AJC > Sports > Highschools > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSpring 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
Services »
Comments
By BleedBlue
April 19, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
Ok here we go again. Another season with high hopes. But the difference between this team and last year’s team, this team knows how to play football. This team was undefeated for two years in middle school. No primadona’s. Just a great bunch of kids. But talk is nothing. You have to work like never before, on the field, in the weight room, during morning workouts. Work! Work! Work! No excuses!
By Dekalb Dominance
April 20, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
It looks like Dekalb will get back in it’s proper place of dominance in football. Nigel Mitchell-Thornton SHS, Joel Kigth MLK, Jonathan Davis TUcker, Warren Norman, Chamblee, Malcolm Mitchell Dunwoody, Vinson Bass Cedar Grove, Drayton Calhoun Tucker. Should be a great year in Dekalb. COngratulations!
By Clubhouse
April 20, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Championship, who knows? It’s definitely possible. We have a lot of pieces in place; Experienced coaches, strong rb’s, DL, S, and LB’s. The question mark will be OL, WR, QB, and DB’s. They are capable, just not proven yet. We still need a power back and a true passing game. Scat backs can’t get us 3rd and 2. We have a slew of receivers. One just has to step up. Speed is one thing but we have to learn to go get the ball and catch it. All balls are not going to hit you in your hands. All that said, championship teams don’t usually have it all in place this time of year. But they do have leadership, they are relentless and they never ever quit. We do have that!
By A
April 21, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Stephenson, Dekalb Teams, State Champs in the same sentence?!?! Maybe Tucker, but otherwise, don’t make me laugh.
I notice how much time Stephenson spent in the so-called top 10 (and even in first place) in the rankings last year, and then embaresed themselves in the first round. I guess no one noticed they never played anyone in the top 20 prior to the playoffs.
By A
April 21, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Stephenson, Dekalb Teams, State Champs in the same sentence?!?! Maybe Tucker, but otherwise, don’t make me laugh.
I notice how much time Stephenson spent in the so-called top 10 (and even in first place) in the rankings last year, and then embarrassed themselves in the first round. I guess no one noticed they never played anyone in the top 20 prior to the playoffs.
By A
April 21, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Stephenson, Dekalb Teams, State Champs in the same sentence?!?! Maybe Tucker, but otherwise, don’t make me laugh.
I notice how much time Stephenson spent in the so-called top 10 (and even in first place) in the rankings last year, and then embarrassed themselves in the first round. I guess no one noticed they never played anyone in the top 20 prior to the playoffs.
By Mr. Banks III
April 21, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Tucker is overrated. It’s hard getting these kids focus on playing. Tucker would not be winning if it wasn’t for kids going to their school from step, redan, st mtn, avondale, etc. Win with your athletes. How many championships have the middle won?00000000. You do the math. Give Stephenson more respect than that.
By g
April 21, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Overrated is not word How many football state champions have Tucker won since the school opening in 1918? 00000000 How many of our children have they help get in school ? noooot many they use them and then lose them So truth be told about Tucker its all waaaay over rated enough of this stuff Get all the facts
By citi slicker
July 6, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this
i cant wait for the first game vs mcnair stepheson won last year and we know this series has back in forth since 04 mcnair won 14-7,then stepheson won 9-6,then mcnair won 10-7, then stepheson won 20-2 so wat will it b this year