2025 Coweta Kickoff Guide

Now Open!

We help you ask the right questions about home or commercial roofing and exteriors. By combining our passion for our industry and our belief in 100% customers satisfaction, you have found the right experts for quality advice.

This concept was well-received and fueled growth in all other product areas, which now include “Residential exterior building products.”

Our goal is to provide our customers with the most outstanding service in the industry while maintaining a family atmosphere for our customers, vendors, and employees. Our 200K square foot facility allows us to buy in large volume and pass the savings on to our customers. Our partnerships with several manufacturers have strengthened our resources giving us valuable insight and education that we pass on to our customers.

We are consistently proactive in researching new products, materials, and techniques so that our clients will have access to the latest product offerings in our market.

PUBLISHERS

Beth and Clay Neely

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

Emily Hernandez

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Misha Benson, Abby Grizzard, Sarah Reeves

PRODUCTION AND GRAPHIC DESIGN

Emily Hernandez, Sonya Studt

advertise@newnan.com

All in for ’25

New eras, old rivalries and timeless traditions

The bleachers are filling. The band is tuning up. The smell of fresh-cut grass and stadium popcorn is back in the air. High school football is back in Coweta County.

From Senoia to Sharpsburg, from downtown Newnan to the county line, local programs are lacing up for another season under the lights, and The Newnan Times-Herald is proud to be there every step of the way.

This year’s guide brings you an inside look at every varsity program in the county, the players to watch, the coaches leading the charge and the rivalries that define fall Friday nights in our community.

At Trinity Christian and Heritage, new leadership brings fresh energy. The Lions and Hawks each begin a new era with firstyear head coaches looking to restore their programs to playoff form.

Northgate enters the second year under Kevin Whitley, aiming to build on late-season progress and make a push in Region 3-AAAAA. With a stronger, more experienced roster, the Vikings believe the foundation is in place.

In Newnan, the Cougars return a veteran

core under longtime coach Chip Walker. After securing their first playoff win since 2015 last fall, expectations are high for another postseason push.

At East Coweta, quarterback Jax Bowles is back to lead a talented squad that nearly stunned state power Buford in the 2024 playoffs. The Indians have reloaded and are ready to contend again in Region 2-AAAAAA.

And don’t overlook Central Christian.

Now in its second year of GAPPS 9-man competition, Central Christian is forging its identity through physicality and grit. Head coach Joey Farlow is building a program rooted in toughness and accountability.

Across Coweta, football is more than a sport. It is a tradition that binds communities, generations and school spirit. Every team has its own identity, every field its own echoes, every Friday night its own story.

At The Newnan Times-Herald, we have been telling those stories for generations. As this season unfolds, we will continue to bring you the scores, photos, profiles and moments that define fall in Coweta County.

The lights are on. The season is here.

And we will be right there with you.

School

The bleachers are filling. The band is tuning up. The smell of fresh-cut grass and stadium popcorn is back in the air. High school football is back in Coweta County.

Indians find their footing through chemistry and commitment East Coweta

East Coweta

East Coweta head coach John Small is not making excuses for last year’s 4-7 season. The Indians went 1-3 in Region 2-AAAAAA play and missed the playoffs in a year that brought growing pains, inconsistency and tough opponents.

But as the 2025 season begins, Small believes the pieces are in place for a turnaround. Not

because of flash or hype, but because of the one thing he values most in a team.

“This group has unbelievable chemistry,” Small said. “It is probably one of the closest-knit teams we have had here. They care about each other and take ownership of the program.”

Small said the lessons from 2024 were hard but necessary.

The team struggled at times with accountability and internal focus. That is no longer the case, he said, pointing to player-led leadership and a summer that saw 94 of the program’s 170 players maintain perfect attendance.

“Our kids have really bought into the idea that no one is bigger than the program,” Small said. “Not me, not the assistant coaches, not any individual player. We tell them every day, East Coweta football will keep going, no matter who is here.”

Foundation starts in the trenches

The Indians will lean heavily on experience up front, returning five senior offensive linemen who have played significant varsity snaps. Their presence has set the tone in summer workouts and built confidence in the offense.

“They are the bell cows of our football team,” Small said. “They get dirty, they get grimy, and they love each other. They are the ones who make everybody else go.”

Sophomore quarterback Jax Bowles returns after stepping into the starting role late last season. Small praised his offseason work and growing chemistry with the team. Senior Andrew Shoch provides depth and leadership at the position.

In the backfield, junior Justin Brown will carry much of the load after adding 20 pounds of muscle this offseason. Small said the extra strength will help him handle the wear and tear of the season.

At receiver, junior Walter Maestre will be a two-way presence. A starter since his freshman year, Mystry will contribute at wideout and cornerback. Fellow junior Chance Gilbert, rated as the top safety in the nation for his class, returns to anchor the defense.

“Chance is just an unbelievable kid,” Small said. “And Walter is one of those players who leads by example and has grown up a lot in the past year.”

BY TAMMY MCCRACKEN

EAST COWETA

FROM PAGE 7

Other key contributors include junior athlete Sam Gritton, who Small called one of the best pound-for-pound athletes he has coached, and sophomore tight end Chayse Beadles, who is already showing promise in the class of 2027.

Scheme built to match personnel

East Coweta will again operate as a multiple-formation offense, with a run-first, ball-control identity that helps protect a still-developing defense.

“We want to be a blue-collar, hard-nosed football team,” Small said. “We want to run the ball, eat some clock and keep our young defense off the field.”

At the same time, the offense has explosive potential. Small said the team has five or six

players who can stretch the field vertically, giving the Indians the ability to take shots when opportunities arise.

Several players are expected to go both ways, something East Coweta has been preparing for over the past two years. Small said the group is finally mature enough to handle the workload.

“You want to do that early on, but if a player does not know everything yet, it is hard,” he said. “These guys are finally ready.”

Defense must grow up fast

The defensive side of the ball remains young. Small expects only three seniors to start, and the defensive line includes just one senior alongside multiple sophomores and juniors.

“It may not look great on paper, but these kids play hard,” he said. “They are physical and they want to get better.”

East Coweta will also rely on

standout kicker and punter Aaron McWilliams, a class of 2027 prospect who is already ranked No. 1 nationally at his position.

One game at a time

The Indians open with a preseason scrimmage against Spalding before facing Newnan early in the regular season, just as they did last year.

Still, Small refuses to circle any particular opponent.

“We are a one-day-at-a-time program,” he said. “We are focused on getting better today, and then we will worry about the next one when it comes.”

For Small, though, success will always go beyond the win-loss record.

“If our kids graduate, represent their families well, and go on to be great fathers and leaders, that is a win,” he said. “Football will end one day. But what they become, that is what matters.”

East Coweta COACHIN STAFF

John

Andy

Kelby

Mark

Rusty

Malcolm

Jaylon

Nicholas

East Coweta

East Coweta

ROSTER ROSTER

Dylan Holston

David Hall

Walter Maestre

Justin Brown

David Karr

Z’Kari Asia

Isaiah Alford

Connor Schwartz

Sam Gritton

Chayse Beadles

Cason Rainey

Kenneth Overton

Ricky Howell

Jeremiah Griffin

Delbert Freeman

Devin Footman

Christian Herring

Jax Bowles

Andrew Shoch

Brandyn Seaborn

O’Ryan Moss

Jamarcus Alford

Jacob Chapman

Gavin Connell

Alex Dailey

Jake Cobb

Chance Gilbert

AJ Gates

Tristan Lee

Jyrik Turner

Triston Prescott

Jarrel Beadles

Kyle Black

Caterson Carr

Gavin Monroe

Atkinson

Jadarius Sims

Zach Bidne

Nikolas Lopez

Jayden Peacock

Kyron White

Ryler Duron

Brayden Smith

Jaylen Perry

Brody Johnson

Noah Greenwood

Royal Maxwell

Dylan Weems

Tommy Satterfield

Jeremiah Brewer

Aaron McWilliams

Michael Blackmon

Kayden Johnson

Trent Vernon

Thomas Gipson V

Andrio Perez

Jonathan Gray

Andrew Chase

James Haberman

Darius Jones

Antrez Allen

Bryan Williams

Colton Goodwin

Caleb Roberts

Josmel Burgos-Baez

Courtlin Heard

Parker Akey

Will O’Neal

Courtney Heard

Gabriel White

King

Beau Brown

Dimas Serrano

Max Ramsey

Dylan Weston

Carson Yeager

Jaydin Amie

Daniel Rivers

Larry Williams

Nicholas Carroll

Tyler Harmon

Aiden Skaggs

Levi Garland

Oliver Smith

Colt Cooper

Kaden Cambrice

Holden Foy

Josh Williams

James Starr

Colton Stover

Tristan Ford

Jomathel White

Lukas Jackson

Connor Williams

Logan Novitzke

Carter Sharpe

Dylan Cleveland

Bellamy

Keegan Wimbush Jaylen Allen

SCHEDULE

East Coweta RESULTS

East Coweta SCHEDULE

Newnan Cougars Newnan Cougars Cougars carry confidence into 2025 behind returning core

Newnan High’s football program has seen both valleys and peaks in recent seasons, but as the 2025 campaign begins, head coach Chip Walker believes his team is ready to climb even higher.

The Cougars turned heads last fall with a nine-win season, a 6-1 region record, and a return to the Class 6A state

playoff s, where they advanced to the second round before falling to a top-ranked opponent.

It was a sharp turnaround from the previous year’s 3-7 campaign. Head coach Chip Walker credits the resurgence to two things: maturity and muscle.

“We played a lot of young guys the past few years,”

Walker said. “Now you’re seeing the benefi t of that. They’ve grown up. They’ve been in the system. And the off season work in the weight room really paid off.”

The 2025 squad returns with experience and energy, two traits Walker says defi ne this year’s group.

“They’re just a fun bunch to be around,” he said. “They

enjoy football, they enjoy each other, and they’ve had a great offseason. I told them after practice the other day— they haven’t just had a good week or two. They’ve been consistent since January.”

Linebackers, line play lead the way Leadership has emerged across both sides of the ball, starting with a pair of battle-tested linebackers, both four-year starters, who headline the defense.

“Josiah Smith is committed to Cornell, and Rodney Colton is going to Colorado,” Walker said.

“They’re not just great players—they’re great lead -

ers. They set the tone for everything we do on defense.”

They’ll be joined up front by defensive lineman Ashton Lawless, who started every game last year as a freshman and is poised to take the next step.

“He’s had a tremendous offseason,” Walker said. “He’s stronger, faster and more confident.”

On offense, the Cougars are anchored by their line. Veteran leaders up front include Javeon Hinton and Ian McCreight who have logged significant varsity time.

“Those guys are the backbone,” Walker said. “They’ve played a lot of football and they’ve earned the respect

of everyone around them.”

Quarterback Brodie Campbell enters his junior season as a proven leader, and Walker believes the former freshman starter is ready to elevate again.

“He made a big jump from ninth to 10th grade,” Walker said.

“We think he’s going to make another one this year.”

In the skill positions, several returners are expected to shine.

Wide receivers Jaylen Britt and John Matthews bring speed and playmaking ability, while senior Colton Dodds adds depth and experience.

NEWNAN

FROM PAGE 13

Britt, the team’s leading returning receiver, will also be a weapon in the return game, joining Matthews and others to give the Cougars a dynamic special teams unit.

That group is anchored by senior kicker Quint Johnson and rising sophomore McCrea Brooks, both of whom have impressed in the offseason.

“We feel really good about our special teams,” Walker said. “Quint is as solid as they come, and Cray’s right behind him. Our snapand-kick game is clean, and we’ve got multiple guys who can break one on returns.”

Focused on growth, not hype

Scheme-wise, Walker isn’t overhauling much. After all, if it ain’t broke…

“But we are expanding,” he

said. “The more these guys understand the system, the more we can do.”

That internal confi dence extends beyond play design. Walker said the Cougars aren’t afraid of expectations and they won’t shy away from pressure.

“No one’s going to put more pressure on us than we already do,” he said. “But we also believe in competing at the highest level. We want to be better than last year. That’s the standard our guys set in the off season.”

Still, challenges remain, especially when it comes to depth.

“Our biggest personnel concern is probably the offensive line,” Walker said. “We’ve got talent there, but we need to manage reps and keep guys healthy. That’s a concern for a lot of teams right now, especially in high school football.”

The schedule begins with a home-heavy start, includ-

ing rivalries with East Coweta and Northgate in the fi rst stretch. Then come region title contenders like Langston Hughes, Lovejoy and Dutchtown.

“We break the season into phases,” Walker said. “The goal early on is to get better each week. If we do that, we’ll be where we want to be when region play hits.”

And while wins and losses defi ne a season on paper, Walker said success goes deeper than the scoreboard.

“We want to win. We want to go further than we did last year. But more than that, we want our kids to grow into better young men,” he said. “To represent our program, our school and our community the right way.”

That community, he added, still fuels everything the program does.

“Friday nights at Drake Stadium are special,” Walker said. “We’re proud to be part of it.”

Newnan SCHEDULE

STAFF Newnan

Head Coach

• Chip Walker

Offensive Staff

• TJ Barden – Offensive Coordinator / H-Backs

• David Raschen – Offensive Line

• Bruce Dukes – Centers

• Trey Walker – Wide Receivers

• Josh Cyprian – Wide Receivers

• Wes Clark – Running Backs

• Brooks Barden – Quarterbacks

Defensive Staff

• Lee Belknap – Def. Coordinator / Safeties

• Sam Honeyman – Defensive Line

• Joe Anderson – Linebackers

• Rod Patterson – Defensive Backs

• Justin Palmer – Nickel Defense Coach

Support Staff

• Jeremy Sweeney – Director of Football Operations

• Dano Burdette – Strength/Conditioning Coach

• Brian Morgan – Team Chaplain

• Braden Griner – Equipment Manager

• John Woolf – Athletic Trainer

• Jordan Kinnard – Athletic Trainer

• Frankie Billotta – Nutritionist

9th Grade Coaches

• JT Brown

• Josh Grimes

• Theo Mann

• Bryse Griffin

Northgate Vikings Grown in the fire, Vikings ready to rise

Dixon (No. 7) will share some time at running back in the Vikings’ fast-paced offense in 2024.

After finishing 2-8 last season with one of the youngest teams in Class AAAAA, Northgate head coach Kevin Whitley believes the groundwork has been laid for a new chapter. It will not come overnight, he cautions. But there has been real progress, especially in the weight room.

“We were young and physically underdeveloped last year, which is not a great combination,” Whitley said. “But our guys have worked hard in the offseason, and we’ve made leaps and bounds in terms of strength and size. That was one of the biggest gaps we had to address.”

The Vikings finished 2-5 in Re-

gion 3-AAAAA last fall, placing fifth and surrendering nearly 30 points per game. But a season of growing pains also brought valuable experience for a core group of underclassmen, several of whom were forced into varsity roles well before they were ready.

That trial by fire may now

prove to be a strength.

“We had ninth graders playing major snaps last year,” Whitley said. “Now they’ve grown a little, matured, and we’re still young, but we’re not nearly as green as we were.”

Building an identity

Heading into Year 2 under Whitley, Northgate’s offensive identity is clear: run the ball, control the clock and build off play-action when defenses collapse.

“We’re not trying to trick anybody,” he said. “We want to be physical, we want to run the football, and we want to make teams respect the whole field. Balance is key for us.”

Spearheading that effort is sophomore quarterback Ledger Clements, who returns with starting experience and a better understanding of the offense. He will have help from several veteran linemen up front, including seniors Darrian Parks, Ridge Harper and Aiden Hogan, players Whitley is counting on to open lanes and set the tone.

In the backfield, expect sophomore Woody Schettini to see a heavy workload. Described by Whitley as “a big-time player with the ball in his hands,” Schettini is expected to emerge as a key offensive weapon.

Tight end Tripp Kelly also brings versatility to the offense, especially in short-yardage and

red zone situations.

On the defensive side, the Vikings plan to be aggressive and disruptive. The unit is anchored by standout linebacker Brysen Davies, who Whitley calls “one of the best in the state.”

He will be joined by experienced defenders Jet Clark and ***, while junior Michael Jackson is expected to step into a bigger role this fall.

“We want to make offenses do what they don’t want to do,” Whitley said. “That means attacking and putting pressure on people. But it starts up front, and that’s where we’ve still got to build depth. Some of our 10th

NORTHGATE • 22

Northgate RESULTS

Gill Stigall Williams King Chubb Phillips Hardy Vargas Sieving Taylor Clements Ingram Caswell Davies Jarvis Nelson Cameron Rutherford Alford Dorsey Williams Schettini Jones Gibson Hawthorne Pearson Ambrose Dearing

Northgate SCHEDULE

Northgate

NORTHGATE

FROM PAGE 19

graders are going to have to step up again and help us win in the trenches.”

Schedule sets the tone early

Northgate opens the season against cross-county rival Stars Mill, a perennial playoff contender and one of the more disciplined programs in the area. The Panthers handled the Vikings comfortably last season, but Whitley sees an opportunity not just for redemption, but to spark confidence.

“That’s a big one for us,” he

said. “They’re not in our region, but they’re close, and they’ve been where we’re trying to go. If we can start the season on the right foot, that’s going to help this group believe in what we’re doing.”

Region games against Villa Rica and Northside-Columbus loom large later in the year, but Whitley is adamant about staying present, especially for a group still learning how to win.

“We’re not in a position to look past anybody,” he said. “We have to stay focused on what’s right in front of us, one week at a time. Every rep, every snap counts.”

More than wins and losses

Asked what success would

look like this fall beyond the record, Whitley does not hesitate.

“Sticking together,” he said. “That’s it. If we can get to Week 10 and these boys are still fighting for each other, still showing up every day, that’s a win. I want to see growth in how we handle adversity and how we support one another through the ups and downs.”

With a long season ahead, Whitley is not interested in predictions or hype. He would rather let the football speak for itself.

“I don’t do a lot of talking,” he said. “We’ve still got a gap to close. But we’re working hard, the kids are bought in, and we’re going to show up ready.”

Northgate STAFF

Kevin Whitley - Head Coach

Matt Obrien - Offensive Coordinator

Cedric Jackson - Defensive Coordinator

Terry Franklin - Linebackers

Chase Smith - Outside Linebackers

Alexander Ogletree - Running Backs

Charles Parks - Wide Receivers

Zac Lonas - Offensive Line

Reggie Wimberly - Offensive Line

LaVarrett PearsonCornerbacks

Paul Pickett - Safeties

Kelton Dawson - Defensive Line/9th Grade

Shanin Oneal - Linebackers/9th Grade

Desmond BlacksherQuarterbacks/9th Grade

Freshman quarterback Ledger Clements (No. 12) led the Northgate offense against Langston Hughes during the 2024 season. Now a sophomore, Clements returns in 2025 with valuable experience under center.

New coach, familiar grit: Trinity Christian leans into discipline & depth Trinity Christian

New Trinity Christian head coach Jeff Schmidlkofer didn’t have much time to settle in.

Hired in April after a long tenure at Starr’s Mill, Schmidlkofer stepped into a program with a strong spiritual foundation, a proud tradition of success and a roster short on depth but full of effort.

Now, heading into the 2025 season, the Lions are aiming to reestablish consistency in a new classification while navigating one of the toughest schedules in Class AAA.

“We’ve got about 48 players right now and we’re trying to grow that,” Schmidlkofer said. “But the kids we’ve got are coachable and tough. They’re all in.”

Last year, Trinity’s coaching staff pulled double duty, with the same coaches running both sides of the ball. This season, Schmidlkofer has divided responsibilities, installing dedicated offensive and defensive staffs to improve detail, efficiency and tempo.

“We’re still building on the culture that was already here,” he said. “Coach Dallas did a good job setting the tone. I’m just trying to add my fingerprint and keep it moving in the right direction.”

PHOTO BY TAMMY MCCRACKEN

Trinity Christian sophomore quarterback Mason Blanton scrambles outside the pocket during a 2024 home game. Blanton is expected to lead the JV squad this season while serving as varsity backup.

The new staff includes several familiar faces from Trinity’s 2021 state championship team, including offensive coordinator Lance Duncan, tight ends coach Ben Anderson and running backs coach Josh Henry.

Strength and conditioning is already a strength, thanks to Trinity’s dedicated coach Luke Butler, who previously worked under Auburn’s Ryan Russell. Schmidlkofer said the difference has shown on film.

“The boys are strong, flexible and moving well,” he said. “We’ve just got to manage our numbers and keep them healthy through a tough schedule.”

Trinity will continue to run a spread offense, leaning on junior quarterback Ashton Clare to distribute the ball in space. Schmidlkofer said they are not built to

overpower people in the trenches, so they will rely on movement, quick reads and mismatches to create opportunities.

On defense, longtime coordinator Roby Ross will lead a hybrid 3-4 system. The Lions will use movement, slants and shifting fronts to create confusion for opposing lines.

“We’re not real big up front, so we’re going to use angles and effort,” Schmidlkofer said. “It won’t always be pretty, but it’ll be physical and smart.”

Trinity’s success this fall will hinge on a core group of veteran leaders. Bakari Hamilton brings experience and toughness at running back and inside linebacker. Reese Earl will contribute in the run game and provide an edge presence on defense. Preston Funk is a polished receiver and

cornerback with strong ball skills. DJ Dumas returns from a summer finger injury and is expected to be a reliable target and defensive back.

Chase Randolph adds explosiveness in the secondary and receiving corps. Jake Anderson and Ben Wesson are the most experienced inside linebackers and expected to anchor the middle of the defense. The offensive line group, featuring Austin Taylor, Cole Woodward, Cannon Cheely and Sawyer Boone, has made noticeable strides since spring. Rudd and Rod Phillips, both juniors, will provide physical play off the edge. Colin DePriest will handle kicking and punting duties, playing a vital role in special teams.

Several underclassmen are pushing for playing time. Aidan

Randolph, the younger brother of Chase, has shown promise in the backfield and on defense. Sophomore Micah Steele broke off a long run in the preseason scrimmage and continues to develop. Freshman CJ Roberts is being groomed for early action at corner. Junior wideout Blake Dowler is dependable with clean routes and steady hands.

Schmidlkofer said the biggest concern entering the season is depth, particularly at quarterback and inside linebacker. Clare is the starter, while sophomore Mason Blanton will lead the JV team and serve as the backup. The staff is still identifying a third option in case of injury. At linebacker, Anderson and Wesson will carry the bulk of snaps, but beyond them,

TRINITY

FROM PAGE 25

options will require adjustments.

“You can’t wait until injuries happen to figure out how to respond,” Schmidlkofer said. “You’ve got to think through those scenarios early.”

With a loaded schedule that in-

cludes matchups against Ola, Riverdale, Spalding, LaGrange, Troup and Sandy Creek, Schmidlkofer’s immediate goals are measured.

“We want to be in games late,” he said. “We want to get to November healthy and give ourselves a chance in the postseason.”

Looking ahead, Schmidlkofer

Sophomore defensive back Caleb Goode breaks up a pass in the end zone during last season’s matchup against Riverdale. Goode is one of several young players pushing for playing time in 2025.

said he hopes to build the same type of consistency he experienced at Starr’s Mill.

“At Starr’s Mill, we were in the mix every year,” he said. “That’s the goal here too. Build something sustainable, year in and year out. And we’re starting that process right now.”

A GEORGIA BAPTIST CHILDRENS HOME & FAMILY MINISTRIES TEAM MEMBER

upholds the core values of: Faith, Servant Leadership, Excellence, Integrity, Accountability, Communication, Sense of Hope, and Stewardship.

Wellness Program provided by GBCH&FM for all employees. Leave Accrual where team members earn one Vacation day per month (plus one day for each year of employment) and one Sick day per month

403(b) Retirement plan through GuideStone with GBCH&FM matching contributions up to 5% Health + Dental Insurance is available for full time employees and dependents

Education Assistance is available for employees and their dependents

We offer a wide range of career opportunities across the state of Georgia.

ROSTER

Trinity Christian SCHEDULE

Aug. 15

Aug. 22

Aug. 29

Sept. 5

Sept. 12

Sept. 19

Sept. 26

Oct. 3

Oct. 10

Oct. 17

Oct. 24

Oct. 31

Ola Mustangs

Riverdale Raiders

BYE

LaGrange Grangers

Spalding Jaguars

Sandy Creek Patriots

Whitewater Wildcats

Fayette County Tigers Away away

Mary Persons Bulldogs

Troup County Tigers

bye Upson-Lee Knights

Trinity Christian COACHING STAFF

Head Coach

Jeff Schmidlkofer

Coordinators

Offensive Coordinator: Lance Duncan

Defensive Coordinator: Roby Ross

Offensive Staff

Offensive Line: Dane Zumbahalen

Tight Ends / H-Backs: Ben Anderson

Running Backs: Josh Henry

Wide Receivers: Brian Dowler

Quarterbacks

Ryan Duncan

Landon Clare

Coleman Duncan

Defensive Staff

Defensive Line: Mike Robertson

Inside Linebackers: Andy Ponsiego

Outside Linebackers: Quincy

Randolph Secondary: Roby Ross

Support Staff

Strength Coach: Luke Butler

Trainer: Dan McAdams

Team Managers

Evan Underwood

Amber Blalock

Student Trainers

Anna Grace Moore

Elle de Castille

Callie Coker

Elisabeth Wise

Gracie Smelley

Isabella Goode

Leighanna Beatenbough

Mackenzie Clark

MaryCallaway Brezina

Sophia Loftis

Reagan Peavy / Taylor Clark

Heritage football Heritage Hawks

After a winless season in 2024, the Heritage School football program needed more than a new head coach. It needed a full reset.

Levi Dunn, the program’s tenth head coach, is working to rebuild from the ground up. In just a few months on campus, he has reshaped the team’s identity, expectations and energy.

"I think I walked into a better situation than people think," Dunn said. "Our kids are showing up

‘Chip on their shoulder’: Coach Dunn brings new vision to

every day with a chip on their shoulder. They’ve got something to prove, and they’ve worked like it all offseason."

Dunn, 27, was hired following the departure of Richard Moncrief, who led the Hawks for one season. The team finished 0-9.

The Columbus native brings a deep football background and a long family pedigree in coaching. Dunn played quarterback at Northside High School, rush-

ing for 400 yards and passing for more than 600 as a senior in 2015. He earned All-Columbus honorable mention before playing at LaGrange College.

His coaching path began with graduate assistant roles at UTEP and Texas State before he returned to Georgia to help lead Calvary Christian to a GAPS state championship in 2020. Most recently, he served as offensive coordinator at Southern Academy in

Alabama.

Dunn is the son of the late Joe Lee Dunn, a longtime defensive coordinator in the SEC who served stints at South Carolina, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Ole Miss and Memphis. He also served as interim head coach at Ole Miss in 1994.

"My dad was known for being aggressive and unpredictable on defense," Dunn said. "That mindset rubbed off. I may be an offensive guy, but I want that same edge and attitude in all three phases."

At Heritage, Dunn is implementing a spread offense designed around tempo and space. It is a sharp departure from the slower, huddle-based approach used in recent seasons.

"We’re going to spread people out, play fast, and create mismatches," Dunn said. "We’re not the biggest or fastest, so we’ll win with leverage, effort and smart football."

On defense, the Hawks will shift to a pressure-heavy 3-3 base that emphasizes disruption and confusion for opposing offenses.

"We’ll keep it simple on the back end, but we’re going to get after people up front," Dunn said. "We want to be aggressive and make teams uncomfortable."

A key part of the program’s turnaround effort is leadership from within the locker room. Dunn pointed to several players who have emerged as tone-setters during the offseason.

Senior Alex Marzon dropped 20 pounds and will play both linebacker and running back. Dunn described him as a Swiss army knife who can contribute on every down.

Transfer Tyson Hamaker returns to Heritage after a stint elsewhere and brings explosiveness at slot and running back. Up front, senior Will Bracey has transitioned from center to tackle and remade his frame in the process. Defensive lineman William Chapman, back from injury, will anchor the front line.

Another name to watch is sophomore transfer Masen Biggs, a 6-foot-3, 180-pound wide receiver who has stood out in workouts and scrimmages.

"He’s going to get a lot of touches," Dunn said. "He’s the kind of player who changes a game."

Roster depth remains a challenge, as is common with most small private schools. Dunn said

Thank You

Senior Alex Marzan (#1) stands ready on defense during a summer scrimmage. The versatile senior dropped 20 pounds this offseason and will play both linebacker and running back.

HERITAGE

FROM PAGE 31

the Hawks will carry about 24 players into the season, with 19 to 20 ready to play meaningful snaps.

"It’s not just about the number," he said. "We’ve got guys I feel confident putting in the game."

Off the field, Dunn’s offseason focus has been building a culture that balances discipline with enjoyment. That shift has already taken hold among the players.

"You can work hard and still have fun," Dunn said. "We had a joint practice with Riverside last week and the players said afterward, ‘This feels different.’ That’s what we want."

As the Hawks prepare for the 2025 season, Dunn says his definition of success is not tied to the win-loss column.

"Changing the mentality is the biggest thing," he said. "Fighting every week. Believing we belong. If we do that, the rest will take care of itself."

Heritage may still be climbing back, but under Dunn’s leadership, the program is no longer standing still.

Odyssey Charter School is a tuition-free, public school serving Coweta County scholars in grades K-8. We opened our doors in 2004 as one of the first state-approved charter schools in Georgia and the first charter school in Coweta County. We are proud to be a small community school with a family atmosphere.

a 7-6 lead during last year’s matchup

Central Christian

Central Christian finds its edge in second year of 9-man football

Central Christian head coach Joey Farlow isn’t chasing perfection in 2025. He’s chasing toughness, growth and pride—qualities that don’t always show up on the scoreboard but are unmistakable on the field.

After the Georgia Association of Private & Parochial Schools (GAPPS) mandated a switch from 8-man to 9-man football last season, the Crusaders spent the year adjusting to new spacing, new responsibilities and new expectations.

Now, with a year under their belts and physical confidence growing, Central sees an opportunity not just to compete—but to make noise.

“It’s definitely a different game,” Far-

low said. “There’s more space, more responsibility and more stress on every player. But our guys have embraced it. They’re getting better every week.”

Identity forged through physical play

Now in their second year of 9-man competition, the Crusaders are settling into an identity rooted in physicality and effort. Farlow said the team is built to run the ball, stop the run and outlast opponents with grit.

“We’re still going to hang our hat on being physical,” he said. “Run the football, control the clock and make them

earn everything. That hasn’t changed.”

Farlow added, “We pride ourselves on hard work and being super physical—guys that will blister you. It takes a while to build, but they’ve adapted to that quickly. Fast, physical football. Last year, they had to learn that. Now they know that.”

One game Farlow has circled is a late-September matchup against Unity Christian—a program that’s traditionally been a benchmark in GAPPS 9-man competition.

“That Unity game is going to tell us a lot,” Farlow said. “They’re tough, they’re disciplined, and they’ve been here before. If we can hang with them—and I think we can—that could

really change how people look at us.”

More than a measuring stick, the game is an opportunity to send a message.

“We want teams to know they’re in for a fight,” he said. “Unity’s that kind of team. If we want to be taken seriously in this league, that’s the kind of game where you prove it.”

Veteran leadership runs deep

Senior Brandon Davenport (RB/LB) and junior Carter Patterson (ATH/QB/ MLB) are the emotional and physical anchors of the team. Both play both ways and have earned the trust of teammates through work ethic and consistency.

“Brandon is tough as nails,” Farlow said. “Carter’s our field general. They lead in different ways, but both of them bring it every day.”

Up front, senior Brody Harmon and sophomore Josh Holland will be key in opening lanes and protecting the quarterback. Other tone-setters in-

clude Reese Kramer, Hudson Clough and Ethan McKee—players Farlow said “bring an edge” every snap.

Sophomore Josh Taylor has emerged as a breakout candidate on both sides of the ball, while 8th-grader Josh Holland has earned praise for his maturity and physicality despite his youth.

“We’ve got some young dudes that aren’t afraid of the moment,” Farlow said. “They’re not just here for depth. They’re competing to start.”

Strength gains, but durability is key Farlow credits offseason training with transforming how the Crusaders compete in the trenches. Linemen, in particular, are showing improved stamina, pad level and footwork. But as much as strength matters, durability is the difference between competing and collapsing in 9-man football.

“Our strength numbers are up, and that helps, no doubt,” he said. “But for us, success comes down to staying healthy. One injury can change everything.”

Thin roster, high demands

With a limited roster, nearly every player is an ironman—starting on both offense and defense, often with special teams duties. Managing those reps through practice and gameday is Farlow’s biggest challenge.

“We’re going to play our best guys, but we’ve also got to survive four quarters,” he said. “So we’re getting creative with substitutions and how we structure practice. We can’t afford breakdowns.”

While every coach wants wins, Farlow says success for this group will be measured by resilience, accountability and playing the right way—especially in the face of adversity.

“If we play physical, play together and don’t quit, that’s success,” he said. “And if we can keep our guys on the field and healthy, we’re going to give teams a real problem.”

Farlow’s long view is clear: “We’re building a program with real grit. That doesn’t happen overnight. But you can feel it starting to take root.”

NOWOPEN!

central christian SCHEDULE

Central Christian Coaching Staff

Head Coach (H/C): Joey Farlow

Offensive Coordinators (O/C): Sean Bruce / Scotty Patterson Defensive Coordinator (D/C): Austin Stover Linebackers (L/B): Anthony Franco

Offensive Line / Defensive Line (O/L, D/L): Dee Martin