Michael Spiers
Wildcat Reload
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
After a 7-4 campaign in 2024 that included scoring over 400 points but falling short in key region matchups, the Camden County Wildcats are heading into the 2025 season with high expectations and a lot of returning firepower on both sides of the ball.
Head coach Travis Roland enters his second season at the helm with a clearer picture of what he has to work with and what it will take to push the Wildcats deeper into the postseason.
While the team loses some major contributors from last year, there’s plenty of talent waiting to step up and a few key additions that could make Camden County one of the more intriguing teams in Georgia’s loaded Region 1-6A.
The most notable departure is former All-State tight end Elyiss Williams, now competing for playing time at the University of Georgia. Williams was a major part of Camden’s offense in 2024, hauling in 54 receptions for 789 yards and 11 touchdowns. Replacing that production, and his leadership, won’t be easy.
The Wildcats also saw turnover in the trenches, losing offensive linemen Tazio Rosso (now at Louisiana Tech), Anthony Green Jr., and Zach Taylor (now at Cincinnati). That trio helped anchor a line that paved the way for Camden’s high-scoring attack last season.
On defense, the Wildcats will miss Wayne Austell, a relentless outside linebacker who earned back-to-back First Team All-Region honors before signing with Mars Hill University.
Despite some big-name losses, Camden returns six starters on defense, including key playmakers at every level.
Cornerback David Coleman Jr. (verbally committed to East Carolina) gives the Wildcats a true shutdown option on the outside, and linebacker Xavier Brown (committed to Georgia State) is back after racking up an impressive 129 tackles in 2024.
Brown also blocked two field goals and provides the kind of toughness and leadership that every defense needs.
On the line, Jacaryous “Chunky” Holzendorf returns to plug up the middle and pressure opposing quarterbacks.
With a mix of experience and emerging talent, this defense has the potential to be more consistent and disruptive in 2025.
Second year offensive coordinator, Grant Alford, continues to mold Camden’s offense, which racked up 430 points last fall. The unit returns some serious weapons, with some players possibly in new spots.
Parks Riendeau is back for his senior season after spending the last two years as the starting quarterback, but he’ll face competition in camp from Will Jackson, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback who transferred in from Winter Park High School in Florida.
Jackson brings a lot of buzz with college offers from the likes of UCLA, Arkansas, and South Carolina.
Regardless of who comes out the quarterback battle, Riendeau is a proven winner with the athletic ability to dominate on the field in other positions, specifically at receiver.
Camden’s signal-caller will also have the luxury of throwing to Sean Green, a four-star wideout and one of the top juniors in the state. Green already holds offers from major programs, including Florida State and Georgia, and is expected to be a game-changer again this fall.
Also returning are running backs Antwan Williams and Julian Dailey, both seniors and proven contributors from last year’s ground game.
With the right balance and improved offensive line play, this unit has the potential to be one of the most dangerous in the region.
Coach Travis Roland took over the program last year with the goal of restoring Camden County to its powerhouse status. Year one had its highs and lows, but with a better understanding of the region and a roster stacked with experience and upside, Roland’s 2025 squad appears poised for a leap forward.
The quarterback room is deeper, the skill talent is legit, and the defense is anchored by veteran leaders. If the Wildcats can fill their gaps on the offensive line and stay healthy, they could be a real threat that I predict to be the Region 1-6A champs in 2025.
Camden County fans have reason to be excited this fall. With the right pieces falling into place, this could be the year the Wildcats take a big step toward reclaiming their spot among Georgia’s elite programs.
Prowling Wildcats
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Richmond Hill Wildcats have been a team on the rise for several years, and even though they compete in what may be the toughest region in all of Georgia high school football, there is no reason to believe that won’t continue.
They opened last season with six straight wins, including a monumental 35 to 14 victory over longtime rival and traditional powerhouse Valdosta High School. After that win, the yellow-and-black Cats catapulted to a ranking of fourth in the state for the 6A classification.
But late-season losses to Lowndes and Colquitt County kept them just short of a playoff spot, finishing the season at 7-3. Even so, the program feels like it’s in a great position to take another big step forward this fall.
Head coach Matt Lezotte, who has been leading the team since 2015, isn’t shy about the goals he has for his team. He wants to win every game this year.
Of course, getting through Region 1-6A is no small task. It’s stacked with talented teams, and Lezotte knows that not everyone is going to make it to the postseason. He said all they can do is focus on the things they can control, especially their effort.
Off the field, the growth in the Richmond Hill area is showing up in the football program.
The school is expanding with a brand-new building and upgraded athletic facilities. Lezotte sees this as the perfect time for a fresh start. He’s focused on carrying the positives forward and not letting last year’s disappointment hold them back.
There will be some new faces leading the way this season. One of the biggest changes is at running back. Joshua Troupe, who had a huge year in 2024 with nearly 140 rushing yards per game and 18 touchdowns, has graduated.
Now it’s Amir Miller’s time. He was Troupe’s backup last year, but the coaching staff is confident he’s ready to take the next step.
Lezotte said Miller is a complete back. He can run with power, catch passes out of the backfield and has the kind of top-end speed that makes him a threat to score any time he touches the ball. At 200 pounds and running a low 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, Miller brings a different dimension to the offense.
While Richmond Hill will still rely on the run game, the passing attack is expected to be more involved this season.
Quarterback Gunner Mobley is back and has a better understanding of the system.
Lezotte praised Mobley for being a smart player who knows the offense and sees the bigger picture. With Miller’s receiving ability and an offensive line that has improved its pass protection, the Wildcats should be more balanced than in years past.
Lezotte said this year’s team might not be as big up front as some of his previous squads, but they’re more athletic and quicker. That could give them an edge in games where speed and movement matter most.
There’s a lot of energy around the program right now. The team’s youth camp over the summer drew its biggest turnout ever, and the community continues to show strong support.
Richmond Hill will get started with a bye week, then open the season at home against Glynn Academy on August 22.
The Wildcats have a tough schedule ahead, including non-region games against teams from Florida like Everglades and Buchholz, plus their loaded region slate featuring Tift County, Camden County, Valdosta, Lowndes, and Colquitt County.
It won’t be easy, but Richmond Hill is confident, motivated, and ready to prove they belong among South Georgia’s best.
The Richmond Hill schedule for 2025 is:
8/22 7:30p Glynn Academy (Brunswick, GA)
8/29 7:00p Everglades (Miramar, FL)
9/5 7:00p New Hampstead (Savannah, GA)
9/12 7:30p @ Wayne County (Jesup, GA)
9/19 7:00p @ Buchholz (Gainesville, FL)
9/26 7:30p @ Tift County (Tifton, GA) *
10/3 7:00p Camden County (Kingsland, GA) *
10/10 7:30p @ Valdosta (Valdosta, GA) *
10/24 7:30p Lowndes (Valdosta, GA) *
10/31 7:30p Colquitt County (Norman Park, GA) *
Region Game *
The New Dawgs
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs are absolutely rolling right now when it comes to recruiting.
June was a huge month, packed with big commitments, and Georgia now sits with the number two ranked 2026 class in the country. And they are not done yet.
In just the last month, Georgia landed 16 new commitments for the 2026 cycle, pushing their total to 26. They also picked up a couple of early pledges for the 2027 class. Out of those 26 players, seven are ranked in the top 100 nationally, and a few others are knocking on the door.
Leading the way is five-star quarterback Jared Curtis, who gives Georgia a strong foundation. But more help could be on the way very soon.
Tight end Kaiden Prothro and running back Derrek Cooper are both top tier prospects who will announce their college decisions on July twelfth. Georgia is right in the mix for both.
Prothro is especially important after the Bulldogs missed out on another top tight end, Mark Bowman. Cooper, meanwhile, has Georgia going head-to-head with Miami, Ohio State, and Texas.
The biggest name still out there for Georgia might be linebacker Tyler Atkinson. He is the top player in the state and the number one linebacker in the country. He has visited Georgia more than any other school and has been a major target for years. Oregon, Clemson, and Texas are still pushing hard, but Georgia looks like it is in a strong position.
One interesting trend in this class is how many family ties are coming into play. The Bulldogs landed Zachariah and Zion Branch, who came over from Southern California.
PJ Dean committed recently and is the younger brother of former Georgia lineman Jared Wilson.
They also added Justice Fitzpatrick, whose brother Minkah is a star in the NFL. Georgia clearly values those family connections and is using them to build chemistry and depth.
Coach Smart has always said he wants players who truly love football. It is not just about rankings or offers or money.
He made that clear again this spring when he said Georgia is focused on guys with fire, passion, and energy. That mindset is helping the Bulldogs stay strong even as college football continues to change around them.
Since Smart took over in 2016, Georgia has never finished lower than fourth in the national recruiting rankings. That consistency continues.
The Bulldogs went into Texas and grabbed defensive back Chace Calicut, then beat out in state rivals Florida and Miami for defensive lineman James Johnson. Georgia is pulling talent from everywhere.
And things are still heating up. July will bring some major decisions, and Georgia is in position to land even more top players. If they do, they could easily take over the top spot in the 2026 rankings from Southern California.
Kirby Smart understands better than anyone that great players build great programs. Even with all the new twists in the sport, Georgia is sticking to what works. Recruit hard. Build relationships. Target kids who live and breathe football. That approach has Georgia sitting near the top once again.
The message is clear. Georgia is not just keeping up in the new era of recruiting. It is setting the pace.
Omaha Kings
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Once again, Omaha turned into a second home for LSU as the Tigers locked up their eighth national championship at the Men’s College World Series.
On a blistering Nebraska Sunday afternoon, with thousands of purple-and-gold faithful singing along to “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” the Tigers held off a red-hot Coastal Carolina team to finish the job. They didn’t just win, they reminded everyone that no program has done it better over the last 40 years.
Sure, the University of Southern California still holds the record for the most titles with 12, and Texas has more total wins in Omaha.
The difference, though, is that those programs peaked decades ago. USC won their last CWS title in 1998.
LSU didn’t even make its first College World Series until 1986. Since then? Eight titles, 22 trips to Omaha, and 2 championships in the last three years. And they’ve done all of that in the middle of the toughest conference in the country.
Skip Bertman started this thing back in the ’80s. Paul Mainieri kept it rolling. Now Jay Johnson has it in overdrive. Johnson has been at LSU just four years and already has two national titles. That’s not just success. That’s dynasty-level stuff.
There were 26 newcomers to the Tigers’ baseball team this past season, but even with a roster full of new faces Johnson found a way to bring them together.
It wasn’t always pretty, and it was absolutely a grind to get through a tough SEC schedule, but once they found their rhythm nobody could stop them.
And it’s not like they’re slowing down. Sure, they’ll lose some big names to the MLB draft in guys like potential number one overall pick Cade Anderson, and Anthony Eyanson, but stars like Derek Curiel, Steven Milam, and Casan Evans are coming back. Don’t be surprised if LSU’s back in the title game again in 2026.
The 2025 tournament also marked the 75th anniversary of the College World Series in Omaha, and it had a little bit of everything.
There was Cinderella magic from Murray State, a fun mix of teams from all over the country, and some real drama in the later rounds.
Coastal Carolina gave LSU all they could handle in the final, even after the Chanticleer’s bloviating head coach, Kevin Schnall, was ejected in the first inning. I could write an entire article about how I feel about him and his bully, tough-guy style of coaching but I’m trying to keep this article positive.
In the end, LSU did what LSU does. The Tigers are the 2025 college baseball National Champions.
And let’s not forget the other crown they claimed in Omaha, the Rocco’s Jell-O Shot Challenge.
Once again, Tiger fans drank the competition under the table, slamming down 52,390 shots. That’s more than five times what Coastal fans managed.
LSU fans now hold the top two totals in the event’s history. Is it silly? Sure. But is it also a sign of how wild and passionate the fanbase is? Absolutely.
Ben McDonald, LSU’s first big baseball star and a former No. 1 overall MLB draft pick, said it best, “LSU just knows how to adapt. They know how to keep up with the times.” And that’s exactly what Jay Johnson is doing. He is navigating the chaos of the transfer portal and NIL while still putting a winning team on the field.
LSU might not have the oldest records in the book, but what they’ve done since the mid-80s is unmatched. They’ve kind of become the Yankees of college baseball. You either love them or love to hate them. Either way, you have to respect what they’ve built.
College baseball has had plenty of great programs, but right now LSU is king. That crown isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Duval Swag
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Jaguars are officially entering a bold new chapter. I don’t think it will be anything like what we’ve seen come out of Duval before.
This team is younger, faster, and more aggressive. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence remains at the center of it all.
The front office and coaching staff have made it clear that 2025 is all about getting the most out of their franchise QB.
The first major sign that things were changing came in the draft, when Jacksonville made waves by trading up to the No. 2 overall pick to grab Travis Hunter.
The rookie from the University of Colorado is an electrifying two-way star who’s expected to line up at wide receiver and cornerback.
The move stunned just about everyone and showed exactly how head coach Liam Coen and new GM James Gladstone plan to run things: bold, fast, and with no fear.
Coen, just 39, brings an offensive style built around balance, speed, and play-action which are all designed to take pressure off Lawrence. He’s paired with 29-year-old offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, who helped build high-powered attacks in Minnesota.
The idea for Lawrence is simple. Get the ball out quick, use the run game to set things up, and let Trevor cook.
To make it all work, the Jaguars made big changes to their offensive line, signing veterans like center Robert Hainsey and guard Patrick Mekari, and drafting Wyatt Milum to add depth. Lawrence may finally have adequate protection and should be able to get the ground game going again.
Lawrence, now healthy after an injury-riddled 2024, has more help than ever. He’s got Hunter as his new top target, second-year wideout Brian Thomas Jr. ready to explode, and free-agent pickup Dyami Brown bringing more deep speed.
The Jags added two rookies, Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr., to the backfield. They both bring serious burst and either could push veterans Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby for touches. Expect a steady rotation to keep defenses guessing.
Behind Lawrence, the quarterback room has also gotten smarter. Nick Mullens and John Wolford know this system well and can help Trevor with the transition. Rookie Seth Henigan might be a project, but the team sees potential there too.
On the other side of the ball, it’s all new. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has taken over a unit that struggled big-time last year. He’s bringing a 4-3 system that leans on zone coverage and lets the front seven get after it.
Pass rushers Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen lead the way, with Arik Armstead moving inside where he’s most comfortable.
Second-year tackle Maason Smith is someone the team’s really excited about after flashing late last season. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun is back to anchor the middle, but the run defense has to get better.
In the secondary Tyson Campbell is the top guy, but he’s got to stay healthy. Jourdan Lewis and Eric Murray bring veteran leadership, and rookie safety Caleb Ransaw could earn a starting spot.
And yes, I think Travis Hunter will get defensive snaps, too. Especially in key passing situations where his ball skills could help generate turnovers, something this team badly needs after finishing last in takeaways in 2024.
Special teams will be as solid as ever. Punter Logan Cooke and long snapper Ross Matiscik both made the Pro Bowl, and kicker Cam Little has a cannon for a leg. That trio gives Jacksonville one of the most reliable special teams units in the league.
Everything’s different in Jacksonville this year, and that’s a good thing. The Jags are faster, younger, and playing with some serious swagger.
If Trevor Lawrence can stay healthy and the new offensive pieces click, this team has a real shot to make noise and go after the AFC South crown.
With all of these changes and a new attitude, I can envision a 2025 season where the Jags could go 9-8 with a shot at the playoffs.
Buckle up, Duval! This could be fun.
Who-Dat
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The New Orleans Saints head into the 2025 season hoping to turn the page after a rough 5-12 finish last year.
The “Who Dats” had their worst record since 2005, and their first time at the bottom of the NFC South since 2008.
With that in the rearview, the franchise is kicking off a new chapter under former Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who takes over as head coach after Dennis Allen was let go midway through last season.
Moore steps into a situation full of question marks. The Saints actually started 2024 hot, going 2-0 while putting up over 40 points in both games, but things quickly unraveled with a seven-game skid.
Quarterback Derek Carr showed some progress in his second year but missed seven games with injuries and decided to retire this offseason.
Rookie Spencer Rattler didn’t do much to steady the ship, and the team turned around and spent a second-round pick on Tyler Shough, a talented but injury-prone QB out of Louisville who will have a shot to start Week 1.
Alvin Kamara is still the focal point on offense, but he’s heading into his ninth season and starting to show signs of wear, even if his efficiency ticked up slightly.
The Saints added rookie Devin Neal and veteran Clyde Edwards-Helaire to the backfield, though neither seems like a long-term answer.
Chris Olave, who missed half the season with concussions, is still the go-to receiver. They added some veteran help with Brandin Cooks and Donovan Peoples-Jones, and tight ends Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau are back to give the passing game some stability.
Taysom Hill, meanwhile, is recovering from a torn ACL and turns 35 this year, so it’s unclear how much more he can give in his trademark utility role.
The offensive line was a big problem last year. With Ryan Ramczyk now retired, first-round pick Kelvin Banks Jr. will have to step into a key role right away. Erik McCoy is back at center and still a bright spot, but the rest of the line is a patchwork with injury concerns and question marks. Former Charger Will Clapp moves to left guard, and Banks is going to be tested from the start
Defensively, things can only improve. The Saints were 30th in total defense, and near the bottom against the run.
Cameron Jordan is clearly past his prime, and while Bryan Bresee (7.5 sacks) and Chase Young (5.5 sacks) had moments, the team still doesn’t have a true difference-maker off the edge. Demario Davis continues to produce, but at 36, he can’t be counted on forever.
At linebacker, Pete Werner continues to be a steady presence and rookie Danny Stutsman brings size, but needs improvement in pass coverage.
The secondary took some serious hits with the exits of Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo. Kool-Aid McKinstry, a promising pick from 2024, and Alontae Taylor are the likely starters at corner, but there’s not much depth behind them.
Safety help comes in the form of veterans Justin Reid and Terrell Burgess, plus rookie Jonas Sanker, who’s smart but not the most athletic.
The Saints have one of the weakest strengths of schedule for 2025, and they have new leadership in place, so maybe there’s a chance for some improvement.
Major questions remain, especially at QB, on the offensive line, and in the pass rush.
Kellen Moore’s first season feels more like a building year than a playoff push. At this point, New Orleans looks closer to competing for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft than challenging for the NFC South crown.
As much as it pains this Saints fan to say it, 5-12 may be the best New Orleans can hope for.
Let Me Re-Introduce Myself
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Well, the Atlanta Braves made some noise and it wasn’t the kind anyone really saw coming.
In a pretty rare midseason move, they’ve shaken up the coaching staff, reassigning third base coach Matt Tuiasosopo and bringing in an old, familiar face. Braves fans, please meet Fredi Gonzalez.
Yeah, that Fredi Gonzalez. The same guy who once managed the Braves, got fired, and was replaced by Brian Snitker is now joining Snit’s staff as the new third base coach.
So, what happened?
Tuiasosopo isn’t being kicked to the curb entirely. He’s moving into a new role as the team’s minor league infield coordinator. The change stems from one big issue, which has been a growing number of overly aggressive sends at third base that cost the Braves runs in close games.
There is no denying that with Atlanta finding itself in more than a few nail biters lately, every base, and every possible run, counts.
What makes this move especially interesting is that General Manager Alex Anthopoulos had never made an in-season coaching change before. Not in Atlanta, not in Toronto, not ever.
He said this was something he’d been thinking about for a while. It wasn’t a snap decision, and it wasn’t just about frustration. It all came down to one thing, and that was the availability of the right guy.
When Fredi Gonzalez’s name came up, everything clicked. He’s got tons of big-league experience, including time as a third base coach under Bobby Cox before managing the Braves and Marlins.
Most recently, he coached with the Orioles and even spent time evaluating umpires and working at a small college in Pennsylvania.
But more than his resumé, Anthopoulos said it had to be someone who could step in right away and be effective.
No guesswork, no experiments. And with Fredi, the reviews around the league were glowing. Add in the fact that he and Snitker are longtime friends who just worked together recently in Philly, and the decision became a lot easier.
Tuiasosopo, to his credit, handled the move like a pro. Anthopoulos said they gave him the option to stay in the organization or move on, and Tui wanted to stay.
He’s still well liked in the clubhouse, and his work with the Braves’ infielders has been a huge part of the team’s defensive success. Now, he’ll continue that impact at the minor league level.
And let’s be real, third base coach is one of the most pressure packed spots on a staff. You’re making split second decisions that can literally swing games.
So, it’s not a knock on Tuiasosopo as a coach or as a person, it just wasn’t the right fit in that role right now. Anthopoulos even said they wouldn’t have made a change unless someone with Fredi’s experience was available. That’s how rare this move was.
There were no other changes considered. Snitker and Anthopoulos both still believe in the rest of the coaching staff. But with the team grinding through so many close games this year, this was a move they felt could make a real difference.
At the end of the day, it’s about getting better wherever you can, even if the change is tough.
Gonzalez brings stability, credibility, and a fresh set of eyes to a spot where the Braves really needed it. Time will tell if it pays off, but if you’re looking for a spark that could turn one-run losses into one-run wins, this might be it.
Air Wildcats
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
This fall’s football season will be the second for head coach Travis Roland with the Camden County Wildcats. And what a difference a year makes.
Both Roland and Offensive Coordinator Grant Alford arrived in Kingsland following the 2023 season. That season saw the Wildcats make it to the final four of the state playoffs and then the retirement of Hall of Fame coach, Jeff Herron.
The cupboard was not bare by any stretch of the imagination upon the new coaches’ arrival, but Roland and Alford brought with them a completely different style of football.
The Wildcats have been evolving into more of a passing offense as compared to Herron’s vaunted Wing-T, smashmouth style of football.
Earlier this month, at Chris Gillman Stadium in Kingsland, the Wildcats put on their annual Blue/White Spring Extravaganza. It was definitely an offensive showcase where the football was put into the air with regularity.
The format of the contest was basically a scripted scrimmage with series featuring the Attack (first team) offense against the Attack defense from different distances and situations.
It started with drives from the offense’s own 30-yard line for the opportunity to pick up multiple first downs, followed by series from the defense’s 35-yard line, and then some goal-line work from the 10-yard line.
These same scenarios were played out with the Bite (second team) offense and defense, and the Claw (third team) offense and defense.
The most exciting part of the evening was watching two players battle for the QB1 spot.
One contender for the position is rising senior Parks Riendeau, who has been the unquestioned leader of the team and has been the starting quarterback for the past two seasons.
The other is rising junior Will Jackson, who transferred to Camden from a school in central Florida back in December. At 6’4” and 205lbs, Jackson has prototypical size for the QB position and he already has multiple offers from Division 1 schools, including South Carolina, Arkansas and Virginia Tech.
Rieandeau displayed complete control of the offense, his group scoring touchdowns on each of his first two possessions.
One a scoring pass to rising senior receiver Jeremiah Bass, and the other a touchdown toss rising junior and all-around star athlete, Sean Green.
Riendeau’s poise and decision-making skills will make him tough to beat. He knew exactly where to go with the ball each opportunity, and utilized his two senior running backs, Julien Daily and Antwan Williams, with confidence.
Jackson also got his opportunity to operate the Attack offense, and if he was a little tentative at first, his athletic ability was on full display.
Jackson has a similar ability that his NFL namesake, Lamar Jackson, possesses. With what appears to be no more than a tiny flick of the wrist, he is able to launch a football 40 yards down the field with accuracy and precision.
He also threw multiple touchdown passes to emerging star senior receiver, Tyler Mapel.
Whichever player is given the keys to this Wildcat Offense; he could be in for a record-breaking year.
Camden County kicks the fall season by hosting the Brunswick Pirates in Kingsland on August 15th and won’t hit the road until a trip to Richmond Hill in week 8, on October 3rd.
The full Camden County football schedule for 2025 is:
Friday, Aug. 8: Benedictine (scrimmage), 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 15: Brunswick, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 22: East Lake, Fla., 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 29: West Broward, Fla., 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 5: Ribault, Fla., 7:30 p.m.
BYE
Friday, Sept. 19: Royal Palm Beach, Fla., 7:30 p.m. (Homecoming)
Friday, Sept. 26: Valdosta, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 3: at Richmond Hill, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10: Lowndes, 7:30 p.m.
BYE
Friday, Oct. 24: at Colquitt, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 31: at Tift, 7:30 p.m.
Falcons to Thrive in 2025?
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The 2025 season is shaping up to be a turning point for the Atlanta Falcons.
There’s a new energy around the team, thanks to a mix of fresh talent, major roster shakeups, and a schedule full of primetime matchups. One name already making headlines is rookie linebacker Jalon Walker. He has the makings of a superstar.
Walker, a former Georgia Bulldog and Butkus Award winner, was a first-round pick this year and already has big expectations on his shoulders.
He made a name for himself in Athens with a monster 2024 season, and now he’s bringing that fire to the NFL, hoping to spark a new era for Atlanta’s defense.
And speaking of Bulldogs, one of the biggest games on the Falcons’ upcoming schedule will have a full-circle moment for Georgia fans.
The Falcons will face the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football, and that means Walker will go head-to-head with Rams quarterback, and fellow Bulldog legend, Matthew Stafford.
Stafford was the No. 1 overall pick back in 2009 and is still one of the most respected QBs in the league. It’ll be the first time these two Bulldogs share the field, and it’s happening right back in Georgia.
But that’s just one of several big-time games on Atlanta’s radar. The Falcons are set to appear in five primetime games this season, which shows the league sees them as a team worth watching.
They’ll host the Bills and Rams on Monday Night Football, hit the road to take on the Vikings and 49ers on Sunday Night Football, and battle the Bucs on Thursday Night Football.
Oh, and don’t forget, the Birds are heading to Berlin in Week 10 to play the Colts in the NFL’s first-ever game in the German capital.
Last year, the Falcons went 3-2 under the lights, picking up wins against the Eagles, Raiders, and Bucs. They handled the spotlight relatively well last season, and they’ll get plenty more chances to show that they belong in primetime this year.
Of course, the team isn’t without its challenges. Grady Jarrett, a longtime anchor on the defensive line, is no longer with the team and his absence leaves some big shoes to fill.
That’s where Walker, fellow rookie James Pearce, and hopefully a few veteran additions come into play. There’s even talk that Atlanta could bring in someone like Jadeveon Clowney to help solidify the front seven.
And then there’s the quarterback situation. It appears Michael Penix Jr. is firmly entrenched as the starter, but it’s going to be fascinating to see if the Falcons hold on to Kirk Cousins, who would potentially be the highest paid backup quarterback in league history if some other team doesn’t try to pry him away.
Would Atlanta consider dealing him to a conference rival after the news that Derek Carr is retiring and the New Orleans Saints are left with only rookie Tyler Shough and the unproven Spencer Rattler?
Still, there’s plenty to be excited about. Drake London is blossoming into a star, the defense is getting younger and faster, and the schedule is packed with marquee matchups. It won’t be easy, but the Falcons are clearly aiming to build something sustainable.
The success of the Falcons will depend on how the pieces come together, but with so many eyes on Atlanta in 2025, fans won’t have to wait long to find out if this team is ready to “Rise Up”, or if they struggle to fly from the nest.
Either way, it should be a wild ride.
The Future QB
By: Michael Spiers
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Jared Curtis, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2026 recruiting class, is officially back on board with the University of Georgia.
After decommitting from the Bulldogs last year, the five-star standout from Nashville Christian School made his return to the Dawgs during a commitment ceremony on May 5th that was anything but low-key.
Curtis walked into the gym early wearing a sleek all-black tracksuit, with his parents dressed in long black coats. The big moment came when he shared the news and rolled a commitment video on the big screen above the gym floor. Oregon made a serious push, but Georgia came out on top.
So why did Curtis choose to recommit to the Bulldogs? It came down to coaching. “Just the stability in the coaching staff and knowing Coach Smart and Coach Mike Bobo are there,” he said. “Those are my two biggest commitments at UGA.” Curtis said that consistency meant more to him than anything else, including NIL money.
With his commitment, Georgia’s 2026 recruiting class got a big boost, going from No. 25 to No. 17 in the national rankings. He’s the first five-star in the class for the Dawgs, but he might not be the last.
Georgia’s hoping to pair Curtis with Jackson Cantwell, a 6-foot-7, 300-pound offensive tackle and the No. 1 overall recruit in the class. Cantwell is a large human being.
If Georgia can land Cantwell too, they’d have the top quarterback and the top lineman in the country. That combination could put UGA on track to have the best recruiting class in the nation, just like when they signed Matthew Stafford back in 2006.
Speaking of Stafford, that’s the name that keeps coming up when people talk about Curtis. The comparisons make sense. Both are big, strong-armed quarterbacks who weren’t afraid to take chances.
Curtis is listed at 6-3 and 225 pounds and is known for throwing darts all over the field. He’s not necessarily a run first guy, but he moves well, throws on the run, and has serious arm talent. It feels cliché to say this, but I don’t think there is a throw he can’t make.
Also, like Stafford, Curtis has that “gunslinger” mentality. I’ve watched a bunch of his highlight reels and he is definitely not afraid to take risks and try to make something happen, even if it means forcing a throw now and then.
He had a game this past fall with a perfect stat line. In Nashville Christian’s 53-point win over rival Clarksville Academy, he went 16 for 16 with 259 passing yards and 5 total touchdowns.
If you have some time to kill, do yourself a favor and type his name into the search bar on YouTube. You can thank me later.
This cat is the kind of quarterback who can take over a game, and he’s the kind of player Georgia fans should be excited about.
In today’s college football world, five-star quarterbacks usually come with big-dollar deals. According to reports, Curtis will be part of a strong NIL package at Georgia that will include revenue sharing, endorsement deals, and collective support, but Curtis is adamant that money wasn’t the driving factor. His agent said NIL probably made up only 10-15% of the decision.
“If Jared was chasing the best compensation package, this may have been over a long time ago,” said Peter Webb, his agent.
In fact, neither Georgia nor Oregon had the highest offer. Curtis chose Georgia because of relationships, not cash.
For head coach Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, this is a massive win. They brought Curtis back into the fold and now have him leading the charge for more elite talent.
With momentum building and top recruits still on the board, the Bulldogs could be in for a huge 2026 class. It looks like Georgia just got its quarterback of the future.
