Sandy Creek returning boatload of playmakers

Sonny Kennedy

Sandy Creek just keeps trucking along. The Patriots won last year’s Class AAAA title in their first year in the classification after a two-year hiatus in AAA. Coach Chip Walker’s squad scored more than 30 points in every game and returns quarterback Cole Garvin, running backs Eric Swinney and Delvin Weems, and star wideout Demarre Kitt for 2013. Unless something crazy happens between now and December, it would be a shock if Sandy Creek does not win AAAA again in 2013.

One of Sandy Creek’s toughest games last year was against Burke County, the 2011 AAA champion. Do-it-all quarterback Donquel “Gator” Green returns to run one of the most potent offenses in the state. Last year, Burke County averaged 17 points in its two losses and 44 in its 11 wins.

Carrollton is one of the most consistent programs in the state, but has to battle Sandy Creek in the regular season. Last year was the first time since 2008 coach Rayvan Teague’s team won less than 10 games and just the second since Teague took over at Carrollton in 2002. Quarterbacks Will Hesterlee and Wil Garrett return as do running backs Trey Chivers and Jarvis Terrell. Chivers led the Trojans in rushing and receiving yards last season while Terrell, a rising sophomore, rushed for 695 yards and eight scores.

You can’t talk about great Georgia high school nicknames without mentioning the Syrupmakers of Cairo. But the ‘Makers aren’t just about fun and games as this year’s football team looks formidable. Kings of always-tough Region 1 last season, Cairo returns a ton of talent on both sides of the ball.

Consistent Marist will enter spring practice at No. 5. The War Eagles will have to replace quarterback Myles Willis, who signed with Boston College, and tight end/defensive end Greg Taboada, who signed with Stanford. Griffin King will replace brother Grey at tailback while Chase Martenson and Bobby Perez will likely battle for the quarterback position in spring practice. The defense will be led by senior linebacker Michael Toner and senior defensive lineman Kenneth Brinson.

1. Sandy Creek

2. Burke County

3. Carrollton

4. Cairo

5. Marist

6. Griffin

7. Statesboro

8. Westside-Macon

9. Stockbridge

10. Monroe-Area

 

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