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Friday, April 18, 2008
Spring Football Fling: Newnan duo eager to return Cougars to past glory
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
THE SPRING FOOTBALL FLING
In upcoming weeks, teams throughout the state will spend 10 days on the practice field preparing for the 2008 football season. In a series of stories, ajc.com will provide an offseason outlook for 25 of the top teams in the metro and state.
This Week’s Lineup
• 4/21: ML King • 4/22: Valdosta • 4/23: Buford • 4/24: P’tree Ridge
• 4/25: Tucker • 4/26: Fayette Co. • 4/27: Brookwood
You make the call: What’s the buzz on Newnan in ‘08? Can the Cougars reclaim their past power? Games start in August. Talk starts NOW.
Duo eager to bring title back to Newnan
Yes, it was the result of repetitive work together. But the touchdown pass from Russell Powell to Alan Bonner in Newnan’s victory in Week 3 last fall against South Gwinnett was merely a continuation of a connection that was made when the two players were 5 years old.
“That year, we were on the same baseball team,” said Powell, the Cougars’ quarterback. “And every team we’ve been on in everything we’ve played … we’ve been on the same team since.”
That is, except for middle school, when they went to different schools.
No matter. The pass against South Gwinnett was a breakout moment for the two juniors, sparking a 35-0 rout of the Comets and a 10-game winning streak.
It was a “wheel” route, where Bonner curls into the flat and then rolls up the sideline if the cornerback breaks a certain way. He did, and both Bonner and Powell saw it. Powell’s pass landed in Bonner’s hands in the end zone.
“He pretty much knows what I’m going to do,” said Bonner, “and I know what he’s going to do.”
Even when the Cougars lost 38-35 to North Gwinnett in the state quarterfinals, Powell and Bonner led a comeback charge that fell short.
This fall figures to present more of the same. Powell and Bonner headline a group of 18 returning starters for Newnan, and they’re not shy about talking about championships.
“That’s an everyday conversation,” Powell said. “We want to bring it back to Newnan.”
Newnan Cougars
Region 4-AAAAA, Division B
Spring practice dates: Tentatively scheduled to start the week of May 5.
Last year’s record: 11-2, lost in Class AAAAA quarterfinals to North Gwinnett.
Working on: In a word, intangibles. With a talented and experienced group of players returning - the Cougars lost two starters on offense and three on defense - veteran coach Robert Herring says his main concern is how hard they’re willing to work. “I don’t know that I’ve had many teams that were as focused as we were last year,” Herring said, “but you don’t know how much carry-over you’ll get.” If key skilled players stay healthy, there’s no reason Newnan can’t equal or surpass the success of 2007.
Key starters lost: WR Brandon Clark, TE Kris Yeats, DB Terrell Bridges.
Key starters returning: QB Russell Powell, WR Alan Bonner, RT Raymond Beno, LT Adam Calhoun, FS Alec Ogletree.
2008 strengths: The Cougars have size and speed. The offensive line averages 280 pounds, which Herring said is the biggest he has had in more than 30 years of coaching. Plus, the majority of the skilled players return from a team that scored 426 points (32.8 per game), including Powell, who passed for 2,077 yards and ran for 502. Three other players who surpassed 800 yards of total offense are also back. All-state wide receiver Alan Bonner led the team with 43 catches and 703 receiving yards. The Cougars also return six of their front seven on defense, including all of their linebackers.
2008 weaknesses: The biggest challenge may be settling on a replacement for second-leading receiver Brandon Clark (400 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2007), who was a strong enough second option to keep opposing defenses honest in their approach to defending Bonner. The defensive secondary will have some new players to surround Ogletree, who drew rave reviews and early recruiting attention as a sophomore last fall.
This season’s projection: It’s hard not to have Newnan in the state title conversation. Predicting them to win the big prize might be stretching it, but then they were predicted to finish fourth in 4-AAAAA last year and rolled to a region crown. This much is certain, though: They’re going to be fun to watch.
Comment: “I think basketball helped him. The things we do at quarterback are the same kind of things that you do as a point guard.” - Newnan coach Robert Herring on quarterback Russell Powell, also the point guard on the school’s basketball team.
Last Week’s Lineup
• 4/14: Roswell • 4/15: Norcross • 4/16: Walton • 4/17: Harrison
• 4/18: Camden Co. • 4/19: Stephenson • 4/20: Newnan
You make the call: What’s the buzz on Newnan in ‘08? Can the Cougars reclaim their past power? Games start in August. Talk starts NOW.
Permalink | Comments (10) | Post your comment | Categories: Spring Football
Spring Football Fling: Stephenson’s goal same as ever - win a state title
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
THE SPRING FOOTBALL FLING
In upcoming weeks, teams throughout the state will spend 10 days on the practice field preparing for the 2008 football season. In a series of stories, ajc.com will provide an offseason outlook for 25 of the top teams in the metro and state.
This Week’s Lineup
4/21: ML King • 4/22: Valdosta • 4/23: Buford • 4/24: P’tree Ridge
4/25: Tucker • 4/26: Fayette Co. • 4/27: Brookwood
Photos: A look at Stephenson
You make the call: What’s the buzz on Stephenson in ‘08? Is this the Jags’ title season? Games start in August. Talk starts NOW.
Stephenson’s goal the same: Win state title
A 17-14 first-round playoff loss to East Coweta last season represented a bitter end for the Stephenson Jaguars.
It was the first time since 2000 that Stephenson hadn’t won at least one playoff game, and it was only the second time during that stretch they didn’t reach double figures in victories.
That history of success sets the bar high, and the expectations haven’t changed.
“We shouldn’t have been in the situation we were in,” Stephenson coach Ron Gartrell said. “Last year, it took a heck of a drive for East Coweta to knock us out. Our goal always is to win the state championship. That hasn’t happened for us yet, so there’s no lack of motivation. We were disappointed last year, but it’s a new year.”
And with the new year comes a new quarterback, albeit the same quarterback who started the final three games of last season.
Geoffrey Thomas will have to play well if the Jags hope to get back where they feel they belong.
“We have a lot of confidence in [Thomas],” Gartrell said. “He’s only one year in terms of experience running the offense, but he has been in the program for three years. It’s his time. Is he good enough to take us where we need to go? I think he is.”
Stephenson Jaguars
Region 2-AAAAA
Spring practice dates: May 5-15.
Last year’s record: 8-3, lost in the first round of playoffs.
Reclassification change: Does not apply.
Working on: Filling gaps on the offensive and defensive fronts will be key because of the graduation of several starters. The Jags’ Geoffrey Thomas got a head start on the quarterback position when he started the team’s final three games. The top rusher is gone, but three solid backs should fill the void.
Key starters lost: QB Rashaad Carter, RB Jerome Rudolph, SS Max Regis, CB Destin Route, LB Josh Elder.
Key starters returning: LB Nigel Mitchell-Thornton, RB Raymond Sanders, WR Jonathan Blackley, DE Joshua Williams, OL Tobias Williams.
2008 strengths: As usual, Stephenson should have plenty of speed, especially at the skill positions. Sanders proved to be a capable back last season, and Thomas performed well in his late-season work at QB.
2008 weaknesses: The Jags’ biggest issues could come up front, where both sides lack depth and experience.
This season’s projection: The team appears in good hands with Thomas at QB, and Mitchell-Thornton is one of the most highly sought-after linebackers in the state. If the offensive line can come together after losing four starters, this team should be a factor.
Comment: “The main thing is the guys who played last year, you pretty much know what they can do,” Gartrell said. “Your focus is establishing some depth. I don’t want to concentrate too much on new offenses, new defenses. We want to find out who the kids are who are going to be aggressive.”
Photos: A look at Stephenson
Last Week’s Lineup
4/14: Roswell • 4/15: Norcross • 4/16: Walton • 4/17: Harrison
4/18: Camden Co. • 4/19: Newnan • 4/20: Stephenson
You make the call: What’s the buzz on Stephenson in ‘08? Is this the Jags’ title season? Games start in August. Talk starts NOW.
Permalink | Comments (9) | Post your comment | Categories: Spring Football
