Bishop Media Sports Network
War Chant
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a big one for the Charlton County Indians, and with a tough schedule, they won’t have much time to ease into it.
Head Coach Demario Jones enters his second season leading the Tribe, after finishing 5-6 overall in 2024.
The Indians were 2-3 in region play last year and claimed the fourth playoff seed before falling to Lincoln County in the first round of the Single A, Division II state playoffs.
Coach Jones will rely on the return of last year’s leading rusher, Omari Jones. The rising Senior averaged 63.8 yards per game and had six total touchdowns in 2024.
Rising Junior AJ Glover is expected to play QB for Charlton after backing up Ayden Crews, who graduated last spring.
Glover does have some playing experience after seeing action in 5 games last season, going 13 for 31 passing, with 4 touchdowns.
Things get going with a preseason scrimmage against Berrien, but the real action starts on August 15 when the Indians hit the road to face Brantley County.
After that, the Indians get a couple chances to settle in at home. McIntosh comes to Folkston on August 22, and then Jeff Davis visits on August 29.
That Jeff Davis game might come with a little extra edge since the Yellow Jackets were the only team to hold Charlton scoreless in a game last year, so expect the Indians to be fired up for that rematch.
From there, it is back on the road for two more non-region tests. The first is a trip across the Florida line to take on Yulee on September 5.
Then it is off to Toombs County on September 12, another strong program that will not make things easy. Those two games could tell us a lot about where this team stands heading into the most important part of the season.
And then comes region play, where the playoff hopes either get built or broken.
Charlton kicks off Region 2A Division II action on September 26 with a home game against Lanier County, who was winless in the region last year.
But things really heat up in October.
Clinch County comes to town on October 3 and you know the deal. They are always tough and always in the region title conversation. A win here could go a long way toward making a statement.
Then it is another home game; against Irwin County on October 10, and that one is no picnic either.
After a well-timed bye, the Indians head to Brooks County on October 24 for a contest against last year’s region champ. Brooks is a legit contender once again, and getting a win there would be huge.
The regular season wraps up with another road trip on October 31, this time to face Turner County, a team that is hungry to bounce back under their second-year head coach.
Top to bottom, this is a tough slate. The non-region schedule is packed with teams that will push Charlton to get better fast. Once region play starts, there is not a single game they can afford to take lightly. Every Friday night matters.
The key for Charlton will be to win at home, stay healthy, and try to grab one or two of those big ones on the road. If they can do that, they will be right in the thick of the playoff picture in November.
No doubt about it, the road will not be easy, but if this group can grow up quickly and find its identity early, they have a real shot to make some noise. One thing is certain, the 2025 season is going to be a fun and wild ride in Folkston.
Jason Bishop Show July 24 2025
It’s About Protection
By: Robert Craft
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Georgia lost four starters from an offensive line that allowed the most sacks (25) during the Kirby Smart era, leading the Bulldogs’ coach to tell his group to “grow up and play” this offseason.
Three under-the-radar players have stepped up to meet the challenge, led by a towering 6-foot-7 offensive tackle.
Junior Monroe Freeling is in line to be a starter at Georgia.
Based on his physical growth since last season, Georgia feels like he is in position to not only hold his own at left tackle, but to have a year that could land him an early NFL Draft pick.
Freeling is ranked No. 33 overall and No. 6 among offensive tackles in his 2023 recruiting class. He had an up-and-down first season with Georgia.
The former four-star recruit started the final five games at left tackle, surrendering 12 pressures, including four pressures and three sacks in the Sugar Bowl loss to Notre Dame.
Despite missing spring practice due to offseason shoulder surgery, NFL scouts are optimistic about Freeling’s potential to elevate his game during his junior year.
The coaching staff holds the same confidence and optimism to right tackle Earnest Greene and center Drew Bobo.
Earnest Greene hasn’t started yet at his new right tackle position but he’s in line to start this year, and a lot of folks feel really good about him.
Drew Bobo is another candidate to feel good about as the starting center. Internally, Georgia feels like Drew is a significantly better player than most people realize.
The strength of the offensive line is in the interior. Georgia is starting inexperienced tackles on both sides.
On the inside, Bobo played 183 snaps at center last season and allowed just three pressures and zero sacks.
Left guard Micah Morris allowed four pressures and zero sacks across 432 total snaps last season, while right guard Daniel Calhoun surrendered zero pressures in 26 snaps. This might be the most talented returning interior O-Lines in the NCAA.
This is a big year for Stacked Searels’ group: they’re tasked with protecting a first-time starting quarterback. Looking into this season, this group can provide adequate play up front, but that does not feel like a confident statement to make. I guess we’ll wait and see?
Smart downplayed Georgia’s rushing numbers from last year and explained that those numbers were a product of the teams the Bulldogs played.
Even with a padded stat sheet, Smart made it clear that the Georgia Bulldogs must run the ball better in 2025. Can they make it happen?
The SEC is a line of scrimmage conference and Georgia’s offensive line should be among the best. The Dawgs OLine will determine how they fair in the College Football Playoff.
Swash-Buc-Lers
By: Jeff Doke
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
McIntosh County Academy Head Coach Bradley Warren is about to start his 7th consecutive/10th overall season with the Buccaneers.
I was able to get a few minutes of his time to talk about what to expect from the upcoming season.
JD: The Bucs went 7-3 in the regular season but had a tough 9-0 loss in the first round of the playoffs. Is this year’s team using that loss as motivation or have they turned the page & started fresh?
Coach Warren: It’s for sure a turn the page & start fresh year. We graduated 18 seniors, eight of them were three-year starters. This will definitely be a fresh new look for the Buccaneers.
JD: Your starting quarterback from last year graduated. Who do you expect will take over as starter and what style of play does he have?
Coach Warren: Mekhi Jackson will be the starter. Big, powerful quarterback 6’3” 200lbs. He’s fairly fast and has got a good arm. He’s also an All-State Linebacker. He’s one of the toughest kids in the state.
Blake McMahan is a rising sophomore. He’s a good starting quarterback as well. When Mekhi needs a rest, Blake is going to come in. He’s also the starting Free Safety right now, so they’re going to have to tag-team the quarterback position.
We also have a rising freshman Jackson Shirah who can manage the game if called upon.
JD: You had some serious contributors graduate last year. Apart from Earnest McIntosh, who can fans look for to make an impact on the offense this year?
Coach Warren: We feel really good about the running back stable that we have. We have Earnest, we’re getting Demarien McNear back, he was out all last year with a knee injury.
He’s really good. We have Jayden Lotson who’s tough as well. Then there’s rising freshman Tyren Cummings. We’ve got four backs that can go 80 yards on you.
JD: Like last year’s squad, the 2025 Buccaneers are loaded with upperclassmen. How does that impact the locker room?
Coach Warren: This last senior class we had one exceptional leader on it in Nehemiah West. His presence, not being here has been felt. We’re a little bit struggling at leadership right now, but not in a bad way. We’ve got some guys that are being given the opportunity to lead and they’re having to grow up. We’re not where we want to be but we’re definitely headed in the right direction.
JD: Apart from Mekhi Jackson, who can we expect to be top contributors on defense?
Coach Warren: Javonte Cummings is an All-State defensive lineman. He’s very good. We feel like we’re going to be really competitive on the front, but we graduated our entire secondary.
We’ve had some kids that have had a really good summer there, but we’re really an untested secondary. We’re going to have to see what they look like.
JD: Earnest McIntosh was your leading rusher last year with 688 yards. Has he set a goal for himself for this year?
Coach Warren: I’m sure his goal is not to get injured. He’s gotten derailed with some just minor things the last two seasons.
He’s had a really great summer; I’ve been really pleased with him. He’s going to be a definite factor in the backfield and on defense.
JD: You finished 3rd in the region last year with two losses to region champs Metter & 2nd place Jenkins County. How do you think the 2025 Bucs will stack up to the Tigers & War Eagles?
Coach Warren: Metter graduated a lot on their front, but they’ve got a lot of skill kids back including their QB & RB. They’ll be tough.
Jenkins County has roughly the same thing. They graduated a lot on the front. They’ve got their quarterback back and some really good skill kids back.
There are 6 teams in the region that have the possibility of making the playoffs and two teams sitting at home, so we’re going to have to really play well to not get bumped.
This year’s team is going to have a lot of new faces and is going to get better as the season rolls along. I just hope that we can grow up and can develop our identity before it’s too late.
Knights 2025 Quest
By: Jeff Doke
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
This fall, as Frederica Academy takes to the gridiron for their fifteenth season, Coach Brandon Derrick is preparing for his thirteenth at the helm of the Knights.
It’s a coaching history that many would be envious of, what with two appearances in the state championship game – one resulting in a title – and qualifying for the playoffs every year but one.
The numbers don’t tell the whole story, however…at least not the win/loss numbers. There’s a much more impactful number that has been the albatross of the Derrick regime more seasons than not: roster size. And this year will be no exception.
“We’re probably (a roster of) 28, maybe 30 kids,” Coach Derrick told me recently. “ We had some give it up in the offseason. Football’s tough. It’s the toughest sport there is in high school, so they decided to play other sports.”
At the conclusion of the 2024 season, the Knights were set to have 18 starters returning for this season. Now it looks more like 16 returning with some rotational players stepping up to starting roles, especially on defense.
“I think we’re going to roll Jaylen Baldwin out to cornerback with Jayden Gibson,” speculates the Coach, “we’ll roll Wyatt (Parton) and Braxton (Sykes) into Safety. They both spent some time playing that position last year.”
Outside Linebacker is another position that will see some new faces to replace last year’s starters. Trey Dunston, a new addition to the team, will take the place of the upperclassmen that decided to stick with baseball instead of football.
Coach Derrick predicts that there will be five more players to rotate into that position this year.
As far as the Defensive Line goes, Senior Defensive Tackle Fuller Wimberly will be holding the line, with heavy contributions from Junior Jack Tronolone and an increased defensive presence from JC Wessell.
Clay Sprole, as well as a new member of the team, 6’2” 260 lb. Eric Alford, will be counted on to contribute at Defensive End.
“We’ve got some younger kids that will need to figure it out and learn how to play,” said the Coach. “If we’ve just got 25 kids, we’ll get ‘em ready to be the toughest 25 kids out there.”
On the offensive side, things should pick up where they left off last year with some big contributions from some big young men.
“You’re going to see a lot of guys moving around more. JC (Wessell) is going to be an integral part of it, because he’s a 6’7” 230lb. Tight End that just ran a 4.08. He’s especially going to be moving around a lot. You’re going to have to go find him, but he won’t be hard to find since he’s 6’7”.”
Quarterback duties will continue to be handled primarily by rising Junior Stanton Beverly, with some rotational relief from second year multi-position player Braxton Sykes.
Sykes will also contribute at Wide Receiver. Jayden Gibson will continue as starting Running Back, while WR Jordyn Rollins is still recovering from his major knee injury from last season. Rollins should be ready to go by the first of the season, and if so, will see a considerable uptick in touches from last year.
“If he’s healthy, he’ll be moved all over the place,” said Coach Derrick. “We’ve got to get him the ball 12-15 times a game. He’ll make a guy miss and has a chance every time to take it to the house.”
Coach Derrick continued with cautious confidence in the offense. “I think we’ve got a really set of skill set kids, the biggest challenge is going to be how we’ll rotate our offensive line and maintain a level of consistency. We’re one or two injuries away from it being catastrophic just because of our numbers. It is what it is.”
The Frederica Knights start their season ‘Under The Oaks’ against Savannah High School on August 15th. How ever many players suit up, you can be sure Brandon Derrick will have them ready.
New Way Forward
By: Cameron Miller
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
After a challenging 2-8 campaign in 2024, the Brantley County Herons are entering the 2025 High School Football Season with a young but battle-tested roster, and a head coach determined to turn things around.
Under the leadership of Head Coach David Shores, now entering another season at the helm, the Herons are focused on growth, discipline, and forging a new identity.
Last year’s squad struggled on both sides of the ball, averaging just 9.8 points per game while allowing 37.2, which left them with a staggering -27.4 point differential.
The team’s struggles came against both non-region and region opponents in GHSA Class A D1 Region 1.
Despite those numbers, the Herons believe the foundation has been laid, especially with a core group of returning players who bring both experience and hunger into 2025.
At the center of the offense is senior quarterback Kaden Hendrix, a 6’4”, 185-pound passer with a strong arm and leadership qualities the team leans on. Hendrix threw for an average of 95.4 yards per game last season and connected for six touchdowns, often under pressure behind a developing offensive line.
As a senior, Hendrix will be counted on to elevate his efficiency and help stabilize the offense. With a full offseason to work with his receivers and offensive coordinator, his development could be the key to unlocking more scoring opportunities this fall.
One of Hendrix’s top playmakers will be Mason Kicklighter, a versatile junior who splits time at running back and inside linebacker.
On offense, Kicklighter posted 34.9 rushing yards and 21.7 receiving yards per game while scoring three rushing touchdowns in 2024. His ability to catch out of the backfield makes him a matchup problem for defenses, and his 5.2 tackles per game on defense showcase his two-way impact.
Another name to watch is Eli Thomas, a Swiss Army knife listed as a strong safety and all-around athlete. He averaged 36.7 total yards per game last season and is expected to take on an expanded role in the offense and special teams this year.
While the defense surrendered over 37 points per game last fall, there are bright spots that give Shores reason for optimism.
Hayden Hickox, a returning inside linebacker, averaged 5.6 tackles per game and recorded two tackles for loss. His instincts and leadership will be crucial as the Herons look to tighten up their run defense.
Alongside him is Haden Kicklighter, another inside linebacker and fullback who posted a team-high 6.8 tackles per game, one sack, and a key fumble recovery.
Together, the Kicklighter-Hickox tandem gives Brantley a hard-nosed presence in the middle of the defense.
The Herons face a competitive slate this fall, opening at home on August 15 against traditional powerhouse Charlton County. Road trips to Windsor Forest, Vidalia, and region rival Fitzgerald will test their resolve, but matchups against teams like Worth County and Bacon County offer chances to pick up critical wins.
With two bye weeks (Sept. 12 and Oct. 10), the Herons will have windows to reset and recover. But make no mistake: every Friday night will be a proving ground for a team hungry to shed last year’s narrative.
Though the Herons are young, there’s a quiet confidence building in Nahunta. The players have endured tough seasons but now carry a chip on their shoulder—and a belief that better days are ahead.
If Brantley County can stay healthy, grow together, and find its rhythm on both sides of the ball, the 2025 season could be the first step toward a new era of Herons football.
2025 Schedule:
8/15 vs Charlton County
8/22 @ Windsor Forest
8/29 vs Pierce County
9/5 @ Vidalia
9/12 BYE
9/19 @ Jeff Davis
9/26 vs Worth County
10/3 @ Fitzgerald
10/10 BYE
10/17 vs Thomasville
10/24 @ Berrien
10/31 vs Bacon County
Battering Rams
By: Kenneth Harrison
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Grayson (Loganville) won their fourth state championship last season. They beat Carrolton in the 6A championship, 38 – 24. The previous state titles are from 2011, 2016 and 2020. Obviously the Rams are looking to repeat in 2025.
Grayson was 14 – 1 in 2024. The lone loss came in the season opener to Collins Hill, 20 – 19.
As you can see, this program has never won two consecutive state championships. They have some talented players that are looking to change that.
The Rams have five-star linebacker Tyler Atkinson. He’s the third ranked recruit in the state for the Class of 2026 and he’s committed to Texas.
He’s a 6’2, 210 lbs. tackling machine. In 2024 he had 166 total tackles, 77 solo, 32 TFL, 13 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.
Quarterback Travis Burgess is the eighth ranked player in Georgia in the Class of 2026 and a four-star recruit. He is committed to North Carolina. He’s a 6’5, 205 pound dual-threat quarterback. Last season Burgess completed 154 passes for 256 yards (60.2%) for 2,225 yards with 23 TD and 4 INT. Also carried the ball 58 times for 596 yards (10.3 YPC) and 4 TD.
He also plays basketball and runs track.
Anthony Davis Jr. is a four-star linebacker. In 2024 he had 105 tackles, 15 TFL, 3 sacks, 5 PBU and 1 interception. He’s 6’2, 200 lbs. and he currently has not committed to a school. He has received scholarship offers from Alabama, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia Tech, Ole Miss, Georgia, Texas and Auburn.
DB/WR Hannibal Carter Navies is a three-star recruit and he’s committed to Kansas State. His father, Hannibal Navies (Colorado), was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 1999 with the 100th pick. He played nine seasons in the NFL with four different teams.
Edge rusher Lawrence Brown is a three-star recruit and a UNC commit. He played in 13 games last season and had 30 tackles, 12 TFL, 6 sacks and 28 QB hurries. Brown is 6’3 and 200 pounds.
The Rams have also added three-star transfer WR Dawson Quarterman from Miami, Fl. In 2024 at Norland (Miami) he had 35 receptions, 624 yards and 5 touchdowns in 10 games. He’s committed to East Carolina.
The season starts on August 15th at Collins Hill. The Eagles won the 2024 matchup but lost to Grayson in the playoffs, 38 – 14. Collins Hill was 11 – 2 in 2024 and they are still a talented team. I expect this to be a close game.
Week 2 is against a small private school, Rabun Gap-Nacoochee. Rabun is so close to North Carolina that they are in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association
Thompson is a 7A school from Alabama and they won the state championship last year. They lost to Grayson last season in overtime, 15 – 14.
Region play begins late September against Grovetown. Grayson is in AAAAAA Region 4. The region is not very good so I don’t expect anyone to challenge them in region play.
I believe Grayson is still the team to beat in 6A. I think Buford is a team that can challenge them.
Schedule
8/15 @ Collins Hill
8/22 vs Rabun Gap-Nacooche
8/29 vs Thompson
9/5 vs Mallard Creek
9/19 @ Grovetown
9/26 vs Newton
10/3 @ Heritage
10/9 vs Rockdale
10/24 vs South Gwinnett
10/31 @ Archer
Brunswick To The Bigs
By: Cameron Miller
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
After a stellar season at Georgia Tech, Former Brunswick High Pirate Kyle Lodise got to hear his name called up on the big stage.
Not only was this a monumental day for Kyle, but also the entire Lodise family. Kyle’s cousin Alex Lodise, who was also a standout in the ACC as a shortstop for the Florida State Seminoles, was selected just 16 picks before Kyle. The Atlanta Braves used their 60th overall pick to select Alex in the second round.
Kyle was drafted by the Chicago White Sox with the first pick of the third round (76th overall).
While Kyle heads to the White Sox organization and Alex Lodise is off to the Braves system, they aren’t the only members of the Lodise Family with eyes on the Majors.
Kyle’s younger brother, Jordan, just graduated from Brunswick High School as well and is heading to the University of Central Florida to continue the family’s baseball tradition.
For Kyle, the journey to this point was anything but typical. After finishing up an excellent 4-year stretch with the Brunswick High Pirates, he started off his college career at Division II Augusta University.
He then transferred to Georgia Tech for his junior season and quickly made his presence known in the powerhouse ACC.
In his one and only season with the Yellow Jackets, Lodise started all 55 games at shortstop and posted an eye-catching slash line of .329/.429/.667. He launched 16 home runs, was walked 34 times, and also tallied 39 extra-base hits, which was the second-most in the conference behind Drew Burress.
His breakout campaign with the Yellow Jackets didn’t go unnoticed. Lodise earned Second Team All-ACC honors and was named a semifinalist for the Brooks Wallace Award, which is an award given out each season to the top shortstop in college baseball.
The White Sox have a pretty average middle infield but what they do seem to lack there is depth. So, with Lodise still sitting there at pick 76 their front office must’ve seen a strong fit and a lot of potential as they looked to add to that middle infield depth throughout this year’s draft.
When asked about Lodise, White Sox Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Shirly said, “He nailed the interview at the combine; talk about professional, well spoken, intelligent, instinctual.”
Lodise has all the tools to be successful in the majors, but the one spot I would say he made his biggest impact was at the plate. According to D1 Baseball, he posted an impressive .765 slugging percentage against fastballs.
Even though evaluators have said that a bulk of his home run production came against pitches below 92 mph, Lodise is the kind of hard working player who knows there is always room for improvement, especially when it comes to facing high velocity pitches.
On the defensive side, some of the scouts questioned if his arm strength will hold up long term at shortstop, but with his quick reactions and consistent hands throughout the season it makes him a great option either way.
Lodise is also a very valuable asset on the bases, this season with the Yellow Jackets he was a perfect 13-for-13 in stolen base attempts.
In his standout 2025 season he provided us with many highlight reel moments. The one that stands out the most to me was the game against Notre Dame in which he had three home runs, and a triple.
Lodise was the only Yellow Jacket to accomplish that this year. Lodise also led the team in triples (3), ranked second in runs scored (68), doubles (20), home runs (16), and walks (34), and placed third in RBIs (61), solidifying his status as one of the ACC’s most productive hitters.
From Brunswick to the big leagues, Kyle Lodise’s journey proves that hard work, versatility, and belief in one’s talent can turn even the longest odds into a shot at the show.
Brooklet Buzz
By: Colin Lacy
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
2024 saw Southeast Bulloch return to the GHSA State Playoffs and make the quarterfinals for the first time since the 1973 State Championship season.
While the Jackets saw graduation time come for some key contributors, the core is still intact in Brooklet to be able to not only replicate last season but add on to as well.
The ground game dominated for the Jackets as SEB racked up nearly 250 rushing yards per game and had two of the top five rushers in Region 3 of the 3A classification.
While Jayden Murphy finished the year fourth in the circuit with 752 yards on the ground last season, Colby Smith had a breakout season.
Smith scampered for 1,619 yards on the ground to lead the region and also was atop Region 3 with 22 total touchdowns. Smith became the first 1,000-yard rusher for SEB since Chase Walker in 2017.
The Brooklet native senior has contributed in virtually every way he can in his SEB career. As a freshman and sophomore in 2022 & 2023, Smith was a stalwart on the defensive side of the ball as a safety, linebacker and at the “Jacket” position.
Because of injuries at the end of the 2023 season, Smith was thrust into action at quarterback (had been the back-up QB all season) for the final three games of the year.
Last season, in addition to having a historic season out of the backfield, Smith also served as the kick returner and also punted twice on the year. This year, I’d expect more of the same for Smith as a Swiss-Army knife for the Jackets.
Southeast Bulloch will have a new signal-caller at quarterback this season with Rhett Morgan deciding to forego his senior season on the football field to focus on the baseball side.
The leading candidates for the job are Aaden Peterson and Colton Zito.
Peterson, the son of legendary Georgia Southern quarterback Adrian Peterson, stepped up as a cornerback last year for the Jackets but has unquestionable athletic ability to be able to run the offense.
Colton Zito, the son of Jackets Head Coach Jared Zito, has grown up with and has football in his blood.
In addition to the two headed monster at running back with Smith and Murphy, SEB returns a strong nucleus of talent on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, the biggest hit from graduation was on the offensive line but do return the recent Georgia Tech commit in Bear Fretwell along with Kam Miller and Daniel Shuman.
Defensively, linebacker Brant Horst (who will also see time as a tight end) was the second leading tackler and racked up 4 sacks and 7.5 TFL. Jason Anthony’s defense will also return names like Chase Douglas, Tyrone McGee and Stevie Padgett who made impressive impacts in 2024 and look to take the next step in 2025.
In 2024, the Jackets knocked off Heritage after the long trip to Ringgold in the first round of the playoffs. Then they blanked the number two team in the GHSA power ranked team in the state in Harlem in round two before reaching Stephenson in the quarterfinals to finish the year 10-3.
After the second 10-win season in the first four years under Head Coach Jared Zito, the Jackets look to recreate some of the magic of 2024 while continuing to build and return SEB to their march to a third state championship in program history.
Jason Bishop Show July 17 2025
