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DEL.ICIO.USSpring 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.
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By drock08
April 18, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this
With the offensive line led by Ray Beno(Ask Toby Jackson) how good is #64 and a great running game led by D1 Recruit Kendreass Wynn the Cougar offense looks explosive then you add All-State WR Alan Bonner with 4.3 speedster E.J. Houston with the multipurpose signal caller Russell Powell it should be a show at Drake Stadium on Friday Nights. The Defense led by sack leader Dustin Russell and D1 Recruits Leland Russell, Will Koran and 2010 D1 recruit FS Alec Olgetree should do better than their stats 12 ppg from last year. The question in Newnan is truly how bad the Cougars want it? The talent is probably the best since the national rank 1992 team who lost early in the playoffs but is the heart in desire is their? If the SENIORS step up and be leaders this year I really think a championship is coming to Newnan. If not I see a overhyped team losing early in the playoffs. I am looking forward to a motivated team really putting on a show this year and also looking forward to the Lagrange and Creekside matchup. It time to eat Phil 4:13
By slalom1
April 19, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Geez. Do not worry about LG in Game 1. It will be a cake walk. Just relax, and enjoy the route. The Grangers do not match up physically against the mighty Cougars. Rest the starters. Get the #2 and #3 guys some playing time. This IS the year of the COUGARS!
By the cyber
April 19, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this
By the cyber
April 19, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Adam Calhoun a 6’7” 335 Sr. and is being recruited by several D-1 schools, he will be a big impact on the offensive line this year. Along with Roy Alford, and Tyler Hill
By Drago
April 22, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
This is not the first time Newnan has had great expectations following a good year. ‘82 and ‘04 come to mind. But, I am hearing that this year could be different, that this year the players are smarter, more focused and more willing to work. Still a very young team, they need to grow up fast. Focus on LaGrange, cause I guarantee the Grangers are focused on you.
By the cyber
April 23, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
By the cyber
April 23, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
will lagrange bring grown ups to play the game or kids like ours
By NHS Alum
April 29, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
It’s Cuga Time!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Granger006
May 9, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
slalom1, You’re gonna eat them words. In 2004 ya’ll thought it’d be a cakewalk and it was…. for LaGrange. 35-7 being 28-7 halftime.
In 2005 LaGrange hung well with Newnan especially considering two 70+ yard TDs were called back for clipping on two four (4) and out drives.
My main thing is it won’t be a cakewalk…so don’t bulls* urself.
GO GRANGERS!!!! THIS IS “OUR” YEAR!
By true cougar
June 3, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
lagrange had better be ready. its the year of a huge offensive front and aggresive defense. this team is pumped up now and ready to play. just dont miss a game its cougar time at drake.