense. “Jake is back and will keep everything moving and guys on their assignments.”
Xavier Holzendorf will also be at corner with Tyree Young and Ronald Spradley-Pettus. Riddle will play S along with Jake Lindsey.
Camden’s linebacker core will look drastically different from last season. The rotation will be Logan Hilliard, Christian Gaitlin, EJ Kerbo, Caden Evanson, and Alex Chaney.
“I like this team. I think we are young but will grow and be really good.”
Camden hosts Columbia, Glynn Academy, Dade Christian (Miami, FL), Somerset Academy, First Coast, Valdosta and Lowndes.
The Wildcats will travel to Brunswick High, Richmond Hill and Colquitt County.
I think the Wildcats will post a winning season and the influence of Jeff Herron will become very evident in this group. Camden will be in the mix for a region championship and another playoff berth.
Games that will be key for the Wildcats this season will be Brunswick High, Glynn Academy, Valdosta and Lowndes.
In the end, this team is going to surprise a lot of people. I am predicting the Wildcats to go 8-2 and finish with a #2 seed in the region. I also expect Camden to win at least one playoff game, if not make an Elite 8 appearance.
Ramming Through
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Grayson has been one of the best programs in the state over the last decade.
They won state championships in 2011 and 2016. They won another state championship in 2020, going 14 – 0. They only had one game decided by single digits.
The Rams lost a ton of talent from 2020 but they were 10 – 4 in 2021. They made it to the state semifinal where they lost to the eventual champion, Collins Hill.
They play in the highest classification and one of the toughest regions, 4 AAAAAAA. I still think they will compete for a state championship this season.
Senior safety Michael Daugherty is the No. 18 recruit in the state and a four-star player. He’s 6’1, 180 pounds and very physical. He’s committed to LSU.
Linebacker Jalen Smith is a three-star recruit and a Tennessee commit. Defensive end Ravon Johnson is also a three-star player. He’s 6’4 and 220 pounds so he has great size for the position.
The Rams also have talented players in the class of 2024. Guard Waltclaire Flynn Jr. is the No. 11 player in Georgia for the class of 2024. At 6’1 and 290 pounds he’s almost the size of a college offensive lineman.
Joseph JoJo Stone is a four-star player and an LSU commit. He’s listed as an athlete, but he contributes on both sides of the ball.
Grayson also has three-star corner back Zion Ferguson in the secondary.
They start the season Saturday, August 20th at Marietta. The Blue Devils won the state championship in 2019 and they still have some talented players. Senior corner back Jace Arnold is a four-star recruit and he’s committed to Wisconsin. Grayson should win this, but it will be close.
The next week is the home opener against Eagle’s Landing. The Golden Eagles are a 5A team and they were 3 – 7 last season. Grayson will blow them out.
They start September with a neutral site game against Fort Dorchester (North Charleston, SC). The Patriots were 12 – 1 last year so they are pretty good. I think Grayson will win a close game.
They play another South Carolina team the following week, Spartanburg. The Vikings were 9 – 4 in 2021 so they are pretty good but I give the edge to Grayson.
After a bye week the last non-region game is at Lowndes. This is going to be on the road in a hostile environment against a very good team. I think the Vikings will win a close game.
They travel to Newton for the first region game and they will beat them handily.
After another bye week the Rams travel to South Gwinnett. This will be another easy win.
Things get much harder against Brookwood. The Broncos should be a top five team and are led by senior quarterback Dylan Lonergan. He recently committed to Alabama. Last year Brookwood won the game 35-14. This game is a toss-up.
The final two games are at home against Archer and Parkview. Both teams are normally pretty good but they struggled in 2021. They hope to bounce back this year but Grayson will be favored to win.
The best-case scenario for the Rams is 9 – 1, worst case is 7 – 3 with a couple of non-region loses. I think they will advance deep in the playoffs.
QB1 Room
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
It’s about that time in Athens, Ga. You can smell it in the air. We’re weeks away from the Georgia Bulldogs padding up for preseason camp.
For the first time in 41 years, Kirby Smart and company will be starting the 2022 NCAAF season as the defending national champions.
There are certainly a lot of questions to answer, and competitions to be had.
Losing a record 15 players to the NFL Draft creates uncertainty at some key positions.
However, several starters on offense, as well as a couple of key leaders on the defensive side of the football, will help ease any concerns.
I’ll take the time to provide a preview of the quarterback group in red and black.
Stetson Bennett returns after leading Georgia to the National Championship in 2021.
Starting 12 of 15 games including each of the last 11, Bennett threw for 2,862 yards and 29 touchdowns on 185-of-287 passing.
There were times where he didn’t look great – turn on the tape from Florida (10-of-19, 161 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions) or the SEC Championship Game against Alabama (29-of-48, 340 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions).
However, there were also times that he was spectacular. Bennett tied the program record for touchdowns in a single game with five scores in the first half alone against UAB.
The Blackshear, Ga. native threw three touchdowns over Kentucky in a top-15 SEC Game of the Week. He didn’t throw a single interception in that game or their game against Auburn.
Two touchdowns against Missouri and four against Georgia Tech with 255 yards in both contests helped the Bulldogs finish the regular season undefeated.
Then, of course, there were the Playoffs when Bennett earned Offensive MVP of the Orange Bowl against Michigan and the CFP Championship Game against Alabama, combining for 537 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions.
So, like lots of quarterbacks, Bennett has lots of good that comes with the occasional bad. You just have to be able to help him out and put him in good situations.
Because Bennett isn’t perfect and because he wasn’t the highest-rated recruit, some question Kirby Smart’s decision to stick with him.
Carson Beck seems to have solidified himself as the backup. Beck, a four-star and the No. 16 quarterback in the Class of 2020, threw for 274 yards during Georgia’s G-Day spring scrimmage.
Beck was awarded Mr. Football in the state of Florida for 2018 after leading Mandarin High School to a Class 8A state championship.
Brock Vandagriff also offers a talented option off the bench. A former five-star and the No. 4-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2021 from right down the road in Bogart, Ga.,
Vandagriff has the ability to make plays with both his arms and his legs. Georgia fans have been calling for a player like that for quite some time.
Finally, Gunner Stockton is the fresh face in the quarterback room. He’s just a freshman, don’t expect to see him often.
He’ll be busy learning the playbook and running the scout team.
Bennett elected to return for another year with the Bulldogs, which is a large reason why I rank the Dawg’s quarterback room the very best in the SEC.
Armed Pirates
By: Teddy Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
In 2021, the Brunswick High Pirates rolled to an 11-1 record that included a city championship, a region championship, and a second-round playoff appearance.
In 2022, the Pirates have a new head coach, a different region, and aspirations of a much deeper run in the playoffs.
Garrett Grady has taken over as the Head Pirate after five years as offensive coordinator at BHS. Almost all of the coaching staff from last season has returned, which should be a big plus for the Pirates. “The coaches have done a great job developing relationships with our guys,” Coach Grady said in a recent interview with Bishop Media. “Our hashtag is still ‘All About the Family.’ “
When asked about his offensive scheme, Grady said it will reflect the personnel. “We want to play to our strengths,” he added. “We have a great offensive line,” with Quan Gibson, Jamal Meriweather, Eli Smith, and Jonathan Welson returning. “We also have some experienced receivers in Terry Mitchell and Jayden Drayton,” among others.
“We have a new quarterback in J.R. Elkins. I think he will be able to put the ball in space on the outside. We’ll run a lot of zone and gap schemes.”
Replacing Chuckobe Hill and Ree Simmons at running back will not be easy, but Grady is pleased with the performances of several running backs, including William Heck.
As for defense, “We have seven or eight defensive starters returning from last year,” said Grady, including Ka’Shawn Thomas, last year’s region defensive player of the year, and a Wake Forest commit. “Our defense will revolve around Ka’Shawn. He can disrupt a lot of offenses. “
“Everything we do defensively is based out of a 3-4,” Grady added, “but we’ll run multiple fronts out of it. We also have good experience returning at linebacker and in the secondary.”
Special teams should also be a strength for Brunswick High. McClain Fineran, who led the region in scoring last season, will return as kicker for the Pirates. “We’re going to be very athletic on special teams,” Grady asserted.
Brunswick High is still in Region 2-6A, but with some changes. GHSA realignment dropped Bradwell, Richmond Hill, and Statesboro from 2-6A; and added three Augusta schools—Evans, Grovetown, and Lakeside Evans.
The Pirates kick off the season August 19 at Glynn County Stadium on the newly installed artificial turf against Andrew Jackson High School, followed by Camden County (August 26), also at home.
Following a bye week, Brunswick High will host Bolles (September 9) as part of the Border War Classic, and then Islands (September 16) to conclude non-region play.
Region play begins on September 23 for the Pirates against Glynn Academy in the City Championship Game, with the winner earning the inside track for a region title.
Brunswick High will then travel to Augusta to take on Grovetown (September 30), followed by Lakeside Evans (October 7) back at Glynn County Stadium.
The Pirates will have another bye week on October 14 before traveling to Guyton and taking on South Effingham (October 21.)
BHS will make its second trip to Augusta (October 28) to do battle with Evans. Grady’s Pirates will conclude regular-season play at home against Effingham (November 4).
“It’s a tough schedule,” Grady related, “but that’s how we want it. We’re going to be battle tested.”
Five rounds of state playoff games begin on November 11, with the state championship game scheduled for the second week in December.
“I want to commend my coaching staff and players,” Grady said in conclusion. “Everyone’s been working hard, and we’re excited about the upcoming season.”
It says here that Garrett Grady’s Brunswick High Pirates win another city championship, another region championship, and make a deep, deep, deep, deep run in the state playoffs.
Old Familiar Sting
By: Jeff Doke
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Wayne County High has taken a rapid fall from some lofty heights. They’re hoping the rebound will be just as quick.
Just four short years ago, the Yellow Jackets of coach Ken Cribb went undefeated in the regular season. It would be their second straight region championship, and the second out of four straight playoff appearances.
The last postseason berth in that streak was a less than inspiring COVID-year campaign that saw the team go 3-8 and back into the playoffs, losing a close game in the first round to the Jones County Greyhounds.
Then, in 2021, the bottom fell out. The team went 0-9 on the season – their first winless season since 1923. Wayne suffered shutout losses to Ware, Coffee, and Pierce.
Coach Cribb would go on to resign, wrapping up a five-year stint that saw the team post a 31-23 record.
Enter a new administration with solid regional bonafides in the form of Jaybo Shaw.
Coach Shaw, a top 10 all-time QB at Georgia Southern, comes to Jesup after a stellar stint at Rabun County.
In three seasons at the helm of the Wildcats, Coach Shaw notched an impressive 35-5 record and oversaw the development of the much-anticipated UGA signal caller, Gunner Stockton.
In multiple interviews earlier in the year, Coach Shaw said all the right things about the Yellow Jackets program.
Wayne County supports its football team, last year was tough but a learning experience for the players, the 2022 schedule looks tough but exciting.
The season will indeed be an exciting one, and although it will be tough to put up the kind of win/loss records that coach Shaw is used to, nothing is out of the question when it comes to southeast Georgia high school football.
Here’s how we see the season unfolding for the new coach:
WEEK 1 – BRADWELL INSTITUTE – In a matchup of two winless teams from the previous year, it’s not out of the question for the team to be amped up to show their new coach what they’ve got. We’ll give the edge to the Yellow Jackets, 28-14.
WEEK 2 – BROOKS COUNTY – They may be in a lower division, but they were state champs in that division. In a close one on the road, the Trojans even things up on the early season, Yellow Jackets fall 21-17.
WEEK 3 – APPLING COUNTY – The Pirates let the Jackets have it last year, walloping them to the tune of 41-7. It should be a little less lopsided this year, but not enough for the win. Wayne drops to 1-2, 35-24.
WEEK 4 – STATESBORO – The Former GSU Eagle will have his squad ready for this trip to the ‘Boro. Put another W on the scoreboard for Coach Shaw in Bulloch County, 31-10.
WEEK 5 – JENKINS HIGH – The Warriors surprised many with a playoff berth last season. The Jackets won’t be looking past them to their region schedule. Another win for Wayne in a low scoring affair, 17-10.
WEEK 6 – BURKE COUNTY – In a battle of Wayne vs. Waynesboro, the Bears will be the far more formidable force. Coach Shaw will have his team hitting its stride, but the team that many are expecting to challenge Benedictine for the region crown will just be too much. Burke over Wayne, 41-10.
WEEK 7 – ISLANDS – The Sharks will be the ones getting bitten this time around. Yellow Jackets go to .500 in the region in their first lopsided win, 49-6.
WEEK 8 – NEW HAMPSTEAD – Both teams struggle, and the Phoenix unfortunately rises. Yellow Jackets fall in overtime, 24-21.
WEEK 9 – BENEDICTINE – The defending State Champions look to run it back for another crown. They won’t be for long, but the Yellow Jackets will be just a blip on their radar this year. Cadets win big, 51-12.
WEEK 10 – SE BULLOCH – The Yellow Jackets vs. the Yellowjackets. Wayne County fights hard to salvage a .500 season and to make the playoffs. They manage the upset, 27-24.
FINAL RECORD FOR THE YEAR: 5-5 & a playoff berth.
Loaded Pack
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Buford has the best football program in Georgia.
The Wolves have won three consecutive state championship, bringing their total to 14. Out of those 14 championships only one came before the year 2001. They have won in every classification and 2022 will be their first season in the state’s highest, 7A.
As you would expect from an elite program, they are loaded with talent.
Running back Justice Haynes is a four-star recruit and the No. 9 player in the state for the class of 2023. He’s 5’10 and 200 pounds so he has a good combination of size and speed. He’s the son of former Georgia Bulldog and Pittsburgh Steeler Verron Haynes.
Haynes has rushed for 5,873 yards and 72 scores. He is also an elite left-handed pitcher with a 90-mph fastball. He has committed to Georgia.
Offensive tackle Paul Mubenga is a three-star recruit and a Michigan commit. He’s 6’4 and 280 pounds, so he’s huge for a high school player. He needs to develop more power to be an elite player in college.
KJ Bolden is the top player in Georgia for the class of 2024 and a four-star recruit. He’s listed as an athlete, but he plays wide receiver and defensive back. He projects to be a safety in college. He ran 10.76 seconds 100-meter dash.
Junior defensive end KingJoseph Edwards is also a four-star recruit and No. 4 recruit in the class of 2024. He’s 6’5, 235 lbs. and very powerful. He had a great performance at the 2022 Atlanta Under Armour camp.
Fellow junior defensive end Eddrick Houston is the No. 13 recruit in Georgia for his class and also a four-star recruit. Houston is 255-pounds, so he’s bigger than Edwards. He has a great combination of size and strength.
Sophomore linebacker Jadon Perlotte already has about 20 offers. He will be the next great linebacker from Buford.
The season starts August 26th at home against Mallard Creek (Charlotte, NC). The Mavericks were 6-5 last season, so they are an average team. This is an easy win for Buford.
The Next week is also home against North Cobb. The Warriors are a very good team, led by four-star senior QB Malachi Singleton. They played last year in the season opener and Buford won 35-27. This will be another close game that could go either way.
Roman Catholic travels from Philadelphia Week 3 to play the Wolves. They were 3-7 in 2021 so I’m surprised at this matchup. Buford will win big.
The first away game is at Marietta. The Blue Devils have Wisconsin commit, corner back Jace Arnold. This will still be a double-digit win for the Wolves.
Region play begins with the defending 7A state champs, Collins Hill. The Eagles lost a lot of talent from last year’s team, but they will still be good.
Tight end Ethan Davis is the No. 11 player in the state for the class of 2024. I give them the edge in this game.
The last four games of the season are against Mill Creek, Dacula, Mountain View and Central Gwinnett.
The only game I think they are in danger of losing is against Mill Creek. The Hawks are coming off an 11-2 season and they have the top player in the state for the class of 2024, safety Caleb Downs.
Worst case scenario for Buford is they finish the regular season 8-2. I don’t think they will win a state championship this season but they are loaded with talent.
