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Weekly Sports News
Dwight Gatlin 5/21/06

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: The final elite eight in Class A baseball, who will be playing another round of games this week, are: ECI at ELCA, Pacelli at Gordon Lee, Social Circle at Calvary Day and Bowdon at Schley County. The Tiftarea Academy team won the state title recently in GISA Class AA. Their leading player and # 1 pitcher, Bryan Ellis, is 6-4 and 200 lb. Junior and can throw a football from here to Cochran. Why do I choose to mention this? The young man’s mom is about to marry a gentleman from the Byron area, who works with me, and Bryan will be throwing the football for the Peach County Trojans this fall.

On the Saturday Morning QB Show last fall we mentioned the place kicker from Tift County, Charlie Edwards, several times. He came close to breaking the GHSA season field goal record but came up a couple short. It appears the young man, who’s destined to get a scholarship for his kicking prowess, can also play a little baseball. The Junior third baseman was named to the Region 1 AAAAA team with a .430 batting average, 5 home runs and 36 RBI’s.

FACES IN THE CROWD: Several of the former Devils, who’re playing at the next level, have been visitors at the field house recently. All are in good academic standing at their respective schools. Among those was Elijah Clark, who was the starting tailback for Benedict College at the end of spring practice. Also, big Brandon Perry, DT for Middle Tennessee State, was seen sporting a brace on his ankle that was surgically repaired this spring. Antwan Thomas and Sir Charles also hung out and both appeared to be in peak condition….and both made A’s and B’s this last semester.

DEVIL NEWS: At the Baseball Banquet a few nights ago, Coach Kyle Langford announced that this was his final season. Coach Stephen McDuffie will be taking over the head coaching responsibilities and Coach Eric Cowart will continue to serve as the assistant. Coach Langford and this year’s team both deserve a huge “attaboy” for their impressive record, despite the first round play off loss. In that series with Portal, only one Devil on the team was also in a cap and gown Friday night at the 2006 graduation.

At the end of spring football practice, all players were timed and charted in the 40 yard dash and weight training results. Seven players squatted over 400 lbs, nine benched over 265 lbs., ten power cleaned over 245 lbs., and twelve had a 40 time of 4.7 or better. Look for this year’s defense to be the fastest of the Campbell era. In my opinion, we need to go ahead and make reservations at the Omni !

In Andy’s recent article about his favorite Red Devil moments, number 12 in his list was “Chad Pulls a Miracle”. He told about Chad Campbell’s miraculous TD pass to beat Bleckley County 20-19 in 1986. In describing the play, Andy said, among other things, that “with a man wrapping up his legs” Chad still completed the TD pass. Just recently I learned that this would be tackler was none other than my nephew, Brad Stewart who was a freshman NT. It’s refreshing to know that those folks from across the river, who wear purple and yeller, also look at our Red Devil site!

Football Season Recap & Statistics

(defensive stats still lacking one game)

The 2005 edition of the Hawkinsville Red Devils have completed their season with an Elite 8 finish in Class A. Entering the season facing the high expectations of Devil fans, the Devils spent almost half a season trying to get all of the starters in the lineup. An untimely freak injury to All State defensive end Robert Hall started the string of absences when he broke his arm in a preseason scrimmage against Swainsboro. Jeremy Marshall also was just eight months removed from major knee surgery when the season kicked off. Coupling that with several new starters and one can see what an uphill battle the Devils faced. After being beaten by defending AAA runner-up Washington County to start the season the Devils knocked off Region 4A rival Twiggs County to break into the win column. A much improved Treutlen County Vikings team put a huge scare into the Devils in the next game but the Devils escaped with a narrow 6-0 win. The game was costly as Jeremy Marshall got an undeserved penalty and missed the remainder of the game as well as the next game versus rival Wilcox County. Early in the Wilcox game disaster struck as backup tailback David Grace suffered a broken collarbone. The Devils, now short in numbers with absent players, fell to the Patriots. After a week off the Devils traveled to Johnson County, still missing several starters, where they put up a stellar effort but still came up on the short end of a 20-14 score. At the midseason point the Devils were 2-3 and many wondered if they would even make the playoffs.

It was at the midway point when the Devils started to not only get well but started to come together as a team that would have to be reckoned with. Now emphasizing the run, the Devils began the second half of the season with a resounding 34-7 win over Telfair County. The following week the Devils defeated the Wheeler County Bulldogs to push their record over the 0.500 mark at 4-3. Looming ahead was a region showdown with the Dooly County Bobcats at “The Grove” in Vienna. All eyes in Class A looked towards that game and many expected a Bobcat upset win. The Devils' vaunted “12^th man” showed up in droves and the Devils dominated the Bobcats 36-6. On the same night, Twiggs County defeated Wilcox County and now second place in the region was within the Devils grasp. They simply had to win out. Knowing the possibilities, the Devils easily defeated Montgomery County and then Wilkinson County to close out the season.

The Devils entered the Class A playoffs with a key game against the Portal Panthers. Portal had been undefeated until late in the season but dropped their last two games to fall all the way to 3^rd place in Region 3A. Seeking revenge for a 2004 playoff defeat to the Red Devils, the Panthers came to Bobby Gentry Stadium with winning on their minds. However, the Devils were able to turn away all the Panthers could offer and came away with a 17-7 win. The Devils then had to travel down to Randolph-Clay to take on another set of Red Devils. The Devils had a 14-0 lead and seemingly in control but a late TD pass by Randolph-Clay gave them life at halftime. However, that flame was quickly doused as David Grace returned the second half kickoff 85 yards for a TD. The Devils dominated the second half and came away with a 21-6 win. The Devils then traveled to Bowdon to take on the #1 ranked Bowdon Red Devils. After being outplayed in the first half, Hawkinsville came out smoking as Jeremy Marshall had a big night. The defense shut the Bowdon Red Devils down in the second half but we could not push across but one touchdown and fell in defeat 10-7.

Thanks go out to all the players and coaches for making this a memorable season. This team is special because they came full circle having struggled early in the season. After being 2-3 at the midseason point the Devils rebounded and finished in the Top 10 for the 4^th consecutive year!! The mark of a good team is to be able to regroup when things are not going the intended way and this team did that. In this writer’s opinion, this is one of the best coaching jobs done by Coach Campbell and the remainder of his fine staff while in Hawkinsville. To everyone of the players and coaches---thanks guys for a job well done!!

The senior class on this team is the most successful senior class in the history of Hawkinsville High School. In addition to a record breaking 50 wins in their high school careers, they have won three Region Championships, two State Championships, and finished in the Top 8 for four consecutive years.

Here are the records broken or tied by Red Devils in 2005:

Career TDs -- Jeremy Marshall 72 TDs (breaking Melvin Borum's record)
Career Rushing Yards -- Jeremy Marshall 5,841 yards (breaking Elijah Clark's record)
Career Interceptions -- Lafallis 'Bre' Anderson 24 INTs (career leader)
Field Goals in a Season -- Gregg Vickers 4 FGs (breaking record of Jay Wood & Randy Goodroe)
Field Goals in a Game -- Gregg Vickers 2 FGs (ties record of Jay Wood & Randy Goodroe)

Diamond Devils Schedule

BASEBALL

DAY	DATE	OPPONENT	LOCATION	TIME	Outcome
Mon	02/27	Dodge Co.	Eastman	5:00	L
Fri	03/03	Bleckley Co.	Cochran	6:00	L
Mon	03/06	Dodge Co.	Hawkinsville	6:00	L
Tue	03/07	Johnson Co.	Hawkinsville	6:00	W
Thur	03/09	Fitzgerald	Fitzgerald	6:00	L
Fri	03/10	Wheeler Co.	Alamo	5:00	W
Tue	03/14	Dooly Co.	Hawkinsville	6:00	W
Fri	03/17	Treutlen	Hawkinsville	6:00	L
Mon	03/20	Bleckley Co.	Hawkinsville	6:00	L
Tue	03/21	Montgomery Co.	Mt. Vernon	4:30	W
Fri	03/24	Wilcox Co.	Hawkinsville	7:00	L
Tue	03/28	Twiggs Co.	Jeffersonville	5:00	W
Fri	03/31	Telfair Co.	McRae	5:00	W
Mon	04/03	Fitzgerald	Hawkinsville	6:00	L
Tue	04/04	Wilkinson Co.	Irwinton	4:00	W
Fri	04/07	Johnson Co.	Wrightsville	6:00	W
Tue	04/11	Wheeler Co.	Hawkinsville	6:00	W
Fri	04/14	Dooly Co.	Vienna	6:00	W
Tue	04/18	Treutlen	Soperton	6:00	L
Fri	04/21	Montgomery Co.	Hawkinsville	6:00	W
Tue	04/25	Wilcox Co.	Rochelle	6:00	L
Fri	04/28	Twiggs Co.	Hawkinsville	6:00	W
Tue	05/02	Telfair Co.	Hawkinsville	6:00	W
Fri	05/05	Wilkinson Co.	Hawkinsville	6:00	W

Region 4-A Opponents:

Dooly Co.	Telfair Co.	Wheeler Co.
Johnson Co.	Treutlen	Wilcox Co.
Montgomery Co.	Twiggs Co.	Wilkinson Co.

Head Coach: Kyle Langford

Work #: 478-783-7243

Assistant Coaches:

Head B-Team Coach: Eric Cowart Work #: 478-783-7442

Stephen McDuffie Work #: 478-783-7243

Weekly Sports News
Dwight Gatlin 4/22/06

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Last Tuesday the Calvary Day School Baseball team shut out MCA 9-0 to bring their Region 3-A record to 9-0 also. Justin Fields and Hunter Smoak, both names familiar to Devil fans who made the trip to Savannah for last years’ play offs, drove in 2 runs apiece for the Cavaliers. It’s hard to tell at this juncture who the other 3 play off teams will be. These are the teams our region 4 will take on in the first round this year.

Bowdon’s A. J. Cooley signed with Shorter College last week because the Hawks have guaranteed him a shot at playing running back. Other schools wanted him as a linebacker. We all remember his TD run to beat our Devils in last years’ quarterfinal game. It’s interesting to note that the Shorter head coach is Phil Jones, who’s related to our own Mr. Hap Jones. Among other coaching stints, Coach Jones spent time as the head coach at Dooly County back in the early 80’s and was also on Jim Donnan’s UGA Bulldog staff from 1997-2000.

Last week, Hartselle, Alabama High baseball coach, William Booth became the state’s all time winningest coach when he picked up his 649^th win. He has only 205 losses for a .759 winning percentage.

Moving over to Mississippi, no high school coach there has ever won 1,000 games in one sport, but veteran Mooreville baseball coach Rex Berryman is making a try. He recently claimed his 950^th career victory and the team presented him with a cake. He’s now 955-314-2 in 34 seasons and the team sits at 18-5 prior to the play offs.

Back on Tuesday April 12^th, Minor High School in Birmingham had quite a victory in the Jefferson County track meet. Victorya Langford competed in her first race for the school and won both the 800 and 1600 meter runs. Her 1600 time of 5:49.32 was impressive…..especially considering that she’s a 12 year-old seventh grader competing at the high school level

FACES IN THE CROWD: Governor Sonny Perdue made a visit to Ocilla last Wednesday to sign the “Bean Bill” into law. House Bill 1241 was recently passed to rescind a Georgia High School Association rule on athletes losing their eligibility if they participated in an all-star contest not sanctioned by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association. The bill was drafted as a result of Irwin County’s Justin “Bean” Anderson losing his eligibility after playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl this past January. Anderson, who signed in February to play football with UGA, was present at the signing.

FORMER DEVILS—WHERE ARE THEY NOW: In his freshman and sophomore seasons, Josh Owsley put up some impressive offensive numbers with the Red Devil baseball team while patrolling shortstop with a vengeance. When his dad, Bob, returned to Cook County as head coach, Josh finished his high school career there and played for a state title. He moved on to South Georgia College where he played 3^rd base for two years, and then played first base for two seasons with the Valdosta State Blazers. This year Josh has joined his dad as an assistant coach with the Cook Hornets, who’re currently ranked #5 in the state in Class AA and lead Region 1-AA. Thirteen of their 15 wins this season have not gone 7 innings.

DEVIL NEWS: Heading into this week end’s action, the Rome Renegades were leading the American Indoor Football Leagues Southern Division with a 6-1 record. Last week they beat the Daytona Beach Thunder 48-42 and their DB, Jermaine Collins pulled down his league-leading NINTH interception. He’s still got the hands, Devil fans!

The Lynchburg, Virginia Hillcats (highest Class A team for the Pittsburgh Pirates) list only one player—a pitcher—on their roster that’s younger than # 2 Pedro Powell. Statistics are not yet available as the ‘cats play only their 15^th game this week end.

Two Devils Sign Football Scholarships

2/1/2006 - Andy Hill

The Hawkinsville Red Devils had two senior football players who signed college scholarships this morning in the school library surrounded by their classmates and teammates. All time leading rusher Jeremy Marshall signed with the Wofford Terriers while two time all state defensive end Robert Hall inked a scholarship with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. These two players would rank among the all time best at their positions in Hawkinsville Red Devil history.

Coach Lee Campbell remarked that Jeremy and Robert had obviously been great football players but more importantly they had excelled in the classroom. He went on to remark that both players were active in working in the community as well as being mentors and role models for younger student-athletes. Both Georgia Tech and Wofford are highly ranked academic institutions.

Below is another picture taken just after the signing as their teammates gathered around to congratulate them!

Weekly Sports Report

Andy Hill - 4/17/2006

**Coming in two weeks: Top 10-15 greatest Red Devil athletic moments that I have witnessed in person**

Help Needed: The boys and girls basketball team pages now have a table that will eventually include all the season records back to the 1940s. You can view them by clicking on the links in the left column of this page. If any of you have information that is missing please email me. Coach Mac Morrison graciously supplied his records during his years and former Coach Tony Lester -- he is still coach to me instead of Mr. Principal ! -- got me his. I have been able to get some historical information but as you can imagine the media coverage just wasn't as good as it is now. Along those same lines, Mac Morrison finished his career just shy of 500 wins and is responsible for reviving the boys basketball teams starting in the early 1980s. He was honored by the Atlanta Tipoff Club for his success and also coached the South All Star team in that annual all star classic.

Also, we are in need of baseball and track outstanding performances and/or records. I have added Chad Campbell's stellar performances including his no-hitter to the baseball page. Also, it has been discovered that Melvin Borum no-hit Warner Robins in 1954. A little bit of trivia here, while researching I came across a game in which Borum was credited with a loss to Lanier by a narrow 2-1 score. The pitcher of record for Lanier that day was named in the paper as Hendley. I contacted George Bowen who is known to be a Lanier historian. He confirmed my thoughts that the pitcher was Bob Hendley who later pitched in the major leagues. He went 16-4 in two seasons at Lanier and had 204 strikeouts for the Poest. On September 9, 1965, while pitching for the Chicago Cubs Hendley threw a one hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Unfortunately for him, the great lefty Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game for the Dodgers and Hendley lost the game 1-0. Five days later the two faced each other again with Hendley this time pitching a 4 hitter and winning 2-1. If you know of any baseball highlights or track exploits not already listed please get in touch with us. I have found that Eddie Gilbert ran a 4:33 mile in 1983 -- surely that is a record? Gilbert also finished 3rd in the state (AA) in the two mile run with a 10:20 time. Also found that Don Polhill high jumped 6'6" -- can anyone confirm a jump any higher?

Devil News: The Georgia Bulldogs recently completed their spring training and our own Charles Johnson really made a good impression for the coaches and all Dawg faithful. The "trimmed down" Sir Charles, already a two year letterman, ended the G-Day game with 2 sacks and 2 additional tackles. Trey Dunmon, a redshirt freshman for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, is listed as the backup center and has drawn very favorable comments from the Jacket coaching staff including head coach Chan Gailey. He is becoming known for his strength and toughness. He has never played center so he has a learning curve to go through but we Red Devil fans know he will become a stalwart for the Jackets. Read about Trey and the Yellow Jackets spring practice HERE (Yellow Jacket Spring Practice article)

The Presbyterian Blue Hose have concluded their spring drills and you can see a good action shot of All American Antwan Thomas, a 2004 Red Devil graduate, Blue Hose Football Home Page

The Diamond Devil baseball team is still in 2nd place in Region 4A behind Treutlen County after concluding a good week with wins over Wheeler County and Dooly County. They are currently at 10-2 in region play and travel to Soperton to take on the Vikings on Tuesday, April 18th. It is very possible that the last few baseball games will be broadcast and also any playoff games on the new home of Red Devil sports WQXZ 98.3FM. We once again will be home with our favorite engineer, producer, and good friend Bill Boys!

Trivia of the week: Over the course of 3 seasons in the mid 1980s the golf team won 27 consecutive matches!

Have a great week!

Weekly Sports News
Dwight Gatlin 4/10/06

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: If you listen to the Saturday Morning Quarterback Show during football season, you’ve heard Andy and me talking about the Stephenson Track Team when, in fact, we’re actually talking about the Stephenson High Football team….it’s because of their ability, year in and year out, to field one of the fastest teams any where in the USA. Well, the young men at Stephenson are not the only ones with speed to burn. As of last week, the ladies’ 4X400 team from Stephenson was ranked as # 1 in the USA. The Lady Jaguars ran 3.46 in the DeKalb County Championships, the best time in the country this year.

Georgia's top athletes performed well at the Mobile Challenge of Champions Invitational division last Saturday. It started with Nicole Okolo in the triple jump. The Collins Hill star covered 39' 0.75" to win top honors and also earn top marks in the state this season. Her teammates in the 4x800 did not disappoint either as they covered 8 laps of the oval in a state leading time of 9:31.49 to also take home gold. Jordan Scott of Oconee Co. continued his spectacular season as he won gold in the pole vault with a mark of 16'6". Donte Nall, of Chapel Hill, cleared an impressive 7'00" in the high jump to set a meet record. Collins Hill's girls continued the streak of golds with a win in the 4x100 with a time of 48.44.

McGill High School in Mobile, Alabama (Vince Dooley’s alma mater) boasts one of the top football prospects in the country in 6-4, 250 lb. defensive end Sidell Corley. The big guy has been timed at 4.6 in the 40 yard dash and will probably be the # 1 prospect in Alabama next season. The list of schools that have already officially offered him a scholarship include, Alabama, Auburn, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Florida, LSU, Miami, Penn State, GEORGIA, Nebraska, Tennessee and Michigan State.

FACES IN THE CROWD: Spotted recently at Perry High School was former (class of 2001) Red Devil football center and baseball catcher, Will Conner. He’s currently working as a substitute teacher but will be on board full-time with the Panthers this fall. He’ll teach tenth grade history and be the offensive line coach for the football team. I hope Will and the Perry team win all their games…after opening night! I’ll never forget the baseball playoffs in Long County, when Pedro Powell scored from second base on a passed ball to win the deciding game in the series. Had it not been for Will’s bases loaded double, off the center field fence (which plated all three runners), Pedro’s exploits in game may have proved null and void in the outcome of the series.

Kensha Johnson, three-time all-state point guard for Coach Greg Ellison’s basketball Devils, was in town over the week end. He’s currently attending North Atlanta Prep School and hopes to sign with Southern University in Louisiana for next season, enrolling in August for the fall semester.

FORMER DEVILS—WHERE ARE THEY NOW: Immediately preceding all the recent outstanding Red Devil “I” formation tail backs—including AJC All-State performers Adrian Hunlen, Elijah Clark and Jeremy Marshall—was none other than Rodney “the Rocket” Battle. As his name would imply, the young man could fly with a football in is hands but ran in the wishbone formation the Devils deployed in the mid-‘90’s. Had he run from the Campbell formations, he probably would have had numbers similar to those of recent tailbacks. The Rocket currently is a sheet metal mechanic at Robins Air Force Base and works on F-15 wings that are removed from the aircraft, refurbished and returned to the plane. I run into the young man every now and then, and I’m pleased to report that he’s the same mannerly fellow with that big smile…and looks to still be in playing shape. His wife, Kedra, teaches at Kemp Elementary School in Clayton County and is currently working on her Doctorate Degree. They live in Henry County and have a beautiful little girl named Kearsten

APRIL 16, 2003: This date will be forever recorded in Red Devil lore. If you’re not a totally die-hard Devil, I’ll tell you the significance of the anniversary that’s coming up shortly. This is the date that Hawkinsville A.D. and Head Football Coach Lee Campbell had surgery to remove a brain tumor. I’m still convinced that prayers from throughout Devil Country were highly significant in Coach Campbell’s successful surgery and recovery.

DEVIL NEWS: Among the many schools currently recruiting Sacoby Carter is the University of Maryland. They’ve tendered a scholarship offer pending an official visit to Devil Country next month, when the offer will be made official. Sacoby will also attend the prestigious Nike Combine at UGA. Those participating, on the 29^th of April, will be there by invitation only.

Former Devil, and University of Mississippi senior, Michael Bozeman is being looked at closely by the Saints, Jaguars, Texans and Falcons prior to the upcoming NFL draft.

Middle Tennessee State defensive lineman Brandon Perry is missing spring practice due to recent surgery on his ankle, which was injured last fall when the big guy played a significant role for the Blue Raiders as a true freshman.

Devil News

The Georgia Bulldogs announced their Spring Awards on Saturday at halftime of the G-Day game that is the conclusion of Spring Practice. Hawkinsville's own Charles Johnson was named as the Best All Round Defensive Player! You can view a complete listing of the Spring Awards Georgia Football Announces 2006 Spring Awards

The Diamond Devils remained in good shape for a playoff spot in Region 4A. With road victories over region foes Wilkinson County and Johnson County the Devils now sport an 8-2 region record. The Devils face another big week (April 10-15) with a home game against the hot Wheeler County Bulldogs and then travel to Vienna to take on the Dooly County Bobcats on Friday, April 14th.

Cierra Duhart Named All State

Cierra Duhart, a junior on the Lady Red Devil basketball team has been named to the GACA Coaches All State Team for Class A. Duhart joins two Wilkinson County Lady Warriors to lead a contingent of three Region 4 players named. Cierra was named All State as a freshman and helped lead the Devils to a state championship. In 2005 she injured her ACL and was forced to miss the entire season. She returned with a bang this year and once again led the Devils into the state playoffs. Among her season totals were the following highlights:

614 points scored (20.5 per game)
105 blocked shots (3.5 per game)
405 total rebounds (13.5 per game)
100 steals (3.3 per game)
Scored in double figures in every game
Scored >30 points on three different occasions with a season high of 34 points vs. Montgomery Co.
>20 rebounds on six occasions with a season high of 22 rebounds in two games both against Dooly Co.
10 blocked shots vs. Dodge County
53% FG percentage

Click HERE to see Cierra's game by game performance for 2005-06 basketball season. Congratulations Cierra!

Update on Antwan

CLINTON, S.C. — Presbyterian College placed five players on the 2005 Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-American teams announced recently by school officials. Marcus Brisbone was named to the first team, while Chad Burgess and Antwan Thomas were named to the third team.

Thomas, a 5-10, 192-pound linebacker earned SAC Defensive Freshman of the Year honors and first team All-SAC honors after tallying a team-best 100 total stops including 47 solo tackles, 21.0 tackles for loss (-51), three recovered fumbles, two interceptions, one pass defense, two quarterback hurries, and 4.5 sacks (-32) this season. He earned SAC Defensive Player of the Week honors and national D2football.com Defensive Player of the Week honors twice this season. He ranks 44^th nationally in tackles for loss per game (1.4) while ranking fifth in the league in tackles per game, and tied for first in recovered fumbles.

Sir Charles Slims Up

Several days ago Coach Lee Campbell had an opportunity, while on a visit to Athens, to view the famous “Mat Drills”. These “drills” are part of the UGA Dawgs’ off season conditioning program and basically separate the men from the boys. Coach got all excited when talking about Hawkinsville’s own Charles Johnson’s participation. The big guy is no longer quite as large as he was last season, when he alternated with the first team as a defensive end. With the help of a new team nutritionist, along with the “drills” and workouts, he’s dropped around 15 pounds and currently tips the scales at a svelte 265. Terms like, “dadgum he’s quick” and, “he sure moves fast for a big guy”, are again being utilized in describing the talented player dubbed Sir Charles by Andy Hill a few years ago. The good money says Mr. Johnson will be an All SEC player this coming season.

Big Boze Preps For The NFL

After a very successful career as a defensive lineman at the University of Mississippi, former Red Devil linebacker and participant in the 2001 Georgia-Florida High School All Star Game, Michael Bozeman is working hard in preparation for the NFL Draft April 29-30. He played in a college all star game in Las Vegas back in January, and since then has been concentrating on getting ready for the upcoming NFL combines, where he’ll get to showcase his agility and quickness. He has a good chance of becoming a free agent selection even if he does not get drafted.

Recent Devils still playing the game (Updates)

RED DEVIL FOOTBALL UPDATE
01/21/06

Players at the next level:

All the Devils playing in college are in good academic standing and should see significant playing time at their respective schools next fall. Antwan Thomas (Presbyterian) made the Dean’s List and Dedric Smith (Valdosta State) made only one “C”, registering “B’s” in all the rest of his classes.

Charles Johnson (UGA), Brandon Perry (Middle Tennessee State) and Kemuel Spivey (GMC) should be starters or split time as a starter next season. One of the coaches at Benedict College reports that Elijah Clark will play a lot this season but will not start. After sitting out as a redshirt this past season at Georgia Tech, Trey Dunmon is expected to compete for playing time during spring and summer practice

Both Robert Hall and Jeremy Marshall remain firm in their commitments to play next year for Georgia Tech and Wofford, respectively. Signing day is the first week in February. Jeremy had thought about playing baseball this spring but has decided to concentrate on running track to, hopefully, enhance his speed. Robert played well in the annual North-South All Star game as a linebacker, the position he probably will play at Tech.

Todd Coley is going to school at East Georgia J.C. in an attempt to accumulate enough hours to transfer to a 4 year school, possibly Georgia Southern. After not going to Middle Tennessee this semester, he was offered a “prop.” slot by Coach Dennis Roland at his school in Louisiana, and several junior colleges in Mississippi were in the picture, but the rocket armed QB chose to go his current route.

Next year’s prospects:

Probable Division I signee, Sacoby Carter, was invited to attend the Nike Combine in Atlanta, which is for the top 100 prospects in Georgia from the class of 2007. Hopefully, he’ll have a good outing which will enhance his position.

Recently a “Rivals.com” representative visited with Coach Campbell and spent time viewing film of the Devils’ games. Along with Karlos Scott, Victor Bray and David Grace, the visitor was extremely impressed with the big play capability of Dequan Bembry.

A Big Raider in the 'ville

Former Red Devil Brandon Perry is home for spring break from Middle Tennessee State University and was spotted at the field house talking with Coach Lee Campbell. The coaching staff for the MTSU Blue Raiders left after the past season, but the new staff has just as much of a liking for the big guy as the former group. Brandon is currently listed as a first team defensive tackle, and he doesn’t anticipate a lot of changes for him at his position. The new staff will employ the same, basic 4-3 defensive scheme that was used last fall.

The Raiders opened up with Alabama last year and lost a close contest, and they beat Vanderbilt late in the season. Brandon played a back up role in those and the other games. This year we’ll more than likely get to see Big # 44 on national TV when they take on four, tough Division I teams…Oklahoma, South Carolina, Maryland and Louisville. The Cardinal game is thought to be a Thursday night encounter on ESPN. When pressed about his current weight, Brandon admitted to 320 lbs. but he appeared maybe a doughnut shy of 330 or better. The Raiders staff wants him down to around 300 prior to next season.

Devils Fall In State Tourney Action

Melinda Swick - 2/27/2006

Season Ends for Lady Devils

The Hawkinsville Lady Devils headed south to Valdosta State University on Thursday, February 23^rd to face the Randolph-Clay Lady Devils in the second round of the state championship tournament. Randolph-Clay took the early lead, ending the first quarter up 13 to 8. They extended their lead during the second quarter to end the half up 26 to 15. Hawkinsville did not fare any better in the third quarter, down 23 to 42. The final score was Randolph-Clay 54, Hawkinsville 34.

Hawkinsville had two girls in double figures. The Lady Devils pulled down 22 rebounds. Top rebounders were Cierra Duhart with twelve, Kendra Roberts with four, and Breanna Colson with three. Hawkinsville players gave nine assists, led by Talisha Scott with five. Cierra Duhart had all three of the Lady Devils’ blocks. Hawkinsville had seven steals. Team leaders were Cierra Duhart with three and Kierra Collier with two.

The Lady Devils end the season with an overall record of 20 and 9. Their record in Class A competition is 17 and 6.

Here are the results for other teams in region 4-A:

Wilkinson County Lady Warriors 50, Pacelli 51

Dooly County Bobcats 71, Randolph-Clay Red Devils 105

Wilkinson County Warriors 79, Terrell County Greenwaves 61

Wilkinson County Warriors 65, Seminole County Indians 44

The only team from 4-A still in the tournament is the Wilkinson County Warriors. They will face the Whitefield Academy Wolfpack on Wednesday, March 1^st at 8:30 p.m. at the Macon Coliseum in a semi-final match up.

Diamond Devils In Good Shape Despite Loss

The scrappy, but young Red Devils lost to Region 4A leader Treutlen County on Friday night at Red Devil Field by a 10-5 score. The Devils simply made too many mistakes against the veteran Vikings to pull out a win. The tone for the game may have been set in the first inning when the Devils got a run and had two runners on base when a short fly ball to center was turned into a double play with a Devil runner being cut down at the plate. A couple of times after that the Devils would get runners into scoring position only to come up empty. Franklin Williams was credited with the win for the Vikings while Kyle Rose took the loss.

The loss leaves the Devils with a 3-1 Region record and in excellent position to get into the playoffs. Next week is a key week as playoff contenders Montgomery County and Wilcox County provide the competition. The Devils travel to Mt. Vernon on Tuesday to take on the Eagles while the rival Patriots pay a house call to Red Devil Field next Friday night.

JERMAINE COLLINS IS A PRO

The following is an excerpt from the Rome, Georgia Renegades website www.romerenegades.com:

Tuesday, 01 November 2005

The Rome Renegades have continued to build for the 2006 season by signing defensive back Jermaine Collins. Collins, 6-1, 190 pounds, joins the Renegades after playing at Albany State University for four seasons. Jermaine was an All-SIAC Conference CB in 2003 and was named to the All-Star Black Classic Bowl in 2004.

REMEMBERANCES & MORE

If you’re a die-hard Devil fan, you’ll always remember the “Fain to Jermaine” play during the closing seconds of the 2001 game with Wheeler County in Alamo. Both QB Fain Griffin and Receiver Jermaine Collins made many other outstanding plays during their Red Devil careers but that game winning TD pass will live in infamy.

Info on Jermaine’s career as a defensive back at Albany State University has appeared on our site in the past but we were not aware of his latest exploits. Thankfully, Angel Ross sent an informative e-mail.

The Rome Renegades are an American Indoor Football League team and play in the same Division with the Raleigh Rebels, Carolina Ghostriders, Daytona Beach Thunder, Florence Phantoms, CV Vipers and Richmond Bandits. The Northern Division features teams from mostly Pennsylvania and Ohio and future plans call for a Pacific Division. The Rome roster has several players from Georgia schools in addition to Jermaine. The most recognizable name is probably former Georgia Southern All-American NT Freddy Pesqueira. Players from Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, Alabama and Auburn also are on the team. The Renegades won the league championship in 2005.

We’d like to wish the “sticky fingered” young Mr. Collins well in his pro debut on the 27th of February. There’ll always be a question mark by his position as a DB, in the minds of Red Devil fans, because of Jermaine’s innate ability to snare all pigskins in his reach. Good luck to the talented former Devil who’s, by the way, an outstanding human being also!

Weekly Sports News
Andy Hill 4/1/06

Dwight and I have decided to write a brief column each week that will appear in this space. The purpose of the article will be to report on high school sports from around the country, coaching news, interesting college news, opinions on certain sports related subjects, and of course Red Devil happenings. If you have feedback please feel free to email Dwight, Shelly, or myself. Thanks for visiting the site.

In case you missed it the USA Today has released its final high school basketball rankings. Lawrence North of Indianapolis, Indiana comes in at #1 after completing a 29-0 season and winning the 4A State Championship. Following in second was perennial powerhouse Oak Hill Academy of Mouth of Wilson, Virginia (that is correct!) which set a single season school record with 40 victories. How does a high school team play 40 games? The only Georgia team to make the final rankings were Norcross at #15 and Wheeler High of Marietta at #23. For the girls, Christ the Knight of Queens, New York led the poll. Collins Hill of Suwanee, Georgia, finished at #2 sporting a 31-1 record. In a sure sign that the rich get richer, De La Salle High of Concorde, California finished #6. Many of you will recognize that name. The Spartans had a 151 game winning streak in football that was broken in 2004. You can view the Top 25 HERE.

Coaching changes: Noteworthy coaching changes include Clay Hill who moves from Crisp County to Metter. Coach Hill is one of the nicest gentlemen in the business. Mark Loudermilk, Coach 'Milk' to supporters, moves from Trion to Cedartown where he takes over for departed Matt Hollis. Rick Tomberlin replaces Rick Darlington at heralded Valdosta High. Tomberlin coached at Lowndes County early in his career. The Vikings - Wildcats games should be interesting over the next few years. Joel Ingram, with somewhat of a Hawkinsville connection, replaces Tomberlin as head man of the Washington County Golden Hawks. Ingram is the son of Suzanne Hill Ingram, a 1965 Hawkinsville graduate, and nephew of yours truly!

Faces in the crowd: Spotted recently at a Red Devil baseball game were Andrew Whiggum and Noble Coley. Both are members of the Georgia Southwestern baseball team. Drew is trying to rehab a shoulder injury while Coley, a freshman, most likely will redshirt for the Hurricanes. You can see pictures of them and view the entire roster HERE! Also seen at the game was Cleve Bloodsworth of Wilcox County. Young Bloodsworth was the pitcher on the mound two years ago in one of the more emotional moments of high school baseball I have seen. Hawkinsville reserve catcher Chad West, who had been critically injured in a wreck after the junior-senior prom, came to bat in his last home game. West limped noticeably to the plate to face the Patriot ace. He would eventually put the bat on the ball but right back at Bloodsworth and Chad made one last run towards first. After the out Bloodsworth shook his hand and presented West the ball while the entire crowd gave a standing ovation. In a strange twist of fate Bloodsworth was also critically injured in an automobile accident and temporarily derailing a budding college baseball career. I had to pleasure to speak with him at the game. He made the trip with Dennis Howard, a Red Devil graduate, who coached in him in little league baseball in Abbeville.

Speaking of baseball, a new record has been discovered for Red Devil fans. The strikeouts in a game record for a pitcher was thought to be held by Maurice Murray with 15Ks against Peach County in 1998. I recently discovered that Chad Campbell struck out 16 batters against Turner County in route to a no-hitter in late March, 1987. More info on Chad will be posted on the baseball page once I have a chance to review all the data. In 1998 when Mo Murray struck out 15 against Peach County--you guessed it, the coach of Peach County was Chad Campbell. Weird. And lastly, if you wish to see the national prep Super 25 baseball teams you can view them Baseball America: High School Top 25 Poll.

In case you missed it, the Macon Telegraph reported the recent death of Red Hickey. Hickey is credited with "inventing" the shotgun formation now used at all levels of football. He first unveiled it as coach of the San Francisco 49ers in 1960 in a game against the Baltimore Colts.

Entering spring practice the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets coaching staff has high hopes for former Red Devil Trey Dunmon who will be a redshirt freshman center. Take note of the quote directly from the official Georgia Tech site of head coach Chan Gailey as he spoke about the younger linemen on the Yellow Jacket squad:

"I have high hopes for all of them, but physically right now, the two most ready to play are Cord Howard and Trey Dunmon," said Gailey. "But it's a long time until we play Notre Dame."

See you next week!

BASEBALL TEAM SWINGS INTO ACTION

The Diamond Devils open their season Monday against the Dodge County Indians over in Eastman. They go on the road again Friday of next week, but it’s a short trip across the river to Cochran. With exactly half of the team roster filled by freshmen, and only two seniors currently playing, it appears the season is going to be a rather interesting one. Both Coach Kyle Langford and Assistant Eric Cowart are enjoying the youthful enthusiasm their troops are bringing to the practice field each day.

At least three of the freshmen will play regularly and at least a couple will be counted on to take the mound in the pitching rotation. The senior ace of the staff, Kyle Rose, is out indefinitely due to an of-field accident to his pitching hand and big Jordan Sapp is recovering from shoulder surgery.

As well as being the youngest Devil team since the 80’s, this team may also be the fastest. Returning to the team this year are football running backs Jeremy Marshall and Victor Bray, who’ll line up in center field and right field respectively. Football QB Jim Henry will move to left field from his position at second base last year.

Both Bleckley and Dodge are expected to be region and state contenders this year, and the Devils also play the always tough Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane team early in the season. If this young and restless team can survive the early part of the season with their current enthusiasm and apparent love for the game intact, this could be a truly exciting season.

Update - Baseball Kicks Into Action

Congratulations to the Lady Red Devil basketball team for making the Sweet 16! With key starters returning the Lady Devils could make an even deeper run in 2007! Great job!

The trivia question from last week---who is the only Red Devil to be named Star Student twice? None other than Jimmy Moore, All State Class C Lineman of the Year for 1959. For you older Devils he named Mary Kicklighter as his Star Teacher in 1959 and Mary Carroll Lamar in 1960. He is the older brother of Gene Moore, outstanding fullback from the early 1960s.

Baseball kicks into swing this week--these young Diamond Devils need your support!

Trivia & Updates

I was made aware of some very interesting Red Devil trivia within the last few weeks. If you think you know the answer to this question please send us an email! This former Red Devil great is most likely the only player ever to be named Star Student twice? Can you name her/him? (Answer is in a below post)

Former basketball star Tocara Wilcox is a sophomore for the Darton College Lady Cavaliers and is scheduled to graduate soon. They will be hosting the GJCAA Region XVII Tournament starting March 2, 2006, with the goal of moving on to the national tourney held in Salina, Kansas. Good luck Tocara!

Tocara is a defensive standout for the Cavaliers and also ranks among the leaders in two offensive categories in the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association statistics. She has made 31 of 66 field goal attempts for a 47% average. Additionally, she has pulled down 101 rebounds for an average of 4.6 rebounds/game. The complete GJCAA statistics can be viewed HERE!!

PEDRO POWELL BASEBALL CAMP WAS A BIG SUCCESS.
Lots of smaller boys along with "bigger" boys were on hand for a great day of learning.

SACOBY CARTER SHINES AT EXCLUSIVE COMBINE
1/27/2006 - Dwight Gatlin

The 2nd Annual Kennedy/CES Combine was held on Saturday, January 22, and it included around 100 of the very best prospects in the state of Georgia in the Class of 2007, a select few from 2008, and several guys looking for another chance in the Class of '06. Some names recruitniks are familiar with already, and some will be household names this time next year.

Scott Kennedy from Scout.com and Chip Smith of Competitive Edge Sports , a World Renowned Strength and Conditioning Specialist, hosted the 2nd Annual event at the Kennedy/Competitive Edge Sports complex in Duluth.

Players are weighed and measured, and they are then tested by the Competitive Edge Sports staff. For most of the players, this is their first time getting tested by someone not trying to coach, promote, or recruit them, and the sticker shock on their forty times is always predictable.

In a recent article that appeared on Kennedy’s web site, around a dozen players that participated in the combine were mentioned. Among the defensive prospects, it mentioned that Parkview linebacker Marshall Williams showed again on Saturday that he is a big time talent. It addition it was noted that Sacoby Carter of Hawkinsville plays defensive line in high school, but he showed more than enough agility to be a linebacker on the college level. (Sacoby participated as a linebacker in the drills and was one of only a handful of Class A players to be invited to the exclusive combine). The following is a listing of all the linebackers at the combine along with their statistics. They were measured, weighed and checked in the 30 yard dash, shuttle run, three cone “L” drill, vertical leap and standing broad jump. All clockings were done electronically so there were no inflated scores. Hawkinsville’s young Mr. Carter certainly enhanced his chances of receiving a Division I offer with his performance.

Linebackers

Name	School	HT	WT	40	SH	3C	VJ"	SBJ"
Adam House	Camden County	6-0	166	4.86	4.52	7.81	34	115
B.J. Jenkins	MCA	6-1.5	196	5.11	4.74	7.59	33	104
Cameron Panther	Eagles Landing Ch.	6-1.5	183	4.94	4.58	7.21	35	107
Chris Parks	Chamblee	5-11	211	4.86	4.46	7.62	32.5	100
James Simien	Norcross	6-0.5	206	5.08	4.74	7.90	30.5	98
Joshua Dickerson	Camden County	6-0.5	193	4.71	4.37	7.65	30	115
Larry Harris	McNair	6-0	189	4.90	4.62	7.56	32	105
Marshall Williams	Parkview	6-2.5	200	4.78	4.18	7.60	37	125
Rennie Curran	Brookwood	5-11	202	4.62	4.27	7.37	38.5	115
Sacoby Carter	Hawkinsville	6-1	220	4.82	4.30	7.65	31.5	111
Vincent Smith	Camden County	6-1	195	4.64	4.24	7.21	31.5	105

MAISIE IS COACH OF THE YEAR FINALIST

Hawkinsville High School’s Maisie Pilkinton has recently been selected as a finalist for the High School Coach of the Year Award presented annually by the Georgia Women’s Intersport Network (GA-WIN) and the Georgia Association for Health, Physical Education Recreation and Dance (GAHPERD). All finalists will be introduced, and winners in different categories announced, at the National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) Awards Banquet on Wednesday evening, February 1, 2006 at the Holiday Inn Airport North in Atlanta. Both winners and finalists will be honored at a press conference at the Georgia State Capitol on Thursday, February 2, 2006 at 9:00 A.M. Way to go Maisie!

Girls Finish As Region Runnerup

2/13/2006 - Melinda Swick

Lady Devils Take 2^nd in Region 4-A Tournament

Hawkinsville hosted the play-in round of the Region 4-A playoffs on Tuesday, February 7, 2006. The winner of each game went on to play beginning Wednesday in Wilkinson County. The Red Devils faced the Telfair County Trojans in the fourth and final game of the evening. Hawkinsville jumped out to the early lead, up 17 to 8 at the end of the first quarter. The Devils went to the locker room at halftime leading 31 to 14. The Devils continued to extend the lead in the third quarter, up 45 to 24. The fourth quarter saw the Trojans start making a comeback. However, it was too little, too late. Hawkinsville won 56 to 41. The Devils had two players in double digits. Hawkinsville pulled down 33 rebounds, led by Justin Udi with seven, Johnathon Burden with six, and Michael Taylor and Mychal Outlaw with four apiece. Dequan Bembry gave four of the team’s eight assists. Johnathon Burden, Michael Taylor, and Justin Udi each had three steals, with the team having a total of twelve.

Complete results for the tournament played in Hawkinsville Tuesday are as follows:

Dooly County Lady Bobcats 67, Twiggs County Lady Cobras 25

Twiggs County Cobras 57, Treutlen County Vikings 54

Wheeler County Lady Bulldogs 46, Wilcox County Lady Patriots 42

Hawkinsville Red Devils 56, Telfair County Trojans 41

On Wednesday the Red Devils traveled to Wilkinson County to take on the Wilcox County Patriots. Hawkinsville fell behind early on in the first quarter, 11 to 21. During the second quarter the Devils started heating it up, going to the locker room down only six points, 27 to 33. The third quarter belonged to Hawkinsville with the Devils taking the lead, 45 to 41. Unfortunately, the fourth quarter saw the Patriots take the lead and never look back. The final score was Wilcox County 69, Hawkinsville 55. While the score seemed to be very one-sided, the game was actually better than the score reflects. Unfortunately, this was the final game for the Red Devils for the 2005-2006 year. Hawkinsville had two players in double figures, including senior Rico Jones who sank four of the team’s six three-point shots. The Devils pulled down 39 rebounds. Leading the team were Michael Taylor and Dequan Bembry with seven apiece, Kamaron Riley with six, and Justin Udi and Alvin Lawson with four apiece. Alvin Lawson gave four of the Devils’ 11 assists. Dequan Bembry, Kamaron Riley, and Rico Jones gave two assists apiece. Hawkinsville had ten steals, led by Johnathon Burden and Justin Udi with two steals each.

The Red Devils ended the season with an overall record of 9 and 17 and a region record of 9 and 11.

The Lady Devils played their first game of the region 4-A tournament on Thursday, February 9^th against the Telfair County Lady Trojans. Hawkinsville went on a 9 - 0 run at the start of the game, ending the first quarter up 16 to 8. At the half, Hawkinsville led 28 to 13. The Lady Devils extended their lead in the third quarter, up 45 to 27. Hawkinsville won by the final score of 60 to 46. The Lady Devils had three players in double figures. Hawkinsville had 32 rebounds. Top rebounders were Cierra Duhart with fifteen and Breanna Colson with five. The team gave a total of eleven assists, led by Talisha Scott with three and Breanna Colson and Latoya Scott with two apiece. Hawkinsville had sixteen steals during the game. Team leaders were Cierra Duhart with four and Kendra Roberts with three.

Friday saw the Lady Devils back in Irwinton to face the Treutlen County Lady Vikings. At the end of the first quarter, Hawkinsville held a two-point advantage, 8 to 6. When the teams went to the locker rooms at the half, Treutlen County was ahead by one point, 19 to 18. The third quarter saw Hawkinsville back in the lead, 32 to 29. When the final buzzer sounded to end the game, the Lady Devils were victorious, winning 48 to 42. Hawkinsville had two players in double figures. The team pulled down 19 offensive and 19 defensive rebounds. Leading rebounders were Cierra Duhart with fifteen, Breanna Colson with ten, and Kendra Roberts with five. Kierra Collier gave three of the team’s nine assists. Cierra Duhart had six of the team’s seven total blocks during the game. Hawkinsville stole the ball 23 times. The Lady Devils were led by Cierra Duhart and Talisha Scott with seven apiece, and Kierra Collier with four.

Saturday the Lady Devils were on the road again headed to Irwinton to face the Wilkinson County Lady Warriors in the region 4-A championship game. Wilkinson County took the lead at the beginning of the game and held it the entire game. The first quarter had Hawkinsville down 9 to 18. At the half, the Lady Warriors led 37 to 23. At the end of the third quarter the score was Hawkinsville 32, Wilkinson County 59. Wilkinson County won by a final score of 69 to 39. Hawkinsville pulled down a total of 31 rebounds. Top rebounders for the Lady Devils were Cierra Duhart with ten and Breanna Colson with nine. The girls gave five assists. Kierra Collier had four of the team’s eleven steals.

The Lady Devils now have an overall record of 19 and 8 with a region record of 16 and 5.

The next game for the Lady Devils will be on Saturday, February 18^th. At press time, the opponent and location of the game were not known.

If anyone would like to know the complete tournament results, please feel free to contact me.

GO BIG RED!!

Girls Defeat Calvary Day - Advance In State Playoffs

Lady Devils Defeat Calvary Day to Advance to Second Round

The Hawkinsville Lady Devils hosted the Calvary Day Lady Cavaliers of Savannah on Saturday, February 18^th in the first round of playoffs in the quest for the State Championship. It was a close game the entire evening. The first quarter ended with the Lady Devils up 9 to 7. The teams went to the locker rooms at halftime with the Lady Devils up by only one point, 20 to 19. After discussing the game plan with Coach Lester at the half, the girls came on strong in the second half. The third quarter saw Hawkinsville start opening up the lead. The score at the end of the third quarter was 42 to 36, Hawkinsville’s lead. The Lady Devils maintained a ten point lead during much of the fourth quarter. When the final buzzer sounded, Hawkinsville was the victor, 58 to 47.

Two Lady Devils scored in double figures. Hawkinsville pulled down 17 offensive rebounds and 26 defensive rebounds. Leading rebounders were Cierra Duhart with sixteen, Breanna Colson with ten, Kendra Roberts with eight, and Talisha Scott with seven. The Lady Devils gave a total of ten assists, led by Talisha Scott with eight. Hawkinsville had eleven blocks. Leading blockers were Cierra Duhart with seven and Talisha Scott with three. Hawkinsville had seventeen steals. Team leaders were Kendra Roberts and Talisha Scott with six apiece, and Breanna Colson with three.

Hawkinsville now advances to the second round of playoffs which are to be held at Valdosta State University. The Lady Devils will tip-off against the Randolph-Clay Lady Devils on Thursday, February 23^rd at 7:00 p.m. Randolph-Clay defeated Miller County 67 to 23 to advance to the second round.

The winner of Thursday’s game will go on to play Saturday, February 25^th at 4:30 p.m. at Valdosta State University. While Lady Devils are guaranteed to play in that game, Thursday will determine whether it is the Hawkinsville or the Randolph-Clay Lady Devils. Everybody needs to show the Hawkinsville Lady Devils their support.

GO BIG RED!!

Basketball Update

02/08/2006 - Melinda Swick

Red Devils Fall One Point Short in Double OT

The basketball week started out with a road trip to Soperton on Tuesday, January 31^st to face the Treutlen County Vikings. The Lady Devils took the early lead, ending the first quarter up 18 to 14. The teams headed to the locker rooms at halftime with the Lady Vikings holding a slim advantage, 32 to 29. Treutlen County extended their lead during the third quarter, up 52 to 42. When the final buzzer sounded Treutlen County had defeated Hawkinsville 68 to 52. The Lady Devils had two players in double figures. The team pulled down 40 rebounds. Leading the team in rebounds were Cierra Duhart with twenty, Kendra Roberts with eight, and Breanna Colson with seven. The ladies gave seven assists, led by Kendra Roberts with three. Cierra Duhart had six of the team’s seven blocked shots. Hawkinsville had thirteen steals. Cierra Duhart had six and Kierra Collier had three.

The Red Devils fell behind early against the Vikings, down 10 to 17 at the end of the first quarter. At the half, the Vikings still held the lead, 29 to 20. The third quarter however saw a reversal of fortune for the Devils. By the end of the third quarter, Hawkinsville had whittled Treutlen County’s lead down to two points, 38 to 40. When the final buzzer sounded, Hawkinsville was the victor by four points, 57 to 53. The Devils had two players in double figures. The team pulled down 30 rebounds, led by Justin Udi with sixteen, Kamaron Riley with seven, and Dequan Bembry with four. The Red Devils gave seven assists with Michael Taylor, Dequan Bembry, and Justin Udi each having two. Justin Udi had three of the team’s five steals.

Friday night saw the Devils back at home to host the Dooly County Bobcats. In the first game of the night, the Lady Devils jumped out to a solid lead in the first quarter and led the entire game. The first quarter score had Hawkinsville up 25 to 12. At the half, the score was Hawkinsville 51, Dooly County 23. At the end of the third quarter, the ladies were leading 64 to 42. The final score saw Hawkinsville winning 79 to 53. The Lady Devils had two players in double figures. Hawkinsville pulled down 51 rebounds. Top rebounders were Cierra Duhart with 22, Kierra Collier and Kendra Roberts with five each, Elcia Holmes with four, and Talisha Scott with three. Hawkinsville gave thirteen assists, lead by Talisha Scott with five and Cierra Duhart with three. Kendra Roberts, Cierra Duhart, and Latoya Scott each had four of the team’s eighteen steals.

The second game of the evening was full of drama. Neither team held a large advantage at any time during the game. The first quarter ended with the Bobcats up 14 to 13. At the half, the teams headed to the locker rooms with Dooly County up 32 to 27. By the end of the third quarter, the Devils had taken the lead, 45 to 40. When the buzzer sounded to end regulation play, the score was tied at 55 points apiece. FREE BALL!! In the overtime period, the lead seesawed back and forth between the two squads. With less than thirty seconds to go in the OT period, Hawkinsville sank a two-pointer to tie the score at 67 points apiece. Dooly County was unable to score in the remaining time. MORE FREE BALL!! In the second overtime period the lead again went back and forth. At the 30.3 second mark, the score was tied at 74 points apiece. Dooly County sank a two-point shot and Hawkinsville was called for a foul. That put Dooly County on the free throw line for a single shot, which was made. The score at that point was Bobcats 77, Devils 74. Hawkinsville inbounded the ball and drove down the court, making a two-point shot. However, it was not enough. The buzzer sounded and Hawkinsville lost by a single point, 76 to 77. The Devils has three players in double figures. The team had a total of 45 rebounds. Leading rebounders were Justin Udi with eleven, Dequan Bembry with ten, Kamaron Riley with nine, and Alvin Lawson and Michael Taylor with four apiece. Hawkinsville gave seven assists, led by Dequan Bembry with three. Justin Udi had three of the Devils’ eleven steals.

On Saturday, February 4^th, the Devils welcomed the Twiggs County Cobras to Hawkinsville. The Lady Devils had no trouble with the Lady Cobras. Hawkinsville was up 20 to 2 at the end of the first quarter. At the half, Hawkinsville had extended the lead to thirty points, 36 to 6. The third quarter ended with Hawkinsville up 55 to 14. The final score saw the Lady Devils defeat the Lady Cobras by a score of 63 to 16. Hawkinsville had one player in double figures. The team had 36 rebounds. Top rebounders were Cierra Duhart with eleven, and Kendra Roberts and Talisha Scott with six apiece. The ladies gave eight assists with Talisha Scott, Cierra Duhart, and Raquel Outlaw having two apiece. Hawkinsville had a total of 25 steals. Team leaders were Cierra Duhart with six, and Talisha Scott, Elcia Holmes, and Appolonia Ross with three apiece.

The Red Devils also made quick work of the Cobras, jumping out to an early lead. The Devils led 13 to 6 at the end of the first quarter. Hawkinsville extended the lead at the half, 31 to 12. The third quarter ended with Hawkinsville up 41 to 20. When the final buzzer sounded, the score was Hawkinsville 62, Twiggs County 35. The Devils had two players in double figures. The team pulled down a total of 40 rebounds. Top rebounders were Kamaron Riley with seven, and Johnathon Burden, Dequan Bembry, and Justin Udi with five each. Kamaron Riley gave three of Hawkinsville’s eight assists. Justin Udi led the team with four of thirteen steals.

The Lady Devils finish the regular season with an overall record of 17 and 7. The region record stands at 14 and 4. The Red Devils end the season with an overall record of 8 and 16 with a region record of 8 and 10.

Tournament play starts this week. Details were not available as this article was being written. The Red Devils should be hosting the first round of boys play at Hawkinsville on Tuesday, February 7^th. The Lady Devils will have to travel to Wilkinson County on Thursday, February 9^th for their first round action. Information on opponents and time of games was not known at press time.

GO BIG RED!!

Robert Hall is in top 100
1/29/2006 - Dwight Gatlin

In the February issue of Georgia Sports Monthly, Georgia’s guide to high school sports, the magazine listed their annual Top 100 prior to this week’s signing day for football prospects. There are only three Class A players listed and the Red Devils’ Robert Hall is shown as the #61 prospect among all those in the state.

He’s listed as a 6-2/ 210 lb. linebacker along with the following comments: “Robert has been on the recruiting scene since he and current UGA DE Charles Johnson terrorized offenses as members of the Class A State Champions in 2003. Hall lines up as an undersized end in high school but will likely move to linebacker in college.”

The article, of course, showed that Robert has previously committed to Georgia Tech and will, therefore, sign with the Yellow Jackets this week.

This month’s magazine also published an article about Coach Gentry. The way they did the article’s pictures and lay-out is exceptional. The commentary was provided by yours truly and Andy Hill.

Basketball News & More

The boys and girls basketball teams are in full swing and both should make a playoff run this season. Early on it appears that Cierra Duhart has recovered from the knee surgery she had last year and has returned to her 2003-2004 form. The girls are off to a 6-2 start with the win over Bleckley County on Saturday. The boys have started slower but are expected to pick up steam as the football players get into the swing of basketball. Early on Justin Udi, Jonathan Burden, and Dequan Bembry are playing well for the Devils. Look for Melinda Swick's weekly article about both girls and boys action right here! Melinda also has indepth statistics for both teams and those will be put on the site at the end of the year just as football stats were.

Former Devil standout quarterback Chad Campbell will get to put on a state championship ring! Chad is an assistant coach at Peach County and the Trojans won their first state crown since the early 1960s (Ft. Valley Green Wave). Of course Chad is the younger brother of Lee Campbell. Congrats to Chad!!

Michael Bozeman, a 2001 graduate, was recently named Most Valuable Senior for the Ole Miss Rebels. This award has been given annually for some 60 years by the Jackson Touchdown Club. "Boze" started all eleven games and finished 5th on the team in tackles. Additionally the Associated Press named Michael as All SEC Honorable Mention.

Antwan Thomas was recently named to the All Southeast Region Defensive Team for Division II. 'Twan was also named as the South Atlantic Conference Defensive Freshman of the Year and named First Team All Conference. Antwan lead the Blue Hose in tackles and added an astounding 21 tackles for loss from his middle linebacker position.

Charles Johnson will be receiving his 2nd championship ring as the Georgia Bulldogs soundly defeated the LSU Bengal Tigers in the SEC Championship game. 'Sir Charles' finished fourth on the team in QB hurries with 22 and recorded 4 sacks. He had a key pass breakup in the championship game as LSU was making one last effort at a comeback.

The Red Devil football team finished with a #6 final ranking in both the Atlanta Journal Constitution and the Associated Press final polls. I would argue vehemently that we should have been 5th but I don't get a vote!!

More Post Season Honors

12/25/2005 - Andy Hill

The Macon Telegraph named its All Middle Georgia Team in its Sunday edition today. The following Red Devils made the team: The entire team can be viewed HERE!!!

LaFallis 'Bre' Anderson - 2nd Team Defense

Jeremy Marshall - 3rd Team Offense

Robert Hall - 3rd Team Defense

Also named as Honorable Mention were Quintin Robinson, Desmond Brown, and Jim Henry.

Congratulations to these players!

Click here to see our HISTORY of All Star Players

Post Season Honors

12/18/2005 - Andy Hill

Hawkinsville Red Devil football players are garnering post season honors. Robert Hall has been selected to play in the Georgia Athletic Coach's Association North-South All Star Game in Columbus on December 29th. This is the 3rd consecutive year that a Red Devil player has been selected to play (Charles Johnson, Brandon Perry, Trey Dunmon). Robert has also been named to the Georgia Sportswriters All State Team and the Atlanta Journal Constitution All State Team as a defensive end. Robert plans to sign with Georgia Tech in February. The complete North South roster can be viewed HERE!!

Jeremy Marshall has also been named to the Atlanta Journal Constitution All State Team. Jeremy was named a member of the offensive team for the 3rd consecutive year. Jeremy was also named to the Georgia Sportswriters All State Team.

LaFallis 'Bre' Anderson has been named to the Atlanta Journal Constitution All State Team as a defensive back. 'Bre' was named to the team for the 3rd consecutive year.

Basketball Update

2/2/2006 - Melinda Swick

Devils Defeat Telfair, Split With Wilcox

On Tuesday, January 24^th, the Devils met up with the Telfair County Trojans in Hawkinsville. The first half of the game belonged to the Lady Devils. The score at the end of the first quarter had Hawkinsville leading 14 to 6. At the half, Hawkinsville had increased the lead, going to the locker room ahead 25 to 15. The third quarter saw the Lady Trojans start making a comeback. At the end of the third quarter, Telfair County had whittled Hawkinsville’s lead to only four points, 36 to 32. With less than four minutes to play in the game, Telfair County hit a three pointer to tie the game at 42 points apiece. The lead then seesawed back and forth between the two teams. Hawkinsville finally pulled ahead in the last minute of play to take the win, 48 to 46. Hawkinsville had two players in double digits. The ladies pulled down 32 rebounds. Team leaders were Cierra Duhart with thirteen, Breanna Colson with seven, and Kendra Roberts with four. The Lady Devils gave nine assists during the game, led by Talisha Scott with four and Kierra Collier with three. As a team, the Hawkinsville made 48% of their shots from the floor and 73% of their shots from the free throw line.

The Red Devils kept the game close for the first half, and then poured it on for the second half of their game. The score was tied at the end of the first quarter, 15 points apiece. By halftime, Hawkinsville held an eight point advantage, 35 to 27. The third quarter ended with the Devils leading 54 to 44. The fourth quarter belonged to Hawkinsville. The final score had the Devils winning 73 to 56. The Devils had three players in double digits. Hawkinsville pulled down a total of 38 rebounds. Leading in the rebound category were Quint Robinson and Kamaron Riley with six apiece, and Dequan Bembry, Justin Udi, and Mychal Outlaw with five apiece. The boys gave seven assists, led by Dequan Bembry with three. The Devils made 42% of their shots from the floor and 61% of their shots from the free throw line.

The Devils were at home to face the Wilcox County Patriots on Friday night. The Lady Devils had no trouble with the Lady Patriots. Hawkinsville led the entire game. The first quarter ended with Hawkinsville leading 15 to 10. At the half, the lead had been extended with the Lady Devils up 28 to 16. The end of the third quarter saw Hawkinsville leading 45 to 22. The Lady Devils won by the final score of 58 to 28. Two players were in double digits. The team had 36 rebounds. Hawkinsville was led by Cierra Duhart with eleven, Kendra Roberts with eight, and Talisha Scott with five. The ladies gave a total of 20 assists. Leading the team were Talisha Scott, Kendra Roberts, and Cierra Duhart with six apiece. Hawkinsville shot 39% from the floor and 47% from the free throw line.

The Red Devils game stayed close the entire night. The Devils held a slight advantage at the end of the first quarter, leading 17 to 13. The teams went to the locker room at halftime with Hawkinsville down by one point, 27 to 28. When the buzzer sounded for the end of the third quarter, the teams were tied at 49 points apiece. The lead went back and forth between the Devils and the Patriots during the fourth quarter. When the final buzzer sounded, Wilcox County had the lead. Hawkinsville lost by the final score of 62 to 64. Hawkinsville had three players in double digits. The team had 30 rebounds, led by Justin Udi with nine, and Michael Taylor and Dequan Bembry with five apiece. The team gave a total of thirteen assists, five of which belonged to Dequan Bembry. The boys made 46% of their shots from the court and 50% of their shots from the free throw line.

The Lady Devils’ overall record now stands at 15 and 6 with a region record of 12 and 3. The Red Devils have an overall record of 6 and 15 and a region record of 6 and 9.

The teams are now in the final week of regular season play. On Friday, February 3^rd, the Devils will host the Dooly County Bobcats with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Saturday will see the Devils welcoming the Twiggs County Cobras to town with a 7:00 p.m. starting time also. The boys JV team is scheduled to play on Friday and Saturday at 5:00 p.m. This will be your last chance to come out and see the Devils in action at home this season.

GO BIG RED!!

CHEERLEADERS PLACE 10th IN STATE!

WAY TO GO GIRLS!
Hawkinsville Red Devils

Basketball Weekly Update

1/22/2006 - Melinda Swick

Devils’ Week Includes Three Wins and Two Losses

On Monday, January 16^th, the Hawkinsville Red Devil squad participated in Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy’s First Annual “Class A Shootout”. The Shootout was held at the Ben Hill Recreation Center in Atlanta. Hawkinsville’s opponent was the Wolfpack of Whitefield Academy. The Devils trailed the Wolfpack at the end of the first quarter 8 to 20. At the half, the Wolfpack took a 41 to 24 lead to the locker room. By the end of the third quarter the score was Whitefield Academy 63, Hawkinsville 36. The final score had Whitefield Academy winning 82 to 51. Hawkinsville had two players in double figures. Four Devils shot a total of six three-point shots. The Devils had 18 rebounds. The leading rebounders were Karlos Scott with five, and Kamaron Riley and Rico Jones with three apiece. Of Hawkinsville’s 10 steals, Johnathon Burden had four. Six Devil players gave a total of eight assists.

Complete tournament results are as follows: Montgomery County Eagles 49, St. Francis Knights 60; Jefferson High Lady Dragons 35, W. D. Mohammed Lady Caliphs 53; Jefferson High Dragons 73, W. D. Mohammed Caliphs 64; Wilkinson County Lady Warriors 62, Whitefield Academy Lady Wolfpack 35; Hawkinsville Red Devils 51, Whitefield Academy Wolfpack 82; Hancock Central Lady Bulldogs 46, Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy Lady Warriors 30; Hancock Central Bulldogs 46, Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy Warriors 72.

Tuesday saw the Devils back at home to take on the Johnson County Trojans. The first game of the night saw the Lady Devils facing off against the Lady Trojans. Hawkinsville allowed Johnson County to lead for the first minute of the game. After that, it was all Lady Devils. The first quarter saw both teams scoring pretty evenly with Hawkinsville holding a five point advantage, 20 to 15. The second quarter belonged exclusively to Hawkinsville. The score at the half had Hawkinsville up 43 to 17. In the third quarter, the girls extended their lead, 55 to 23. The Lady Devils won handily by a score of 61 to 36. Hawkinsville had two players in double figures. Hawkinsville made 40% of their shots during the game. The team had a total of 35 rebounds. Leading rebounders were Cierra Duhart with sixteen and Elcia Holmes with five. The Lady Devils gave a total of thirteen assists. Leading in the assist department were Talisha Scott with four, and Kierra Collier and Cierra Duhart with three apiece. Four players made a total of five blocks. The team had fourteen steals among eight players.

The second game of the night was a close one between the Red Devils and the Trojans. The first quarter ended with Johnson County over Hawkinsville, 20 to 15. At the half, Hawkinsville was down one point, 26 to 27. By the end of the third quarter, the Devils had taken the lead 32 to 29. The fourth quarter saw the lead seesaw back and forth. With 7.5 seconds on the clock, Hawkinsville was down six points, 53 to 59. With 1.2 seconds on the clock, Hawkinsville was down 55 to 59. Hawkinsville made a fantastic three-point shot from just behind the half-court line as the buzzer sounded. Unfortunately, it was not quite enough. Johnson County won 59 to 58. Hawkinsville had two players in double figures. The Devils had 45 rebounds. Top rebounders were Justin Udi with sixteen, Kamaron Riley with seven, Dequan Bembry with six, Johnathon Burden with five, and Karlos Scott and Alvin Lawson with four apiece. Four players gave a total of five assists. The team had fourteen steals, led by Justin Udi with five and Alvin Lawson with three.

Friday night had the Devils on the road again, this time traveling to Alamo to face the Wheeler County Bulldogs. The Lady Devils had no trouble with the Lady Bulldogs. The first quarter saw the Lady Bulldogs only score three points, 3 to 12. The girls went to the locker room leading 28 to 13. The third quarter was no better for Wheeler County. Hawkinsville led 45 to 15. The final score was Hawkinsville 51, Wheeler County 19. Two of the Lady Devils scored double digits. The Lady Devils had a total of 30 rebounds. Top rebounders were Cierra Duhart with ten, Breanna Colson with six, and Talisha Scott with four. Hawkinsville gave ten assists, led by Kendra Roberts and Cierra Duhart with three apiece, and Talisha Scott with two. The team had 23 steals. Team leaders were Cierra Duhart with seven, Appolonia Ross with four, and Kendra Roberts and Elcia Holmes with three apiece.

The Wheeler County Bulldogs held a two point advantage over the Red Devils at the end of the first quarter, 15 to 13. By halftime, Hawkinsville had taken a six point lead, 34 to 28. When the third quarter ended, Hawkinsville still had a six point lead, 45 to 39. Hawkinsville won with a final score of 62 to 53. The Devils had two players in double digits. Hawkinsville sank five three point shots, including three by a single player. Hawkinsville made more than 50% of their attempted shots for the night. The team pulled down 31 rebounds. Team leaders were Justin Udi with nine, Kamaron Riley with six, Rico Jones with four, and Victor Bray and Johnathon Burden with three apiece. The boys gave nine assists, including five by Dequan Bembry and three by Kamaron Riley. Hawkinsville had thirteen steals. Alvin Lawson had three steals. Justin Udi, Mychal Outlaw, Kamaron Riley, and Johnathon Burden all had two steals apiece.

The Lady Devils’ overall record now stands at 13 and 6 with a region record of 10 and 3. The Red Devils have an overall record of 5 and 14 and a region record of 5 and 8.

The next game on the schedule has the Red Devils welcoming the Wilcox County Patriots to Hawkinsville on Friday, January 27^th. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. There is a boys JV game that evening at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 31^st, has the Devils back on the road once more. They travel to Soperton to face the Treutlen County Vikings. Games are scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m.

GO BIG RED!!

PEDRO POWELL RETURNS TO HPCRD
by Dwight Gatlin

Somewhere around a dozen years ago, during the Hawkinsville/Pulaski County Recreation Department’s (HPCRD’s) baseball season, I kept hearing about this little kid named Pedro. As a former little league coach, veteran of many seasons in the dugout, my curiosity finally got the best of me and I ventured over to the Hartford complex for a game. As Andy Griffith once said, “friends, to this day I ain’t never seen nothing like it”! Just as I arrived at the ball fields, and before I got out of my truck, I could hear the fans yelling “Pedro”. What I saw from my window made me smile in disbelief…this little kid rounding second base in baggy pants was simply the fastest I’d ever seen on the base paths. Even though I’ve been around many ball fields, and even coached a future Major Leaguer back in the 70’s, that remains true to this day. And now this kid named Pedro is a young man who’ll be 22 years old on the 20^th of May….and has his picture on a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball card. Pedro Powell seems destined to be a Major Leaguer in a couple years but has never forgotten his days at the local perk.

Pedro will hold a baseball camp for youngsters 7-18 years of age on January 21^st at the HPCRD Baseball Complex. Participants who’re 7-12 years of age will receive basic skills instruction from 9:00 to 12:00 and those 13-18 will receive more in-depth instruction from 1:00 to 4:00. Registration for each group will begin 30 minutes prior to the start times. Assisting in the instruction will be JoJo Batten, an infielder in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization and Ryan Riales from Albany State. If you need more info, or want to sign up a camper, you can call Pedro at 478-783-1331. The camp cost is $25.00. If the good lord is willing, I’ll see you there for at least part of the day.

Basketball News

Melinda Swich - 1/15/2006

Devils’ Week Starts Tough, Ends With Wins

On Tuesday, January 10^th, the Devils traveled to Mount Vernon to play the Montgomery County Eagles. The Lady Devils met up with the Lady Eagles in the first game of the night. The first half of the game seemed to belong to the Lady Eagles. At the end of the first quarter they led by two points, 11 to 9. By halftime, they had stretched the lead to eleven points, 27 to 16. However, the Lady Devils poured it on in the second half. At the end of the third quarter, Hawkinsville held a three point advantage, 38 to 35. When the buzzer sounded to end regulation play, the teams were tied at 48 points apiece. Free ball! In the overtime, Montgomery County managed to sink one more basket than the Lady Devils, coming away with the win, 55 to 53. The Lady Devils had two players in double digits. Hawkinsville pulled down 17 offensive and 26 defensive rebounds. Top rebounders were Cierra Duhart with 21 and Breanna Colson with seven. Hawkinsville players gave six assists with four of those being given by Talisha Scott. Cierra Duhart led the team in steals with six.

The Red Devils pulled a reverse of the girls’ game. Hawkinsville had the lead at the end of the first quarter, 12 to 9. At the half, Hawkinsville continued to lead 32 to 26. With 30 seconds left in the third quarter, Montgomery County took the lead for the first time in this game. At the end of the third quarter, Hawkinsville was down 46 to 49. The Eagles managed to stay ahead of the Devils until the final buzzer, winning 70 to 64. Two Hawkinsville players were in double digits. The Devils had 32 rebounds on the night, being led by Kamaron Riley with eight, Alvin Lawson with six, and Michael Taylor with four. The boys had ten assists from six players, led by Dequan Bembry with three.

Friday the 13^th saw the Devils on the road again, this time to Irwinton to face off against the Wilkinson County Warriors. In the Lady Devils’ game, the Lady Warriors jumped out to the early lead and held on until the final buzzer. The first quarter ended with Wilkinson County lead 15 to 11. The halftime buzzer saw the Lady Warriors still leading 35 to 21. At the end of the third quarter, Hawkinsville was trailing 33 to 46. The final score was Wilkinson County 56, Hawkinsville 39. Two Lady Devils were in double digits. Hawkinsville had 43 rebounds, 29 defensive. Cierra Duhart had 20, Breanna Colson had seven, and Talisha Scott had four.

The Red Devils had a slow first quarter against the Warriors, trailing 8 to 27 at the end of the quarter. Halftime saw the teams head to the locker rooms with Wilkinson County up 48 to 26. The third quarter wasn’t much better. Wilkinson County extended the lead, ending the quarter leading 72 to 40. The final score was Wilkinson County 92, Hawkinsville 49. Hawkinsville had one player in double digits. The Devils pulled down 28 rebounds. Leading rebounders were Johnathon Burden and Michael Taylor with seven apiece. Kamaron Riley contributed five.

Saturday, the Devils played at home for the first time after ten straight road games. The Treutlen County Vikings came calling on the Devils. While the Vikings knocked on the Devils’ door, none of the teams would let them in. The evening started off on a good note when the Red Devil JV team won their game 42 to 40.

Next up were the Lady Devils. The first half saw pretty even play between the teams. The first quarter ended with the Devils holding a one point advantage over the Lady Vikings, 14 to 13. By halftime, the girls had extended the lead to 34 to 27. Hawkinsville continued to lead, ending the third quarter up 49 to 38. The final score had Hawkinsville winning 72 to 57. The Lady Devils had two players in double digits. The team pulled down a whopping 50 rebounds. Leading rebounders for the night were Cierra Duhart with fourteen, Elcia Holmes with twelve, and Breanna Colson with eight. Kendra Roberts gave five of the team’s eleven assists.

The final game of the night was between the Hawkinsville Red Devils and the Treutlen County Vikings. Hawkinsville jumped out to the early lead. In the first quarter, the Devils had doubled the score on the Vikings, 18 to 9. When the halftime buzzer sounded, Hawkinsville was up 32 to 21. The third quarter saw Treutlen County start making a comeback. The Devils held a slim four point lead over the Vikings, 39 to 35. The Vikings closed to within one point, 45 to 44, at the five minute mark of the fourth quarter. But the Devils refused to allow them to take the lead, finally winning 62 to 55. Two Devil players were in double digits. The boys pulled down 36 rebounds. Top rebounders were Justin Udi with eleven, Dequan Bembry with six, and Johnathon Burden with five.

One night, three games, three wins. What a great way to end the week.

The Lady Devils have an overall record of 11 and 6, with a region record of 8 and 3. The Red Devils overall record is 4 and 13, 4 and 7 in the region.

The Devils will travel to Alamo on Friday, January 20^th, to face the Wheeler County Bulldogs. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 24^th will see the Devils back at home to welcome the Wilcox County Patriots. Starting time for the first game is 6:00 p.m.

GO BIG RED!!

PCMS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

Date	Opponent	Location	Time	Time
11/17/2005	West Laurens	A	7:00	5:00
11/19/2005	Tournament		6:00
11/21/2005	Turner Co.	A	6:00	4:30
12/05/2005	Wilkinson Co.	A	7:00	4:30
12/12/2005	Turner Co.	H	7:00	4:30
12/17/2005	Crawford Co.	A	6:00	TBA
12/19/2005	Christmas Tournament		7:00
01/05/2006	Wilkinson Co.	H	7:00	4:30
01/14/2006	Crisp Co.	H	7:00	10:00
01/18/2006	Crisp Co.	A	6:00	4:30
01/28/2006	Wilkinson Co.	H	7:00	10:00
	Coaches: Boys: B. J. Coody Girls: Amy Averett

Basketball Update

Melinda Swick - 1/02/2006

Lady Devils Finish 2^nd in Christmas Tournament

Hawkinsville competed in the Dublin Holiday Classic Tournament on December 27^th and 28^th. The four-team tournament featured Hawkinsville, Warner Robins, Hephzibah, and Dublin.

Tuesday saw the Lady Devils facing off against the Dublin Lady Irish. The Lady Devils took the lead at the beginning of the first quarter and never looked back. The girls outscored Dublin in every quarter. By the end of the first quarter, Hawkinsville was up 14 to 9. At the half, the Lady Devils held a six-point advantage, 22 to 16. During the third quarter, Hawkinsville poured in 17 points to extend the lead to 21 points, 39 to 18. Hawkinsville defeated Dublin by a final score of 50 to 23. Two Lady Devils had double digit scores. The team pulled down 35 rebounds, 26 of those being defensive. Cierra Duhart led the team in rebounding with 16 total rebounds including 13 defensive. Also helping in the rebound department were Talisha Scott with six and Breanna Colson with five.

The Lady Devils met up with the Hephzibah Lady Rebels on Wednesday in the championship game for the girls’ half of the tournament. Hephzibah took the early lead and held on to take the win 68 to 40. Hawkinsville made only 14% of their shots in the first quarter of the game to fall behind 7 to 22. Despite significantly higher shooting percentages in the next three quarters, the Lady Devils could not catch the Lady Rebels. At the half, Hephzibah led 36 to 15. The end of the third quarter saw the Lady Rebels leading 52 to 25. Turnovers and missed free throws also hurt the Lady Devils. The Lady Devils had one player in double digits. Hawkinsville had 30 total rebounds, including 21 defensive. Leading rebounders were Cierra Duhart with eleven, Breanna Colson with six, and Kendra Roberts with five.

The Red Devils faced off against the Dublin Fighting Irish Tuesday. The first quarter saw the Irish jump out to an eleven point lead, 24 to 13. At the half, the teams went to the locker room with Dublin leading 55 to 27. Despite shooting 42% in the third quarter, the Irish maintained their lead 78 to 39. The final score saw Dublin winning 100 to 55. Two of the Devil players had double digit scores. Hawkinsville made six three-point shots among three players. Victor Bray had eleven of the Devils’ 22 total rebounds. Karlos Scott contributed four rebounds.

Wednesday saw the Devils in competition with the Warner Robins Demons. Hawkinsville ended the first quarter leading 13 to 9. Despite sinking 50% of their shots from the floor in the second quarter, the Devils fell behind to end the half with the Demons leading 40 to 24. The end of the third quarter saw the Devils down by a score of 35 to 58. Warner Robins took the win by a final score of 73 to 48. The Devils had three players in double digits. Hawkinsville had a total of 34 rebounds, including 24 defensive rebounds. Leading rebounders for the Devils were Karlos Scott with eleven, Johnathon Burden with eight, and Alvin Lawson with six.

Dublin Holiday Classic Tournament Results

Girls’ results:

Tuesday: Hephzibah 56 - Warner Robins 47; Hawkinsville 50 - Dublin 23

Wednesday: Warner Robins 45 - Dublin 34; Hephzibah 68 - Hawkinsville 40

Boys’ results:

Tuesday: Hephzibah 85 - Warner Robins 76; Dublin 100 - Hawkinsville 55

Wednesday: Warner Robins 73 - Hawkinsville 48; Dublin 88 - Hephzibah 49

Basketball News

Melinda Swick - 12/20/2005

Devils Drop Pair in Dodge County,
Split in Wilcox County

The Dodge County Squaws took the win against the Hawkinsville Lady Devils on Tuesday, December 13^th. Hawkinsville held a slim two-point advantage over the Squaws at the end of the first quarter of play, 14 to 12. However, by the half Dodge County had taken charge 33 to 18, taking a 15 point lead to the locker room. When the whistle blew to end the third quarter, Hawkinsville had regained some ground, closing to within seven points, 33 to 40. The Squaws poured it on in the fourth quarter to take the win with a final score of 61 to 40. Hawkinsville had two players in double digits. The Lady Devils pulled down a total of 22 rebounds, with ten of those belonging to Ciara Duhart. Breanna Colson contributed 5 rebounds and Kendra Roberts added four more. Talisha Scott gave four of the team’s seven assists. Of the team’s 13 steals, Kendra Roberts had four, Cierra Duhart had four, and Talisha Scott had three.

The Red Devils also lost to AA Dodge County Tuesday night. Hawkinsville never held the lead against the Indians. Dodge County was up 21 to 8 at the end of the first quarter. At the half, the Devils were down by 15 points, 25 to 40. The score at the end of the third quarter of play was Dodge County 52 to 40. During the fourth quarter, Hawkinsville shot 50% to close to within two points at the three minute mark. However, it was not quite enough. The Indians took the win with a final score of 71 to 63. Two Devils had double digit scores in this contest. The Red Devils had 22 rebounds, 16 of which were pulled by four players. Justin Udi had five, Dequan Bembry and Karlos Scott had four each, and Rico Jones added three more.

Hawkinsville’s Lady Devils dominated the Wilcox County Lady Patriots Saturday night, winning by 19 points. The Lady Devils closed out the Lady Patriots in the first quarter by a score of 7 to 0. Wilcox County finally scored their first point by making a free throw two minutes into the second quarter of the game. That made the score 11 to 1 in Hawkinsville’s favor. They scored their first goal at the four minute mark of the second quarter. At the half, Hawkinsville took a 19 point lead into the locker room, up 28 to 9. The end of the third quarter saw the girls up on Wilcox County with a score of 43 to 24. The final score was Hawkinsville 58, Wilcox County 39. Hawkinsville had three players who scored in double digits. The Lady Devils pulled down 14 offensive and 23 defensive rebounds. The team was led in rebounding by Cierrra Duhart who had 15. Talisha Scott and Kendra Roberts contributed six rebounds each. Talisha Scott gave six of the Lady Devil’s 14 assists. Kendra Roberts and Breanna Colson had five steals apiece of the team’s 15 total steals.

Unfortunately, the Red Devils did not have as good a night in Rochelle as did the Lady Devils. Hawkinsville kept the game close, but could not seal the deal. The Patriots led at the end of the first quarter by only three points, 15 to 12. The Devils went to the locker room at halftime down 27 to 29. When the third quarter ended, Wilcox County was up 45 to 41. The final score of the game was Wilcox County 62, Hawkinsville 54. Two Devils ended the night with double digit scores. Despite the loss, the Devils pulled down an amazing 49 rebounds, 33 of those defensive. Hawkinsville was lead in rebounding by Justin Udi who chalked up 16. Johnathon Burden came down with nine rebounds. Also assisting in the rebound department were Dequan Bembry with seven, Kamaron Riley with six, and Michael Taylor with five rebounds.

The overall record for the Lady Devils is now 7 and 3. Their region record has improved to 5 and 1. The Red Devils have an overall record of 3 and 7 with a region record of 3 and 3.

Next on the calendar for the basketball teams is the Christmas Tournament to be held at Dublin High School on December 27^th and 28^th. The Lady Devils will face Dublin at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday night. The Red Devils will meet the Dublin Fighting Irish Tuesday night, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. The outcome of Tuesday night’s games will determine the time and opponent the Devils face on Wednesday. Show your Devil pride and come watch our teams play in the tournament.

GO BIG RED!

The Coach had "IT" - by Dwight Gatlin

During my lifetime I’ve known only a few people who had “it”. Among those were my high school English teacher and the Reverend Bob Harrington. My teacher, Mrs. Pearce, was a soft spoken lady who never had to raise her voice in her class room, and there was never any discipline problems with her students. She simply had your respect when she walked in the door. Reverend Harrington was the extreme opposite in personality. He was a big, boisterous man who always wore his signature red tie and matching handkerchief in his coat pocket. He was an ex-football player who was billed as “the Chaplain of Bourbon Street” because that’s where his office and headquarters was located. He ministered to both the people in the French Quarter and others through out the southern U.S. with his traveling evangelistic ministry.

There are many others who I’ve read about that also had “it”. Among those were Paul W. Bryant, the great football coach, and another great football coach, Eddie Robinson. The Bear spoke with a growl while Coach Robinson was soft spoken on most occasions. Even though I visualize George C. Scott when I think of General George Patton, there’s no doubt that the real WW II leader of the Third Army had “it”. A few more were the Duke-John Wayne, late night TV’s Johnny Carson and, of course, the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

This “it” that I’m referring to is not describable. It’s simply something that you have or don’t have. If you have “it”, the people around you know that you posses the trait when you walk into the room, step on the field or man the stage. In one sense, it’s that remarkable ability to make those around you, or those you’re leading, want to do what you ask even if it takes their last breath of life. Those with this innate ability are simply natural born leaders. Coach Bobby Gentry was one of these remarkable individuals.

If you speak of “the Coach” in Hawkinsville, Georgia, everyone knows of whom you speak (unless they’re a very new member of our community). This is certainly not a disrespectful thing to Lee Campbell, one of the best young coaches in the state, but another simple fact. It’s due not only to Coach’s 200+ wins on the football field and his induction into the Georgia High School Coaches Hall of Fame, but also to his having “it”. A few years ago, when the big Red Devil Reunion was held, over 400 people crammed into the high school cafeteria. These former players and cheerleaders came from all over the world to reminisce and talk of the old days, but they mainly came because of the Coach. Not many like him pass our way. I thank God that I got to know him. I miss you, Coach.

Basketball News

12/13/2005 - Melinda Swick

Devils Take Two from Johnson County

The Lady Devils took the lead early against the Lady Trojans and never looked back. Hawkinsville held the lead at the end of each quarter to win the game 47 to 30. The Devils had two girls score in double digits. Kierra Collier gave four of the team’s ten assists for the night. Cierra Duhart pulled down ten rebounds, one-third of the team’s total. She also had seven of the team’s eleven blocks. Out of the 20 steals made by the Lady Devils, Breanna Colson had five.

The Red Devils had a slightly tougher time getting past the Trojans. The Devils had a one point lead at the end of the first quarter but then were down by 14 points at the half, 32 to 46. By the end of the third quarter they had managed to come back to within three points, 55 to 58. The Red Devils finally won by a score of 85 to 81. The Devils had five players in double digits. Hawkinsville shot 59% from the free throw line to aid in the win. Four players combined to shoot eight three-point shots in the game. Johnathon Burden and Kamaron Riley each had four assists out of the team’s 15 total assists. The boys pulled down a total of 42 rebounds, 21 each offensive and defensive. The top rebounders were Dequan Bembry with twelve, Justin Udi with eight, and Michael Taylor with seven.

Devils Drop Pair of Games to Wilkinson County

The Lady Devils held a two point advantage at the end of the first quarter, but headed to the locker room at half-time down 17 to 25. The girls shot 67% in the third quarter to close to within four points. However, the Lady Warriors outscored the Lady Devils in the fourth quarter to take the win 54 to 38. Two players scored 11 points each. The team had 31 rebounds and nine blocks on the night. Cierra Duhart contributed sixteen rebounds and five blocks.

The Red Devils took the early lead and held it until the end of the third quarter, when they were down by only four. The Warriors outscored the Devils in the fourth to take the win 79 to 70. Hawkinsville shot eight three-pointers, including six in the first half. Two Devils poured in more than twenty points each. The team had 12 assists and 28 rebounds. Justin Udi had four of the Hawkinsville assists. Dequan Bembry had eight rebounds, Kamaron Riley had six rebounds, and Victor Bray had five rebounds for the Devils.

Devils Split Games at Home Against Wheeler County

The Lady Devils led the entire game against the Lady Bulldogs, winning 64 to 36. Hawkinsville helped itself in this victory by pulling down 29 rebounds, having 14 assists and 17 steals. The Lady Devils shot 49% on the night, including two three-point shots. Hawkinsville had three players in double digits, representing 38 of the teams’ 64 points. Top rebounders were Cierra Duhart with nine and Talisha Scott with seven. Kendra Roberts and Talisha Scott contributed four assists each in the victory.

The Red Devils lost a close battle with the Wheeler County Bulldogs. The Devils closed to within three points at the two minute mark of the fourth quarter, but when the whistle blew at the end of the game the boys had lost 55 to 62. Two Devils put up double digit scores in the game. Of Hawkinsville’s 38 rebounds, Kamaron Riley had ten and Justin Udi had seven. Four other Devils had four rebounds each. Justin Udi also made five of the team’s eleven steals.

Devils Hold On to Beat Telfair County

In a nail-biting finish, the Lady Devils held off the Telfair County Lady Trojans. The girls held the lead the entire game until the last minute of the fourth quarter when Telfair County sank a three-point shot to take a one point lead. Hawkinsville then shot a two-pointer to regain the lead by one. Telfair made another two-point shot to take the lead. At the 16.6 second mark, the Lady Devils shot another two pointer to get the lead back. With 9 seconds on the clock, Kendra Roberts made the first of two free throw attempts to put the Lady Devils up by two points. She missed the second shot, but the ball was rebounded by the Lady Devils who held on to the ball to win the game 46 to 44. The Lady Devils pulled down 36 total rebounds, including 22 defensive rebounds. Twenty-one of those rebounds belonged to Cierra Duhart. Breanna Colson also had nine rebounds.

The Red Devils game was just as close at the end as the Lady Devils game. The boys held the lead throughout the game until the end of the fourth quarter when Trojans closed to within two points at 25.7 seconds left in the game. Hawkinsville scored two quick baskets to maintain the lead and win 59 to 55. The Devils had three players with double digit scores. Hawkinsville pulled down 42 rebounds with 27 of those being defensive. Leading rebounders for the Devils include Justin Udi with ten, Johnathon Burden with seven, and Karlos Scott with six. Three other Devils contributed five rebounds each.

Devils Win One, Lose One in Bleckley County

With a final score of 56 to 37, the Lady Devils took the victory over the Lady Royals in the teams’ second meeting of the year. Hawkinsville started the game in the lead and continued to lead throughout the contest. Of the 27 total rebounds, Cierra Duhart pulled down eleven. Five players aided in the win by giving eleven assists.

The Red Devils were not as lucky as the Lady Devils. The Royals defeated the Devils 74 to 56. Three Devils scored in the teens. Hawkinsville had a total of 26 rebounds, with eight of those belonging to Kamaron Riley. Dequan Bembry had three of the Devils’ seven assists. Alvin Lawson contributed four of the teams seven blocks in the game.

The Lady Devils have an overall record of 6 and 2 with a region record of 4 and 1. The Red Devils overall record is now 3 and 5, 3 and 2 in the region.

The Devils will make the trip to Rochelle on Saturday, December 17^th for a region match up against the Wilcox County Patriots. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. with a boys JV game on the calendar at 5:00 p.m.

GO BIG RED!

REGION CHAMPS!

The Hawkinsville High School Cheerleaders are Region 4-A Champions. The cheerleaders took 1st Place in the GHSA Region 4-A competition Saturday, December 3, 2005 which was held at East Laurens High School. They will compete for the State Championship December 10, in Columbus, GA.

Front Row left to right

Coach Hilary Barker, Kenzie Harpe, Co-Captain-Carrie Coleman, Captain Makenna Herring, Casey Crump & Coach Marie Hulett

2nd Row left to right:

Tara Montogmery, Brittany Brown, Amanda Anderson, Logan Portivent, Ashley Bloom, Tiffany McDaniel, Jessica NeSmith, & Mori Sinyards.

Back Row left to right:

Melissa Ryan, Brittani Pickett, Lindsey Keen, Chelsea Bowman, Kristen Giddens, Cristin Neighbors, Laney Eckles & Logan Wright.

SENIORS	JUNIORS
Seniors: Co-Captain Carrie Coleman, Captain Makenna Herring, Kenzie Harpe & Casey Crump	Juniors: Kneeling - Ashley Bloom, Tiffany McDaniel, Amanda Anderson, Standing - Melissa Ryan, Lindsey Keen, Brittani Pickett

SOPHOMORES	FRESHMEN
Sophmores: Cristin Neighbors, Brittany Brown, Logan Wright & Laney Eckles	Freshman: Chelsea Bowman, Mori Sinyard, Jessica Nesmith, Logan Portivent, Tara Montgomery & Kristen Giddens

Jack Mullis, former superintendent of Pulaski County Schools and a 1964 graduate passed away this week. Please remember his family in your prayers.

Basketball Update

We will be reporting weekly basketball reports thanks to Melinda Swick, a statistician with both the boys and girls teams. Melinda is also writing a weekly column in the Hawkinsville Dispatch. The article below is from late November but we should have them in a more timely manner in the future. Again, thanks to Melinda Swick.

GIRLS, BOYS SPLIT WEEK’S CONTESTS

The Lady Devil and Red Devil squads swept Montgomery County on Tuesday, November 22^nd. These were region games for the Devils.

Ciara Duhart poured in 26 points to lead the Lady Devils to a 60 to 45 victory over the Lady Eagles. The Lady Devils began the game by scoring first and never relinquished the lead. They went to the locker room at the half with 29 points, giving them a 9 point lead over the Lady Eagles. The Lady Devils outscored Montgomery County every quarter to maintain the lead for the entire game. Breanna Colson contributed 11 points.

The Red Devils fought to the very end to gain a win over the Eagles in overtime. The Eagles came out of the box scoring and quickly jumped ahead of the Devils. But that did not deter the boys. They began closing in on the Eagles in the second quarter and went to the locker room with 22 points, only 4 points behind the Eagles. Regulation play ended with the teams tied at 54 points apiece. While both teams banked only one 2-point shot each in the overtime period, the Devils completed 5 out of 10 free throws to win the game 61 to 56. Justin Udi was high scorer with 15 points. Kameron Riley contributed 10 points.

Dodge County won both games over the Devils on Tuesday, November 29^th. While the losses do count against the overall record for the year, they do not affect the standing in the region.

The Lady Devils fell behind in the first quarter and were never able to catch up. While the girls scored the majority of their points in the second half, it was not enough to overcome the deficit from the first half. The Lady Squaws held the lead at halftime by a score of 33 to 16. The final score was 69 to 38. Ciara Duhart was the high scorer with 23 points.

The Red Devils stayed close to the Dodge County Indians in the first quarter but fell behind in the second to end up with 29 points at the half, 13 points behind the Indians. The Devils poured in 23 points in the third quarter, including five 3-pointers, to bring the score to only a 4 point deficit. The fourth quarter saw both teams scoring evenly with the Devils losing the game by only six points. The final score was 75 to 69. The Devils had three players in double digits – Johnathon Burden as high scorer with 14 points and Justin Udi and Dequan Bembry contributing 13 points apiece.

The Lady Devils overall record is now 2 and 1. The Red Devils have an overall record of 1 and 2 plus a scrimmage win over Peach County. Both squads are 1 and 0 in the region standings.

On Friday, December 9^th the Devils will travel to McRae to take on the Telfair County Trojans at 7:00 p.m. Then on Saturday, the 10^th, the teams face off against the Bleckley County Royals in Cochran with the first game at 4:00 p.m. A boys JV game is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. that same day. Tuesday, December 13^th will see the Devils heading to Eastman for games against the Dodge County Indians. Starting time for the games is 6:00 p.m. There is also a boys JV game scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on that Tuesday.

Everyone is invited to come out and support the basketball Devils as they continue to represent Hawkinsville High School athletics. GO BIG RED!

HHS Cheerleaders Place 1st AGAIN! - Tat Crump - 11/27/05

The Hawkinsville High School Cheerleaders place 1st in the 8th annual Last Chance Cheer Classic Invitational, November 26, 2005, hosted by Worth County High School. Other participating teams in Class A were Miller Co., Baconton Charter, Turner Co., Schley Co. and Terrell Co. The HHS Cheerleaders have completed their regular season and will compete in the Region competition December 3, 2005, at East Laurens High School. The top 2 teams will advance to the State Competition which is held in Columbus, December 10.

Front Row left to right:

Seniors: Kenzie Harpe, Makenna Herring, Carrie Coleman & Casey Crump

2nd Row left to right:

Mori Sinyard, Brittany Brown, Amanda Anderson, Logan Portivent, Ashley Bloom, Tiffany McDaniel, Jessica NeSmith

Back Row left to right:

Coach Hilary Barker, Logan Wright, Brittani Pickett, Chelsea Bowman, Lindsey Keen, Tara Montgomery, Cristin Neighbors, Laney Eckles, Coach Maria Hulett.

Not pictured: Kristen Giddens & Melissa Ryan

Girls Basketball Practice. Getting Ready! 11/10/2005

Click on any picture to enlarge it!

DEVIL DUO RE-UNITED AT THANKSGIVING 11/24/05 Dwight Gatlin

The Johnson County Trojans are making their first trip to the Dome this year in hopes of making the finals for the first time since 1993. In that championship game they lost to the Lincoln County Red Devils up in Lincolnton and finished the year with only two losses. Their other loss in ’93 came in the opening game of the season when another bunch of Red Devils beat them 14-13 in Wrightsville . It was the Hawkinsville team that hung that loss on the state finalists. The quarterback and center for that ’93 Hawkinsville team were reminiscing in my back yard on this Thanksgiving day…respectively, that duo is Jim Sparrow and Shane Savant.

I’m so thankful on this special day for all my family that’s together under one roof for the first time in a few years. I’m also thankful for all the memories from that ’93 football season that were relived today. I’d forgotten about the TD pass from Jim that went through the air like a wounded duck (because of a hit as he released the ball) until a speedy Greg Powell came out of nowhere to pluck the pigskin out of the air among three Trojan defenders. In the last quarter Shane also made a crucial play when he caused a clipping penalty. As the long snapper on punts, he was usually the first Devil down the field in coverage, and that day was no exception. The Devil punt, in the last few minutes of the game, was taken all the way back near the goal line, some 70 yards away from a yellow flag thrown for a clipping penalty. The ball was brought back, the penalty assessed, and the clock ran out before Johnson County could move all the way down for a score. What made the penalty unique was the fact that Shane turned his back, on purpose, just prior to the hit by the Trojan player.

The ’93 Devils would win but four more games the remainder of the year, and finish with a 5-5 record, but the Johnson County game was one of those special Devil memories. The Terrell County game that year was the one that posed a threat of violence at the stadium down there, and one of our prominent citizens had a variety of weapons concealed under his coat….but whether that is fact or fiction is a story to be told at another time.

Twelve years after that JOCO game, Dr. Jim Sparrow resides and works in Birmingham, Alabama while Shane Savant still lives in the local area and is a supervisor at GEICO in Macon. Thanks for the memories guys.

The "Good Red Devils" Win -- Advance To Quarterfinals

The Hawkinsville Red Devils defeated the Randolph-Clay Red Devils by a score of 21-6 in Cuthbert, Georgia tonight to advance to the Class A quarterfinals. The radio connection went out for a good portion of the 1st quarter so I don't have a lot of details of the early action. The Devils kicked off and held the R/Clay Devils and forced a punt. Our Red Devils were unable to move and at that point the radio fell silent. During the interim we scored on a short run by Jeremy Marshall to take a 7-0 lead. Before coming back onto the air we apparently intercepted a Randolph Clay pass and set up in good field position. A few plays later Jim Henry tossed a short touchdown pass to Victory Bray and the Devils led 14-0. Shortly before half disaster struck as the Devils fumbled and R/Clay recovered near our 30 yard line. One the first play Dexter Ellington found an open receiver for a touchdown. A subsequent two point conversion attempt failed and the half ended with Hawkinsville leading 14-6. Hawkinsville's David "Amazin" Grace took the 2nd half kickoff on his own ten yard line and when he stopped running he had scored a 90 yard kickoff return for a TD!! Without any doubt that was the play of the game. Randolph-Clay drove down deep into HHS territory on their next possession only to see Dequan Bembry intercept a Dexter Ellington pass on 4th and 14 from the 14 yard line. The Hawkinsville Red Devils had a couple of chances to put the game on ice late but an untimely offensive pass interference call and a couple of fumbles left the Randolph-Clay Red Devils in the game until the final whistle.

This the the 4th consecutive year the Hawkinsville Red Devils have advanced to the Elite 8 !!!!!!!!!!!! Also, by my account David Grace's 90 yard kickoff return is the longest in recorded history for Hawkinsville! Great job Red Devils and let's go get'em next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go Big Red !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bowdon Preview

Hawkinsville will become "road Devils" once again this coming Friday night as they travel to Bowdon to take on the "northwest Georgia version of the Red Devils" at Warren P. Sewell Field. It is the second week in a row that our Red Devils have played other Red Devils. Couple that with the fact that Lincoln County is still alive and you could say that Red Devils are making a name for themselves in the Class A playoffs.

Bowdon is under the expert coaching of Dwight Hochstetler who has 275+ career wins and three state championships to his credit, including one at Bowdon in 1992. Bowdon also won the state Class B crown in 1971. Hawkinsville and Bowdon have met one time previously and that was in the Class A semifinals in 2004 in which Hawkinsville prevailed. Bowdon was the preseason #1 pick by the Associated Press. After slipping in the polls in September, Bowdon became consensus #1 in late October when both the AP and the Atlanta Constitution polls voted them to the #1 slot. Bowdon comes into this quarterfinal game with an 11-1 record--the only blemish coming to AAA Carrollton in September. Carrollton finished the season 10-0 before being upset in round one of the playoffs by M.L. King High School. Bowdon enters the contest averaging 31.5 points per game while giving up only 15.3 points per game.

Traditionally, Bowdon has run from the wing-t offensive set. Many teams currently use this offense but all have their own "stamp" on it by changing a few things and Bowdon is no exception. They are led by quarterback Jake Rollins who has completed 50+% of his passes for nearly 1000 yards and with a very good touchdown pass/interception ratio. The lanky signal caller has given them a new weapon this year with his accurate passing. He will throw to many targets, including the running backs out of the backfield. However, his favorite target appears to be Josh Grooms who has in excess of 20 receptions and 3 touchdowns. The rushing attack is led by speedy A.J. Cooley who has rushed for over 1400 yards and 15TDs. He also has a punt return TD. Cooley is also being heavily recruited by D-1 schools in the south. Rounding out the backfield are Travis Nunn with over 700 yards and Raphael Mitchell. Nunn and Mitchell both average over 7 yards/carry.

According to reports perhaps the biggest improvement has been on the defensive side of the ball. The Devils use excellent team speed to swarm around the ball and are much more sound defensively in 2005. The Devils typically have excellent special teams play and this year is no exception. Bowdon defeated Whitefield Academy 45-14 in round one and Warren County 37-21 in round two of the playoffs.

Our Red Devils will have to play a clean, errorless game to prevail over the state's #1 ranked team. You can see from the pictures on this web site that Warren Sewell Field is an excellent venue with more than adequate seating for visiting fans. The 12th man is needed to head up I-75 early Friday and pack the stadium and be loud and proud for our Devils! If this game lives up to its prior billing it could be quite an entertaining and exciting night of football.

You Gotta Believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go Big Red!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Class A Update & Bowdon Stadium Photos

Region 4A faired well again last night as Dexter Copeland's Twiggs County Cobras made a trip to Homerville to take on the co-defending state champion Clinch County Panthers and came away with a nail biting 12-10 come from behind win. Johnson County showed why it was the region champion with a high scoring 39-20 triumph over Seminole County from Region 1A. In action from other Class A teams, legendary Larry Campbell's Lincoln County Red Devils smashed the visiting Gordon Lee Trojans 35-14 to move to their 4th straight quarterfinal round. Savannah Country Day surprised Region 1A champion Turner County Rebels 17-6 to move to the quarterfinals for the 2nd consecutive year. Bremen, which narrowly lost to Bowdon during the regular season, rolled over Social Circle 26-0 and Washington-Wilkes rounds out the Elite 8 as they moved on by virtue of a 26-0 whitewash of Temple.

Hawkinsville's next opponent, the Bowdon Red Devils, will undoubtedly stay #1 in the polls as they moved on by defeating the Warren County Screaming Devils 37-21. The Devils built a 31-7 lead before reserves gave up two quick scores. The Devils reinserted their starters and order was quickly restored and the game ended after Bowdon score another TD. Below are photos provided courtesy of the Bowdon Red Devil team chaplain, Mr. Dennis Rollins. One photo is of the home stands and one of the visitors stands. A preview of the Bowdon Red Devils will be posted by Monday

CONGRATULATIONS

The HHS Cheerleaders won 1st place at the Falcons Invitational cheerleading competition in East Laurens High School, October 29, 2005. They competed against Jenkins County, Johnson County, Emanuel County Institute, Montgomery County, and Georgia Military College. The cheerleaders are Logan Wright, Ashley Bloom, Casey Crump, Carrie Coleman, Makenna Herring, Kenzie Harpe, Jessica Nesmith, Tara Montgomery, Melissa Ryan, Amanda Anderson, Logan Portivent, Mori Sinyard, Brittani Pickett, Tiffany McDaniel, Lindsey Keen, Brittany Brown, Chelsea Bowman, Kristen Giddens, Cristin Neighbors, and Laney Eckles. They are coached by Maria Hulett. The cheerleaders dedicated this competition to Tara Grinstead, missing Irwin County teacher and former HHS cheerleader.

"Quest for the Best" - Middle School Cheer Challenge

The Pulaski Middle School Cheerleaders recently took 4th place at the "Quest for the Best" Cheer Challenge at Perry High School. The girls competed against 12 other squads from across the state.

Christa George is the coach!

Pictured are: Bottom Row: Christine Anderson, Lilly Folds, Meg George-mascot, Sierra Brown, Miranda Sampson, Betsy Henry, Co-Captain - Kristine Whittington, & Amber Bowman, Back row: Coach Christa George, Megan Morrow, Megan Powell, Mellisa McLeod, Ykeshia Baker, Logan Sewell, Rachel Oquinn, Kimberly Carr, Kaley Vivas, Jordan Conner, Amelia Heath, Morgan Castleberry, and Kelsey Campbell, NOT PICTURED: Captain - Amber Bovee

Congratulations to McKenna Herring for becoming Hawkinsville High School's

HOMECOMING

Gregg Vickers Ties ANOTHER School Record
10/23/05 Andy Hill

Gregg kicked 5 consecutive extra points in a game
(barely missed making it an all time record)
record first set by the late P.E. Warren in 1949

Big Saturday For Former Devils

10/23/2005 Andy Hill

Presbyterian Blue Hose middle linebacker Antwan Thomas had a career day yesterday in the Blue Hose 45-24 win over Mars Hill. This is a quote from the official Presbyterian web site:

"Defensively, the Blue Hose were led by redshirt freshman linebacker Antwan Thomas (Hawkinsville, Ga.) who tallied a career-high 17 total stops including 2.5 tackles for loss (-13), and one sack (-9)"

Charles Johnson, playing on a nagging sprained ankle, had 4 total tackles including 1 sack for (-10 yards) in UGA's 23-20 SEC win over the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Dedric Smith had one reception for the defending D-II National Champion Valdosta State Blazers in their last second victory over North Alabama.

Captain Michael Bozeman recorded a sack in the Ole Miss Rebels' SEC win over the Kentucky Wildcats.

Brandon Perry recorded a tackle for the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders in their loss to Louisiana-Lafayette.

Just Hit A Little Bump In The Road - Andy Hill

Many of you probably know by now but I had a scheduled heart catherization last Thursday in Macon. I had been having some very, very slight discomfort over the last few months and with a strong family history (father) I decided to have it checked out. I thought so little of it I did not even tell some of my coworkers that I was having the procedure. Needless to say, when Dr. Hawkins told me I indeed had two blockages and that they were in places that stints and angioplasty would not work and I would require surgery I was surprised. When I asked what time frame he was looking at he replied, "What are you doing tomorrow?". So in the span of about 15 minutes I went from a normal heart cath procedure to being prepped for heart by-pass surgery. He even told me that I could have had a slight heart attack at some point in the past that was essentially undetected and caused absolutely no damage. He asked me if I had a recollection of that and I replied, "Heck yeah, it had to be in the last 3 minutes of the Clinch County game in 2004!" One huge piece of irony--when I was placed in a holding room just prior to surgery my wife told me it was Room #10. I wore #10 for the Red Devils and so did both of my sons and at that point I knew luck was on my side!

I was dismissed on Tuesday and am resting comfortably at home. I will have a 4-6 week rehabilitation period that will limit my activities fairly significantly but you can bet I will be listening to Bruce and Dwight via 96.7FM every Friday night and pulling for our Devils. In fact, my wife Judy went by the field house yesterday and got the tape from last week's game and Jeremy's record breaking performance along with Gregg Vickers tying a school record and I watched it about three times. Additionally, I was able to tally the tackles and assists for the coaching staff!

Many of you have offered up well wishes and for that my family and I say our heartfelt thanks. Trust me when I tell you that you can endure anything if you have a good family and a network of friends and coworkers.

"Ain't it great to be a Red Devil"

Andy Hill

Andy@hhsreddevils.com POST A GET WELL NOTE TO ANDY ON OUR FORUM <-- click here

Hawkinsville Red Devils are ON THE AIR!
Catch All the Action with Bruce & Andy on WDXQ 96.7 - 96Q
Pregame 20mins. before kickoff.
Saturday Morning Quarterback Show
8:30 - 10:00 a.m. Saturday
Thursday, Coaches Corner Show
Live at the Steak House - 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Marshall Ties Elijah Clark For 2nd Place In Career TDs

10/11/2005 Andy Hill

Jeremy Marshall, fresh from breaking the all time career rushing yardage mark for the Red Devils, has moved into a 2nd place tie with former great Elijah Clark in career TDs. The all time record of 70 is held by the great Melvin Borum set between 1952-54. Elijah finished with 60 TDs after the 2002 season. Jeremy entered 2005 with 51 and has now scored 9 in the 2005 season to forge a tie with his former teammate. His next touchdown will move him into sole possession of 2nd place all time.
See the record book

This past Saturday, the Valdosta State Blazers upped their season record to 7-1 with a 31-19 victory over my alma mater, the University of West Alabama. The Blazers scored on their first drive of the game, which covered 78 yards, with the TD coming on a Barrett Wilkes 14 yard pass to former Red Devil, Dedric Smith. It was the second TD pass reception of the season for the redshirt freshman who wears # 81 for VSU.

Antwan Thomas Named D-II National Co-Defensive Player of the Week

10/13/2005 Andy Hill

We have all read about Twan's outstanding performance last Saturday in leading his team to a 37-3 "upset" win over Carson-Newman. Today, Antwan was named Don Hansen's Football Gazette National Co-Defensive Player of the Week. He shares the honor with two other Division II players. Read all about it HERE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JEREMY MARSHALL BREAKS ALL TIME SCHOOL RUSHING RECORD

Jeremy Marshall defeated Pulaski County Schools all-time career rushing record this past Friday night against Telfair County. Jeremy now has 4,591 career yards with more being added every game. The record was previously held by Elijah Clark with 4,454 career yards.

Previous Record Holders

4454 yds. - Elijah Clark - 2000-2002

3426 yds. - Adrian Hunlen - 1996-1997

Click here to see other current record holders

10/9/05 A Look Saturday's Games & Week Ahead

Antwan Thomas, starting linebacker for the #23 ranked Presbyterian Blue Hose came up huge yesterday as they knocked off #11 Carson-Newman by a score of 37-3. Just check out Twan's stats from yesterday that come directly from a writeup on the Blue Hose Official Web Site. He becomes the 4th former Red Devil to score a TD on the college gridiron this year (Elijah Clark for Benedict, Charles Johnson for UGA, and Dedric Smith for Valdosta State are the others):

After scoring runs from red-shirt senior quarterback Zach Ellis (Tifton, Ga.) and Reeder, red-shirt freshman linebacker Antwan Thomas (Hawkinsville, Ga.) returned a fumble for a score as the first half expired. All three scores came off C-N turnovers in the last two minutes of the first half.

Thomas’ 12 tackles, two sacks and an interception led a Blue Hose defense that held the Eagles to 270 yards total offense and recorded four sacks. PC had 309 yards of total offense and the two teams combined to punt 13 times. Both teams struggled on third down as C-N was 1-for-11 and the Blue Hose were 2-for-14.

Charles Johnson once again had a big play for UGA in their huge win over the Volunteers of Tennessee in soldout Neyland Stadium yesterday on national television (CBS). Johnson had a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery all on the same play!!

Dedric Smith now has 5 reception for 33 yards and a TD for the Valdosta State Blazers. The easily defeated Henderson State yesterday by a score of 52-12 to move to 6-1 for the year.

Captain Michael Bozeman of the Ole Miss Rebels had 3 solo tackles which included 1 TFL (tackle for loss) as the Rebels defeated The Citadel 27-7.

As we move deeper into the season the games for the Red Devils take on added importance. This week's game against the Dooly County Bobcats is crucial and a win would help solidify a playoff position. There is a lot of football left to play and at this point the Devils could finish anywhere from 2nd to out of the playoffs depending on how we do and the outcomes of some other Region 4A teams. Probably the most heralded matchup this week involves what is known as the "378 War". This annual battle between the Washington-Wilkes Tigers and the Lincoln County Red Devils has a storied history and you can read all about it here!

USA!! USA!! USA!! Devils In Another Kind of Uniform

This is an email received from Timothy Whitehead 09/26/05 who is stationed in Iraq. Please keep our servicemen in your thoughts and prayers. Dear Red Devils Just wanted to let you guys know that there is some guys who are still fans for the State Champs. I check out the games on the website every week. I wish that I could be home right now, checking out the games first hand. You never miss a good thing until you are gone though. I wish nothing but success for the devils. I know that we have lost some games, but we haven't lost the fight. Keep up the good work and I hope to see you all soon. Take care and God Bless, and go BIG RED Tim Whitehead DE, OL Class of 98 p.s. Here are some pics of a Unit who has a Devil as their logo over here in Iraq and me in my tent with my magnet and towel from 98	This is another email received from a soldier (09/27/05) who is stationed in Iraq. Please keep our servicemen in your thoughts and prayers. Mr. Dwight &Mr. Hill, It’s great to see you two guys spreading the word about how great the athletic program in Hawkinsville is. I’ve been unable to catch a game in about 8 ½ years due to the military. I used to constantly check the Macon Telegraph and the AJC to see how the teams faired. Right now, I’m deployed to Al ASAD, Iraq for the next 11 months. I was so proud that you guys put the pictures of Tim on the website, especially when it had nothing to do with the current Devils. I’m a proud Soldier and a proud country boy from H’ville who will serve his country to the end. I’ll always be a Hawkinsville RED DEVIL!! Ashley Baker #11
	This former devil is stationed at Anderson AFB in Guam: "I am very thankful to be able to log on to my computer and say… Ain’t it great to be a RED DEVIL! GOOD LUCK THIS FOOTBALL SEASON Wish I could be there physically, but I’m always there in spirit." #21 Derek A. Shennett

Tim Whitehead	Tim Whitehead

PEDRO THE PIRATE

There’s been quite a lot of talk lately about the Red Devils who’re playing football at the next level, but we’ve failed to give an update for some time now on Pedro “Speedy” Powell from the class of 2002. For those of you who may be unaware, “Pete” was one of the best all around athletes to ever walk the halls of HHS. Had it not been for his size, 5-7 and 145 lbs., he may have played football at the next level. I still believe he could have.

Among his accomplishments while wearing the red, white and blue include: state weight lifting champ in his classification for 3 years (strongest man in the state, pound for pound, his senior year), fastest man in the state (all classifications) in the 100 meters his senior year, all-region in basketball as well as best defensive player in the region, all-state WR in football, all-middle Georgia in baseball….and there’s more.

After one season of playing center field and batting lead off for the Middle Georgia College Warriors, Pete was drafted and signed to a professional contract by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played his first summer of pro ball with the Pirates rookie league team in Florida and also returned there his second year to learn how to switch hit…he’s a natural righty and learned how to bat lefty as well.

He spent this past season with the Pirates middle level Class A team in Hickory N.C and batted .280 for the Crawdads while stealing over 40 bases. Powell is the fastest man in the Pirates organization and might be the fastest in all of pro ball going from home to first base when batting lefty. After the Hickory season ended, Pedro moved up for the play off games with the Lynchburg Hillcats, and batted .294 for the Pirates highest Class A team. More than likely he’ll return to Lynchburg next year but quite possibly will move up during the year. Pedro told me recently that he definitely will make it to the big show in a couple years. I’ve no reason to doubt him. posted by Dwight Gatlin