By Michael A. Lough

The Sports Report

centralgasports@gmail.com

          Football season is finally here, and with it, the Central Georgia Sports Reports previews, scouting reports of all Central Georgia teams.
          Multiple attempts were made to solicit information. Questionnaires were returned by ACE, Brentwood, Central, GMC, Hancock Central, Houston County, Howard, John Milledge, Jones County, Stratford, Tattnall, Veterans, and Westfield.
          Capsules include players to watch from teams that returned information.
          Questionnaires were not returned by Baldwin, Bleckley County, Central Fellowship, Covenant, Crawford County, Dodge County, Dooly County, Dublin, East Laurens, FPD, Fullington, Gatewood, Hawkinsville, Lamar County, Macon County, Mary Persons, Jasper County, Northeast, Northside, Peach County, Perry, Piedmont, Putnam County, Rutland, Southwest, Taylor County, Twiggs County, Upson-Lee, Warner Robins, Washington County, Westside, West Laurens, Wilkinson County, and Windsor.
          Capsules include overall record, region record, and what round of the playoffs the team reached in 2021.
          Coming Saturday: GIAA scouting reports, Maxwell Ratings, and Friday night’s roundup.

Class 6A
Houston County Bears
Last year: 4-7/0-2, first round
Notable players: QB Antwann Hill Jr., So.; LB Nick Jordan, Sr.; DB Arthur Brown, Sr.; DB Jaquari Brown, Jr.
Scouting Report: A new staff with some championship rings and familiarity with the program is a boost, as is a more balanced offense that has some weapons. The Bears will show more flashes, especially with a non-region schedule of lower-classification teams. A winning record entering region won’t be a surprise, but the momentum is unlikely to last.
Playoff chances: 50-50.

Northside Eagles
Last year: 9-4/1-1, quarterfinals
Scouting Report: The Eagles were funky last year, either winning or getting thumped. Their losses were by 42, 45, 34, and 41, fairly amazing. Conversely, all losses were to ranked teams. Numbers are up, and the Eagles should be much more consistent. But the non-region schedule is mighty hefty – all made the playoffs, four of five ended the season ranked in their respective classifications - and Northside could lose a few games, but should be prepared for region
Playoff chances: They’re in.

Veterans Warhawks
Last year: 2-9/1-3, fourth in 1-5A, first round
Notable players: WR Preston Bird, Jr.; TE/HB Thomas Orell, Jr.; WR Damari Franklin, Sr.; QB Matthew Bruce, Sr.
Scouting Report: Veterans has teased the past few years, either getting off to a good start or coming up with an impressive win that led to some optimism, only for the season to get sidetracked. In the past two years, they’ve lost seven games by 14 points or less, and have been unable to get any real momentum, even with some quality wins. The non-region schedule has only one game in which Veterans is a clear underdog, against Perry, so the Warhawks could easily be 4-1 entering region. After that, though, the first year in Class 6A is likely to be fairly rough.
Playoff chances: Highly doubtful.

Class 5A
Jones County Greyhounds
Last year: 10-3/7-0, region champ, quarterfinals
Notable players: RB/DB Javious Bond, Sr.; WR Zion Ragins, Jr.; OL Derrick Cleveland, Jr.; DL Jamarion Parker, Jr.; LB Chandler Harris, Jr.
Scouting Report: The Greyhounds are replacing key players (QB John Alan Richter, PK/P Evan West, among others), but have transfer prospect Judd Anderson stepping in at QB. Jones County lost the two regular-season games by six points, and otherwise rolled. This year, the defense is a little stronger than the offense, but that may even out by midseason. With non-region opponents like Northside, Perry, and Peach County, the Greyhounds will be well-prepped for region.
Playoff chances: They’re in.

Warner Robins Demons
Last year: 14-1/3-1, second, state champions
Scouting Report: Warner Robins was no doubt stunned to have lost a region game, which hadn’t happened since Marquis Westbrook took over. There hasn’t been this much coaching staff turnover in a long time, and the Demons graduated quality players, again, including do-everything Fred Perry, wideout Daveon Walker, three all-region offensive linemen, and another batch of talented defenders. But the Demons are a program, and programs know how to reload. Don’t be surprised, though, if the Demons’ run of five straight state championship games is stopped.
Playoff chances: They’re in.

Class 4A
Baldwin Braves
Last year: 6-4/5-1, co-first/region second seed, first round
Scouting Report: Baldwin has what every team wants: returnees up front. The Braves also have experienced skill people back, making them a team to watch. And one unlikely for losses to be by an average of 24.3 points a game, as last year. Baldwin’s due for a better season than in recent years: The Braves are 30-24 the last five years.
Playoff chances: They’re in.

Howard Huskies
Last year: 3-7/1-5
Notable players: RB Dajon James, Sr.; WR Micah Howard, So.; LB Ethan Ellington, Jr.; LB Gavin Williams, Sr.
Scouting Report: Among the more stunning stats you’ll hear is that Howard has one player, one, who has been with the program for all four years. The Huskies are again trying to find consistency, and players to perform better than expected. All of the issues related to COVID regarding offseason workouts and general conditioning to a bigger-than-average toll on Howard, which is probably a year away from getting past that.
Playoff chances: It would be a big surprise.

Perry Panthers
Last year: 11-2/5-1, co-first/region top seed, reached quarterfinals
Notable players: S/KR Camerin Marshall, Sr.; QB Armar Gordon Jr., Jr.,; DB Caleb Wilson, Sr.; LB Jared Fuller, Sr.
Scouting Report: The Panthers have kept going forward in recent years, like they never have, ever, and like few teams, under head coach Kevin Smith. An example is the number of graduating players now on the college level, from Virginia Tech to quality FCS teams. There’s still plenty of skill talent, but the Panthers will need some improvement up front by the time region rolls around, and that follows a ferocious non-region schedule that could hand Perry a losing record entering region action. Or they could set up to be one of the best teams in the state.
Playoff chances: They’re in.

West Laurens Raiders
Last year: 5-6/3-3, fourth, first round
Notable players: OL Hart Williams, Jr.; DL Isaiah Austin, Sr.; LB Quentin Clark, Jr.; DB Johnny Williams, Jr.
Scouting Report: The Raiders lost a lot key all-region players, as well as head coach Kagan McClain. New boss Kip Burdette comes from Mary Persons, a former region rival. The Raiders lost seven first- and second-team all-region players from a team that lost only one game by more than two touchdowns.
Playoff chances: They’re in the battle for third or fourth.

Westside Seminoles
Last year: 4-6/2-4, fifth
Scouting Report: The Seminoles should have plenty of momentum, courtesy of a favorable non-region schedule. And they’ll need momentum with some question marks following a subpar season, but a number of players got needed experience.
Playoff chances: They’re in the battle for third or fourth.

Class AAA
Mary Persons Bulldogs
Last year: 7-4/5-2, third, first round
Scouting Report: Mary Persons got back on track after a 4-5 season, and have a good chunk of key players back, enough to take another step forward. If they get through a nifty non-region schedule at .500 or better, the record may not be better than last year, but they might be a better team and in the region title hunt. QB Logan Hickman and RB Duke Watson are back, so if the offensive line gets going, there’s some potential explosiveness.
Playoff chances: They’re in.

Peach County Trojans
Last year: 8-4/6-1, second, quarterfinals
Scouting Report: It felt like an off year for the Trojans, but their three regular-season losses were all quality, and the playoff loss came at No. 3 in the quarters. The non-region schedule again is loaded, with five higher-classification playoff or playoff-caliber teams and the Class AAA state runner-up. Odd note: The Trojans have gone backwards in wins the last five years, from 13 to 12, to 11 to 9 to 8, and they gave up more than 200 points for the first time since 2013.
Playoff chances: They’re in.

Upson-Lee Knights
Last year: 4-6/2-5, fifth
Scouting Report: The Knights have been a funky team in recent years, finding more ways to lose games than to win them. They went from a balanced offense to an extremely run-heavy scheme, and might lead at halftime and lose by three touchdowns. If they keep that up, their season will end after 10 games.
Playoff chances: They’ll need an upset, and help from somebody else.

Class AA
ACE Gryphons
Last year: 4-5/4-2, third, first round
Notable players: LB Gavin West, Sr.; WR/DB Brice Whitley, So.; RB Aaron Davis; LB David Ruddell.
Scouting Report: The Gryphons have moved up to AA, but the region isn’t much stronger than their Class A group last year. The Gryphons, with the first stability and organization and x since they started, have a pretty good chance for their first winning season, thanks to a mostly new staff and the good habits they started picking up after a first-game coaching change that put Sam Zanders – now at Georgia Southern – in charge. They have some momentum.
Playoff chances: Almost automatic.

Central Chargers
Last year: 1-9, 1-6, tied for seventh
Notable players: DL Caleb Heard, Sr.; LB Jalen Darden, Sr.; DB Marcello Williams, Sr.; LB Jaylen Releford, Sr.
Scouting Report: Four of Central’s losses were competitive, by 18 points or less. But they haven’t closed the gap with most playoff teams, losing their last two games – to Crisp County and Peach County – 85-0, two of their four shutouts. Another transition at QB puts some pressure on the offensive line and on the defense.
Playoff chances: They need to surprise and get help.

Dodge County Indians
Last year: 7-4/4-2, tied second, first round
Scouting report: The good news is that the Indians are used to playing in a big-boy region. The bad news is that this year’s region might be bigger. It includes the AA state champ, and a state contender or two. They return four first-team all-region (from 3-AA) players, all on defense, so the offense will be an early question.
Playoff chances: Good, but it’ll be a battle.

Northeast Raiders
Last year: 9-4/4-2, second, quarterfinals
Scouting Report: The Raiders are breaking in a new QB for the first time in awhile, and they lost some quality skill people. They’re the clear favorite in a new region with five Bibb County schools and three from the Columbus area.
Playoff chances: They’re in.

Putnam County War Eagles
Last year: 12-1/7-0, first, quarterfinals
Scouting Report: In 2019, Putnam County scored 40 or more points times, gave up 40 or more six times (40, 55, 55, 56, 56, and 74) and finished 5-6. Since then, the War Eagles have gone 9-2 and 12-1, shutting out three opponents last year and cracking 40 points in seven times. It’s a little bit of a rebuilding year, with 10 first-team all-region players graduating.
Playoff chances: They’re in.

Rutland Hurricanes
Last year: 1-8/0-5, seventh
Scouting Report: Second-year head coach Jarmarcus Johnson has task in building up numbers and then keeping up numbers. The Hurricanes averaged 11 points and gave up 33 a game last year, but were respectable in losses to Westside, Howard, and West Laurens. Odds favor them winning at least three games for the first time since 2014, and they have a decent chance to sniff .500.
Playoff chances: They’ll need to surprise, and get help.

Southwest Patriots
Last year: 1-7/1-5, sixth
Scouting Report: The Patriots would like a football season that’s just about football, and not about illness (head coach Joe Dupree had COVID early in the pandemic in 2020, and the pandemic had a big impact on the Patriots) or tragedy (freshman x died last August after a practice). Southwest is going to be an underdog in most games.
Scouting Report:
Playoff chances: Highly doubtful.

Washington County Golden Hawks
Last year: 5-5/3-3, fourth, first round
Scouting Report: The Golden Hawks lost some players to transfer, and are veering away from the run-oriented offense of years past. It’s definitely a transition year in Sandersville, including a new region back in the general Augusta area and former Golden Hawk legend Robert Edwards now in charge.
Playoff chances: Almost automatic.

Class A
Bleckley County Royals
Last year: 11-1/6-0, first (3-AA), second round
Scouting Report: The Royals follow their best season in history by dropping from AA to A, the larger division, and they’re in a small but solid region. They haven’t been in Class A since the first season in 1977. Bleckley County has a load of all-region players back to make another run at a 10-win season.
Playoff chances: They’re in.
 
Crawford County Eagles
Last year: 3-7/3-3, fourth, first round
Scouting Report: The debut year of coach Craig Puckett sure wasn’t looking good for awhile, opening with a six-game losing streak. But they won three straight and made the playoffs. The reward was getting No. 3 Macon County in Montezuma. Still, the Eagles have enough back to build on that finish, and reach their first non-losing season since 2016.
Playoff chances: In, because of a four-team region.

Dooly County Bobcats
Last year: 6-4/5-3, fifth
Scouting Report: Another year of transition awaits in Cordele. Cecil Lester is officially the interim head coach, making him the Bobcats’ sixth boss since 2017, including two head coaches in 2019. Dooly County is two games below .500 in the span despite the turnover. All-region junior QB Antwuan Clayton returns., along with WR Tredevin Cross.
Playoff chances: Better than 50-50.

Dublin Irish
Last year: 6-5/6-2, second, first round
Scouting Report: It was an odd year in 2021, a mediocre record with three losses by a total of 12 points, and a 49-0 win over No. 8 Wilcox County. And Dublin had second-half leads in the losses. The Irish are replacing several all-region players, and those taking over will get some quality non-region tests.
Playoff chances: They’re in.

East Laurens Raiders
Last year: 6-5/2-3, fourth (2-AA), first round
Scouting Report: There’s been nothing but building in East Laurens, from schools and facilities to momentum, and the Falcons have some of the latter for the first time in a decade under fifth-year head coach Bin Turner, who took over a team that scored 50 points the year before his arrival. Last year, they scored 290, and had more points than allowed for the first time since 2012. Six underclassmen made first- or second-team all-region in 2-AA last year.
Playoff chances: Will need some help.

GMC Bulldogs
Last year: 10-1/6-0, first, first round
Notable players: RB/LB Jesse Washington, Jr.; ATH Caleb Bush, Sr.; LB Bryce Smith, Jr.; OL/DL Javion Lawrence, Sr.; K Levi Ward, Jr.
Scouting Report: The dream and historic season abruptly ended with a 12-point first-round loss at Manchester. The Bulldogs gave up 6.9 points a game with three shutouts. The new region is smaller, but no stronger, so the Bulldogs are a contender for another region championship.
Playoff chances: They’re in.

Hancock Central Bulldogs
Last year: 2-7/2-4, fifth
Scouting Report: A sluggish start, beginning with a forfeit to Richmond Academy, included being shut out in three straight games. But the Bulldogs finished 2-1 and outscored those three opponents 96-62, giving them a little momentum. Plus, two losses were by a total of six points.
Playoff chances: Highly likely.

Hawkinsville Red Devils
Last year: 2-8/1-7, eighth
Notable players:
Scouting Report: The Red Devils are still trying to get over the hump, and build on recent successes in the weight room and powerlifting competitions. Last year was a surprising step backward, the scoring margin dropping from 7.6 to 16.3 points. Numbers are up, and some good luck should lead to improvement. It’s a good region, but smaller, improving chances for the first postseason trip since the 2014 state championship.
Playoff chances: 50-50 for the fourth spot, but can’t afford a slipup.

Jasper County Purple Hurricanes
Last year: 0-10/0-6, seventh
Scouting Report: New head coach Ashley Henderson brings a winning background to Monticello in hopes of sparking the downtrodden program that hasn’t had a non-losing season since 2003, although it last made the playoffs in 2018 in a 5-6 season.
Playoff chances: In, because of a four-team region.

Lamar County Trojans
Last year: 6-4/3-3, fifth (3-AA)
Scouting Report: The Trojans return region player of the year CJ Allen at LB, and wherever else he might be needed. They’re replacing four first- and second-team all-region players with more all-region players, and their kicking game should be a bonus. Lamar County was stuck in a packed region, and should cruise to its first region title since 2013 if it gets through a rugged non-region schedule with minimal injuries.
Playoff chances: In, in a four-team region.

Macon County Bulldogs
Last year: 11-1/7-0, first, quarterfinals
Scouting Report: The region situation changed into an eight-team sub-region format, but the Bulldogs still have to deal with preseason No. 1 Schley County as well as Manchester. So the 17-game region winning streak will again be challenged by those two. Macon County graduated region POTY Ken’won Felton, but returns offensive POTY Marlon Mitchell.
Playoff chances: They’re in.

Taylor County Vikings
Last year: 3-6/2-6, sixth
Scouting Report: A mid-season coaching change and then a new coach means the Vikings are quite the question mark. New head coach Brandon Byram comes from a coaching family and has big-school experience. The Vikings are 19-21 since going 8-3 in 2017, and last failed to score at least 200 points for the first time since 2014, a 1-8-1 season.
Playoff chances: They’ll need to surprise, and get some help.

Twiggs County Cobras
Last year: 1-9/0-6, seventh
Scouting Report: Twiggs County is 2-38 since reaching the second round of the 2016 playoffs and going 8-4. In 2017-19, the Cobras were outscored 1,117-136. They didn’t play in 2020 (COVID), and rebounded a bit from last year’s season-opening 70-7 loss to East Laurens, with two losses by eight points each.
Playoff chances: Doubtful but possible.

Wilkinson County Warriors
Last year: 3-7/1-5, sixth
Scouting Report: Notable players: Since reeling off five straight winning seasons from 2008-12, Wilkinson County is 27-64. Last year’s highlight was terrifying GMC in a 12-6 loss, GMC going on to finish 10-1.
Playoff chances: More likely than not.