Middle Grades football kicks off

Story courtesy of The Press Sentinel

Wayne’s middle schools take to the gridiron in scrimmage

AWMS’s Tyler Jenkins, No. 3, ran the ball hard against Waycross Middle.

Published:

Friday, August 31, 2012 3:11 PM CDT

Wayne County’s middle school football teams were able to squeeze in most of their scrimmage games on Wednesday before poor weather rolled in.

Both Arthur Williams and Martha Puckett middle schools started the jamboree with ties against Waycross Middle School. The ties were a good sign for the Wayne County programs since Waycross has dominated the Southeast Georgia Middle School Conference the past two years with undefeated seasons.

MPMS and Waycross tied 0-0, and AWMS and Waycross tied 6-6. AWMS’s lone score in this game came from a quarterback sneak by Garrett Overholt.

The two Wayne schools then played each other. Both teams started with their second strings getting some playing time, and MPMS scored first on an 80-yard run by Jeffrey Chadwick. AWMS answered on the next play with its own 80-yard run by Elijah Johnson. Johnson also added the two-point conversion to give AWMS an early 8-6 lead.

Chadwick would score again to give MPMS a 12-8 lead when the game was called for poor weather.

“The boys competed well and got some good experience going against two talented teams in Waycross and Arthur Williams,” said MPMS coach Matthew Brookins. “We still have a ways to go and a lot to work on, but I was proud of the boys and their effort.

“Against Waycross, I was pleased with how our first group was able to pound the ball up the middle. Caelen Roberts ran extremely hard along with Isaiah Kincade and Terrence Bennett. On defense, we initially struggled with the speed of Waycross, but we adjusted and the boys shut them down.

“Against Arthur Williams, we were able to get some work in for all of the boys on the team. Jeffrey Chadwick ran the ball well at quarterback and scored on a couple of busted plays for us. Although we struggled more with our execution in the second game, our boys competed and will continue to improve.”

AWMS coach Paul Rothwell said he was please with the overall effort, but saw areas where the team needs to improve.

“Garrett Overholt and Elijah Johnson scored for us,” said Rothwell. “Willie Reynolds, Dylan Leach and Jamarion Hunter lead a great defensive effort. Lots of things to clean up in the next week, and we will go back and reinstall everything.”

AWMS will play Pierce Middle on the road on Wednesday, and MPMS will host Ware Middle at Jaycee Stadium. Both games will begin at 5 p.m.

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Story courtesy of The Press Sentinel

Penalties, turnovers lead to 14-14 Wayne-Appling tie

Chris Cohen led all rushers with 144 yards on 21 carries.

Published:

Tuesday, September 4, 2012 4:07 PM CDT

The Wayne County High Yellow Jacket football team drug the Appling Pirates up and down the field in Baxley Friday night, but untimely turnovers and a sea of yellow flags resulted in a 14-14 tie.

The Appling Pirates would not agree to play overtime, and the game ended in a tie.

The Jackets are off this Friday night and will host Glynn Academy on Sept. 14. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

“We have to put this one behind us and get ready for Glynn,” said coach Jody Grooms. “All of these games are leading up to region play, and we will be ready.”

In the game, the Jackets dominated in total yards 421-243; time of possession 30 minutes to 17 minutes; and first downs 21 to 15. But the Jackets also led in penalties 14 for 129 yards to Appling’s 8 for 74 yards. The teams tied in turnovers with four each.

“We wanted to play overtime, but Appling didn’t,” said Grooms. “It’s unfortunate for the kids. They have worked so hard and played so hard. We just like for the kids to play head to head. We had holding penalties called on receivers far away from the play. A fumble called when the runner was in the end zone. A chop block that the referee later said was a legal play. All of these killed drives. It’s just not fair to the kids.”

First quarter

The Jackets showed their dominance to start the game by holding Appling County to three plays and a punt. Taking over on their own 46-yard line, the Jackets quickly moved down the field. Strong blocking by offensive linemen Glenn Welch, Dishawn Ray, Dustyn Sloan, Jordan Padgett and Michael Parr opened up big holes for the running backs all night long.

On this drive, running back Chris Cohen carried the ball twice for 16 yards. But the big damage was done by quarterback Malique Jackson, who had runs of 12 yards and nine yards before scoring from 17 yards out.

The PAT by Hux Riddle was good and the Jackets led 7-0 just three minutes into the game.

Another three and out gave the Jackets the ball back on their own 37-yard line. However, this drive started with a holding penalty and the Jackets were forced to punt.

Again, the starting Jacket defense of Aaron Palmer, Clayton Coatney, Ean Allen, Levantae Larry, Hagan Harrell, Ben Hockensmith, Anfernee Jordan, Taylor Heflin, Gabe McCall, Jeremy Patterson, Randall Collins and Sam Denty held the Pirates to only three offensive plays.

On the punt, Jordan got a hand on the ball and it went only 11 yards.

Setting up shop on the Pirates’ 45-yard line, the Jackets threatened again. Cohen ran twice for 14 yards. Jackson then hit Sanders for 17 more to put the ball on Appling’s 14-yard line; however, a holding call brought this play back. The drive stalled and the Pirates took over on their own 26-yard line.

To wrap up the first quarter, the Pirates had their first drive of the night, but it was aided by two Jacket penalties. The most costly was a pass interference call that negated an interception by Palmer. With seconds left in the quarter, Vernon Dasher scored from 15 yards out.

Second quarter

With the score, Appling gained a little life in the second quarter. On the Jacket’s first drive, Jackson was driven back, held up and stripped of the ball before the whistle sounded. An Appling runner carried the ball down to the Jacket’s 11-yard line before he was run down by Sanders, saving a touchdown.

Again Wayne’s defense held with good tackles by Heflin and Palmer. Palmer also batted down a pass in the end zone. A 29-yard field goal attempt by Israel Jaramillo was no good.

Despite being outplayed, Appling took their first lead in the game on the next drive. The Pirates ran 11 plays and were aided by two 15-yard penalties to score with 3:48 seconds left in the half.

With a strong rushing attack, the Jackets answered with their own 60-yard drive to tie the game at the end of the half.

On this drive, Austin Bailey was the workhorse. He carried the ball five times for 23 yards. However, the big play was a 23-yard, fourth-down pass from Jackson to Cohen to take the ball down to Appling’s one-yard line. Jackson then hit Chase Donahue for the score. The PAT by Riddle was good.

To end the half, Hunter Roberson kicked an on-side kick which the Jackets recovered on Appling’s 36-yard line. However, on the next play Trey Newkirk intercepted a Jackson pass.

Third quarter

The third quarter was more of the same, with the Jackets moving the ball only to have penalties and turnovers end drives.

On the Jackets’ first drive of the second half, a holding penalty and a chop block call ended the drive. Also on this drive, Jackson ran out of bounds but was hit four yards out of bounds by two Pirate players and driven into Appling’s bench. Although an official was standing at the play, no penalty was called.

The Pirates’ next drive ended in a Quin Stovall interception.

This time the Jackets drove 85 yards behind the hard running of Cohen, Jackson and Bailey. However, the Jackets didn’t put points on the board as officials said Bailey coughed up the ball before crossing the goal line.

For the night, Cohen led all rushers with 144 yards on 21 carries. Jackson ran the ball 17 times for 99 yards, and Bailey had 63 yards off 17 carries.

Fourth quarter

The Jackets moved the ball at will in the fourth quarter as well. On the first drive, the Jackets converted a fourth-down fake punt by Roberson. However, this drive ended by another fumble. Jackson prevented a touchdown run off this fumble recovery.

“Both Sanders and Jackson stopped touchdowns by not giving up on those fumble recoveries,” said Grooms.

The Pirates then quickly turned the ball over on an interception by Palmer.

Again, the Jackets drove nearly the length of the field off hard runs by Cohen and a 61-yard reception by Ognilla. The Jackets moved the ball to the Pirates’ 2-yard line. After an officials’ timeout to measure for a first down, the Jackets were immediately penalized for delay of game. This moved the ball back five yards. The Jackets then appeared to score, but were penalized for holding. A 29-yard field goal attempt by Riddle went just wide left.

The Jackets had one more opportunity to score after Palmer intercepted another pass. However, a 40-yard field goal attempt also went wide left.

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1959 Football Teams to be honored by Sports Hall of Fame

 

STAFF REPORT

Published:

Tuesday, July 10, 2012 4:29 PM CDT

Wayne County’s high schools have fielded many fine football teams over the years.

However, much of Wayne County’s football lore stems from the weekend of Dec. 11-12, 1959, when Jesup High School won a state AA title on Friday night and then Wayne County Training School followed with a state B title on Saturday night. Both games were played at Jaycee Stadium.

The two teams will be honored Aug. 3 at Wayne County High as they are inducted into the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame.

The dinner will begin at 7 p.m. in the commons area and is sponsored by the Wayne County Touchdown Club and the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame. The event is open to the public and is free. It is in partnership with the annual Touchdown Club’s barbecue to kickoff the upcoming high school football season.

“It has been several years since we have had an induction banquet,” said Eric Denty, president of the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame. “Before we took a break, we decided we wanted to honor these two teams. We appreciate Ray Davidson and the Touchdown Club’s willingness to let us piggyback on their barbecue. When you think about it, it’s the perfect way to honor these two teams and hopefully to inspire the current players with what these two high school football teams did for the community at the time.”

Denty added that the Hall of Fame is still trying to notify members of both teams. According to news reports and yearbooks, the following are members of the team.

“We are asking that the community spread the word to their friends and family,” he said. “We would like as many to attend as they can,” said Denty.

Members of the Wayne County Training School team included Walter Myles, Don Jackson, Charles Hines, Willie Holmes, Otis Sapp, Willie Earl Johnson, Ulysess Moses, B. Stephens, Leavon Collins, Edward Lee Brown, Simon Holmes, F. Moses, Nathaniel Greene, R. Bryant, Willie Lovett, Allen Scott, Paul Trammel, Tommie Reddish, Herman Latson, Earl Carter, Alfred Kincy, John L. Flowers, Charles Walker, Pete Adams, Dave Walker, Johnnie Carter, Tommie Gaines, Leon Carter, Felton Dickens, Jerry Jones and Joseph Wilcox. The coaches were Arthur Williams, T.J. Toney and Curtis Moreland.

Members of the Jesup High School team included Harry Thompson, Lloyd Anderson, Melvin Gordon, Brooks Purvis, David Conner, Loren Strickland, Jerry Joyner, Kenny Cowart, Mike Priester, Billy Clanton, David Wherry, Bobby Waters, Fred Fender, Wyman Westberry, Marty Fender, Lewis White, Jimmy Parrish, Rodney Kicklighter, Joe Fry, Len Hauss, Eddie Norris, Doyle Watson, Billy Richardson, Raymond Ogden, Jerry Grover, Henry Strickland, Warren Purvis, Tommy Strickland, Richard Harper, Gerald Woods, Jim Buie, Jack Richardson, Hank Waters, Bobby Bailey, Dean Thompson and Van Joyner. The coaches were John Donaldson, Clint Madray, Cecil Reddish and Frank Hammond. The trainers were Kenny Westberry, Phil Hope and John Atkinson.

Courtesy of The Press Sentinel

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High Attendance at Summer Workouts

Jackets putting in the hours this summer

MARY MARLOW / Staff Levonte Larry lifts weights as others look on.

STAFF REPORT

Published:

Monday, July 9, 2012 8:29 AM CDT

With a little more than a month left on summer break, many of Wayne County High’s athletes have been spending their summer working harder than ever.

The school has opened its gym and fields for several hours of weight lifting and conditioning each morning. Couple that with football passing leagues, summer baseball and basketball games and the young athletes have been kept very, very busy.

“We have about 100 football, basketball and baseball players that are here daily,” said athletic director Jody Grooms. “They split into groups daily and stretch, lift and run. There seems to be a greater sense of urgency among our athletes to improve and get better each day.

“Many of our kids have been involved in various summer football camps, basketball camps and baseball games. In spite of their full schedules, some of our kids have done some extraordinary things in the weight room. Jeremy Patterson set a personal best with a clean of 355 pounds last week. Glenn Welch, Michael Parr, Chase Donahue, Malique Jackson, Kelan Blash and several others have continued to show significant progress in flexibility, strength and agility.

“The new additions to our staff, Robert Cotton and Nygel Carter, have been instrumental in helping us improve our summer program.”

During the summer, the school has offered a morning session of weightlifting. On Fridays, the linemen have had an additional conditioning practice.

“Our strength and conditioning program is designed to improve core strength, flexibility and explosion,” said Grooms.

The kids playing football are using this time to get ready for the start of summer practices. Mini-camps are set to start on July 26 with full camp beginning on Aug. 1.

The football season begins with a Bradwell Institute scrimmage at home on Aug. 17. The Jackets will face a non-region schedule of Brunswick High (Aug. 24) at Georgia Southern University, Appling County (Aug. 31) at home and Glynn Academy (Sept. 14) at home. The Jackets then will play three sub-region crossover games against Butler High (Sept. 21) away, Richmond Academy (Sept. 28) at home and Burke County (Oct. 5) away. Sub-region play will begin against South Effingham (Oct. 19) at home, Liberty County (Oct. 26) away and Statesboro (Nov. 2) at home.

The 10th game on Nov. 9 will be either a region playoff game or a sub-region crossover game.

All games are set to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Courtesy of The Press Sentinel

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Scoreboard and Concessions Update

25 Second Playclocks

The Base for the New Scoreboard

New Concession Stand

Though the season is still over a month away, construction at Jaycee Stadium on several TD club projects are going forward on schedule and will be completed in the coming weeks and in time for kickoff against Bradwell Institute in the scrimmage game on August 17th.

The most noticeable additions are the base for the new scoreboard which will be one of the nicest in the area.  The scoreboard itself should be installed in the next couple of weeks.  It will feature a video screen allowing for live video feeds from the field to be played during the game.

Not lost on many is the need for expanded concessions and bathrooms.  The new concession stand and bathrooms will be located on the soccer field end of the home stands  This should help to speed up your concession stand trips and avoid those long halftime lines.

Two less noticeable changes are also in the works.  New, modern football goalposts have been installed on the field replacing the old style which had been at Jaycee Stadium for many years.  Also new will be 25 second playclocks on the field.  There will be one in each end zone on field level.  Not many high schools in Georgia have these and they, along with the other improvements, will give Jaycee Stadium more of a college stadium feel on Friday nights. 

Keep checking back for progress updates on the stadium construction.

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2012 WCHS Varsity Football Schedule

2012 Varsity Football Schedule

Date                      Opponent                                          Place          Time          

08/17/2012             Bradwell Institute(Scrimmage)                        Home           7:30 PM

08/25/2012             Brunswick                                                       Away            8:00 PM

                              At Paulson Stadium/GA Southern                                             

08/31/2012             Appling County                                              Away            7:30 PM

09/07/2012             Open                                                                       

09/14/2012             Glynn Academy                                            Home           7:30 PM         

09/21/2012             Butler                                                            Away            7:30 PM

09/28/2012             Academy of Richmond County                     Home           7:30 PM

                                                      (Homecoming)

10/05/2012             Burke                                                            Away            7:30 PM

10/12/2012             Open           

10/19/2012             South Effingham                                         Home           7:30 PM

10/26/2012             Liberty                                                        Away            7:30 PM

11/02/2012             Statesboro (Senior Night)                          Home           7:30 PM

11/09/2012             Region Play-In                                           Home           7:30 PM

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Yellow Jackets put a wrap on Spring Football

With nearly 100 kids showing up for spring football, the Wayne County High Yellow Jackets were able to wrap up two weeks of practices with an intrasquad scrimmage game on Friday.

In the controlled scrimmage, the white team bested the gold 18-6.

“The spring has been quite productive,” said coach Jody Grooms. “We have finally developed some depth on our football team. Hopefully, this depth will allow us to be better equipped to handle injuries if they hit us as hard as they did this past year. We have had a very physical spring, and a lot of our kids are banged up and sore. We put on pads the first day and competed against each other daily for at least one hour. I believe that it has made us closer and forced us to appreciate competition.”

Scoring highlights for the gold team included a 25-yard touchdown pass from Malique Jackson to Kelan Blash. Scoring highlights for the white team included a 45-yard scamper by quarterback Clayton Coatney. This set up a seven-yard touchdown pass to K.W. Height. Quarterback Walker Franklin also connected with Height on a 70-yard catch and run touchdown. The third white-team score came off a fumble recovery by Anfernee Jordan, who then returned it 40 yards for six points.

 On defense, Height, James Smith and Hagan Harrell each intercepted passes.

 The team now will break for a week and then start summer conditioning workouts.

“I am excited about having the last week of school off,” said Grooms. “Our kids and coaches can focus on finishing strong and closing school out. We will be communicating with all of our        athletes about summer workouts, schedules, and the importance of being consistent daily. We          were pleased with the effort and pleased with receptiveness of the kids to try some different stuff      offensively. The players and coaches have done an excellent job helping to sell Wayne County           football to the student body. There were some new faces out on field on both sides of the ball.           There was quality competition all over the field. The kids have gotten bigger and a lot stronger.         As a result, we saw some big-time collisions the past few weeks.”

New region

The Jackets will compete this next season in Region 3-AAAA against Liberty County, South Effingham and Statesboro in the sub-region. On the “B” side of the sub-region are Burke County,              Butler, Cross Creek, Glenn Hills,  Hephzibah and Richmond Academy.

 The Jackets will start the season Aug. 25 against Brunswick High at Georgia Southern University’s Paulson Stadium. The Jackets then will face Appling County, Glynn Academy, Butler,  Richmond Academy, Burke County, South Effingham, Liberty County and Statesboro.

Courtesy of The Press Sentinel, Tuesday May 15, 2012

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