David Shores
Jason Bishop Show February 12 2026
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
Swamp Birds
By: Jason Bishop
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
In three years I want you to remember that you read what I am about to say here. The Brantley County Herons are going to be competing for region titles by 2026.
In this last cycle of coaching hires the Brantley County school system made the biggest hire in the state, they hired David Shores as their head football coach.
Who is David Shores you ask? Glad you asked. Shores is the best coach that has flown under the radar over the last five years.
Shores has former head coaching experience in Alabama and has coached at nothing but elite programs since. These stops include Hoover, DC at Lowndes, DC at Camden and Special Teams Coordinator at Brunswick High.
As a matter of fact, when Camden hired Jeff Herron a few years ago they almost hired David Shores instead. That is how good of a coach he is.
Most importantly, Shores has gotten a commitment from the Brantley County school system to commit resources to the football program, something that has not been common in Nahunta, GA.
Brantley is a huge county filled with that talent. That talent often finds its way onto other rosters that are not in Brantley County…..Ware, Pierce, Brunswick, Charlton, etc.
If Shores can keep his talent inside county lines you will see overnight success and improvement for the Heron program.
The Herons will play in a brand new region this season that will consist of Berrien, Bacon County, Fitzgerald, Jeff Davis, Thomasville and Worth County. This is Region 1-A Division 1.
While I don’t expect Brantley to be able to unseat Fitzgerald as the favorite in that region, I do think the playoffs are a reality for the ‘Swamp Birds’.
Last season the Herons went 5-5 overall and 2-4 in region play. A record of 5-5 isnt terrible but the losses are very telling. Against the better teams (Pierce, Toombs, Appling) on their schedule the Herons were outscored 148-20.
The Herons travel to Folkston to take on Charlton to open the season on August 16.
Brantley will also travel to Pierce, Worth, Thomasville, and Bacon County.
The Herons will host Windsor Forest, Vidalia, Jeff Davis, Fitzgerald and Berrien.
Probably the most crucial game on the schedule is going to be the Jeff Davis game. I think the winner of that game will finish with the #4 seed and a playoff berth, where the loser will have to look to 2025 for a playoff appearance.
In 2024 I will predict the Herons go 5-5 in 2024 and begin to build some special things in Nahunta.
By the way, former UGA QB Stetson Bennett is from Brantley but did not play for the Herons. Remember what I was saying about keeping talent inside county lines?
