Tuesday Night's Box Scores (November 24)

Boys

Justin Lloyd - Aquinas

Aquinas    14 14 18 21    -    67

Augusta Christian    19 14 15 8    -    56

    Aquinas - Camden Parada 3 2-4 8, Patrick Green 2 0-1 4, Tahj Vines 6 0-0 14, Justin Lloyd 9 1-2 19, Jacquez Merriweather 3 5-6 12, Alex Cosper 3 0-0 9. Totals: 26 8-12 67.

    Augusta Christian - Johnny O'Keefe 6 2-6 18, Tray Moseley 4 0-0 8, Avery Evans 2 0-0 4, Elijah Crawford 4 1-2 9, Cam Slade 2 4-4 9, Luke Wilson 2 2-2 6, Jacob Thigpen 2 0-1 2. Totals: 22 9-15 56.

Three-point goals - Aquinas: 6 (Vines 2, Merriweather, Cosper 3). Augusta Christian: 5 (O'Keefe 4, Slade).

Devin Pope - Cross Creek

Cross Creek    23 (1st H) - 42 (2nd H)    -    65

Aiken    26 (1st H) - 23 (2nd H)    -    49

    Cross Creek - Devin Pope 9 3-4 26, Josh Dorsey 2 0-0 4, Richard Visitacion 4 0-0 11, Ricardo Daggett 2 0-0 4, Corey Trotter 5 4-6 14, Antoine Lorick 1 0-0 2, Dayshawn Adams 2 2-4 4. Totals: 25 9-14 65.

    Aiken - Clay Howard 3 0-0 6, RJ Felton 12 1-5 29, Jayquan Gilchrist 0 0-2 0, Keyon Landy 0 0-1 0, Demarcus Mazone 1 1-1 3, Otis Carter 2 0-0 8, Nate Holland 1 2-3 4. Totals: 19 4-12 49.

Three-point goals - Cross Creek: 8 (Pope 5, Visitacion 3). Aiken: 6 (Felton 4, Carter 2).

AuMauri Tillman - Westside

Westside    25 11 21 20    -    77

Lakeside    12 15 13 19    -    59

    Westside - Ryan Gordon 3 0-2 7, DeMarco Middleton 4 1-2 9, AuMauri Tillman 9 0-0 20, Brian Green 1 0-0 2, Felix Booker 5 3-4 15, Jakari Freeman 1 0-0 2, William Baker 2 0-0 4, Khalon Hudson 5 0-0 10, Jalex Ewing 4 0-0 8. Totals: 34 4-8 77.

    Lakeside - Rico Gonzalez 8 3-7 21, Eli Hergott 2 0-1 4, Marquez West 0 0-2 0, Braylen Smith 2 1-2 6, Jayden Lyons 1 1-2 4, Troy Booker 0 0-2 0, Ahmad Hunt 4 1-2 11, Wesley Jones 1 0-0 2, Lazerius Walden 4 1-2 9. Totals: 22 7-20 59.

Three-point goals - Westside: 5 (Gordon, Tillman 2, Booker 2). Lakeside: 6 (Gonzalez 2, Smith, Lyons, Hunt 2).

Girls

Deajah Houck - Josey

Josey    14 13 21 9    -    57

Washington    3 13 13 14    -    43

    Josey - Arieonna Booker 5 1-3 12, Deajah Houck 6 5-5 18, Jamirah Mitchell 2 0-0 5, Laura Jarrett 3 0-0 7, Ky'Shonna Brown 3 2-2 9, Aqoyas Cody 1 2-2 4, Mercedes Dames 1 0-0 2. Totals: 21 10-12 57.

    Washington - Martin 1 0-0 2, Compton 4 0-4 8, Flowers 2 3-4 8, Fulton 1 0-0 2, Howard 0 1-2 1, Miller 9 4-6 22. Totals: 17 8-16 43.

Three-point goals - Josey: 5 (Booker, Houck, Mitchell, Jarrett, Brown). Washington: 1 (Flowers).

Augusta Christian    6 5 14 17    -    42

Aquinas    6 10 4 9    -    29

    Augusta Christian - Ja'Keria Bonner 4 3-5 11, Kaylee Jackson 3 11-12 17, Alexis Perrell 5 0-2 12, Iyana Beard 2 0-1 4. Totals: 14 14-20 42.

    Aquinas - Susie Hagler 2 1-6 6, Le'Landra Jarvis 3 2-4 8, Caroline Jackson 1 1-5 3, Amelia Van Alstine 2 1-5 5, Carlisle Overstreet 2 1-2 5, Hannah Byrdy 1 0-0 2. Totals: 11 6-22 29.

Three-point goals - Augusta Christian 2 (Perrell). Aquinas: 1 (Hagler).

AugBball Box Scores - Games from Monday, November 23 (and 3 late entries from Saturday)

Boys

Gemaureon Belton - Glenn Hills

Glenn Hills    11 16 18 17    -    62

Aquinas    6 16 10 16    -    50

    Glenn Hills - Gemaureon Belton 7 0-2 18, Robert McKinney 3 1-2 7, Nakeda Scarborough 6 2-5 14, Lamar Belcher 2 0-0 5, Daylan Jones 1 0-0 2, Marquel Murray 5 1-3 12, Jordan Stewart 0 0-2 0, Trequan Carter 2 0-0 4. Totals: 26 4-14 62.

    Aquinas - Camden Parada 2 0-0 6, Patrick Green II 4 0-0 8, Tahj Vines 3 2-2 9, Justin Lloyd 7 0-0 15, Jacquez Merriweather 1 1-2 3, Alex Cosper 3 0-0 9. Totals: 20 3-4 50.

Three-point goals - Glenn Hills: 6 (Belton 4, Belcher 1, Murray 1). Aquinas: 7 (Parada 2, Vines 1, Lloyd 1, Cosper 3).

Eli Hergott - Lakeside

Lakeside    19 8 14 8    -    49

Greenbrier    6 12 15 14    -    47

    Lakeside - Rico Gonzalez 3 3-3 9, Eli Hergott 6 2-2 15, Jayden Lyons 4 0-0 9, Ahmad Hunt 2 1-1 6, Lazerius Walden 5 0-0 10. Totals: 18 6-6 49.

    Greenbrier - Cyrus Wilder 1 1-1 3, Aidan Holliman 5 0-0 10, Justice Lawson 3 0-0 7, Jack Jennings 2 0-0 4, Andrew Black 5 1-1 13, Khaleel Pratt 2 3-5 7, Sean Edewor 1 0-0 3. Totals: 19 5-7 47.

Three-point goals - Lakeside: 3 (Hergott, Lyons, Hunt). Greenbrier: 4 (Lawson, Black 2, Edewor).

Wardlaw    19 16 20 19    -    74

South Aiken Baptist    8 10 7 14    -    39

    Wardlaw - Sam Jordan 4 0-1 8, Hudson Manly 3 0-0 7, Josh Knowles 3 0-0 6, Ethan Anderson 17 2-4 36, Alex Smith 4 2-2 10, Matthew Murphy 2 0-0 5, JD Satcher 1 0-0 2. Totals: 34 4-7 74.

    South Aiken Baptist - Ben Ferrick 3 0-0 8, JD Good 4 0-0 10, Sterling Osbon 2 0-0 4, Kyle Kaufelds 2 1-2 5, Ethan Shull 2 0-0 4, Nick Erwin 1 0-0 3, Ian McKinney 2 0-0 5. Totals: 16 1-2 39.

Three-point goals - Wardlaw: 2 (Manly, Murphy). South Aiken Baptist: 6 (Ferrick 2, Good 2, Erwin , McKinney).

Aiken    11 18 21 12    -    62

Chapin    - - - -    33

    Aiken - Clay Howard 0 0-1 0, Russell Felton Jr. 6 3-5 18, Kam Williamson 6 0-0 13, Nate Holland 7 2-3 17, Dee Roberson 2 0-2 2, DeMarcus Mazone 2 3-5 7, Otis Carter 1 3-4 5. Totals: 24 12-20 62.

    Chapin - Missing details.

Three-point goals - Aiken: 5 (Felton 3, Williamson, Holland).

Girls

Parkview    13 18 15 17    -    63

Josey    2 11 14 14    -    41

    Parkview - M. Casimir 4 1-2 9, A. Woods 1 0-0 2, C. Mesh 1 0-0 2, L. Hart 7 0-0 18, J. Baker 2 3-4 7, S. Benton 0 1-2 1, N. McCown 4 2-2 12, S. Ngulefac 5 2-3 12. Totals: 24 9-13 63.

    Josey - Tymiria Mack 0 1-2 1, JaCayla Shorty 1 3-5 6, Arieonna Booker 3 2-8 8, Deajah Houck 3 3-5 10, Jamirah Mitchell 2 0-0 4, Kayla McCord 1 0-0 2, Laura Jarrett 1 2-2 4, Ky'Shonna Brown 0 2-2 2, Aqoyas Cody 1 0-0 2, Mercedes Dames 1 0-1 2. Totals: 13 13-25 41.

Three-point goals - Parkview: 6 (Hart 4, McCown 2). Josey: 2 (Shorty 1, Houck 1).

From Saturday, November 21

Evans    13 20 15 14    -    62

Richmond    6 7 4 1    -    18

    Evans - Tia Scott 1 0-0 2, DJ Jones 6 1-3 13, Madison Crunk 2 1-1 5, Jessica Dowdy 2 1-1 5, MJ Walker 1 0-0 2, Olivia Huff 2 1-2 5, Jalaya Eskridge 9 0-2 18, Erin Skinner 5 1-2 11, Braxton Mann 0 1-4 1. Totals: 28 6-15 62.

    Richmond - Cyanna Grant 0 1-2 1, Shnya Head 5 6-6 16. Totals: 5 8-10 18.

Stephens Co.    9 16 19 8    -    52

Butler    10 18 4 3    -    35

    Stephens Co. - Nana Eades 4 2-4 11, Savanna Broska 1 2-4 4, Lindsay Moore 1 2-2 5, Mylasia Pope 1 0-0 2, Kiki Howard 3 1-1 8, Ravajah Verdell 6 1-4 14, Bree Taylor 1 1-2 4, Manisha Colbert 1 1-2 3. Totals: 18 10-19 52.

    Butler - Lauren B. 0 1-4 1, Amari S. 0 0-2 0, Paris L. 2 1-2 5, Makera T. 2 0-0 5, Brionna S. 6 2-5 14. Totals 11 4-13 35.

Three-point goals - Stephens Co.: 5 (Eades, Moore, Howard, Verdell, Taylor). Butler: 1 (Makera).

Westside    12 7 14 17    -    50

Effingham Co.    5 5 2 7    -    19

    Westside - Teteria Holliman 3 1-5 7, Taylor Boddie 3 0-0 7, Kennedy Armistead 6 0-1 14, Alexxis Ingram 4 0-0 9, Janiya Lee 5 0-1 11, Braniyah Williams 1 1-4 3. Totals: 22 2-11 50.

    Effingham Co. - Makyah Cooper 0 1-3 1, Faith Norman 2 0-3 4, Tatianna Kelley 0 1-2 1, Kalyee Watson 0 1-4 1, Destiney Walls 0 0-1 0, Runesha Goss 1 2-6 4, Deadra Williams 1 2-3 4, Jania Taylor 1 0-0 2, Briana Hall 1 0-2 4, Katie Harris 1 0-0 2, Tamirra Robinson 0 0-3 0. Totals: 7 7-29 19.

Boys Junior Varsity

Glenn Hills    12 10 17 9    -    48

Aquinas    11 11 8 10    -    40

    Glenn Hills - Tre Carter 6 3-5 15, Jaylen Houston 3 2-5 8, Shaheed Norton 4 5-12 14, Ethan Patterson 0 0-2 0, Demontrez Latimore 2 2-2 4, Tim Stringer 1 0-0 2, Eddie Solomon 1 0-0 2. Totals: 17 12-24 48.

    Aquinas - Evan Perera 3 0-5 9, Tison Wright 2 0-2 4, Eli Cosper 5 0-0 10, Noah Theobald 0 3-4 3, Brandon Lynch 2 3-5 7, Terrance Tate 2 1-2 6. Totals: 14 7-18 40.

Three-point goals - Glenn Hills: 1 (Norton). Aquinas 4 (Perera 3, Tate 1).

Box scores are back! The scoring details from the opening weekend of high school hoops

Boys

Derrion Reid - Grovetown

Grovetown    20 22 29 17    -    88

Greenbrier    24 12 18 22    -    76

    Grovetown - Malik Ferguson 4 12-14 20, Jaye Gant 6 2-3 14, Julius Brown 2 3-5 7, Zach Bell 8 0-0 19, Jaden Cobb 1 1-1 3, Markell Freeman 4 1-2 9, Joseph Bryson 1 0-0 3, Derrion Reid 3 5-6 11. Totals: 29 24-31 88.

    Greenbrier - Cyrus Wilder 6 2-2 17, Hampton Goff 1 3-3 5, Aidan Holliman 2 1-3 5, Justice Lawson 1 0-1 2, Andrew Black 8 3-5 20, Khaleel Pratt 4 1-1 11, Sean Edewor 4 9-10 18, Jaylen McGee 0 0-2 0. Totals: 26 19-27 76.

Three-point goals - Grovetown: 4 (Bell 3, Bryson 1). Greenbrier 7: (Wilder 3, Black 1, Pratt 2, Edewor 1).

Evans    27 19 23 19    -    88

Laney    16 23 11 12    -    66

    Evans - Brasen James 6 4-4 17, Rashad King 6 6-13 19, Joshton Mincey 9 7-8 28, Devin Story 5 2-2 13, Jay Stephens 2 0-0 4, Jones 1 1-2 3, Jourdain Spann 2 0-0 4. Totals: 31 20-29 88.

    Laney - James Nipper 6 4-6 16, Matthew Jones 2 2-3 6, Quan Collier 1 1-4 3, Dontavious West 3 3-6 9, Joseph Hollins 1 0-0 3, Marcellus Brigham 3 1-2 7, Kyrell Thompson 4 0-0 11, Curry 0 0-2 0, DJ Collins 3 0-0 8, Makele Walker 0 1-1 1. Totals: 23 12-24 66.

Three-point goals - Evans: 6 (James 1, King 1, Mincey 3, Story 1). Laney: 4 (Hollins 1, Thompson 1, Collins 2).

Hephzibah    19 19 26 10    -    74

Josey            6 10 6 14    -    36

    Hephzibah - Breylon Davis 3 1-2 7, Darrin Shine 2 2-5 7, Jayden Pack 3 3-3 11, Corey Peace 4 3-3 11, Jaylen Blount 5 9-12 19, Terrence Streetman 2 2-2 6, Jacobe Cummings 1 1-1 3, Dhamzen Gelaid 3 0-0 6, Curtis Earle 0 2-2 2. Totals: 23 23-30 74.

    Josey - Quay Trumpler 1 0-0 2, Zaveon Phillips 2 1-2 6, Demarius Tate 1 1-2 4, Ronald Wynn 1 0-3 2, Clarence Ruffin 4 0-0 8, Leroy Pooser 4 0-0 8, Zayquavian Burnett 1 0-2 2, Tellis Rios 1 2-2 4. Totals: 15 4-11 36.

Three-point goals - Hephzibah: 3 (Shine 1, Pack 2). Josey 2: (Phillips 1, Tate 1).

AuMauri Tillman - Westside

Westside    14 17 23 11    -    65

Effingham Co. 11 14 13 10    -    48

    Westside - Ryan Gordan 2 2-2 7, DeMarco Middleton 2 3-3 7, AuMauri Tillman 6 0-0 18, Brian Green 3 2-3 8, Felix Booker 3 0-2 8, William Baker 2 0-0 4, Isaiah Marshall 2 0-0 4, Khalon Hudson 3 1-1 7, Marcel Woods 0 2-2 2, Cameron Briddle 2 0-0 4. Totals: 25 10-13 65.

    Effingham Co. - Keion Wallace 7 8-8 22, Khiry Wallace 1 2-2 4, Rashad Scott 6 2-2 15, Caleb Williams 0 0-2 0, Ashley Thompson 0 1-4 1, Aaron Mordarski 2 0-0 5, Jordan Goldwire 0 1-4 0, Camdon Seckinger 0 0-1 0. Totals 16 14-23 48.

Three-point goals - Westside: 7 (Gordan 1, Tillman 7). Effingham Co.: 2 (Scott 1, Mordarski 1).

Thomson    21 22 16 23    -    82

Aquinas    16 7 15 16    -    54

    Thomson - Jalen Moss 3 0-0 6, Lavonta Ivery 6 3-5 16, Jaheem Battle 2 0-0 4, Raheem Jones 1 0-0 2, Jaylon McCall 6 0-0 14, Ja'Quarion Brooks 4 1-4 9, Le'Derrious Jackson 3 0-0 6, Tramon D'Antignac 4 3-5 13, Javontae Lawson 2 0-0 4, Steed 1 0-0 3, James Leverette 1 3-3 5. Totals: 33 10-17 82.

    Aquinas - Patrick Green II 7 1-2 15, Tahj Vines 2 0-1 6, Justin Lloyd 4 2-4 14, Jacquez Merriweather 6 5-6 17, Alex Cosper 2 0-0 4. Totals: 21 8-13 54.

Three-point goals - Thomson: 6 (Ivery 1, McCall 2, D'Antignac 2, Steed 1). Aquinas: 4 (Vines 2, Lloyd 2).

Lakeside    12 15 10 20    -    57

Harlem    14 13 12 15    -    54

    Lakeside - Rico Gonzalez 6 0-0 15, Eli Hergott 4 1-4 9, Jayden Lyons 1 2-2 4, Ahmad Hunt 9 0-1 21, Lazerius Walden 4 0-0 8. Totals: 24 3-7 57.

    Harlem - Lemar Edmond 3 2-2 10, Cam Powell 3 1-2 9, Jamal Garnett 3 0-0 8, Patric Prince 7 8-11 24, Dalton Dodgen 0 1-2 1, Dylan Roberson 1 0-0 2. Totals: 17 12-17 54.

Three-point goals - Lakeside: 6 (Gonzalez 3, Hunt 3). Harlem: 8 (Edmond 2, Powell 2, Garnett 2, Prince 2).

Richmond    7 7 18 16    -    48

Stephens Co.    8 12 12 7    -    39

    Richmond - Keon Jones 5 1-2 12, Desmond Johnson 1 0-0 3, Josh Cody 7 0-0 17, Marquese Hester 2 0-2 5, Juvares Safford 3 2-3 8, Alec Jones 1 1-1 3. Totals: 19 4-8 48.

    Stephens Co. - Kairion Morrison 2 0-0 4, Chris Curry 2 0-0 5, AJ Russell 1 0-0 3, Marques Tukes 0 1-3 1, Dominic Forbes 4 0-4 8, Tyrese Mackie 6 3-7 17. Totals: 15 4-14 39.

Three-point goals - Richmond: 5 (Jones 1, Cody 3, Hester 1). Stephens Co.: 3 (Curry 1, Mackie 2).

Girls

Jordan Tanksley - Greenbrier

Grovetown    18 9 17 17    -    61

Greenbrier    11 17 9 10    -    47

    Grovetown - Yazmin Calhoun 1 0-1 2, Reina Way 3 4-6 10, Jada Porter 7 2-4 17, Aniyah Jones 3 2-2 10, Cecilia Burke 0 1-2 1, Amaya Brown 2 2-2 6, Jordan Meardith 0 2-4 2, Keona Curtis 3 5-7 11, Kelsy Linen 0 2-4 2. Totals: 19 20-32 61.

    Greenbrier - Nadia Holliman 3 0-0 6, Brooklyn Begley 1 0-0 2, Sydney Peake 1 1-2 4, Caitlin Staley 6 0-6 12, Jordan Tanksley 9 0-0 21, Jah'laila Owens 1 0-2 2. Totals: 21 1-10 47.

Three-point goals - Grovetown: 3 (Porter 1, Jones 2). Greenbrier: 4 (Peake 1, Tanksley 3).

Josey    22 24 10 17    -    73

Hephzibah 6 11 10 10    -    37

    Josey - Tymiria Mack 1 2-2 4, Arieonna Booker 5 0-1 10, Deajah Houck 4 2-2 12, Jamirah Mitchell 1 0-0 3, Kayla McCord 0 2-2 2, Laura Jarrett 4 0-0 10, Ky'Shonna Brown 9 0-0 18, Aqoyas Cody 3 2-2 8, Mercedes Dames 2 1-2 6. Totals: 29 9-11 73.

    Hephzibah - Roemel Brown 2 3-6 7, Logan Davis 4 0-0 8, Guyia Akins 4 3-6 11, Courtney Morrall 2 2-6 6, Cherokee McKinney 1 0-0 2, Janiah Blount 1 1-4 3. Totals: 14 9-18 37.

Three-point goals - Josey: 6 (Houck 2, Mitchell 1, Jarrett 2, Dames 1).

Thomson    7 16 6 16    -    45

Aquinas    9 18 5 11    -    43

    Thomson - S Bacon 5 0-0 10, J Embry 2 1-4 5, Y Moss 2 1-2 5, K Robinson 5 1-4 11, J West 4 1-4 12. Totals: 18 4-14 45.

    Aquinas - Susie Hagler 2 0-2 5, Caroline Jackson 2 2-4 8, Ameilia Van Alstine 2 0-2 4, Elizabeth Williams 8 3-6 21, Morgan Johnson 2 0-0 5. Totals 16 5-14 43.

Three-point goals - Thomson: 3 (West). Aquinas: 3 (Jackson 2, Johnson 1).

Missing:

Butler vs Stephens Co.

Evans vs Richmond

Westside vs Effingham Co.

Harlem vs Lakeside

Area Football Snapshot: Thomson travels to Burke County; Greenbrier takes on the region leader; Westside invades Laney's homecoming and more

Beau Shugarts - Greenbrier

Thomson (5-2, 2-1) at Burke County (2-2, 2-1)

Class 3A, Region 4

Thomson stands one game behind Burke County and Richmond (6-1, 3-0) in the region standings. In my opinion, this is usually the area's most exciting game. And there is no better place for football than the Bear Den in Waynesboro. I will be there to post highlights, updates and interviews to the @AugBball Facebook, Instagram and Twitter timelines.

Daveion Henry - Burke County

#10 Clarke Central (5-2, 4-0) at Greenbrier (5-1, 2-1)

Class 5A, Region 8

An upset win at home would propel the Wolfpack into the region's top spot. For a good reason, Greenbrier's passing attack has made headlines all season, with quarterback Brooks Pangle (1342 passing yards, 6 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions), and receivers Brayden Collett (450 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns) and Malik Leverett (337 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns) relentlessly lighting up scoreboards.

But just as eye popping have been the statistics posted on the defensive side by 6-3, 255 pound senior linemen Beau Shugarts, who has logged 75 total tackles (51 solo) and 20 tackles for a loss!

4th Take Films's Seth Wesley will be on the Greenbrier sidelines to post highlights, updates and interviews to the @AugBball Facebook, Instagram and Twitter timelines.

Malik Leverett - Greenbrier

#4 Blackville-Hilda (5-0, 5-0) at Williston-Elko (3-2, 3-1)

(SC) Class 1A, Region 3

The Fighting Hawks will have to earn a win on the road to extend their unbeaten streak and secure a region championship. A win for Williston-Elko would throw the region standings into chaos as #4 Blackville-Hilda, #9 Wagener-Salley and Williston-Elko would all be tied for first place with 1 loss each. And remember, only two teams from each region get an automatic playoff spot in South Carolina this season.

Adonis Davis - Blackville-Hilda

Morgan County (3-3, 1-1) at Richmond (6-1, 3-0)

Class 3A, Region 4

Between this game and the game in Waynesboro, region 4's top four teams will jockey for positioning in the top half of this 7 team league's standings. Four teams from the league will make the playoffs, but only two will start the post season with a home game.

Richmond's rushing attack was dominant in last week's 33-26 win over Hephzibah. The distinguished Musketeer offensive line paved the way for 388 yards on the ground, including 230 for Jontavious Curry and 114 for Rashad Williams.

Jackson Murphy and Rashad Williams (Richmond)

#5 Aquinas (7-0, 0-0) at Savannah Country Day (2-3, 0-0)

Class 1A Private, Region 3

Aquinas will finally open region play Friday. Since the last time we checked in on the Fighting Irish, the offense has continued to pound it on the ground to the tune of 328 yards and 5 touchdowns per game rushing! If the guys handle business on the road tomorrow, all eyes will turn to the following week's matchup at home against #8 Savannah Christian (6-1).

Lee Perry (70) - Aquinas

Evans (4-2, 1-0) at Lakeside (1-5, 0-1)

Class 6A, Region 3

The Knights will try to take the next step on the road to repeating as the region champion when they face arch rival Lakeside, which has struggled so far. But tear up the records when these two teams meet!

Kaleb Jackson (10) and Lleyton Lackey (1) - Evans

Westside (4-3, 3-1) at Laney (3-3, 3-1) - Saturday at 2:00 P.M.

Class 2A, Region 4

Both the Wildcats and the Patriots stand one game behind region leaders Putnam County and Jefferson County in this eight team league. It will be a homecoming game for Laney and I will be there to post highlights, updates and interviews to the @AugBball Facebook, Instagram and Twitter timelines.

Marcellus Brigham - Laney

Pelion (2-0, 2-0) at Silver Bluff (2-2, 1-2)

Class 2A, Region 5

Freshman running back Traevon Dunbar has quietly had one of the best seasons of any area player. Dunbar rushed for 6 touchdowns last week in Silver Bluff’s 52-24 win over Williston-Elko. 4th Take Films's Dangelo Bridges will be on the Silver Bluff sidelines to post highlights, updates and interviews to the @AugBball Facebook, Instagram and Twitter timelines.

Had 6 touchdown this game 🐶💪🏾🐶 pic.twitter.com/4wfQNhle8R

— Traevon Dunbar (@DunbarTraevon) October 24, 2020

Area Football Snapshot: Interview with John Starr II, Josey's Second Year Head Coach

Corey Thomas (8) - Josey

The interview below reminded me that the value of a high school coach cannot always be measured by wins and losses. In his first answer, Coach Starr describes a roster of more than 60 players, which is twice as large as the one he inherited 12 months earlier, practicing diligently for three months in anticipation of Josey's first game, which finally came several weeks after it was originally scheduled to take place. This steadfastness from a group of players who had seen their school's team lose 29 straight games could only be inspired by a strong leader, one whose enthusiasm and devotion to his players is exceptional. Josey's dedication was rewarded on opening night when the Eagles topped Cross Creek 14-8 in overtime.

29 straight losses as a program. 14 days no practice/game cancellations. The opportunity to enjoy this win with all of the kids, coaches, parents and supporters. Things money can’t buy. #ForeverGrateful pic.twitter.com/PewQxDWv25

— John Starr II (@jstarr_ii) September 29, 2020

So which coach is more valuable, one who wins 10 games in a season, or one who inspires an additional 30 players to make the investment and sacrifice to participate in a sport they otherwise never would have tried, giving them the chance to learn the lessons sports can teach, and to feel the support of their community, win or lose? Read what Coach Starr says below and you might agree with me when I say that if I had a football playing son, I would be thrilled for him to play for a team like Josey.

Interview with John Starr II, Josey's Second Year Head Coach

Chad:

Josey opened the season with a win, and you noted on social media that it was the program's first victory in 29 games. You also noted the difficult start to the season with games being postponed because of Covid complications. I saw the Hephzibah game and despite the result I was encouraged by the team's effort and spirit. And the following Friday I was also encouraged while I followed the score updates and saw that Josey was hanging with (back-to-back region champion) Jefferson County relatively deep into the game.

Can you describe the difficulty of trying to build winning habits and a positive attitude during these crazy pandemic times, and are you encouraged by your team's progress in doing so?

John Starr II:

Sure. When we were cleared to resume voluntary workouts in June the character of our program was revealed quickly. Despite a lack of success in recent seasons, our kids, coaches, parents and supporters have been all in from the beginning. The players and coaches came out and worked hard for nearly 4 months before even having the opportunity to play. The parents and community have been supportive and flexible in supporting the program. Whether it be getting the kids to practice or providing donations, nutrition and equipment, the Josey family gets the job done. Our players are great kids who have good attitudes. Practicing as long as we had to before competition created a little fatigue, but the kids kept coming and kept working.

Believe it or not the overwhelming majority of our team is comprised of kids who are new to the sport of football. So although we are disappointed to come up short in a few contests, everyone understands that we are gaining invaluable experience and we genuinely love being with one another. We have 10 seniors who hadn’t seen Josey win a game since the first contest their freshman year. Despite all the belittling they have received, they didn’t transfer or look to find an easy way out. They stayed home, worked hard, and that’s true character and toughness. These kids are incredibly resilient and an inspiration to us all. They have played an instrumental part in creating a strong culture at Josey whether we win 15 games or 0.

Chad:

Wow that is a great description. Thank you. When you say "the overwhelming majority of our team is comprised of kids who are new to the sport of football," it reminds me that it seems like your roster is much larger now than it was when you took over (December of 2018). Is that true? How many players do you have now, and how many played for the team right before you got there?

John Starr II

Currently we have 61 kids in our program and the year before I took over it was in the low 30’s. We don’t discriminate against kids who have never played or are undersized. Football is an avenue for personal growth and development and it’s our job as coaches to help these young men whether they are Friday night ready or not.

Chad:

Have you made a special effort to reach out to students to make it clear that you want them to participate even if they didn't play youth football or middle school school ball? Earlier you mentioned the community being supportive. It would be neat to learn about people, either employees of the school or members of the community who care about Josey and its students, who have helped you make the opportunity to play football accessible to more students.

John Starr II

Yes sir. I encourage and reach out to our students about being involved in athletics whether they have experience or not. Football is no different. The employees at Josey go over and beyond to be sure our kids have what they need. They spend extra time assisting athletes as well as notifying coaches when attention may be needed within the classroom. They spend money out of their own pockets supporting fundraisers and donating gift bags for the teams on game days. You can always find our employees at sporting events also which means a lot to everyone. The alumni at Josey does any and everything they can to support our players and school whether it’s donations, buying cleats, jerseys, sweatsuits etc. We never have to worry about small things such as pre game meals because the alumni are always there. The alumni and surrounding community in general play a pivotal role in having successful programs and they certainly are doing their part.

Demarion Calloway (2), Xavier Olds (3) and Jikil Alston (1)

Chad

Reading your words about the community and the alumni makes me happy. Over the years I have seen examples of the pride of the alumni and the Josey community in general, so I believe you.

Help us get to know your players better. I know you are very proud of them.

John Starr II

Let's start with junior quarterback Demarion Calloway, sophomore wide receiver Xavier Olds and a senior leader, Tony Roundtree Jr., who at 6-3 and 240 is a dominant defensive lineman in our area.

What’s special about these kids is their unique work ethic. Every time Josey is competing those guys are competing. They play sports all year round: football, basketball, wrestling, baseball, track, tennis and soccer (not all of them play every sport, but they all play 3, minimum). All three of these kids show up hours before practice in the summer and lift weights, do drill work on the field and even call team practices and workouts without a coach's involvement. They love the game of football, but what I love the most is they go out year round and represent the green and gold. And that’s rare to see in kids nowadays. Crazy enough Demarion and Xavier are examples of the kids that weren’t football players and are just now learning the game. Both are second year players.

I would also love to note that senior Jikil Alston and sophomore Jacorin Thomas are not only tremendous players, but they're also in the top of their classes academically. They are selfless kids and both started at QB for us last year. Although they are both talented enough to start QB for plenty of teams, they have led the team on special teams and defense, and they both make plays as wide receivers. I'm lucky to coach players like that.

Friday's @AugBball Coverage Schedule

Highlights and updates from Josey's (1-3, 0-2) road game against Laney (2-3, 2-1) will be shared on the @AugBball timeline on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Also featured on the timelines will be another class 2A, region 4 matchup between Westside (3-3, 2-1) and Butler (2-3, 0-3). Get familiar with Westside by reading the "Snapshot" taken of the Patriots at this link:

Area Football Snapshot: Westside's Homecoming Provides Chance to Build Momentum

Area Football Snapshot: Westside's Homecoming Provides Chance to Build Momentum

Treyvon Grandison (Nose Guard) - Westside

Sporting a 3-3 overall record and a 2-1 region mark, Westside will enter Friday's homecoming game against Butler (2-3, 0-3) with a golden opportunity to get one win closer to achieving two things the program hasn't in many years:

1. A winning record for the season, which would be the program's first since 2013
2. A state playoff birth (which goes to the the region's top 4 teams), something the Patriots haven't attained since 2014

But such accomplishments must be earned, starting with Friday's matchup against Butler, who topped Westside 6-3 last season in a pivotal region game also played at Carlton Thompson Field on Patriots Way.

A Dominant Defense

Up to the task will be Westside's defense, a unit that established itself as a force early last season by giving up an average of 5 points per game through the first 8 contests. Returning and continuing to make progress this season is a secondary packed with playmakers, including the safety tandem of brothers CJ (a senior) and Kaleb Hutchinson (a junior), who have each hauled in two interceptions already, and cornerbacks Robert Pulliam and Tyler Evans, both seniors.

Kaleb Hutchinson (DB/WR) - Westside

Second year head coach Jon Wiley said Tuesday in an email interview that his defensive backs are "fun to watch," and he credits assistant coach Chris Crayton, a former Westside star who played defensive back at the Division I and professional level, for helping the unit, saying Crayton "does an excellent job getting them prepared each week."

Both Wiley and Crayton believe Kaleb Hutchinson, at 6-1 and 180 pounds, has the potential to be a division 1 player. Here's Hutchinson intercepting a pass in a game against Laney last season:

Another high impact returnee is junior Treyvon Grandison, a 6-1 and 305 pound nose guard who earned all region honors as a sophomore last year. Coach Wiley thinks Grandison is the best defensive lineman in the area. Watch Grandison as a sophomore as he bullies his way into the backfield to make a tackle for a loss in a game against Richmond last season:

 

Wiley also has good things to say about Grandison's fellow lineman, senior Bo Alford (6-0 and 265). He noted Alford's strength and his ability to play anywhere on the line. Alford leads the team in tackles for loss, sacks and pressures.

Bo Alford (DL) - Westside

Wiley continued with praise for "speedy pass rushers" Rakeem Blount and Charles Dawson, both juniors who measure 6-1 and 240 pounds. Also noted were contributions from linebackers Damarien Lee (2nd on the team in tackles), Dion Wright (14 tackles in Westside's most recent game), Hannibal Simmons, Sean Taylor, Damontae Coleman, and Jack Wise, who also took over at quarterback in week 2 after the original starter TJ Price was injured.

Westside's Improving Offense

Wiley sees reason for optimism when it comes to the offense, which struggled during last season's 3-7 campaign. The ground game has improved dramatically as lead back Xzavier Green, a junior, has piled up 774 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns through 6 games while running behind a beefy offensive line that averages 280 pounds per man. That front is led by Javon Nathan (6-3, 295), Jordan Grissett (6-4, 310) and Treveon Few (6-1, 285), all of whom are juniors. The unit has helped the Patriots pile up 18 total rushing touchdowns for the season.

Treveon Few (OL) - Westside

Westside's passing game has also shown flashes despite early injury problems. Price, who spent time under center last season as a sophomore, threw for 297 yards in the first 5 quarters of action this season before Wise, a baseball star who is playing QB for the first time, was thrust into action. Wiley praised both signal callers, and he looks forward to having the option to use them both at some point during the season. Targets on the outside include Robert Pulliam, Kaleb Hutchinson, Jermichel Ambrose and Cameron Collins.

Robert Pulliam (WR/CB) - Westside

A Special Teams Bonus

Westside also received a boost in its special teams efforts, as Wiley explained in detail:

"We struggled in the first 3 games on special teams. Replacing an all state kicker like Maddox Hankinson is extremely difficult," said Wiley. "Luckily a young man named Sean Metcalf walked into my office and asked if he could try a few extra points. First day he came out he hit from 50. We were all in shock. I’m normally pretty keen on getting reps in practice, but at one point I think the entire team stopped to watch him. It was cool moment. He drilled his first FG attempt from 41 yards and has taken over kick off duty. His father is from across the pond and still refers to the game as American Football, which I get a kick out of. Sean is a good athlete and has great work ethic. We were fortunate Coach John Newton allowed him to come kick in addition to his work on the Cross Country team. He also plays cricket and has a 4.0. He’s only a sophomore. He just started working with Westside legend Obi Egekesi (former place kicker for the University of Maryland). I’m certain that if he continues at this pace he’ll be D1."

Friday's Coverage Schedule

Highlights and updates from Westside's homecoming game against Butler will be shared on the @AugBball timeline on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Also featured on the timelines will be another class 2A, region 4 matchup between Laney (2-3, 2-1) and Josey (1-3, 0-2). Get familiar with Laney, who will host Westside the following week, by reading the "Snapshot" taken of the Wildcats at this link:

Area Football Snapshot: Laney is hitting its stride while learning to overcome adversity

Area Football Snapshot: Laney is hitting its stride while learning to overcome adversity

After committing a turnover and falling behind Butler 8-6 in the fourth quarter on the road Friday, Laney calmly marched 65 yards down the field and scored the game's go-ahead touchdown on a 20 yard completion from freshman Javaris Harris to sophomore Marcellus Brigham.

The pivotal drive, which resulted in a 12-8 region victory for the Wildcats, encapsulated what acting head coach Chris Thomas meant in a post game interview conducted over Facebook Messenger Saturday when he said "this season has had its share of adversity... but we are making the best of the opportunity and seizing the moment." 

The winner of two of its last three games, no area team has been hit harder by Covid-19 complications than Laney (2-3, 2-1), who because of the virus has played all five of its games without head coach Rashad Dunn while also having to make due without starting quarterback Keshaun Sanders for the first two games of the season.

The trials have been many: 

- First, Laney's opener against arch rival Josey was postponed (and moved to this Friday).

- Next Thomas found out two days before its first game against Grovetown (a 6-2 loss on the road) that the sophomore Sanders would be quarantined (because of contact tracing) for two weeks, thrusting the freshman Harris into starting QB duty. 

- Then the team had to cancel practices the Monday and Tuesday after the first game so the entire school could be sanitized, making preparation for its game at Lincoln County that week (a 13-7 loss) that much more difficult. 

Understandably, the offense has encountered problems with penalties and turnovers because of the chaos. Mix in the fact that Troy commit Jordan Stringer, Laney's star running back and linebacker, was unable to play for the better part of two games because of a lower body injury, and you get a recipe for disaster... one would think.

Troy commit Jordan Stringer (14), a four-year Laney starter

Responding to adversity:

But Thomas couldn't be more proud of his players for the way they have responded, particularly Friday night when a group of men made of less would have folded:

"Having to keep these kids' minds sane has been a job within itself, especially with such a young team with limited (36 players) numbers," Thomas explained before concluding with noticeable pride that "...last night we grew up as a team and persevered through all the turnovers and penalties to get a pivotal win in region play."

 

Player Profiles:

Despite the obvious difficulties, Laney has been able to rely on a strong defense that is anchored by Stringer and fellow seniors CJ Madison (nose guard) and Corey Alexander (linebacker). All three players have started for at least three seasons. Led by those veterans, the unit has held opponents to 10 points per game, and on Friday Butler was able to manage only 65 yards of total offense.

CJ Madison (53) and Corey Alexander (4)

Jordan Stringer -

Jordan Stringer (2) - August, 2019

Thomas gushed about Stringer, a four-year starter who received Augusta Chronicle All Area honors as far back as his freshman season, and who has been a leader on both the football and the basketball team since the day he stepped onto Laney's campus:

"Jordan is one of the most humble kids I have ever been around. But this year one of our coaches talked to him about having to be a different type of leader this year, and having to be more vocal because he is a kid that really leads by example," Thomas said. "Here is a kid that has over a 3.6 GPA and can graduate in December if he likes. He actually was attending classes Augusta Tech last year. He is part of the early college program that Laney used to have. He often gets down on himself when he feels like he does something he knows better than to do, but he’s a kid that also will come back and make up for it."

Marcellus Brigham - 

Marcellus Brigham (5) - August, 2019

Thomas also heaped heavy praise on Brigham. First, let me say that I agree with Chris's assessments (below) and I must also say that at 6-3 and 190, the sophomore wide receiver's appearance and play are striking to the eye in a way that is truly unique. Brigham has four touchdown receptions this season, and he plays all over the field on the other side of the ball. Thomas described Marcellus's versatility:

"He is really like a unicorn. The first 2 games we lined him up at linebacker where he had a few tackles for loss. The last game we asked him to go down and play defensive end to rush the passer and contain him, which he did very well. This week we asked him to play safety to give our secondary a boost. He has played all three at a very high level. Not sure why power 5 schools are not reaching out which I’m sure is all about to change after this season."

Marcellus Brigham makes a tackle against Aquinas in August, 2019

If you are skeptical about Thomas's next statement, I encourage you to go watch Laney play and judge for yourself:

"I truly believe that kid (Brigham) is the number 1 athlete in the class of ‘23," Thomas declared. "And I’m not saying that because he is my player. You ask every opponent we have played so far. I mean offensively he is seeing double teams as a sophomore and still managing to make the play when presented with the chance."

And in case you want it clarified, like I did, Thomas means Marcellus is the best sophomore athlete in the nation!

Marcellus Brigham makes a diving catch against Aquinas.

Javaris Harris -

This season Brigham has been on the receiving end of all four of Laney's touchdown passes, two each from Sanders, the sophomore, and Harris, the freshman. Sanders has impressed Thomas with his accuracy, and Harris with his playmaking ability, his composure (especially for a freshman), and his ability to "take some pretty tough licks."

Harris leads the team in rushing touchdowns (4) to go with his two passing touchdowns. And the freshman showed uncommon composure Friday when during his first series behind center in the game he led the Wildcats on their fourth quarter go-ahead touchdown drive.

"He's a very unique individual. The kid is a threat wherever he is playing at on the field," Thomas explained. "This is a kid the area better get used to hearing about. He just has that “IT” factor. Very dynamic with the ball in his hands."

Javaris Harris (5) - Laney

The road ahead:

Laney's only loss during region play came at the hands of league leader Putnam County (6-0, 3-0). This Friday the Wildcats will their long time rival Josey (1-3, 0-2), who will be trying to build on the progress it has seen recently after winning its first game in 29 tries on its opening night.

From there the road for the Wildcats will get even more difficult as the remaining opponents (Westside, Oconee County and Jefferson County) all currently sport region records at or above .500. Thomas made a point of saying that one of the team's goal is to make the state playoffs, something no player on the current roster has experienced. If the Wildcats keep making progress, and maybe catch a break or two, they could very well deliver on that goal.