We'll return Dec. 26 for one more week of high school football news, highlighted by all-state teams.
Enjoy your holidays.
Henry County coach Rozier resigns
Henry County head coach Mike Rozier, who twice won 10 games at a school that had never won a state playoff game, resigned after 11 seasons, the Henry Daily Herald reported Friday.
Rozier was 51-67 overall but finished with five straight winning seasons, the best run in school history. His 2007 and 2008 teams finished 10-2.
Rozier coaches three all-state wide receivers in Chris Jackson, Jamal Patterson and Markeith Ambles. Quarterback Drew Little, a senior in 2008, is ranked second all-time in career passing with 8,427 yards.
Henry County was 7-5 in 2011 and upset Thomson 28-7 in the first round of the Class AAA playoffs.
Rozier told the newspaper that coaching in college was a possibility. ''I absolutely want to coach again,'' he said. "I haven't made a decision yet on what I'm going to do. I'm looking into some things.''
Eldridge is out at Coffee
Ken Eldridge was let go as Coffee's head coach on Thursday. He was 21-24 in four seasons.
Eldridge, a former Coffee quarterback, led Coffee to a surprising 22-17 upset of eventual Region 1-AAAAA champion Valdosta on Oct. 14.
All six of Coffee's losses this season were against Top 10 teams, although three of them - Ware County, Appling County and Fitzgerald - play in lower classifications. Coffee quarterback Will Gardner, who was committed to Louisville, was lost to an injury in the opening game.
West Hall hires Woodland assistant Lotti
West Hall hired Woodland of Cartersville assistant coach Tony Lotti, the Gainesville Times reported Thursday. Lotti replaces Mike Newton, who was 12-38 in five seasons.
Lotti spent the past three seasons at Woodland. He was on the staff at Union Grove when it started in 2000.
Early gauge of the new regions: AAAA
Here are three observations about the regions that will make up Class AAAA in 2012:
*Sandy Creek and Carrollton, who met in the 2010 AAA championship game (a 14-7 Sandy Creek victory), will renew their rivalry as members of the new 5-AAAA. They will be joined by Troup, LaGrange and Shaw, giving the region five teams that made the playoffs in 2011.
*Class AAA champion Burke County and perennial power Statesboro should dominate in Region 3-AAAA. They are the only two of the 10 teams in the region with winning records over the past five seasons and the only two ranked in the top 32 teams in the new classification, according to the Maxwell Ratings.
*The top region, according Maxwell, will be 4-AAAA, which will have no teams rated among the top six but has five teams (Jonesboro, Stockbridge, Griffin, North Clayton and Upson-Lee) that made the playoffs this year and another (Dutchtown) that reached the quarterfinals in 2010. Regions 1, 2 and 5 aren't too far behind.
Early gauge of the new regions: AAA
Here are three observations about the regions that will make up Class AAA in 2012:
*Buford, which has gone 72-3 over the past five seasons playing in a region that includes Greater Atlanta Christian, Lovett, Westminster and Blessed Trinity, is likely to be even more dominant in Region 7-AAA. The Wolves are the highest-rated team in the new Class AAA, according to the Maxwell Ratings, and no other team from the region is in the top 30.
*The best region, by far, will be 2-AAA, according to the computers. Peach County and Carver of Columbus, who have combined to go 119-17 over the past five seasons, are both ranked in the top three, and five of the seven teams in the region have averaged at least five victories per season over that span.
*Private schools St. Pius, Woodward Academy and Blessed Trinity will form a tough trio in 6-AAA, battling with Cedar Grove for the top spot. All four teams are rated among the 13 best in AAA; no other team from the region is higher than No. 40.
ALL REGION
3-AAAAA
Player of the year: Aaron Hughes, Windsor Forest
Offensive player of the year: Brice Ramsey, Camden County
Defensive player of the year: Vincent Hollerman, Camden County
Special teams player of the year: J.J. Green, Camden County
Coach of the year: Jason Roundtree, Windsor Forest
FIRST TEAM
Offense
QB - Shyheim Roberts, Johnson, Jr.
RB - Juwan Johnson, Groves, Sr.
RB - Terron Bradham , Jenkins, Sr.
RB - Kevonn McKenzie , Camden County, Sr.
OL - Tim Martensen, Camden County, Sr.
OL - Laverne Sumter, Beach, Sr.
OL - Patrick Fogerty, Benedictine, Sr.
OL - Chester Brown, Bradwell Institute, Sr.
OL - Thacker King, Benedictine, Sr.
OL - Mickey Call, Camden County, Jr.
TE - Kavon Freeman, Savannah, Sr.
WR - Tremayne Traywick, Windsor Forest, Sr.
WR - Deion Sanders, Johnson, Sr.
K - Brice Ramsey, Camden County, Jr.
Defense
DL - Malachi Singleton, Johnson, Sr.
DL - Willie Vurgess, Beach, Sr.
DL - Devlyn Cousin, Camden County, Sr.
DL - Josh Plummer, Camden County, Sr.
LB - Joseph Patterson, Camden County, Sr.
LB - Jarrad Davis, Camden County, Sr.
LB - Jamari Ford , Windsor Forest, Sr.
LB - Sincere Trinidad, Jenkins, Sr.
DB - Orlando Dixon, Beach, Sr.
DB - Shaquan Brock, Camden County, Sr.
DB - Jamell Burroughs, Jenkins, Sr.
DB - Jovante Spivey, Savannah, Jr.
P - James Deal, Benedictine, Sr.
SECOND TEAM
Offense
QB - Larry Murray, Beach, Sr.
RB - Maynard Potter, Beach, Jr.
RB - Allen Hopkins, Camden County, Sr.
RB - Craig Reid, Beach, Jr.
OL - Cody Crosby, Camden County, Sr.
OL - Luke Griffis, Camden County, Jr.
OL - Christian McKinnon, Groves, Sr.
OL - Jovan Saunders, Jenkins, Sr.
TE - Byran Attaway, Camden County, Sr.
WR - Jameel Burroughs, Jenkins, Sr.
WR - Markell McKee, Bradwell Institute, Sr.
WR - Juaris Delarosa, Jenkins, Sr.
WR - Mark James, Windsor Forest, Jr.
K - James Deal, Benedictine, Sr.
Defense
DL - Rashamel Lewis, Jenkins, Sr.
DL - Vinson Rouse, Groves, Jr.
DL - John Trotta, Windsor Forest, Sr.
DL - Ira Bragg, Savannah, Sr.
DL - Quaseem Scott, Beach, Sr.
LB - Samard Osborne, Groves, Jr.
LB - Isaac Wright, Beach, Sr.
LB - Sean Scott, Savannah, Sr.
LB - Issac Francis, Johnson, Sr.
DB - Bobby Crider, Benedictine, Sr.
DB - Damien Butler, Camden County, Sr.
DB - Mason Hill, Savannah, Sr.
DB - Malcolm Maxwell, Camden County, Sr.
P - Ashton Wilson, Groves, Jr.
Honorable mention
Jovante Spivey, Savannah, Jr.; Marese Cobb, Bradwell, Sr.; Shaquan Brock, Camden County, Sr.; Cacem Jackson, Groves, Sr.; Barron Smith, Savannah, Sr.; Ricky Holman, Groves, Sr.; Algerene McKinnon, Groves, Sr.; Logan Hoffman, Jenkins, Jr.; Aaron Crawford, Windsor Forest, Sr.; Sean Scott, Savannah, Sr.; Corey Register, Camden County, Sr.; Damien Butler, Camden County, Sr.; Mark James, Windsor Forest, Sr.; Keith Pecko, Camden County, Sr.; Jordan Rieling, Camden County, Sr.; Spencer Spellman, Johnson, Sr.; Rasheed Brown, Groves, Sr.; Dartanya Bruin, Groves, Sr.; Justin Robinson, Jenkins, Sr.; Jerome Singleton, Johnson, Sr.; Nick Harris, Windsor Forest, Jr.; Raphael Hardee, Camden County, Jr.; Ihalil Whitt, Bradwell, Sr.
1-AAAA
Offensive player of the year: RB Marte Polk, Northside (Warner Robins)
Defensive player of the year: Shamaii Wilburn, Bainbridge
Coach of the year: Brian Way, Warner Robins
FIRST TEAM
Offense
QB - Jack Montgomery, Northside (Warner Robins), Sr.
RB - Marte Polk, Northside (Warner Robins), Sr.
RB - Brian Sutton, Warner Robins, Sr.
WR - Keshun Hill, Northside (Warner Robins), Jr.
WR - Josh Cabrera, Lee Co., Sr.
TE - Kyle Griffin, Warner Robins, Sr.
C - Drew Foley, Northside (Warner Robins), Sr.
G - Jim Dart, Warner Robins, Sr.
G - C.J. Haslem, Northside (Warner Robins), Sr.
T - Greg Farms, Warner Robins, Sr.
T - D.J. Williams, Northside (Warner Robins), Sr.
AP - Miguel Williams, Northside (Warner Robins), Sr.
PK - Dillon Mixon, Northside (Warner Robins), Sr.
Defense
DT - Shamaii Wilburn, Bainbridge, Sr.
DT - Josh Chester, Northside (Warner Robins), Sr.
DE - Anfernee Chatfield, Northside (Warner Robins), Jr.
DE - Daryl McGhee, Bainbridge, Jr.
LB - Trey Payne, Northside (Warner Robins), Jr.
LB - Corey Lockett, Northside (Warner Robins), Sr.
LB - Moses Allen, Warner Robins, Sr.
DB - Jalen Rountree, Warner Robins, Sr.
DB - Taz Thomas, Northside (Warner Robins), Sr.
DB - Rodney Glenn, Bainbridge, Sr.
AP - Jonathan Esther, Thomas County Central, Sr.
P - Dillon Mixon, Northside (Warner Robins), Sr.
RET - Keshun Hill, Northside (Warner Robins), Jr.
SECOND TEAM
Offense
QB - Adam Choice, Thomas County Central, So.
RB - James Davis, Thomas County Central, Sr.
RB - Terry Lewis, Bainbridge, Jr.
WR - A'donis Hampton, Northside (Warner Robins), Sr.
WR - Jalen Rountree, Warner Robins, Sr.
WR - Daryn Carter, Houston County, Sr.
C - Peyton Glass, Thomas County Central, Jr.
G - Brandon Dagley, Houston County, Jr.
G - Andre Jeglinski, Bainbridge, Jr.
T - Dylan Dunbar, Houston County, Sr.
T - Tim Shaw, Bainbridge, Jr.
AP - Kenneth Hurley, Lee Co., Jr.
PK - Kyle Floyd, Warner Robins, Sr.
Defense
DT - Austin Roberts, Northside (Warner Robins), Jr.
DT - James Triplett, Hardaway, Sr.
DT - Greg Carswell, Warner Robins, Sr.
DE - Sherkon Wright, Warner Robins, Jr.
DE - Phillip Mitchell, Northside (Columbus), Sr.
LB - Michael Lee, Warner Robins, Sr.
LB - Marshall Mack, Bainbridge, Jr.
LB - Jamez Harris, Bainbridge, Jr.
LB - Derrin Kilgore, Thomas County Central, Jr.
DB - Winston Codling, Thomas County Central, Jr.
DB - James Gardner, Warner Robins, Sr.
DB - Divinci Sanders, Northside (Warner Robins), Sr.
DB - Rodney Levine, Northside (Warner Robins), Jr.
AP - B.J. Cheatem, Bainbridge, Jr.
P - Caleb Floyd, Warner Robins, Sr.
RET - Greg Cooper, Bainbridge, So.
1-AAA
Player of the year: Terrell Cason, Cairo
Co-offensive player of the year: Steven Bench, Cairo
Co-offensive player of the year: Charles Stafford, Monroe
Defensive player of the year: Christopher Green, Westover
Coach of the year: Tom Fallaw, Cairo
Offense
QB - Bryce Benton, Americus-Sumter
RB - Dalviness Green, Westover
RB - Devine Noel, Monroe
FB - Prince Davis, Cairo
TE - Arthur Robinson, Cairo
WR - Terrevious Hudson, Monroe
WR - Jantavious Carter, Crisp County
OL - Anthony Mosley, Cairo
OL - Dontavious Shuler, Cairo
OL - Hakeem Porter, Monroe
OL - Devin Swann, Westover
OL - Devin Gibson, Worth County
Defense
DL - Shykeith Johnson, Americus-Sumter
DL - Vantrell McMillan, Monroe
DL - Randy Wooten, Cairo
DL - Dantavious Jones, Worth County
LB - Paul Davis, Cairo
LB - Anthony Smith, Monroe
LB - Don Mills, Westover
DB - Lavontae Robinson, Worth County
DB - Martinez Reese, Americus-Sumter
DB - Timothy Gurley, Cairo
DB - Marshall Taylor, Crisp County
Special teams
P - Ryan Cook, Cairo
PK - Taylor Donaldson, Cairo
RET - Saven Farley, Worth County
3-A East
Player of the year: RB Will Austin, Savannah Christian, Sr.
Offensive player of the year: QB Johnathon Chamblee, Savannah Christian, Sr.
Defensive player of the year: DL DeAngelo Brown, Savannah Christian, Sr.
Athlete of the Year: QB Jake Clemens, Calvary Day, Jr.
FIRST TEAM
Offense
QB - Michael Peel, Claxton, Sr.
RB - Nick Scott, Bryan County, So.
RB - Jalen Myrick, Savannah Christian, Jr.
WR - Bron Glover, Claxton, Sr.
WR - Jordan Walker, Calvary Day, So.
TE - Milan Richard, Calvary Day, So.
OL - Josh Gay, Savannah Christian, Sr.
OL - Tevin McNeal, Claxton, Sr.
OL - Justin James, Calvary Day, Jr.
OL - Trey Ross, Metter, Sr.
OL - Josh Garland, Savannah Christian, Sr.
OL - J.J. Rowe, Bryan County, Jr.
ATH - Nardo Govan, Savannah Christian, Sr.
PK - Harley Lichtenberg, Savannah Country Day, Jr.
Defense
LB - Will Hoskins, Metter, Sr.
LB - Eric Davis, Savannah Christian, Sr.
LB - Zenas Moore, Claxton, Sr.
LB - Matt Soss, Calvary Day, Jr.
LB - Noe Recendez, Metter, Sr.
DL - Michael Burke, Savannah Christian, Jr.
DL - Andre Wilson, Calvary Day, So.
DL - Micah Culbreth, Calvary Day, Jr.
DL - Chakez Love, Claxton, Sr.
DL - Ben Gowens, Bryan County, Sr.
DB - Trey Hines, Claxton, Jr.
DB - Alex Sovchen, Savannah Country Day, Sr.
DB - San Dunning, Calvary Day, Sr.
DB - Hamilton Pirkle, Savannah Country Day, Sr.
P - Mac Miller, Savannah Christian, Sr.
SECOND TEAM
Offense
QB - Stuart Sligh, Savannah Country Day, So.
RB - Skylar Strickland, Calvary Day, Sr.
RB - Harry Kato, Metter, Jr.
WR - Ben Johnson, Savannah Country Day, So.
WR - Peontae Scott, Metter, Sr.
TE - Raekwon Love, Bryan County, So.
OL - Stephen Trull, Calvary Day, Sr.
OL - Phillip Abshire, Savannah Christian, Sr.
OL - Darien Jones, Claxton, So.
OL - Matt Hughes, Metter, Sr.
OL - Matt Moore, Savannah Christian, Sr.
OL - Samarie Palmer, Claxton, Jr.
ATH - Zach Grant, Claxton, Fr.
ATH - Keigan Williams, Metter, Sr.
PK - Ty Wilson, Bryan County, So.
Defense
LB - Conner West, Metter, So.
LB - Luke Stroud, Calvary Day, Jr.
LB - Hal Davis, Savannah Christian, Sr.
LB - Landon Walls, Savannah Country Day, Jr.
LB - Stephon Fennell, Bryan County, So.
LB - Damion Dixon, Bryan County, So.
DL - Scott Brannan, Savannah Christian, Jr.
DL - Omani Marshall, Savannah Christian, Jr.
DL - Ahmad Johnson, Savannah Christian, So.
DL - Sales Pinckney, Savannah Country Day, So.
DL - Jamari Mason, Metter, Sr.
DB - Wade Benton, Savannah Christian, Fr.
DB - Reagan Jones, Calvary Day, Jr.
DB - Aswon Cauley, Claxton, Sr.
DB - Paul Harris , Bryan County, Jr.
P - Chandler Bennett, Calvary, Jr.
Please send all-region teams to GHSF Daily at ghsfdaily@bellsouth.net. We recommend that all-region teams include the year in school of each player. This information may help players get recruited, especially underclassmen. Also, we encourage head coaches to select all-region teams. Typically, only about 60 percent of regions do them. All-region teams give players recognition and exposure to college coaches. They increase their players' chances of making all-state and all-star teams both this season and next. |
Georgia High School Football Daily is a free e-mail newsletter produced by Todd Holcomb and Chip Saye. Holcomb is a former lead high school football writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and co-founder and primary researcher behind the Georgia High School Football Historians Association. Saye is a 25-year veteran of the newspaper industry who has covered high school sports for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Athens Banner-Herald, Anderson (S.C.) Independent-Mail and Gwinnett Daily News.
