Bishop Media Sports Network
The Keys To Success?
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Despite the disappointing way their 2023 season ended, the Jacksonville Jaguars 100% believe they will be back in the mix for an AFC South championship this season.
After losing five of six games to finish 9-8 and cede the division crown to the Houston Texans (10-7), the Jags knew big changes were needed.
Head coach Doug Pederson hired a new defensive staff, while general manager Trent Baalke targeted veteran leaders from winning franchises in free agency to improve the locker room’s ability to withstand adversity.
Afterward, the Jaguars handed out big-money extensions to a trio of their best players: quarterback Trevor Lawrence, pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen, and (most recently) cornerback Tyson Campbell.
Lawrence played well during the Jags’ 8-3 start to 2023 before he was slowed by a barrage of injuries; including a high ankle sprain, a concussion, and an AC sprain in his right shoulder.
That’s why getting Lawrence healthy and keeping him healthy is No. 1 on the Jags’ list of things to do to improve this season. Everyone knows a healthy Lawrence will go a long way in keeping them in the heat of the playoff race.
“He was in a really good place (before the injuries),” Pederson said. “The injuries did take a toll on him toward the back half of the season. He wasn’t the same quarterback. (In the first half), he was making good decisions. He was taking care of the football. We were helping him as an offense, too. Everybody was involved. One guy can’t do it all, and we don’t ask him to do it all.”
On the other side of the ball, the Jaguars are expected to take a big step forward on defense. After the season, Pederson fired defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell and replaced him with former Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen; a fiery personality who led an aggressive pass rush with the Falcons and New Orleans Saints.
The Jaguars then hung with the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Lawrence finished seventh in the MVP voting and earned his first Pro Bowl nod.
They also have to be less charitable with the pigskin. The Jaguars’ whopping 30 turnovers last season were the fifth-most in the NFL. They lost the turnover battle nine times during their last four losses, which stings considering they finished a game shy of Houston.
The hope of next year is to heighten the intensity around Hines-Allen, edge rusher Travon Walker and key free-agent pickup, defensive tackle Arik Armstead.
As the team-building process began, they zeroed in on players with proven reputations as leaders who have histories as winners. It led them to guys like Armstead (previously with the San Francisco 49ers, cornerback Darnell Savage (Green Bay Packers), center Mitch Morse and Gabe Davis (Buffalo Bills).
Remember, the Jaguars were 15-5, including the playoffs, from Week 12 in 2022 to Week 12 in 2023. They believe they’re closer to that team than the one that both literally and figuratively limped down the stretch.
If their offseason plan pans out, they might be able to prove that.
Arresting Developments
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Georgia football has been marred by several off-field incidents involving its players in the last few weeks, continuing what has already been a difficult year of police interaction for Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs.
Among the latest, starting linebacker Smael Mondon and backup offensive tackle Bo Hughley were arrested on separate misdemeanor charges of reckless driving.
Hughley was arrested Tuesday, July 9th and charged with reckless driving and failure to maintain lane. He posted a $26 bond and was released from custody. Mondon was arrested the following day, July 10th on charges of racing on highways and reckless driving, similarly posting a $26 bond for his release.
The incidents involving Mondon and Hughley highlight ongoing issues within the program. Mondon was observed racing alongside freshman defensive back Demello Jones, driving at 75 mph in a 40 mph zone.
When stopped by police, Mondon denied knowing Jones, despite evidence to the contrary. Jones, who pulled over voluntarily, received a citation for racing. Mondon’s attempt to dissuade Jones from discussing the incident in their team group chat further complicated the situation.
These arrests add to a troubling pattern for the Georgia football program. Back in March of this year, teammate Trevor Etienne was arrested for driving under the influence.
Etienne ultimately pleaded no contest to reckless driving, and the more serious DUI charge was dismissed. All of this brings the number of traffic-related incidents involving Georgia football players to 24 in the last 18 months.
The year 2023 began with a fatal crash involving Devin Willock and recruiting staff member Chandler LeCroy, which resulted in misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and racing for former Georgia player Jalen Carter.
Three months later, Carter was selected ninth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 NFL draft.
The frequency of these incidents has drawn significant attention and criticism. Head Coach Kirby Smart has acknowledged the issue, expressing disappointment and emphasizing the need for better behavior off the field. Despite efforts to address these problems, the arrests continue to cast a shadow over the program.
Further complicating matters, wide receiver Rodarius “Rara” Thomas was arrested on July 26th and charged with multiple felonies, including family violence battery and second-degree cruelty to children.
This incident follows a previous arrest last year for false imprisonment and family violence, for which Thomas completed a pre-trial diversion program. Thomas has been suspended indefinitely from the team. His recent arrest underscores the ongoing legal troubles faced by Georgia football players.
The arrests of Mondon and Hughley, coupled with Thomas’ legal issues, reflect broader challenges within the program. Despite being one of the top teams in college football, Georgia has struggled to maintain discipline off the field. These incidents have the capacity to not only tarnish the program’s reputation but also raise concerns about the overall culture and management.
Coach Smart, during SEC Media Days, emphasized the importance of addressing these issues. He expressed disappointment in the outcomes of these incidents and reiterated the program’s commitment to fostering better behavior among players.
However, the recurring nature of these problems suggests that more significant changes may be necessary to ensure a safer and more disciplined environment.
The 2024 football season officially kicks off for Georgia in less than a month. The Bulldogs will host the Clemson Tigers on Saturday August 31st at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The Dogs will start the season at, or near, the number one spot in most national preseason rankings.
High School Football Factory
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Some of the most talented football players in the country come from Georgia.
Georgia has the fourth most players in the NFL with 150. Let’s take a look at some of the top recruits from the great state of Georgia that will be playing this Fall.
QB Julian Lewis, Carrolton: Lewis is the prodigy that appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated last year as a 15-year-old sophomore. He has reclassified to the class of 2025 so he is graduating a year early.
The five-star recruit is currently committed to USC. In his two seasons, he has a 25-3 record and he was named MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year in 2022 and MaxPreps National Sophomore of the Year in 2023.
As a freshman, he led the Trojans to the 7A state championship game and an undefeated record before losing to Mill Creek. He set the state-finals record with 531 passing yards in that game.
Last season he threw for 3,094 yards, 48 touchdowns, 2 interceptions and he completed 66.4% of his passes.
He was named to the Elite 11 finals roster, which is prestigious for the top quarterbacks in the nation. He is going to try to lead Carrolton to the 6A state championship this season but they do not have the same level of talent as teams like Buford or Milton.
DL Elijah Griffin, Savannah Christian Prep: He’s the top player in the state for the class of 2025 and a five-star recruit. Griffin is 6’5 and 285 pounds so he’s a man amongst boys in the high school, especially at the 3A level. He has committed to Georgia.
Last season he was named Georgia Class AAA Defensive Lineman of the Year and MaxPreps Junior All-America selection. He helped lead the Raiders to the AAA state title game. In 2023, he had 97 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks and an interception.
I expect him to have more huge numbers in 2024.
LB Zayden Walker, Schley County: Walker is the No. 2 player in the state, a five-star recruit and committed to UGA. The 6’1, 225 lb. linebacker also plays basketball and runs track.
Last season he had 77 carries, 518 yards, 13 TD’s and he averaged 6.7 yards per carry. He also caught 10 passes for 169 yards and 4 scores. He had 40 tackles, 16.5 TFL, 27 quarterback hits, 7 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and a pass breakup.
The Wildcats were 13-1 last season and I expect them to compete for the single A state championship this year. Walker might be able to lead them there.
DL Justus Terry, Manchester: He’s the third ranked player in Georgia for the class of 2025. I’m starting to sound like a broken record but he’s a five-star recruit and committed to Georgia.
In 2023, he was a MaxPreps Junior All-America second-team selection. He led the Blue Devils to an 11-3 record and their first state title game appearance in 26 years. They lost the single A division 2 state championship to Bowdon, 28-27.
Last season Terry had 78 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 13 sacks, 2 FF and 2 PBU.
There are many other great athletes around the state to watch this fall. If you have the chance, you should try to watch some of these future stars.
Killer Bears
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Sports fans across the landscape will say that “nobody cares if you didn’t win the last game.”
Well, that’s exactly what Pierce County did in 2023 by winning the 2023 AA State Championship against Rockmart.
The shootout 48-45 victory for the Bears capped off the stretch of winning the final nine games of the 2023 season behind quarterback Caden McGatha who ran for 258 yards against Rockmart to bring the title back to Blackshear.
Now the Bears turn the page but will reading from a very similar book with the majority of the production back from the State Title team.
This includes standout quarterback Caden McGatha who will be entering his senior year in 2024. McGatha accounted for eleven yards shy of 2,000 on the ground while also throwing for 1,950 yards.
McGatha was accountable for 51 of the 71 touchdowns scored by the Bears on the season with 23 coming through the air and 28 on the ground.
Running backs Marquez Leggett and Jah Evans are also back in the fold and look to be a key factor in the Pierce success again in 2024.
Leggett was the Bear’s second leading rusher with 482 yards and 5 rushing scores teaming up with Evans that recorded 304 yards and second best on the team with 6 rushing touchdowns.
The Bears also return the top two receivers in Joe Drew and Nigel Brown. Drew goes into his senior season after 663 yards receiving with 10 TDs.
Brown followed up with 372 yards last season with 5 scores.
Virtually the only impact player not returning on the offensive side from the 2023 championship team is Carson Sloan who hauled in seven receiving touchdowns in conjunction with 365 yards before graduating after the 2023 magical season.
The 2024 slate kicks off on August 24th with the lid lifter against Coosa Christian who make the trip to Blackshear from Gadsden, Alabama.
Brantley County, who was a region counterpart last year, will return the trip to Pierce after the Bears pummeled the Herons last year 56-6.
Wayne County, New Hampstead and Brooks County will follow before a renewal of a rivalry against Vidalia to round out the non-region slate.
Vidalia, who has dropped down to single A in the GHSA reclassification, fell to the Bears to the tune of 35-7 when the two were region foes last year.
Because of the reshuffling of the GHSA classifications and regions the new Region 3 in AA Class is now only comprised of 5 teams with Cook, Crisp County, Tattnall County and Appling County in addition to Pierce with Tattnall, Appling and Pierce the only holdovers that have stayed since 2023.
Last season Pierce County defeated Tattnall County 31-0 to cap off the regular season in 2023.
2024 regular season will finish up with a highly anticipated rematch of Pierce and Appling County. Appling was the lone blemish on the 14-1 record of the Bears with the Pirates getting the best of Pierce 17-14 last September.
2024 looks incredibly bright for 6th year head coach Ryan Herring as the Bears look to continue the streak of already 13 straight years of playoff football in Blackshear.
Already two state titles on the resume of Ryan Herring at Pierce County, and the Bears look poised to continue the legacy that has been exhumed the last more than a decade.
The Bears have had a double figure wins in each of the last six years and look to replicate that on their way back to Atlanta for another trip to the GHSA mountain top.
Red Means Stop
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Georgia players are facing suspensions for driving violations, coach Kirby Smart confirmed on Tuesday. There has been another internal punishment: fines via the program’s collective, which have been happening for a while, Smart said.
“Our Classic City Collective for over a year has been substantially fining guys for those things,” Smart said. “That’s not something that’s new. That’s something that’s been ongoing outside of my jurisdiction that they decided to implement and have done for a considerable amount.”
Georgia has continued to have problems with driving-related arrests. Seven players have been arrested on driving-related charges since the January 2023 car crash that killed player Devin Willock and staff member Chandler LeCroy in which police found LeCroy had been drinking and racing with then-teammate Jalen Carter.
Safety David Daniel Sisavanh, arrested on reckless driving in February, has been dismissed from the program for what Smart only would term a ‘violation of team rules’.
There have been speeding tickets and arrests for speeding. Another player, Jamon Dumas Johnson, was arrested last year for a street racing incident that happened before Wilcock’s fatal crash.
Smart has declined to specify what the suspensions will be, only confirming them after the fact, such as last year when receiver Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint was suspended for a speeding arrest.
As this season approaches, running back Trevor Etienne (DUI) and linebacker Smael Mondo (reckless driving, racing) seem likely to face suspensions. But Smart said he would not publicize those suspensions in advance.
“I don’t necessarily think it’s right to go down to the town square and publicly shame kids when that happens,” Smart said. “They go through a lot, and there’s a lot of remorse from these young men who’ve made mistakes. But our job is to educate, continue to grow these young men.”
Still, given all the arrests, following a tragic car crash, how has an otherwise disciplined program failed to curtail this serious issue?
“It’s a great question,” Smart said. “I’d love every solution possible because we actually write down now every time we talk about it and every time we address it, and we have someone in every meeting that hears that, and before I came, it was like 162 times it’s been mentioned. But if people go say, ‘Well, it falls on deaf ears, you got to have discipline, you’ve got to discipline someone.’ Well, we have, and we will continue to do so. If the actions require that, we’ll do what’s necessary to do that. But I do think the effective way in curtailing some things is when you go to their wallet and you find them because these fines have been substantial, and it’ll make you think twice about the mistakes you make.”
Georgia has used what Smart called proactive education, such as defensive driving courses. But Smart also defended the discipline process.
“As far as I know, there’s not one team in the country that’s ever suspended a player for a traffic violation similar to what Marcus Rosemy got suspended for,” Smart said.
“I don’t know if anybody’s ever kicked somebody off the team for that. And we have that. And we’re going to continue to be proactive. Repeated poor behaviors and poor decisions. In some cases, we have repeated behaviors, and in some cases, we have guys that make mistakes, and we’re going to punish them.”
Obviously with the tragedy that happened two years ago, that’s the biggest thing, guys realizing to be intentional in the moment. … It doesn’t matter if you get there five minutes early, it’s not going to change anything. Slow down and follow the rules of the road.
Jason Bishop Show July 25 2024
New War Chant
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Charlton County High School Indians are heading in the 2024 football season with a new chief.
After finishing the 2023 season with a disappointing record of record of 2 – 9, and what has admittedly been a difficult last few years, the Charlton County Indians made a change at the top.
In December, the Tribe hired Demario Jones as their new head football coach. Coach Jones arrives in Folkston after spending the last two seasons as the head man at Godby High School in Tallahassee, FL.
Jones spent those two years at Godby working to put the once-proud Cougar program back on the track to success. Even though the win/loss record wasn’t what fans might have hoped for right away (the Cougars finished last season 3-6), Coach Jones is confident they were moving in the right direction.
Jones said, “At first things were a little rough out on the football field, but a lot more competitive this past year. I knew what a rebuilding job it was going to be coming into Godby, maybe not a lot of people would have wanted it considering it wasn’t going to be instant success.”
Coach Jones is a native of Jacksonville and played football at Raines High School. He was a walk-on defensive lineman at Valdosta State University. He worked hard and played well, eventually earning All-Gulf South Conference status. He ultimately received two first team all-conference nods in 2008 and 2010, and won a national championship with the Blazers. Jones was also the president of the Student Government Association at VSU.
After spending eight years as an assistant coach at Valdosta High School, Coach Jones became familiar the region Charlton plays in (GHSA Region 2, Single A Division II) by spending a couple of seasons calling the defense for Charlton’s long-time region foe, Turner County.
Coach Jones is known as a defensive coach, but he has made a splash on the offensive side of the ball by bringing in new Offensive Coordinator, Arturo Meza.
Coach Meza will handle play calling duties for the Indians after spending last season as an offensive assistant at Lowndes High school.
The Indians will be expecting continued growth out of sophomore QB A.J. Glover, who accounted for 6 touchdowns and finished his freshman year with the third most passing yards in the region.
Also returning is last year’s leading rusher, Omari Wilson, who carried the ball for 453 yards, averaging 56.6 yards per game played.
The defensive unit will be young and hungry. Only a few starters from last season will return for 2024. Junior free safety Brandon Woolard returns for the Indians as one of last year’s leading tacklers, along with senior outside linebacker/running back Maurice Sims and sophomore defensive tackle, Tim Sapp.
As with all GHSA regions, there will be realignment in 2024 for Region 2-1A Div. II. Along with Charlton County, the region will include Lanier County, Turner County and last year’s region champ, Clinch County.
New for this season will be the removal Atkinson County, while adding Irwin County and Brooks County to the group. The region will now have six teams, with the top four teams advancing to the playoffs.
With a 2-2 record in the region last year, Charlton qualified for the playoffs but fell in the first round to Jenkins County.
There is a new attitude in Folkston this summer, and certainly a new energy. Coach Jones is focused on getting his team prepared to compete for region championships for many years to come. His philosophy is to empower his young men. He plans to use his experience to give his players the tools they need to be successful and then hold them to that expectation.
The 2024 Schedule for the Indians:
August 16th vs Brantley County
August 23rd at Mcintosh County Academy
August 30th at Jeff Davis
September 6th vs Yulee
September 13th vs Toombs County
September 27th at Lanier County (Region Opponent)
October 4th at Clinch County (Region Opponent)
October 11th at Irwin County (Region Opponent)
October 25th vs Brooks County (Region Opponent)
November 1st vs Turner County (Region Opponent)
Pirates To Set Sail
By: Teddy Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
As the Brunswick High Pirates get ready to set sail for the 2024 football season, I sat down with Head Coach Garrett Grady for an exclusive interview.
“We’ve had 110-115 guys show up for practice every day,” Coach Grady related. “The players have been working hard, and we’re looking forward to getting back ‘Between the Bricks’.”
Brunswick High is looking to improve on last year’s 7-4 record, which included a second-round playoff appearance.
BHS will be playing in a new classification this fall, which also means a new region, 1 AAAAA.
The Georgia High School Association decided to eliminate the 7-A classification, which moved Brunswick High from 6-A to 5-A, still the second-highest classification.
There are nine teams in Brunswick’s new region: Brunswick High, Bradwell Institute, Effingham, Evans, Glynn Academy, Greenbrier, Lakeside, South Effingham, and Statesboro.
“We’re bringing back in Statesboro, and we’re bringing back in Bradwell,” Coach Grady said. “Grovetown is going out, but Greenbrier is coming in, so we replaced one Augusta school with another.”
The two non-region games will be against Camden and Wayne. Camden will travel to Brunswick to open the season on August 16, while Brunswick will travel ‘Jesup’ the road to Wayne the next week.
“We got a scrimmage against Ware, game 1 against Camden, and game 2 against Wayne,” Coach Grady told me, “and then region games from there on out.”
BHS will have a bye week following the Wayne game, and then, “We’re starting out of the gate with a really tough region opponent in Effingham.”
It’s worth noting that BHS and Effingham have developed a pretty strong rivalry over the past few years, and it will be interesting to see how that game plays out September 6 when the Pirates travel to Rebel Field at Bob Griffith Stadium to take on the Rebels.
The Brunswick High-Glynn Academy City Championship game is slated for September 27 at Glynn County Stadium.
When I asked Coach Grady if Brunswick, Effingham, and Glynn would be the favorites in the region, he agreed.
“I think that’s a fair assessment,” he said. “When Brunswick, Glynn, and Effingham play each other, it’s been for the 1, 2, or 3 seed.”
I also asked Coach Grady about trying to replace players like “Touchdown” Terry Mitchell, River Creel, Devin Smith, and others that graduated.
“Instead of replacing those guys, we’ve got to develop other players,” he said. “We have a lot of talent returning, plus some new faces that could make an immediate impact.”
One returning talent is junior Heze Kent—All-everything from a year ago. “He’s going to have a big year,” Coach Grady predicted. “We can split him out wide, play him at tight end, or put him in the backfield.
“Plus, he’s a leader in the locker room as well. His voice carries, and he echoes what the coaches say. That’s what we want.”
Another returning starter is quarterback Grant Moore, also a junior.
“He’s definitely a voice on offense,” Coach Grady said. “When tough times happen, he can get the guys to rally behind him. He works hard and always does the right thing. He’s the type of leader you want.”
Also returning for the Pirates are Jamarius Towns, Waseem Murray, Jashawn Towns, William Heck, Caleb Butler, Kregg Richardson, Jordan Hicks, Jeremiah Robbins, and others, all adding significant talent and leadership for BHS.
“All of the coaches have been working hard, too,” Coach Grady lauded, praising their dedication.
Mitch Belker returns as Offensive Coordinator for the Pirates, while Thomas Tedder is back as Defensive Coordinator.
It says here the Pirates win the region and make a deep run in the playoffs.
Terror-tory
By: Joe Delaney
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Its July and its hot and sticky. The weather forecast says RAIN every afternoon.
Lazy summer days with afternoon thunderboomers. But for so many of us it’s really time to start thinking about FOOTBALL. And today it’s specifically GLYNN ACADEMY RED TERROR football.
The Red Terrors of Rocky Hidalgo had a very successful 2023 campaign. 8-3 with an ohhhhhh so close agonizing first round loss in the playoffs.
The Red Terrors picked a bad game to play mediocre football and it cost them in a one point first round loss. On the positive side was another city championship running Rocks record against the Brunswick Pirates to 7-3. But let’s move on and look at 2024. As of today the Terrors are undefeated.
Defensively the 2024 squad should be good. While the number of returning starters may not be overwhelming. The fact is that this Terror team has a lot of juniors and seniors who have played a lot of minutes for the Red and White.
A few years ago as we came out of the pandemic, the Red Terrors were looking at maybe a dozen or so juniors and seniors on the team.
That has drastically changed in the past couple of years and the Terrors will have close to 50 juniors and seniors ready to play on Friday nights.
It’s a big difference. Especially on defense where there are holes to fill.
Quay Evans and Tay Green return on the D-line for the Terrors and Ty Chishom returns in the defensive backfield.
Several other of last year’s contributors will step into starting roles this year. With the depth the Terrors have built recently, Coach Rock feels the defense will be very good.
I think that the key for Glynn will be having some linebackers step up and play big time. If that happens the Terrors could be dangerous.
They could be dangerous because the offense will be lethal.
On offense the Terrors return a great mix of players including 3 offensive linemen.
The games are won or lost in the trenches and this group of road graters should be good.
Add in Josh Baker at center and this group should be solid. They are definitely going to have some guys in the backfield that can take advantage of every crease or hole the Oline gives them.
Returning are TE Deuce Hidalgo, WR Sean Wallace, QB Jayden Ellis and RB Greg Peacock. That’s 7 returning starters and a dozen or so with experience from last year. The Terrors will be fun to watch fosho!
And keep an eye out for Nico Nikomunoz. He’s a young QB who can sling it. If he gets on the field and can distribute the ball it will free up Ellis and Peacock to wreak havoc. Either way this offense has the potential to be VERY good.
Special teams are just that at Glynn and it’s just a question of how good. Returning will be Tuck Tucker to do the punting, kickoffs and FGs. Any time the Red Terrors get in the red zone it should be at least 3 with Tuck.
And keep an eye out for up and coming Patrick Coyle. He would start for most teams in the region but will give Glynn a great backup.
The return teams should be emphasized by Rocky and the staff. They could be electric this time around! Peacock is being recruited by all the D1’s. So, lets hope the Rock puts him back deep and lets the opposing teams kick it to him.
Glynn rolls into 2024 with several new coaches on staff including Steve Sigemund with the DB’s and all important Weightroom. Matt Moore comes on board with the RB’s. And Gage Sills heads up the QB’s. Welcome to the Terrortory gentlemen!
While I’m not going to break down the season game by game, the schedule is formidable.
Richmond Hill returns 18 starters and is in one of the fastest growing areas in the state. Ditto for the Rebels of Effingham. Evans will be loaded this year and Brunswick has talent.
Eight wins for Glynn Academy in the regular season again would be workable if things fall into place. Now let’s see if they can make a playoff run.
Build The Hill
By: Charlie Moon
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
So, what does the Richmond Hill football team have in common with Ray’s Boom Boom Room? Yeah, I get it. You’re wondering what drug flew into my coffee this morning, but just stick with me.
If you don’t know about Ray’s Boom Boom Room, it comes from the classic comedy, “LIFE.” Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence and several others are in prison for life during the Civil Rights era.
Murphy’s character Ray, describes a fictitious place called Ray’s Boom Boom Room. It’s a Harlem jazz dinner club that has it all. Serving such a harsh sentence, The Boom Boom Room takes them to a dreamy place, which has it all and that’s what the 2024 Richmond Hill football team has.
Having been the Cats’ play-by-play voice for six years and knowing the program from Head Coach Matt Lezotte’s tenure, I believe this is the best team the Cats will field.
Even better than the 2019 squad that was one play away from making it to a state title game? YES!
Now, will that equate to a similar run at a state title? Who knows?
A couple major differences abound. Then, there were 7 GHSA classifications. The Cats were in 6A and a much different region than the current. Now, GHSA only has 6 classifications (not including A-Div 1).
Plus, there’s the elephant in the room, a region that I believe is the top-ranked public school region in the entire country. Region 6-AAAAAA includes Colquitt County, Valdosta, Camden County, Lowndes, Richmond Hill and Tift County. Tell me another region that has 36 state titles and 7 national titles; can’t find one.
Lezotte says, “The level of talent we play week in and week out is second to none. I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen this, but Lezotte says, “Depending on the personnel we’re running, we’ve got 26 returning starters.”
Of those, the number that are receiving serious college interest is in the double digits.
So…back to The Boom Boom Room.
The offensive line are the servers, the guys roaming around serving food and drinks and usually not getting the big-time praise. They make the party go! Thomas “Zimbo” Zimbolatti and Cameron Jackson headline a group that boasts over 100 career starts.
Asked how this line compares to 2019, Lezotte says, “We’re deeper – 8 guys that play on Friday nights.”
The skill players (RBs/WRs) are the live band. They’re the ones everybody is watching with names in lights.
RBs are led by 2023 800-yd rusher Josh Troupe and 4-year starter, DB Caleb Easterling, who had 27 carries in 2023. But look for young and talented Amire Miller and DJ Porter to get significant carries. Sophomore Porter may be the youngest, but he may have the biggest upside.
Wideouts are led by 2-way star Brandon McDonald, one of the most heavily recruited defensive players in the area. All 18 2023 catches came in the last half of last season. But I call him SLASH, because he plays both ways.
The defense is akin to The Boom Boom Room security, always keeping everyone in check and going after the bad guys.
The LB core could also be one of the best in the Region. Gabe Bauman (114), Lee Johnson (74) and Aiden Grant (59) were the 2023 top 3 tacklers.
In his 2nd year as starting QB, Kirk Scott is the “Ray” of The Boom Boom Room. Ray is the orchestrator of everything in the room. He’s got to be cerebral, direct traffic, and deliver on all the stars. Scott returns from 899 yards, and 8 TDs in 2023.
Make no mistake, this is the deepest and best roster that the Cats have probably boasted in the school’s history.
As they always say in their parts, “Build the Hill.”
